Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

Noah followed Ulpian and Gloria into a room in the center of the flagship. The two consuls took the initiative to activate the warship's cross-sea communication function. This was a communication line for contacting Agor's top leaders in an emergency. After the two consuls used their authority to activate it, several holographic image projectors rose above the round table in the room. As light blue light waves intertwined with each other, the figure of a blonde woman who was seven or eight percent similar to Gloria was finally outlined.

After the image of this lady was constructed, Ulpian and Gloria knelt on one knee. Although they were also consuls, they still had to pay their respects before this person. However, Noya, who was not part of the Agor organization, was spared such formalities and was able to observe the Agor leader's appearance in detail. It was undeniable that she was worthy of being Miss Gloria's mother. In terms of appearance and temperament, she was exactly the same.

When the image stabilized completely, Helatia opened her eyes and glanced at the situation in the room.

"If I'm not mistaken, you are Noah Kyrielight."

"Yes, Ms. Helatia, Noah Kirilet, the head of the Kirilet family and a friend of Governor Goletia, greets you here." Fortunately, this was not the first time Noah faced a leader of a country, and she was also a worldly-wise person. Otherwise, she would be overwhelmed by the other party's momentum and speechless at the first sight. Her words were neither humble nor arrogant. She knew very well that the other party must not have the right to speak on the matter she was going to discuss, so she had to deal with it head-on.

Even if you are bluffing, you must keep the two people's positions on the same level during the conversation. This is also one of the negotiation skills.

"Is there something important that you came to see me about?" Seeing Miss Noah, who should have been integrated with the Beacon Tower for a long time, Helatia was not confused at all. Instead, she seemed to have known the news of her return to the world a long time ago and was very calm.

She glanced at the two people still kneeling on one knee with their heads bowed, and spoke, "If Ulpian and Goratia neglected you, I can punish them. You are also a very special guest to Agor. You protected Miliarum and the citizens of Agor. I, Helatia, would like to express my respect for you. If there is anything you need help with, please feel free to ask. I will do my best to meet my needs as a token of my gratitude for saving the citizens of Agor."

It was a very polite statement indeed, but Noah knew that there was actually a lot of skill in these words.

On the one hand, it acknowledged Noah's status as Agor's benefactor, implicitly stating Agor's official definition of Noah's behavior. It also criticized Ulpian and Golletia for neglecting their guests, effectively pressuring them to contact Helatia herself. Granted, it was a minor offense, but expressing dissatisfaction in front of Noah also put pressure on him. Helatia wasn't necessarily a bad person, but at least when it came to power politics, she was impeccable.

Secondly, while putting pressure on several people, it also conveyed something.

——Tell Noah to ask if he needs any help, but he didn’t say that he would definitely do it. Instead, he said, "I can do it," so just ask.

Agor and I are only one letter apart, but there is a lot of difference between us.

In other words, you have made great contributions and Agor thanks you, but I thank you on my own behalf and am willing to pay you.

The name of an individual, even if that individual's name is Helatia, is not the name of Agor as a whole. This watertight evaluation is not given lightly.

"—This matter has nothing to do with Ulpian and Gorraetia. I simply wanted to have a good chat with you." Noya, not a politician, was unwilling to mince words with Helatia on this matter, so she spoke directly. "Let me be frank. Now is not the time for Agor and Haisi to start a war. Please order the troops to withdraw."

"...Retreat?" Helatia didn't directly agree or disagree. She usually kept her emotions to herself. She fixed her gaze on Noya and asked, "Is this your opinion, or Haisi's?"

"I am not speaking to you on behalf of Hai Si, nor am I standing on Hai Si's side. In fact, from the beginning to the end, I have been communicating with you from the perspective of a [human]." Noah immediately denied the guess that she was Hai Si's messenger. She did want to stop the battle, but it was not because she intended to help Hai Si. After seeing the human-shaped Hai Si, she was indeed shaken, but she knew that there was still a distance between the human-shaped Hai Si and becoming a [human].

These sea creatures are essentially imitating human behavior and are not truly human.

Therefore, Noah naturally would not defend Hai Si, nor did he think that Agor's intention to seek revenge was wrong.

