Arknights, I'm going to beat Kal'tsit, really?

Page 32

"Mon3tr, have you detected any anomalies?"

"Not for now. All spell units have been confiscated; no one is hiding anything."

Standing high above the venue, Mon3tr activated her sensory abilities to the fullest, monitoring the entire area. She was determined to nip any potential threats in the bud.

As for why she was given this task—since becoming familiar with this human body, all the necessary social education had been personally provided by Muirsey. Kane had asked her what she wanted to do in the future. If she only wanted to be his "accessory," he could afford to support her, but Kane respected her own wishes more.

Mon3tr's choice was to live a "normal life"—or rather, to find the meaning of his life.

Just as Kal'tsit chose to help Theresa build the Tower of Babel, which was later rebuilt into Rhodes Island, Mon3tr also wanted to travel all over Terra and do what he wanted to do.

Her choice was to serve as the deputy director of Rhine Lab's defense department. Her aim was that, should Kane and Kal'tsit become enemies someday, she could volunteer for the mission—and then "control" Kal'tsit, ensuring at least her life was spared.

At this moment, Mon3tr was wearing a very distinctive outfit: a light green dress with a black coat over it, the wide sleeves of which perfectly concealed her superhuman arms.

This outfit was personally designed and customized by Muirsey. The innocent Mon3tr and the enthusiastic Muirsey unexpectedly hit it off, and now the two are as close as sisters. Muirsey has taught Mon3tr many things—such as video games and Blue Cardwood movies... Kane and Mon3tr now live together, and her room has completely taken on a homebody vibe.

"Ms. Wright, a reporter reported that your company used a certain drug in the isolation ward for infected individuals, but this drug is not present in this exhibit. Does this mean that you are directly putting experimental drugs into trials?"

What is coming will eventually come.

A reporter suddenly stood up and asked Christensen a sharp question on the stage.

Whether admitted or not, this statement itself is a trap—denial requires proof. And Rhine Lab did indeed distribute the potion, although it was merely a scheme set up by Kane to recruit people.

If they admit it, they'll be thrust into the eye of the storm. This reporter's only goal is to expose the matter on camera. The truth will be obscured by the overwhelming amount of media coverage and news reports.

The effect was immediate, and a murmur arose from the audience as they whispered and discussed among themselves.

"Indeed, thank you all for your high level of attention to Rhine Life. We did collect some clinical trial data in the infected person control area."

Kristen's candid admission caused an uproar in the audience. Questions and criticisms quickly arose, and the other directors looked anxious—how could she admit to something like this so readily?! Ferdinand, in particular, was confident he had several ways to defuse the crisis, but Kristen had chosen the worst one.

He knew that some of the founders were somewhat idealistic, but this was far too naive. Columbia was never fertile ground for idealists.

“But—” Christen raised her voice, suppressing the noise in the room.

"The drugs we are testing have shown remarkable effects—the prototype Oripathy inhibitor developed by Rhine Life Sciences can now completely stop the progression of the disease."

A roar erupted from the audience once more, with more people standing up to condemn Rhine Life's false advertising. A cure for Oripathy? That remains a pipe dream. Too many companies have used this claim to swindle investment; the public's patience has long since run out.

But Christensen was never one to speak carelessly. Once things had calmed down a bit, she began to reveal her true colors.

Papers, reports, and data bearing the official seal of Colombia were displayed on a large screen. These included long-term observation records, and even participants personally demonstrating their own lesions.

As one "fact" after another was presented, everyone had to accept this shocking fact: Rhine Lab had indeed developed a drug to combat Oripathy.

Although they emphasized that "it is currently only an inhibitor, and the cure is still under development," this was news that was enough to shake the entire continent of Terra.

Oripathy, the root of countless sufferings... Could humanity finally hope to defeat this demon?

Although it can only be suppressed at present, the distance between suppression and cure is not too far.

Those who had previously criticized Christensen for fraud are now speechless. The official documents cannot be faked.

Scholars who still cherish ideals and conscience are eager to communicate with the directors of Rhine Life and are eager to join this great cause.

"We originally planned to release this finding in the future. The horror of Oripathy is well known, and Rhine Life Sciences has always adhered to the most rigorous and responsible attitude in advancing the experiment. We solemnly promise that if any subject suffers damage due to the drug, Rhine Life Sciences will bear all the consequences."

