Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

"Possibly." Noah took a deep breath and tried not to recall the feeling just now. However, after careful consideration, she suddenly realized that the feeling was somewhat similar to the feeling of being glanced at by that terrifying existence when she recalled the things about her parents.

Of course, this ambiguous feeling could not be proven, so she could only temporarily accept what Skadi said about the sequelae of the operation.

"But now is not the time to see a doctor... Tulia..." Noah sighed, "Why would someone target Tulia..."

"Are you really okay?" Skadi was still worried that Noah was being stubborn. Only after Noah repeatedly stated that he was fine did she stop persuading Noah to see a doctor.

"According to records, before Tulia disappeared, she was conducting routine research in this laboratory--" Lucela helped open Tulia's laboratory. Noah just took a quick glance at the laboratory. Since Lucela could open it, it meant that the experiments conducted here should not have much to do with the Channel Plan itself, otherwise Noah would not have been allowed to come in casually. When she entered the laboratory, the first thing she saw was several carefully cared-for culture tanks.

Noah looked at the algae floating in the ecological tanks and suddenly remembered what Tulia had introduced before.

"These are Archaeotrophic algae?" she asked doubtfully. "Didn't Tulia say Archaeotrophic algae are very rare and almost extinct? Why are there some in the lab?"

"I don't know either. Tulia brought it here one day. I thought she finally bought a living sample of Archaea from someone else." Lucera shook her head, indicating that she was not quite sure either.

"...Yesterday she told me that Archaeocalcum was almost extinct." Noya couldn't help but wonder, "In less than a day, she found a sample of Archaeocalcum?"

"It's no use asking me..." Lucela said helplessly, "Oh, by the way, before coming to the lab today, she told me that someone seemed to be following her. I didn't notice it at the time..."

“Shouldn’t you have told me this information earlier…” Noah was a little helpless, but Lucela also just remembered it and scratched his head.

“I didn’t notice it at the time…”

"This sudden appearance of ancient algae may indeed be a clue to the missing person's case..." Noah thought for a moment. "Although it's just a guess, if someone tries to obtain certain information through a deal with her, it's obviously a price she can't refuse."

"But Tullia would never betray information!" Lucera said excitedly. "She is a person who clearly distinguishes between public and private matters!"

"I don't doubt her. I just think that maybe from the beginning... they didn't intend to obtain information through kidnapping, but wanted to use a gentler method..." Noah guessed, "But there should be a lot of people who know about Tulia's interests... That might be a lot of people to check."

"...That." Lucela shook her head. "Although she's interested in studying algae, not many people know about it."

"...?"

Noah was stunned, but the first time she met Tulia, she talked to her about algae?

"No... To be precise, Tulia doesn't know many people in this city, remember? She only came to the institute after the Haisi attack. Before that, she worked at the Ecological Art Creation Institute. She hasn't been here long, so besides her old colleagues... not many people probably know about her research and interests..."

“…So how many of these old colleagues are there?”

"Me... and Cassia. Other than that, the only one left is probably Tulia's mentor."

"Her mentor?"

"Mr. Brandus."

And soon, Lucela gave a name that made Noah frown.

——Why is it him again?

Chapter 53: Trust

"I didn't expect to see you again so soon."

Brandus looked at the girl before him with a gentle smile. This scholar truly possessed a warm and approachable aura, making it hard to believe he could possibly be connected to the Deep Sea Church. More importantly, Noah sensed no hostility from him.

This was not the first time, and she did not sense any hostility from Amaya. Noah, who was used to relying on her own abilities, was very distressed by this unexpected mistake. She already wondered if there was something wrong with her abilities.

However, she also got a wake-up call - just because someone has no hostility doesn't mean they are friends, and she relied too much on her own abilities.

"-Actually, I came here this time because of Tulia's matter. Have you heard about it?" Noah said. Her inquiry did not cause any reaction from the scholar in front of her. He still spoke with the same smile as before.

"Tulia was my student, but she graduated a long time ago. Any questions?"

"Actually, she disappeared today." Brandus's mood did seem to shift slightly after Noya said this, but it was simply the surprise of hearing about his student's misfortune. It matched his expression, and Noya couldn't help but wonder if she'd misjudged him. Brandus's reaction was perfectly normal. "I heard she was your student. I just wanted to know if you knew anything. Like, if she'd said anything unusual... or if she'd contacted you recently."

