Reincarnation NPC, but Arknights

However, he did recognize the girl's identity: Beatrice Swire, a senior superintendent in the Lungmen Guard.

She is also a well-known wealthy woman in Longmen.

Extremely wealthy.

In her past life, Bai Ye loved taking on her missions; the rewards were plentiful, and she had a ton of Lungmen Dollars.

He hadn't expected to meet Swire under these circumstances.

“Officer Shi, you’ve come at the right time. I need a team of plainclothes officers to assemble and stand by near the slums. Also, I need a batch of drones.”

"*Longmen swear words*, I'm not surnamed Shi!"

Sure enough, it's impossible for these two not to argue; their conversations always contain some vulgar language, just like the West can't do without Jerusalem.

Of course, arguments are personal matters, and the mission comes first. Chen Huijie personally approved the temporary management measures for refugees, and Miss Swire obediently went to make preparations.

After the girl left, Bai Ye chuckled and teased, "So even Inspector Chen can get angry."

"Ignore her... I really don't know what's wrong with her. Why would she give up being a proper young lady and become a police officer in the Lungmen Guard Bureau?" Chen Huijie shook her head.

Her feud with Swire dates back to childhood. Perhaps because they were so familiar with each other, they would always argue whenever they met. Chen Huijie would also reveal her true feelings in front of Swire.

To be honest, it was quite interesting.

Perhaps because another side of her had been seen, Chen Huijie gave up and became more candid in front of Bai Ye. On her way back to the office, she even complained about the quarantine issues of these refugees, namely the players, regarding their mineral disease.

"Not a single person is infected, which is quite outrageous."

Bai Ye rolled her eyes, thinking it would be a miracle if it could be detected.

In terms of design, no part of the player's body tissue will be left in the game; severed limbs, blood, etc., will instantly decompose into light particles and dissipate after leaving the body.

The player's corpse will also disappear after death.

These characteristics will be discovered one by one by the native inhabitants of Terra.

Therefore, even after they learned about the players' immortality and special nature, they were unable to unravel the secret through human experimentation.

Of course, this is something.

……

After returning to the office for the meeting, Bai Ye and Chen Huijie began to plan their next steps.

Bai Ye was responsible for explaining the tasks that player Zhai Mao needed to do to the player, while Chen Huijie discussed other details of the plan with the Black Steel and Black Silk group from Rhodes Island.

Bai Ye casually gave the experience from the first "task" to Zhai Mao, and then arranged the second "task".

This time, Bai Ye also specified in the mission rewards that there would be a piece of equipment.

Whether they were homebodies or viewers watching the live stream, everyone was thrilled.

That's how players are; as long as there's positive feedback and rewards, they'll have endless motivation.

"...Minerals formed from the crystallization of energy overflowing from nature are commonly known as Originium. They are typically black, semi-transparent minerals. The abundant energy they contain is systematically applied to all aspects of modern life..."

"Those infected with Originium are commonly referred to as Oripathy patients... Depending on their constitution, patients will develop symptoms within a certain period after infection, including the formation of Originium crystals on the skin or inside the body. The patient's condition gradually deteriorates over time, resulting in life-threatening, obvious crystal formation both inside and outside the body, eventually leading to fatal crystal formation in bodily fluids and ultimately death. Currently, there is no effective treatment..."

Bai Ye diligently plays the role of an NPC, earnestly explaining common knowledge about this world to the players.

Moreover, he wasn't just talking to one player, Zhai Mao. As a streamer, Bai Ye was essentially telling countless viewers that they were all potential players. Therefore, Bai Ye wouldn't hesitate to put in the effort, since it was all for future gains!

While explaining the facts, Bai Ye internally complained that he might be the most NPC-like NPC in the world.

"You are now to play the role of an infected person. We need to use you to find clues about the sale of illegal drugs."

By following the clues, even the smallest lead can lead to further investigation.

"Yes, I guarantee I will complete the mission!"

After hearing this, the cat immediately patted its chest and agreed, even making an awkward salute.

The players discussed and offered various suggestions, feeling as if they were witnessing history. This was the first mission players received in "Arknights Online," and it wasn't the kind of traditional online game beginner mission where you kill chickens or wolves.

Zhai Mao's name is destined to be remembered in the history of games. Other players or streamers couldn't help but wonder what kind of luck this guy had to receive such a complicated task at the beginning of the game.

