Arknights, I'm going to beat Kal'tsit, really?

Page 34

Time flies, Mostima traversed the sandstorms and crossed most of Terra, arriving at Trimont and standing before the Rhine Life Building.

“Uh, Director Kane, a guest would like to see you.”

"For business inquiries, please contact the Business Department."

"But they specifically requested to see you."

"Tsk, handle it according to standard procedure."

Kane hung up the phone at the front desk, somewhat impatient. These past few days had been endless—some people with connections had discovered that the true owner of Rhine Lab was Kane Mordred, the patriarch of the Texas family, or simply Kane Texas. The name didn't matter; what mattered was the power and influence he wielded.

Countless people eager for a piece of the pie came knocking. The powerful and wealthy used their connections to curry favor—alumni, teachers, and business partners of the Texas family all conveyed messages inviting Kane to visit; while those self-proclaimed dreamers went directly to Rhine Labs, trying to get an appointment through the front desk—they all used their connections, their resumes flying to the security department like snowflakes, but most of them ended up becoming a burden on the shredder.

Kane had already stated: For business collaborations, please contact the Business Department; for job applications, please contact the Human Resources Department.

I never imagined there were still people like this around.

The phone rang again, and Kane answered it.

"Director Kane, I'm sorry... I tried my best to persuade her to leave, but the security personnel were all defeated by her. She promised to leave as long as she relayed one sentence to you. She said: Azazel."

"Make her wait."

Kane almost couldn't recall what the name meant for a moment, but as the artificial life form reacted quickly, memories from the past resonated.

"Huh!? Okay, okay, I'll arrange it right away!"

When Kane arrived at the reception area, he witnessed a peculiar scene:

Several security personnel rushed towards the target in a pincer movement, but were as if "imprisoned"—or rather, their time was slowed down, trapping everyone in that instant. The remaining unaffected team members remained vigilant and on guard. At the center of the encirclement stood a fallen angel—Kane naturally remembered her distinctive blue hair and aura.

"Hey, Mr. Kane—long time no see."

Although the person in front of her was a complete stranger to Mostima, a certain intuition convinced her that this was the "Sarkota" who had made them so uneasy all the way.

"It has indeed been a long time... and things have even changed."

Kane's gaze swept over her Sarkaz features and the black aura around her. Mostima could only offer a helpless smile.

"Everyone, please leave. This is my guest. I don't blame you today; she's an exceptional guest."

With Kane's assurance, Mostima was able to enter Rhine Labs without any trouble. Kane led her to the reception room.

The waitress quickly prepared black tea and pastries, creating a comfortable atmosphere for the conversation.

"Tell me."

"Which?"

"Your matter, and how you found me."

Kane's job wasn't too demanding; he had many capable subordinates, and if all else failed, Mon3tr would step in—just as Saria said, he wasn't the type to do everything himself.

"That will be a very long story."

“I have plenty of time today, and Rhine Life also has guest rooms available for visitors.”

"So……"

As Mostima recounted her story, Kane finally realized the extent of the damage his unintentional actions had caused to the team. But given Andorn's character—even without Kane's intervention, they would probably have parted ways sooner or later anyway.

"So, you came to me to save Remian? Forgive my bluntness, but many top hospitals should be able to provide treatment for her condition, and the Lateran official medical institutions should not be helpless."

Regardless of the level of medical Originium Arts that Terra possesses, even if Remian were truly unable to stand, Laterano's craftsmanship could create a perfect alternative to her legs.

“I want to heal Remian’s wounds. But more importantly… I want to know how to save the future. The staff showed me many images—monsters ravaging Lateran, black gates, endless oceans… and He said, ‘You can change all of this.’”

Mostima's slightly trembling hands revealed that these visions were like a nightmare to her. But after being guided by the staff to finally find Kane, she understood—what He showed her might very well be the real future.

"I remember you just wanted to stay away from trouble and be an ordinary Sarkaz. Why do you suddenly want to be a savior now?"

"I just hope that future disasters won't easily destroy everything I cherish."

Mostima looked at Kane with a hint of resentment in her eyes—if Kane had never appeared, would she have been able to live a carefree life as a Sarkaz?

But as intelligent as she is, she naturally understands that the wheels of time relentlessly grind on, and when disaster strikes, she will only be swept up in it. This incident, however, has opened another path for Kane—at least now she can try to fight against the disaster.

"So, what are you going to offer me in exchange?"

Kane never offers free help, especially not a promise that could affect the entire Terra.

"All I can give is this. I am willing to offer everything I have."

