Arknights: Mobile City

After Theresa finished speaking, she looked intently at Obsidian, whose expression remained composed as he gazed back at her.

"The City's current population is small, and it's temporarily anchored near Kazdel. Surely, Kazdel's civil war is hindering The City's growth, isn't it?"

Theresa articulated her thoughts carefully, trying to clearly present the logic she'd convinced herself of:

"If that's the case, then I imagine The City would prefer Kazdel's civil war to end quickly?"

"…I understand what you're getting at, Miss Theresa. Certainly, The City would like the war in Kazdel to end. However, from our perspective, we have no need to favor any particular side. Wars naturally conclude on their own, and besides—we're merchants. Merchants thrive during wartime."

Obsidian studied Theresa quietly, then added gently after a pause:

"So, you can let go of your other unrealistic hope—that The City might suddenly side with Rhodes Island."

"Unless, of course, ending the war in Kazdel would ultimately grant The City even greater profits, isn't that right?"

Theresa's eyes flashed as she quickly seized this angle, speaking urgently.

Obsidian's expression grew slightly more serious at this, though soon after, he nodded approvingly.

"You see things quite clearly."

"…Then there's not much more The City can gain from Kazdel as it currently stands. Kazdel is already impoverished, and the continuous war has only exacerbated that poverty. It's becoming increasingly difficult to make profits from a war-torn Kazdel."

"Even on my brother's side, while the Military Commission could gain temporary wealth through plundering…that won't last long either, will it?"

Theresa let out a breath, meeting Obsidian's gaze again and continuing swiftly:

"But a unified Kazdel would be different."

"For The City, a unified Kazdel would be ripe with opportunities—it's a long-term investment. By helping rebuild Kazdel, The City could dominate key sectors: medicine, energy, equipment…there would be countless opportunities for profit."

"Compared to a country drained dry by war, wouldn't a nation with future growth potential provide The City with far greater returns?"

Having said everything in one go, Theresa looked anxiously at Obsidian.

She still couldn't sense any emotion from him.

It was as if he remained an unreadable knot, completely inscrutable…

She couldn't gauge how convincing her words had been, but she had to gamble on this.

Kazdel wouldn't last much longer. Theresa genuinely wished for the war's end, so Kazdel could finally develop. Without a mediator, though, that seemed impossible.

Yet…The City had the potential to become that mediator.

Its unimaginable resources alone were enough to tip the balance.

If any power could shift this stalemate…it was undoubtedly The City.

This was exactly why Theresa had been so determined to draw The City in. On one hand, rebuilding Kazdel would be far simpler with The City's assistance; on the other, The City had the greatest potential to finally end Kazdel's civil war.

Obsidian remained silent, seemingly deep in thought.

"Kazdel's population is large enough as well. Doesn't The City also need further growth? I imagine your population has reached a bottleneck."

"Kazdel's population could help accelerate The City's development."

Finally, hearing those words, Obsidian felt a wave of relief.

There it is! You finally said it. I've been waiting so long just to hear you say that!

Obsidian had worried about The City's severe population shortage for quite some time. Theresa's suggestion was nothing short of a timely rain in a long drought!

Without enough people, how could he keep relying on his "people-oriented" management style?

"You've certainly made a compelling argument."

Obsidian kept his expression neutral, calmly continuing, "In that case, what sort of future do you envision? A peaceful Kazdel? Or Rhodes Island's victory over the Military Commission?"

"…"

Theresa fell silent instinctively, but then quietly responded without thinking:

"I want a Kazdel that…can be a true home."

"A Kazdel filled with possibilities."

Obsidian tapped gently on the table, standing up slowly, then addressed Theresa seriously:

"I can grant you that—but at a price. Afterward, your memories of what you're about to witness will be erased, leaving only vague impressions behind. And once you accept, there's no turning back."

"Memory…erasure? Witness what?"

"I'll show you Kazdel's possibilities."

"Do you accept?"

Theresa hesitated briefly, her thoughts scattered. Eventually, she seemed to come to a decision. After a long silence, she slowly nodded.

"I…I accept."

"Then follow me. I'll show you this glimpse of possibility."

Obsidian guided Theresa deeper inside. Soon, she saw an enormous [Memory Incinerator], beneath which was…

A well?

In Obsidian's hand, without her noticing, he was already holding an [Identity Extraction Ticket] and several threads.

This was a new way he'd discovered to use The [Well].

It allowed observation of different possibilities. Simply dropping an [Identity Extraction Ticket] and a thread into The [Well] revealed alternate versions of reality.

This made pinpointing specific Identities far easier. Obsidian could now conveniently pick out powerful Identities from these possible worlds.

And now…

"I will show you a possibility that belongs to you."

Obsidian spoke softly, dropping the items into The [Well]. Theresa watched, confused, until suddenly countless chains emerged from the well, surrounding numerous shards like fragmented mirrors.

Each shard shimmered brilliantly, reflecting scenes from countless different stories and worlds…

Theresa became mesmerized by one particular mirror shard. Within it, she stood side-by-side with Theresis atop a high vantage point, gazing out over a prosperous Kazdel cityscape…

"Oh, so it's this possibility?"

Obsidian raised an eyebrow, amused.

A possibility called "The Dual Kings of Kazdel."

Hmm…I wonder if there's any particularly useful Identity here?

As rabbit-brain gradually took over Obsidian's mind, this was the idle thought that filled his head.