Arknights: Studying medicine can't save Terra

She looked at Candela and said softly:

"In that case, I won't bother you any longer."

"You came to me with a mission, didn't you?" Candela asked, as if she could see through everything.

“Originally, Rhodes Island wanted to set up an office in Dosoles,” Cast Iron said, shaking his head. “But now I think this matter is still up for discussion. Please allow me to return to Rhodes Island and consult with my superiors before making a decision.”

Candela's expression remained unchanged as she silently gazed out the window and said:

“I remember your application. I rejected it without hesitation before because I know Rhodes Island to some extent.”

Rhodes Island is good, but it's not a good fit for Dossores.

The cast iron did not answer.

But her attitude was one of tacit agreement.

In her current view, Dosoles is also not a good fit for Rhodes Island.

"But you know what, things are different now."

Candela's tone suddenly changed: "Because of Qi Yan, although I don't know why he chose Dosoles, his actions gave me a glimmer of hope."

“Hope?” Cast Iron asked in surprise.

“Yes, I hope so.” Candela tilted her head back and downed the red wine in one gulp, then tossed the glass aside.

The crisp sound of shattering wine glasses echoed in the office as Candela opened her arms as if embracing the future that was about to unfold.

Her laughter rang in the ears of the three cast iron men:

"You all think Qi Yan is sabotaging Dosoles, but in reality, he is the one who sees things most clearly."

Bolívar was a hopeless country, powerless to resist the encroachment of Letania and Colombia, as it had been enslaved since its inception.

To survive, you must give up some things; to rebel, you must also give up some things.

Candela turned abruptly, pointed to the billowing smoke outside, and continued:

"My existence allows Bolivar to have the last space where people can breathe."

But things are different now, because Qi Yan has arrived. He is like a god high above, bringing judgment to this land. When the sharp blade hanging over everyone's heads falls, all desires will vanish. Only those who awaken and resist can survive.

You all think Qi Yan caused this turmoil, but in reality, he never laid a hand on Dosoles; he was just playing around!

He simply forced our true enemy to appear before everyone, giving people a target.

This was Bolivar's hope for resistance, his starting point; it was Qi Yan who gave Bolivar a starting point!

Cast Iron was so frightened that he took half a step back and almost couldn't resist drawing his greatsword to defend himself.

Candela's expression at that moment was terrifying; it was the ecstatic joy of someone who had been utterly lonely suddenly encountering someone like herself.

Candela was not at all surprised by the cast iron's reaction, or rather, she didn't care at all.

She took a deep breath, her eyes burning with an unprecedented excitement:

"I don't know what the final outcome of this turmoil will be. It may be that Dosolez will be the spark that ignites the flames of resistance, or it may be the last straw that breaks the camel's back for Bolivar."

I don't know what I should do, so I'll do nothing and leave the stage to Qi Yan and the doctors from Rhodes Island; they will provide the answers.

I don't know what Qi Yan ultimately wants, and I don't care. If he wants Dosoles, then give it to him. If he wants to support someone else to take power, then I'll voluntarily step down from the mayor's position.

“…Mayor Candela, please calm down.” Cast Iron’s tone was somewhat tense.

"I'm sorry, I really couldn't control my emotions. Qi Yan has given me so many surprises. Without him, Old Pancho would never have been able to put Dosoles in such a critical situation."

Candela's voice still carried an undisguised smile: "This just-right sense of oppression is terrifying, but not to the point of despair, making it the perfect breeding ground for a rebellious spirit."

If, and I mean if, under Qi Yan's guidance, the Bolivarians truly awaken to the consciousness of resistance, and that person has enough intelligence to lead them, then Rhodes Island will become the most honored guest of this land.

I know you won't care about these things, but I look forward to the day when Rhode Island has offices in every city in Bolivar.

Standing alongside the City Hall, one can appreciate the most magnificent and greatest struggles of this land.

Chapter 252 Our Future

The office fell into a long silence as Candela finished speaking.

Cast Iron's throat felt dry, and he didn't know what to say.

She understood Candela's feelings at that moment, but that didn't mean she could accept them.

She could choose not to dwell on the chaos in Dosoles, because she wasn't from Dosoles, and Qi Yan was her companion.

But Candela, despite being in the midst of the chaos, maintained a clear and independent mind, stepping outside the battle to analyze the impact of Qi Yan's actions from an observer's perspective.

Such a person is either a genius with uncanny intelligence or a madman on the verge of insanity.

Cast Iron turned to look at Sussurro and Eyjafjalla behind her. The two of them also looked somewhat solemn, but they didn't say anything, only giving her a firm look.

Cast Iron took a deep breath, slowly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again a moment later, his gaze had become firm.

"Mayor Candela, I'm just an ordinary person, and I can't keep up with your advanced thinking. I'm sorry."

Cast Iron bowed slightly, then continued, "But I must state one thing: Qi Yan's actions at this moment are not in line with Rhodes Island's principles. We are willing to bear the consequences of Qi Yan's actions because he is our comrade."

However, we do not condone Qi Yan's actions, therefore we will not accept any goodwill you extend to Rhodes Island because of Qi Yan's actions.

"Hmm?" Candela showed surprise for the first time. "Rhodes Island is the organization I've ever met that values ​​comrades the most, so why do you still make such a clear distinction in this regard?"

"The two are not in conflict."

Cast Iron said earnestly, "Protecting our comrades is the most steadfast will of us Rhodes Island operators. Everyone is ready to give everything for their comrades at any time."

However, we also respect the decisions of every comrade. Rhodes Island is not a one-man show. Rhodes Island allows every operator to think freely and equally, make their own decisions, and be responsible for their own decisions, including Qi Yan and the Doctor. They are not special.

