Chapter 78 – The Bunny Scout Squad

Chapter 78 - The Bunny Scout Squad

"The proposal is still too hasty!" the dissenting military official insisted. "The Safe Zone should be completely isolated from the Ice Butterflies. Now that such a major incident has occurred..."

"It's even more crucial not to hide it," the First Legion's Deputy Commander, Robert, spoke leisurely.

"You don't need to worry so much about public morale collapsing," Robert emulated the Third Legion's Commander, activating a holographic screen. "You must have some time to surf the net, right?"

"Recently, Rong Mi's 'Bug Extermination Tips' live stream has been a huge hit across the network," Robert displayed a series of data. "The residents within the Safe Zone have almost forgotten what the Ice Butterflies look like. They get startled just by seeing a hologram of one. But more and more people are watching Rong Mi's live stream. My son even mentioned it when we video called the other day. Many of his classmates have started studying ways to deal with low-level Ice Butterflies."

"People may be scared when they see those simulated Ice Butterflies, but they'll eventually get used to it. More are eager to try for themselves, wanting to see if they can replicate Rong Mi's mecha movements. At the very least, they've begun craving a challenge against the Ice Butterflies in simulation systems."

"And haven't there been ordinary citizens who managed to avoid Ice Butterfly attacks by following Rong Mi's strategies?"

"While for us who are accustomed to the war zones, low-level Ice Butterflies are the easiest opponents, and these tactics only buy a few minutes for rescue to arrive, we shouldn't underestimate these methods. Every extra minute counts."

"For the people in the Safe Zone, these are essential tools for their self-defense against the Ice Butterflies."

"In my opinion, under the current atmosphere, if we disclose the truth... fear might be outweighed by a desire to 'exterminate bugs,'" Robert smiled. "Hiding the crises the Federation faces from the public might not be the right approach to solving problems."

"The response in Rong Mi's live stream indicates that our previous approach to this issue was misguided," the speaker began.

"Let's not feel overly superior. Believing that only those of us determined to fight and join the military have the courage to face the Ice Butterflies."

"Indeed... many people would naturally feel fear in the face of a powerful enemy and the constant threat of death."

"But humans, by nature, are not a timid species."

"My son is scared of bugs—regular household pests," Robert explained, gesturing with his hand. "He'd usually scream and run away, calling on our domestic robot to deal with them."

"One day, the robot was charging, and a bug somehow got onto his bed when no one else was home."

"He still managed to summon the courage, despite his panic, and dealt with it himself."

"A Ice Butterfly is hardly the same as a household pest," grumbled an opposing official, his expression conveying disagreement. He leaned back, unconvinced but already gauging the opinions of his fellow attendees and foreseeing the outcome of the impending vote.

"Remember the 'Deep Space Echoes' hypnotic incident," Robert pressed on, ignoring the official's dissent. "If we don't publicize the dangers of becoming a butterfly, ordinary citizens won't grasp the severity. They might even speak up for the Ice Butterfly Symbiosis Association while under hypnosis."

"At that point, it won't be the battle zone that falls to the Ice Butterflies; our safe sectors will crumble from within."

Everyone: "…"

With the precedent of Deep Space Echoes… this wasn't exactly an impossible scenario.

Even those who had just opposed the idea fell silent.

Low whispers filled the conference table as acquaintances started exchanging opinions with one another.

Zhang Lingyu, on the other hand, activated the voting device and looked around the room.

"The Safe Sector has existed for over four hundred years. The Federal Military has dedicated itself to protecting the sector, isolating the Ice Butterflies from ordinary citizens, ensuring they live free from the fear of foreign invasions and threats."

"This has also guaranteed that the Federation's science, economy, education, healthcare… all aspects have continued to function normally over the centuries, allowing human civilization to progress steadily."

"Yet, revealing to everyone in the Safe Sector that they are in danger… I'm not sure if it's for the best or the worst."

As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the capital planet's morning sky, the military announced that the Safe Sector was entering a state of heightened alert.

The situation regarding Chengdie's spirit energy fragments was detailed, and major media outlets suspended their regular programming to broadcast continuous updates about Chengdie and the potential fragments within the Safe Sector.

