Asura in Arknights

Few people are capable of venturing into contaminated areas without protective gear, and Viviana was one of them.

The constellation guardian of the stars... is more inclined to defend against physical attacks, absorbing only a small portion of radiation.

However, this is just Originium Arts that Stardust 'borrowed'. If the owner of this spell were to release Constellation Guardian, there certainly wouldn't be such an obvious flaw.

"That's for the best."

Warfarin breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Viviana's reply.

After thinking for a moment, Warfarin took a small bottle out of her tool bag.

"This is an Oripathy inhibitor developed by Rhodes Island. I'll give it to you just in case."

Viviana didn't refuse. She lightly touched the wreckage of the truck to her tiptoes and gracefully landed in front of Warfarin, taking the vial of blockade.

"Thank you," she said.

At this distance, they could see Viviana's exquisite, doll-like face more clearly. Coupled with her formidable strength, it was no exaggeration to say that she had so many fervent fans on the intercity network.

However, some members of the team completely disregarded Viviana's appearance and Originium Arts.

Elena scrutinized Viviana from head to toe, her gaze lingering most on the candlesticks and weapons in her hands. A moment later, Elena leaned close to Xingji's ear and whispered, "Sister, her outfit looks just like yours. You could call that a fashion clash?"

Zhuangshan is not terrible, whoever is ugly is embarrassed.

Although she had great confidence in her sister, Xingji was indeed at a disadvantage in this situation. After all, Xingji had to wear a heavy protective suit to move around in the contaminated area.

Hearing Elena's words, even Xingji felt somewhat helpless about her sister's unconventional thinking.

At a time like this, all you care about is whether you've run into someone wearing the same outfit?

"What nonsense are you talking about..."

Patting Elena's head, Xingji said, "Ginny, aren't you a representative of Rhine Lab? Why don't you go and talk to that Candle Knight?"

Although he said that, Xingji couldn't help but glance at Viviana a few more times.

"Let's forget about it." Elena stuck out her tongue. "Anyway, it won't make any difference whether I go or not, so let's just leave it to Dr. Warfarin."

Xingji remained noncommittal about this; after all, she was just there to spend time with her sister whom she hadn't seen in a long time, and the mission was secondary.

Elena is right about one thing: the two do look quite similar.

They both wield slender swords as weapons and hold spell units in their right hands to unleash Originium Arts. The only difference is that Astesia's spell unit is a celestial globe, while Viviana's spell unit is a candlestick.

This fighting style is very rare. Most people are used to integrating spell units directly into their weapons and holding a shield in their other hand, like Ace and Margaret's one-handed warhammers, rather than carrying a separate spell unit like these two girls.

In dangerous close-quarters combat, having a shield or not makes a world of difference.

It can only be said that the Originium Arts these two possess are very special, and can only be released using specialized spell units. Moreover, their Originium Arts can also compensate for the disadvantages caused by the lack of shields.

It's quite a coincidence that two people who are so similar could meet.

"Candle Knight, I have a question for you."

Leaving aside the sisters' private conversation, and after confirming that Viviana hadn't been affected by the Originium radiation, Warfarin asked seriously, "Why are you here? We've already broadcasted the rendezvous point across all frequencies; didn't you receive it?"

"Furthermore, even if you didn't receive the broadcast, you should have gone to the previously agreed meeting point and waited for us, instead of venturing into these ruins alone."

"You didn't bring the appropriate equipment, so you may not know that many inexplicable anomalies have occurred here—such as a sharp drop in radiation intensity and the disappearance of life signs."

Warfarin wasn't always so unreliable. After listening to Li Ang recount the causes and consequences of a series of events and discovering the anomalies in the ruins, a faint cloud of unease lingered in her heart.

Now, Viviana's illogical actions naturally aroused Warfarin's suspicion, especially after learning that Viviana's actions were not at Leon's behest. Warfarin then began to suspect her motives.

When Warfarin got serious, she finally revealed a hint of the Blood Demon Prince's aura. Perhaps because of the Blood Demon's special nature, everyone present except for Li Ang felt an instinctive threat and subconsciously tensed all their muscles.

However, Viviana remained calm, as if she hadn't sensed Warfarin's hostility at all.

