Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

This also made Noah more determined. Even a genius like Kristen has a human side and will always have weaknesses, or the possibility of being persuaded.

Who says geniuses don’t have emotions?

If she really didn't care, then why did she retain Saria's position as the director of the security department, why didn't she approve Saria's resignation report, and why did she make a promise to Muirseth?

Beneath her seemingly indifferent exterior, she still had the turbulent emotions of an ordinary person.

But in most cases, she seemed to be forced to restrain these things and never show them.

She is the chief commander, but also a human being.

He is the founder of Rhine Life and a member of Rhine Life.

Noah firmly believed that one day, they would be able to open their hearts to each other and have an intimate chat with Muirseth.

Only then will Rhine Life truly change from top to bottom, right?

Chapter 18: One Sin and a Hundred Virtues

"Is this... where Noah works?"

At this time, Muerses, who came underground through the tracking of water clones, talked to herself. After seeing Nasti, Saria and others walking away with Noah, she dared to condense her body. Muerses was originally a water elf, and her body was basically composed of water, so the water clone was actually her real body. The reason why it was called a manifold was just to conceal the secret that she could switch between various water clones at any time.

Although the confidentiality measures of the underground containment facility were very strict, Muirseth managed to find a small loophole and infiltrated by hiding above the elevator where Noah came down.

Apart from Muirseth, it is estimated that no one else can invade the underground containment facility in this way.

She was really curious about what her best friend had done after coming to Rhine Life, especially hanging out with Saria. You know, Saria was recognized as a woman harder than diamond. It was no laughing matter that she could be so subdued by such a woman and even become the deputy director of Noah.

Noah was definitely doing something dangerous in secret. As Noah's best friend, she had an obligation to investigate.

However, after arriving at the underground shelter, she was a little confused. After all, she didn't know where this place was. It was the first time she knew that there was such a large space underground in Rhine Life.

Avoiding the patrolling Ouroboros members, Muirses quietly followed Noah and Saria. Soon, they came to a small room that looked quite bright. Saria and Nastie seemed to be discussing something, while Noah was alone facing a glass, as if thinking about something.

Muirses looked at the glass curiously, but he saw a huge, floating, glowing head. When Muirses's eyes were focused on it, the skull seemed to sense something and looked in Muirses' direction.

Muirseth quickly hid herself. She was really afraid of being discovered by Saria. If she was discovered by that woman Saria, she would definitely be rolled into a ball and thrown out.

But what's that giant floating skull?!

Could this be Noah's research project? Studying why the skull can levitate and seem to have self-awareness?

"One Sin and One Hundred Virtues, what's wrong with you?" Noya asked curiously, realizing that the Holy Light Skull before her seemed to have diverted her attention. She rarely saw One Sin and One Hundred Virtues so distracted during their conversation.

"Nothing much, just discovered some nostalgic existences." Yi Zui and Bai Shan said ambiguously, "Go on, about your adventure record of Casimir."

"That's not called an adventure record--" Noah was helpless. Although One Sin and One Hundred Virtues was gentle, he really liked listening to stories. When Noah communicated with him, she was often forced to tell very long stories. Some of them were Noah's own experiences, and some were seen in the trees. Fortunately, she was an excellent student in the history department, otherwise it would be difficult to find so many stories to communicate with the kind old skeleton grandfather in front of her.

Come to think of it, when Yi Zui and Bai Shan saw me, their attitudes were similar to this—

"I said I've been feeling a bit itchy lately, and it turns out it's an old friend who came to see me."

Noah remembered it clearly. After he discovered that Noah wasn't the Nightmare he knew, he seemed a little sad. It was a long time before he continued. "Perhaps I shouldn't have told him that there were territories beyond the southern circle that he hadn't conquered."

How long One Sin and a Hundred Virtues has lived in this world, I'm afraid even he himself is not quite sure.

According to him, he had seen the rise and fall of empires, he had also seen the rise and fall of the Sarkaz, he had seen Sakota build a white city, and he had also seen people climb into running cities to escape natural disasters.

His knowledge and experience were probably only rivaled by a sage like Dr. Kal'tsit. Even Noya was curious about who was the true humanoid Terra Chronicle, him or Dr. Kal'tsit. To be called an old friend, he must be at least a few hundred years old, right?

"Well, regardless of what you have discovered, I have brought you what you requested. Although I don't know - can you eat calcium tablets?" Although Noah didn't quite understand why One Sin and One Hundred Goodnesses asked for calcium tablets, she still brought the highest-grade calcium tablets produced by Rhine Life. In order to meet the various requirements of these inhabitants, Noah can be said to have worked hard.

