The Degree
Brutal Offer

Terumi was currently outside the barricade where the soldiers were standing guard. There are many people who try to get information related to the situation that occurs in the CTF.

Journalists and the mass media have flocked to interview some soldiers for information, though none has been useful so far.

“It's a sad situation,” said a man with mohawk hair, tattooed wounds on his temples and a short height. Even that person was much shorter than Terumi and Leo.

“Not only that, I'm afraid there will be casualties just because of user battle Degree.”

Terumi can tolerate if the victim is a Degree user. Those who kill must be ready to be killed. That was already understood by Terumi though.

But it is different from civilians. They did not commit any sin until they had to accept an undue death.

“It will not be inevitable, it is difficult to create a situation where these people are not injured, besides.. There are several Degree users among the soldiers.”

As Yan said, the Degree user is in the army unit. It is easy to find them only from his watch, although there are some who try to hide it, but do not rule out it will be revealed.

Terumi did not know which side they were on, but it seemed that they were trying to put a damper on the commotion.

“Maybe there are Degree users in the government ranks. Besides that somehow they seem restless.”

Not knowing what their unrest was but it seemed Terumi could not ignore it.

“Ray and Roid still haven't given more news? We have done a waste of budget spending.”

At Ray's request, Terumi made many purchases and exchanges about DP. He only said that everything would end up in this place but did not give any other details.

In addition there is an unreasonable demand where Ray asks Terumi to give money to certain community groups. Terumi has not done so as still waiting for further requests from Ray.

“We don't know what they're planning. For now give directions to others to stay on standby and prepare the goods order.”

Just in case Terumi gathered all the ordered items in a place that was quite far from her current place.

Of course it is because the existence of government apparatus becomes a great threat to them if the goods are found. Remembering firearms in this country requires permission for ownership.

“Good. But if so how will we move it when needed later?”

“I myself don't know yet, but this is a request of Ray.”

“Yeah, what can be done. Then I'll see you later. Call me if you need anything.”

Yan went to prepare everything while Terumi remained silent in place while monitoring the mass media from a distance.

When everything went smoothly just like that, the phone rang and showed a call coming from Ray.

Even so there are certain ethics that have been set by Ray before raising his call. Terumi had to wait for a few seconds and convey a few things first.

“Halo? Who's there?”

“I'm here.”

“What do you want, Ray?”

Ray begins to explain about his plan and what he predicts will happen. Naturally, Terumi did not question on the basis of what happened.

Terumi would only ask about things she did not understand and she doubted. Although Ray's own plans are dubious at this time, he doesn't ask anything. There was only one thing that confused him.

Terumi also explained about the existence of Degree users on the military side but Ray's reaction was flat and he seemed unsurprised. It was strange that Ray knew that.

“It's not surprising. I had expected that there would be a Degree user among the military. Most likely Arthur was there, their movements were so complex. Impossible state apparatus that has not dealt with Degree users can be very vigilant this.”

If you think about it again, it is very likely to happen. So far the users of the Degree do a lot of throwing a tantrum, but none of them are caught off guard or directly hit by the police or army.

“Arthur .. will we face him?” terumi said with a bit of sadness.

Of course, if Arthur were there, Mona would be with him. Although they are vile criminals, Terumi still has ambiguous feelings of hostility or not.

No matter how bad they act, they used to be friends. Exchange stories and even share feelings. Terumi doesn't deny that she's been through it with Mona.

The times they worked together in the Open World were also so revealing, Terumi might never be able to point a gun at them.

“Yes. Sooner or later we will be dealing with them. I'll remind you, don't hesitate a bit Terumi. They ... are no longer our friends.”

Words that are so cold and sound painful but that's the reality.

“Take it easy. I will strengthen myself. Then go back again to the problem of how we barged in.”

“It's easy. Previously, were there many journalists and civilians who tried to witness directly to TKP?”

Terumi looked around him and the fact that there were so many people flocking trying to witness this incident with his own eyes.

For Terumi it was strange as well as amazing. This was a serious incident where lives could have been lost yet why did these people bravely try to see firsthand?

“Yes, there are so many people. On second thought, why is this actually interesting and approached them rather than shunned?”

“That's how the country is. I can't explain it, but you can say that the people here love the commotion.”

Terumi was reluctant to accept such a simple explanation but Ray did not sound wrong at all. The fact before his eyes at this moment was all happening.

“We will use them and some of the groups I mentioned earlier to break through the government barricades. Use the money I have asked you to prepare to pay for some of those groups.”

Terumi slightly furrowed her brows, “Pay? What if they reject him, Ray?”

“Use Erina.”

Hearing that made Terumi shaken. How not? Erina's current condition was heartbreaking, she had lost her memory and also did not understand well utilizing her Degree.

Terumi has intervened to take care of her and teach her back about the Degree. Even so, it does not make Erina in her best performance.

“How?”

“I have confirmed that the leader of that community group is a man. You have to understand what will happen to men if offered women as beautiful as Erina.”

Terumi was speechless, just silently listening to what Ray said.

“Make a quote. If they refuse money, use Erina for bargaining tools. Tell them I'll lend them a week. They are free to do anything other than kill him.”

For Terumi at this moment, it was the most cruel idea Ray had ever offered him.