Arknights: Mobile City

That same afternoon, Theresa and Kal'tsit visited K Corp. As business partners, they received a warm welcome.

However, this time, they didn't get the chance to meet Heal.

According to K Corp personnel, Heal had already headed over to Lobotomy Corporation to oversee their interview process. Their boss often behaved this way—enthusiastically involving himself in trivial matters unrelated to his own company, purely out of curiosity…

Seeing there was no chance to meet Heal today, Kal'tsit and Theresa returned to their lodgings without pressing further. Neither was particularly worried; since Heal was already at Lobotomy Corp, they'd surely see her tomorrow during the interview.

Indeed, Theresa and Kal'tsit had decided to participate in the interview themselves—though truthfully, it was mostly Theresa's idea.

Their main goal was still to observe The City firsthand. The situation itself wasn't that important; besides, perhaps something unexpected might happen?

With this thought, the two returned home, resting and replenishing their energy until the next day arrived.

And soon enough, the day of Lobotomy Corporation's interview began.

...

"So many people..."

Following the flow of applicants, Theresa reached Lobotomy Corporation's location. Observing the scene before her, she couldn't help but marvel quietly.

Stretching out before them was the expansive waiting area designated by Lobotomy Corp. Behind them stretched a line of more than seven hundred people. Inside the waiting hall itself, at least a hundred were already packed closely together. Fortunately, they had arrived relatively early, securing a spot within the waiting area. The line extended far back, a long, impressive dragon of hopeful applicants.

At the center of the waiting area sat three figures. Theresa lifted her gaze toward them—they were undoubtedly today's interviewers.

X, Da'at, and Heal.

Skadi wasn't present, still occupied with overtime duties extracting [EGO].

Beside Theresa, Kal'tsit also surveyed the surroundings, though unlike Theresa's casual wonder, her eyes subtly examined details of their environment. Looking down thoughtfully at the ground, she furrowed her brow.

"What is it, Kal'tsit?" Theresa asked quietly, noticing Kal'tsit's odd expression.

Exhaling softly, Kal'tsit raised her head.

"Your Highness, do you feel…as if your body is constantly recovering here?"

"Hmm… now that you mention it, I do sense something like that. Is this…[Panacea]?"

Theresa's pupils constricted slightly as realization struck her. Kal'tsit gave a subtle nod, affirming Theresa's guess.

"The ground beneath our feet is constantly healing us," Kal'tsit stated gravely. "And the effect closely resembles the [Panacea] we recently received from our trade…"

"..."

"I suspect they've created a reactor using [Panacea] directly. By doing this, they're passively healing everyone standing here."

Kal'tsit sighed after she finished, leaving Theresa momentarily speechless.

They had come intending merely to see how far The City had developed…but just stepping foot onto Lobotomy Corporation's territory had given them a stunning revelation.

Using—no, more accurately, squandering—[Panacea] this lavishly… exactly how enormous was their production surplus?

If this was only a fraction of what The City was capable of, just how vast was its true power?

Both silently pondered these thoughts.

Their casual strolls around The City these past few days had yielded limited insights. For instance, they had yet to encounter The City's top-tier fighters. Yet based solely on the astonishing scene unfolding before their eyes, Theresa had already reached one clear conclusion:

The City unquestionably held power capable of decisively influencing Kazdel's civil war.

The only uncertainty was whether they intended to wield that power or not.

While they contemplated, the line moved steadily ahead. Soon enough, it was Theresa and Kal'tsit's turn. With their appearances and aura discreetly disguised, the two approached Heal, X, and Da'at, meeting their scrutinizing gazes calmly.

Yet the moment Heal saw them, a playful smile danced across her lips. Leaning towards Da'at, she whispered briefly. Da'at nodded repeatedly, then asked Theresa and Kal'tsit only a few cursory questions before calling forward the next applicant.

And just like that, Theresa and Kal'tsit stepped out of line. Once clear of the crowd, Kal'tsit finally spoke, her voice quiet and cautious:

"Your Highness…I suspect that Miss Heal recognized us."

"Disguises aren't foolproof after all. And it's not just suspicion—it's practically certain."

Kal'tsit had barely finished speaking when a cheerful voice suddenly sounded from behind them. Her pupils sharply constricted as she swiftly turned around. Behind them stood Heal, smiling faintly as though she'd always been there.

"Hello again, Lord Kal'tsit… and you, Your Highness Theresa. Though this is the first time we've officially met, I apologize for greeting you in such humble surroundings."

Heal spoke warmly, her smile never wavering.

"Hello…though more than anything, I'm curious about how you saw through our disguises," Kal'tsit replied coolly.

Heal chuckled softly.

"Because this is The City. While I don't claim to be omniscient, within this domain, no one can hide from me."

A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she continued:

"But since it's rare to see old acquaintances again, let's set aside trivial matters. You've had your chance to ask questions—now it's my turn."

Kal'tsit and Theresa exchanged wary glances, mentally preparing themselves for Heal's next words.

"Why exactly have you two come to The City?"

They exchanged another meaningful glance. Kal'tsit's eyes silently asked Theresa if she could discern Heal's thoughts, but Theresa simply shook her head.

I can read something, but not clearly. It's chaotic—too chaotic to be just one person's mind. The interference is overwhelming, making it impossible to pinpoint even a single emotion.

Kal'tsit turned away slightly, visibly debating whether to answer honestly. But as she hesitated, Heal sighed lightly.

"You don't need to say anything—I can already guess. The civil war in Kazdel isn't finished, and you've come here to ascertain The City's stance, correct?"

Heal paused briefly, raising her head with a sly grin.

"But perhaps there's another reason you're here…"

"Would you like to meet The City's leader?"