Christensen spoke calmly, as if she had been "forced" to make the announcement ahead of schedule, but it was clear to everyone that everything had been prepared in advance.

Rhine Lab is no longer someone they can easily challenge. With such achievements, to oppose them would be to oppose the entire Terra. After all, the majority of people on this land are those hoping for a cure for Oripathy.

In the audience, those who had been lying in wait for the "traps" all abandoned their operations. Rhine Lab's bombshell was too powerful; any smear campaign at this point was futile. If a cure for Oripathy could truly be developed through human experimentation, countless organizations would likely be willing to trample on ethical boundaries.

"Director Seria, was this also planned in advance?"

"Yes, but the drug itself is not perfect, and mass production is even more difficult."

"..."

Ferdinand had originally been determined to prove himself on par with Kristen and Kane, but now he realized that he first had to prove himself worthy of Rhine Lab.

As for Saria… Kristen explained that this is a precious legacy left by a previous civilization, and Rhine Life must replicate it in the future to truly realize today’s words.

In reality, there was no magic potion—it was all a scheme set up by Kane. As for how this hoax would ultimately end, Christen could only choose to believe Kane.

……

Although the press conference has ended, the waves it has stirred up in Colombia have only just begun.

First, RheinLife's current products are already top-tier among their peers, and multiple industries are expected to place a large number of orders.

The most significant claim, however, remains the so-called "cure for Oripathy." The pharmaceutical industry's strategy of hyping RheinLife up has already begun—Rhine Life explicitly states that it is merely an "interrupter," but media reports unanimously describe it as a "cure," fueling the hype and clearly aiming to elevate RheinLife to a high position before delivering a brutal blow at the opportune moment.

"cheers!"

"Celebrating the successful launch of Rhine Life's first press conference—and this is just the beginning!"

"oh oh!"

Inside the company cafeteria, the directors of Rhine Life were holding a celebration banquet. Rhine Life wasn't short of money, but given the current situation, they would inevitably be surrounded and intercepted wherever they went. To avoid trouble, they ultimately decided to have their meal at the company.

After the opening toast, Justin finished his first drink and prepared to leave.

"Although it's not working hours, the Columbia Gold Vouchers won't wait for anyone. Gentlemen, I have to go to my own battlefield."

"Just say so if you need help," Ferdinand said, not forgetting to extend a friendly gesture.

Justin waved his hand, indicating that he could handle it.

"Hey Kane, can I dance with you?"

Seeing that Kane had finished eating and drinking, Muirsey seized the opportunity to approach him and extend her hand.

She was still wearing that formal attire, which wasn't really suitable for dancing, but it wasn't a formal ball, and no one would care about clothing.

"It's an honor—but you won't step on my toes, will you?"

"You'll know once you've finished dancing."

Muirsey smiled and took Kane's hand, and the two stepped into the center of the lobby. As the music began, they began to dance.

The other directors had different expressions, but they all enjoyed this moment of relaxation.

Social dancing was Ferdinand's forte. He had intended to invite Seria, but seeing her sitting quietly on the sofa with her eyes fixed on Kane, he awkwardly withdrew.

As the music ended, Kane and Muirsay joined hands in a salute, and applause erupted around them.

"Saria, would you mind dancing with me again?"

"Me? It would be an honor."

Surprisingly, Muirsay's second invitation went to Seria. The two women danced together—unexpectedly in sync, with Seria displaying more grace in her lead dance than most men.

However, it's clear that Muirsey and Seria maintain a friendly distance, far less intimate than her relationship with Kane.

Christensen sat alone on the sofa, unconsciously fidgeting with the hem of her clothes, her expression conflicted and somewhat nervous.

"Aren't you going to dance?"

Yara sat down beside her, her sunglasses already off, and gazed tenderly at her "adopted daughter."

"I haven't attended a ball since the Wright family's incident... I've forgotten most of the moves, so I'd better not embarrass myself."

"How could that be? You danced very well when you were little. Even after all this time, it's impossible for you to have forgotten everything. Besides, no one here will laugh at you."

"As you said, that was when I was a child."

Christensen continued to decline, seemingly having no intention of participating in the dance.

"Is it that you don't know how, or that you're afraid?"

Yara followed Christensen's gaze and naturally understood who she was looking at.

Ugh, this is such a hassle—and there are so many rivals to choose from.

Although she hadn't experienced it firsthand, Yara had seen far too many examples of people going mad for love. And Christensen was clearly in the most difficult category.