Simultaneously, an announcement was made regarding the Gemstone Rabbit's ability to discern Ice Butterfly's spiritual energy. Following the report on Chen Shu's transformation, came a recruitment ad for the Bunny Scout Squad.

"Chirp! Chirp-chirp! Chirp-chirp-chirp!"

In the promotional video, Damon Rabbit, adorned with a delicate butterfly bow tie, resembled a tiny snowball. Standing proudly on the podium, he gazed intently into the camera with his obsidian eyes while maintaining an upright posture.

Below the platform, Chen Shu held a script issued by the military department. Reading the formal words written on it, he glanced alternately at the script and the rabbit on stage, who was unusually vocal, chirping incessantly.

Chen Shu: "..."

Human beings can communicate with their battle pets, but this exchange relies on a sense of understanding rather than a literal word-for-word translation.

Chen Shu could sense his rabbit was enthusiastically rallying, but he had no idea what Bunny was saying.

Before taking the stage, Damon Rabbit meticulously "read" through this speech manuscript.

Tutu initially examined the screen meticulously. After finishing, a profound sense of bewilderment shone in its dark eyes. Moments later, it leaned entirely into Chen Shu's hands and stretched its front limbs to reach for the screen's off button.

With Chen Shu holding the rabbit, he meticulously conveyed the core message of the speech draft to Damon Rabbit, as instructed by the military department. The bunny, subjected to his recital, soon grew restless and began chirping impatiently. As it squeaked, it wriggled free from Chen Shu's grasp and scampered off to its little nest to enjoy its special supply of tender grass.

Chen Shu watched as the rabbit faced its fluffy little bottom, rechecked the speech draft, and decided to abandon the idea of brainwashing it. He let it be.

After all, Chen Shu himself found it hard to imagine Damon Rabbit delivering a serious speech about unity and determination.

How could one expect such a cute little bunny to do that?

Despite the speech not having the intended effect, Damon Rabbit's performance turned out surprisingly effective.

As Damon's speech video was repeatedly broadcast, the number of applicants for the Rabbit Army began to climb steadily.

There were many negative reactions to Chengdie's news on StarNet, but the residents of the Federation were more composed than the military had anticipated.

"I woke up to the news this morning, and at first, it felt like the sky was falling!" A simple post made its way to the top of StarNet's discussion board. "But then there was that rabbit chattering at the end, wasn't there? I didn't understand a word of it...".

"But my Little White understood! Oh, Little White is my Gemstone Rabbit!"

"It stopped eating grass altogether! It ran in front of the light screen to listen attentively to that Damon Rabbit, and then after it finished listening, it nudged me! I had no idea what it meant until that link for the Rabbit Scout Team registration appeared later! My Little White wanted to sign up!"

"Help! Even rabbits are so brave, wanting to protect me!"

"As the owner of a rabbit, how can I only cower at home and complain about the military department?!"

"You're not alone, fellow poster! My rabbit also had a reaction!"

"After listening to the speech, it kept swiping on the light screen, asking me to replay it over and over again! Eventually, it went back to its hutch and seemed to be contemplating something. I was worried it got frightened by the image of the Ice Butterfly... But the next morning, before dawn even broke, it nudged me awake, urging me to click on the registration link!"

"Sob sob, so touching. The rabbit must have made its decision after careful consideration! It wants to help us find that trashy Ice Butterfly!"

"Friends, my rabbit is the same! No more words! I'm heading into the mech simulation training system to review Rong Mi's tutorials!"

"Just in case we really encounter an Ice Butterfly someday... I need to protect my rabbit too!"

"Protecting rabbits is everyone's responsibility! ——"

"Exactly! Gem Rabbits can distinguish the mental energy of Ice Butterflies! What if that butterfly finds out and tries to capture our rabbits? Protecting rabbits is everyone's duty! Declare war on the Ice Butterfly! ——"

"Declare war on the Ice Butterfly! ——"

Lop-eared rabbits were a very popular household pet in the Safe Sector. As the number of participants signing up for the Rabbit Scout Squad increased, the sentiment towards the Ice Butterfly's mental energy fragments on the Star Network shifted from evasion and negativity to active determination.

