Arknights' Lock of Heaven

The already less-than-impressive image of the doctor in my heart is crumbling even further.

“Even though you’re exhausted every day, you still force yourself to come here and show off,” Xia Yu said with a smile. “This is just a little bit of fun between us.”

"Uh," Tianhuo paused for a moment upon hearing this, then retorted, "You guys are just having a little bit of fun... This is an operation that concerns the lives of everyone in the entire city..."

"This is just a little entertainment... Just who are these big shots around us...?"

"I wouldn't call myself a big shot," Xia Yu said modestly upon hearing this. "Well, how should I put it, we're birds of a feather?"

-

"I hope they're all safe and sound," she prayed silently in the Ceylon family's living room, gazing in the direction of the volcano.

Upon hearing this, the professor curled his lip.

Oh, what could be going on?

With Xia Yu's abilities, even if the volcano erupted right now, he would still be the most calm and composed person in the crowd.

For him, a mere volcanic eruption was no big deal.

Although it seems that facing the monster horde or mutated monsters that triggered the volcano is more dangerous than our own situation, in reality, our plan, which is almost certain to succeed, is more dangerous than theirs.

After all, he was truly powerless.

Over there is the tallest person who would be the tallest if the sky were to fall.

"The data is all organized," the professor calmly took a sip of tea. "Let's go."

-

"Cross through the Civic Square, and that tallest building is the City Hall."

As they walked, Ceylon introduced the city's famous attractions to the doctor.

"How are you all doing at the branch venues?! Thank you for coming. I am D.—D.—D.—!"

At this moment, Siesta was completely immersed in the festive atmosphere, with music filling the streets and alleys.

Coincidentally, this was the venue for a performance by a famous musician.

With a shout from DDD, the cheers from the audience soared to the heavens.

"On this sweltering summer day, I'm sure everyone has gathered here for the same reason—"

"music--!"

“This happens every day during the Obsidian Festival. After all, concerts are one of the most beloved parts of the Obsidian Festival.”

Seeing this, Ceylon said to the Doctor, "The main live will be held at night on the largest stage at Garrison Park. During the day, smaller live events will also be held in various areas."

"Ha, this music..." The doctor felt the energetic rock music at the scene, "It's really quite intense."

"Haha, I think so too. When I was studying in Victoria, I preferred classical and elegant music."

Hearing this, Ceylon smiled and said, "Although the Obsidian Festival also invites such musical artists, as you can see, this kind of music is more attractive to tourists."

288 You act as me, I act as you, everyone's acting.

“It’s a highbrow art with few listeners,” the professor shrugged. “After all, there aren’t many people these days who can truly immerse themselves in classical music.”

“Yes, time really flies,” a hint of reminiscence flashed in Ceylon’s eyes.

"Rock...it must have become popular in recent years. When I was little, jazz was the mainstream."

Ceylon sighed. "I love spending my days on Second Avenue with a few of my favorite books in hand, sitting in one of the cafes there all day."

"Listening to music, drinking a cup of green tea, and feeling the sea breeze, I began to believe at that moment that Siesta must be the best city in the world."

“It seems you really love this city,” the doctor remarked.

"Of course! My important family members and my important support are here."

Ceylon said without hesitation, "Besides my father, there is another person who is very important to me who also works at the city hall."

"We should see her soon. With her help, our probing will be much easier!"

"At that time, regardless of whether it was Kronin who did it or not, all of this will be resolved."

"It seems you really trust this person," the doctor said thoughtfully upon hearing this.

"She's been taking care of me since I was a child; she's my family's bodyguard. Her name is Hei."

At this point, Ceylon showed a relieved expression, "When my father was working hard, she was there for me and tolerated my willfulness. Even though we are not related by blood, Hei is like my sister, an important member of my family."

"I'll introduce her to you, Doctor, when we meet her later."

"Actually, you're very nervous, aren't you?" The doctor looked down at her hands, which were constantly rubbing her skirt. "Don't worry, I'm here for you."

“Ha, nervous,” Ceylon said with a wry smile. “How could I not be nervous?”

"I love this city so much...this is my everything!"

"Look, Doctor, the City Hall is just ahead. Let's go straight in."

-

"What important matter requires your personal visit to City Hall, dear young lady?"

Kronin, the messenger of natural disasters in Siesta and the mayor's powerful secretary, looked at Ceylon with a confident smile on his face.

"With the holiday arrangements being made so quickly, no one has much free time."

Seeing this, Ceylon was still a little apprehensive.

After all, this was the first time she had done something like this.

"Kronin, I'll get straight to the point. Siesta Volcano might erupt any minute now, maybe in the next second, maybe in a few days."

She took a deep breath and put on a serious face. "The safety of all travelers and citizens is threatened. We need to provide them with guidance and begin preparing for evacuation or refuge."

"All subsequent activities of the Obsidian Music Festival need to be suspended immediately."

Upon hearing this, Kronin narrowed his eyes slightly.

Tsk, this troublesome young lady, why is she paying attention to this kind of thing instead of going to her tea party?

It would be bad if she found out. It's best to...

After a moment's thought, he had a plan in mind.

"Oh, my dear young lady, do you know what you're saying?"

Kronen wore an exaggerated smile, as if he had heard something out of the blue.

"If anyone else had spoken to me like that, I would have kicked them out long ago."

“But because it’s you, I’m willing to explain it to you,” Kronin said, narrowing his eyes.

"You don't need to worry about the volcano at all. Although I don't know where you heard this from, it's obviously nonsense."

"..."

Upon hearing his answer, Ceylon fell silent.

Sure enough, the problem lay with this messenger of natural disaster.

It's normal that you don't have much experience and can't see the problems with the data.

But Kronin, who had been working on bombing Siesta for over a decade, was an experienced messenger of the Scourge; it was impossible for him to be completely oblivious to the problem.

It wasn't that I had some kind of precognitive ability to know that there was a problem with the volcano; it was only through various recent rumors circulating in Siesta, along with some clues, that I discovered the problem with the volcano.

They then proceeded to investigate.

What he himself could perceive, Kronin, who effectively controlled the entire Siesta after his father went to the new development zone, could not possibly have failed to discover; his experience far surpassed his own.

Ceylon took a deep breath.

To be honest, Ceylon doesn't know much about Kronin.

He always stayed by his father's side, but his father was always busy with work.

So she didn't have any feelings for this person, but now that he was in charge of every aspect of Siesta, Ceylon had to treat him with caution.

Of course, that's how she sees it.

It's different for PhD students.

Another third-rate villain...

The doctor looked at the composed Kronin and sighed inwardly.

No wonder Xia Yu wasn't interested at all and went straight to the volcano.

This guy... is way too low-class.

From those few simple questions and answers, the doctor could tell that this guy named Cronin had no control over any aspect of the city.

Otherwise, why be so cautious? If we had enough power, we could have secretly detained Ceylon, since she discovered something so important.

But he didn't dare!

This shows that he doesn't have that ability.

Ha, after more than ten years of running this business, this is all the progress they've made... Even the PhD himself is losing interest.