Arknights: Mobile City

For the rest of the day, Pioneer casually posted the newly drafted system of rewards and punishments on a freshly erected board. Out of respect for the Doubts, the Sarkaz refugees didn't crowd forward, instead waiting quietly to the side.

Once the notice was up, Pioneer led his group away, leaving the Sarkaz to exchange uncertain glances.

After a few moments, the first refugee stepped forward to read the announcement.

Then, gradually, more and more approached to check the notice… Each person who finished reading wore an increasingly conflicted, hesitant expression.

Eventually, the group exchanged glances, nodding in silent agreement. Soon, Sarkaz began drifting deeper into the City—this time exploring of their own accord.

The announcement itself was simple. It just listed the basic prices for wood, stone, steel, and any Originium crystals that might be found. Anyone who collected these could exchange them for "points."

Obsidian, lacking a way to issue money, temporarily implemented a points system instead. Currency could come later.

Points, for now, could be traded for the most essential resources—food, shelter, the very things these refugees needed most.

But more importantly, at the top tier of exchangeable items, Obsidian had included K Corp's healing fluid—now available for points as well. And just earlier, everyone had seen what the healing fluid could do…

A miracle cure for Oripathy, something that could truly heal a Sarkaz.

Both short-term survival and long-term hope were covered. No wonder the refugees were fired up and quickly set out to search for materials.

Of course, Obsidian had rigged the system a little.

These Sarkaz weren't actually strong enough to explore the uncharted City outskirts—at least not yet. So he quietly instructed the Doubts to "seed" some supplies throughout the inhabited areas, just to keep motivation high and maintain stability.

That's also why, at the end of the notice, Obsidian laid down a single "taboo"—strictly temporary, for now:

[While exploring, do not steal from others. Doubts will oversee. Any violations will result in forfeiture of all earned points.]

A safeguard, really. The City couldn't afford even the smallest instability.

Point tallies, naturally, would be handled by the Doubts—well within the robots' abilities.

"Hah… Two hundred people. About time I start collecting the first real dividends from them…"

Obsidian murmured to himself in his cabin, then glanced to his side.

Now that the fate of over two hundred had been settled, these Sarkaz were officially counted as the City's "permanent residents."

Which meant Obsidian's main goal was finally achieved.

"Gain population—and with it, Lunacy…"

He approached the Well, casting a glance at the stack of Lunacy next to it.

"Just like that, I've netted a whopping thirteen hundred Lunacy… Enough for a ten-pull."

A smile tugged at Obsidian's lips as he picked up the resource.

After this roll, there'd be plenty to do—exploring the lab ruins the refugees found, working out a formal currency, getting these Sarkaz into real production…

But all of that would have to wait until after the ten-pull.

Lunacy, cast in.

Scarlet roses tumbled into the bottomless Well. This time, a brilliant, dazzling gold light burst forth, so intense Obsidian had to shield his eyes—peeking through his fingers, heart pounding in anticipation.

He'd hit the jackpot.

And not just any jackpot—a big one.

What could it be? Top-tier identity? Powerful base body? Or…

Countless possibilities rushed through his mind, until, when he saw what he held, Obsidian could only stare in shock.

"Holy—"

"Holy—!!"

"I've struck gold!!"

He stared at the results in his hands. Thirty Threads, some standard workshop weapons—those barely mattered. The (00) ID Card was nice enough.

But nothing compared to what he was holding now.

[Singularity Tech Voucher ×1]

A true, golden legend.

Obsidian's breath quickened as he stared at the voucher, unable to help a silent prayer.

Please, anything but nanomachine tattoo tech or some other useless, future-dependent technology! Give me something I can actually use—something that doesn't need a full tech tree!

Nervously, he made his wish. Then, he cast the voucher into the Well.

It might have been the tensest moment since he'd arrived in this world.

He waited for the glow to fade. It only took a moment—but it felt like an eternity.

Finally, the light died down. Obsidian's senses drifted to another place—and then, the Singularity he'd drawn appeared before him…

He stared, wide-eyed.

"Yes! It's a hit!"

"[Tearful Thing]!"

Before him shimmered K Corp's Singularity—a gift from the stars in the original work…

[Tearful Thing]

...

Obsidian stared at the [Tearful Thing] for nearly an hour, utterly transfixed before he finally, reluctantly, tore his gaze away.

"Right on time… The City's about to really start moving."

He spoke quietly to himself, mind racing through a thousand possibilities…

One thing was certain—his plans needed an update.

Looking at the Singularity, Obsidian stood and smiled.

"All right then—let's see just how far I can take the City now."