For example, a grass that can spray exploding bubbles at any time needs a cat scratching post to soothe it - even Noah doesn't know how it will scratch the cat scratching post without claws.

Anyway, when applying for these objects, Noah was very worried about what name to use to purchase these various commodities that seemed to have nothing to do with research. However, there were some who were easier to deal with, such as Alex. He only needed to bring him the latest news about his family.

Although Alex Mercer was confirmed dead, her family received the appropriate pension and proper care. It must be said that RhineLife was very conscientious in this regard. Not only was the pension generous, but there was even a dedicated foundation to care for the families of regular employees who passed away unexpectedly, including funds based on the highest retirement pension and a range of subsidies.

In short, Alex's family is doing well now and she doesn't need to worry.

After knowing this, Alex's emotions were comforted to a considerable extent, especially when she heard that her sister had also been admitted to a famous university and might even join Rhine Life. She was both proud and worried.

He is proud that his sister is really capable, but he is also worried that his sister might be involved in the same Rhine Life experiment accident as himself, and thus be unable to reunite with her family.

Although until now, in order to stabilize Alex's emotions, Noah has not told her the truth that she is not Alex Mercer, Noah also feels that the risk of letting Alex know this is too great. Even if she is reluctant, she does not want to burst the dream of this virus prototype who is convinced that she is Alex herself. Perhaps it is good to let her dream on like this.

When the virus in her body is truly thoroughly studied, there is a high probability that Alex Mercer - or the virus prototype that calls itself Alex Mercer - will be rendered harmless.

She couldn't make any promises. She had already concealed the most crucial secret and had essentially deceived this kind man.

Noah was always filled with guilt when communicating with Alex.

Looking at it this way, he and the commander-in-chief are actually the same type of people... They will take advantage of the good people around them who trust them, and they will also deceive others for the sake of the overall situation.

I really don't have any right to blame the General...

His own guilt, in the face of one sin and a hundred virtues, seemed to be nowhere to hide. He was happy to comfort the lost Noah and was also happy to glimpse the kindness and gentleness hidden in Noah's guilt. Perhaps it was because of this that this upright old skeleton did not dislike fraudsters like Noah.

On the contrary, because of this, Old Skeleton and Noah became close friends regardless of age difference.

This is truly a friendship between people of different ages. After all, the old skeleton has no idea how old he is.

After handing the calcium tablets to the old skeleton, Noah and the old skeleton chatted about some other topics before ending today's communication work. When the work was completed, the terminal in Noah's hand also started settlement.

The Special Containment Measures Department is not only used to house and study the subjects. These subjects are not only patients and prisoners of Rhine Life, but also one of the foundations of Rhine Life.

From these objects, Noah not only gained work passion and wages, but the better the relationship between Noah and these objects, the more likely these people would cooperate with the experiments, and even give Noah some [rewards for friends].

It's like the thorn headband given to her by One Sin and One Hundred Virtues, the same one she wears on her own head. It looks prickly, but in reality, it doesn't hurt. It can even calm the mind and make you more clear-headed. Although One Sin and One Hundred Virtues repeatedly stated that it was completely harmless to humans, Noa still didn't wear it often. After all, she believed that she couldn't rely on such a gift to confront her sins.

She was lucky to be able to confess to Old Skeleton occasionally. As for the matter of Alex Mercer... she could only resolve her problems through Old Skeleton.

After becoming the director of the Special Containment Procedures Department, she had actually become somewhat mentally prepared. She always had to face things that she had to do, such as hiding the truth about Alex.

The so-called sense of guilt is like thorns on the head. Although the headband given by one sin and a hundred virtues does not make you feel pain, the crown of thorns in your heart seems to have been tightly strangled in your heart since the moment you committed the sin.

The old skeleton saw it all, but could do nothing. After all—if one sin is committed in order to do a hundred good things, can such an act be defined as evil?

When you finally have the power to do a hundred good things, should you still feel guilty about your past sins? If there comes a day when the so-called "greater good" weighs on you, making you restless and unable to sleep or eat.

One sin and a hundred virtues could not give Noah an answer.

He is just an old skeleton who can comfort people. Even though he can see through people's souls, he understands that the conflict between good and evil is inevitable.

Whenever Noah asked him what he should do.

The old skeleton could only use her empty eye sockets to look at the poor child who was tortured by her conscience, but there was no light in front of her eyes, so she could not see the one sin and a hundred virtues. There was nothing in the eye sockets, only an abyss as black as ink.

He was always silent—

"Mr. Skeleton, I am almost done with this work. I will bring you the next story when we meet next time." Noah smiled and waved his hand, indicating that the old skeleton was leaving.

