Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

At least... by being with me, Amiya won't be deceived by bad guys, right?

"...Listen to my explanation." Noah covered his face, feeling the intense gaze of Theresa beside him. "I really don't have any hobbies in that area."

"Right, right, right. After all, this is a parallel world. Of course you don't have this hobby. It's the other you who has it." Theresa's disdainful look made Noah feel uneasy. He could only weakly explain, "Well, forget it. There's no point in blaming you. This is something that has already happened. We are just spectators."

"...That being said...but I still feel a little weird."

-

Outside the ward, Kal'tsit's hand, about to push the door open, hung in mid-air. Amidst the shrill alarms of the medical monitors, she heard Amiya's tearful cheer and Noah's rare, panicked "Be careful with the IV!" The eternal guardian silently withdrew her hand and stood by the door, silently guarding it for the two of them.

Feelings are indeed strange things that sprout in all kinds of environments... The relationship between Noah Kyrielight and Amiya has indeed long been more than just friends and companions. In fact, everyone who knows them can see Amiya's admiration for Noah.

It is always difficult for a girl to conceal her love, and everyone is just waiting for Amiya or Noah to break the window paper.

And now, it can be considered as a successful result...

What else can I say except blessings?

If you disturb someone's love, you will be kicked to death——

-

The next day, believe it or not, nothing happened last night. Amiya lay beside Noah's bed and talked to Noah until she fell asleep. But Noah himself couldn't sleep at all. He tossed and turned thinking about Amiya, and he had to control the amplitude so as not to wake Amiya up.

To be honest, Noah really felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't tell where the problem lay.

However, the next day, Amiya's attitude seemed no different from before. Both her attitude and the way she treated others were exactly the same as before. They had clearly established a relationship... but it seemed as if nothing had changed.

At noon, Frost Star also came to visit the patient. The white rabbit who was saved from danger with his help was accompanied by Elafia, who looked somewhat familiar.

"Frost Star, right? How are you?" Noya was now able to sit up and peel an apple for herself. Although she needed further observation according to the doctor's orders, she felt that her athletic physique might be even more impressive than she had imagined. Her recovery speed would make most doctors dislocate their jaws. "You should have regained your ability to use Originium techniques."

"I'm sorry to bother you." Frost Star's complexion was indeed much better, and even her face was much rosier. Her previous pale face was half due to her physical problems. Although her Originium skills were powerful, she could not control them well, causing cold air to enter her body, which indirectly led to a series of problems in her body, including low body temperature and loss of taste.

With Noah's help, she finally got out of that cold state, and the price was just that she couldn't use Originium skills for a period of time. It can be said that she was revived by miracle.

"Take care of your body, drink plenty of hot water, and remember not to overuse your Originium skills, and everything will be fine. You can also ask others for advice on how to control your Originium skills. Your Originium skills are very strong, but you must learn to use them instead of being controlled by them." Noah instructed. Looking at Frost Star's current appearance, she was also happy. After all, which doctor would not be happy to see his patient recovering well?

"I understand all of this. Tallulah even brought me some Chinese medicine for conditioning—she brewed it herself, and it's incredibly bitter," Frost Star said a little embarrassedly. "But being able to taste it is a good thing, anyway."

"You should take Chinese medicine in moderation..." Noya wondered if the Chinese medicine recipe Tallulah had gotten was a problem. However, she didn't understand the mysterious Chinese medicine recipe from Yan Country, so she couldn't say anything. She could only choose to believe that Tallulah might be reliable.

"And who is this?" Noah turned the topic to Elafia, who had accompanied Frost Star. This girl's eyes had been lingering on Noah since she entered the ward. Noah had noticed this a long time ago, and she felt a little strange about it. After all, this was supposed to be their first meeting...

"My name is Alina, and I'm a temporary member of the Reunion Movement." Alina introduced herself with a smile. She looked young, but her speech and posture were very polite, and she seemed to be very good at negotiation. Her eyes seemed to speak. "I didn't greet you when you came to the camp before, so I thought I'd make up for it this time."

