In Lungmen city, a certain event was taking place.
Thanks to the Lungmen Guard Department, nights in Lungmen were peaceful. Under the tranquil dark sky, people relished leisure, entertainment, and safety.
But for the LGD, business went on as usual.
In a certain warehouse district, a silent battle was being fought.
Shots lit up the darkness as a firefight waged on. Across each other, two women hid behind cover as bullets pelted their position.
From sound alone, both sides clearly employed silencers, making sure that their fight wouldn't be heard by civilians. While the noise was lower than usual, the blinding flashes and direction of gunfire marked the positions of the hidden combatants.
Glances were exchanged and a silent conversation took place. Once the gunfire weakened, the leader of the operation signed for the soldiers behind them to strafe the enemy. A small window of opportunity was opened- which the LGD forces took. While two groups provided cover fire, two forward teams flanked in the cover of darkness. Maneuvering around the darkness of the supply depot, the two flanking groups closed around the remaining mercenaries.
When the support teams retreated into cover, the mercenaries opened fire in their direction. Once the attention was away from them, the flanking teams pounced.
Ch'en jumped in behind the mercenaries. The distraction was enough for her to close in and start engaging the enemies in melee. The head of the Special Inspection Unit smashed fist first straight through the mercenary ranks, buying time for the rest of the two teams to catch up. In their midst, Ch'en swung around her sheathed sword and knocked the guns away from their hands. She was quickly reinforced when a girl wielding a triangular shield rammed into the backs of three enemies and flattened them on the ground.
"Hoshi, behind you!" Ch'en warned.
Hoshiguma twisted around and brought her shield to bear as the mercenary behind her swung his sword down. A loud clang erupted between shield and sword, then he was kicked aside by another LGD task force member. The last two teams reached them after half a minute of chaos and the regrouped task force put down the mercenaries.
"Threat neutralized. Send in the rest." Hoshiguma reported.
The LGD forces locking down the construction warehouse quickly moved in to secure the rest of the facility. In a matter of minutes, the place was scoured and the hired guns arrested.
Soon, a large man was brought to Ch'en. Dressed in a suit, smelling of cigar, and carrying an exquisite cane, it was no question who he was.
"This is your only chance to speak with me before I send you to interrogation so I suggest you speak wisely." Ch'en glared at the rich warehouse manager.
The man didn't answer.
"No? You're not going to explain why hired mercenaries fired on us after we asked to investigate the establishment?"
"You can't stop us."
Ch'en raised an eyebrow.
"Arrest him. I want to know everything he knows! Have the mercenaries interrogated too. Just in case they know something."
The guards holding the man saluted then pulled him away in the direction of the security transport.
"This is a large warehouse. It's going to take a day or two to go through it all." Hoshiguma noted.
The building was huge. Plus, it contained a lot of material. The offices were being raided and the records collected. The location had been marked and all connected corporations, establishments, and customers scouted.
"Then I'll just have to make sure the investigation goes faster." Ch'en frowned while tapping her foot.
Something felt very wrong.
"This location is owned by a subsidiary under one of MegaWorld LLC's major branches. It doesn't make sense for one of Lungmen's biggest corporations to stop us from investigating."
MegaWorld LLC was a development corporation with their fingers in many industries. Built by an Ursus businessman who
"Maybe it's not MegaWorld LLC. Maybe it's another party under them."
It was possible. Ch'en would understand if some other party snuck into MegaWorld and started trafficking illegal Originium behind them.
The corporation was big. With all those people, some would've infiltrated for nefarious purposes.
"Well, we should know soon. A suspicious shipment just came in through their channels. If it's not Originium, then we can search the facility."
"It's definitely Originium. Not even drugs are shipped with this much security and resources." Ch'en watched as the last of the mercs were locked into the security transport. "Hoshi, make sure to keep watch over the prisoners."
Those prisoners were their most valuable assets to this case. While the LGD was Lungmen's private security force, infiltrators have their ways. Ch'en couldn't risk their captives from being contacted or worse- eliminated.
One of the guards approached her.
"Your highness." The woman tossed a phone at her in disdain.
"Why, thank you." Ch'en's mouth twitched- dangerously breaking into a smile. Serious as she was for the operation, the feeling of triumph over her mortal enemy momentarily lifted her mood.
Before the operation, she had ordered a specific officer to guard her phone while she headed the mission. Something about the utmost importance of securing the contact device with a certain Lungmen leader.
