Arknights - Echoes Of The Unfound Dawn

A/n: is it starting from the end or ending from the start(mumbles)

T/L: revision completed, enjoy

The survivors of Rhodes Island huddled in the temporary shelter they had found after their escape from Chernobog. The catastrophe was still raging outside, but for now, they had a moment to breathe. Amiya sat near the Doctor, who was still recovering from the shock of waking up amidst chaos.

The group's mood was heavy, the weight of recent events pressing down on them. But even in the dim light, Amiya's calm demeanor radiated a sense of control.

"Doctor," she began softly, "are you feeling any better?"

The Doctor nodded slowly, still disoriented. "I'm... okay. Just trying to make sense of everything. It's all a blur. Waking up in the middle of that... it felt like a nightmare."

Amiya smiled gently. "I know it's overwhelming. You've been asleep for a long time, and everything must seem strange. But you're safe with us now. We're Rhodes Island, and we'll explain everything when you're ready."

The Doctor looked around at the others. "That blast... it wasn't from Tallulah, was it? It seemed different."

Ace chimed in, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "No, it wasn't. We're not sure who fired it, but it gave us the window we needed. Whoever it was, they were on our side-at least for now."

Nearl added with a smirk, "I doubt Tallulah appreciated the surprise. She looked shaken for the first time in that whole fight."

Amiya's eyes flickered with concern. "We need to stay vigilant. Whoever helped us might not always be an ally. Still, we owe them our thanks. Without that shot, we might not have made it out."

The group fell silent again, but Hibiscus tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, maybe it was a guardian angel? Or a sniper who got bored with Reunion's speeches!"

Laughter bubbled up from the group, easing the tension. Even the Doctor managed a small chuckle. Amiya smiled, grateful for the brief moment of levity.

---

Xian's pov

Meanwhile, far from Chernobog's crumbling walls, Xian trudged along a dusty road, leaving the chaos behind. His body ached from exhaustion, but he pressed on, his mind racing with thoughts about his future.

"Lungmen... that's where I need to go. There's opportunity there," he muttered, recalling a business card he had kept from a customer who had admired his mechanical skills. He fished it out of his pocket, wiping off the dirt. The company was Yenhua Industries, a reputable name on the surface, but Xian was unaware of its darker dealings.

Lost in thought, he suddenly heard rustling nearby. He tensed, his instincts kicking in. From the shadows of the forest lining the road, a group of ragged bandits emerged, blocking his path.

"Well, well," their leader sneered, "looks like we've got ourselves a traveler. Hand over your supplies, and we won't have to hurt you."

Xian sighed, raising his hands slowly. "Look, guys, I just escaped a city getting torn apart by a Catastrophe. Do you really think I'm in the mood for this?"

The bandits laughed, one of them brandishing a rusty blade. "Tough talk for someone all alone. Now, give us your stuff, or we'll take it by force."

Xian shook his head, muttering, "You guys just had to make this difficult."

Without warning, he activated his system. His eyes gleamed with a faint golden glow as he extracted energy from the surrounding originium traces. The bandits hesitated, sensing something off.

"Last chance," Xian warned.

The leader growled, "Get him!"

Xian dodged their clumsy attacks, using his enhanced agility. He disarmed the leader with a quick spin, then used the bandit's own weapon to fend off the others. The fight was short but intense, with Xian outmaneuvering them through a combination of novice swordplay and improvised techniques.

After incapacitating the last bandit, Xian rummaged through their supplies, finding food and water. "Well, at least you guys were useful for something," he muttered, grabbing what he needed.

---

Two days later, Xian approached Lungmen's towering gates, exhausted but determined. His encounter with the bandits had provided him enough supplies to survive the journey. His grappling gun hung at his side, now disguised as an ordinary weapon.

The checkpoint was bustling with activity, guards checking travelers thoroughly. Xian waited in line, his heart pounding slightly.

When it was his turn, a stern-looking guard eyed him suspiciously. "State your business."

Xian put on his best nonchalant expression. "I'm here for work. Got a job offer from Yenhua Industries." He held up the business card.

The guard inspected it, raising an eyebrow. "You look like you've been through hell."

Xian scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, you know how it is. City collapses, meteors falling, and you run for your life. Typical Monday."

The guard frowned but let out a chuckle. "Alright, but we'll be watching you. Welcome to Lungmen. Try not to cause any trouble."

Xian saluted jokingly. "Trouble? Never heard of it."

As he passed through, he muttered under his breath, "Great. Now I just need to figure out how to survive working for a company I know nothing about."

He stepped into Lungmen, unaware of the dark undercurrents waiting for him.

Inside Lungmen:

The towering skyline of Lungmen stretched out before Xian, a chaotic blend of towering skyscrapers, bustling markets, and winding alleyways. The city buzzed with energy, far removed from the desolation of Chernobog. Xian took a deep breath, allowing the city's pulse to wash over him.

