Arknights: Mobile City

Staring down at the [ID Card] in his hand, Obsidian hurriedly dug exactly 100 [Threads] out from storage—precisely what he needed for the Identities third breakthrough.

A Fixer from Hana Association's First Branch… this power level is no joke.

In most Associations, First Branch members hovered around Second Grade strength. But for the Hana Association, that assumption didn't hold true.

The Hana Association was leagues above most others when it came to pure combat ability. Back in the original work, Roland's good friend Olivier was just from the Third Branch—and yet his strength was close to the Color grade, the very apex among City Fixers.

Granted, Olivier was a bit of an outlier, but even so, it proved Hana Association Fixers weren't pushovers. The First Branch likely boasted Fixers on par with First Grade level.

I really got myself a winner here… Looks like my newest overworked identity has arrived.

Holding the card, Obsidian felt oddly relieved.

Previously, due to manpower shortages, he often had to personally handle matters as the City Head or a Wing's executive. But now, with Hai's arrival, those burdens could ease somewhat.

Hai's identity was just right—not too high to be inappropriate for routine matters, yet strong enough for tasks deemed beneath a Wing leader or the City Head himself.

In other words, after careful deliberation, Hai was officially chosen as the latest overworked identity.

After some examination, Obsidian realized something special about this [ID Card]—it could be used by both himself and Hai. In other words, apart from the identity Hai, Obsidian's main consciousness could also wield this identity.

Even if he still lacked a proper physical form.

At that thought, Obsidian let out a soft sigh, putting aside the jumble of thoughts as he merged his will into the [ID Card].

Instantly, Hai appeared before him in a white trench coat, gripping a long spear. Obsidian transferred part of his consciousness into Hai, then passed him all the [Threads].

"This should do… Time to step outside and complete the breakthrough."

Hai murmured, stepping confidently out of the cabin and pressing the [Threads] onto himself without hesitation.

Countless threads burst forth from the [Threads], wrapping Hai in an endless cocoon of light. His consciousness wavered momentarily, becoming strangely vacant.

A mirror-like surface appeared before him. Hai struggled to raise his hand, but the mirror smoothly enveloped him instead, pulling him into a vivid scenario—the story that belonged to this identity.

It was another parallel world… the tale of Obsidian, bearing the codename "Hai," a Fixer in that timeline.

Obsidian's awareness gradually submerged into the fragmented narrative, bits and pieces floating into his ears.

"Chief, our next assignment is…"

That voice sounded like Obsidian himself.

"…Let's move. This time, it's a Star of the City-level mission. Our job is simple: kill the Scarlet Night…"

???

Listening to his own identities tale, Obsidian was momentarily bewildered.

Then, the story quickly became clear. Obsidian's consciousness snapped back, left with a strange feeling from the scattered memories.

The gist of the situation seemed to be:

The noble First Branch of the Hana Association launched an assault on Scarlet Night.

The treacherous Star of the City enemy was at a disadvantage.

The weakened Bloodfiends were showing signs of fatigue.

The difficult Scarlet Night held a slight upper hand.

The terrifying Reverberation Ensemble was about to slaughter Hana Association Fixers.

The noble Scarlet Cross joined the fray! Hooray, salvation!

Scarlet Cross was instantly obliterated by the Reverberation Ensemble! Hooray, we're doomed!

…That was basically the story.

So I was originally part of that unfortunate Hana Association team wiped out by the Reverberation Ensemble… What an unexpected twist.

Hai rubbed his temples, mumbling softly, then carefully stowed the [ID Card]. Mentally reviewing Hana Association's Four Trigrams skill usage, he gazed thoughtfully into the distance.

"Now, it's finally time to officially establish the Association…"

The next day, atop the City, several new buildings rapidly rose, courtesy of the diligent Doubt robots.

Soon after, the signs labeled "Hana Association" were hung prominently. Concurrently, the City Head officially announced the formation of the Hana Association, responsible for overseeing all matters relating to Fixers.

Hai immediately stepped up, assuming the role of Association President. He clarified that Fixers and their Offices must now register under the Hana Association, further solidifying direct association Fixers and affiliated offices.

Requirements for Fixer grades one through nine were publicly released. Hai simultaneously issued a large number of available assignments—some commissioned by citizens, others tasks involving monster extermination, exploration, or resource acquisition.

Each assignment included generous compensation, but was accessible only to Association-registered Fixers. The weapons industry previously set up was also temporarily absorbed into the Hana Association as affiliated workshops, offering exclusive benefits to registered Fixers.

Almost overnight, Fixers who'd spent their days relying on unpredictable jobs found themselves drawn toward the new Association.

Previously, Fixers suffered from severe commission inequality—some drowning in work, others starving without any commissions. The Association radically altered this status quo.

With the backing of the City Head, universally accessible assignments, and crucial resources provided, the Association became a beacon of irresistible opportunity. Seeing the benefits clearly, large numbers of Fixers swiftly registered.

Others sought employment within the Association itself, attracted by its impressive benefits. Fixer Offices soon sprang up, one after another. Observing the rapidly developing situation, Obsidian finally withdrew his attention.

Hai was handling matters well enough for now. Within a few more days, the Fixer industry's basic framework would be fully established.

And by then, the time would come to confront Don Quixote…

But first, Obsidian needed to wrap up final preparations with Yan and Kazimierz.