Arknights: Mobile City

The day news of the City spread across Terra, the nations of the land gradually took notice of this new urban power emerging quietly in a remote corner.

Some were dismissive, others kept their knowledge close to the chest and began planning first contact—but as for the City itself, it appeared entirely indifferent.

It carried on as usual, preoccupied solely with its own internal affairs, seeming to regard the outside world with complete apathy.

Throughout its newfound fame, the City maintained an arrogant, detached presence.

Yet, as word continued spreading, rumors about this mysterious City grew increasingly prevalent. First among national leaders, then gradually trickling downwards. Within days, even a few resourceful commoners caught wind of its existence.

Facing this newfound opportunity, their response was predictable:

Why not try my luck? Surely it beats staying here, trapped in poverty.

And with rumors that the City didn't discriminate against Infected, it was especially tempting for those suffering from [Oripathy].

With such an opportunity, who wouldn't take a chance?

Gradually, people from different countries and races began arriving at the City. On the fourth day after the rumors began circulating, the immigration office welcomed its first non-Sarkaz visitor—a Feline.

Obsidian was keenly aware that a major turning point for the City was approaching. Soon, the spread of information would accelerate even further.

The City was destined to become a hub of immigration, its population soon reaching tens of thousands. Although these newcomers might initially lack in quality, Obsidian didn't care about that just yet.

He was concerned only with numbers.

As the population grew, quality would inevitably improve. What he needed was the critical leap from zero to one.

However, a sharp increase in population would inevitably lead to higher demand for resources. Though current industrial lines were comprehensive, they weren't sufficient to support a city of over ten thousand people—neither in housing nor in food supply.

Even energy supplies would soon fall short.

Although the original Food Conversion Units weren't yet obsolete, their output mostly supported those who lacked self-sufficiency. Anyone capable of productive labor could eat far better food than that.

And beyond resources, maintaining public order posed another challenge.

Rapid population growth meant inevitable chaos. When the City's population was barely in the thousands, disturbances were manageable. But now, with tens of thousands incoming, unrest would be much harder to control.

Without clear and effective rules, chaos would be unavoidable.

Additionally, Obsidian would soon need to handle external diplomatic reactions…

Resources, internal governance, diplomacy—each problem posed its own headache. Obsidian rubbed his temples, feeling a slight ache.

"I'll take things step by step. First, resources… At least that area is mostly under control, preparations are already nearly complete."

Gathering his thoughts, Obsidian sighed softly, arranging the upcoming tasks.

Anticipating this population boom, Obsidian had long ago instructed the Doubts to prepare large quantities of housing. Leveraging Aegirian technology, even now the City could swiftly construct extensive housing projects.

Alley One rapidly expanded to nearly three times its original size, capable of housing approximately ten thousand people. Simultaneously, K's exclusive district swiftly emerged, capable of accommodating around a thousand residents.

At the same time, the Nest was also established. Although currently suitable for fewer than fifty households, Obsidian chose to build it now anyway.

Eventually, it will prove useful… Among the incoming immigrants, some will inevitably stand out. At that point, the Nest will become their perfect sanctuary.

As for other resources, they couldn't be rushed. Currently, City facilities could provide daily sustenance for approximately six thousand people. Constructing additional infrastructure would take time…

Which meant, for now, the City would have to rely on imports.

Obsidian took another breath, having already anticipated this issue. Indeed, ever since realizing the severity of the energy crisis, he'd begun planning accordingly.

"Calculating the days, Heal should be close to Yan by now, shouldn't she?"

His lips curved into a faint smile as he murmured to himself, eyes drifting toward distant horizons.

...

Yan.

Baizao.

In this bustling capital, teeming with life, a silver-haired woman walked casually through the lively streets.

She tilted her wide-brimmed cowboy hat slightly lower, regarding her surroundings with a look of admiration.

Around her waist, more than a dozen ampoules filled with dark green fluid gleamed gently—these were the potent miracle ampoules, Heal's primary bargaining chips for this mission.

Heal gave a small whistle, strolling deeper into Yan's bustling heart.

"Ideally, I'd strike a deal directly with the True Lung himself… though, getting an audience might be tricky."

Heal sighed softly, muttering to herself. To meet the True Lung, she would have to pass through countless bureaucrats along the way, inevitably facing exploitation at every step.

"Ah… Pioneer definitely got the better deal negotiating next door in Kazimierz. At least he doesn't have to endure Yan's endless bureaucracy."

Heal shook her head slightly, narrowing her eyes as she surveyed her surroundings. The passing pedestrians paid little attention to this foreign woman. Watching them, Heal suddenly smiled, struck by an idea.

"Heh, that could work."

Patting the ampoules on her waist, she took a few steps forward before pausing at a modest little restaurant ahead.

"First things first—let's get something to eat. I've been wandering long enough. Might as well rest up and iron out the details…"

She lifted her head, eyes settling on the establishment's sign:

[Yu Wei Restaurant].