"...That's not necessary." This reason seemed like a random lie, but it was indeed the first time Noa saw Alina. According to her, Alina's status in the Reunion Movement seemed to be quite high, and it could even be said that she was on the same level as Frost Star. After all, Frost Star was also considered a [cadre].

The Reunion Movement is a relatively loose organization after all. Except for Tallulah and the Patriots who are basically on the same level, everyone else is actually at the cadre level, including Froststar.

"I'll come here more often in the future. After all, I'm also responsible for external communications for the Integration Movement, so getting to know someone familiar isn't a bad thing." She said with a smile. "Besides, I'm also very interested in you, Miss Noya."

"Are you trying to recruit me?" Noah blinked and guessed.

"It would be best if we could recruit you into the Reunion Movement, but I don't think you're very interested," Alina responded politely. "And considering you're recovering, I brought some medicine that might help. These are commonly used in the Reunion Movement and are good for recovery."

Alina neatly placed the oil paper packages she brought on the bedside table. These medicines were essentially a favor, or rather, they represented the goodwill of the Integration Movement. There were naturally better medicines in Lungmen, but Noah was indeed very grateful for this favor. This was the so-called "the gift is small but the thought is great" kind of situation.

"Thank Tallulah for me. That's so thoughtful." Noah nodded. "Is the Reunion Movement cooperating with Lungmen now?"

"We call it cooperation, but in reality, Longmen has provided us with a base for camp. It's a mutually beneficial relationship, considering we share a common enemy," Alina explained. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I think that's the perfect way to describe our relationship with Longmen."

"But I remember that Tallulah and Duke Wei are relatives?" Noah asked curiously, but when it came to this, Alina smiled awkwardly.

"It is true that they are relatives, but... there are also kinds of relatives that are particularly bad..." Alina did not explain it clearly, but Noah already understood. The relationship between Chen Huijie and Wei Gong did not seem to be very good. What did Wei Gong do to make the two sisters feel resentful towards him?

Seeing Noah lost in thought, Alina approached the bedside and drew aside the curtains, letting the sunlight stream through the window and fill the ward. The sunlight filtered through the sycamore leaves, casting tiny specks of light on her pale eyelashes. Alina didn't mention that snowy night—the encounter that changed her life. In her view, the lives Noah had saved were as numerous as the stars in the sky, and being forgotten was a natural outcome.

Of course she felt some regret, but she was not disappointed.

Alina tucked her hair behind her ears, a gentle smile on her lips as she returned to the bedside. "More sunshine will help with recovery. Please forgive my intrusion."

Ever since entering the ward, Alina always seemed to exude a temperament that was good at taking care of others. If Noa hadn't known that she was a cadre of the Reunion Movement, she would have thought she was a nurse or a professional caregiver. She had a reassuring temperament all over her body, and it was no wonder that she could become a cadre of the Reunion Movement - she and Tallulah complemented each other very well.

Noah had a very high opinion of Alina. This was only their first meeting, but she noticed Alina's attentiveness. It was a blessing for the Reunion Movement to have such a person by Tallulah's side.

The two people from the Reunion Movement didn't stay long. After delivering the things, they quickly said goodbye and left, probably because they were afraid of disturbing Noah's rest.

But soon, there was another uninvited guest in the ward.

But unlike the previous two, this one wasn't here to visit a patient...

"Lord Wei, what brings you here?" The person who appeared in front of Noah was none other than the helmsman of Longmen, Wei Yanwu.

"I came to see you." Wei Yanwu looked at Nuoya lying on the hospital bed and smiled, "Why, are you not welcome?"

"Of course not. I'm just curious. Lord Wei should be very busy with his affairs of state... Why would he take the time to come to me?" Noah was not speaking casually. Not to mention Ursus, the people coming from Yan Country alone were enough to give Wei Yanwu a headache, and now he appeared here - Noah didn't think he was just here to visit the patient.

