Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

Or...if she was born to save the world, can she really give up this responsibility?

"You can." At this moment, a childish voice rang out. Skadi was startled to find that the little Noah doll had actually climbed onto her head. It carefully stood up from its all-fours position above her head, put on an impressive look, and said condescendingly to Noah, "If a savior can't even save himself, how can he save others?"

"...Administrator?" The little Noah puppet had already understood the meaning of "Administrator." Noah could sense it from the tone of his voice. "You...you mean, I can give up my responsibility to save the world?"

"Of course I didn't say that. I'm just saying that the choice of accepting or giving up is not something a dead man like me can decide. From the moment I decided to merge you with Noah Kyrielight, I've already decided that you'll have to choose your own path in the future. I won't interfere! After all, after the fusion, you're a real person, not my creation, my tool. I like humans. I like their tenacity and struggle, as well as their kindness and evil. I've observed humans for thousands and tens of thousands of years. I'm immortal, but humans are not. The civilization they've created with their short lives makes me feel dazzling, so I'll take the initiative to help humans, hoping that they can defeat the lumberjacks."

Although the administrator who loudly declared her love for humanity was using little Noya's body, her aura was completely different. She really regarded humans as both teachers and students. She received both the favors and shortcomings of humans. Her love was for the human race and group. This love made her betray her own identity and become the protector of humans from being the creator of Terra.

She never regretted this decision, but since she was such a willful person.

How could she possibly ask her daughter, a being created based on her own rebellious soul, and even the person who was most like her in the world, to follow the path she had set?

"So, you don't need to listen to my advice. You just need to follow your own path. Besides, the lumberjacks won't be returning to the harvested area for a while. You still have time, so why rush?"

"Ms. Administrator... is that what you actually think?" Noah was stunned. "I thought you would support my idea and let me fulfill my duties."

"I'm not some weird parent, and it's normal for the younger generation to fail to accomplish what the elders failed to do." The administrator shrugged, although the action seemed a little strange on the little Noah doll. "Well, as my daughter, no matter what you do, I will love you, just like I love humans!"

"...It sounds weird." As the support point of the little Noah doll, Skadi kept her head still, but still complained about the administrator's remarks.

"As for those guys who are still pretending to be asleep, do I need to point you out one by one?"

"..."

Noah turned around in surprise and found that the people who were lying there had sat up a little embarrassedly. They seemed to have woken up a long time ago, but they were just a little curious after hearing what Noah said.

If it was the normal Noah, she would definitely be able to sense it through her emotional perception, but Noah was too confused just now, which had affected her ability to perform, so she ignored the fact that they had awakened.

"Did you...all hear it?" Noah stood up and asked in a panic.

"I guess so." The doctor was a little embarrassed. After all, she was probably the first one to wake up here. She had a strong resistance to Originium, so the Originium had the least effect on her. Even Precious couldn't compare. She woke up first and heard everything the most. She hadn't expected Noya to think so much, and her identity... was actually the "daughter" created by another pre-civilized being.

He even shoulders the mission of saving the world...

It even sounds like the content of a middle school novel... She couldn't help but sigh.

"...Let's put everything else aside for now. Miss Administrator, I think I should have a private chat with you." Precious was the second person to wake up. The first thing he did was to find the administrator piloting the small Noa machine. "We need to have a clear discussion about your situation."

Margaret and Jian looked at each other. They woke up at about the same time, but they had basically heard everything Noah said.

However, it was clear that Noah still needed to tell them some truths... some truths that they might need to be mentally prepared for.

Chapter 88 I Like You

Although Maria understood the logic, she still felt uncomfortable counting ants outside the cave. It was like everyone else was heading to the hotel after get off work, while she was the only one taking a 70-80 taxi home. Was she some kind of convenient girl? A dark flame flickered within Maria, burning her sensitive and inert heart.

Sensitivity is a characteristic of young girls, and dullness probably comes from the blood inheritance of the Linguang family.

Hey, the Linguang family, a kind of glowing wood, this is no secret. The Linguang family has always been very popular, both men and women, and they are so popular with both men and women. However, the Linguang family is naturally very insensitive - very slow to understand other people's feelings. But once they set their sights on someone, they are like loyal hounds and will never let go.

"What's wrong, Maria?" Perhaps noticing Maria's helplessness, Amiya asked curiously. Amiya did not participate in this exploration team basically due to various reasons. On the one hand, Amiya has the continuation of civilization on her body, which is closely related to the previous civilization. In order to prevent unknown risks, Amiya was left here.

