Arknights: Mobile City

When Kal'tsit voiced her idea, Theresa paused, momentarily stunned.

"That creature won't be easy to handle, will it?"

Theresa spoke with a resigned smile, adding softly, "And besides, that Mr. Hai merely reported the issue to his superior. It doesn't necessarily mean that the Head will handle this matter personally."

"My guess is, they'll end up delegating it to someone lower-ranking."

Hearing this, Kal'tsit nodded noncommittally.

"Still, it remains an opportunity," Kal'tsit finally concluded. Of course, Theresa understood—Kal'tsit was leaving the decision up to her.

Should they take this chance, even with its uncertain odds?

Theresa pondered silently, carefully weighing the risks and rewards. She couldn't fully gauge the power of [Nothing There], but based on Kal'tsit's description of Hai's reactions, the entity was undoubtedly stronger than even Hai…

Or perhaps, Hai had withdrawn merely because it would be too troublesome a battle.

"Still, the Head would probably take at least some action... Even if not personally, they might send someone else."

Theresa finished her considerations, finally raising her eyes to meet Kal'tsit's gaze.

"We can try. But if things start going wrong, we immediately retreat. Preparations for retreat must come before the battle."

---

Inside the small wooden house, Obsidian silently withdrew his consciousness.

How exactly should The City handle an ALEPH-level Abnormality?

Good question.

Obsidian himself wanted to know.

Because the answer was—it couldn't, at least not now.

Don Quixote might have the capability to fight an ALEPH-level Abnormality, but [Nothing There] was considered difficult even among ALEPH classes.

It was a growth-type Abnormality, akin to a swarm that evolved rapidly in response to damage and threats… Obsidian had long suspected that, in the original setting, [Nothing There's] growth had been limited by the [Qliphoth Deterrence], hence why it only had three distinct evolutionary forms.

Don Quixote's attacks would largely prove ineffective against [Nothing There], as the creature was immune to physical attacks. Furthermore, Don Quixote's current battle prowess might not even be at his peak…

Therefore, Obsidian wouldn't gamble. He dared not send Don Quixote directly into combat. If he failed and instead became fuel for [Nothing There's] initial evolution, the situation would only worsen drastically.

Thus, after consideration, Obsidian's decision was to lure [Nothing There] away.

He planned to remove it from The City's vicinity, containing it as best he could, much like when they first dealt with [Food Chain], guiding it as far away as possible.

Once The City's strength gradually caught up, then they could reconsider how to properly deal with [Nothing There].

Therefore, Hai had intentionally said he'd "reported it to the Head," specifically for Kal'tsit's ears. Obsidian was well aware Kal'tsit would likely propose the idea to Theresa about confronting [Nothing There] directly.

As for whether they could win… well, that wasn't his problem to solve.

Even the legendary Six Heroes of Sarkaz would be questionable in their ability to meaningfully harm [Nothing There]. Immune to physical damage and possessing highly efficient regeneration, Theresa's output would, by Obsidian's estimation, likely be similar to Don Quixote's. But to actually kill [Nothing There]…

Calling it merely difficult would be an understatement—perhaps one should say people need dreams.

Thus, attracting Kal'tsit and Theresa served merely to secure additional supportive strength. Obsidian required some help from Theresa to execute his plan.

Kal'tsit? Merely a bonus, a small margin for error.

After dispersing his consciousness, Obsidian had Pioneer temporarily remove the prosthetic limb and quickly hand it to Hai. He exhaled deeply.

"Now... it's time to officially deal with this."

---

After making their final decision, Theresa and Kal'tsit headed towards the location where [Nothing There] was first sighted. Laurentina, upon hearing Kal'tsit's description, carefully considered before ultimately deciding to part ways.

If even Hai was cautious about this entity, she certainly wasn't going to press her luck.

Though she intended to join Lobotomy Corporation, there was no need to be stubborn on this matter.

In the end, it was only Theresa and Kal'tsit who went to investigate [Nothing There].

"It should be around here."

After walking a considerable distance, Theresa expanded her senses. Upon detecting that familiar emptiness, she narrowed her eyes.

Her gaze settled in a distant direction, pinpointing the familiar sensation emanating from there.

Cautiously, Theresa and Kal'tsit approached, soon catching sight of the familiar stiff figure…

The glow stick in its hand had vanished, and its movements seemed slightly smoother. Just as the pair held their breaths in tension, Theresa suddenly sensed another presence approaching from behind—a presence with emotions, chaotic and almost unknowable.

Instantly recognizing the implications, Theresa quickly turned around. Unsurprisingly, she saw Hai approaching them slowly from a distance.

Kal'tsit, turning around as well, showed mild surprise upon spotting Hai.

"Why are you still here?" Kal'tsit asked softly, aware of the wandering [Nothing There] behind her.

"After reporting to the Head, they assessed the issue as not severe enough to require higher intervention. Thus, the matter ultimately returned to me."

Hai explained, slowly approaching them, his eyes settling calmly on the two women.

"As for you two… I should ask why you haven't left yet."

"Because—" Kal'tsit started, but Hai shook his head lightly, cutting her off.

"Never mind. No need to explain. You want to see if it's possible to deal with [Nothing There] yourselves, right?"

Before Kal'tsit could respond, Theresa nodded firmly in her place.

Hai's eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke again:

"In that case, there's something I must communicate clearly..."

"According to the final decision, this mission has been graded as 'Star of the City.' Our objective isn't elimination but containment—to lure [Nothing There] further into The Outskirts."

"If you intend to help, please follow my orders closely."

After listening, Kal'tsit raised her head, subconsciously voicing a question:

"So The City's method for handling such a monster is simply to exile it into oblivion?"