Arknights - Echoes Of The Unfound Dawn

The faint glow of dawn seeped through the curtains as Xian stirred awake. The digital clock on his nightstand blinked 5:00 AM, its soft light illuminating the darkened room. Rubbing his eyes and stifling a yawn, he stretched and rolled out of bed, ready to begin his daily routine.

Pulling on a simple workout outfit—a black tank top and sweatpants—he grabbed a towel and quietly stepped out of his room. As he moved down the hallway, he paused, glancing toward the living room.

There, sprawled across the floor in their newly purchased sleeping bags, were the kids. Elisa lay neatly curled up, her hands tucked under her head, a faint smile on her face. Rico had kicked his sleeping bag halfway off, his arm draped over Tobi's back as if he'd been mid-wrestle in his dreams. Mira clutched a plush toy tightly, while Nia's hair fanned out around her pillow. Finn had claimed the corner, his back resting against the couch.

Xian's lips quirked into a soft smile. It's almost peaceful, he thought, watching them for a moment before shaking his head. Quietly, he made his way outside to begin his training.

By 6:00 AM, the first stirrings of life began to emerge in the house. Elisa sat up, yawning as she stretched her arms. Tobi soon followed, his hair sticking up in wild tufts.

"Morning," Tobi greeted sleepily, his voice thick with grogginess.

"Morning," Elisa replied, rubbing her eyes. The two exchanged brief smiles before noticing something.

"Where's Mira?" Elisa asked, her tone shifting to mild concern.

Tobi blinked, looking around. "She was right there…" He pointed to the now-empty sleeping bag.

The two quickly got up, whispering so as not to wake the others. They searched the house quietly, moving through the kitchen and dining area until they spotted her standing near a window that overlooked the backyard.

Peeking through the curtains, Mira's green eyes were wide with curiosity as she watched Xian. Outside, he was engrossed in his training, sweat glistening on his brow as he executed precise movements.

"What are you doing?" Elisa whispered as she and Tobi approached Mira.

Startled, Mira turned, clutching her plush toy to her chest. "I… I was just watching," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tobi squinted out the window. "What's he even doing? Those moves look weird."

"He's training," Mira said, her tone tinged with awe. "It's… kind of cool, don't you think?"

Elisa raised an eyebrow. "Cool? He's just flailing around."

"No, it's not just flailing!" Mira said, puffing her cheeks. "He's so focused, and the way he moves… it's like he's thinking about every step. I think he's really strong."

The three fell silent for a moment, watching Xian as he transitioned from shadowboxing to a series of intricate stretches.

"So, what do you think he does for a living?" Tobi asked suddenly, breaking the quiet.

Elisa tilted her head. "He said he runs a Mechanic shop and sometimes work at a restaurant, but… I mean, come on. Who looks like that just from fixing and cooking?"

Tobi grinned. "Maybe he's secretly a superhero or something. Fighting crime in his free time!"

Mira giggled. "Or a secret agent! Like in those spy movies!"

Elisa rolled her eyes. "You two watch too many shows. He's probably just a gym nut who's super into fitness."

"Interesting theories," Xian's voice interrupted from behind them.

The kids froze. Slowly, they turned to see Xian standing in the doorway, towel draped over his shoulder and a faint smirk on his face.

"You all seem very invested in my 'secret identity,'" he added, crossing his arms.

"W-We weren't spying!" Tobi blurted, his face turning red.

"We were just… uh…" Elisa stammered, trying to think of an excuse.

"Checking on Mira!" Mira squeaked, nodding rapidly.

Xian sighed, shaking his head. "Right. Sure. Look, it's not a big deal, but next time, maybe just ask instead of sneaking around."

The kids shuffled awkwardly, nodding.

"Now," Xian continued, "before 7:30, we're heading to the restaurant. So, go wake the others and get ready. But first, let me finish my training."

As Xian returned to his routine, the kids lingered by the window, unable to resist watching him. Curiosity got the better of them, and soon they began asking questions.

"What are you even doing?" Tobi asked, his voice muffled through the window.

"Training," Xian replied without looking at them.

"Yeah, but for what? You're not just cooking or fixing broken things, are you?" Elisa pressed.

