it is Arknights!

"…"

What more could be said? There was nothing good left to say.

Being caught badmouthing someone on the spot was a very awkward thing, especially when the person involved was a beautiful girl; this awkwardness became even more apparent. Made one feel extremely embarrassed. Although the two guards had ample reason to suspect the identity of the green-haired beautiful girl, when she appeared directly, this awkwardness still made the two guards shut their mouths, pretending they hadn't done anything.

But fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately in a certain sense, this girl codenamed Guǐ Dǎi Lǎo Hǎi didn't have an easily angered personality. Rather, this girl looked cunning and malicious, but the personality she displayed unexpectedly possessed a gentleness like a fat guy.

"I can completely understand, this kind of inexplicably hyped-up thing."

Looking at the two guards who were too embarrassed to speak this green-haired girl showed a tolerant smile.

"Things one doesn't understand are definitely wrong; most people have this kind of view. They cannot perceive things beyond their own reason and thoughts, just like middle-aged people who, after listening to one type of music, feel there's no better music in the world."

"The cognition of intelligent beings has certain limits; they will instinctively choose things they like according to their own preferences, and then reject other things. And most art recognized by others is merely art recognized by those upper-class people. But I am different; I believe great art possesses a certain commonality. Just like life, death, time, there should be some touching common feeling among them."

"Through my friend's introduction, I also came to know the delicacy, tenderness of intelligent life, as well as their fragile thoughts and understanding of great art."

"I feel you all need to see truly great art, and it shouldn't be rejected by people, don't you agree?"

"…Thank you for your invitation, madam."

Looking at the girl before him, full of romanticism, speaking in an aria-like tone, the guard braced himself and said:

"But we still have duties to attend to; regarding the great art you described, our hearts yearn for it , but we must still guard these vehicles and areas here, lest some un discerning petty thieves cause some trouble for your great art appreciation…"

"It's okay, you two. I believe no one in this world would ruin the debut of my great art for such a small matter. Those lowly commoners, that spreading malice, they should inherently be a part of this Terra world's art. This world itself is a vast stage, and you will have the honor of becoming a batch of carefully selected actors. Those actors attempting to enter, I also welcome them at any time, because this is inherently part of the stage."

"…"

This woman is probably crazy.

That bunch of idiots in Parliament are also crazy. Actually supporting such a crazy woman.

After the two guards exchanged a glance, the older guard coughed first and pushed the younger guard out. Looking at the green octopus-headed girl tilting her head, somewhat puzzled, the old guard said seriously:

"I am already old, have participated in many battles, and have much experience. I very much need this job, and I don't have any particular thoughts about art or anything. There also must be a guard on watch here. But this lad has always had unique views on various arts; just let him accompany you to witness your great art, a common person like me will pass."

"That's truly a pity, you might forever regret losing the chance to witness this scene."

The green-haired girl showed a regretful expression, looking exactly like a drama-chasing girl who failed to recommend her favorite show to others. She turned her head to look at the somewhat helpless young guard, her pretty face, as if emerging from a dream, showing a hint of earnestness.

"Then you certainly won't refuse my invitation, right? Don't worry about identity issues, nor worry about status issues; here, we are all part of this great drama. Even I am no exception. All of us are completely equal before this art. So don't worry, you can join this appreciation meeting as a guard, without worrying about those disreputable people interfering with your work. What do you think?"

"If, if you cordially invite, madam, I will obey your invitation."

"That's wonderful, let's go together."

Looking at the blushing guard, the green-haired girl showed a heartfelt smile and led him into the Arkham Theatre.

It was like an embodiment of a bizarre and motley world; the theater was filled everywhere with unbelievably luxurious props, those exquisite human sculptures, armor, those artworks displaying astonishing charm, and some strange mirrors presenting a sense of space. The young guard even felt as if he had traversed through time and space.

And under the guidance of that green octopus-like woman, he strolled through this theater that seemed to overlap countless spaces, passing through corridors and gates. Although he had always been a guard at Arkham, he had never seen the interior scenery of the Arkham Theatre before. And this luxurious and splendid world dazzled the young guard's eyes, making him lose his basic sense of direction and judgment.

After a long while, he slowly came back to his senses, looking astonished at the huge mahogany door before him.

Under the push and pull of the girl's palm, a huge wave of sound completely enveloped the guard's spirit. Inside the theater, those high-ranking officials, who could only be seen in newspapers and on television, well-dressed big shots, were waiting in this theater for the play to begin. And when the girl appeared, everyone simultaneously cast their gazes over.

The scene that fell silent in that instant and the probing gazes of those people even caused a little panic in his heart.

"Don't mind it, this is a part I pulled in to witness our great art; he is the same as us."

Looking at the silent high officials, the green-haired girl said with a smile. And in the next instant, as if a flow button was pressed, everyone started chatting and laughing again. And one of them even raised a glass to the two in a toast.

"…"

Am I still living in the real world?

Following the green-haired woman through the crowd, the guard felt his soul become unprecedentedly bewildered.