"Then I'll look forward to our next meeting. I wish you find your own redemption." The old skeleton's jaw clicked, and it seemed that only Noah could hear his words. In Saria's mouth, the skeleton had always been silent.

So when she saw Noah and the skeleton chatting happily for the first time, she even suspected that Noah's spirit had been corroded in some way. However, judging from the results, Noah was able to communicate in a cordial and friendly manner with this Mr. Skeleton. Under her insistence, Saria could only turn a blind eye.

The better Noah's relationship with the inmates, the more uneasy she becomes. Although she sympathizes with the inmates' plight, after all, the inmates are no longer human beings, so it is actually very dangerous for Noah to be too close to them.

But whenever she brought it up, Noah would always evade the issue.

Saria couldn't get angry with this girl who treated others with her usual kindness. She felt that Noah and Kristen were both stubborn. Although the directions of their stubbornness were different, their essence was very similar.

Can make oneself helpless...

After finishing the communication work, Noah left this place temporarily, and Saria followed closely behind. Muirses, who had been hiding here for half a day, finally found an opportunity and came to the huge floating skull, looking curiously at the skull that seemed to be staring at him just now.

Is this what Noah studies?

It really is a magical thing... Although it looks quite scary, since Noah can stay here at will, it means that this place is safe, right?

"Hello? Excuse me—"

Muirseth waved his hand, trying to greet Mr. Skeleton in front of him. The other party did look at his jaw clicking, but Muirseth heard nothing.

She couldn't help but feel curious. Could it be that Noah was the only one who could hear the voice of Mr. Skeleton?

Doesn’t that sound weird?

"Hello? Is Noah the only one who can hear your voice? If yes, nod, if no, shake your head." Muerses waved his hand again, and this time it seemed to work. Muerses actually saw Mr. Skeleton in front of him nodding slightly.

Having found a way to communicate, Muirseth immediately became interested and asked.

"So what were you guys talking about just now? You just discovered me, right? Did you tell Noah?"

This time, Mr. Skeleton shook his head, meaning that he did not tell Noah, and then he made a few click-click sounds - probably explaining something, but Muirseth could not hear anything and did not understand what the other party meant.

"Alright, alright, I didn't tell her. I was just worried about her. I didn't expect her to be researching these things under Rhine Life." Muirseth touched his chin. "I got it. I'll check the other rooms. You're not the only one staying here, are you?"

“——Kadakada.” Mr. Skeleton shook his head, as if saying something.

"I understand. I will be careful. Mr. Skeleton - see you next time." Muirseth relied on the fact that he was a water clone, so he waved goodbye to Mr. Skeleton and immediately disappeared into the containment room.

Only Mr. Skeleton was left clacking in his place——

After a long time, he seemed to sigh.

—Kadda, kadda. (It’s time, it’s fate.)

Chapter 19: Alex

The planning of the special containment area located underground in the Rhine Life was basically designed by Nasti. The original intention of the design was to prevent the objects contained from breaking through easily. Even after Noah asked for improved treatment, the core requirement of the design was still that it was sturdy and could at least withstand multiple impacts of the objects contained inside.

Even so, wandering around in the containment area is still quite dangerous. The Ouroboros members must patrol according to fixed patrol routes and try not to get close to the containment area of ​​these objects. Only Deputy Director Saria and Noya are allowed to enter the containment area. These rules and regulations are all designed to protect the lives and safety of the Ouroboros members.

Although dealing with these detainees is like hanging your head on your belt, but after all, salary is not money that can buy life. If possible, most people still want to live honestly.

In this regard, the members of the Ouroboros Corps were very grateful to Noya. After the new director took office, the treatment of the Ouroboros was also improved. The current Ouroboros Corps could be said to be treated quite well. Not only did they have extremely high salaries, but all kinds of guarantees were basically in place, and there was even a special leave for visiting relatives.

Most importantly, Noah basically did all the most dangerous work himself - especially dealing with the inmates.

The current members of the Ouroboros Force are more like a group of security guards, whose main responsibility is to prevent outsiders from coming into contact with the objects.

"Tell me—does this count as slacking off?" one of the Ouroboros members suddenly looked up and asked his colleague. "While it's nice to be able to earn money safely like this, you know, people in our line of work are basically desperate and in dire need of money. We're always trading our lives for money, but now, not only are we no longer required to fight like this, but our pay has also been increased. This money is a bit... hot to the touch."

