[Arknights] A Guide to Make Money In Terra

Part 7: R.L-S.O.C.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Apparently her name is 'Kristen Wright' and not 'Kirsten Wright', I don't know how I got that wrong, but I swear that was her name when I first saw it. Am I Schizophrenic??

In any case, I changed it, atleast for this chapter.

Also, I don't know why the Double dash or longdash or whatever its called doesn't work in the last chapter and I'm to tired to edit it.

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Muelsyse guided me deeper through Rhine Labs, passing rooms full of researchers and their equipment, each lab bustling with activity and innovations I could hardly pretend to understand. Every now and then, she'd glance back, perhaps to gauge my interest in the projects we passed. Half of them were probably brilliant, I'll give her that. But my curiosity has limits.

Finally, we arrived at a set of heavy, reinforced doors, which Muelsyse unlocked with a quick swipe of her card. The doors slid open, revealing a vast, domed chamber that felt like stepping into another world.

"Welcome to the Eco Park, Mr. Romanov," she said with a faint, proud smile as she led me in.

Inside, an artificial forest stretched out beneath towering metal supports. Metallic pathways wound through a dense, meticulously maintained landscape, while warm artificial sunlight filtered down through a complex system of lamps, casting dappled light on lush greenery and reflecting off a quiet stream that cut through the trees.

I took a slow look around, taking in the surreal blend of wilderness and technology. "This is... something," I managed, unable to hide my surprise.

Muelsyse chuckled. "It's our attempt at creating an entirely self-sustaining ecosystem, a controlled microcosm of Terra's most vital environments. The forest you see here contains flora and fauna we've studied extensively, each carefully balanced to simulate real-world conditions."

"And what's the point of all this?" I asked, gesturing to the forest around us. "You could do all this outdoors, no?"

"In theory, yes. But out there, we don't have control. Here, we can alter variables, test solutions, and understand how ecosystems interact with Originium and other pollutants. We learn how to mitigate its spread and, possibly, even reverse its effects," she explained, clearly in her element.

"So you're telling me Rhine Labs is going to save the world with this little park?" I asked, a hint of mockery in my tone.

Muelsyse didn't bite. "Perhaps not save it entirely, but if we can find sustainable ways to handle Originium pollution, we'll be one step closer. It's a question of responsibility—something I'm sure you understand, even if your methods differ."

"Plus, I'm mainly interested in the plants," she said, kneeling down to inspect a leafy shrub, her fingers brushing its delicate leaves with an expert's care. "Did you know? This species is native to the jungles of Sargon. She releases a unique hormone to attract certain insects that feed on its pests. Nature's own pest control system."

I looked at the plant she was examining—a vibrant, gradient-colored specimen with a slender, tube-shaped structure.

"Quite the design," I remarked, feigning mild interest. "Efficient, adaptable, and yet entirely natural. Almost makes you wonder if Sargon's jungles are holding out on us."

Muelsyse smiled faintly, not looking up. "They are, Mr. Romanov. Nature is more intricate and resilient than most give it credit for. Every species, every adaptation, serves a purpose, often one we're only just beginning to understand. Like this plant's relationship with its ecosystem—she protects itself, yes, but in doing so, she also maintains the balance around her."