Arknights: The Deathless Black Snake Just Wants to Live a Simple Life.

"What time do you think it is already? How can you sleep at your age?"

While his body within the Integration Movement rested under the protection of the Emperor's Blades, Kashchey, now inhabiting a new vessel, scolded several Rhine Lab staff members who had dozed off during a meeting.

"Time is life! You must dedicate every precious second to the pursuit of truth if you wish to fulfill your potential!"

Just as Saria stepped into the conference room, she caught sight of Dr. Mobius—or rather, Kashchey in this particular body—delivering a passionate speech to the staff.

Her intense gaze and infectious energy immediately made the previously sluggish employees sit upright in guilt.

'When she says things like that, I hope these people realize she's just calling them lazy slackers who work half a day and then disappear for a month,'

Saria thought, somewhat helplessly.

Back when Mobius first joined Rhine Lab, her presence had undoubtedly accelerated the company's early growth.

But as the company matured—especially after their success in cloning technology—Mobius had begun to drift, both in spirit and focus.

"I only helped in the beginning because I had centuries of accumulated knowledge. It was natural to share the fruits of my labor. But now... it's your turn."

Despite the general manager and Saria's efforts to keep her engaged—offering her the position of Director of the Human Resources Investigation Department—Mobius had confidently declined.

"I'm currently serving as a civil servant in another country. My vacation's ending soon, so I don't have time to help much anymore. It's time for you to stand on your own feet... and for me to enjoy the results."

True to her word, she gradually abandoned research in crucial fields like energy systems, Originium applications, and infrastructure development. However, she retained authority over cloning technology optimization and the more philosophical dimensions of scientific inquiry.

She also had a habit of vanishing without notice.

---

Now, seeing Mobius becoming increasingly impassioned on stage—and the staff increasingly captivated—Saria had had enough.

She knocked firmly on the door, interrupting the meeting.

"Excuse me. I'll be borrowing the Doctor."

Without waiting for a response, she seized her arm and dragged her out of the room.

---

As Mobius and Saria disappeared down the hallway, a newly recruited researcher blinked in confusion.

"Is Director Saria really that familiar with Dr. Mobius? I've never seen her act so… casual with anyone."

"Hey—keep your voice down! You shouldn't be speculating about the director's personal life," an elder Feline scolded with a stern expression.

Still, the room buzzed with curiosity.

"I heard," a Feline researcher whispered conspiratorially, "that the two of them are… a couple."

"Seriously? Tell me more," someone leaned in, eyes wide.

The cluster of gossip-hungry staff members grew noisier.

"Keep this between us," the Feline whispered, taking a nervous sip of water. "If word spreads, I could lose my job."

"Of course."

"Not a word from me."

"We're all very discreet."

The researcher glanced cautiously at the cameras, checking for surveillance before continuing in a hushed tone:

"I've been with Rhine Lab since the early days. Back then, we only had one headquarters…"

After all, for a scientific research organization like Rhine Lab, taking appropriate precautions was only natural.

"Back then, Dr. Mobius and Director Saria were practically inseparable. When Dr. Mobius was eating, Director Saria would sit beside her. When she was conducting dangerous experiments, she'd be there, guarding her. Even when she slept, she stayed in the room next door."

"Hiss~"

The crowd let out a collective gasp.

This was Saria they were talking about—Rhine Lab's indestructible diamond!

No wonder the Feline man warned them not to spread it. If Director Saria caught wind of this, everyone present might be flattened with a single punch.

"What's even crazier is that it was Saria who pursued Dr. Mobius. Like a complete stalker! According to a friend of mine in upper management, Dr. Mobius once complained during a meeting about Saria's constant hovering! And even after the meeting ended, she kept doing whatever she wanted!"

Seeing everyone's stunned reactions, the Feline researcher puffed out his chest with pride.

"But... I don't see them together much these days," the new researcher said, somewhat puzzled.

"You fool! Have you never been in love? It's obvious—Director Saria must've already succeeded! That's why she's cooled off a bit now."

The Feline man smacked the back of the newcomer's head lightly.

"Anyway, don't repeat what I told you today. Unless you want your memories punched out by Director Saria's fist."

Everyone nodded solemnly, each swearing absolute secrecy.

"It's getting late, and I still have tons of juicy internal gossip to share. We'll continue next time…"

---

Back when Kashchey (Mobius) first joined Rhine Lab—

"From this day forward, you are to oversee the monitoring of the unidentified immortal,"

said the commander-in-chief, seated behind his desk, speaking to Saria, who stood at attention in full armor.

"You are one of our strongest assets, and currently unassigned to any urgent projects. There's no one more suitable for this task."

"Understood."

Saria responded without hesitation.

As one of Rhine Lab's founding members, she had a deep-rooted commitment to the institution. She would never allow any threat to harm it from within.

From the moment she received the assignment, Saria began working alongside Mobius—or rather, Kashchey in that form—closely observing her every move.

"There may be a misunderstanding between us,"

Mobius said with a wry smile, adjusting her monocle.

But Saria never responded. She simply carried out her duty with unwavering vigilance.

And so, the two of them worked in close proximity for about a year. Whenever Kashchey entered Rhine Lab using Dr. Mobius's form, Saria would appear by her side—quiet, watchful, persistent.

"I don't bear any ill will toward Rhine Lab, you know. Look—I even helped you complete several research projects, which caused your assets to grow tenfold!"

Mobius said one day, waving a newspaper in front of her. The headline displayed Rhine Lab's soaring market value.

"Thank you. But you're also a shareholder."

Saria replied curtly, eyes still fixed on her.

And just like that, she returned to her surveillance.

"Good grief..."

Mobius sighed.

This Vouivre woman was far too cautious.

---

"I believe I've already demonstrated my sincerity sufficiently."

Kashchey (Mobius) stood up from her seat at the conference table.

This was a high-level meeting, with directors from all departments of Rhine Lab gathered around.

"Commander-in-Chief," one of the directors began, "I don't think it's appropriate to treat Dr. Mobius in this way. She's made tremendous contributions to Rhine Lab. Assigning a defense department director just to monitor one of our own is a serious misallocation of resources..."

Several other directors who had long-standing relationships with Mobius nodded and voiced their agreement.

Even the commander-in-chief began to hesitate, leaning back in his chair as he considered the arguments.

"…We'll observe for now," he finally said.

Meanwhile, Saria sat quietly in her seat, her expression unreadable.

She said nothing.