Arknights: The Cycle of Light and Darkness

Li Rufeng had no choice.

As a police officer of Yan, he fully understood that he had no legal grounds to arrest a member of a neutral medical organization—especially one like Rhodes Island, which maintained close cooperation with Yan and whose personnel held extraterritorial status.

But he still had to take the risk.

As the chief inspector, he had access to far more detailed intelligence than his subordinates. He knew exactly what those "seized goods" really were.

That "thing"—the Crown Prince wanted it, and so did those who played power games in the shadows. Li Rufeng himself didn't want it—but he had no choice but to act.

Because that thing… was not something that could be traded like mere cargo.

Anyone within Yan who dared to treat that as merchandise—was guilty of dividing the nation. Of treason.

So Rhodes Island, who dared to accept such a deal—must not be forgiven.And the one behind it all—must be hunted down.

He would bring all of it before His Majesty, and let the Dragon's Wrath wipe out the shadows hiding within the court.

But first…He had to bring the man in front of him to justice.

"Regulus Harvey!""In the name of the East Capital Guard Bureau, I place you under arrest on charges of treason and plotting to divide the nation!""You have the right to remain silent—but anything you say will be used as evidence against you in court! Now surrender immediately!"

Revy gave a cold laugh.

"Blind loyalty... That's what they call someone like you, huh?—Then again, I'm probably not one to talk."

The young Sarkaz stood tall, his elite Rhodes Island uniform fluttering on its own despite the still air.

"Come on then—didn't you want to fight? Let's go!"

—Scene change—

"Revy's been in there almost twenty minutes... What's going on?"

Blue Gold muttered softly to herself.

She knew very well—if her employer really intended to, he could probably flip all of East Capital on its head.

But even then—accidents happen.

"Worried about him?"

The voice came from Platinum, who was crouched beside Blue Gold at a natural sniper's vantage point near the Guard Bureau. Though she had no real connection to Revy, Platinum wasn't particularly worried about his safety. She was far more interested in making small talk with Blue Gold.

"He's my employer. Protecting him is part of my job."

Blue Gold replied calmly.

"Wow, I really envy workaholics like you—never seem to burn out."

Platinum lazily stretched in a practiced, subtle motion—her graceful figure accentuated even in low light."I, on the other hand, used this mission as an excuse to get out and breathe a little. Couldn't stand the grind anymore."

"Once an assassin… always an assassin."

At the mention of their old organization, Blue Gold's expression darkened slightly.

"The Headless Alliance is a machine that eats people alive. From the day it was founded, how many have ever walked away unscathed? You haven't even held the title 'Platinum' that long, and already you've had enough?"

"It's not that I can't stomach killing people."

Platinum's golden eyes narrowed, her ears twitching ever so slightly.

"I'm just… tired. Especially after the 'Grand Arena Incident.'"

"That place… didn't just destroy the spirit of knighthood. It shredded what was left of humanity."

Realizing there wasn't much she could do for Revy from here, Blue Gold sighed and lowered her readied weapon, then sat beside Platinum.

"I've known for a while now—your real target isn't me."

"So tell me honestly—who is it?"

Platinum gave a wry smile.

"Knew I couldn't fool you…""Though I'm curious—how did you figure it out?"

"I'm your senior. We trained together from the very start. You think I can't read you by now?"

Blue Gold chuckled.

"You didn't lie outright—because you knew I'd see through it. That tells me you do have a target, someone connected to both me and Revy. But someone you're not confident you can handle alone."

Platinum didn't answer—she just nodded with a weary expression.

"That's why you came to me. Because the other 'Blue Gold' wouldn't help. 'Xuan Tie' is dead. One of the others retired early. The last is still training recruits at the Shadow Arrow Academy and won't leave easily. I'm the only Blue Gold left who might agree."

"Nailed it. I shouldn't be surprised."

Platinum smiled weakly."You've always been more than just fast with a blade."

Blue Gold gave a sly grin.

"So—who is the target?"

"…Margaret Nearl. Familiar name?"

"The Radiant Knight?"

Blue Gold's eyes narrowed instantly. Then she shook her head.

"You can't win. Not even with a sneak attack. Even if I joined you, we still probably couldn't pull it off. The Council's really sending you to die this soon?"

"She's a thorn in their side."

Platinum sighed quietly.

"One Radiant Knight threatens their entire narrative. There can be more Platinums—but there's only one Nearl. If she dies, great. If not—then they'll just send the next Platinum to finish the job. It doesn't matter."

"Damn that Council."Blue Gold cursed bitterly."My advice? Don't go. You'd just be throwing yourself away."

"I know…"

Platinum leaned back, folding her arms behind her head and lying down slowly.

"It's not like the mission has a deadline. I can take my time."

"…Maybe I'll even stop by Rhodes Island and have a look around."

—Scene change—

If Blue Gold had been able to see inside the Guard Bureau, she definitely wouldn't be chatting so calmly.

Because right now, the atmosphere inside the detention room had completely changed.

No—calling it tense wasn't enough.

The situation had reached a breaking point.

Why?

Because Revy was currently being lifted off the ground by his throat—both of Li Rufeng's hands clamped around his neck.

"I'll ask you one last time, Regulus Harvey!"

The black-and-white figure—like an ancient iron-eating beast from Ursus lore—stood snarling in front of him.

This was Li Rufeng, the Chief of the East Capital Guard Bureau. His face had gone completely dark with fury.

"The so-called 'cargo!' The Rhodes Island 'transaction!' What… is the truth?!"