"...I see." Brandus's expression was calm. Compared to Noa, he seemed the calmer one. "First of all, Tulia and I haven't been in touch for a long time. She used to work at the Ecological Art Museum, which was her favorite job. Later, I heard that she changed research institutes due to Hai Si's attack. I always thought she wouldn't like her current job - she is probably one of the thousands of Agors whose lives were changed by Hai Si."

"...Indeed, I've communicated with Tulia before she disappeared. She was very interested in algae research. She had many living algae samples at home, and she took good care of them."

Noah thought of Tulia's home and the algae that she treasured, and suddenly realized a problem.

Tulia loves algae so much that she would never leave those algae here even if she wanted to defect. These algae are relatively rare species and will die in a very short time if left there. This is obviously not what Tulia wants to see.

——Therefore, it is unlikely that Tulia’s disappearance was decided by herself, at least it was quite sudden.

"She's a good child. She should have had her own life plan—Hai Si. Hai Si has changed the lives of so many people, hers, those of the deep-sea hunters. Do you know Ulpian?"

"...I heard about it from Gladia, I guess."

"Before becoming a Deep Sea Hunter, he and I were colleagues. His interest was studying the evolutionary history of Agor cells. Back then, he was a skinny researcher, so fragile that I couldn't even beat him in an arm wrestle. He loved music and would go to opera after work—ah, you probably don't know all this. In your mind, he might have become Agor's potential betrayer, or a taciturn person like the other Deep Sea Hunters."

Brandus couldn't stop talking about the past. He was sixty years old among the Agor people who generally had a long life expectancy. He was just an old man, chattering about the past. He remembered it very clearly. He also remembered how Ulpian tested the immature deep-sea hunter transformation surgery on himself. He remembered every hunter who underwent the surgery. Most of these warriors who fought for the Agor did not die in the battle five years ago. Before that battle, countless Agor people who should have become hunters died on the operating table.

The cells of Hai Si and the cells of the Agor people combine with each other, and the chance of no rejection reaction is only one percent. It is based on the sacrifice of so many people that the Deep Sea Hunter is truly born.

"In my opinion, the Deep Sea Hunter operation completely changes a person. Not only the person being transformed, but also the person who performs the transformation," Brandus sighed. As the leader of the Deep Sea Hunter operation, he had questioned his own decisions countless times, which was the main reason for his guilt towards the Deep Sea Hunters. "They could have had a brighter future. What makes Agor what it is is that it respects the individual value of everyone. Agor shouldn't have been like this... The Deep Sea Hunter operation shouldn't have existed in the first place."

"This isn't your fault." Noya knew that Brandus hadn't suggested the Deep Sea Hunter surgery. It had only been done after Agor had voted on it himself. Brandus couldn't be blamed for this. "I don't think the Deep Sea Hunters would blame you either."

"...Indeed. Okay, let's get back to the topic."

Brandus felt that he might have said too much and returned the topic to its original direction.

"I'm sorry, I can't help you. Tulia had no contact with me before she disappeared. You can check my travel records. The communication records are here. I've been staying in the lab all this time."

"I understand... I'll apply for retrieval later."

Since the other party had said so, it was estimated that even if this matter was related to him, it had been handled perfectly. Noya was a little distressed. After saying goodbye to Brandus, Skadi beside her expressed her opinion.

"I don't think Mr. Brandos is a bad guy."

"It's not just bad people who do bad things, Skadi. There are people with good intentions who don't hesitate to do bad things—and they're unwavering in their belief that what they're doing is right."

Noya, sensing no hostility from Brandus, wasn't reassured. Amaya's previous example had already alerted her. Even the Deep Sea Cultists might be operating with other motives. Although Brandus hadn't noticed, she had just used her Divine Eye to carefully inspect the entire laboratory and found nothing unusual.

If the other party's testimony was correct, he would have to put aside his suspicions about Brandus for the time being—and he would have to inform Mr. Ulpian about this matter in a timely manner.

Noah thought for a while and suddenly stopped. No...something was wrong.

Noah noticed something, but she couldn't put it into words. What was wrong with Brandus? His actions and demeanor were exactly what a kind person should be like.

However, Noah still felt a sense of déjà vu...

"Scholars...scientists..."

"...Dorothy."

