Arknights: Mobile City

"So this is The City…"

Theresa's gaze drifted across the unfamiliar landscape. Tall buildings loomed everywhere, and very few people lingered to chat on street corners. Thumb soldiers rushed past occasionally, and Fixers hurried in and out of Hana Association offices and various Fixer agencies.

The one thing they all had in common was their palpable tension. Observing the passersby, Theresa sensed an array of intense emotions: anxiety, greed, excitement.

Some of it probably stemmed from the pressure of daily survival, she reasoned. But the rest? Perhaps something significant was happening in The City today?

"Yes, Your Highness Theresa. We are indeed standing firmly within The City's boundaries. However, I still don't quite understand why you declined to bring W along. She is, after all, your bodyguard."

Kal'tsit's words drew Theresa back from her thoughts. Turning towards Kal'tsit, Theresa smiled softly.

"But aren't you here with me already?"

"I suspect W may sneak out anyway and secretly follow behind us," Kal'tsit replied, a trace of resignation coloring her voice.

Theresa considered this for a moment before sighing lightly.

"If she does come, we'll find a way to handle it. Our time here is limited, Kal'tsit. Let's keep moving."

Theresa gently took Kal'tsit's hand and started forward.

Both understood clearly their purpose here. Firstly, they had come to meet with The City's leader, to discuss matters directly and assess his stance. Undoubtedly, The City's position could greatly influence the outcome of the conflict between the Twin Kings.

The mere supply of [Panacea] alone could drastically shift the battlefield.

Their second objective was simpler: to gauge firsthand the current state of The City itself.

The second task was straightforward enough—anyone could have managed it. The first objective, however… Even the Doctor himself had failed previously to meet The City's leader, making delegation impossible.

Thus, Theresa made the decision to visit personally.

If she herself came to The City, perhaps she'd have the chance to speak directly with its leader. When that happened, Theresa would have many questions for him—but not yet.

Right now, Theresa needed to observe The City personally. Therefore, discretion was essential. Before departing, they had sought out a sorcerer at Babel Tower for minor disguises, enough that ordinary residents wouldn't recognize them.

As Theresa walked through The City streets, that peculiar feeling returned—especially when people hurried by, seemingly anxious about something.

Even Kal'tsit sensed something unusual in the atmosphere today. It felt as if something momentous was about to occur.

The two exchanged a knowing glance, nodding quietly. Theresa stopped a clearly excited pedestrian.

"Excuse me, has something special happened recently? Everyone seems rather hurried…"

"You haven't heard?"

The pedestrian stared at Theresa in astonishment.

"It's Lobotomy Corporation! This new company is about to start hiring!"

Theresa and Kal'tsit exchanged baffled glances.

A company interview? That's it?

Was there something they were missing?

"Is there something special about Lobotomy Corporation?" Theresa asked cautiously.

"You really don't know? You must be new around here." The pedestrian sized them up briefly before shaking his head. "To be fair, nobody had heard of them before—but they just announced a partnership with a giant like K Corp! That's a Wing of the World! Getting hired by a company partnering with a Wing? It's the opportunity of a lifetime!"

The pedestrian's breathing quickened with excitement.

"Lobotomy Corp's interviews are two days from now… Imagine getting hired! They have the potential to become a Wing themselves… Ah, I can't chat anymore. I need to get ready—only two days left!"

He dashed off without another word, leaving Theresa and Kal'tsit staring at each other in bemusement.

"So it's related to our business partner…" Theresa murmured thoughtfully.

Kal'tsit shrugged lightly.

"Would you like to go see it for yourself?"

"Yes…I think so."

"Then let's find a place to stay and look around a bit. In two days, we can visit Lobotomy Corporation in person."

Kal'tsit studied Theresa's expression quietly for a moment before speaking. The two continued onward into Alley One's deeper streets.

---

Meanwhile, preparations for Lobotomy Corporation's interviews proceeded steadily.

An increasing number of residents began preparing for the event. Out of roughly 15,000 citizens, nearly a thousand had already committed to applying.

Despite the mounting external interest, within Lobotomy Corporation, things remained utterly calm. Everyone simply carried on with their duties, not leaking even a hint of excitement.

Skadi, who had recently joined, started extracting [EGO] for the company. Over the past two days, she'd successfully obtained the [Red Eyes EGO] from [Spider Bud], along with several more sets of [Feather of Honor] from [Firebird]. Between tasks, she'd also begun signaling her fellow Abyssal Hunter somewhere within The City.

She had received a faint response, but oddly, nothing further came of it.

Still, having established contact meant a meeting was just a matter of time. Skadi wasn't worried.

Only once or twice had she overheard some noises during the night… but when she asked X and Da'at, neither remembered anything unusual. Perhaps she'd simply dreamed it.

Regarding energy production, Obsidian had already doubled their energy output by extensively feeding [Spider Bud] with embryos produced by K Corp. Thanks to Hai and X's relentless overtime, they'd generated over 600 [PE-Boxes] in just one day. Currently, Lobotomy Corporation had about a thousand [PE-Boxes] in storage—enough to power The City for several months.

This meant they were finally ready to invest in more energy-intensive technologies.

Thus, with great anticipation from outside, and quiet composure within Lobotomy Corp, the clock slowly ticked forward. Only one day remained until the interviews.

...

Obsidian finally stepped out of his ever-unchanging little wooden hut, strolling along The City's outskirts. Opening his senses, he scanned the area carefully, his attention eventually fixing upon a certain piece of land.

Several Abnormalities wandered there.

Exhaling softly, he nodded.

"Very well, let's settle it here…"

"This will be Lobotomy Corporation's interview venue."