Xian smirked, throwing a quick jab. "Fixing and Cooking's an art, not just a skill. This helps with precision, creative and focus. Plus, it's good for keeping me in shape."

"Shape for what?" Mira asked, tilting her head.

"For whatever life throws at me," Xian answered cryptically.

Elisa squinted. "That's a suspiciously vague answer."

Xian chuckled. "And yet, it's all you're getting."

"Why do you move so weirdly, though?" Tobi piped up. "It's like… you're dancing or something."

"It's called shadowboxing," Xian explained, demonstrating a quick combination of punches. "It's practice for fighting without an opponent. Helps with reflexes and form."

"Can you teach us?" Mira asked eagerly.

Xian paused, considering the request. "Maybe. But only if you can keep up with the basics first."

As the questions continued, Xian deliberately avoided certain aspects of his training. He made sure to exclude anything involving Originium control or his unique Arts, focusing instead on physical conditioning and general techniques.

When asked about his more intricate movements, he waved them off as "just stretching" or "improvised exercises."

Despite his evasions, the kids remained captivated.

"Do you ever get tired?" Mira asked.

"Everyone gets tired," Xian replied, pausing to wipe his sweat. "The trick is pushing past it without overdoing it."

Tobi grinned. "Bet I could do that!"

Xian raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Maybe I'll put you to the test sometime."

Elisa snickered. "He'd pass out in five minutes."

As the kids laughed, Xian couldn't help but smile. Despite their endless questions, their energy was infectious.

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Xian glanced at his watch as he finished his final stretch. 6:58 AM. Perfect timing. Lowering his arms, he turned toward the house and called out, "Alright, you've all had enough time to watch. Get moving! It's time to get ready!"

The kids scrambled, hurrying inside to wake the others and prepare for the day. Xian followed, grabbing a towel from the rack as he headed toward the bathroom. "I'm taking a quick shower. You better not be lounging around when I'm out," he called over his shoulder.

Elisa responded from the living room, "We're on it!" Though her tone hinted that herding the group might be easier said than done.

By the time Xian stepped out of the bathroom, the scent of soap clinging to him and his hair damp, the kids were gathering in the kitchen. Mira and Nia were attempting to organize the table, while Rico and Tobi bickered over who would sit where. Finn leaned against the counter, observing with his usual mischievous smirk.

"Settle down," Xian said, moving to the fridge. "Breakfast isn't going to make itself."

The kids perked up, immediately directing their attention toward him.

"What's for breakfast?" Tobi asked, eyes sparkling with excitement.

"You'll see," Xian replied, pulling out a carton of eggs, some vegetables, and leftover rice.

He moved with practiced efficiency, dicing onions and peppers, cracking eggs, and tossing ingredients into a heated pan. The aroma of sizzling vegetables and savory spices filled the air, drawing the kids closer.

"That smells amazing!" Mira exclaimed, her eyes wide.

"It's just fried rice," Xian said, smirking as he expertly flipped the contents of the pan.

"You're too modest," Elisa replied. "I'd kill for fried rice that smells this good."

"Noted," Xian chuckled, plating the food and distributing portions. "Now, eat up. We've got work to do."

The walk to the restaurant was brisk, the morning air cool but pleasant. When they arrived, the kids froze, staring at the pile of large boxes stacked neatly near the entrance.

"What's all this?, is this all the tools and appliances?," Elisa asked, pointing.

"Yes they're the new tools and appliances we buy yesterday," Xian replied, unlocking the door. "We're installing them today."

The kids exchanged looks.

"You mean we're helping you install them," Finn said, grinning knowingly.

"You catch on quick," Xian said, ruffling Finn's hair as he stepped inside. "Come on, I'll assign tasks."

Once inside, Xian opened the first box, revealing a shiny new coffee machine. "Alright," he began, "Elisa, you're handling this. Place it near the counter, and make sure it's stable."

"Got it," Elisa replied, rolling up her sleeves.

He moved to the next box and pulled out a compact oven. "Rico and Tobi, you're on this one. Carry it to the kitchen. Carefully."

"Carefully?" Rico echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, carefully," Xian emphasized. "If you break it, I'll dock your imaginary paycheck."