"Let me be frank. Based on the intelligence we have gathered so far, this area is extremely dangerous, and I suspect that you are withholding crucial information."

Warfarin said bluntly, and then casually slapped a label on Pol Pharmaceuticals.

Li Ang didn't care, since Viviana was indeed representing their company.

Moreover, what Warfarin is doing right now is exactly what Li Ang is happy to see. As the representative of Rhodes Island, Warfarin is the perfect person to play this villain.

"Please explain why you disregarded the plan and ventured deep into the ruins ahead of schedule. Although we signed a contract, Rhodes Island has the right to refuse to carry out this commission if we confirm that you have concealed something."

What exactly are you hiding?

Theoretically speaking, Rhodes Island's refusal to fulfill the agreement is of no concern to Pol Pharmaceuticals; it should be Rhine Life that is anxious.

Elena was a little frightened by Warfarin's outburst of power and was now standing obediently behind Astro, not daring to utter a sound. So don't expect her to stand up and refute Warfarin.

Who would have thought that this comedian, who is often seen being hung on a mast, has this hidden side?

Of course, theory is just theory; Viviana, with her own agenda, clearly didn't want to escalate the matter.

So, as if she had been prepared, Viviana explained very smoothly why she was there.

“I arrived at the meeting point very early, but my portable radio was jammed and I didn’t receive your broadcast.”

That... is a reasonable explanation.

Pol Pharmaceuticals is not a professional broadcasting company or a pioneer cluster, so whether their radio stations can function properly in this environment really depends on luck.

Warfarin nodded, signaling Viviana to continue. She had only explained why she hadn't received the broadcast, but hadn't yet explained why she had ventured deep into the city.

"While I was waiting for you to come, I heard a strange sound."

"A sound? What sound?"

Although she didn't completely believe Viviana's explanation, Warfarin subconsciously raised her voice a little.

"A sort of……"

Viviana frowned slightly, as if searching for the right adjective.

After thinking for a few seconds, she continued, "It's a sound like metal being struck, the kind of noise you often hear in a blacksmith's shop."

“Such a sound should not be heard in the empty wilderness. Even if someone else has entered the ruins, it should not reach the place where I am waiting.”

As Viviana softly recounted her experience two hours earlier, a clear look of confusion flashed in her azure eyes. "But that voice just appeared. It was as if it was ringing directly in my heart. Even when I tried to plug my ears, I could still hear it."

"So, you entered the ruins alone to find the source of that sound?"

“Yes.” Viviana nodded.

"So, where did the sound come from? Have you found it?"

"No... The sound didn't start out of order. When I found this place, the sound suddenly stopped, and not long after that, you found me."

"...You're not just making up a story to fool me, are you?"

Warfarin's eyebrows twitched, and she stared at Viviana with a suspicious look.

“I have no reason to deceive you,” Viviana replied calmly.

Reason told Warfarin that Viviana was simply fooling around; from any angle, her explanation was too outlandish. However… considering the various anomalies they found in the ruins, Warfarin felt that she might not be lying.

After failing to reach an agreement, Warfarin simply handed the choice over to the person who truly had the authority to make the decision—

While no one was paying attention, Warfarin glanced at Li Ang to her side and behind her out of the corner of her eye.

Under her gaze, Li Ang nodded almost imperceptibly, then shook his head.

She didn't lie, but she didn't tell the whole truth either.

Li Ang's senses quickly helped him detect the hint of tension hidden beneath Viviana's calm expression.

Of course, it was just nervousness; Li Ang didn't detect any signs of a lie.

[...Clearly, she's using the truth to cover up another part of the truth.]

It was true that she heard strange knocking sounds, and Viviana did indeed have ulterior motives.

In Li Ang's perception, Viviana had indeed been lingering on the two truck wrecks for some time. Li Ang thought she had encountered some difficulties, but he did not expect that the voice she was tracking had suddenly disappeared.

Viviana knew she would be discovered sooner or later, but being found so quickly was clearly beyond her expectations.

In fact, without Li Ang's guidance, finding Viviana's whereabouts in the intricate ruins would have been extremely difficult.

It's quite possible that Viviana hasn't had time to do her own thing yet.

But... what was that voice that Viviana heard?

Li Ang scanned the surrounding area with his senses and found nothing unusual except that it was relatively close to the city center.