Of course, Amiya knew the details, and the doctor had explained it to her individually, but... if she really had to say it, she also wanted to be involved.

Curiosity is of course the most important reason, but at the same time, she also hopes to know more about Miss Noah.

"I'm just worried about Miss Noah and the others..." Maria muttered quietly, a sentiment echoed by everyone in the camp who knew Miss Noah. They'd actually been worried about her the entire time, or rather, since Miss Noah returned from Agor. Although she'd supposedly taken a break, the things she'd done didn't seem like she was relaxing.

On the contrary, after she came back from Agor, she became even busier. Not to mention how many of the encounters in Leithania she had actively participated in, her previous behavior alone did not seem like she was taking a rest.

The Noah known by the people of Rhodes Island is actually a very contradictory person. She is kind, gentle, and kind to everyone, but she rarely seeks help from others. She will help others without hesitation, but when she encounters problems herself, she finds it difficult, or in other words, she rejects others.

Rhodes Island had been able to help Noah with the troubles she had encountered in the past, but as Noah continued to move forward, the problems she encountered became increasingly difficult for others to solve. It was as if she was abandoning everyone little by little, gradually turning herself into a lone walker.

Her secrets seem to be growing, and it seems increasingly difficult for her to reveal her true self in front of everyone.

Especially Amiya, she could more or less touch Noah's true emotions, she could feel that Noah's emotions were becoming... heavier and heavier, as if there were many burdens on his soul.

"Me too... I want to help Miss Noah, but I can't seem to find a way." Amiya sat next to Maria, sighing softly, her ears drooping. "Actually, I've always felt that Miss Noah needs my help, but every time... I don't seem to be the one she turns to."

"I have a similar feeling..." Maria nodded. "If she had just said it... we would have..."

"We're too weak." Amiya shook her head. "Everything Miss Noya touches now is beyond our reach... That's the fundamental reason. She's just afraid we'll get hurt."

"I'm afraid...that we'll get hurt." Maria seemed to remember the times when Sister Noah blamed her. Basically, she relied on her physical condition to do some dangerous things, without exception. Noah was really worried about her, or rather, she had an extraordinary care for the people around her.

She is like a nurse, who can clearly sense other people's emotions and then provide comfort.

But what about herself?

Maria felt a little sad when she thought of this...

A Kuranta and a Carters were both sighing over there, and the scene looked even a little funny.

Fortunately, neither of them is the type to keep their worries in their hearts for too long. If they didn't have the ability to regulate their emotions, it would be terrible.

People on this land must learn how to face everything calmly.

The two chatted for a while before Amiya was called away by Dr. Kal'tsit. Maria sat there alone and waited until the sun set.

The exploration team had enough water and food for two days, so everyone was prepared for a long-term battle. If there was still no news the next day, the second team would go in to check the situation. Of course, if that happened, the second team would basically go in to collect the bodies...

But considering the composition of the exploration team... there's no need to be so pessimistic.

If this lineup can be included, the second team probably won't be able to come back alive, and this place can be labeled a human restricted area.

While Maria outside was almost waiting for her husband to die, what were Noah and others doing inside?

They're renovating—

More precisely, they were cleaning out the various machines in the lab that had broken down due to long periods of disuse. Remember, theoretical design life and actual lifespan are two different things, and accidents always happen; otherwise, the Preserver Project wouldn't have failed. As Laboratory Zero, the vast amount of valuable data stored within it would undoubtedly be of great assistance to Terra. Therefore, what Noa and the others were essentially doing was renovating the entire lab and transferring most of the available data into portable terminals.

——Since they need to be repaired separately, this is naturally a good opportunity for everyone to be honest with each other.

Noah and Margaret, as well as Mace and Skadi, were assigned to a group with the Doctor, Precious, and the administrator driving the little Noah doll, which gave the two of them enough time to confess.

Noah was very clear about the reason why the administrator made such arrangements, but it was indeed difficult for him to say it out loud. When these people were inspecting together, the atmosphere was very silent because Noah did not speak, and the others were waiting for Noah to speak, so the atmosphere became awkward.

Until—she couldn't hold it in any longer.

"Why don't you ask me some questions?" Noah paused and said, "I will tell you whatever you want to know. I won't hide anything from you."

"...But if we don't ask, then you won't tell me either?" At this time, Mace seemed to see through Noah's thoughts and spoke.