Noah suddenly realized that he saw the shadow of Dorothy in Brandus.

Dorothy is one of the kindest people in Rhine Life. She has deep sympathy for most people and has strong scientific research capabilities. However, such a kind person as Dorothy is responsible for researching what may be the most unstable and dangerous project in the entire Rhine Life - the transmitter project.

Her kindness made her believe that the Transmitter Project would give most people a better future. She even thought that paying any price along the way was acceptable until her goal was achieved.

Even Saria said frankly: Be careful, they will do anything for a "beautiful" idea.

The price that this beautiful idea will bring will be ignored by them as a necessary sacrifice in the experiment.

If Brandos is also such a person, then he is not as harmless as he seems. If he has no ill will towards anyone, but simply feels that his actions are conducive to what he believes is right, then he will execute his inner thoughts without hesitation.

But ultimately... Noya could only speculate; she had no proof. So she could only suppress this thought for the time being—wait until she could contact Ulpian. Ulpian surely knew her old friend better than Noya did, and he would be the best person to make the final decision.

On a separate note, Gloria and Laurentina finally returned to the city. Gloria immediately reported the discovery of the new nest and the new species of sea urchin to Clemensa. Gloria concluded that the nest was too close to the city and that a team must be dispatched to eliminate it. However, Clemensa frowned after hearing Gloria's report.

"Goldetia, I'm sorry... but we may not have any extra manpower."

Clemenza sighed.

"All manpower is currently dedicated to the Channel Project. Of the underwater vessels currently available within the city, the flagship is likely the only one capable of destroying this nest. However, once the flagship is deployed, the city's security will plummet. This is unacceptable, and deploying the flagship is also against regulations."

"I understand that the flagship can't be deployed—" Gloria nodded, "but what about the nest? And what about the new species of sea heir within the nest—we still know almost nothing about their abilities."

"Well..." Clemenza frowned and thought for a long time. "I'll send another team to investigate the nest. If it's relatively peaceful... I suggest dealing with it after the channel plan."

"It's a ticking time bomb."

"At least it hasn't exploded, Gladia."

Clemenza knew that Gloria's worries were right, but given the current situation, all resources had to be diverted to the waterway plan, and the handling of this nest could only be done in this way for the time being.

"I understand." Gladia nodded. "I'm always here if you need me."

"...Golatia..." Clemenza sighed, "I think we need to talk."

"I know what you're going to say—" Gloria shook her head. "This channel plan was drawn up by 'her' and has nothing to do with me. 'She' may be my mother, but our relationship may not be what you think. If you want me to persuade 'her' to postpone the channel plan, it's almost impossible."

"Well...after all, she is your mother..."

"No, she is just my mother."

Gladia retorted.

"Agor's unwavering strength lies in its indestructible rationality. And the epitome of this rationality is my great mother," Goletia's words tinged with strange emotion. "But rationality, for humans, is often a luxury. Can rationality that is too cold still be called rationality? I deeply doubt it."

Indeed, the one who devised the Channel Plan was Gloretia's mother, the great Helatia. During the five years since Gloretia's disappearance, she showed no sorrow for the loss of her beloved daughter, but instead quickly implemented a new plan: the Channel Plan. It was thanks to the Channel Plan that the land and the sea were finally connected. The news of Gloretia's return five years later must have reached Helatia, but this woman hadn't even sent a single message requesting contact.

Originally, Clemenza wanted to contact her actively, but was stopped by Gloria.

The conflict between the mother and daughter had obviously reached a level that was almost impossible to be mediated by a third party. Although Clemenza was anxious, she had no way to deal with it.

"...Alright, Gladia, I respect your choice." Clemenza sighed, then continued. "While you were away, a researcher disappeared in the city. According to investigations, they downloaded and read data from the Waterway Project before their disappearance. We're currently investigating."

"This matter should be within the scope of the Coast Guard's duties."

"But this operation is very likely related to the Deep Sea Church. This is the content of the Coast Guard report, which also includes a request for Noah Kyrielight to serve as a consultant. Do you think I should approve it?"

After hearing Noah's name, Gladia pondered for a moment before nodding.

"That's something you should decide for yourself, but if it were me, I would agree."

"Do you trust this Miss Noah so much?"

Clemenza's tone was a little subtle.

"If you spend some time with her, you'll trust her more than I do," Gloria said succinctly. "I'll check the details. If even she takes this matter seriously, we'd better take it seriously too."