In other words, a guard dog- or cat.
"Your daddy called." Said cat growled at her.
Ch'en's smiled twitched.
"He's not my father!"
Hoshiguma sighed from her position far from the fighting pair. If she could, she'd walk over and stop the argument. Alas, Ch'en had tasked her with guarding the transport.
Ch'en was about to retort when the phone in her hand buzzed.
"Go answer your daddy now, little one." Swire broke into a shit-eating grin at the burning glare her superior shot at her.
"Shut up, pussy."
"Fuck you, lizard!"
That's what you get for giving me a useless job, bitch!
Ch'en had no choice but to retreat and answer the call. She walked a few steps away and thumbed down the accept function on her phone.
"Yes, uncle? We were just raiding a warehouse."
Ah yes, just your average everyday conversation between uncle and niece.
"Ch'en…what did I tell you about leaving the missions to others?"
Ch'en sighed.
Her uncle, Wei Yenwu, had looked out for her ever since her mother's death. Seeing her uncle work as Lungmen's chief executive, Ch'en was inspired to become a leader worthy of protecting the city, and so, earned herself the position as the leader of the LGD.
"Not to."
"Indeed. Operations are dangerous. I would feel safer if you weren't throwing yourself at the frontlines."
Ch'en rolled her eyes.
"Yes, uncle."
Both of them knew she didn't mean it. Ch'en would jump at the next biggest operation to lead it herself right away.
An audible sigh came from the other end.
"Anyway…come back home tomorrow. We need to discuss next week's party."
"...party?"
Ch'en didn't like where this was going. This smelled like a political event. Politics was not her style, despite how talented she was under her uncle's tutelage. Still, she was expected to play the game.
Slowly but surely, everyone was touting Ch'en around as the successor to her uncle.
"Yes. We've been invited to a gala celebrating the Beatrix family's success. They have secured a trading agreement between a Victorian Conglomerate and Lungmen."
Beatrix Family.
Ch'en slowly grinded her head to look at her enemy. Said girl noticed the looming stare her superior was aiming at her.
"What did I do now? I didn't even do anything!" Beatrix Swire protested. Suddenly, said feline also had to turn away to answer a call.
Ch'en's grip on her phone tightened.
"Do I really have to come?"
"Unfortunately, yes. The Beatrix Family hopes to grow relations with us. They also want to see how well their daughter's friendship with the LGD Commander has been."
Ah, right. Both of them had agreed to play along to her family's wishes so that Swire's family would not cause any more trouble for both of them.
Ch'en would rather deal with one devil than more if she could.
The phone slightly cracked at the pressure her hand was putting on it.
"Yes, uncle."
"Very well. Stay safe and I expect you home by this morning."
The call beeped.
Ch'en stared at her damaged phone after the call and sighed. She was going to have to buy a new one again.
"...yes, mother. I'll make sure to invite her over."
Wait. That came from Swire.
Swire and Ch'en turned towards each other, their expressions grim. Despondent gazes exchanged.
"Fuck."
"Fuck."
They were going to act in front of Swire's family again.
A week after the Reunion's meeting, Faust's first batch of patients were ready.
Well- more like FrostNova's patients now- and he was about to go join them if he stayed any longer.
The teen shivered- along with the other soldiers. The small room was cold. FrostNova was strong, to the point that despite her best efforts to limit her power, it was still able to exude an effect on the surroundings. Still, the superior commander was intent on covering the plan herself with the patients.
"Yes, ma'am!" A chorus of confirmations echoed after she finished.
The soldiers filed out the door as quickly as they could, except for the two under the Yeti Squadron- they were used to the cold.
It was not much of a plan really. The soldiers would arrive at staggered intervals of 5 minutes. Civilians would fill up the gaps between those spaces and the number would vary at random. Having their men lined up early would avoid having to wait the rest of the day.
Faust released a frosty breath.
"I hope I'm not bothering you…but there's no need to make it cold."
He didn't understand why FrostNova was using Arts. Intimidation perhaps? Nothing scared the fighters more than the attention of a commander.
"I'm not."
…?
"H-huh?" He tightened his coat as he stood up.
The room they were in was another hideout near the clinic. It was scouted on the request of FrostNova.
"I…can't control it completely."
That wasn't something you told others. In this world of survival, secrets like that were meant to be kept. FrostNova, Patriot, and their faction in extension, were all seen as the more capable side of the Reunion. Talulah's faction made up for the difference in quality with quantity. To Faust, it was unbelievable for her to share a deficiency in her skills.
