System Acting Zhongli in Arknights World?

Bang! Bang!

"We can't do it, chief! We can't break through!" several special forces officers shouted as they struggled to drill into the blood-red dome using every tool they had.

Despite their efforts, the wall remained unscathed—completely impervious to their assault. Not a single scratch.

Clang!

Chen slashed at it with her sword a few times, but when she noticed the blade beginning to chip, she reluctantly stopped.

"Damn it... What kind of technology is this?" she muttered in frustration, staring at the massive dome that covered over half the street and nearly a quarter of the surrounding area.

She was deeply worried about the civilians trapped inside. Although the dome made it hard to see in, she could still make out the surroundings faintly. Oddly, there wasn't a single person in sight—just four or five cars abandoned in the middle of the road, their doors flung open as if the drivers had fled from something terrifying.

Then Yuxia spoke up.

"It's not technology... it's a type of magical artifact."

"You recognize it?" Chen asked, glancing over at Yuxia, who was intently examining the dome.

"Yes... I've seen things like this a few times," Yuxia nodded, eyes still fixed on the structure.

"Then tell me how to destroy it," Chen demanded, her tone commanding. But Yuxia's eyes turned cold as she looked at her.

"Don't you think it's a little rude to ask me to explain without even telling me what the hell is going on here?"

"..." Chen went silent for a moment before signaling to Officer Han, who quickly approached and began briefing Yuxia on the current situation.

He explained about the Thanis group and the Crimson Troupe—how they had kidnapped Sora, a Penguin Logistics employee and Ren's colleague.

Yuxia's face flashed with surprise. She glanced toward the Oni gang, where Ren was speaking intensely with Hoshiguma. It seemed like he was negotiating something. Yuxia felt a small sense of relief—despite the chaos, Ren was still composed and thinking of her deal.

'Looks like I'll need to reveal a card or two to gain some favor...'

Yuxia's face turned serious.

"I've seen artifacts like this before. They're ancient objects with similar power to this dome—although much weaker. I think this one is the real thing, and the others were just replicas. My father used to receive these for appraisal and even kept some at home, so I've interacted with them often. While each artifact differs, they all share one trait: they respond only to individuals with the blood of the Gaul Empire. That's why they're called 'Treasures of Gaul.'"

"Treasures of Gaul...?" Chen murmured. She had heard that name before—and not just her. Anyone with a basic university education in Terra's history would've come across the Gaul Empire.

Once hailed as the center of Terra, the Gaul Empire was the most powerful nation on the continent until its mysterious collapse decades ago. Known for its unmatched technology and military, it was wiped out in mere months due to poor decisions and the disappearance of Emperor Corsica I.

The real blow, however, came from the alliance of three superpowers—Ursus, Victoria, and Leithanien—which led to Gaul's total destruction and erasure from history.

That event became one of Terra's most infamous: "The War of Four Emperors." Chen had always found the name laughable. Four emperors? More like three nations ganging up on one. It should've been called the "Pack Hunt War."

"Then how do you know only Gaulians can activate those artifacts? If I remember correctly... the Gaul survivors mostly relocated to Columbia or migrated west."

"You're kind of dense, aren't you? Don't you know the Crimson Troupe was founded by Gaulians?"

"What?!" Not only Chen, but even Officer Han, their intel specialist, was stunned.

"Well, I guess it's not that surprising you didn't know. The Crimson Troupe has existed for centuries—since the early days of the Gaul Empire. Legend says their leader is related to the Gaul royal family and is possibly an immortal being, like a god or guardian. Sounds like a fairy tale, I know, but there are reliable records suggesting it might be true. They originally performed exclusively for royalty. But after Emperor Corsica I disappeared, they became nomads and eventually mercenaries based near Gaul's former border—which is now Victoria's frontier."

"Since they're based near Victoria, they often pass through Victoria and Leithanien. So it's not surprising there are rumors that they're seeking revenge on those two countries—former allies of Gaul. But another rumor says they're searching for the body of Emperor Corsica I or any royal descendant, hoping to restore the Gaul Empire."

"...Where did you get all this intel?" Chen asked, stunned. She knew Yuxia had a reputation as a bookworm, but this level of knowledge was another thing entirely.