"Time is like toothpaste; if you squeeze it, you'll always get some. And I can't ignore you, a great contributor. You took out seven internal guards in one go without detonating the nation. I have to admit, I underestimated you." At this point, Wei Yanwu's tone suddenly darkened. "But I'm curious how you did it."

"It's a secret." Noah shook his head. "I can't possibly reveal my most powerful trick, right?"

"Hehe, a secret." Wei Yanwu chuckled. "Do you know how big a threat this secret of yours poses to Ursus?"

Wei Yanwu certainly wanted to know how Noah dealt with the internal guards. As long as he knew this secret, the threat from Ursus would be reduced a lot. This could be said to be quite important information. Wei Yanwu also knew that it was a bit unethical for him to force Noah to answer, but after all, the interests were here. As the governor of Longmen, he had to put Longmen first.

"Name your price." After thinking for a long time, he finally spoke, "As long as you are willing to tell me the secret of how to deal with the inner guards, I can agree to any conditions you offer."

Chapter 31: They Lost

"Any conditions? Duke Wei is really generous when he opens his mouth." Noah narrowed her eyes, but she also understood. After all, this transaction can be said to be about the national destiny of Ursus. Once the weakness of the inner guards is exposed, then Yan State will have a huge advantage both at the negotiation table and on the battlefield. If it goes deeper, it may even change the situation in Terra. Today, Terra, Dayan, Ursus, and Victoria are three countries in a tripartite alliance. It is basically difficult for other countries to confront these three old countries. Therefore, basically, if there is a problem on any side of the three countries, it may directly change the situation in Terra.

The upper limit of any conditions mentioned by Wei Yanwu is very high. No matter whether it is wealth and glory or promotion, in Longmen it really only takes a word from him. Moreover, he probably also represents the official attitude of Dayan. In other words, it is Yan State that truly endorses Wei Yanwu.

One of the three top powers on this continent——

"I don't want to deceive you, Lord Wei. I do have a method to deal with the inner guards, but it's something only I can use, and I can't really transfer it." Noya sighed helplessly and spoke frankly, "If possible, I'd also like to tell you. After all, Wei Yanwu's promise is indeed very tempting. But I can only say sorry."

"No, no, no, this matter can still be discussed—" Wei Yanwu smiled and shook his head, "Don't rush to refuse. If you are the only one who can use this method to deal with the internal security, then we also have corresponding plans."

Obviously, Wei Yanwu seemed to have been prepared for this. With his cleverness, he could see that what Noah said was indeed the truth. Although it was a pity that there was no way to promote this method - but as long as it existed, there was something to talk about.

"Then let's put it another way. Miss Noah Kyrielight, are you willing to join Longmen?" Wei Yanwu smiled and extended an olive branch. "Don't get me wrong, Longmen has always been committed to recruiting talented people from all over the world. In my opinion, you are one of them. I have read your resume, it is legendary. If you can join Longmen, we will provide you with the highest standards of treatment. In the future, Longmen will be your strongest backing - even Yan Country will protect you. What do you think?"

Placing his chips on the table, Wei Yanwu's eyes, like those of a seasoned gambler, were filled with confidence. He believed few in the world would refuse such an offer. This was Longmen, this was Yan Nation, the most powerful nation on Terra. It was an olive branch, the kind where a simple nod would lead to the pinnacle of life. However, he met Noya.

"Lord Wei, this is indeed a very attractive proposal. I also believe that Yan State is sincere. In fact, if I just agree, Yan State will give me everything I want. But..." Noya paused and continued, "Lord Wei, you don't truly understand me, or rather, you don't truly realize what I am facing."

"No matter what you think or what enemies you have, I believe Dayan is your best choice. Do you really want to reject this offer?" Wei Yanwu didn't expect that even after he had unleashed such a powerful move, the other party would still reject him. He could only reassure himself, "This may be your last chance."

"...Duke Wei, can I ask you a question?"

"Please say."