The kids laughed as Rico muttered, "Slave labor, I tell you…"

For the remaining appliances, Xian assigned Mira and Nia to help set up the smaller items, like a new blender and a mixer. Finn, meanwhile, was tasked with organizing the tools needed for installation.

As they worked, the kids kept up a steady stream of chatter.

"So, why did you suddenly buy all this stuff?" Tobi asked, wiping sweat from his brow after hauling the oven into place.

"Business is expanding," Xian replied, adjusting the knobs on the coffee machine. "Need to keep up with demand."

"What demand?" Finn teased. "I thought this place was just your hideout."

Xian shot him a look. "It's a restaurant, not a hideout."

Rico snickered. "Sure, sure. A 'restaurant' with no customers. Sounds legit."

The group burst into laughter, and even Xian couldn't suppress a grin.

By mid-morning, the appliances were set up, and the kids flopped onto the chairs, groaning dramatically.

"I feel like I just ran a marathon," Tobi complained, draping himself over the table.

"You carried one oven," Elisa retorted, rolling her eyes.

"Still counts," Tobi mumbled.

Xian leaned against the counter, sipping a glass of water as he watched them. The sight of their exaggerated exhaustion was oddly satisfying.

"Take five," he said, setting down his glass. "You earned it."

The kids cheered weakly, grateful for the break.

After a while, Xian stood, drawing the kids' attention.

"What now?" Elisa asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Getting customers," Xian replied simply.

The kids blinked in confusion.

"Wait, what?" Rico asked, sitting up straighter. "How are you going to do that?"

"Yeah," Finn added, his curiosity piqued. "We haven't even opened officially yet."

Xian smirked. "Just wait and see."

"But—" Mira began, only for Xian to cut her off.

"Patience, kids," he said, heading toward the kitchen. "I've got it covered."

Inside the kitchen, Xian pulled out fresh ingredients: marinated chicken, fragrant herbs, vegetables, and spices. He worked methodically, chopping, seasoning, and cooking with precision. The sizzle of the grill and the rich aroma of the food began to fill the restaurant, wafting out through the open windows.

The kids, sitting nearby, inhaled deeply.

"Is it just me, or does that smell even better than breakfast?" Mira asked, her mouth watering.

"It's not just you," Tobi said, leaning closer.

After finishing, Xian packed the food into several large bags. Before leaving, he placed a plate on the table.

"Here," he said, gesturing to the food. "This is for you. Don't eat too fast."

"Wait, where are you going?" Elisa asked, watching him grab the bags.

"To advertise," Xian replied with a sly grin.

As he stepped outside, the scent of the food trailed after him, lingering in the air. Passersby paused, their noses twitching as they caught the tantalizing aroma.

The kids watched from the window, their curiosity growing.

"What's he up to now?" Finn wondered aloud.

"Guess we'll find out," Elisa said, though her tone was more amused than concerned.

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After leaving the restaurant, Xian made his way back to his house. The kids were still busy chatting and eating inside the restaurant, so he managed to slip away unnoticed. Once home, he quickly changed his clothes, swapping his casual outfit for something more neutral: a plain button-up shirt, dark slacks, and a simple jacket. He adjusted his hair slightly, opting for a more "ordinary worker" look.

"Alright," he muttered to himself, glancing at the mirror. "No one's going to remember me like this."

He grabbed a pair of sunglasses for extra anonymity before heading out again.

Xian boarded the bus, settling into a seat by the window. His mind started working, strategizing his next steps.

"What's the best way to get customers?" he thought, leaning back against the seat. "Flyers? Nah, people just toss those away. Social media? Too slow. Maybe a flashy ad? Expensive and not my style."

His gaze drifted to the city outside the bus window, and an idea sparked.

"Wait… hospitals," he mumbled.

His eyes lit up as he leaned forward. "Think about it. Workers pulling late-night shifts need real food, not vending machine junk. Patients? They're stuck with bland meals, probably dreaming of something decent. Bingo!"

He grinned, proud of his reasoning. "If I can win them over, word spreads fast. Hospitals are like food gossip hubs!"