We often disagree, and arguments are not uncommon in meetings, because Rhodes Island is a community, a community made up of living, breathing people.

Candela remained silent for a long time.

After a long while, she finally let out a long breath.

“I think I understand now. I’ve only truly understood this now,” Candela said slowly. “Rhodes Island is truly an enchanting place.”

Candela's expression suddenly softened, as if she had thought of something.

If her previous attitude towards the Cast Iron Trio was gentle and even respectful, it was based on the value Rhodes Island demonstrated, and it was an attitude towards partners.

At this point, she had become as close to the three iron-casting men as she would to friends.

This is a recognition.

"Please sit down. There's no need for us to stand and talk. Are you not used to drinking red wine?"

Candela gestured for the three to sit down and smiled, "Although it's chaotic outside, it hasn't been affected much here. I can provide whatever you want to drink."

"...No need."

Cast Iron led Sussurro and the other person to their seats, but refused Candela's suggestion.

Candela didn't insist. She took out her own wine glass again, poured herself some red wine, and said in a relaxed tone:

"My father was the former mayor of this city. To be honest, he was a good-for-nothing who was supported by the Letanian government and could do nothing but embezzle."

Later, the angry citizens kicked down the office door, and he could only leave in a sorry state with my mother and me. Thanks to him, I went with my father first to Kazimierz, and then to Victoria.

I learned how to use money and its meaning from him, then I returned here and became the new mayor.

Cast Iron stared silently at Candela, not understanding why she suddenly started chatting casually at this time.

Meeting the questioning look in Cast Iron's eyes, Candela chuckled:

"Don't be nervous. I know that the three of you are capable of protecting yourselves, but wandering outside still carries the risk of injury. This city hall is the safest place. Even if the rebels gather the power of those nobles, they will not be able to easily break through here."

We can chat here at our leisure, while we wait for Qi Yan and your doctor to have their fun, and await the final verdict on Dosoles.

Seeing that Cast Iron had fallen silent again, Candela continued to ramble on:

"In fact, there has never been a shortage of rebels like Pancho in Bolívar. They have always tried to drive out the forces of Letania and Colombia and make Bolívar truly independent."

Unfortunately, they were blindly pursuing the image of a nation; they simply wanted a nation called Bolivar.

They don't understand what true independence really is. With this mindset, even if they win the war, they will only push Bolívar into an even more tragic abyss.

Bolívar needs a true master, someone with unwavering goals, someone who sees the true nature of this land yet still persists in their ideals… a martyr.

Cast Iron finally caught up with Candela's train of thought again, and exclaimed in realization:

"So you're hoping that in this turmoil caused by Qi Yan, someone will awaken the will to resist, rather than hoping that this turmoil will overthrow the colonies on the land of Bolívar."

"Yes, with the power Qi Yan has shown, he could easily eliminate the invaders on this land, but that would be useless."

Candela looked out the window at the chaotic city and said softly, "Violence is a necessary means, and any resistance must ensure that one has sufficient strength. But violence is never the decisive means, because violence cannot destroy a person's spirit and will."

I look forward to it, I really look forward to it, that someone will stand up and let all Bolivians see...our future.

"Boss, my legs are sore."

Qi Yan lay on a beach chair, wearing sunglasses, leisurely enjoying the sun in Dosoles.

On the deck, a group of powerful figures, including his new boss, stood obediently by his side, some holding various alcoholic beverages and others holding fruits and snacks.

There were also people standing by at all times, following Qi Yan's temporary commands.

At that moment, Qi Yan's new boss ran over to massage Qi Yan's legs the instant Qi Yan spoke.

Qi Yan's eyes, hidden behind his sunglasses, narrowed comfortably as he patted his boss's ram's horns:

"Good technique, I'll reward you by giving me a 10% raise."

"I...I thank you!"

"You're too kind, we're practically family."

Qi Yan stretched and gently pulled down his sunglasses, his golden pupils looking towards the shore of the artificial sea.

There, the doctor and his companions had disappeared.

But Qi Yan knew that the hooded man was definitely secretly plotting how to get back at him.

The only card in the Doctor's hand that can threaten him right now is the pink mouse.

"Someone, arrange for people to keep a close watch on the area around the ship. If you see a pink Zalak, notify me immediately."

Qi Yan thought for a moment and added, "Remember, notify me immediately. Don't act on your own, unless you're as tired of living as I am."

Chapter 253: Building the plank road openly, secretly destroying Chencang

The group of dignitaries on the ship were all somewhat bewildered.

This was the first time they had ever seen Qi Yan get serious.

Everyone couldn't help but shiver.

A being that even Qi Yan has to be wary of—that's how terrifying it must be!

Without any prompting from Qi Yan, the news spread throughout the entire ship in an instant. Even Pan Qiao, who had regained command of the rebel army and was pursuing his dreams, was startled.

In an instant, the ship was placed on the highest level of security, with guards every three steps and sentries every five steps. Not even a pink mouse or a black fly could get in.

Qi Yan looked at these obedient guys with satisfaction, put his sunglasses back on, and continued to enjoy his sunbathing.

As soon as he lay down, he heard Big White's voice in his ear:

"She is coming."

Qi Yan did not ask who this 'she' referred to.

The only one who could get Da Bai to take notice was Ya'er, a god of equal rank.

"It's yours to handle. Stay away from me and don't capsize my little boat," Qi Yan said casually, waving his hand.

Big White did not reply.

But a moment later, some distance from the ship, snowflakes suddenly began to fall on the sea.

Two Ice-type divine Pokémon begin their duel.

Neither of them was taking it seriously. Calling it a duel was probably more like sitting underwater and playing rock-paper-scissors with each other.

Even so, their lingering influence successfully affected the weather on the artificial sea.

The people on the ship turned pale with fright when they saw the summer snow falling over there.