Hello, Arknights

Chapter 239: I've Heard of It Before

"Ms. Skadi, do you have a weapon that needs care?" Seeing a rare guest, and a special operator at that, the operator in charge of reception in the engineering department felt nervous. After all, the reputation of this humanoid scourge... was indeed difficult to evaluate.

"...Well, nursing, and also, I want to borrow Ghost Shark's chainsaw." Skadi calmly made a strange request.

"Hmm? Why? Do you need to change your weapons?"

"No, I think with more contact with that weapon, she should be much better."

"Um, did Dr. Kelsey give his permission?"

"No, it just came to me on a whim."

“…You’ll need Dr. Kal’tsit’s permission first.” The operator from the Engineering Department smiled reluctantly because someone’s gaze was very oppressive.

However, the source of pressure himself has no awareness of this at all.

"...Okay." Skadi was silent for a moment, not being too stubborn to get the weapon, and then took off her greatsword.

"What about Little Frost Leaf? I remember you had your weapon serviced not long ago?" He calmed the great god down for the moment, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and turned to look at a girl who was waiting patiently.

Ling looked at the Wolper girl calmly and remembered the code name "Frost Leaf".

"…My earphones are a little broken. There's noise when I listen to music." Shuangye took off the earphones hanging around her neck. "Hey, is this a problem?"

"It's a small problem. It's not a big deal. You can come and get it in about two days. After all, we still have to deal with the needs of other operators. Little Frost Leaf's request may have to be postponed a little bit..."

Frost Leaf nodded. Although it would be boring without music, it was not unacceptable.

"This is... ah, I remember now, Bai Ge, you've been here for less than a month, right? Come to get the weapons - Gert, go inform Kloshil that if you can't figure it out, you should return the things to them."

"Ah, it's the White Dove operator who came to our engineering department and was pestered by the director to borrow a weapon... I'm sorry, I guess I've caused you quite a bit of trouble. I'll go and notify her to return it."

"Thank you." Ling Dengxian smiled casually. After all, no mission was assigned to him and no weapons would be needed on the island.

But I haven't used it for a while, and I still miss it.

He turned around and found that the two operators with white hair and red eyes had no intention of leaving for the time being.

"...I want to see the engineering department." Frost Leaf said in response to his curious gaze.

"...You." Skadi said bluntly, "I want to wait until you are done with your work so that I can talk to you."

"What to talk about?"

"Keep your distance. I don't want you to do anything rash. If you agree, there's no need to talk." The Agor girl said calmly.

Ling Dengxian smiled bitterly and just waved his hand, feeling a little headache.

Then the two people behind him didn't say anything, but stared at him at the same time, making his back feel cold.

Skadi knows what's going on, but why is Frost Leaf like this?

"Sorry, kept me waiting..." Ling Dengxian turned around and was startled by a face with dark circles under the eyes that looked like it could have been used to impersonate a panda in a zoo.

"Looking closely, it is indeed a certain Miss Blood Demon whom I have met before..."

"Can you please not say what's in your heart? I am somewhat conscious of my image, but it doesn't matter." The black-haired, red-eyed blood demon patted his face, cheered himself up, and asked, "Your two swords are made of metal, right?"

"What else?" Ling Dengxian felt puzzled.

"What metal?"

"Um, if I remember correctly, you are the professional in the engineering department, right?"

"That's why I'm asking this because I'm from the engineering department!" Krosier glared. "We've been working overtime for two weeks and still haven't figured out what metal this thing is made of, let alone how it was forged. We don't even know how to take care of it - although it's in good condition and doesn't need any care - but it's really worrying!"

"Sister...you were the one who borrowed them forcefully in the first place. I'm just their holder, not the forger..." Ling Dengxian felt very innocent.

"Alas... Although I'm mentally prepared, I'm still disappointed." Kelucil shook her head and threw him a key. "Cabinet X32, remember to keep it properly after taking it. Is there any problem with the weapon cabinet in the dormitory? Remember to call me if you need to report it. I'm going to sleep. Hang the key on the cabinet door after use..."

"Oh, by the way, I'm not very good at deciphering the text you asked me to decipher. I tried a little but it didn't work. I suggest you consult Dr. Kal'tsit. She is very knowledgeable and should be able to recognize all the obscure and ancient texts."

Devouring Evil... Ling Dengxian was asking about the strange font engraved on the white sword that matched the Devouring Evil. He vaguely felt that it might not be a word, but it might still represent a name.

Ling Dengxian didn't dare to stop her because she looked like an immortal. He took two steps and turned back to find that the two were still following her closely.

"Are you Miss Shuangye?" Ling Dengxian smiled kindly.

"...Excuse me." Realizing her own impoliteness, the Wolper girl turned and left, leaving the two of them staring at each other.

"...I came here out of curiosity...just asking..." Ling Dengxian felt helpless.

"...Are you hated?" Skadi tilted her head.

"No..." Ling Dengxian shook his head and didn't think about it too much, but he took this girl whose emotional state was obviously abnormal to heart.

Who hasn’t been a little kid who resists but unconsciously wants to seek help?

His eyes fell on Skadi, and Ling Dengxian was even more confused.

"Ms. Skadi...is it impossible for us to just be friends?" Ling Dengxian was a little discouraged by her resistance. He was not used to being repeatedly rejected.

There was no opportunity before, and now... there is no chance.

But...it doesn't matter. Wasn't someone like this before? He repeatedly ran into obstacles and was even misunderstood, but he still tried to reach out and help him.

It would have been fine if he didn't appreciate it at the time, but later he met the bagpipes and realized that light really exists in life. So when he saw a lonely figure sitting on the deck and singing, he couldn't help but take a step forward.

So, no matter how uncomfortable it was, he wanted to try that...option.

"......I've heard this before, and I promised it." Some emotion suddenly surged in the Agor girl's eyes, contrary to her usual calm demeanor. Her red eyes made Ling Dengxian's pupils shrink sharply.

He felt... strangely familiar.

But he didn't understand for the time being. No, maybe he just subconsciously didn't want to put himself in the situation. So he could only silently ask Skadi for an explanation with a fragile smile and a look waiting for an answer.

“So, don’t get close to me.” The girl stopped talking, and those fleeting emotions were drowned in her eyes like the sea.

She ended the conversation and took off her heavy sword, but her back to Ling Dengxian seemed even more overwhelmed.

"...So, Li Lingyu is also feeling this bad?"

The boy sighed slightly, as if the dazzling evening light from the football field that afternoon was shining from the end of the corridor.

He should be more proactive and not...let those thoughts grow...so easily.

"Hey, feeling down?"

Hearing the voice, Ling Dengxian turned his head, and the white-haired doctor waved to him with a gentle smile.

"Thank you. I got permission in advance, so I came to see you first."

"Okay, Doctor. According to the leader's instructions, I will be responsible for your safety today." Ling Dengxian found a goal for himself.