Arknights: Mobile City

After considering this alternate timeline for a moment, Obsidian casually tossed an [Identity Extraction Ticket] into [The Well], curious about the outcome.

He had an excess of these tickets anyway. Throwing one in wouldn't hurt.

I wonder if I can pull any useful [Identities] from this possibility?

Pondering to himself with mild anticipation, Obsidian focused on the possibility unfolding inside [The Well].

Theresa briefly glanced sideways at Obsidian's actions, unsure of the Administrator's intent. But soon, her attention was entirely drawn back to the vision of Kazdel's possible future.

A future…where the Sarkaz might have a home.

Meanwhile, Obsidian watched the new [ID Card] slowly take shape in [The Well], glowing faintly with a soft amber light. He exhaled softly.

I wonder what I'll get this time...

But in the next instant, an intense feeling of being watched struck Obsidian like a physical blow, sending a shiver down his spine—

Wait, something's hiding behind that possibility…!

An instinctive realization flooded his mind, and he froze.

However, everything happened in only a fraction of a second. Moments later, the glow within [The Well] brightened slightly, and the sense of being observed vanished, as if something had stepped in to resolve it immediately.

Everything returned to normal as quickly as it began.

Theresa looked up, confused, sensing something had happened. She studied Obsidian thoughtfully.

"Administrator, did something happen just now?"

"It's nothing. Just a small…unexpected situation. Already taken care of."

Obsidian's voice remained calm and composed. Reassured, Theresa turned back to gaze at the vision within [The Well].

Behind her, Obsidian quietly let out a deep sigh of relief.

He wasn't exactly sure what had just tried to peer at him.

But based on his understanding of Terra, the only entity capable of breaking the fourth wall in this timeline would likely be… that infamous "Demon King," wouldn't it?

Had he really caught the attention of someone that dangerous just now?

Better watch myself more carefully in the future…

Obsidian mentally chided himself. Perhaps he'd been too comfortable lately, allowing danger to creep far too close without even realizing.

He should definitely stay more cautious from now on.

He vaguely suspected that someone, or something, had intervened earlier to deflect the Demon King's gaze. Amid the sudden brightness of [The Well]'s glow, something seemed to have rejected that intrusive observation.

It felt as though he'd brushed far too close to death.

Yet… it also seemed that whoever intervened had left a small blessing on the newly extracted [ID Card].

Sliding the [ID Card] into his pocket, Obsidian noticed it now bore a faint golden trim around its edges. He quietly stored it away for later inspection.

Either way, thanks—whoever you are.

After staring at the possibility inside [The Well] for what seemed like ages, Theresa reluctantly stood up.

"Have you seen enough?"

"Yes… this is the Sarkaz's—"

"Not your future," Obsidian gently interrupted, spreading his hands. "Just one possible future, one I chose to show you."

"It's a possibility achievable entirely by the Sarkaz themselves, without external help."

Theresa's eyes flickered thoughtfully, and she asked softly:

"Then, may I ask your reason for showing me this?"

Obsidian pondered carefully before responding.

"Even if The City doesn't get heavily involved, Kazdel can still achieve this future on its own merits. Ultimately, the potential you've seen belongs solely to your people."

Finally, Obsidian continued slowly:

"The City can provide a small measure of support—perhaps even some 'aid,' at an appropriate price, of course. But whether or not this future comes to pass is ultimately up to you."

"So… how does this arrangement sound? Does it satisfy you?"

Obsidian turned back to Theresa, calmly awaiting her answer. After a long pause, Theresa nodded.

"…Then it's settled. As previously agreed, you may retain your memory of this specific vision. However, almost everything else you've witnessed inside this cabin must be erased."

Obsidian gestured toward the [Memory Incinerator] behind him.

"Please, go ahead. Everything's already set—you only need to press one button."

Exhaling gently, Theresa stepped forward and pressed the button. Immediately, everything around her began to fade away…

When she regained her senses, she was seated at a table in the cabin's main room. Obsidian sat opposite her.

"As the final step in our transaction, this projection of your chosen possibility is yours to keep."

Obsidian handed Theresa a small glass-like orb. She took it, attempting to recall what she'd just seen… but her memory stopped abruptly at the cabin's entrance, retaining only the vague outline of their agreement—and the vision itself.

"As part of this deal, is there anything further required from me?"

Theresa asked quietly. Obsidian smiled mildly, raising two fingers in a casual gesture:

"Relax. This was the simplest transaction yet. All I need from you are a few strands of hair. A harmless exchange as a keepsake."

Just a few strands of hair…as a keepsake?

Theresa had never heard of such a strange souvenir. Though vaguely uneasy, she nevertheless plucked several strands of her hair and passed them to Obsidian.

Holding the strands of fading, gradient-colored hair firmly, Obsidian smiled warmly, saying:

"Then, please head back safely, Miss Theresa. I look forward to seeing Kazdel's future developments."

"Yes, and I look forward to the 'small assistance' from The City," Theresa emphasized her final words deliberately, before turning to leave.

Obsidian moved toward the door, watching her go.

"Don't worry, Miss Theresa. It'll be coming soon—perhaps even sooner than you think."

But first…

Obsidian discreetly tucked the hair strands behind him.

At the very least, I finally have Miss Theresa's genetic sample in hand.

His mind brushed over the hair strands and tiny flecks of skin cells, smiling inwardly.