"...why did you tell me this?"
FrostNova looked at him.
"Because in this failure of an organization…you are an example that good can still persist in it."
He blinked.
"Maybe…this is a chance for change we've been looking for inside the Reunion." FrostNova whispered.
Unknowingly, Faust had earned some respect from FrostNova. His intention to approach the clinic and establish rapport for the sake of their people was commendable. He was different compared to the likes of the other commanders. While Skullshatterer cared about his men, he was still just as unhinged as Mephisto and Talulah.
Faust didn't understand what she meant.
What change?
He shook his head.
"I'll just be outside. Do you need anything?"
The girl shook her head while she took out a packet of beer jerky and a soup can from her coat.
"Just keep me updated on the situation."
Seeing the soup can, Faust couldn't help but observe her frown. Meager as the supplies of the Reunion were, cheap soup cans and the like had become the convenient ration to bring around. Eyeing the can, he noticed that it was frozen. The chilled exterior meant that the insides were solid ice.
FrostNova sighed at the frozen can.
"Can we…trade? Anything not frozen is fine."
She can't eat food normally.
The realization that the only meals FrostNova ever had were cold clicked on Faust. It was a well known fact that the closer one was to FrostNova, the colder it was. It made sense that objects on her would freeze since they were in physical contact with her body.
"Here, take my soup can. I'll just have yours heated and eat it later." He took his own ration and handed the object over.
FrostNova nodded her thanks at the offered provision. She jabbed her knife into the soup can and carved it open while Faust prepared to leave. It was nearly sunrise and he wanted to eat breakfast somewhere warmer than the cold room they were in.
As sunrise slowly approached, Faust's Phantom Crossbowmen changed shifts. Tasked with keeping watch over the clinic, they were also responsible for their comrades now that they were here for treatment.
Just as Faust was about to leave, a knock came from the door.
FrostNova paused from her meal and the two commanders positioned themselves carefully on opposite sides before Faust answered.
"Code?"
A procedure Faust set for the teams he arranged to watch the clinic. He also made a new set of codes categorizing Reunion's patients along with another specific code for his fellow commander at the site.
"Monday."
It was a simple yet clever trick. For the Phantom Crossbowmen teams guarding the clinic, the code was the day after the current one. Today was Sunday, which meant the code was Monday. Tuesday for tomorrow, and vice versa.
Faust unlocked the door and allowed his soldier in.
"Report?"
To keep themselves hidden and from being discovered by the Ursus network, most Reunion-related messages still had to be passed verbally. The rebel group still didn't have the equipment to run their own network- even if they only needed one small enough to support the area of a city.
The soldier scratched his head.
"Sir, it's…not really a report."
Faust raised an eyebrow. His soldiers weren't ones to waste time.
"It's well…Sunday. We were wondering if you wanted to try…" He trailed off.
"Try what?"
Even FrostNova was getting intrigued. She and Patriot mostly kept to their side of the Reunion and built a close relationship with their subordinates and people. The other half of the revolution was considered unhinged by their faction. FrostNova doubted any of the other commanders actually garnered as good a relationship as she and Patriot did with their subordinates.
Yet here Faust was being invited by his men for something.
"Err, the Fuyuki Clinic's Sunday Soup Kitchen."
What now?
For some reason, Faust felt his stomach gurgle.
"The what?"
"It's a weekly thing. The clinic offers free food. We thought you'd like to try." The soldier awkwardly mumbled.
"Wait, what about the clinic?"
"The soup kitchen is handled by volunteers. The doctors continue working."
Ah- so they weren't preoccupied then. Good.
Which led to the question.
"So why was it important I know?"
"..."
The soldier stood there awkwardly.
"Well…we believe you should try the food."
Hang on.
"Who cooked the food? We didn't see any deliveries to Fuyuki Clinic. The doctors pick up the medical supplies at the hospitals."
None that he knew of. His men also reported nothing of the sort.
"People say it's the doctors who cooked it."
Faust was quickly reminded of the boxed meal Sakura gave him.
Actually, didn't he have to return the container? He had even made sure to wash it after the meal.
"You know…some free food doesn't sound too bad."
Faust left the room with his subordinate.
"Do you also want to try? I'll wait here while you do."
FrostNova sighed.
She had expected Faust to be more critical when it came to operations. This- was simply unexpected.
She'd have to warn him about taking unnecessary risks in the future.
