I have some free time, so I guess I could help you out... What's this? This has got nothing to do with disasters and Arts, just some normal paperwork? Hey!

You wanna try some fortune-telling? Well, that brings me back. I haven't done it for a while. I could take a look at your fortune to kill some time, I guess. Hmm, if your luck isn't beyond words as always... Well, you're gonna have to prove my results wrong.

I do research on Arts because it's part of my responsibilities as a Caster. If I can't even do that, how am I supposed to protect those who... Huh? You got sweets? For me? Uh, thanks...

Hibiscus... My sister always helps people whenever they need, even if it's not part of her mission. It's like she's not a Sarkaz at all, what with how kind she is. She treats this world with kindness, but how many people know to repay it?

Why I'm not into fortune telling anymore? 'cause the fear and curiosity that people have about the future usually has to do with natural phenomena. That, and I've realized the results you get with fortune telling don't really mean much, having come face to face with so many cruelties.

In terms of performance, books and staffs are just about the same as Arts conductors. If you ask me, I think knives are much more practical. When you run short of your Arts and have to throw yourself into a melee, or you're out in the wilderness, just trying to survive, all those words in the books aren't going to do you much good.

It's a pain to fight as a team, but when I look back on those times I fought side by side with my Reserve Ops teammates now... It brings back memories, I guess. If I get the chance to fight alongside them again... No, never mind.

I wasn't that grumpy and curt now, was I? How come Hibiscus still treats me like a kid who hasn't grown up yet? It's like she's doing it to pick on me! We finally managed to make up, but it just ticks me off when I see her act so calm about it!

The times we live in are so messed up, there's just way too much malevolence going around in this world. We have to change that. I can't stand all those rotten hypocrites acting all kindhearted treating my fellow Sarkaz like that... just because of who we are.

Sheesh... You always look so peaceful in your sleep.

Hey, what's the big idea? Who let you come in without knock—Oh, it's you, Doctor. Why am I wearing this? Well... I'm hitting the training grounds to test my limits once more. Wanna come watch, Doctor?

I got it all down.

There are lots of talented Casters out there, but I'm not so lucky. That's why I have to get stronger if I want to be able to save the world. Thanks for helping me out, Doctor.

I've got the hang of fire Arts now. If I keep working on this, I might just make it to the boundaries of modern Arts theory... I might even be able to manipulate space and matter.

I've got a good idea of the enemy's weaknesses. Let's go.

I'm not good at this kinda stuff... Just gotta get this over with quickly, right?

I'm counting on you to have my back while I take care of the enemies.

You've strayed from the path of righteousness. Your sinful souls deserve no mercy.

No time to hesitate.

It's time!

Let's get this started.

Prepare to cast.

Hah!

Tear them apart!

Too weak. There's no point in hiding!

Your tricks won't work here!

It's only by overcoming challenges that we manage to accomplish something.

Hmph... Accept your defeat in pain and fear. Evil will always be defeated.

This shows how powerful we are now. It's far from enough, though. I know I can do better than this. I have to do better.

Gah... I gotta... eradicate all evil...

I still have lots to do. Let me stay here.

D-Don't pat my head!

I'm reading. There's still a lot I need to learn... It's time for tea already? Let's get going, then.

Arknights.

Helped yourself with the desserts there, Doctor? You can't run for the hills on an empty belly, and we need sugar to replenish ourselves. Why run for the hills, you ask? See that ominous red tint looking over here from the corridor? If you don't want to get caught and tortured with crap movies, you need to move your legs fast!

Morning, Doctor.

Where are we making our next stop? Seems the truth of this world always extends far beyond the catastrophes we've learned from papers, just as this dagger in my hand turns out to be more helpful than those words in the books. One day, after I've turned the last page of them, I'll be out there, finding out the truth myself.