Ananta

I recently finished Lone Trail, and am stuck, as none of the others I have tried (other than the syracusian ones which I already did) have come close. And I am wondering if you have any recommendations on where to go next

Lone Trail is the absolute favorite Arknights story for a lot of people so while I personally have some events I put on the same level or above I can't say you're going to agree with me, but that said: read Zwillingstürme im Herbst if you haven't already (preferably after reading at least Hortus de Escapismo and Lingering Echoes. Guide Ahead before Hortus is a bonus but not strictly required. should technically have knowledge about the Kazimierz events because of Viviana but I managed even without having read them. also the Arturia manhua is good and helps understand her more but it can be read after).

It's a very different plot and setting compared to Lone Trail but at the same time the one that comes the closest to that feeling of being the Big Great Anniversary Event where there's a lot of very compelling and incredible characters both among the Operators and the NPCs all meshing well together and a story that strikes at the thematic core of what Arknights is about. I got so obsessed with Arturia when I read it I straight up started posting on tumblr because of her and in general it struck me even more than Lone Trail. They both make up my top 3 Arknights stories after the Babel+Ep 14 combo (which if you haven't read the main story I also recommend; the rest of Act 2 is a lot more controversial, but I like it a lot).

Here's an unordered list of my other favorites:

Stultifera Navis (requires at least Under Tides. Its sequel Path of Life is also very good but not quite as much).

Il Siracusano & I Portatori dei Velluti (but you already read them)

When Elegies Are Ashes (requires What the Firelight is Cast and at least prior knowledge of Act 2 and Eblana).

Come Catastrophes or Wakes of Vultures (can be read on its own)

The Rides to Lake Silberneherze (the whole Kjerag Trilogy is very good but this one is my favorite of the three by far. requires Break the Ice)

(Episodes 12 and 15 of the main story I would put on this level as well).