You want me at your side to see if Rhodes Island can live up to the talk. Hmm... Alright then, so long as your security doesn't give me too much trouble.

Life in the Truckers Mutual Aid Association? We drive, we deliver, we drink, we mess around and have a good time. Nobody bares their fangs in Nuova Volsinii... But as my mentor once said, the Fangs will never truly disappear.

At first, I couldn't get used to pizza and spaghetti. My mentor was the one who taught me to mix finsauce into spaghetti, and replace the salsiccia on pizza with bacon. Had to find a way to fit in with the wolfpack, she said. So, I've eaten like this through all my years in Siracusa. Why? Because it tastes alright.

Truth and Justice... That's the book my father used to read to me when I was little. He even took me to meet the author, who was later imprisoned by some duke, died in jail, and was buried in a mine. Pretty awful, no? But that's how things were, at the time.

My father said that Sergei would become the greatest of all scientists, even if he was born in Ursus. I thought they were friends, partners, and kindred spirits... Yet Sergei stabbed them all in the back. He deserved to die, but I also doubt whether the blame was his alone.

Where did I learn to fight? From my mentor. She taught me to turn hatred into power, but not to hate. She taught me to fight, but not to step onto the battlefield... What a strange 'wolf' she was. Too bad I didn't figure out her final lesson sooner.

Director Kal'tsit, Dr. Kal'tsit. No matter what hat she wears, she's still her same, cold-blooded self. Yet, I do find it believable that she didn't betray my father. Maybe she's not as ruthless as she looks, after all. Hmm, what do you think, Doctor?

In all the time I stood behind Talulah, I watched her crush dream after dream, morphing into our very own tyrant... That was my mistake, and one I will not make again... Kill her? No. What I want is to tear off the tyrant's crown.

You've united many under your banner. This is familiar to me. I've stood with such people, and also against them... But do beware, leaders like you are known to make grave errors. When you do, I'll look you dead in the eyes, and I won't hesitate—Doctor.

She learned her song by snow, she learned her blade by rain… She learned to show her courage, by fire that swept the plain… She learned to topple crowns, by all the silent pain... Oh, you're awake. No, it's nothing. Just a Siracusan nursery rhyme.

Crownslayer. It's a name we both know well, so let's keep it. Maybe one day you'll come to understand its true meaning.

Old combat records? Got anything with me in it? Come on, let's give it a try. I won't lose this time.

Alright, alright. Enough with the formalities already. I couldn't care less about your little medals and ribbons. Do you take me for some general or noble? Or, would you prefer I test my blade on them?

Rhodes Island chose to trust me, so I'm willing to return that favor. Acceptance speech? Wait, you people aren't really expecting me to give one, are you?

Just give me a target. My smoke will be their grave.

Lead a squad…? Alright. I'm actually curious how you Rhodes Islanders do things.

Move out. Watch the smoke, and don't get separated.

Contact. Everyone, spread out!

My old methods still work.

My knife hasn't dulled.

I strike from the smoke.

I'll slay the crown.

Drink deep of the suffering of the deceased.

Taste the fury of the forsaken.

Hate. It's all you deserve.

Weep. Those will be your last words.

Very well. I'm honored to be part of this victory.

Sound strategies, and outstanding execution. No wonder your operations are so efficient.

The necessary lives have been taken. Mission accomplished.

Smokescreen deployed. Retreat, we'll find another chance later.

Not sending me out on a field mission today? Suit yourself.

Y-You can see me? But, I threw down a smokescreen...

Take off my mask? I'd rather not. Hehe, hard to breathe with all the smoke, right? I keep it on for a reason.

Arknights.

Never imagined I'd be welcoming the New Year on Rhodes Island. But here I am, with all of you… Looks like we've changed a lot. Happy New Year. To you, and to Rhodes Island.

Have you been on the ship all day, Doctor? Uh, Me? No, I just happened to be behind you. It's pure coincidence.

Infected or otherwise, there are so many on this land who yearn to live freely and with dignity. Some of them have failed, but so many more are still pressing on. May you continue to move forward with them, Rhodes Island.