Arknights - Echoes Of The Unfound Dawn

A/n: Does stoping a vibration frequency mean stoping it's existence?

T/L: revision completed, enjoy

The mission had been a success—at least technically. Amiya and her team had managed to wake the Doctor, though their extraction was anything but smooth. Reunion forces had intercepted them at every turn, forcing them into relentless skirmishes as they tried to retreat to Rhodes Island's landship.

"Keep moving!" Dobermann barked, her voice sharp yet steady. "We can't let them pin us down!"

Amiya's ears twitched, picking up the distant echoes of Reunion footsteps. "There's an alley ahead. We'll hide there and wait until the coast is clear."

The team ducked into a decrepit building, its walls crumbling from years of neglect. Dust hung thick in the air, and the faint smell of rust lingered. Despite the urgency, Amiya couldn't help but glance at the Doctor. He looked bewildered, his gaze flitting around as if everything was new.

"Doctor," Amiya said softly, kneeling beside him. "How are you feeling?"

He blinked at her, still disoriented. "I... don't understand. Who are you? Why is everyone calling me Doctor?"

Amiya offered a reassuring smile, though fatigue weighed heavily on her. "I'll explain everything soon. Right now, just focus on resting." She gently examined him for injuries.

Dobermann kept watch by the window, scanning the streets for any signs of Reunion. "Four minutes, tops. We move as soon as they pass."

Amiya nodded, but her attention remained on the Doctor, who bombarded her with questions about Rhodes Island, Reunion, and the mission. She answered patiently, though her thoughts were clouded with worry.

Then, an unexpected sound broke through the tense silence—a faint scraping noise, followed by heavy, uneven footsteps.

Everyone tensed. Dobermann raised her weapon. "Someone's coming."

A shadow stumbled into view near the far end of the room.

Amiya's heart skipped a beat. "Wait... I know that silhouette…"

Xian dragged himself into the building, his body battered, his clothes torn and bloodied. He looked half-dead, yet his eyes gleamed with an intense focus. He hadn't noticed the group yet. Instead, he seemed completely absorbed in his own world, muttering to himself as he paced in circles.

"I get it now... The system said something about extracting Originium from the air. But what if… what if I can use it to enhance basic objects?" Xian's voice was low but animated. He held a broken piece of pipe, waving it around like a conductor with a baton. "What if I turn this into a sword? Or—wait—can I make it into a laser sword?"

He squinted at the pipe, shaking it furiously, as if sheer willpower could transform it.

Amiya blinked in disbelief. "Is… is he serious?"

Dobermann's stern expression cracked for a moment. "What in Terra is he doing?"

Xian, oblivious to his audience, crouched down and began poking at the dirt on the floor. "Okay, okay… Focus. Maybe if I draw a circle—yeah, like those ritual things! But… where's the magic chalk? Do I even need chalk?" He paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

The Doctor, still dazed, pointed at Xian. "Is he… summoning something?"

Amiya stammered, unsure how to respond. "I… I don't think so? But…"

Xian suddenly stood, holding the pipe above his head triumphantly. "Aha! What if I just yell the command? That always works in anime!" He took a deep breath. "SYSTEM! ACTIVATE PIPE TRANSFORMATION!"

Nothing happened.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Dobermann coughed to hide her laughter. "He's… definitely unique."

Amiya covered her mouth, trying to suppress a giggle. She wasn't sure whether to be concerned or amused. The others exchanged baffled glances, wondering if they should intervene or just let the strange human continue his antics.

Xian frowned, looking at the pipe with deep disappointment. "Ugh, why isn't it working? Is it the wrong pipe? Do I need, like, a magic pipe?" He groaned, tapping it against his forehead. "C'mon, brain! Think!"

At that moment, his gaze finally lifted—and he froze. His golden eyes met Amiya's wide, bewildered stare.

"Oh…" Xian blinked. "Uh… hi?" He awkwardly lowered the pipe. "I… wasn't doing anything weird, I swear."

Amiya tried to remain composed, though her ears twitched with suppressed laughter. "Right. Nothing weird… at all."

Dobermann raised an eyebrow. "You do realize we've been watching you the whole time?"

Xian's face turned crimson. He scratched the back of his head, his earlier bravado melting into embarrassment. "I… well… you know, just… testing a theory?" He forced a nervous laugh.

The Doctor tilted his head. "What kind of theory involves yelling at pipes?"

Xian groaned internally. Oh, great. They think I'm insane.

Amiya stepped forward, her expression softening. "You're hurt. Sit down. We'll talk later."

Despite the awkwardness, Xian nodded, his legs finally giving out as he slumped against the wall. "Thanks… I think."

As Amiya checked his injuries, the others couldn't help but exchange glances, each silently wondering just what kind of person had stumbled into their mission—and how he might change everything.

Amiya knelt beside Xian to inspect his injuries, she noticed something unusual. His golden eyes, which had radiated an ominous glow moments ago, suddenly dulled back to their natural hue. The strange symbols in his pupils vanished without a trace.

Amiya frowned. Was I imagining things? No… I'm sure I saw something.

Dobermann crossed her arms, standing nearby. "Your eyes. They were glowing a second ago," she said, narrowing her gaze. "Explain."