"Why don't you put a photo of the director at home and pay tribute to her every day? You can just be happy to have such a director." A colleague at the side waved his hand. "Besides, to be honest, the director is really beautiful. Although her legs are not good and she can't see, she is beautiful and has a good personality. I suspect that the deputy director and the director are having an affair. They are inseparable."

"Yeah, you think so too? I think the Chief, Deputy Director, and Director are in a triangle relationship. Think about it, the Chief is so open to all the Director's requests. You can tell he's doting on her." The Ouroboros members have been bored lately, so they finally have the time and energy to gossip. The most popular pairing is the Director and Deputy Director Saria. This group believes that Saria and the Director are inseparable, and it's probably true.

Of course, there are also those sent by Director X, the general manager. This is also reasonable and well-founded. Anyone who sees the director's journey to the top will be confused.

The director of Rhine Life, this position is not something that anyone can hold.

The general manager directly gave the director the green light, allowing the director to take office at the speed of light like a rocket. If this is not love, what the hell is this?

Of course, there are also those who think that a triangle relationship is the best, like Ouroboros member A who has such a sexual fetish. He firmly believes that the sandwich of the commander-in-chief x director x deputy director Saria is what he wants.

However, people's XP is free, so although there are many factions within the Ouroboros army, they still implement the same principle.

——The director must be the receiver.

Of course, Noah didn't know about this, otherwise, no matter how good his temper was, he would have taught these guys a lesson for making fun of their boss.

Putting aside the versatility of the Ouroboros' members, their idleness, and their penchant for secondary creations and CP-sharing, they also genuinely respect the Director. During this time, Noah's actions had already won them over, handing them the most dangerous tasks, whether to his subordinates or not. Such a superior was hard to find. And more importantly, after the Director took over, the Ouroboros, once a unit plagued by casualties, now suffered its greatest loss due to a brawl between two groups of CP fans, each slapping the other in the face.

Although everyone is here to make money, who would want to work so hard if they can make money steadily?

"It turns out that Noah's reputation is surprisingly good—" Muirses, who had been eavesdropping for a long time, quietly avoided the sight of two Ouroboros troops who were slacking off, and came to a new containment unit. After carefully observing the tag and precautions, she was still thinking about how to get in. As a result, the next second, the inside of the containment unit was directly opened, and a researcher wearing a white coat and glasses, who looked rough, walked out.

The two of them met face to face and were both startled by each other.

"Director Muirses! Why are you here!" The other party immediately said Muirses' name, which made Muirses come back to her senses from the panic of escaping. She then noticed that the other party was someone she knew.

"...Alex? How come you..." She also recognized the other person. Originally, Alex was a researcher in the ecology department under Muirses. Later, he was transferred to study a top-secret project and they never met again. Unexpectedly, she met him here.

"Director Muirseth, long time no see." Alex was a little surprised to see Muirseth in this place. Although she had obtained Noya's permission to leave her containment unit after applying, her movement area was still restricted. Generally speaking, no one else would be in this area during her [free time]. She didn't expect to run into Muirseth, an old acquaintance, today. "Did the director ask you to come?"

"Director? Oh, you mean Xiaoya?" Muirseth reacted, "Oh, yes, yes, she's the one who asked me to come. It's been a long time since we last met. You look exactly the same as before, still as reckless as before."

"Ahaha... Director Muirseth, you're joking." Alex scratched his head a little embarrassedly. "I've also been feeling a bit hazy lately. Maybe it's because I'm still not well."

"Ah? Are you sick? Is it serious?" Muirseth asked with concern, "You look well, don't you?"

"I'm asymptomatic - but Director Muirses, please don't get so close to me. It would be bad if I get infected." Alex took the initiative to distance herself, worried that she would infect Director Muirses with the virus. However, Muirses didn't mind. It was impossible for her physique to be infected by the virus, and she was just a water clone now, so it didn't matter if she got close to Alex.

But she just touched her hair and had no intention of getting closer, but changed the subject.

"Honestly, I thought you'd already left Rhine Life. I didn't expect you'd be here," Muirses said with a smile. "How are you doing? Have you achieved anything since leaving the Ecology Department? After all, you were my former subordinate, so I'm keeping an eye on your academic progress."

"...Lately... I haven't been writing papers or doing experiments," Alex said somewhat embarrassedly. "I don't know why. Even though the memories and methods of doing experiments are all in my head, once I want to do something, I always can't get going... I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just not cut out for academics. I've basically forgotten everything I learned before."

"Dementia?"

"Of course not, Director Muirseth, your jokes are really unfunny." Although Alex said this, she still laughed. This girl seemed to have a very low sense of humor. She laughed so hard that her body shook. It took her a long time to recover. She even laughed a little to the point of suffocation.