So, do you want a bodyguard, or a cop to watch you work 24/7? Just joking. I haven't forgotten how you do things here.

It's Rhodes Island's visitor logs? Swire, Hoshiguma, and Lin too… Right, assuming they're always asking about me, but there's no way they're coming this much for—Hm. I know a lot of people are waiting for me. It's not too bad, being on someone's mind.

Worried about my health? Guess we ought to be checking up on each other, Doctor. I've been through a lot these past few years, time sure does fly. The more you experience, the easier it is to fall into confusion and helplessness. Sometimes I do need a reminder… my time is not infinite.

Oh, you've noticed my blade? I was told it can erase history's mistakes, but that's practically half of whatever's been archived in the last thousand years, and there's no way a single blade could clean that all up. Let's look to the future instead—the ideals we seek still lie ahead.

I followed her and Reunion to many places, and saw many sacrifices made. The people went from being lost and fragmented to becoming united and awakened—on that long and winding road. Many of them were left behind in the huge blaze in Deity Grypherburg, yet it was this very fire that ignited their hope.

We're a long way from a place where everyone is treated equally, and I have no clue if I'm any nearer to this goal. But I've never doubted the equality I envision is real, for when we step up to rage against the injustice we see, we prove it exists.

I've been back to Lungmen a few times. Other than the loss of my favorite cheongfun shop, the changes are nice to see. There are fewer L.G.D. patrols on the streets, and you hear less talk of the slums… There's no lying to myself and pretending I don't care for the city.

I asked that man why my mother and sister had to suffer, and unsurprisingly, I didn't get the answer I was looking for. It's too bad Chi Xiao can't sever blood ties, and this writing knife can't scrape away recorded history either. There's no granting any forgiveness in their stead, no one is worth sacrificing for any 'greater good', ever.

When things calm down, it would be nice to take you around Yan. Not just Lungmen, and not for any investigations either. Just a trip to watch the people make something from nothing in that beautiful land. There's nowhere else like it. You won't have to pack anything either. A sword and a boat. That's all we'll need.

Need a break, but can't sleep? Yeah, you have a lot of pressure on your shoulders. Sit up straight. I'll teach you some Yanese breathing exercises.

Long time no see, Doctor. I know things have gotten pretty serious, so I'm back to lend a hand. In case you need a reminder, I'm still with Rhodes Island.

This battle… Rhodes Island was there too?

You have a lot of people who trust in your command, and depend on you to direct them… that's important to keep in mind.

I spent a long time mastering Chi Xiao's techniques, but the answer I got was different from the lessons I was taught. Chi Xiao has seen my determination, and when you need it, it will never waver.

Doesn't feel too unfamiliar yet.

Don't worry, I wasn't always on my own these past few years.

Move out. I'll make sure no one gets left behind.

Suppression by force isn't an option on this field.

Fear not the power of this blade.

I know very well why I draw this sword.

I'll stop all evil in its tracks.

Chi Xiao, unsheath—

As move unsheathing blade, cleave now as cleft.

As move at teardrop's point, once known be deft.

As sword of stratus rent, once stood stand fast!

As sword of heaven's plaint, bid dawn as cast.

Nicely done, Doctor… you're mistaken. That light in the sky wasn't from my swordplay.

One day, we won't have to make right with might.

They'd best take this chance to repent.

Come on, don't lose heart over one setback.

Furnishings haven't changed. Nice.

Doctor, careful you don't poke yourself with the end of my blade.

You don't have to ask—I'm the same old Ch'en, haven't changed one bit.

Arknights.

I've seen many different kinds of new years. Once, I watched a group take shelter under huge Originium clusters, promising each other everything would get better while they clinked muddy cups of water together, silently waiting for the sunrise… it's nothing, Doctor. This day only comes once a year, so let's go celebrate with the others.

Doctor, you haven't changed one bit.

Perfect timing, Doctor. Here's a Bolívarian wood carving, a Victorian tea set, and an Ursine... I'm not asking you to choose, they're all for you. It's been a few years since we've seen each other, so I owe you a few birthday presents. Don't be shy. Happy birthday, Doctor.

I remember the first time I collaborated with Rhodes Island. A difficult fight, but a single Black Snake is nothing to worry about. What's scary is the countless villains out there who use despair to force people into doing their bidding. There's no winning our fights with brute force alone, so we have to keep improving ourselves.