"Da Yan may be the most powerful nation in Terra—but what if Da Yan is powerless against what I'm facing?" Noya said. "No, not just Da Yan, even if all of Terra united, I'm afraid we wouldn't be able to contend with it."

"Excuse me...it's hard for me to imagine that the entire Terra is facing such difficulties." Wei Yanwu frowned, but it was not because he thought Noah was bragging. In fact, he did know some secrets, such as the giant beasts that Dayan had fought against, or the evil demons in the northern snowfields, and the threats in the sea, but Wei Yanwu did not think that Dayan would lose to these things. Dayan just needed more time to deal with them.

Dayan is proud. They are the only country that drew swords against the giant beasts and won in the end. They dared to hunt gods.

They naturally didn't think they would lose to anything, including the evil demons and Hai Si.

"What I want to talk about is not the behemoth, not the evil demon, not the sea heir—" At this time, Noya decided to reveal part of his purpose, or rather, to let Dayan understand that the real threat has not yet appeared in its sight. "I believe that even if it is these things, Terra will definitely overcome them. I fully believe in Terra's power and the power of human beings. But just this thing, I don't think Terra, or the Terra of today, can win."

"What the hell are you talking about?" When Noya mentioned the terms "behemoth," "sea heir," and "evil demon," Wei Yanwu's expression finally grew serious. What could be more terrifying than these three things? Wei Yanwu didn't know such things existed. If an ordinary person said this, he would probably just think they were talking nonsense.

But the other party said these three nouns, which meant that she already had a certain understanding of these three things. In this case, she could even come up with a description that was more terrifying than those three things... Wei Yanwu couldn't imagine what it was.

Noya stretched out his finger and pointed towards the sky. Wei Yanwu frowned at first, then thought for a moment before speaking, "Are you talking about the barrier between heaven and earth above Terra?"

"Is that how Yan Nation described it?" Noya was a little surprised. "But since Yan Nation is aware of the existence of a barrier above Terra, have you ever thought about the purpose of this barrier?"

"Our Yan Nation has an observatory dedicated to observing the stars. We discovered the existence of a barrier long ago. This barrier limits the flight limits of all flying objects on Terra. Terra has tried countless times, but has failed to break through it. We know this thing as the Heaven-Earth Barrier and believe it to be a [natural phenomenon]. Although we have never stopped researching it, it is true... our understanding of this barrier is quite superficial."

Wei Yanwu explained Yan Nation's understanding of the barrier layer. It must be said that Yan Nation was indeed very forward-thinking. Understanding this barrier itself was already quite a feat. Observational understanding was sufficient proof that Yan Nation had many talented individuals.

"If you want to talk about the meaning of this barrier, I know of many hypotheses. For example, it's a barrier between humans and gods, and the true gods reside in the sky. Or it's a naturally formed layer of transparent ice, just like the higher the mountain, the colder it gets. At a certain altitude, water vapor will condense directly into ice, and this ice layer is something that naturally formed above Terra. But these studies are just hypotheses, and it's difficult to determine whether they are correct. As for why this barrier exists..." Wei Yanwu paused, "We haven't really thought about it in this direction."

"Indeed, if this thing that covers the entire Terra is man-made, it is indeed beyond your understanding." Noah could actually understand why Yan Country had never thought of this possibility. It was more like after she said that the barrier was man-made, Wei Yanwu stood up directly.

"Ridiculous!" Wei Yanwu suddenly slammed the table and stood up. "A man-made creation that covers the entire sky? Do you know how much power this requires?!" His roar echoed in the hall, but Noah did not give in at all. There was only calmness in his eyes.

"Of course, this wasn't created by us, our ancestors, or even those behemoths," Noya explained. "It was created by a civilization whose technology far surpasses ours. It exists to protect Terra. They call it the 'Barrier Layer,' a barrier that delays the real threats from noticing Terra. It can also be called the 'Terra Shield.'"

