No problem. Leave it to me. While most of my work may be outdoors, I still need to handle thick stacks of paperwork. Once it's done, I'm hoping for a little reward... perhaaaaps, a short vacation?

Doctor, did you receive the report I submitted? Oh, this hair is a strand from the tip of my ear. I deliberately slipped it into the report to test whether you'd read it thoroughly. I'm glad you noticed.

Watch out! You didn't cut your hand, did you? I forgot to warn you that the wire is extremely sharp. You must be very careful when touching it. Though dangerous, it's incredibly versatile in the wild—perfect for climbing, tying things down, towing, and... dealing with some uninvited guests... oh... never mind.

I brought back a bag of nuts I collected on my recon mission, all pre-shelled. Don't worry, I've sampled every variety, and they're guaranteed to be crisp and delicious. Oh, except for one particular nut, which might leave your mouth temporarily numb. How might you pick out that one? Pure chance.

I was once a Youth Scout, with a camp nestled in a beautiful park. I believed that was the essence of camping, until... I ventured into the real wilderness. I learned a harsh lesson: when every choice is life or death, you don't get the luxury of maintaining appearances. Life might afford poetry, but survival demands ruthless pragmatism.

The records are wrong.I was born in the wilderness, and my adoptive parents brought me to a nomadic city to raise me there. As for my biological parents, their faces have long faded from memory. Still, occasionally... two indistinct faces appear in my dreams. Do they belong to them? I can't tell.

I just saw Jessica in the hallway. She looks much more confident now. No, she didn't recognize me. My work doesn't involve direct interaction with coworkers, which means few at Blacksteel are even aware of my existence. That's why I was surprised when you took the initiative to talk to me, Doctor.

Doctor, I received the ID badge you sent me... but, I apologize, I can't keep it on me. My work demands absolute secrecy, and any form of identification is out of the question. Speaking of which, you'd be shocked at the secrets I've managed to uncover just by blending in as an unremarkable traveler!

Doctor, would you sit with me for a moment? I've always understood that my duty is to scout ahead and blaze a trail. Still, despite my meticulous planning, there are times when most of my people don't come back. It seems, no matter how hard I try, it's never quite enough.

Don't you feel cooped up staying indoors, Doctor, especially when you finally got some free time? How 'bout we go for a walk…? The sunlight out there is just perfect.

Hello, Doctor. I'm Surfer from Blacksteel Worldwide's advance recon team. My primary duties involve intelligence gathering and pre-mission reconnaissance. If you possess any pertinent information, please, don't keep it to yourself.

Mind if I take some of these with me? They'd make an excellent remedy for cabin fever on those rainy days when I'm confined to my tent.

Twice the vacation days, double the salary... Achoo—oh, hi there, Doctor! No, no, I wasn't saying anything just now.

Guess what, Doctor? Yesterday, on my way back here, I saw a brilliant red sunset. A good omen that today would be a lucky day. Sooo, have you come bearing good news?

Adding me to this wilderness mission was a wise choice. Trust me, Doctor, I'll ensure your safe return to the landship.

The wilderness is far more complex than most imagine. If you want to accompany me, you'll have to abandon those romantic notions about camping first.

Alright. We pitched the tent. Now we have a base camp from which to go anywhere we please.

I'll go solo. A large group might provoke hostility from the locals.

I'll go gather some dry branches. We must have a campfire lit before nightfall.

Water's not far. Stay put, and I'll fill the canteens.

*Sigh* I never expected to encounter so many people on this trip.

Hello, I'm here for a brief survey. Don't worry, I won't overstay my welcome.

They came just in time; our provisions are running low.

*Sigh* They ruined the night. What a waste of this gorgeous scenery.

Forgive me, I woke up on the wrong side of the sleeping bag.

Excuse me, can we hurry this up? I really don't want my meal getting cold.

Have you burnt this scenery into your mind, Doctor? We'll head out like a shooting star, but this memory, right here, right now, will endure for you to reflect upon over and over again.

Everyone gained from this trip. And my gain is everyone's satisfaction.

The terrain ahead is not in our favor. Continuing this advance is not advisable, Doctor. We should stand down.

Doctor, though the journey may not have been entirely satisfying, we must ensure no trash is left behind.

Really? Are you going to confine me to this windowless room for so long? I must have done something to upset you, then?

Hmm...? Oh. Want some canned soup?

Go get some rest. I'll take the night watch.

Arknights.

Looks like this year will be no different from last year. I'll visit some old places and some new, meet some old friends and make some new, and handle some old tasks while taking on new ones. The good news is, at least this time, I won't be alone on the journey.

When was the last time we saw each other... a month ago? It's a joy to see you in good health, Doctor.

No, no, no, Doctor, this map isn't THE birthday gift. What you need to do is mark a location on the map, any one will do, and I'll take you camping there. I'm sure the breathtaking canyon views will help you relax.

Sometimes, the farther the destination, the fewer provisions I load. In the wilderness, packing too much means a heavy burden; a light pack is the key to success. I've carried a lot for a long time: as the weight on your shoulders grows heavier, and the road ahead remains infinitely long, how will you ultimately reach the end, Doctor?