I'm on the Ark, and I start out as Gretchen.

Chapter 69 Muirsey and Sakura

"Hey! Why are you leaving so soon? Aren't you going to buy any candy?"

While Muirsey was still picking out candies, she looked up and noticed that someone had left, and said in surprise.

"Seriously... am I that annoying?"

Honestly, this is the first time in Muirsay's life that she has been disliked like this. Yes, disliked...

She could clearly sense that Mebius was annoyed with her, and also somewhat disgusted by her.

However, this very fact caused Muirsey, who had always been quite popular, a slight sense of frustration. After all, anyone would be unhappy and resentful to be disliked like that.

"Hmph, I'll investigate when I get back!"

After saying that, Muirsey looked down at the candies in her little basket, but in the end she didn't choose to put them back. Instead, as if trying to comfort herself, she continued to pick out more candies.

……

Once Möbius left the candy store, he didn't hesitate at all, heading straight for his own office without looking back.

After such a horrible day, she really didn't want to leave the house again anytime soon. Rather than dealing with this bunch of troublesome people, she'd rather just bury herself in the lab.

Of course, Mebius hadn't forgotten her recent speculation about Muirsey's actions, so she would make sure to lock the office door and remove any excess water from the room afterwards.

"So, Dr. Möbius, do you still need to buy candy and bubble wrap? If so, I can buy them for you."

Just as Mebius was devising a plan and had almost arrived at the Rhine Life office building, Sakura's calm question suddenly rang in her mind.

Although Sakura could have easily done such a small thing by buying the items and storing them in her space, given Mebius's personality, she decided to ask him anyway.

"...If you can buy bubble wrap and it's convenient for you, Sakura, then buy it. As for candy, it's just a non-essential item." Faced with Sakura's sudden question, Möbius paused for a moment before replying casually.

"Understood, Doctor. I'll buy you bubble wrap when I find it. As for candy, just buy the kinds Muirsey mentioned." Sakura said earnestly after listening to Möbius's words.

'Sakura, I already told you that candy is only a non-essential item!'

'Ok, I know.'

Although both spoke very frankly, how could they not know what the other was really thinking, given their mutual understanding?

It can only be said that mutual understanding is the best way to overcome stubbornness and tsundere... Otherwise, Sakura wouldn't have asked about the "non-essential" candy in the first place.

'...'

"Whatever, Sakura~ I'm going to get busy."

At this moment, Mebius sensed Sakura's thoughts, a glint of light slowly flashing in his gradient-colored snake eyes, before he responded indifferently.

As the thought in his mind subsided, Mebius put his work badge back on and walked without stopping toward the towering RheinLife office building in front of him.

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the other side--

Sakura, who was already near the candy store, shook her head slightly with a somewhat helpless expression after finishing her conversation with Mebius.

However, although Sakura didn't quite understand Snake's stubbornness or rather, her awkward personality, it didn't stop her from helping her and assisting her in completing her research tasks.

After all, at this point, regardless of who is in charge, researching a cure for Oripathy is the top priority and the task that receives the most resources.

Because, as these identities developed in various parts of this continent, they eventually formed bonds, or rather, things they wanted to protect.

On this continent, ravaged by Oripathy, wanting to protect those they cherish and save them, they tacitly prioritized finding the ore and an antidote.

Of all the characters currently unlocked, Mebius is arguably the most likely to research the ore and develop the antidote.

This is precisely why even Bianca, whose personality and values ​​clashed sharply with Möbius', did her best to support him in some ways, such as financially...

"..."

After a brief moment of contemplation, Sakura immediately changed direction and headed towards the candy store where Mebius had just left.

She plans to first purchase the necessary items for the snake before starting to investigate the various parts of the city.

The next step is to gather intelligence and then see how to infiltrate Rhine Lab's Defense Division.

Having already made up her mind and followed a certain order, Sakura didn't hesitate at all and quickly went straight into the candy store to buy candy.

However, after politely declining the enthusiastic waiter's offer, Sakura suddenly realized that she had been careless.

Although I learned the names of the candies that Muirsay recommended through Mebius, the candy store was just too big, and the variety of candies was dazzling.

Sakura looked around for a long time, her gaze sweeping over several rows of shelves, but she couldn't find the candies she wanted to buy for a while.