However, the real reason why she decided to stop the war was that after that, Maritus gave Noah a reward that Noah could not refuse. It was this reward that made Noah decide to stop the war.

"...It seems you haven't been bewitched by Hai Si, Miss Noa Kyrielight." Helatia gazed into Noa's eyes, as if confirming something. "What reason can you give me to abandon this war? You must understand that Hai Si's evolutionary speed far exceeds the average person's imagination. This may be my last chance. How will you persuade me to give up the idea of ​​attacking Hai Si now? I'm truly curious."

"...Maritus, do you know this name?" Noah did not directly say the reward, but first reported the name of the person who gave the reward. After this name appeared, even Helatia finally showed some emotional fluctuations.

"Maritus... the builder of the Arena of Wisdom, one of the most famous scholars in Agor. Of course I know him—"

"When I left the tower, the first person to greet me wasn't Ulpian or Goletia, but him," Noa said frankly. "I met him, Maritus. He had become the Sea Heir. He took the initiative to merge with the Sea Heir, retaining his human will. He might be the first being to successfully maintain a human will."

“…” Helatia was silent, but soon, Ulpian acknowledged the accuracy of Noya’s information.

"This is true. I had a brief exchange with Maritus when I was diving into the trench. I can confirm his identity and can guarantee that what Miss Noya said is true."

Ulpian took the initiative to help Noya confirm the accuracy of this matter. "A detailed report will be delivered to you later."

"...Maritus, our country's most outstanding scholar. History books say he died during an underwater exploration mission—" Helatia sighed. "I never expected to hear his name again in this context."

The name Maritus is of great significance to Agor. He is not only a scientist, but also a philosopher, artist, poet, and painter. He is almost the brightest star in Agor's civilization. He is a versatile genius, a prodigy, and a freak. He has pioneered several unprecedented fields and is even known as the only genius in Agor from ancient times to the present. His existence itself is the pride of Agor.

But now, Noya told them that the pride they saw, the person who could be written into history books, had actually become Hai Si...

"Keep this secret secret secret. Never tell anyone else except those present here," Helatia immediately ordered before continuing. "This matter is no small matter for Agor. I should thank you, Miss Noya, for at least minimizing its impact."

"And this is the man who offered me a deal. A deal I couldn't refuse."

"...I'd like to hear more details."

If it was Hai Si who proposed the deal, Helatia could have completely ignored it, but if this Hai Si's name was Maritus, then the value of the deal would be different. Helatia was indeed very interested in the deal Noya mentioned.

"Maritus told me that during his last exploration, he found a relic of a prehistoric civilization," Noa continued. "If it were just an ordinary relic, Ms. Helatia would have been accustomed to it. However, Maritus told me that this relic is the origin of the Haisi. Or, in other words, the relic itself is the common origin of Agor and Haisi?"

"......?!" Helatia's expression finally changed. "What did you say?"

"Maritus is willing to tell me the true origin of Agor and Haisi, and the location of the laboratory where everything originated. He wants to use this information in exchange for twenty years of peace." Noah spread out his hands. This gesture is used during negotiations to show that one has been honest, and Noah also believes that the other party is capable of seeing whether he is lying, and he can also confirm that Maritus is not lying.

——He really knew the coordinates of the real Deep Blue Tree Laboratory. After he told Noah, she even went to find Precious to confirm it.

As a relic of a previous civilization, Precious was more qualified than anyone else to confirm the authenticity of the coordinates, and her conclusion was that although there were indeed some deviations, the general direction was correct.

As for the deviation, it is probably related to the crustal movement on the seabed.

It was after learning this news that she decided to stop the war.

The location of the Deep Blue Tree Laboratory was enough information to force Agor to back down. After all, the value of this information was inestimable, and it could even answer one of the two most important questions of Agor civilization.

Where I come from——

Where should I go?

These are the two ultimate questions of civilization, and Maritus wants to exchange the answers to these questions for twenty years of peace.

Presumably, Helatia knew very well what was more important.

Now, Helatia had a choice. The first option was to continue forward, complete her revenge, and consolidate her reputation. The second option was to retreat, agree to a twenty-year peace agreement with Hai Si, and obtain the coordinates of the laboratory.