"The strawberries on the cake won't stay with you forever, and neither will love—Christine, believe in yourself."

After speaking, Yara got up and walked towards the other directors, leaving Christensen alone to face her inner hesitation and struggle.

After thinking it over, she took a deep breath and made her choice.

Chapter 83 Kristen's Attack

The celebration banquet quickly came to an end. The directors went home to rest or returned to their departments to continue working overtime, all preparing for the challenges ahead. The crowd gradually dispersed, leaving only Christensen and Kane in the end.

Muirsey and Saria could have stayed, but they tacitly gave up their space. Everyone understood that Kane and Kristen were the ones guiding Rhine Life's direction, and they undoubtedly had more important things to discuss regarding the future. Hopefully, the two could find a way to overcome the hurdle of the "Oripathy cure."

You don't seem very happy?

Kane commented, looking at Christensen, who was sitting on the sofa with a somewhat wistful expression.

"Rhine Life Sciences got off to a faster and higher start than expected, which also means we will face more challenges. A slight misstep could plunge us into the abyss. With such immense pressure, how can I be happy?"

"You were the one who insisted on becoming the commander-in-chief back then, and now you regret it?"

Kane casually opened two cans of drinks. He knew Christensen wasn't a heavy drinker, and he himself wasn't particularly interested in alcohol. Icy, refreshing drinks were more suitable for their casual conversation.

Do you still have red wine?

"Ok?"

To his surprise, Christensen offered to drink—even though she had only taken one sip at the celebration party and hadn't had another.

Fine wines were naturally plentiful for Kane, who had the backing of the Texas family. He casually took a bottle from the wine cabinet—although Yara and Ferdinand, two connoisseurs of fine wines, had just taken quite a few, the stock was still plentiful.

The flavors of Syracuse gradually release in the decanter, filling the air with a rich aroma.

"Kane, come dance with me."

Christen suddenly reached out her hand and smiled at Kane.

"my pleasure."

Kane didn't ask her why she hadn't invited him at the ball earlier. He wasn't oblivious to romance, so he readily accepted. The two drew closer, clasped hands, and began to dance slowly to the silent rhythm.

Without music, their steps were as synchronized as those of the most skilled dance partners—except that Christen kept her head down, avoiding Kane's gaze, and focused intently on her footsteps.

As the music ended, Kane asked softly:

"Haven't jumped in a long time?"

"You noticed? I was counting my steps the whole time... Sorry."

In fact, after taking the first step, Christensen discovered that her body still remembered the feeling—the true purpose of her bowing her head was probably only known to herself.

"It's alright. It's already a great honor to dance with the head of Rhine Labs."

- U705.COM First Release / 鏾思澪奇弍鏾IV罢寺 "You too." Christensen raised her eyes.

"Venture capital firms and major corporations will soon be coming to you. Don't forget, you are the sole owner of Rhine Life."

After tonight, they will surely stand at the top of Colombian society, and their every move may affect the direction of the entire society—but this is not enough to shake their hearts.

After all, Colombia is a mere speck compared to the vast starry sky and the boundless earth.

"I'm almost sober now, let's go to the balcony, I want to look at the stars."

Kane brought a decanter and wine glasses. The two stood under the starry sky, their glasses lightly touching, creating a rosy ripple.

"The stars are particularly bright tonight... Scholars at Columbia University have proposed countless hypotheses in an attempt to explain the mysteries of the night sky. But in fact, it's all just a simulation of a program—a poor imitation of the real universe."

"I thought you would lose interest in this fake starry sky after you learned the truth."

After all, all historical research has been based on unrealistic fantasies, which is ironic for scholars.

"But it planted a seed of longing in my heart. One day, I will personally unveil this illusory sky and see the real stars."

Christen reached out towards the night sky, as if she really wanted to tear off that non-existent veil.

"Wasn't Rhine Life's original goal to realize our ideals? Christensen, we will all help you take off."

Kane knew that even if he tried to stop her, she would still take that step. Rather than let her go alone and abandon everything, he would hold her hand tightly—at least, when she was about to leave the earth, he could pull her back to his side.

As they sipped their drinks, Christensen's cheeks gradually flushed—she was clearly not a strong drinker.

"You're almost drunk, let's call it a day."

Kane was about to tidy up when she suddenly pounced on him and pushed him down onto the sofa.