"I understand." Clemenza nodded. Although she didn't quite trust Noah Kyrielight, she believed in Gloria's judgment.

After all, Gladia basically never makes mistakes—

Chapter 54: Don’t Leave Regrets for Yourself

"Sorry, I'm late."

Without stopping, Gloria immediately found Noah after reporting to Clemenza. At this time, Noah was on his way to the research institute to investigate Cassia.

After all, according to Lucilla, not many people knew Tullia's preferences, so the first focus of the investigation was naturally on these old colleagues. Cassia's personal information was quickly retrieved by the Coast Guard and handed over to Noya for review. Now Noya was a legitimate consultant, akin to the detective character in old-school detective films. This order was issued by Clemenza herself, and the Coast Guard was now serving Noya.

"No, you've arrived just in time—" Noah waved her hand. "Miss Goletia, you should be aware of what's going on. There's been a suspected Deep Sea Church kidnapping in the city—and the victim, Tulia, is a researcher for the Channel Project... At this critical juncture, we must be extremely cautious, no matter what."

"I understand, Miss Noah. Can you please talk to me for a moment?" Gloria glanced at the Coast Guard member beside her and winked at Noah. Noah understood, and the two left their original positions and started talking in private.

"Have you contacted Ulpian?"

"...Not yet. The Remote Country Guide can shut down sending and receiving, so even I don't have any news of him right now."

Noah raised the Guidance to the Remote Hometown in his hand and said helplessly.

Ulpian was still in the city, but the citywide curfew might have made him even more vigilant, even refusing to receive signals from Noya and the others. While that was understandable, the two of them really wanted Ulpian's help.

Noah is worried about Tulia, while Gladia is worried about the impact that the Deep Sea Church's activities will have on the city.

However, it might be a good thing that Ulpian cannot be contacted now. After all, this means that no one can find him. Perhaps this is also part of his plan.

"...Okay, let's split up. If there's any news, I'll let you know through the Yaoxiangzhiyin."

Gloria raised her hand, revealing the new Ring of the Faraway Land she had retrieved from the armory. Now, the three of them relied primarily on this ring for communication. Unconsciously, Gloria had come to regard Noah as an equal. The temporary alliance formed by Ulpian, Gloria, and Noah was independent of Agor, yet they were able to trust each other. If Gloria and Ulpian could be said to have benefited from camaraderie and the bloodline of the Deep Sea Hunter, then Noah had truly relied on his own personal charm to reach his current position.

Both Ulpian and Goletia trusted this friend from the land immensely. In this deep ocean, it was a blessing to have an ally who would never betray them. Regardless of blood ties or positions, they trusted Noah. The events on land proved Noah's kindness, and also proved the noble soul of this girl, who, though she never called herself a knight, exuded chivalry in every way.

After a brief exchange with Noah, Goletia left the team temporarily and took Skadi with her. After all, the first thing they had to do after returning to the city was to adjust their body functions.

Just before leaving, Noah shared all her conjectures and suspicions with Gloria. When mentioning Brandus, the scientist responsible for the physical adjustment of the deep-sea hunter, Noah also specifically told Gloria all about her conjectures. If it were to other people, she would not tell her conjectures, but Gloria has always been calm and knows when to advance and retreat, so she felt at ease to tell Gloria her unfounded conjectures.

Gloria nodded thoughtfully, indicating that she understood, and then left the team with Skadi.

Xikunda watched the two people from beginning to end. Although she did not go to eavesdrop, she understood that the two people did not trust the members of the Coast Guard.

But it was also true... If this kidnapping case truly involved someone higher up, the Coast Guard wouldn't be able to do anything about it. It was even possible there were undercover agents within the Coast Guard itself. But as a member of the Coast Guard, Xikunda still felt a bit frustrated—she understood, but the feeling of not being trusted was truly difficult.

You know, during the council meeting, for the sake of her teacher, she also supported the side of Gloria and others.

Sikunda's teacher was Ulpian, or rather, before becoming a deep-sea hunter, Ulpian, as a researcher, naturally had the rules of supervising graduate students, and the graduate student under Ulpian at that time was Sikunda.

She still remembers how Ulpian treated his students. His teaching method was unique, so unique that he didn't seem like a teacher, but more like a question-and-answer machine.