"...You've really given me a difficult problem..." Helatia's dilemma was palpable. The current hatred of the Agors towards Haisi was practically unrelieved. Anyone who chose to withdraw would suffer irreversible damage to their political career, and could even be voted out of office for defying public opinion. This was clearly not the path a politician should take. However, the problem lay in the unique nature of the Agor civilization.

The Agors consider themselves the successors of the previous historical civilization and the eldest sons of the previous civilization. They have inherited the most technology and spirit of the previous civilization. In a sense, they consider themselves the continuation of the previous civilization.

It is precisely because of this that Algeria is not only a country, but also needs recognition.

This kind of identity can make the Algerians a country. To give an inappropriate example, after the fall of Rome, every European country claimed to be Roman orthodoxy. This orthodoxy is very important in the eyes of the Algerians.

And an opportunity that might prove that Agor was the one chosen by the previous civilization was obviously more interesting to them than the outcome of a battle.

Helatia, a true Agor through and through, was the one who cared most about this matter, so... she couldn't refuse this offer. As a scientist, as an Agor, and even as Helatia, she longed to obtain the truth.

And the truth is in that laboratory, at that coordinate!

“…Goldetia.”

"Yes."

"Notify all troops to retreat in an orderly manner and be vigilant of Hai Si's movements."

"Yes!"

And Helatia did indeed act in the most Agorian way.

"Ulpian, since there were some concealments in the reconnaissance work prior to this campaign, I will temporarily dismiss you from your position as consul. The specific arrangements for the future will be determined based on the results of the parliamentary referendum. For this time, command will be fully transferred to Gloria."

"Yes." Although he was demoted and even stripped of his position as consul, Ulpian did not care. After accepting the order, he immediately transferred the authority to Gloria. Judging from his efficient appearance, he probably didn't want to be the consul anymore.

"And... Miss Noah Kyrielight." Helatia finally stopped Noah, who felt she had nothing to do. "This matter is of great importance. We need to discuss this in person. Please return to Agor with the team. This time, I will be there in person."

"...Okay." Noah hesitated for a moment and nodded, "But I'm not your subordinate, so I hope I can have the freedom I deserve."

"Of course, that's no problem." In Helatia's eyes, Noya, now knowing the coordinates, was more important than anything else. "Agor's door will always be open for you, but I hope you understand that this is very important to Agor."

Chapter 84: The Tragic Barrier

Noah did not leave immediately, but decided to meet with Maritus one last time before leaving.

After the golden light of the beacon tower faded, she returned to the sea trench and came face to face with the long-awaited Maritus.

"I've already conveyed Helatia's decision," Noya said straight to the point. "I fought hard to secure this twenty-year truce. But I want you to understand that this isn't for Hai Si, it's for humanity."

Maritus didn't show any surprise. Or rather, even if he was surprised, Noya couldn't see it. It was as if he had anticipated this. Noya paused, then continued, "If Haisi still threatens humanity twenty years from now, I will still stand on our side without hesitation. Your evolution may be for new possibilities, but I'm ultimately making these decisions for humanity's future."

Her voice was firm, each word laced with deep resolve. From her perspective, sparing the Haisi wasn't out of kindness or pity, but rather to allow them to serve as a possible pawn in future battles against the loggers. Without this possibility, she might have long ago chosen to allow humanity to completely eliminate the Haisi.

Maritus nodded gently, his eyes deep: "I understand, Miss Noya. It is precisely because of this pure obsession that Hai Si is attracted to you and is even willing to change for you."

"It's just that I think... you already knew Helatia's decision, right?" Noya suddenly smiled. "You understand the Agors better than anyone else. You're an Agor yourself. You know what they'll choose and how this war will end."

Maritus did not deny it, but responded gently: "Cooperation between smart people is always pleasant."

Noah nodded. Maritus's strategy was undoubtedly ingenious. Not only did he buy Hai Si time to continue his development, he also successfully played his biggest bargaining chip—the secrets of the Deep Blue Tree Laboratory. From the outset of this negotiation, Maritus had been following his preconceived path.

