I won't abuse your authorization. From now on, I will listen in.

I've always 'filtered' the mental burden of using my Originium Arts just as Amiya does. You may visualize the process as looking for something stable to grasp while falling endlessly through a void. You've noticed her doing it? It was you who gave her the courage to fall in the first place, Doctor.

These marks on my hand? They are remnants of my past, a senseless attempt to turn a human body into an Arts Unit. I grew weary of Sargon before these mystic Arts could cover my entire body. As they receded like the tide, so did my memories, with only these fragments to remind me of the place I once called home.

I can tell when perception fails to match words. Similar to how Raidian works, it's more detecting lies than reading minds. The difference is that I am a certified psychological counselor, while she is innately gifted in the comprehension and evocation of emotion.

A pair of wizened hands, comforting farmers, traders, soldiers, even lords ameer and padishahs. All those seeking answers only to fall into chaos without exception, suffering ceaseless fear or ecstasy, and descent into disorder. I know, the line separating me from the Yurodstvo used to be indistinguishable.

The departed connect our past to present. Only with this, can we have a future. Someone once said, 'this is the meaning of sacrifice', but I disagree. Do not leave your names behind in such a pragmatic fashion, do not turn your actual life to abstraction, and do not deify suffering and death.

'Beware the Caster who can make you writhe in pain, puking your guts out, without lifting even a finger.' This is true to some extent, but my squad members ardently objected and rushed to refute it. Elysium says it is very important to tell the truth about me… ah, the youth.

Doctor. I'm not angry, just emptying my mind to recover some energy. I've come to the age where I have to gasp for breath every few words, after all. Alright, the last one was a joke. It was Dr. Kal'tsit who recommended this method, even if she didn't practice it herself. She always had too much on her mind.

Blaze and Rosmontis both keep mementos from those around them. When they came to me, I gave Blaze a signal receiver, while Rosmontis got a transmission disc. Me? I don't keep anything. I don't commit to saving a memory I never intend to forget.

Hello, Doctor. I did not mean to disturb your rest, but Amiya wants to remind you there is still work that needs doing.

Before the authorizations were modified, I would take orders from you directly. Don't worry, my communications support equipment may have been upgraded, but I won't intrude into your consciousness without prior approval.

If Outcast were there, we would've routed the enemy much quicker… You want to see older battle records? I know where to find them.

Elysium offered to simulate the promotion process for me, claiming to be more experienced than me in this field. But now I suspect he may have been buying time to avoid training. Once this is over, I'll have a little 'chat' with him.

The promotion process for Elite Operators is still the same, the only change being our reviewer. It was the Speaker, then Dr. Kal'tsit, and now you. It may not be the best time to say this, but welcome back, Doctor.

If you must.

Elysium.

A clear battle plan.

Let me know how far I should probe.

I'm listening.

If we must be covert.

I will pass it on.

A carefully deliberated dispatch.

Follow my voice.

There is no rejecting my intrusion.

Resistance is futile.

Target detected.

The enemy has nowhere to hide. An inevitable result, with perfect command.

(Nods in approval)

I've sent their remaining units' positions to our cleanup squad's terminal. It's over, Doctor.

I've jammed their tracers. Leave, now!

It's time to rest.

Need something?

Try again. This time I'll pretend I didn't notice you beforehand.

Arknights.

Bootlegging of pigment from Laterano, witnessing gold bars growing legs and vanishing into Kazdel… we Elite Operators are used to sharing stories from the past year's field missions on this night. I'm sure you've missed some of the stories, so I'll try my best to patch any holes along the way, Doctor. Have a seat, if you'd like.

(After nodding to each other, the two of you enjoy a cozy moment of silence)

I've booked the white noise room for you today. If you'd like to try a new relaxation method once the noise has died down over here, you may go over to take a look. The reservation log is already reflected on your terminal, and the frequencies have been adjusted to your liking as well. Enjoy your day, Doctor.

I would not have stayed this long, if I only intended to repay Dr. Kal'tsit for what she did. Sargon's golden sands brought me up, while the icy Ursine snow tempered me, but it is Rhodes Island's sturdy deck that molded me into who I am today. And so I have decided to stay here to watch over the place.