Wei Yanwu's anger receded like a tide, replaced by a cold shudder. He slumped back into his chair, his knuckles clenched until they turned pale blue, as if crushing some invisible shackle. "A civilization...more powerful than ours?" His voice seemed to be squeezed between his teeth, each word carrying the tremor of a completely overturned understanding. At this moment, he finally looked up, truly gazing for the first time at the sky shrouded in lies—the barrier they had once believed was simply the laws of nature, now the work of some unknown civilization.

"I find it hard to believe what you're saying... Noa Kyrielight." His tone was low and tense, as if he was trying to use the chains of reason to tether a truth about to spiral out of control. "If these words were spread, they would only be regarded as the ravings of a madman, or the fantasy of a third-rate novelist. You have no evidence, no credibility—you haven't even explained why it's you? Why are you able to access these so-called truths?" His fingers tapped the table unconsciously, the rhythm chaotic. "To be honest... I'd rather you were just a raving lunatic. At least that way, the skies of Terra would still be... safe."

Wei Yanwu's knuckles tapped unconsciously on the tabletop, a dull thud as his fingers collided with the solid wood. He stared into Noya's eyes, which seemed to pierce the heavens, and suddenly realized that his thoughts were slipping uncontrollably into an abyss—he was seriously considering whether to ask her to present the evidence. The thought made his throat tighten.

"You're just being gripped by fear." Noah shrugged casually. "As for the evidence..."

She suddenly chuckled.

"Who says I don't?"

The air suddenly froze. Wei Yanwu found his breathing becoming heavier—an unnatural loss of composure for the Lungmen Governor. His prided rationality was crumbling: How could someone who could accurately describe the three calamities of the sea, the behemoth, the demon, and the heir of the sea, be considered a madman? Those terms were top secrets held by all nations, and even the Lungmen archives contained only fragmentary records.

"Enough!" he suddenly shouted, though he couldn't even tell if he was yelling at Noya or severing the fear growing within him. If the sky truly was a prison, what was the meaning of the Great Yan's millennia-long legacy? Were those epic stories of slaying giant beasts and hunting gods merely the entertainment of caged ants?

The teacup on the table had shattered into dust without anyone noticing. Wei Yanwu looked at the bloody marks on his palm from the porcelain shards and suddenly remembered the ancient texts describing "there are heavens beyond heavens." Back then, he'd thought it was just a clever metaphor, but now...

"Prove it to me," he finally whispered, each word tearing apart a certain belief. "Logic tells me I shouldn't trust you. But logic also tells me... you're not crazy. All I want is proof. As long as you show me the proof, I can trust you."

"There's actually a lot of evidence, like the stargate in the far north, which was the source of the demonic invasion of Terra. There's actually another one in the south, but it's been swallowed by the Foehn Earth... As for the closest, "as for the most direct evidence... the closest is something beneath Chernobog. Give me the map, and I'll mark an area for you—this area contains an artifact that even the Yan Nation's most sophisticated astronomical instruments can't decipher."

Noya requested a map. Wei Yanwu naturally couldn't refuse such a simple request. Soon, a map of Chernobog was in Noya's hands. She then circled an area with a pen. "Lord Wei's agents should be able to infiltrate these coordinates," she tapped the center of the circle with her fingertips. "Three hundred meters underground lies a relic of a past civilization—we call it the 'Stone Coffin.'"

Wei Yanwu's dragon pupils suddenly contracted. He stared at the red circle, as if looking through the parchment and into the ground. "The mobile city-state has only been around for a hundred years. How could this creation..."

"If I say..." Noya suddenly interrupted, her voice carrying a certain ancient rhythm, "Chernobog became Ursus's first mobile city precisely because of this sarcophagus?" She looked at Wei Yanwu's suddenly raised face, "Before Originium furnace technology matured, Ursus engineers treated it as an infinite energy source—like a child treating a god's crown as a toy."

"Heh... Honestly, I think what you're saying is even more outrageous... An energy source that can supply energy to an entire mobile city, but isn't an Originium furnace? I'm afraid there's no such thing in the entire world. And can that thing really have such powerful energy? Is it... something similar to an Originium furnace?"