"...Well...I can only promise that I won't lie." Noah looked away awkwardly. It wasn't that she didn't want to explain clearly, but it was too difficult to explain it all in one breath. She felt that she would be unable to speak until the next morning, so she might as well let them ask what she wanted to know.

"...Actually...I think...even if I don't say it..." Margaret began to feel bad for Noya. This was the first time she'd been so entangled in such a way in front of her. Heartbroken, she didn't even want to explore the so-called secret. As long as Noya was still Noya, she wouldn't have any problems. Even if it was hidden from her forever, it wouldn't matter. "It doesn't matter. I'm not really interested in so-called secrets anyway. Noya just needs to be Noya."

"...Actually...I was thinking pretty much the same thing." Skadi raised her hand weakly and said, "I've known Miss Noah later than both of you, so I don't think there's really any difference."

"...Is that so..." Noya felt a little disappointed. After all, she had already prepared herself mentally. If she really didn't say it out loud, it seemed possible... maybe... she would also feel a little uncomfortable.

At this time, Jian sighed instead, "You guys are showing your magnanimity at this time, but what will it mean to Noah? If you are magnanimous, she will feel guilty. Why should you be magnanimous now? Since Noah asked, then you should ask."

After hearing what Jian said, not only Noah, but also Margaret and Skadi were stunned. After thinking about it carefully, it was indeed like this. When a person is ready to say everything, he has actually made the decision after a fierce psychological struggle. It is not a good thing for them to tolerate Noah now.

——Or rather, excessive tolerance will only make Noah even more unable to speak.

They did care about Noah's thoughts, but none of them understood how determined Noah was to reveal his true self to them.

"I take it back, Noah..." She looked up, and Margaret's eyes finally met Noah's. "I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't truly understand your feelings. I'm sorry, and I should make amends. And I can't just leave you answering your questions alone. How about this... I'll trade with you, and you can ask me questions. There should be no secrets between us. We need to be honest with each other."

"Be honest with each other..." Noah looked at Margaret, her lips trembling slightly, "Well... be honest with each other, I think... No, this is fine."

This sentence of mutual honesty can be said to have directly penetrated Noah's defenses. Margaret... She is worthy of being Margaret. She may not pay attention to some things occasionally, but she will never make a wrong move. As long as someone points it out or she realizes something - she will give an answer that is so correct that it is difficult to refute.

Oh...it's really...a trait that makes people love and hate it.

"Ahem, let's reciprocate. I'll give you the right to ask questions first." Since the decision had been made, Margaret showed his chivalry and took the initiative.

Noah looked at Margaret, and many questions flashed through her mind. In fact, she did have many questions she wanted to ask, but she felt that some questions were too embarrassing, and she was embarrassed to ask them. But after thinking about it, she still asked a question - a question that had been lingering in her heart for a long time and she had not asked it.

"Margaret—I want to ask you..." She swallowed, "Have you ever resented me?"

"...Ah?" Margaret was stunned. She scratched her head for a long time. She hadn't expected Noah to ask such a question, but the answer was obvious. "Of course not! I have never resented you in my life! I promise, I can use my family's name!"

"Not really... I'm just relieved." Noah patted his chest. "Actually, when I first moved into the Lin Guang family's house, I did steal a lot of your mother's attention. My attitude was also very bad, and I later regretted it... My attitude back then was really childish."

"Because of this kind of thing..." Margaret even wanted to laugh, "I never considered you an enemy. I thought of you as my sister."

"...Is that so." Noah nodded. Although she seemed to have guessed this would be the result, she only felt relieved after Margaret actually said it.

"That's great..." She whispered softly, hugging her knees on the ground and curling up into a ball. "Yeah, that's who you are. Why would I ask such a stupid question?"

"It's a stupid question, but it's also very typical of you, Noah. You're always worried about what you've accomplished, and if you make a mistake, you'll hold it to your heart, even for over a decade. You're broad-minded, but you set too high standards for yourself," Margaret commented with a smile. "I should have guessed you remember all these things so clearly."

"...Ahem, anyway, I've asked all my questions. Margaret...what do you want to know?" Noah looked at Margaret and said, "Anything is fine. I will answer you honestly."

"...Well...actually, I've been thinking about this for a long time." Margaret looked at Jian beside her, and after seeing Jian nodded slightly, she spoke. "Noah, do you like me?"

"...Of course I..."

"It's not the kind between friends, nor between brothers and sisters, nor like family... I mean, have you ever loved me?" At this moment, as if she had predicted Noah's words, Margaret blocked all of Noah's retreat routes with a barrage of words and faced the answer directly.