.
.
.
Faust felt awkward standing in line.
Not that he was uncomfortable about waiting in a queue, but mostly waiting for food.
He wasn't desperate for food.
Right?
No, it was to see if his assumption was right. If it was the doctors cooking the food…then it was no wonder his men invited him.
He wasn't the only Reunion member in line after all.
Faust spotted at least a dozen other of his crossbowmen in the line ahead of him. Dressed out of their combat uniforms, they seamlessly merged with the civilians. At least they had it lucky. Faust was trying to ignore the incredulous expression the head Sarkaz volunteer was giving him. Still, both sides made no moves to show that they recognized each other.
The awkward squeamish sensation inside him disappeared when his nose perked.
What was that heavenly aroma?
All thoughts of shame discarded, Faust peeked at the side of the line.
It was coming from the pot of stew!
The soup kitchen was being manned by the hired volunteers. Small cans acting as containers were filled with hot soup and given to the infected and they moved to the other side of the street to eat in peace. It was organized, surprisingly so. Even with the volunteer security, people still caused some level of commotion when queueing up for treatment. Yet here- they were behaving extremely well for one can of soup.
After some time, it was his turn.
Faust stepped up and froze when confronted with the server's smile.
"Good Morning." Shirou smiled with a wave.
When had he switched places with the volunteer?
Faust was normally more aware of his surroundings. For him to be distracted by food was one anomaly he quickly picked up on.
His instincts reared up.
Something was wrong.
When Shirou leaned forward and handed him the can, a few words were whispered.
"I'd like to meet with your friend."
He knew which "friend" Shirou wanted to meet.
Faust rigidly accepted the hot can of soup. But for all the warmth it provided, an indescribable chill settled over him.
Once again, that same feeling from that night returned.
"Here's another serving. For your friend of course." Another can was handed to the young boy.
He carefully took the second can and walked away- hiding his reaction. Behind him, Shirou continued to serve the line cheerfully.
Slowly but surely, Faust was getting a glimpse of the Magus Killer behind Shirou Emiya.
.
.
.
He returned to the hideout with a clear mind.
Faust was sure of it now. Whatever food the doctors served, it had some blanketing effect on the mind. After one scoop, he lost all sense of awareness and awoke after his men shook him. Can empty, and mind refreshed like never before- almost like he had a good night's sleep. The grins they were shooting at him clicked into place.
This. This was why they wanted to invite him.
No wonder he stumbled upon his men drawing straws for Sunday shift the week before. The soldiers must've had some of the soup and quickly drew lots for the nightly stint. Of the three shifts, the morning sentries would not be able to enjoy the heavenly food.
Thankfully, nobody took the second can of soup away from him.
Knocking on the hideout entrance and exchanging codes with FrostNova, he was finally able to hand over her share.
Said girl narrowed her eyes when the can of soup was placed beside her.
"...what is this?"
"Soup from the clinic."
Trusting her fellow commander, FrostNova scooped out her spoon and dipped it for a taste.
Faust blinked.
Is that how I looked while eating?
The blank expression on her face morphed into one with a small smile as the soup was consumed at a sedate pace.
Faust didn't shake her after she emptied the can. Spending the time to deliberate over the conundrum he found himself in.
How did Shirou know about FrostNova?
The only probable scenario was that the clinic had their own people in place. Ones that his men didn't detect.
Ears twitched and FrostNova returned to reality.
"...what?"
So, she quickly noticed
"Welcome back. We have an issue."
.
.
.
FrostNova was usually escorted by a guard or two when she was away from Reunion-controlled locations. Even in heavily Reunion-influenced areas, she was still accompanied by her men. But when she decided to oversee the first few fighters getting their treatment, stealth was the priority. Faust hashed out the plan and she was quietly snuck to the new hideout they established.
That hideout hadn't even been a week old and it had been compromised?
Unlikely.
Instead, it was more likely that the clinic's eyes reached further than they anticipated.
The new hideout was easily a few city blocks away from the clinic. It should've had enough distance away from whatever Arts Faust encountered. It was also far enough that a significant amount of manpower was needed to cover the range around the clinic.
"We're beginning the withdrawal."
Faust deliberated with FrostNova regarding Shirou's request. Her decision was to decline- considering that her presence was meant to stay a secret- and that they were under no obligation to agree with such a request. For all they knew, Shirou was only fooling Faust into exposing FrostNova.
Faust disagreed, but accepted that the decision was ultimately hers.