"...No, that thing can indeed store a large amount of energy, but the reason Ursus needed to use the Originium furnace to cut off the energy later on shows that the energy the sarcophagus can store is also limited. Using the sarcophagus's energy to supply it is just a stopgap measure." Noya explained, "After all, it's just a battery, not a perpetual motion machine."

Wei Yanwu's fingertips unconsciously rubbed the scarlet mark on the map, the cinnabar spreading across the parchment like blood. He suddenly stood up and paced back and forth, the irritation deep in his heart forcing him to use this method to relieve his anxiety. He suddenly turned around and spoke.

"One last question." His voice seemed to come from beneath the ice. "If this civilization is so powerful..."

Those dragon eyes were fixed on Noah.

"Why can't Terra see any trace of them?"

"this problem……"

Noah paused, as if formulating his words.

“They lost.”

When these four words fell, the temperature of the entire reception room seemed to drop sharply.

"……I see."

With a sigh, Wei Yanwu found that his hands were shaking uncontrollably.

...It was the first time that he felt the existence of fear so clearly.

Chapter 32: Playing in the Water

Compared with a more detailed description, the four words "they lost" may have had a greater impact on Wei Yanwu.

No matter who Noya was talking about, it was obvious that they had a technological level far beyond that of Terra civilization, but even so... they still disappeared in the history.

What enemy they faced, and how it destroyed them, these questions were no longer relevant. In the face of that merciless annihilation, all arguments were meaningless. But what they faced, Terra must also face today. This was Wei Yanwu's greatest fear... If even such a brilliant civilization couldn't resist, then was there any hope for Terra today?

As the Governor of Longmen and the former Crown Prince Yanwu, he had been taught to remain calm even in the face of a mountain collapse. However, Wei Yanwu also understood that in the thousand years of Yan State's history, it had never encountered the despair he witnessed today. At this moment, he actually hoped that Noya was a raving lunatic.

"This is a serious matter. I need time." Wei Yanwu pondered for a moment and said, "Not only do I need to confirm it, I also need to pass on the news first."

"Whatever." Noya had no intention of stopping him. Rather, her primary goal was not only to pass on this message, but also to get it to the right people. Wei Yanwu clearly had only one target in mind: the current Great Flame True Dragon. It would be even better if the Great Flame True Dragon could pass this message on to the leaders of various countries, saving Noya from having to visit them one by one.

The opponents Terra faces cannot be dealt with simply by uniting, but if they do not unite, they will be doomed to die.

The rainstorm came down without warning, its leaden curtain shattering the Longmen skyline. Wei Yanwu stood at the hospital window, his pipe long extinguished, yet still clenched with a burning warmth. The winding streaks of rain on the glass blurred the entire city, and even his own reflection—much like the neon lights washed away by the rain. The faith he had clung to for half his life was now being saturated by a greater fear.

He never thought that he would take the initiative to bow to his younger brother, the current Great Flame True Dragon. The conflict between them has become meaningless in the face of this greater disaster. Wei Yanwu believes that even on the night when he brought the sword into the palace, he was not so panicked. Wei Yanwu suddenly realized how ridiculous the imperial mentality he had cultivated all his life was at this moment - when the stars may fall, what does the old grudges between brothers matter?

"What's the point in saying all this?" After Wei Yanwu left, Kal'tsit walked into the ward and said to the silent Noah, "Even if they knew about the existence of the lumberjacks, they wouldn't give up their struggle for power."

"But they should at least know this, Kal'tsit," Noah explained. "Even if it causes panic, they must know that the world isn't as safe as they think. Above us, sixty thousand meters away, there are hunters waiting to cut our throats. Rather than just sit there and wait for death, I hope they can put aside their past grudges..."

"...I can't approve of your actions, but I can't blame you either." Kal'tsit sighed, "Let's do our best and leave the rest to fate."