Arknights: Mobile City

"Do you have any interest in extracting [EGO]?"

X stared at Skadi, abruptly posing this question. Her mind briefly stumbled over itself at this moment.

She might have been innocent, but she certainly wasn't stupid.

Is he… asking me to prove my worth?

He seemed like a strict person. If she couldn't demonstrate value and earn his approval, perhaps he would reject her outright…

This thought flashed through Skadi's mind. Just as she was preparing to reply seriously, she heard Da'at's slightly displeased voice behind her:

"Hey, X! She's a guest, and she's clearly in trouble…"

"But if she's applying as an employee, she should show that she can fulfill the role," X responded coolly, never lifting his eyes from his work. "Otherwise, Lobotomy Corporation has no reason to invest resources in her."

Da'at fell silent for a moment, then quietly leaned closer to Skadi, whispering reassuringly:

"Don't worry… X just talks tough but he's actually quite soft-hearted. Even if he doesn't want to help, I'll convince him. It shouldn't be a big issue…"

"No, no, that would trouble you too much. We've just met today, yet I've already caused you so many problems…"

Skadi's cheeks flushed faintly as she rushed to reply. But her expression quickly froze as she saw Da'at's deeply concerned look:

"But… Do you really have anywhere else to go? Since I've already helped you this far, I may as well see it through…"

These words immediately sparked Skadi's anxiety about her situation.

I shouldn't let Miss Da'at worry further. If I can prove my capabilities, then won't everything be fine?

Not only would this silence X's doubts, but it would also put Da'at's mind at ease…

Resolutely, Skadi stood up straight, fixing her determined gaze on X in the corner.

And thus began the complete and utter entrapment of Skadi.

One playing the strict authority, the other playing the compassionate ally—each using their strengths perfectly to manipulate Skadi's emotions, effortlessly ensnaring her.

Out of Skadi's sight, X's lips curled into a slight smile.

At this point, he was certain: Skadi would definitely remain at Lobotomy Corporation. All his careful planning had ensured that Skadi would willingly stay and diligently work for them.

"Hey… Your name is X, right?"

"What exactly does extracting [EGO] entail? I'm confident in my ability to quickly learn and handle most tasks—"

"I'm a researcher," X interrupted, shaking his head slowly. "I don't trust anything without concrete data."

His voice was cold and indifferent. An awkward silence filled the room momentarily until Da'at swiftly stepped forward to smooth things over:

"If you need data, then why not test her directly? Honestly, X, you should at least give her a chance. How about taking Miss Skadi through the [EGO] extraction process yourself? If she proves competent, we'll keep her around—we need more staff anyway."

Upon hearing this, Skadi shot another grateful glance toward Da'at.

After a brief pause, X finally sighed and reluctantly nodded in agreement. Without another word, he gave Skadi a quick glance and turned away. While Skadi stood there slightly stunned, Da'at smiled warmly and nudged her forward encouragingly.

Thus, Skadi obediently followed after X.

And from this moment onward, Skadi was thoroughly and helplessly ensnared by the wicked woman's gentle schemes.

Inside another section of the Extraction Facility, X patiently explained the [EGO] extraction process to Skadi—specifically, crafting an [EGO Suit] called [Feather of Honor], derived from the Firebird.

After some initial instructions, Skadi quickly began her attempts. Following two failed trials and further guidance from X, she successfully completed the first step.

Then came the second step, and the third…

Slowly, the [EGO] armor took shape. Watching this progress, X quietly nodded in approval.

As expected, Ægirians really do have exceptional talent in this area…

Next, he would see if Laurentina and Skadi could help attract more skilled researchers from Ægir…

Finally, after several hours and multiple attempts, the [EGO Suit]—[Feather of Honor]—was completed under X's supervision. As the equipment emitted a golden shimmer, Skadi's eyes sparkled faintly with delight.

Yet soon, reality pulled her back. She stood abruptly, leaning forward over the table, calling out loudly to X:

"Well? Did I meet your standards? Am I qualified enough to stay?"

Hearing Skadi's eager voice, X sighed wearily and responded flatly:

"Barely passable… Honestly, there were serious flaws in almost every step, but overall, it's adequate. However, there was one area that exceeded expectations."

"Oh? Which area?" Skadi asked, curiosity piqued.

X closed his eyes briefly, then uttered a single word:

"Endurance."

"…?"

"Your stamina is quite exceptional, well-suited for extended shifts. So, I suppose you're officially hired."

"You just want someone who can work endless overtime!"

Even Skadi, innocent as she was, couldn't help but call him out bluntly upon hearing his shameless admission. X himself remained completely unfazed.

Skadi sighed deeply, catching her breath. Just then, Da'at entered through the doorway, greeting Skadi with a gentle smile:

"So? Did you pass?"

"Yes… Thank you," Skadi replied awkwardly, bowing her head slightly.

"You only get eloquent when talking to me," X remarked dryly, prompting Skadi to shoot him a disgruntled glare.

"Oh, stop teasing her, X," Da'at sighed, shaking her head. "Anyway, someone's waiting for you at the entrance. Don Quixote's already brought the new Abnormality, so he's waiting on you now."

At these words, X pretended to look startled, then quickly stood up and walked toward the facility's main entrance.

He wondered what kind of Abnormality Don Quixote had brought him this time…