"Sister Cipher, really, there is no need... We... we can take care of ourselves."
Luo Lin's voice was low and trembling, breaking the brief silence in the room.
She lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes as if trying to knead all her anxiety and resistance into the fabric.
Just a moment ago, Cipher had told them about the spirit tide rift and her plan to send them to a friend of hers.
After she finished speaking, this sudden arrangement caused the three members of Ember Squad to fall into silence, the air seemingly freezing around them.
Luo Lin's refusal was like the first crack in that silence.
Then, she raised her head, her eyes a mix of gratitude and persistence. "Sister Cipher, you have already done enough for us. Finding us in the Pit Bottom District, giving us a place to stay... we have always remembered this kindness. There is really no need to owe someone else more favors for our sake."
Standing to the side, the burly but somewhat cramped Xiong Lei glanced at his two companions' faces. He scratched his hedgehog-like short hair and added in a muffled voice:
"Right, yeah... and Sister Cipher, didn't we just... just mess with those bastards from Arasaka Heavy Industries recently? If we go over there, won't we... won't we be bringing trouble to your friend and dragging them down?"
Looking at these stubborn young people, a wave of complex emotion rose in Cipher's heart.
She let out a soft sigh, but a smile of understanding and patience appeared on her face.
She did not rush to contradict them. Instead, she unhurriedly held up a slender finger.
"First," her voice was gentle but carried a reassuring power, "you don't have to worry about that at all. That friend of mine—"
She paused intentionally, a flash of craftiness and determination flickering in her cat-like eyes. "She herself is a long-term resident on Arasaka Heavy Industries' 'most unwanted list.' So, your little bit of 'trouble' doesn't even rank in her book."
Seeing a flash of surprise and wavering in the eyes of the three, Cipher immediately held up a second finger.
"Second," her tone lightened, "don't think of me as being too noble. I didn't ask my friend to treat you like flowers in a greenhouse. My meaning is to let you directly join the squad under her command and become members. You will train when it's time to train, go on missions when it's time for missions, and endure hardships when you must! Just think of it as... well, a rare opportunity for experience."
She arched an eyebrow with a bit of "don't think about slacking off" playfulness.
Finally, she held up a third finger. Her expression became exceptionally solemn as her gaze slowly swept across their faces, as if looking into their very souls.
"Third," her voice deepened with a weight that could not be ignored, "and also the most important point."
She leaned forward slightly and asked word by word, "Are you really content? Content to curl up in this dark, sunless Pit Bottom District for the rest of your lives, struggling to survive and never seeing the sunlight above? With no channels and no opportunities, it is harder than reaching the heavens for people from Pit Bottom to climb to the Hive District through normal means. Are you... truly willing to give up this path to change your fate that is right in front of you?"
"This..." Xiong Lei was left speechless by the question. Struggle was written all over his honest face as he subconsciously looked toward the silent Luo Lin, as if seeking direction from his pillar of support.
At this moment, a violent storm was raging inside Luo Lin.
Cipher's words were like a hammer pounding against her.
Opportunities, resources, a better life... these words were full of temptation. But accompanying them were unknown dangers and total change. When she originally formed Ember Squad, she only wanted to lead her companions to live together, relying on each other in this familiar yet cruel land of the Pit Bottom.
Should they really leave? Should they really set foot on that "above" full of variables?
Just as Luo Lin's thoughts were tangled like a mess of hemp, a clear and firm voice rang out beside her.
"I agree. Thank you, Sister Cipher."
It was Lin Wei.
She had stepped forward at some point, looking at Cipher with a calm and decisive gaze before turning to the still-hesitating Luo Lin.
"Little Wei?" Luo Lin looked up sharply, her eyes full of surprise.
Lin Wei met Luo Lin's gaze. Those eyes, which were always quiet, were exceptionally bright now. "Captain, do you remember how we fell into a desperate situation last time? And who it was that pulled us out at the moment of life and death?"
Her voice was not loud, but it was like a stone thrown into a deep pool, stirring up ripples of memory.
The cruel laughter of the Arasaka armed personnel, the dark cage, and the voice of Cipher descending like a savior.
Luo Lin's lips moved slightly, but she couldn't make a sound. That thrilling memory instantly flooded her mind.
Lin Wei did not pause, continuing her clear analysis:
"It was Arasaka Heavy Industries that drove us to a dead end, and it was Sister Cipher who saved us. Now, she has not only given us a place to stay but is also willing to pave a road to a better future for us."
Her gaze swept over Xiong Lei before landing back on Luo Lin's face, carrying a level of clarity that surpassed her age.
"If we truly want to stop being a burden to others and stop making those who care about us always worry, the best way is not to refuse help, but to accept this kindness. Then, use our own strength to grow and become powerful—powerful enough to protect ourselves and even... in the future, have the ability to repay this kindness."
"So, Captain, what is your decision?"
Having finished, she closed her mouth and watched Luo Lin quietly, waiting for her answer.
Luo Lin, who had been keeping her head down, trembled after hearing this.
Then, she took a deep breath and turned toward Cipher again.
There was no longer any struggle or hesitation in her eyes, only full decisiveness.
Immediately after, she spoke with a firm and solemn tone:
"Sister Cipher, we accept your arrangement. Please take us there. Once we arrive, we will stand on our own feet with our own abilities, take good care of ourselves, and absolutely will not bring trouble to you or your friend!"
Cipher looked at the girl before her who had finally shed some of her childishness to reveal her tenacity. She was momentarily stunned, and then a gratified smile spread across her face, warm and bright, even making her cat-like eyes curve into crescents.
"Good!" she responded crisply, her voice full of vitality. "Then it's settled. Pack up your important things. We are leaving right now!"