Mostima knelt on one knee, bowed his head and placed his hand on his chest—this was the Lateran etiquette when facing the Pope. Although because the current Pope was a kind and approachable old man, there were few opportunities to strike this pose in the Lateran, Mostima had come to a deep understanding of this during those two months of investigation.

But now, she is not taking her oath to the Lateran Vatican or the Pope, but to a Colombian whose identity remains a mystery.

"Heh heh, now you're a real fallen angel."

Kane was very satisfied. He had originally planned to study the "mind synchronization" function of his Sakota form when he expanded his business in Laterano in the future.

But now, there's no need to go to Laterano—a living, breathing Sarkaz has delivered himself to his doorstep, ready for him to explore.

"I accept your loyalty and will reward you with what you want. But now, you need to help me verify some things first."

"At your disposal."

Previously, Kane had to rely on language to output his thoughts and advance the progress of "synchronized thinking"—but now, he has thought of a more direct method.

The "mind resonance" technology mastered by the preserver can transcend the limitations of language efficiency, allowing the thoughts of both individuals to be closely linked. Could this... take "mind synchronization" a step further?

Chapter 87 Mostima's Memories

"Come with me, your first task has been assigned."

"Please, you must spare my life."

"Don't worry, you won't die. But you might... feel a little dizzy?"

Mostima's humor perfectly matched her overall personality. Although Kane didn't know her well, the two remarkably clicked.

Kane led the way, and the two quickly traversed the interior of Rhine Labs' building. They passed through several departments, witnessing the extent of Rhine Labs' resources; they traversed special storage areas, dangerous underground testing grounds, and laboratories with harsh conditions, finally arriving at the deepest part of Rhine Labs.

This is the entrance to the "Preserver's" bunker. Ordinary employees, even department heads, would never have the chance to reach this place. Currently, only Kane and Kristen have actually set foot here. But now, there is a unique fallen angel.

"Wow... Based on my experience watching movies, what's hidden behind this is definitely something that, if revealed, would cause global upheaval, right?"

Because of its unique characteristics, Laterano has always been actively seeking to unite with countries around the world, so it has frequent exchanges with the outside world—among them, films from Colombian Lancawood are very popular among young people in Laterano.

Mostima, Remian, and Fiameta have particularly unique tastes; they enjoy films with grand explosions, blood splattering, and visceral punches. These kinds of films are often poorly made and have mindless scripts, resulting in a high proportion of bad movies.

Mostima couldn't possibly learn anything from this kind of movie; but this time, she was right.

You're absolutely right.

As the heavy doors slowly opened, countless technological marvels from a previous civilization unfolded before Mostima's eyes. Unlike Christensen and Kane, she had limited knowledge of technology, but the unique designs, the cold metallic sheen, and the massive streams of data were enough to convey the extraordinary nature of this place.

"Are you really not going to kill me off?"

Mostima was somewhat embarrassed. She knew that Columbia was technologically advanced, but this level was beyond her imagination—Latterland would never have seen such a sight.

Kane smiled without saying a word. In fact, Laterano's underground also harbors a shocking secret, its level even comparable to the "Preservator Project." One can only say, Terra is truly amazing!

Kane, what brings you here this time?

"Don't put it so pragmatically. Can't I just come to see you out of concern?"

If you truly cared, we should meet much more often, instead of having Christine constantly dealing with me.

Well, in fact, Kane did come less often—mainly because the Preservator had wholeheartedly groomed Kristen as his successor, and the two of them got along incredibly well in teaching and mentoring, leaving Kane rather idle on the sidelines. As for having him learn those advanced pre-civilization spacefaring techniques… he wasn't particularly interested in that kind of technology.

Therefore, he simply reserved this space for the pair of renowned teacher and their student.

"To be honest, I need your help this time. Please activate your mind resonance to help me connect with this young lady."

Kane stepped aside, revealing Mostima completely to the Preservator's view. Red scanning beams moved back and forth over her, making her feel like a dissected laboratory animal.

"Hello?"

[A unique life form—the Tikkauzan, native to Terra, yet far removed from my understanding of form. She also doesn't fit the current descriptions of Sarkaz; the structure of her head and back seems to be a product of some kind of technological advancement.]

“The Sarkaz are indeed connected to the technology of a previous civilization, but that is irrelevant to today’s topic.”

[Hmm... So, what debate topic will you choose? The concept of "thinking resonance" shouldn't be used indiscriminately; it must focus on a concise proposition to engage the users' thinking. Otherwise, the two people's thoughts will become a chaotic mix, like mud and sand.]