So here they were, abandoning the new hideout and pulling out the extra guards along with them. The only remaining Reunion fighters in the area would be a few crossbowmen guarding the clinic while he escorted his fellow commander back to base with the hideout's forces.
It was two in the morning as both retreated down from the hideout building. Several other groups of the Reunion were also withdrawing in sync, keeping the intended radius of the retreat. The area around them grew cold as FrostNova's uncontrolled Arts interacted with the environment.
They assumed that her Arts would only be mistaken for unusually cold weather in that area later.
They were mistaken.
Reinforced bronze eyes followed their retreat from high above another building. The shadow darted off the rooftop and disappeared into the shadows.
After two city blocks, Faust tapped into his radio.
"Captains? Your updates are late."
His men should've reported on their status by now. It was agreed that they were to report in periods about their situation.
"Sorry, they're a bit occupied right now."
The two Reunion officers spun around immediately.
The man waved from the chair in the shadows of the alley they just passed. The building corner and the shadows together worked in his favor to hide him from them.
"Good Evening! Although it is quite late for an evening jog don't you think?"
Faust eyed the street and buildings around him. His men…what happened?
"What did you do to them?"
He returned his full attention back to the man.
"Nothing bad. They'll be back later."
That smile. The same damned smile from that morning. It looked so natural. Like an expression you would see on civilians in the streets. Nothing wrong about it.
It was absolutely picture perfect.
Faust froze.
No. It was different. Unlike this morning- the smile was completely off now that he looked at it. Picture perfect it still was, but one that was clearly put on. The expression was obviously overdone- deliberately sabotaged to make it clear as day.
FrostNova noticed it too.
She had not seen the identities of the Fuyuki Clinic doctors, but had an inkling as to who he was.
"...Shirou."
Said auburn-haired man stood up.
"Miss FrostNova, a pleasure to finally meet you."
Both commanders tensed. The infected population in Chernobog knew that the Reunion were active in the underworld. But they weren't supposed to know that the famed Wintry Death was in the vicinity.
And Faust was sure as hell that none of their patients leaked the information.
"You have my gratitude, Faust. Without you, I wouldn't be able to meet such a renowned member of the revolution."
FrostNova flicked her eyes to him.
Surely not…
Was it possible that Faust had leaked their retreat? Impossible. They had only decided on it hours beforehand. The doctor wouldn't have known the direction of their retreat. Even if Faust planned it beforehand, FrostNova had dictated where and when they were to retreat, Faust had actively followed her choices so there was no chance of him planning anything in advance.
"...what do you want? No need to hide anymore."
Faust swallowed. He had only met this man a week ago. Two if you counted the day they exchanged glances that night.
This man was dangerous.
For him to hide his presence completely? Not a sliver of a reaction from two veteran commanders in the Reunion? Even FrostNova was more experienced than him. She should've been able to notice his presence.
"Good. I was tired of acting anyway. It's not my forte they say."
They- the other doctors.
It was all for appearance.
Then…aside from the ability to treat Oripathy…what else could they possibly be hiding?
Shirou scratched his head. Rin would grill him once she found out later down the line. Sakura would act disappointed that he acted behind their backs again.
But…it was all for their protection.
"I'm supposed to lay low with them…but we all know that's already impossible."
Faust understood. They were practically growing celebrities with how fast news was spreading through the infected.
"So…" Shirou slowly moved his eyes from Faust to FrostNova. "I'd like to talk with you two about a few problems of mine."
He had near zero knowledge of the current status in the Chernobog underworld. Instead, he needed a grasp on whatever the Reunion was planning. As a major force that was clearly dictating its own pace, whatever they did would resonate in the city. For the past two months, Shirou had spotted their men in major city junctures.
It was hard not to, not when he could easily trace the belongings on them from sight alone.
They were clearly a powerhouse in the city.
Shirou had to plan around that first.
After all, they were the biggest threat he knew. If the corporations in the city were just as dangerous, then they would've been keeping an eye on the infected population. The fact that he had yet to spot any from other backgrounds except those from either the Reunion of Chernobog slums meant they weren't strong enough to extend their influence to a significant fraction of the city.
"Let's talk, shall we?"
FrostNova narrowed her eyes.
The Fuyuki Clinic just became a threat in her eyes.
It took them a few days to plan the operation.