Xian blinked. "Huh? Glowing?" He looked confused. "I think you've got the wrong guy. I don't do… glowing eye stuff."

"Your eyes were definitely glowing," Amiya said, her tone cautious yet firm.

Xian scratched his head awkwardly, trying to deflect. "Maybe it's just exhaustion? Or… uh, the dust? You know how dust does weird things to light?" He grinned sheepishly.

The Doctor, still disoriented but curious, leaned in. "Dust-induced glowing eyes? Is that a thing?"

Xian jumped on the opportunity, nodding enthusiastically. "Oh yeah! Total thing! I read somewhere… in a scientific journal, yep, that excessive dust exposure can cause… temporary optical phenomena. Very common in old buildings!"

Dobermann raised an eyebrow. "You're making that up."

"Am I?" Xian said, eyes wide in mock innocence. "I mean… can you prove I'm not?"

Amiya sighed, sensing the ridiculousness of the conversation but unwilling to press further. "Let's focus on your injuries. You're bleeding pretty badly."

"Oh, this?" Xian waved dismissively, despite wincing in pain. "Just a scratch. Nothing a good night's sleep and a gallon of tea can't fix." He gave a nervous laugh.

The tension in the room eased slightly, though Dobermann wasn't entirely convinced.

As Amiya wrapped a makeshift bandage around Xian's arm, he spoke up again. "Anyway, I should get moving. Thanks for the first aid, but I've got… business to attend to in Lungmen."

"Lungmen?" Amiya tilted her head. "Why Lungmen?"

Xian hesitated. "Uh… family business. Yeah. Real important stuff. Can't miss it."

The Doctor interjected, intrigued. "You're walking around half-dead and talking about 'family business'? Shouldn't you be resting?"

Xian stood up, wobbling slightly but steadying himself. "Nah, I'm good. Besides, I've got this super important thing to deliver. Top secret." He tapped his temple, giving them a mysterious look.

Amiya and Dobermann exchanged skeptical glances. "Top secret?" Dobermann asked dryly. "You're really bad at keeping secrets, you know."

Xian smirked. "That's the brilliance of it! If you tell people it's top secret, they think you're joking. Reverse psychology!"

The room fell silent.

"...That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard," Dobermann muttered, shaking her head.

Amiya, despite herself, chuckled. "It's… unique logic, I'll give you that."

Xian grinned. "Unique is my specialty."

Suddenly, a distant explosion rocked the building, snapping everyone back to reality. The playful mood evaporated instantly.

Amiya's ears twitched. "Reunion's getting closer. We need to move."

Xian adjusted the makeshift bandage on his arm. "Right. You've got a mission. I've got… Lungmen." He glanced at them, his usual carefree demeanor softening. "You all be careful, okay?"

Dobermann studied him carefully. "You're in no condition to be wandering around."

"I'll manage," Xian said, offering a lopsided smile. "Survival's kinda my thing now."

Amiya hesitated, then nodded. "Be safe. And… thank you."

Xian blinked, surprised. "For what?"

"For staying alive," she said simply, before turning to lead her team out of the building.

As they left, Xian sighed, leaning against the wall. "Stay alive, huh?" He whispered to himself, looking out into the burning city. "Guess I'll try."

He clutched the strange cross-shaped necklace that dangled from his neck, its weight a reminder of the stranger who gave it to him. His thoughts drifted back to the system, the glowing eyes, and the terrifying moment when everything slowed down.

"Well, whatever's happening," he muttered, "I'll figure it out. One step at a time."

With a deep breath, Xian straightened himself and began his slow, painful journey toward Lungmen, unaware of the larger storm brewing on the horizon.

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Xian limped through the narrow, crumbling streets of Chernobog, his mind consumed with the events of the past few hours. The pain in his body was ever-present, but he refused to let it slow him down. As his eyes scanned the ruins around him, he couldn't help but replay the moment when his golden eyes had activated, and the sudden flood of knowledge had taken over his senses.

What was that? He thought. It wasn't just dust this time… It felt like… power. Something different. Something real.

Xian tightened his grip on the cross-shaped necklace, still unsure of its significance. Whatever's going on, I need to keep moving. Lungmen's not too far now. I can get there, maybe figure things out...

As he walked, the faint sound of commotion echoed in the distance. His heart skipped a beat. He was no stranger to the chaos of Chernobog, but the thought of running into more Reunion members made him hesitate.

"I should avoid this…" Xian muttered, his instincts screaming at him to take a detour. But fate had other plans.

A shout rang out from behind him, followed by the unmistakable sound of feet pounding the pavement. His mind clicked into gear as he spun around.

Reunion operatives, led by a hulking figure with wild, unkempt hair, charged toward him, their eyes full of bloodlust. They had spotted him.

"Stop right there!" one of the Reunion soldiers bellowed. "You're not getting away!"

Xian's blood boiled at the sight of the charging group. He gritted his teeth. Not again.

Before he could even think, he felt it—the strange sensation again, like an unseen force at the back of his mind. And then—BOOM—his body was moving faster than he could consciously comprehend.