The topic the Preservator used to test Kane last time was "self." This question seems simple, yet it has stumped countless wise men—and Kane successfully refuted it in a very short time, clearly demonstrating an exceptionally clear understanding of self.

"The topic of the debate? ... How about each other? Like a self-introduction, only in a more vivid and profound way."

Kane looked at Mostima. Although they had been communicating in standard Colombian, she only understood the gist of it—she knew that some kind of "magic" would connect her with Kane, that he would know everything about her, and that she would probably be able to glimpse his past.

Mostima swallowed hard. She pictured Remian lying unconscious in bed, clinging to life with machines; she saw Fiameta's despondent and remorseful figure; she saw the countless lives lost in the "future." She couldn't back down; she had to move forward!

"I can!"

Her gaze gradually hardened, as if she were facing certain death.

So, let's begin.

The Preservator, having long since lost interest in sentimentality over millennia, initiated the procedure immediately upon mutual agreement—a sudden burst of red light engulfed their vision; as the crimson faded, Kane entered Laterano.

He saw countless students in black robes, Remian with her sister, Fiameta, and a few others… Mostima was intelligent from a young age, learning everything quickly, and was a renowned genius at Laterano School. This talent fueled her desire to achieve great things! She even tried to play and have fun with Remian's mischievous sister.

But after her first mission with her teacher, her dreams were shattered—the outside world was so chaotic and dark...

Having experienced a period of low spirits and emotional turmoil, the idea of ​​accomplishing great things was put aside. Mostima had already realized the problem that Andorn was still struggling with—Latland's brilliance was too small to illuminate the entire Terra, let alone by her own strength alone.

Therefore, she only wanted to follow the established path, like countless ordinary Sarkaz: graduate, enter a notary office or the Papal Palace, perform tasks, accumulate merits, and perhaps eventually become a cardinal, then get married, have children, and start a family... When she gets old and doesn't have as much energy in the future, she can also become a teacher at a school.

Occasionally, I'll tell the little angels who come later about the wonders of the world.

All of this was completely shattered by a simple field mission.

Now, after all the turmoil, her once-buried ambition has been rekindled—she wants to connect the entire earth and fight against the impending disaster.

This is the highest ideal that an ordinary Sakta could pursue.

It really is... a story of passionate heroism.

Kane had to admit that mind resonance was truly a genius invention.

Chapter 88 Mirror

Kane had assumed that Mostima's personality and inner world were like her hair color—cool and aloof—that intense emotions like anger and impatience wouldn't appear in her, and that everything about her should be quiet and calm.

Little did they know that such a grand ambition lay hidden beneath the calm surface of the lake.

It seems Kane has recruited another capable assistant.

Meanwhile, Mostima was somewhat "devastated"—she experienced Kane's life: awakening in the incubation chamber, having her mind filled with countless "forbidden" knowledge, fighting in Kazdel, seeking peace in Columbia, and recently experiencing the restlessness of youth.

His life took a dramatic leap, from an ordinary student to a mercenary who lived on the edge of death, all in the blink of an eye.

Compared to her life, Kane's was undoubtedly much shorter, but the intensity was completely different—like the difference between a large barrel of juice and a small glass of spirits.

Now she understood why the Time Beast had guided her to Kane—what he had touched upon was indeed a matter of great importance concerning the very survival of Terra.

The mental resonance ended, and the two emerged from that strange state, still somewhat dizzy, before recovering after a moment.

Looking up at each other is like looking in a mirror—they have both experienced each other's lives once. This memory has been compressed into just a few hours, so it shouldn't leave a deep impression, but deep in their minds, they may both have left traces of each other.

Kane and Mostima are perhaps the people in the world who understand each other best at this moment.

Kane sincerely hopes that Mostima can realize her ideal of saving the world and protect everything she cherishes; of course, he now knows how to deal with her quirky little schemes.

As for Mostima, she knows many secrets of the previous civilization and is now deeply troubled—the Originium Project, the Blue Tree, and the Paradise Pivot Project that created the Sarkaz race, which path can truly save the world?

"There's no point in dwelling on this. All we can do is guide the world toward a better future, rather than letting it spiral out of control."

"A lie—you actually want to control the situation and make the world develop according to your will."

Mostima bluntly called out Kane's usual excuses. This guy never revealed his true plans; he might have fooled Kristen and the others in the past, but Mostima wouldn't fall for it now.

"Tsk, I kind of regret doing this experiment. Oh well, what's done is done—I'll take charge of Rhine Labs. If you have the chance, you can try to contact the Root of Laterano, the secondary machine of the Fulcrum in Heaven."