Arknights: Mobile City

After conveying those final words, Hai disappeared from Theresa and Kal'tsit's view.

Shortly thereafter, X's voice echoed throughout the interview grounds via the broadcast system, declaring the official end of the interview. Without much further thought, Theresa and Kal'tsit promptly set off toward Lobotomy Corporation's main area.

"Princess Theresa… Do you think the Head will agree to meet us?"

Despite Hai's encouragement, Kal'tsit couldn't hide her lingering worry as she turned to Theresa.

Theresa merely shook her head.

"I'm not sure. At this point, we can only let things take their course."

"After the interview ends, we'll take W and return to Rhodes Island."

Theresa decisively made this announcement. Kal'tsit looked up at her, slightly surprised.

"There's no real need for us to linger. The time we've been permitted to roam freely isn't that long, after all. If we delay further, who knows what sort of trouble might arise back home?"

Theresa smiled gently as she spoke, and after a moment's silence, Kal'tsit nodded in quiet agreement.

"Besides... we've already accomplished most of what we came here for. It would be a pity if we couldn't meet the Head, but it won't matter too much in the end, right?"

Theresa smiled warmly, and Kal'tsit pondered her words thoughtfully before responding.

"At the very least, we've confirmed something: The City currently faces plenty of trouble of its own. Even if the Head wanted to offer support in the Kazdel civil war, it's likely their involvement would be limited. Optimistically speaking, they'll probably remain neutral."

"Having confirmed that much, our mission can be considered at least partially successful, wouldn't you agree?"

"And besides, let's stay optimistic. Perhaps the Head might still be willing to meet one of us."

Theresa flashed Kal'tsit a brilliant smile, and Kal'tsit, unable to argue, simply sighed.

They returned together to the original interview hall within Lobotomy Corporation, where X and Da'at were already waiting. It was time for the official announcement of the new employees selected during the interview.

The first to be named was, naturally, Pero, who had already been guaranteed employment with Lobotomy Corporation. Theresa still remembered him clearly.

Thinking about him again made Theresa wonder once more—what exactly were Lobotomy Corporation's criteria for selecting their employees?

That cryptic remark Hai once made to her still occasionally lingered in her mind.

But sadly… perhaps this was one question destined to remain unanswered. Even if someone could answer it, that someone would probably have to be at the Head's level of authority.

One by one, names were announced. Theresa noticed Laurentina, the Abyssal Hunter, was also chosen. Laurentina herself appeared somewhat surprised.

The reason was simple. After parting ways with Theresa, Laurentina hadn't done anything notable before the interview ended. She hadn't anticipated being selected as an employee despite this inactivity.

Ultimately, she joined the R&D department, placed in the same division as Skadi.

Scanning the crowd, Theresa spotted W, who stood with her arms crossed, clearly annoyed. It was obvious that W was frustrated at not being able to locate Theresa earlier.

X glanced briefly at W but ultimately didn't call her name among those selected. Whether she was intentionally overlooked or simply not chosen, Theresa couldn't say.

After twenty-five names had been called, neither Theresa nor Kal'tsit had heard their own. The two exchanged glances.

Not chosen by Lobotomy Corp after all this?

"Selected applicants, please proceed into Lobotomy Corporation to receive your badges and await work assignment. Unselected applicants, please move to your left to follow staff instructions. We look forward to seeing you again at the next examination."

Da'at cleared her throat as she finished speaking. Yet, even as two separate lines formed, Da'at herself stepped away and approached Theresa and Kal'tsit directly.

Both women stopped, turning toward Da'at with curiosity.

"Is something wrong, Miss Da'at?"

"Well… I'm really sorry. Due to certain reasons, neither of you were chosen by Lobotomy Corporation—even though your capabilities more than qualified."

Da'at sounded genuinely apologetic. Theresa merely smiled reassuringly.

"It's alright. Even if we had been selected, it probably would've been difficult for us to accept. I'm sure you understand our reasons."

"Yes, of course. But the decision not to select you wasn't entirely ours."

As Da'at spoke, her expression suddenly turned serious. Noticing this, Theresa immediately straightened up, mirroring Da'at's seriousness as she stood face-to-face with her.

"I am here to convey a message from the Administrator himself."

"Princess Theresa, please prepare yourself immediately. The Head—the Administrator—has expressed his intention to meet you personally. He asked me to pass this message along."

Theresa and Kal'tsit exchanged another glance. This time, Theresa's eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

"You see," Theresa murmured softly, a faint smile playing on her lips, "what did I tell you earlier?"

...

That afternoon, Da'at walked ahead while Theresa followed behind. The young diplomat with her radiant smile moved swiftly yet leisurely.

She's quite the charismatic one, Theresa thought to herself.

Da'at possessed the sort of magnetism capable of rallying people around her effortlessly, inspiring them to strive tirelessly toward a shared goal—one that would persist long after her own death.

How enviable. Theresa wished she herself had even a fraction of that kind of charisma.

Da'at was guiding Theresa to meet the Head. As for the exact purpose of their meeting, Da'at had remained completely tight-lipped, not giving Theresa even a single hint.

As they continued their journey, Theresa noticed the surrounding buildings growing sparse, gradually replaced by a more desolate landscape. She took a deep breath, feeling Da'at's demeanor also growing increasingly solemn. Even her pace had become more measured.

Finally, a small wooden cabin appeared before them. Da'at stopped walking and turned to Theresa.

"There it is—the residence of the Head, the Administrator himself. Since I haven't received permission to accompany you, this is as far as I go."

Da'at smiled warmly at Theresa, giving a playful wink.

"Well, good luck, Princess Theresa."