"Just a few bits of info from my personal sources. I wasn't called the Rat King's daughter just because of someone's reputation, unlike certain people," she said pointedly.

Chen rolled her eyes—she was getting used to Yuxia's jabs.

"Alright, fine. You're smart, happy now? So how do we destroy that damn dome?"

"Most ancient artifacts have a weakness—they can be broken by another artifact of stronger magical power. In other words... just hit it hard enough with something more powerful."

Yuxia's eyes turned to the red sword strapped to Chen's back.

"Your Chi Xiao is also an artifact—from the Yan Kingdom. Try striking the dome with it. It might be enough to cut through and get us in."

"..."

Chen flinched. Her face went pale as she instinctively gripped the red sword behind her.

"What's wrong? Don't tell me you can't use it," Yuxia smirked knowingly.

"I can use it!" Chen snapped, furious.

She drew Chi Xiao and gripped it tightly with both hands.

"Everyone back away!" she ordered.

All officers immediately complied—Yuxia included.

As Chen began to draw the blade, a crimson aura surged around her. The sword slid halfway from its sheath, and a sudden gale burst forth with a shrill metallic whoosh.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The blood dome, struck by the wave of energy, was torn in multiple places. The special forces cheered.

"It's working!"

"Sir Chen is amazing!"

But just as their excitement peaked, the winds stopped—and the dome began to seal itself up again.

"Huh...? What happened?"

They turned to Chen—only to see her drenched in sweat, hands trembling uncontrollably on the sword, which she quickly sheathed before collapsing to her knees.

"Chief!" Officer Han rushed to her side, but she raised her hand to stop him.

"I... I'm fine."

"Yeah, right. You're totally fine—except you obviously can't control that sword," Yuxia said bluntly. Chen was too exhausted to argue, grinding her teeth in silence.

At that moment, both women noticed Ren running toward them.

"What happened?!" he asked urgently, with Hoshiguma following behind.

"It's nothing. Just that someone here made a mistake," Yuxia said coldly. "How's the situation on your side?"

Ren looked to Hoshiguma and replied,

"I made a deal with her. She'll take care of the Thanis in exchange for the favor I promised to Master Wei."

Of course, that meant giving Hoshiguma official Lungmen residency for her and her crew—a small matter for the city's top brass.

"You're planning to ask that old man for the reward she wants?" Chen asked, surprised.

Ren nodded.

"If it means saving my colleague, it's worth it."

Both Hoshiguma and Yuxia smiled faintly.

"Impressive... Still, we have a problem. No one can break into that dome unless we find a stronger artifact," Yuxia said, pointing at it.

"Destroy it...?" Ren repeated, then stepped closer and reached out to touch it.

His hand passed right through. There was no resistance—like it wasn't even there.

"..." Ren blinked rapidly before turning to look behind him with a confused expression.

He saw the faces of Chen and all the special agents staring at him as if they had seen a ghost.

Ren decided to try walking into the dome—and found that his body passed through the blood-red dome with ease...

"Uh... there's nothing wrong with this dome, is there?"Ren said While everyone else was still in shock, only Yuxia wore a look of surprise that soon shifted into seriousness, as if she had realized something.

'Could he be...'

-----------------

MyPatreon : patreon.com/TrueAngel?

Check Collections

Now : (ZAW)System Acting Zhongli in arknights World? (Now Chapter 59)

Now : (INSL) I Never thought simulating life could screw me up this badly!! (Now Chapter 68)

Now : (POA) Prince of Angels in Arknights (Now Chapter 46)

Now : (RBT) Reincarnated as a Blood Demon on Terra? I've Hit the Jackpot! (Now Chapter 83)

Now : (VIA) Viego in Arknights (ฺNow Chapter 83)

Now : (ADE) Arknights Die Early (Now Chapter 42)

--------

Coming soon : (ZAW)Texas Character Relationship Content (4 Chapter) (Now Chapter 1)

Coming soon : (ZAW)Exusia Character Relationship Content (4 Chapter)

Coming soon : (ZAW)Lapland Character Relationship Content (4 Chapter) (Now Chapter 1)