"I want to know, do you like me... or... have you ever liked me?" Margaret's eyes sparkled, making Noah panic and almost blushing. She gritted her teeth and looked at Jian beside her, but Jian was looking at them with a look as if she was watching a show, which made her so angry that she wanted to punch her.

"I...I..." Noah wanted to say that she liked him before, but she doesn't like him anymore. After all, she already has the mace, but she can't say it - because she has to be honest, this is what she promised.

And does she... really no longer like Margaret?

"...I like you," she replied, deflated. "...I like you, Margaret...I still do now. Not in the sense of family, not in the sense of friends—you are my first love."

Noah's face was red and her eyes were evasive, but at this moment she exuded an unprecedented girlish shyness.

"Are you satisfied?!"

Chapter 89: The Loved One

Margaret Linguang.

A wood well known to Casimir.

However, even if one was a wooden man, it would be impossible for him to misjudge at this moment. After all, the girl in front of him had already expressed her feelings directly and clearly.

If you are still dull at this time, it is not a problem of wood. It is most likely a big problem with your emotional perception ability, which is a physiological disease.

And, coincidentally, Margaret also loves the girl in front of him.

But before she could say anything, Noah took the initiative to distance herself from her. She avoided Margaret's gaze and didn't dare to look at her expression. She knew how happy Margaret would be, but she had to shatter her fantasy in the end.

"But... I've decided to give up."

"……Eh?"

"Margaret, I liked you, and I still like you now, but it's impossible between us."

"...Why?" Margaret panicked, because she did see sadness in Noah's eyes. She wanted to say something, but she couldn't seem to say it.

Jian, who was standing aside, covered her face with her hands and sighed silently. In fact, she really didn't mind Margaret joining them, but she knew Noah's character. Once she made up her mind about something, she would not change it.

The same is true in terms of emotions.

Even if she still has feelings for Margaret Linguang, she will never ignore her own feelings because of this feeling, even if she doesn't mind. She is just like this, she is a stubborn person.

If she wasn't like this, why would she be so tired? If she wasn't like this, she wouldn't be Noah.

"There's no reason..." Noah lowered his eyes, "Maybe... I've fallen in love with someone else."

Humans are creatures driven by emotions, so they may not be able to control themselves from falling in love with others, but humans are also rational creatures. At this time, Noah's rationality tells her that she cannot be such a person. She loves Margaret, but she already has Mace, and she cannot betray Mace. If she really has to choose between Margaret and Mace, she will only choose Mace, and can only choose Mace.

She admitted her feelings for Margaret, but she would never make any promises to Margaret because of this. She no longer had the right to do so.

Moreover, the reason why she rejected Margaret was no different from the past. Margaret loved her, but loved Casimir more. But the problem was - she only loved herself.

The fact that he couldn't love only Jian was already enough to make him owe her a debt. Noah felt that although emotions were beyond his control, he should be clear about what he should and shouldn't do.

Love is not simply about cuddling up to each other, but about mutual responsibility. When someone gives all their love, you should return all their love. Even if you can't do that, you shouldn't take others' love for granted. Because in addition to love, people also have reason and responsibility. Love is a kind of responsibility. When you take on the love of others, you naturally have to return your love.

So - even if the mace doesn't matter, she will never give in in such a place.

Otherwise she would despise herself.

"I'm in love with Mace. Sorry, Margaret."

"...Noah." Mace finally spoke. "You don't have to..."

"Mace, this is the only thing I can't listen to you about." Noya was certainly in pain, but she didn't think she had done anything wrong. "I am your lover, and I must be responsible for this feeling, this relationship. I choose you."

"..." Mace shut up. Although she sympathized with Margaret, she could still sense the importance and joy she felt. Margaret's eyes flickered, from joy to sorrow, seemingly without a second thought. Even someone like Margaret couldn't accept such an outcome so quickly. She had thought this was the best of both worlds, but she had underestimated Noya, or rather, underestimated her sense of responsibility.

"...Okay, next question." Noah gritted her teeth and even skipped her turn to ask questions. She did feel guilty about Margaret, but that was all. She still considered Margaret her best friend, but that was all. "Sorry, Margaret."

"No, this isn't your fault." Margaret wasn't one to act irrationally. On the contrary, she actually liked Noah more because of his choice. She admired people like him and was proud of her childhood sweetheart's steadfastness. "It's my fault. I wasn't there for you when you needed me most. I deserve it."