The Ice Butterfly assault during the Ice and Fire Tournament, the appearance of Sub-butterflies within the space station, the tragedy at the Ice Butterfly Symbiosis Association in the Amusement Park Base, Rong Mi's persistent live-streamed battles against the Ice Butterflies... coupled with the sudden emergence of the rabbit army, it finally pulled the inhabitants of the Safe Star Region out from their isolated "Paradise."

Despite the numerous objections still present on the Star Network, even Rong Mi's Pest Control Association discussion group wasn't completely peaceful.

"I never registered my Gem Rabbit for that Scout Corps. Watching the live-stream is one thing... but that Scout Corps is too time-consuming and too dangerous! In the beginning, we have to attend special reconnaissance training with our rabbits every night, then follow a schedule to patrol the city areas with them..."

"How incompetent can this military be? They're getting paid to protect us!"

"But I think... if the situation wasn't critical, the military wouldn't issue such notices! It's normal if you don't want to participate. We're all just ordinary people; I didn't register my rabbit either. But there's no need to criticize the military!"

"Am I wrong?" The initial speaker spoke with disdain. "Don't let the military's sweet words brainwash you. This is their inaction! Laziness! Pushing us into danger!"

Rong Mi usually only glanced at the question section of the Pest Control Association's discussion group and rarely entered the real-time discussion area. However, with so many messages appearing today, a red "popular" tag had appeared. Curious, Rong Mi clicked in.

There, someone was lambasting the military for idling away while criticizing their handling of the situation and proposing their own solutions and policies.

Rong Mi raised an eyebrow.

"Sounding all knowledgeable, yet you don't even watch the news, do you?" Rong Mi couldn't resist joining in. "For the sake of protecting the Safe Star Region, the military has already sacrificed over ten thousand lives cumulatively."

"Accusing the military of inaction is equivalent to disregarding the lives sacrificed by those soldiers. Without the support of the war zone legions, the Secure Star Region would have fallen long ago, never reaching this point for you to spout your empty words."

"Our enemy is the Frost Butterfly. Don't turn on each other; direct your anger at the true foe."

"If you believe that cursing solves problems, I'll buy you a ticket right now and send you to the war zone so you can curse at the Frost Butterflies."

"Let's see what difference your words will make!"

The chat group fell silent for a few seconds after Rong Mi's intervention. Then, the initial commenter lashed out.

"Wow. How impressive!" he fumed. "You're just a measly streamer! Don't you know that your audience is your livelihood? You dare to curse at me?!"

He angrily left the group and posted a screenshot of Rong Mi's comments on the Star Network. Originally intending to expose Rong Mi, he inadvertently boosted public support for the military instead.

"Strange guy. What does he mean by 'livelihood'? He doesn't know that Rong Mi isn't currently signed with any Star Network media, right? Besides, after the competition, Rong Mi doesn't earn money from streaming. He does it for fun."

"Hahaha! What fun! It's more like a Frost Butterfly lesson."

"Hey, let's not stray from the topic. Rong Mi actually has a point. He made me realize how little attention I've paid to the number of lives lost by the military in the war zones each year."

"The military releases an annual list of fallen soldiers, and the list has been growing longer in recent years..."

"Yes, many skilled mecha pilots have made the ultimate sacrifice. And there are also many soldiers who've been injured and had to retire..."

"It's all because Ice Butterfly is too powerful! Those criticizing the military should go pilot mechas and fight Ice Butterfly themselves if they have the guts!"

"The guy who said he's unloading Rong Mi from his favorites... He used to be a fan in Rong Mi's live stream too? Seems like every fandom has its share of irrational fans."

Rong Mi wasn't too concerned about the demographics of his live stream audience.

Teaching someone, even just one person, how to deal with lower-level Ice Butterflies was better than none – whether they were irrational or not didn't matter.

Although that angry viewer was spouting nonsense, at least he now recognized the threat that Ice Butterfly posed to humanity, instead of ignorantly assuming that his life was safe from external dangers.