"Alright," he muttered, "new city, new start. Time to meet this Yenhua Industries and see what kind of trouble I just walked into."

He pulled out the business card again, examining the address. The company's headquarters was located in one of Lungmen's high-rise districts, a far cry from the dilapidated outskirts he was currently in.

Navigating the streets, Xian noticed how different Lungmen was from Chernobog. The people here were on edge, but it wasn't the same fear he had seen in Reunion-occupied territory. Instead, it was the tension of survival in a city that never stopped moving.

Vendors called out, advertising everything from weapons to food. Loudspeakers blared announcements about the latest Lungmen Guard Corps directives. Despite the chaos, Xian felt a strange comfort.

Suddenly, a commotion caught his attention. A group of children ran past him, laughing, while a market stall owner yelled after them. "Thieves! Someone stop those brats!"

Xian watched the scene unfold, feeling a pang of familiarity. His memories drifted back to his childhood on Earth, where survival meant quick thinking and even quicker hands. He sighed and turned away. Not my problem anymore.

But as he continued walking, he couldn't shake the feeling that Lungmen was a city filled with stories, each one waiting to collide with his own.

---

The Yenhua Industries building stood tall and imposing, with reflective glass windows and a sleek, modern design. Xian approached the front entrance, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease.

Inside, the lobby was pristine, almost sterile. A receptionist greeted him with a rehearsed smile. "Welcome to Yenhua Industries. Do you have an appointment?"

Xian handed over the business card. "I'm here for a job. Someone from your company offered me a position after seeing my... skills."

The receptionist's smile faltered for a moment before she scanned the card. "Ah, yes. Mr. Zhang mentioned you. Please wait here."

Xian sat in one of the sleek chairs, his eyes wandering around the room. The place was too clean, too perfect. It gave him the same feeling as walking into a trap.

A tall man in a tailored suit soon approached him. "Mr. Xian, welcome. I'm Zhang Wei, head of recruitment. Please follow me."

They walked down a long hallway filled with rooms that seemed more like interrogation chambers than offices. Zhang opened a door, gesturing for Xian to enter.

The room was stark, with just a table and two chairs. Zhang sat across from him, clasping his hands. "We've heard impressive things about you. Your mechanical skills are exceptional. Yenhua Industries could use someone like you."

Xian leaned back, trying to read the man's expression. "Appreciate the offer. But what exactly do you want me to do?"

Zhang's smile was sharp. "Innovate. Build. Adapt. We're a company that thrives on pushing boundaries, and we need minds like yours."

Xian raised an eyebrow. "Sounds vague. What's the catch?"

Zhang chuckled. "No catch. Just opportunity. But of course, every opportunity comes with... responsibility."

Xian didn't like how that sounded, but he nodded. "Alright. Let's see where this goes."

---

After finalizing the paperwork, Xian left the building with a heavy feeling. Something about Yenhua didn't sit right with him, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

As he wandered the city, he passed by a small noodle stall. His stomach growled loudly, reminding him of the energy he had burned during the catastrophe.

"Fine, fine," he muttered, sitting down. "One bowl of noodles, please."

The vendor smiled, handing him a steaming bowl. As Xian ate, he couldn't shake the thought of Yenhua's pristine halls and Zhang Wei's sharp smile.

"I need to keep my guard up," he murmured. "This city might be my new start, but it's got teeth."

He finished his meal, paid the vendor, and began walking toward the small apartment Yenhua had provided. As he looked up at the stars obscured by Lungmen's towering buildings, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of trouble he had stepped into-and how he was going to survive it.

------

The next morning, Xian woke to the sound of Lungmen's bustling streets. The muffled honking of horns and distant chatter echoed through the city, a constant backdrop to his new life. Despite the chaos outside, he felt an odd sense of peace-temporary but comforting. His body ached from the past few days, but the real challenge was the mental strain.

The system. A puzzle he couldn't solve. Sometimes it felt like a gift, enhancing his strength and reflexes, but other times it weighed on him like a burden. There were too many unknowns, and the unknown made him uneasy.

He glanced at the clock. 9:05 a.m. Overslept again. Not that it mattered-his schedule was empty, aside from the looming job offer at Yenhua Industries. Stability. That was what he needed. A steady job, something to keep his mind occupied, away from the unanswered questions.

After grabbing a quick breakfast-a pork bun and tea from a nearby vendor-Xian set off into the crowded streets. The rising sun bathed Lungmen in a golden glow, its energy humming through every alley and market.

Yet, something felt off. The air felt heavier, the noise sharper. He brushed it off as nerves until he saw them: LGD officers, moving in disciplined formation. At their head was Superintendent Ch'en, her piercing gaze scanning the streets like a hawk.

Xian stiffened. His instincts screamed at him to turn around, but curiosity rooted him in place. Ch'en's eyes briefly met his, and his pulse quickened. He stepped back, blending into the crowd, hoping her gaze would move on.