Just as Sakura, who was standing by the shelf, was about to give up her search and ask the clerk for help, a voice rang out beside her.

"Are you struggling to choose which candy to pick? I can give you some recommendations."

"..."

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Sakura subconsciously looked over and, unsurprisingly, saw Muelsys holding a small basket of candy with a smile on his face.

"Won't this be too much trouble for you?"

"It's alright, it's alright! I know quite a bit about candy." After hearing Sakura's words, Muirsey put down the basket in her hand, patted her chest confidently, and said.

"Then, please."

Seeing Muirsey's expression, Sakura didn't say anything to refuse, but politely agreed.

After all, she wasn't like Mebius, that stubborn guy. Since she could be of help to him, there was no harm in getting to know her and befriending her.

Of course, having learned from Mebius's previous "lesson," and given that Sakura herself wasn't particularly fastidious, she didn't use her power to clear away the Originium dust and powder around her body.

In summary, Sakura's surroundings are not as "clean" as Snake's.

However, a few months ago, before Mebius reached a conclusion, both of them would still be careful about Originium to avoid being infected.

Later, after Möbius's experiment discovered that Honkai energy could erode and devour Originium, "everyone" became less cautious.

After all, experimental studies have shown that unless their Honkai energy is depleted, Originium and Originium dust cannot enter their bodies at all.

As for why Mebius still allows a small amount of her power to overflow and cleanse the "dirt" around her body, it's simply because she wants to keep her surroundings cleaner.

P.S.: I originally said I'd only update one chapter today to salvage my terrible sleep schedule, but now I can only say it's hopeless. Going to sleep now, will update earlier tomorrow.

Chapter 70 Humble Sakura

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"Then, please."

"It's nothing! So, what kind of candy do you want to buy?" After hearing Sakura's answer, Muirsey waved his hand dismissively, nodding inwardly with satisfaction.

What happened with Mebius not long ago made Muirsay a little insecure, but now it seems... it wasn't his fault.

"Hmm...it's suitable for children."

When asked by Muirsey, Sakura thought for a moment and then answered.

"Oh, it's for children... Let me see."

With that, Muirsay clapped his hands and skillfully walked toward the other containers.

"..."

Seeing this, Sakura didn't hesitate. She picked up an empty basket and also grabbed the basket that Muirsey had "forgotten" to the side, and then followed after them.

Subsequently, the conversation between the two turned into...

"John's Mom's Orange Storm is delicious and also suitable for children!"

"Ah."

"There's also a strawberry flavor."

"Ah."

"There's also this mixed flavor, but it depends on how well the child will accept it."

"okay."

……

With Muirsey's help, Sakura bought a whole basket of candy.

"Thank you for your help. My name is Sakura, it's nice to meet you." After leaving the candy store, Sakura didn't rush to leave but politely thanked Muirsey.

"Oh, it was just a small favor. My name is Muels, and I'm very happy to be with you!" Looking at the serious-looking pink-haired girl in front of her, Muels smiled slightly and introduced herself.

However, some of Muirsay's words were not just polite remarks; for example, she said she enjoyed spending time with him.

It was indeed a pleasure to spend some time with Sakura, who humbly accepted my advice. The slight sense of frustration she felt because of Möbius had vanished without a trace.

"I originally wanted to buy a box of your favorite candies, Muelsys, as a thank-you gift, but seeing how much candy you bought, I gave up on that idea." At this point, Sakura's gaze fell on the bag of candy Muelsys was carrying, and after a pause, she continued:

"So, do you have any plans for later? My treat, let's grab something to eat later."

"Hey, this isn't really appropriate. I just picked out some candies for you." After hearing Sakura's words, Muirsey's forehead slowly broke out in a few beads of sweat, and he said somewhat embarrassedly.

Clearly, Sakura's words successfully turned the somewhat embarrassed person from themselves into Muirsey.

"Don't worry about it. You helped me, so I'm treating you to something to eat. It's just reciprocity."

"

"Besides, I also wanted to take this opportunity to have you show me around the city, Muirsey. After all, I just arrived here and don't even know what good restaurants there are."

As she spoke, Sakura gently curved the corners of her lips and returned a tender smile to Muirsey.

"So you've just arrived here? Then let me show you around!" Faced with Sakura's honesty, Muirsey was slightly taken aback, but then immediately became interested.