Rong Mi didn't let such people get to him.

After finishing his message in the group, he closed the light screen and continued on his way, accompanied by the large Silver Wolf to buy breakfast.

This task was proving to be more challenging than before.

Carrying the pup on the street would only elicit coos of adoration from passersby. But now, the wolf had grown into a robust form; not only would ordinary folks, with little exposure to battle pets, be intimidated, but even many keepers of star beasts would subconsciously give the wolf a wide berth.

Rong Mi equipped the wolf with a muzzle and a spirit energy suppression anklet.

Both items were stored in Lu Yi's spatial badge.

Pets exceeding a certain size needed to wear such inhibiting accessories in public areas.

The pup's small stature previously spared it this requirement, but now it was necessary.

The wolf clearly disliked these additions.

Its snout was enclosed by a mesh metal muzzle, its silver fur compressed by black leather straps, creating an oppressive sensation of constraint. At the ends of Ayin's powerful limbs, matte black metal rings, also serving as spirit energy suppressors, were fastened. A white indicator light on their sides flickered, monitoring the intensity of the wolf's spirit energy.

These objects made the wolf uncomfortable.

Yet, even with them on, the wolf still drew complex gazes from people on the street.

Impressed yet intimidated by the wolf's massive size and the subtle display of power in its stride, they felt a mixture of awe and fear.

"Not that Ayin isn't likable," Rong Mi whispered to the wolf. "It's just that they're timid and inexperienced! Ayin shouldn't bother with them!"

Rong Mi clung to the wolf's neck, making Ayin lower its head. Reaching out, he pressed the button behind the muzzle. It was his first time taking his battle pet out, and he had walked a few steps before realizing he had forgotten to activate his identity screen.

As the button was pressed, a screen emerged from beneath the muzzle, clearly displaying Ayin's military battle pet identification tag along with the number of battles the Silver Wolves had participated in.

This was a setup to indicate the classification of large battle pets and alleviate the public's fear of giant star beasts.

"Ayin is fantastic!" Rong Mi exclaimed, impressed by the five-digit number on the battle pet tag. "You're such a formidable wolf! —Ayin is practically my senior!"

With over a decade of service in the war zone and thousands of battles under its belt, the wolf was indeed incredibly skilled. Its experience surpassed Rong Mi's time as a mech pilot.

Wolf: "...Woof."

Ayin puffed out its chest, ears pricked up and tail raised in response to Rong Mi's praise. However, it still didn't like wearing the muzzle.

As Ayin stepped out, it nudged the muzzle on its collar with some discontent, stomping irritably for a moment. But remembering that Rong Mi was the one who had put it on, it decided to tolerate it.

Despite its obedience in wearing the gear and walking with its gaze straight ahead, following Rong Mi's side like a well-trained companion, people still couldn't help but comment on the wolf.

"…Oh my gosh… What is that thing?! It's terrifying!"

"How can someone keep such a huge pet? Even with that muzzle, it's unacceptable! Isn't it illegal to own a giant beast like that?"

"Did you see the military combat beast badge? It's not illegal, but it's still scary…"

"No one ever said military combat pets are completely safe, right? Didn't they say General Lu Yi's combat pet, the Silver Wolf, killed a few healers before?"

"Wow, you're right, this one's also a Silver Wolf…"

"What on earth is the military doing? Now they're talking about hidden fragments of psychic power! I wonder where all our tax money goes… Useless bunch, just raising dangerous combat pets. It's been like this around the hospital lately too! So many patrol teams with their combat pets, but this one is just too big and too risky!"

"Sigh, they're only concerned with showing off their power and style. They don't really care about the safety of ordinary citizens like us."

Rong Mi: "…"

Rong Mi had only recently learned of Lu Yi's position as the commander of the First Legion, and his resentment was still simmering. Now, upon hearing the rumor about Lu Yi raising vicious wolves, a flame ignited in his heart. He turned his head to look sideways.

He noticed that the gossiping voices came from a group of young people, who were gathered together and carrying breakfast as they headed towards a patient's room.