Arknights: Mobile City

"Third Breakthrough?"

Texas blinked in surprise as she repeated the phrase. Then she turned her gaze to Obsidian's calm, smiling expression and fell silent for a while.

"The third breakthrough is the most substantial sync stage. Once you reach it, you can truly say you've achieved near-complete resonance with that identity."

Obsidian explained evenly. Texas looked toward the window, her thoughts drifting for a moment. Then, she nodded.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

She smiled faintly as she spoke. Obsidian responded by handing her the Threads—forty in total. These thread-like constructs, glowing like tiny bulbs filled with woven potential, passed smoothly into her hands. The Identity Card at her waist began to stir, as if longing for the resonance to come.

"Overlay your Identity Card. Then use the Threads."

Obsidian gave the instruction clearly. Texas nodded and pressed the Identity Card to her side. In an instant, the Thumb uniform enveloped her form. Her expression dulled, turning cold and emotionless.

Obsidian glanced around.

The Pioneer is nearby… If something goes wrong, he'll handle it—one way or another.

Also… I should really get my second ID credential soon. If I'm going to keep up this Overseer role, I'll need something a little more official.

The thought passed through his mind. Then he turned his attention back to Texas, now immersed in the synchronization process.

The Threads vanished one by one as they activated. Threads of light wove themselves around Texas's body, and her eyes gradually dimmed. Obsidian stood silently, arms behind his back, waiting calmly for the process to complete.

Within her own consciousness, Texas felt herself sinking—deeper and deeper into the unseen depths, drifting through countless branching timelines. Finally, she reached an orange-red light bound in chains.

That was her possibility.

Without hesitation, she pushed the door open and stepped into the memories and story that belonged to this identity…

---

As Texas traversed her identity's memories, Obsidian passed the time idly, boredom creeping in.

Then, without warning, a spark lit in Texas's eyes.

Obsidian looked up.

He opened his mouth to speak—but stopped.

Something wasn't right.

He narrowed his gaze, studying Texas's eyes.

Cold. Mechanical. Emotionless. All he saw was rigid obedience to rules and order.

This isn't Texas anymore… This is the Thumb.

She's been overtaken by the identity. Looks like her consciousness hasn't come back yet.

Obsidian thought, not particularly alarmed. He'd anticipated this kind of outcome—and had a contingency ready.

"You're awake, Texas?"

He asked casually.

Texas—no, Texas·Thumb Identity—looked at him with guarded eyes and responded coldly:

"Who are you? Why am I here?"

Her tone was sharp. As she spoke, her hand went to her firearm.

Obsidian nodded slightly to himself.

As expected… she has no memory of this world. Seems like this version was pulled directly from its original timeline. Almost like one of those fully-summoned bread-dough identitys…

He furrowed his brow, then spoke slowly:

"Does your class consciousness allow you to speak that way?"

Texas froze.

Obsidian raised his hand—and the Pioneer stepped into the room.

In the Thumb, strict hierarchy was everything. Rank was law. Speaking disrespectfully to a superior warranted losing your tongue… or worse.

Which meant the solution to this situation had already been decided.

"…What do you mean?"

Texas remained wary, but a hint of doubt crept into her tone.

Seeing this, Obsidian nodded to the Pioneer, who pulled out a set of documents.

Obsidian spoke slowly and clearly:

"The one standing before you is the Overseer—the Head, the highest-ranking individual in this timeline. And beside me stands the Pioneer—also a Head. A peer of equal standing."

"Speaking to us in that manner, under Thumb doctrine… you understand what that would warrant?"

Texas's eyes flicked toward the ID documents. Within moments, memories embedded in her own identity surfaced, confirming their authenticity.

Her pupils contracted. Her body stiffened on reflex.

Without delay, she lowered her weapon and bowed her head, her voice flat and automatic:

"There can be no doubt regarding your identities. As penance for my earlier disrespect… I will remove my tongue immediately."

Without hesitation, she stuck her tongue out and began raising the bayonet on her gun.

But Obsidian frowned slightly and spoke evenly:

"Stop."

Texas froze.

"I order you not to cut out your tongue. It's still useful. What—were you about to disobey a direct order?"

At once, Texas lowered her weapon and stood motionless, head bowed.

In Thumb hierarchy, the Head outranks even the highest commanders. Their word is absolute.

"Good. That's better."

Obsidian closed his eyes, tapping his fingers lightly on the table as if waiting for something.

Texas, still under identity control, stood silent and still, asking no further questions.

"Let me ask you something," Obsidian said, his voice calm as his tapping ceased. "Do you have any interest in becoming the next Big Boss of the Thumb?"

Texas's eyes flickered slightly. She said nothing for a moment, then answered with perfect formality:

"My abilities are limited. I would not dare to dream so boldly. Forgive me for troubling the Head with such thoughts."

"I hold the Big Boss in the highest regard. That position is not something I could…"

"But maybe you could. In this possible world, you may yet become the next Big Boss of the Thumb."

Obsidian raised his hand to the sky, sensing that Texas's original consciousness would soon return. He added offhandedly:

"This is a newborn City. If you're interested, I can make you the real deal one day… but that's a conversation for later."

Texas blinked—but before she could respond, a powerful suction pulled at her. Her eyes dimmed again.

Obsidian watched patiently.

As her vision faded, just before she slipped away, Obsidian spoke softly:

"Don't forget what I said today. I have high hopes for you."

In the next second, her expression faded to blankness.

Obsidian gestured for the Pioneer to leave.

Thirty seconds passed.

Then—Texas's eyes lit up again. The identity binding vanished from her waist. She stumbled half a step back, then immediately found herself meeting Obsidian's half-amused, half-teasing gaze.

"So?" he asked. "How was it?"