When the bus stopped near the city's main hospital, Xian hopped off, carrying his food-filled bags with him. The aroma from the bags was already wafting through the air, attracting a few curious looks from passersby.

"Let the games begin," he muttered, stepping toward the hospital entrance.

Inside, a security guard sat at his desk, grumbling to himself.

"Man, this job… twelve hours of sitting here, nothing but cold coffee and my own thoughts," the guard muttered.

"No raises, no appreciation, and worst of all—cafeteria food that tastes like cardboard. Why did I even take this job?"

As Xian passed, the guard paused mid-thought, his nose twitching.

A rich, savory scent reached him, and he froze mid-monologue. Slowly, his head turned toward the entrance, where Xian was walking past, his bags exuding the enticing aroma.

The guard stared, his mind blanking as hunger overtook him. "Is that… fried chicken? Or noodles? Wait, is that grilled meat too? What the hell is that smell!?"

By the time he snapped out of his daze, Xian had already bypassed him, disappearing down the hallway.

"Hey! Wait! You can't just—!" the guard began, but his voice trailed off as the smell lingered.

Xian stopped, mid-bite, and turned to face him. "Something wrong?" he asked innocently.

"You can't just walk in here eating… whatever that is," the guard said, though his tone was more curious than reprimanding.

Xian held up the container, letting the steam waft toward the guard. "Just grabbed this from a spot nearby. Best food I've had in a while."

The guard's stomach betrayed him with a loud growl.

"Tell you what," Xian said, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I'll let give you some of this and just let me do my thing here, yeah?"

The guard hesitated but nodded, and decided to observes him from a far, his curiosity—and hunger—winning out.

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As Xian walked through the hospital corridors, the reactions were immediate. Patients peeked out from their rooms, visitors turned their heads, and even nurses paused mid-step as the aroma reached them.

"Excuse me, sir," an elderly woman said, clutching her IV stand as she shuffled forward. "What's that you're carrying?"

"Oh, this?" Xian said, lifting one of the bags casually. "Just some food I stumbled upon. There's this little place downtown. You wouldn't believe the flavors they pack in here!"

"Where exactly?" she asked eagerly, her eyes fixed on the bag.

Xian grinned, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Just between us, it's a small restaurant near the west market. Best-kept secret in the city. The cook's a genius!"

Another patient leaned out of their room, catching the tail end of the conversation. "Are they open late?"

"They're open all the time," Xian said, his tone dripping with exaggerated charm. "You're looking at a menu that caters to everyone. Tired workers, hungry patients, you name it!"

One by one, more people started gathering, drawn by the aroma and Xian's carefully crafted story.

"Excuse me, young man!" a nurse called out, stepping forward. "Is this for delivery? Can I order some right now?"

"No, no," Xian replied quickly, holding up a hand. "I just happened to grab a few portions for myself today. But if you're interested…" He reached into his pocket and handed out a stack of small, hastily made cards with the restaurant's address. "Here's where you can find them. Trust me, it's worth the trip."

The patients and visitors were practically salivating, and some even started shouting toward their relatives.

"Go there now!" one patient begged their son. "Bring me something! Anything!"

"Ma'am, you're not supposed to eat greasy food," the son replied, but the patient shot him a glare.

"I'll take my chances!"

The hallway erupted into chaos as people scrambled to make calls, search the address on their phones, or simply beg for more details. Xian, maintaining his composed demeanor, made his way toward the exit, a satisfied grin on his face.

Meanwhile the guard whose observing xian the whole time while eating the food thought s to himself with disbelief, This plan is bullshit... Yet effective, damn.

Outside the hospital, Xian flagged down a taxi, sliding into the backseat with his now-empty bags.

"To West Market, please," he said, leaning back with a smirk.

The driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "You look pretty pleased with yourself."

Xian chuckled. "Just did some advertising."

"Well, whatever you're selling, it smells great," the driver replied.

Xian glanced at his reflection in the car window, his grin widening. "Step one: hospital. Step two: let the chaos begin."

The driver hears Xians murmurs and questions. Wait, why are you doing some advertisments at the hospital?.

The taxi sped off, heading straight for the restaurant where Xian's plan was already beginning to unfold.