To keep it covert, the Rhodes Island operators entered Chernobog on foot. They split into two groups and rented rooms in adjacent hotels. After securing the premises, they quickly broke apart into pairs and scouted the city. Kal'tsit knew they weren't suited to recon, but that didn't stop her from pairing everyone with one another and sending them out into the city to scout.
Skadi, strong as she was, opted to go alone. Kal'tsit gave her permission rather quickly, knowing her preference to work alone. She tightened the mask around face while loitering around one of the Oripathy hospitals. A large number of infected were also there- clinging on to hope for treatment.
While the Fuyuki Clinic's reputation was reaching thousands, they were still unheard of for the majority of the infected population.
Chernobog had a population reaching a million. Roughly a third were infected, but that simply meant for the five thousand people the Fuyuki trio treated, hundreds of thousands more were still suffering.
Here, Skadi could easily slip into the crowds. Casually dressed as she was, everyone assumed she was hiding her infection underneath the clothes. After all, nobody approached the infected unless they too were infected. The truth was, for some unknown reason, Skadi was resistant to Oripathy.
It was an hour before sunrise, and as she predicted, the hospital was overflowing with patients. She glanced briefly at the gloomy expressions of the infected and quickly moved on. Not that their plight was a concern to her. Everyone- including her- had their own problems to deal with.
Especially her.
A growing crowd to the side caught her eye.
Skadi joined a few other stragglers and approached the commotion.
It was centered around a purple-haired woman carrying medical supplies and some hospital personnel.
"Calling Stage 3 patients! Calling Stage 3 patients! Please make your way to Fuyuki Clinic in District 17! I repeat…" The personnel called out.
Skadi blinked. Getting into contact with the Fuyuki Clinic was the intended goal. It was one of the reasons they picked a hotel in an adjacent district. Looking at the girl, she recognized her as one of the clinic doctors Kal'tsit briefed about during their preparations. The girl was dressed in a long white coat- somewhat resembling the personnel's uniform from the hospital. She also had a cart and two guards with her- possibly provided by said establishment.
For a brief moment, the purple-haired woman's eyes flickered directly to her. Their gazes met for an instant, almost as if Skadi's attention was noticed right away.
Something roused within her.
The consciousness she fought to hold back for so long suddenly reared its ugly head.
Then…she felt it.
Another consciousness. One possibly just as immense- just as dangerous as the one inside her. For it was no doubt that Skadi sensed the powerful accursed existence hidden within the kind-looking woman.
Their exchange ended just as quickly. The woman looked away and continued to call for patients to her clinic, acting as if nothing happened. Skadi stood frozen while her mind ran into overdrive as possibilities quickly filled it.
Was she…just like me?
Questions erupted from her mind, but if there was certainty- it was this.
Skadi needed to talk with her.
She watched silently as the woman and her guards left with a group of patients seeking treatment.
Author's Note
Answering more questions.
Shirou's relationship status? Keep reading to find out hehe.
No Gaia interference does not necessarily mean all Nasu (Fate Universe and related works) magecraft disadvantages disappear. Think of it like give and take. An equal amount of one value must be traded to have the effect of another value. Just like electricity, it still takes some energy or magic to power magecraft spells and the like. As for Originium, they simply become more stable when Shirou reinforces them. That's how reinforcement originally worked.
Ursus student/child population? I'm still working out a way to approach that.
Why does the Fuyuki Trio only treat Oripathy? Because Rin, Sakura, and Shirou are not doctors, they are mages (magi in Nasu terms). Oripathy allows for Orignium Arts which is a branch of magic automatically- something which Rin is talented in. Sakura- who also has the same aptitude (Rin and Sakura have similar talent in magic) can both work on it. Shirou is not as capable as the other two, but is at least able to transfer magic from one container (Originium growing from the body) to another (Originium crystals). Moving magic from one source to another does not exactly need talent, just practice.
HOLY CRAP. I'm still in the middle of the Chernobog-Lungmen Crisis. I never knew we had an Arturia Pendragon and Camelot in Arknights. I'm still too far away to even think about tackling the Siege problem. As for Amiya's black crown…it's a work in progress.
Quick explanation for how I think "mobile cities" are designed in Arknights. They are actually more like multiple segments that move independently and recombine when a city reaches their destination. Each "district" is one piece of the city. Search up mortal engines and see the first chase scene. The little connected towns are a good visual guide but make them city in scale. Also, I'm just assuming mobile cities are 1/3rd the population size of normal cities and small cities like Lungmen hold 1 million. Maybe 5 million for the biggest mobile cities.