"Busy day for the LGD," Xian muttered to the vendor beside him, trying to sound casual.

The vendor wiped his counter without looking up. "Crime never sleeps. Neither do they."

Taking the hint, Xian finished his tea quickly. Whatever the LGD was hunting, he didn't want to be near it. He walked away, casting one last glance at Ch'en's retreating figure, her presence lingering in the back of his mind like a storm cloud on the horizon.

---

By evening, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the city. Xian sat outside a small eatery, savoring a quiet meal. Stir-fried noodles, simple yet satisfying. He sighed between bites, reflecting on the day.

"I just wanted normal," he muttered. "Why does everything spiral out of control?"

His grumbling was interrupted by a shadow falling over his table. Looking up, he found himself face-to-face with Ch'en, her arms crossed, her gaze cutting through him like a blade.

"You," she said, her voice firm.

Xian froze, noodles mid-bite. "Me?"

"You're coming with me," she ordered, turning before he could protest.

"Wait, is this about-"

"Now," she snapped without looking back.

Sighing, Xian tossed a few coins onto the table. "Great. First a catastrophe, now this. What's next?" He followed her, unease settling in his gut as they walked.

---

The rooftop was quiet, the city lights flickering below. A cool breeze brushed Xian's face as he stepped closer to Ch'en, who stood near the edge, arms crossed. She didn't look at him.

"You were there yesterday. Near the building where the bomb was planted," she stated, her tone cold.

Xian's pulse quickened, but he kept his expression neutral. "I was just passing by."

Ch'en turned, her sharp gaze locking onto his. "A bystander who just happened to stop a bomb?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." He shifted, feigning ignorance.

"No records. No ID. No family. You're practically a ghost," she continued, stepping closer. "But you live here, work here, and somehow stopped a bomb without leaving a trace. Explain."

Xian hesitated. He could lie, but something in Ch'en's stare told him she wouldn't buy it.

"I saw the guy planting it," he admitted. "Didn't think twice. I just acted."

Ch'en raised an eyebrow. "Acted how?"

"Disabled the detonator," he said, keeping it vague. "That's it."

"And you didn't report it?" she pressed.

"Didn't want to get involved," Xian shrugged. "I'm not a hero."

Silence hung between them before Ch'en stepped back, her demeanor shifting. "Fine. But you're not off the hook."

"What does that mean?" Xian asked, wary.

"You're working with me. There's more happening, and I need someone who knows what's under Lungmen's surface."

Xian tensed. "What does that mean?"

Ch'en's expression hardened again. "You're going to work with me. There's more going on here, and I need someone who knows the inner workings of whatever shadowy mess this city's getting itself into. Like it or not, you're involved now."

Xian blinked, taking a moment to process. "Wait, what? Work with you? You want me-a random, overworked mechanic-to team up with the Lungmen Guard Department? Do I look like a cop to you?"

Ch'en raised an eyebrow. "You stopped a bomb. That makes you more useful than half the people I deal with daily."

"That doesn't make me a qualified anything!" Xian protested, waving his hands in frustration. "I don't have any training, no badge, no-well, no reason to be here! I'm not even from this world-" He cut himself off, realizing he'd nearly spilled too much.

Ch'en's eyes narrowed suspiciously but didn't press. Instead, she crossed her arms. "You're overthinking this. I don't need you to be a cop. I need you to stay out of trouble while helping me catch whoever's behind this. You have skills that could give us an edge."

Xian threw his arms up. "You're just assuming I'll help! What if I say no? What if I just want to mind my own business and fix toasters in peace?"

Ch'en's lips curled into a rare smirk. "Then I'll arrest you for obstructing an investigation. Or suspiciously defusing a bomb without proper authority. Either way, you'll be working with me-voluntarily or under...compulsory circumstances."

Xian gawked at her. "You can't do that! That's-there's gotta be a law against that!"

"There isn't," she replied calmly. "I checked."

"Of course you did," Xian muttered, rubbing his temples. "This is insane. You're dragging me into something I had no part in, risking my neck, and you expect me to just go along with it?"

Ch'en leaned in closer, her tone low but authoritative. "Listen, you've already risked your neck. You saw what's out there. Do you really think keeping your head down will save you when it all comes crashing down again?"

Xian opened his mouth to argue but paused. She wasn't wrong, and he hated that. He sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine, but let's be clear-I'm not some hero. I'll help you with this, but I'm not doing this for glory, and I'm not your sidekick."

Ch'en shrugged. "I don't need a sidekick. I need someone useful who won't run when things get tough."

"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," Xian grumbled. He glanced back at her. "But if I end up in prison or worse because of this, I'm coming back to haunt you."

Ch'en gave him a flat look. "You'll have to get in line."

Xian snorted despite himself. "Alright, fine. I'll help. But you owe me big time. And maybe some hazard pay."

Ch'en didn't smile, but there was a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Deal. Now let's get to work before you change your mind."