Perhaps the homebody cat is a bit absent-minded and seems a bit silly (please remove "seems silly"), but she's perfect as bait in this mission. Her natural naiveté has no acting skills whatsoever; it's all genuine, so there's no fear of not being hooked.

……

"Do you think it can succeed?" Chen Huijie looked at the otaku who was being dragged away to get his makeup done, and felt that this guy was not very reliable.

Bai Ye smiled.

A player is someone who changes the world, reverses tragedy, turns the impossible into the possible, and strives to surpass common sense.

They may still be quite inexperienced, but Bai Ye will find a way to guide them, instilling in them a sense of accomplishment, honor, and mission... If you always harbor the greatest malice towards players, you will reap only vicious rewards; if you guide players with good intentions, then everyone can become a hero capable of saving the world.

Justice, kindness... if given the choice, who wouldn't want to be a hero?

Of course, a tool person should still be a tool person; after all, there's no conflict between being a hero and a tool person.

You're right, aren't you, a traveler doing odd jobs everywhere?

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Fish Bait

(Happy birthday to Aunt Cang Lei!)

--------------------------

While Bai Ye and the others were busy at the Rhodes Island office, a group of rather strange individuals appeared in Lungmen City.

They wandered around, trying to find the "invisible boundary line," or what they called the air wall; some were looking for work, as enthusiastic as model citizens of Lungmen; some kept grabbing people and asking questions, like ignorant children; and many more rushed into the slums.

Based on typical game mechanics, this place is filled with chaos and conflict, making it quite suitable for novice players.

Most of the equipment players can acquire in their first batch comes from here, such as knives, daggers, and clubs, which are all considered "white" in the system's rating system.

Of course, besides the battles, some players have also found their own enjoyment.

For example, players [Makase] and [Little Horned Dragon] weren't interested in combat. They managed to get a guitar and started singing in Central Park. It was a successful street performance, and their novel musical style earned them a group of casual fans (Lungmen locals who love a good show), and even caught the attention of a talent scout who happened to be passing by.

This will be the first step in the cultural invasion of Terra.

Some players tried to enter the red-light district to broaden their horizons, only to find that they couldn't even take their pants off.

The Pants-Drop Party suffered a major defeat! [Cang Lei] shed tears of regret. He was the first player to be arrested by the Guard Bureau officers for indecent behavior.

You're always there during raids on prostitution.

……

As a senior superintendent of the Guard Bureau, Chen Huijie learned about the chaotic chaos in various parts of Lungmen immediately through the communicator.

Just as she expected, these four thousand "refugees" who entered Lungmen were not well-behaved; they were even more noisy and troublesome than the Laterans. Compared to these guys, even the angels with their halos and distinct personalities seemed much more docile.

"This should be considered a good thing..." Bai Ye said as he opened the game forum and, sure enough, saw quite a few posts. Players were sharing various aspects of their enjoyment of the game. Bai Ye also saw his own photo, surrounded by groups of fencers.

Officer Chen Huijie sighed: "I really don't know where you get your optimism from. There are a lot more strange people in the slums. The water's been stirred up. How can you still fish in such a muddy place?"

“We’re best at taking advantage of chaos.” Bai Ye narrowed his eyes. “With so many strangers in the slums, the attention of someone in ‘Gray Forest’ will be diverted, and our enemies might take the opportunity to make a move.”

As he spoke, Bai Ye turned to look at the otaku cat who had been dressed up as an infected person: "Little guy, do you remember what I said?"

Whether she remembers or not doesn't really matter. She's not fighting alone—behind her are countless fans. Although most of them are comparable to Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong, as the saying goes, three imperial guards are worth one Patriot. These fans will also play a role.

Zhai Mao nodded. Her arms and legs were covered with black mineral crystals, and she was wearing a special "costume" issued by the Guard Bureau—most infected people in the slums wore this outfit.

“We can just follow her quietly.” Bai Ye stood up from the chair and twisted his neck and wrists.

“Swire brought a drone, hoping it can be of some help…” Officer Chen Huijie was not as optimistic as Bai Ye.

"You, Chen Huijie, you're all talk and no action, only good for poetry and elegance, and no one else but a char siu cat." The little tiger's voice came from outside the office. This girl's voice was really loud, a natural booming voice.

Chen Huijie took the drone from Swire and waved, "Go back now."

"Wait, what do you mean? Are you deliberately targeting me? You just arrived and you're already kicking me out? Making me run around everywhere for a drone?" Swire was furious, staring at Chen Huijie with her round eyes.