"However, I must remind you," Maritus' tone suddenly darkened, with a hint of warning, "The Deep Blue Tree Laboratory is not safe. Even if you have some information about the previous civilization, the history and power carried by the ruins far exceeds your imagination. It is very likely to change everything for you."

"I'm prepared," Noya responded calmly. "No matter what it brings, I will face it. Humanity needs the research results of the Deep Blue Tree Laboratory. At the very least, we should go and see what the final conclusion of the Deep Blue Tree Project is."

Maritus glanced at her and sighed softly: "Then, Miss Noah, we may say goodbye here."

"Goodbye, Maritus." Noya nodded gently, but just as she turned around, she suddenly stopped and looked back at the newborn sea heirs hiding behind the coral reef. These creatures seemed to be watching her out of curiosity, but Noya could sense the nostalgia and awe in their eyes.

"They can't bear to leave you," Maritus said softly, pointing to the sea heirs. "They were born because of you, and they have a new future because of you. Perhaps you should give them a new name? 'Sea heirs' doesn't really sound like a good name."

Noya looked at the newly born creatures, thought for a moment, and smiled, "How are the Pearl Tear Sorrow Tribe?"

"Elegy of Pearly Tears?" A hint of curiosity flashed in Maritus' eyes.

Noya nodded. "After all, you are a race born from singing. And in the legend of the Great Yan, there is a fictional underwater race whose tears turn into pearls. So, let's call it the Pearly Tear Elegy Tribe. I think it sounds pretty good."

Maritus smiled and nodded. "Very good, the Pearl Tear Singing Tribe... then it's settled."

"The Pearl Tear Singers will try their best to change themselves, and use your wisdom and guidance to strive to find the possibility of coexistence with humans." Maritus bowed slightly and said goodbye to Noa with respect and sincerity.

Noah took a deep breath, took one last look at the devout eyes of the Haisi, and turned away.

Noya returned to the flagship. Knowing she was about to leave the battlefield, she felt no relief. Returning to the fleet, she noticed that many familiar faces were missing. Gloria and Ulpian had apparently already departed. She wasn't sure how to handle the situation until she spotted a familiar figure. She walked slowly into the flagship's reception room and saw a familiar face. Skadi stood there, as tall and straight as she remembered. However, her expressionless face, wearing red-rimmed glasses, seemed a world away from the companions she once fought alongside.

"Miss...Scathedi?" There was a hint of uneasiness in Noah's voice. She spoke tentatively, not knowing how to address the familiar yet unfamiliar person in front of her.

Skadi raised her head, expressionless, and spoke in a formal tone, "Ms. Noa, Laurentina instructed me to be responsible for all matters related to your reception."

Her voice was flat and mechanical, like she was facing an unfamiliar mission rather than a former partner. This made Noya's heart sink slightly, but she still suppressed the complicated emotions in her heart and tried to respond in a light tone, "No need to be so polite, Skadi. We are actually old friends. Even if you forget, I will not forget those things."

She paused, chuckled, and said, "If you want, I can explain it to you bit by bit. We are partners."

Noya's voice was soft and concerned. She knew that she couldn't force Skadi to remember the past, but she hoped to evoke some familiar feelings in her own way.

Skadi's brow furrowed slightly, as if she was pondering the word "partner." Her eyes wavered for a moment, as if she was trying to recall something, but the blankness of her memory only made her more confused.

"I...was your partner?" Skadi's voice was hesitant, clearly unfamiliar with the concept. Her eyes swept over Noah, as if trying to understand everything.

Noah nodded slightly, his voice gentle: "Yes, Skadi. You have fought side by side with me and experienced many things. I have never forgotten you."

Skadi's eyes remained dazed, as if she were trying to piece together shattered memories. Her hand gently touched her red-rimmed glasses, as if trying to steady herself. "A hero's companion should be a hero too," she said in a low, self-deprecating voice. "But as you can see, I no longer have the strength to grasp my sword again. I can't be a hero, and perhaps that's why I've lost my memory of you."

Noah and Skadi stood face to face. Noah's gentle smile carried a reassuring power. She knew the uneasiness and confusion in Skadi's heart, and the only thing she could do was to tell her in her own way that losing power did not mean losing everything.