Li Ang fell into deep thought, forgetting how much trouble his actions had caused Warfarin.

Nodding and then shaking his head? What does that mean?

Warfarin was completely baffled and had no idea what Li Ang was trying to say.

After waiting a few seconds without seeing any further reaction from Li Ang, Warfarin had no choice but to answer based on her intuition.

"Fine, let's just assume you're telling the truth for now."

With a wave of her hand, Warfarin's hard-won momentum deflated like a punctured balloon in a short time.

"So what should we do next? My suggestion is to go back the way we came as soon as possible. What do you guys think?"

Warfarin asked for other people's opinions.

Seeing that the operation was about to come to an end, the representative of Rhine Lab finally couldn't stand it anymore.

Elena stepped forward and said timidly, "Um...shouldn't we investigate this place first?"

Chapter Sixty-Two Bioreactor

In any case, even if it's just a catalog, we must find the whereabouts of the 'Dream Project'. This is the task that Master Ferdinand gave to Elena.

But Elena could tell that her mentor didn't have much hope of finding experimental data, and that hiring Rhodes Island to explore the area seemed more like a desperate attempt to find a cure.

However, if Elena really did nothing and went back to report empty-handed, she would most likely... no, she would be 100% scolded by Ferdinand.

Elena had been working under Ferdinand for some time, and she knew that her mentor's temper wasn't actually very good; usually... he was just a little impatient.

But if she really angered her mentor... Elena thought it was better to avoid that kind of thing from happening.

So even though she was a little scared by Warfarin just now, Elena still stepped forward with a stiff upper lip, lest Rhodes Island really give up on this commission.

Summoning a little courage, Elena began to argue her point: "Isn't the existence of danger in these ruins just speculation? We haven't found any direct evidence yet."

As she spoke, Elena forgot her earlier fear, her mind quickly sharpening as she pointed out the small flaw in Warfarin's words.

"Moreover, Rhodes Island signed a contract with Rhine Life, while Pol Pharmaceuticals was only involved as a third-party supervisor."

“Even if they really did conceal some information, Rhodes Island should have negotiated with Ball Pharmaceuticals instead of refusing to fulfill the contract—this has nothing to do with the agreement between our two parties.”

Warfarin thought about it and realized that she really couldn't refute it.

According to Elena, it seems that Rhodes Island really was the one who breached the contract first.

According to the contract signed by both parties... Rhodes Island will likely have to pay a large sum of liquidated damages.

After all, while Rhine Life offered generous compensation, the penalty for breach of contract was also terrifyingly high.

The thought of Rhodes Island's current financial situation, and Kal'tsit's gloomy face... sent a chill down Warfarin's spine.

What foreign demons? None of them are as terrifying as that old woman when she gets angry.

"Well, your sister is quite capable."

After glancing at Stardust, Warfarin let out a heartfelt exclamation.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. Elena is a top student from Columbia University, and a student favored by the head of the Rhine Life Energy Department. How could she be stupid? She just lacks experience.

"Thank you for your praise. Elena still has a lot to learn and is still developing."

Xingji instinctively wanted to do a curtsy, but when she realized she was wearing protective clothing, she could only politely bow slightly to express her gratitude.

"Okay... I admit I was being a bit inconsiderate with what I said earlier, but it's true that there are unknown dangers in these ruins."

Warfarin's gaze swept over the Rhodes Island operators, and she said seriously, "For Rhodes Island, your lives are the most important thing. If you really don't want to, I can ask Kal'tsit to cancel this operation."

Even Kal'tsit wouldn't refuse such a legitimate reason.

After all... the 'Undead of Babel' are no more; they are now Rhodes Island.

Hearing Warfarin's words, Elena quieted down, waiting for the others to answer. She wasn't some ruthless villain who would risk her life; she wouldn't force someone to do something that would endanger their life. Besides... wasn't she also in this group?

The group remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

Xingji didn't care; she just wanted to be with her sister. If Elena didn't leave, she naturally wouldn't leave either. Li Ang didn't care either; he was just there to keep an eye on Rhine Lab's actions and see if he could make contact with the Energy Department. Warfarin didn't care either; she just felt a little uneasy and didn't think her life was really threatened.

What about the remaining people?