Hm? Ah, this handful of soil... it can murmur. It can dance. It is my friend.

Closure told me I shouldn't walk about Rhodes Island 'fully equipped'... but I'm not used to... revealing... myself. Sorry...

Thank-you letters? Ah, from the Sarkaz workers yesterday? My equipment and type of Arts are a good match for physical work. Besides, their materials and fuel are heavy. And they rely on flesh and blood power to ensure Rhodes Island sails smooth... it's incredible.

That elite operator... I thought the Arts I saw in Leithanien were already really fantastical. And yet, when I saw him just brush aside the mist, I realized, as a Sarkaz, he was young, but also ancient.

I often think of the fighters, the friends who have left us. Sometimes, I get lost in the idea that even now, I'm still fleeing... Doctor, have you been to Kazdel? That place... was the start of my journey, and once, I thought it would be my... end.

Dr. Kal'tsit, huh...? I'm surprised, but she's very reassuring... One thing, though. Rhodes Island seems to have some involvement with another mercenary group. Could you tell me about them, Doctor? It's best I don't know? I see... then I think I can guess who we're talking about.

I became a Rhodes Island Operator to see my people treated well, to see them live on, and to give my fighters' deaths... real meaning. But... since coming to Rhodes Island, I've seen clearly what I, myself, am truly fighting for. That was a first for me.

Me... talking to a clay doll... all alone...? Y-You... you saw me? That was just a little ritual… huh? So everyone already knew? R-Really? Then I'll be more careful next time, do it late when no one's around... um, I shouldn't?

From Kazdel to Leithanien, so many marks carved into suffering. The moment they had no choice but to fight, and realized they had nothing at all. How do you see me, Doctor? You trust me? Will that trust... let me live on?

...The one in the hood napping there is the Doctor. Remember that well. Our road together is sure to be a long one.

Sarkaz mercenary, Mudrock... You're the Doctor, then. Rhodes Island has saved me many times, and now, I'd like you to let me return the favor.

I've had a taste of how Rhodes Island fights before, but, well, this still makes a great reference...

They used to call me Reunion, and then the Mudrock Squad, and now... I've been promoted by my former enemy. Is this what they meant by 'life is a highway'?

Hm? A nice change of pace? I never take my helmet off in battle, after all... There's a lot of reasons why, but things have changed now. K... Keep it off? If I have to…

I'm a Rhodes Island Operator, now. I'll obey your commands.

I'm captain…? I don't like to lead, but… I'm used to it.

It's time to fight.

The enemy…

The soil answers my will.

Orders please. The rocks are listening.

War… war never changes.

Fight for yourself.

The land is as my friend.

Rise into mountains.

Heed my call.

Arise, great boulder.

Running is pointless... Resist, even if you lost the will. This is the only way I've learned to face suffering.

My friends are quietly celebrating. They're cheering for our victory, Doctor.

Chase them... I'll watch over the battlefield with my friends' eyes.

This isn't the first time I've turned and run from an enemy. If this is how we save lives... I'll cover your backs.

The ceiling's... a little lower than I imagined.

...Mm? Did you touch me just now?

Doctor? Could you stay with me for a bit? I'd like... to ask you a little about Kazdel. Ah, and my friends have missed you, too.

Arknights.

The New Year? I see. Another year has passed. I... never liked days like this before, the whole idea of 'out with the old, in with the new.' What we lost has always left a much deeper impression than what we gained, but maybe things are slightly different now. Mm—may I join in on the dinner party? Doctor?

Hello, Doctor.

Doctor, happy birthday. This is for you. Ah, it's a stone sculpture of my making, not a 'friend'. 'Friends' can't be given away as presents. You like it? I could teach you, sometime, to talk to my friends. Are you interested?

In the beginning, all I wanted was to survive. But before I knew it, I'd shouldered the responsibility for leading my people. I want to find myself, and my people, a home. Doctor, should I keep walking with Rhodes Island, will I be able to?