Suddenly, the office meeting room turned into a battlefield between the girls. The receptionist had already hidden to the side, while the two from Black Silk International had an expression that said, "I've learned something new."

Faced with Swire's broken defenses, Chen Huijie remained calm and composed: "The situation in Longmen City is somewhat complicated. I'll leave the overall security to you. This is a more important matter, and only you can handle it well."

"Hmph, even if you praise me like that..."

"I'll be temporarily handing over the Lungmen Guard Bureau to you." Chen Huijie said, patting Swire on the shoulder. "Haven't you always wanted to take over the Guard Bureau?"

The little tiger was stunned: "You...how did you know?"

"Heh, what secrets does the Guard Bureau have that I can't possibly keep?" Chen Huijie sneered.

Swire eventually passed away.

With just three sentences, Shi Huaiya obediently followed orders.

"Actually, having more people isn't bad either." Like most players, Bai Ye suffers from a fear of running out of energy. Bigger and more is better; the more people you can call in, the less likely you are to be short one.

Chen Huijie shook her head, leaned close to Bai Ye's ear and whispered, "The Guard Bureau was hacked before, and I'm worried that this might be related to the current situation. We need to be careful of the mastermind behind it all."

"You have to keep this a secret."

Officer Chen Huijie told Bai Ye about this because she believed Bai Ye was trustworthy.

Bai Ye stood there, stunned and extremely embarrassed.

It turns out that I was the mastermind behind it all.

Bai Ye warned himself that he absolutely had to keep this secret, otherwise Chen Huijie, who held a grudge, would definitely find a way to kill him.

You also need to maintain a good relationship with the girl, so that even if things are exposed in the future, you will have room to maneuver.

……

After everything was ready, Bai Ye and the others headed towards the slums.

Because Bai Ye had exchanged sword blows with Chen Huijie when he was escaping from the Guard Bureau, he couldn't take out his standard longsword from Thor Industries for the time being, so he could only borrow a short knife and a semi-automatic crossbow from the Guard Bureau.

Chen Huijie handed a bundle of anesthetic needles to Bai Ye; this time, they wanted to keep someone alive.

The Royal Guard officers, Franka, and Razer were all dressed in civilian clothes. Notably, Franka and Razer both had suspiciously flushed faces when they came out of the changing room.

Without even asking, you can guess that they were probably just having a little scuffle inside, and most likely the fox started it.

The oranges are doing very well.

Although no useful clues were found, the Guard Bureau has at least determined the general area where the target appeared. Now it all depends on the players' performance.

Bai Ye followed the cat at a distance, his position being the closest because his stealth skills were the best.

In this respect, neither Chen Huijie, Franka, nor Razer can compare to him.

The drone hovered high in the sky.

The bait has been cast, and we're just waiting for the fish to bite.

Chapter Thirty: The Fisherman Never Goes Home Empty-Handed

It rained in the evening, and the air felt slightly humid afterward.

An infected girl clutched the shawl wrapped around her, pulled the brim of her hood down, and walked through the streets surrounded by gaudy neon signs, carefully avoiding the puddles under her feet, turning into the narrow passages between buildings and entering the maze-like slum.

In the dimly lit alley, with only a few dim streetlights, two or three Phyllins were foraging for food by a trash can in the corner. Sensing the presence of humans, they retreated into the shadows of the corner and watched the petite figure passing by warily.

However, these night cats seemed unaware of another figure silently passing behind them. The stealth skills of the ninjas from the Eastern Kingdom were enough to deceive even the most perceptive cats.

"What did this guy do for a living before?"

In the distance, Franka watched the footage transmitted back by the drone and couldn't help but click her tongue in amazement. If she hadn't known Bai Ye's location beforehand, she probably would have been fooled too.

Chen Huijie and Razer didn't respond; their expressions were both somewhat serious.

This is the third block now. The otaku cat has been asking around about the miracle drug, but to no avail.

However, Bai Ye stopped very soon.

Because he saw two furtive figures following behind the cat.

……

The cat entered a small, run-down bar, and a moment later, she came out empty-handed.

To be honest, her movements and expressions were a bit stiff at first, but as the number of times increased, her acting skills improved more and more. Even the live stream chat had to admit that some people are just born to play the role of a natural airhead, and it's almost like she's playing herself.

After leaving the bar, the otaku sighed and put on a disappointed look.