The system had activated again, but unlike before, it didn't slow time. This time, it enhanced his speed and reflexes, and it wasn't just his eyes glowing this time—it felt like the very air around him was alive.

His heart raced as he broke into a sprint, the Reunion forces hot on his tail. "Run, you coward!" one of them shouted as they chased after him.

Xian cursed under his breath, dodging an incoming arts blast that narrowly missed his shoulder. He swerved to the left, ducking behind a crumbling wall to avoid another wave of energy. But as he moved, he felt something in the air shift—a sharp, whistling sound.

An arrow?

Xian instinctively moved to his right, just as an arrow whizzed past his face, grazing his cheek. His heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively reached out, grabbing a nearby rusted pipe that had been discarded on the ground. Without thinking, he swung it up, deflecting the next barrage of arrows that came his way.

The Reunion archers—positioned atop the shattered buildings—snarled, drawing back their crossbows for another volley. They fired again, but Xian was faster this time. His reflexes, enhanced by the system, allowed him to duck and roll, narrowly avoiding the deadly projectiles.

This is crazy! I need to do something!

Xian's thoughts raced as he continued to evade. He didn't have time to think about why his body was reacting this way—he just needed to survive.

But then, an idea struck him. I need to remember.

The last time the system activated, he had absorbed something—originium? Could it be?

Xian slowed down for just a second, trying to focus on the feeling he had experienced earlier. It was faint, but he could remember the sensation of absorbing the air around him, drawing something in—like tapping into a well of power.

He closed his eyes briefly, pushing past the chaos. He felt the air—heavy with tension—and then focused. He reached out mentally, trying to tap into the flow of the originium… and—

Nothing.

Xian growled in frustration. It's not working! Why isn't it working?!

Another volley of arrows was fired, and he instinctively dove to the side. His frustration boiled over, and his mind screamed for a solution.

"Fine!" he shouted at the air, "Then I'll just make my own solution!"

He pulled his pistol from his waistband, aiming it at the nearest crossbowman. The Reunion soldier atop the building smirked, thinking it was just another useless attack. But as Xian pulled the trigger, he felt a strange surge of power flow through his hand.

The bullet flew straight, but it wasn't just a bullet—it felt like the shot had been guided by some unseen force. His accuracy, once laughable, was now near perfect. His hand was steady, his aim true. The bullet pierced through the Reunion soldier's shoulder, sending him stumbling backward in pain.

Xian blinked in surprise. What the hell? Did that just—?

The improvement was evident, though he wasn't sure what exactly had just happened. It wasn't mastery, but it was an undeniable step up. His thoughts clicked, and in an instant, he had figured it out—his novice-level skills weren't just from the system but were also honed by the knowledge he had absorbed.

The next crossbowman fired, but this time, Xian reacted instinctively. With one quick move, he swung the pipe again, deflecting the arrow with a sharp clang. Using his newly enhanced reflexes, he ducked under a second volley and rolled forward, taking aim at the next group of Reunion soldiers.

I can do this.

With a fluid motion, Xian raised his pistol, his aim precise. He pulled the trigger twice—bang, bang—and two more Reunion soldiers went down with clean shots. The system-enhanced accuracy made him feel like a different person entirely.

But as Xian fired again, he couldn't help but notice something strange. The gun was glowing—no, changing. The metal of the gun began to shimmer with a faint blue hue, and the gun's form began to warp. Before Xian could even comprehend what was happening, the gun had transformed into something entirely new—a sleek, futuristic firearm, reminiscent of the guns he had seen in some anime.

Xian's eyes widened with excitement. "No way!" He grinned widely, feeling the rush of adrenaline course through him. "This is awesome!"

The Reunion soldiers stopped for a moment, their jaws dropping as they witnessed the transformation.

"What the hell is that thing?!" one of them yelled.

Xian smirked, taking aim. "This? Just a little upgrade," he said coolly.

The enhanced weapon hummed as Xian pulled the trigger. The shot rang out, and the energy-packed bullet tore through the air, hitting the first crossbowman in the chest with pinpoint accuracy. He crumpled to the ground with a look of disbelief frozen on his face.

The remaining soldiers hesitated, fear creeping into their hearts. But Xian wasn't done. He wasn't just going to stand there.

With newfound confidence, Xian dashed forward, using his pipe as both a shield and an offensive tool. He deflected arrows with expert precision while blasting through enemies with his upgraded gun. His movements were fluid—each action a blend of agility and precision that seemed almost choreographed.

This is it. He thought. This is the power I needed.

One by one, the Reunion soldiers fell before him, their once-confident faces now contorted in pain and confusion. Xian's heart raced, but he couldn't stop. He couldn't afford to.

As the last of the crossbowmen fell, Xian took a deep breath. The street was littered with the remains of the enemies he had just defeated. But he wasn't done yet. There was still one thing on his mind: Lungmen.

I'm getting there. Xian thought, wiping the sweat from his brow. I'll figure this out. But first… I've got a city to survive.

He turned, continuing his run toward his destination. His body was battered, his mind racing, but he knew one thing for sure: he was no longer the naive kid he used to be. The system, whatever it was, had changed everything.

And he would use it to survive.