Arknights: The Cycle of Light and Darkness

"It seems my people didn't properly entertain Mr. Regulus."

When Revy pushed open the door, carrying the unconscious long-robed man, a dragon-race youth was smiling at him while drinking tea, seemingly having anticipated his arrival.

"I'm not very fond of uninvited 'invitations'," Revy said, a smile on his face but no warmth in his eyes. "And I especially dislike being treated as a pawn, ordered around. The First Prince threatening me with my friends is not a wise move."

"How can you call it a threat? It's merely... a necessary means to ensure Mr. Reguluss's presence."

The First Prince set down his teacup and gently clapped his hands. From the shadows, a guard suddenly appeared and placed a small stool beside the tea table.

"Please, have a seat, Mr. Reguluss. We can have a good talk."

Revy looked coldly at the position of the stool.

"This position, in Yan's terms, is a 'subordinate's seat' to the main seat. The First Prince and I are not that close, nor do I intend to bow down to you."

The dragon-race youth froze for a second, then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, Mr. Reguluss is truly interesting—someone, move the seat directly opposite. I need to discuss serious matters with Mr. Reguluss."

Revy did not move until the attendant placed the seat directly opposite the dragon-race youth. Only then did he sit down with an imposing manner.

"As you can see, I am the Great Yan Imperial Kingdom's First Prince, Ao Jue—since you recognize me, you naturally understand why I am here, correct?"

Revy chuckled lightly.

"Who you are is not important to me. Let alone you, even if your old man came here, I still wouldn't bow to him."

Ao Jue's brows furrowed slightly.

"This is Great Yan territory. When discussing my Father King, Mr. must be more careful. Don't you know that 'misfortune comes from the mouth'?"

"Don't give me that," Revy scoffed, shaking his head. "Even you and your Father King aren't of one mind. Finding me is nothing more than wanting to get the 'Seventh Prince' from the Willow Gang, which is in my hands."

"Indeed, you've already obtained a part of my imperial brother ahead of me."

The First Prince took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled. "I'm curious, is the part held by Director Li now also in your hands?"

Revy shook his head.

"I can't get it, but you might not either—that old Ursus is stubborn."

"Mr. Reguluss cannot get it, but that doesn't mean I cannot."

The First Prince seemed very confident that his methods would work on Li Rufeng, showing no signs of worry. "Now... may I ask Mr. Reguluss to hand over the portion of my 'imperial brother' you possess?"

"Oh? Weren't we going to chat? Are we already getting down to business?"

Revy narrowed his eyes, leaning back slightly, his back barely touching the chair. "Shouldn't negotiations begin with talk of promotion, riches, beautiful women, and a life of carefree abundance?"

Ao Jue shook his head.

"I believe, Mr. Reguluss, you may have misunderstood something."

"I respect you because you are a Calamity Messenger who has repeatedly saved Yan's mobile cities. But frankly, you are still just a Calamity Messenger. Even with the 'Rhodes Island' title, in my eyes, you are still worthless."

The dragon-race youth put down his teacup and stood tall. "To have spoken these few words with you is already a great favor—please, sir, do not be ungrateful and waste Ao Jue's good intentions."

Revy scoffed, shaking his head.

"Of course—you are a high and mighty Prince. If you didn't have sufficient strength, who would catch your eye? In your opinion, should I meekly offer the 'Seventh Prince' in my hand and then wag my tail in supplication?"

Ao Jue smiled without speaking, seemingly deeming even a nod unnecessary.

"...You want what I have. At the very least, you should show some basic sincerity, right? For example—my friends?"

Revy spread his hands. He might not care about walking into a trap like this, but he couldn't abandon Qingjin and Platinum, who were in danger because of him.

Ao Jue tilted his head.

"Alas... why make me say it, Mr. Reguluss?"

"—Since they knew part of the truth behind the transaction, how could I let them live? Your question, Sir, is a foolish one."

— — — — Divider — — — —

Time reversed to 20 minutes earlier.

"So, after this job, I should have enough money saved up, right? Then, I'll go into hiding and enjoy my secluded life."

Qingjin looked at the sky before her with some emotion. Yan's sky was very blue, much more beautiful than the heavily industrialized Kazimierz.

Perhaps, in the future, she could consider... living here.

"You're not planning to treat your illness?"

Platinum's beautiful brows furrowed, and she spoke with concern: "Oripathy is no joke. If you keep suppressing it without treatment, it will take your life."

"And treating it won't take my life? It's just lingering a bit longer," Qingjin scoffed with a self-deprecating smile. "Besides, I wasn't planning on living that long anyway. If I can have some time to live the life I want, I'll die with no regrets."

"Reguluss Harvey, isn't he from Rhodes Island? If you ask him... couldn't he..."

"I don't intend to owe anyone a favor—this time, it's already an exception to repay a past debt," Qingjin sighed. "Treatment costs a lot of money. I'd not only owe that man a favor, but also Rhodes Island a favor, and that's not worth it."

"But—"

Platinum was about to say more, but suddenly fell silent. At the same time, the ears on her head twitched slightly.

"Hey—I say—"

"I know."

Qingjin, who had just been lying on the ground relaxing, had somehow already stood up, simultaneously drawing her bow and nocking an arrow.

"It seems... we're in trouble."