I'm playing Frostpunk in Arknights

Alina understood that ensuring everyone's survival was the top priority.

But as a teacher, her training had taught her to be honest with people and to give them the right to choose, especially when it came to life-and-death matters.

Wang Zhan appreciated this professional ethic, but unfortunately, he didn't hold himself to such high moral standards.

Survival first. Everything else could wait.

The energy tower might not be able to withstand the storm, but without enough manpower, survival was absolutely out of the question. He needed the strength of the Infected, and the Infected needed to unite under the energy tower. Only then would survival be possible.

Revealing the truth might earn temporary moral high ground, but the ensuing chaos could harm everyone involved. It would be a futile effort.

"Have you made your decision?"

"Yes, we'll conceal the truth, Alina."

Alina didn't seem disappointed. She simply nodded. "Understood."

Her lack of questions surprised Wang Zhan. Was she bottling everything up?

"You should speak your mind if you have concerns. Don't keep it to yourself and brood over it at night." If he weren't behind a screen, Wang Zhan would have patted her shoulder.

Was he still stuck in his old managerial habits?

"Don't worry. I won't overthink it," Alina replied cheerfully, easing Wang Zhan's concerns. "And I'll try not to stay up late anymore."

"Good," Wang Zhan said, glancing at his phone. It was almost 3 a.m. "I'm going to rest."

"Alright. Sweet dreams."

At 5 a.m., Talulah woke up. She threw off the warm blanket and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Picking up her old clothes from a nearby chair, she dressed swiftly and expertly.

Her body felt weak—probably because the bed was too soft and unfamiliar. The tent was warm, and she'd spent the night sweating profusely.

But the sleep had been satisfying.

Across the room, Alina slept soundly, a faint smile gracing her lips. Clearly, her work with the energy tower was fulfilling and smooth.

Stretching lazily, Talulah packed her bag, grabbed her sword, and stepped out of the tent.

Walking past the rumbling energy tower and exiting through the canyon's northern edge led to a birch forest where Enli and his group hunted.

Since the mobile city was far away, Talulah decided to leave early and deal with Enli on the way.

She needed answers.

"Enli!"

Enli flinched. Was someone calling his name? Was it... his late wife?

"Your steps are too light," Sasha said, walking behind him with a crossbow in hand. "You're losing focus after working so long. Why not rest like the others and take turns?"

"I'm the leader," Enli replied, stumbling through the snow. "I can't rest... They need me! Even though it was my fault they were punished in the first place."

Sasha said nothing. If Enli insisted, there was nothing more to say.

Humans are strange creatures, prone to foolishness in certain matters.

"Enli!"

"Damn it, I'm doomed," Enli muttered, wiping his tears. "Brothers, my wife's come for me!"

"What nonsense are you spouting?!"

A harsh scolding snapped Enli out of it. He turned to see the fiery Drak standing on the other side of the forest. Her golden eyes were terrifying—were those really the eyes of an Ursus native?

"Enli, I'm asking you," Talulah strode toward him. He glanced around, but Sasha had already disappeared.

"Why did you harm Alina?!"

The snow beneath her feet melted away!

Enli dropped to his knees instinctively. Perhaps it was his exhaustion, but he blacked out for a moment before regaining consciousness.

"Talulah!"

Enli shouted desperately. Talulah, startled by his outburst, rested her hand on her sword.

"I'm listening. Speak!"

"You told us we wouldn't starve!"

"Failing to keep that promise is my fault," Talulah admitted, frowning deeply. Despite her anger, she remained rational. "But that doesn't justify harming Alina!"

"I know! I know!" Enli cried out, as if shouting was the only way to pacify Talulah's rage. "But we hadn't eaten since leaving the guerrillas."

"Alina refused to give up the fruit she had, so we had no choice but to..."

Was that really the truth?

Was hunger the reason he decided to harm Alina?

No. If Alina had insisted on protecting the fruit—Talulah realized the energy tower would know the truth, but for now, she could test Enli.

"Tell the truth, Enli!" Talulah unsheathed her sword, its edge glowing red-hot. The air crackled as it heated, making Enli's ears ring.

"I am telling the truth!"

The fiery blade illuminated the birch forest, staining the snow crimson. Enli stared dumbly at the firelight, captivated by the sight of Talulah's blazing eyes.

He thought he could hear his wife calling him.

"Haha! She's with the guerrillas! She... ugh..."

And that was it—he'd be meeting his old lady soon.

The blade's heat singed the snow, filling the air with the scent of burning wood. Sparks traced the sword's arc, leaving a warmth that even the chilling wind couldn't dispel.

Talulah sheathed her sword. "So, you really did try to kill Alina!"

Enli let out a bitter laugh, collapsing onto the snow as he sobbed uncontrollably.

Days of grueling labor had pushed Enli's body to its limits. Talulah debated whether to report this to the energy tower. If he worked another day, he might really die.

Never mind.

He had already faced judgment and tasted its bitterness.

"Sasha, tell the energy tower that Enli is at his breaking point from overwork."

Sasha stepped out from behind a birch tree, nodding to show he understood.

"Go apologize to Alina," Talulah said. With the energy tower watching, Enli wouldn't dare act up again. "The energy tower has chosen not to reveal your crimes, so I won't pursue this further either."

"But remember, if you cause trouble again," Talulah said, walking past him, "you'll die by my sword."

Sasha finally relaxed. Thankfully, Talulah had only come to question Enli.

"Sasha, why are you out here with Enli?"

Talulah stood before him, bending down to gently caress his rough face. Her eyes held a trace of pity. "It's so cold. Go back under the energy tower where it's warm."

"I understand, Talulah."

"Make sure to tell Alina about this. You can't hide it from her."

Sasha and Eno were children Talulah had picked up after a mission.

"Sigh. Poor kids."