"You don't have to be a hero to be my partner, Skadi." Noya's voice was soft, but full of firm strength. "Losing power won't make our relationship fade in the slightest. You are still my friend and my most trusted partner. Even if you are no longer a deep-sea hunter, I am happy to stay with you."

Noah's words flowed slowly into Skadi's heart like a warm current. Although this gentleness comforted her somewhat, the confusion and complex emotions in her heart still lingered. She knew that she had changed and was no longer the same person she used to be.

Skadi lowered her eyes, her fingertips trembling slightly. She could feel the invisible shackles on her body, as if, along with the lost strength, they were also chaining her soul. She was no longer the powerful warrior, no longer the deep-sea hunter who had stood up to Hai Si. Now, only her fragile side remained, the orphan who had lost her parents to the conspiracy of the Deep Sea Church, the little girl who was filled with anxiety and helplessness before becoming a hunter.

She didn't know whether she had "changed" or just let people see her truest side.

Maybe it’s just like what Laurentina said... Deep-sea hunter Skadi and Noah are friends, partners, confidants, and important people to each other, but now... she is no longer a deep-sea hunter.

——In the past, I at least had the power to protect her, but what about now?

Skadi clenched her fists slightly, feeling a faint pain in her palms. This feeling of powerlessness after losing her strength left her at a loss. She once believed that strength was everything to her, the meaning of her existence, but now, with that outer shell peeled away, she found herself at a loss as to how to face the world.

Skadi smiled, her smile still gentle, like her old self. But Noya was keenly aware of the change. Behind that smile lay an inexplicable sense of alienation, like an invisible wall, quietly erected between them.

"As you wish, Miss Noah Kyrielight, you are really a very kind person." Skadi's tone seemed relaxed, but the strange politeness and courtesy made Noah feel cold all over.

——When did it become like this?

She looked at Skadi, feeling a strange sense of powerlessness rising within her. She wanted to break down this thick barrier, to tell Skadi that she didn't need to be with her in this way. But now, no matter what she said, it seemed incredibly weak and ineffective, potentially even causing this delicate balance to completely collapse.

Noya opened her mouth, but found herself speechless. The words of comfort she wanted to express, the emotions she wanted to express, seemed to be stuck in her throat. She knew that Skadi now admired her, a feeling bordering on longing. For Skadi, who had lost her power and sense of self, Noya had perhaps become the person she most desired to be.

But I'm not worth it at all...

Noya knew full well that she had never been anything remarkable, nor had she ever been so-called powerful. She was merely a pawn of fate, forced to struggle forward in the tide of time. She had never been someone to be admired by others, least of all by a friend like Skadi.

She didn't care whether Skadi still had the power, or whether she felt unworthy of continuing to fight alongside him. However, this sense of distance, this seemingly alienated respect and politeness, made Noah feel a tightness in her heart.

——I don’t want this kind of relationship.

She looked at Skadi, wanting to reach out and touch the invisible barrier, wanting to tell her that she was still her friend, still the one she could fight alongside without hesitation. But Skadi's smile made her understand everything.

There was already too much distance between them that could not be easily crossed. Skadi's respect and politeness were like an invisible barrier, blocking the intimacy they once had.

Noya's hands trembled slightly, and finally dropped. At this moment, she couldn't say anything to break the deadlock.

"You may be tired. Rest early today." Skadi's voice was gentle and appropriate. She suggested considerately, "The fleet still needs some time to sail. I will be responsible for waking you up so that you won't miss the meeting with the Grand Archon."

Her every move was polite and considerate, as if she were fulfilling some kind of responsibility, no longer as casual and approachable as before. Skadi added, "Before returning to Miliarium, I recommend you drink a glass of sea beast milk. I'll warm it up for you. The bed is ready, and if you need any help, I'll be in the cabin next to yours."

Noya was stunned for a moment, taking in the changes in Skadi. Indeed, the Skadi before her was more attentive and polite than before, but this also made her feel strangely unfamiliar. She sighed softly—if it were the Skadi of the past, she would definitely stay in the room with her, chatting and laughing. If she couldn't sleep, Skadi would even sing her a lullaby, even though she always complained that she was no longer a child.