Previous Next

Chapter 62

[No One's Truly Sane] logs into the game.

Following the beginner's guide on the forum, No One's Truly Sane quickly chooses the profession of 'Unemployed Youth' and then allocates high education points (which affect the number of skill points) and distributes most of the skill points to First Aid, Medicine, and Psychoanalysis.

It's said that these skills are the best to level up in the current version of the game. Although she's always had a penchant for combat, she decides to play as a medic this time, considering the game allows multiple character roles.

After distributing skill and attribute points, No One's Truly Sane, not particularly skilled at character customization, randomly selects a decent-looking face and enters the game.

Upon opening her eyes, she finds herself in a dark, smelly alleyway. Blinking, No One's Truly Sane excitedly runs out.

"Wow~"

It appears she's logged in at a slum in a lower-middle area, surrounded by cramped and dilapidated houses, with drunkards collapsed on the ground.

Hmm, this doesn't seem like a drunkard.

No One's Truly Sane moves closer to inspect.

…It's a corpse.

[Sanity Check: Failed]

First, the stench of rotting flesh assaulted her nostrils. Then, reflected in her retina, she saw a human corpse being gnawed on by rats, a chunk missing from its lips, revealing yellowed gums beneath.

The mouth area.

[Who Isn't a Little Crazy] ran to one side and retched, frantically lowering her sensory settings.

Wow, so this is what losing sanity feels like!

[Who Isn't a Little Crazy] felt nauseated yet intrigued. She had played text-based and voice RPGs before, but they lacked the immersive intensity, unable to truly replicate the tension of losing sanity in a real RPG.

Now she understood. The game's details were incredibly realistic; for a moment, she thought it was one of her own kind lying there, feeling both nauseated and afraid, even a sense of sorrow for the fallen.

These holographic games are so well-made, definitely 21+ for the public test.

Finally calming down and exiting the alley, [Who Isn't a Little Crazy] was accidentally bumped into by a hurried young man who quickly apologized and ran off.

The collision physics are impressively done too.

[Who Isn't a Little Crazy] patted her shoulder, somewhat shocked by the environment in front of her.

As she had initially assessed, this place really resembled a slum.

Different from her initial assumption, the situation here seemed much more severe.

Everywhere, homeless people groaned in pain, clutching their injuries, lying on the ground as if in a queue. [Who Isn't a Little Crazy] continued forward, only to be stopped by a limping old man.

"Just one dollar, please. I need to buy some new bandages."

[Who Isn't a Little Crazy] noticed his amputated leg bleeding and instinctively reached for her wallet, but no matter how much she searched, she couldn’t find the initial currency issued to her.

"? Where's my money?"

"I guess it was probably stolen."

[Who Isn't a Little Crazy] spun around sharply, only to see a tall man standing before her, easily 80 in build, with a bald head gleaming in the sunlight, smiling at her naively: "New player?"

"Yeah, are you a player from the previous version?" [Who Isn't a Little Crazy] noticed his ID overhead, 'Strongest Man'.

Strongest Man: "No, I'm also a new player, just got here a bit earlier than you."

…So why are you spouting lines like a seasoned player!?

Speechless, [Who Isn't a Little Crazy] managed to ask, "You got here earlier than me? Then how do you know my money is missing?"

The bald man cheerfully turned his pockets inside out: "Because mine is gone too! It’s an immersive game, and the system didn't alert me when I was 'skilfully' robbed. I guessed you had the same experience based on your expression."

Seeing [Who Isn't a Little Crazy] nod, the bald man then looked at the old man: "And this must be a trap, because they just tricked me too."

As they watched, the old man silently collapsed to the ground, then started shouting.

"…See, I told you, even the program is the same," the bald man said.

"This is just too realistic, isn’t it? We really don't need this level of realism!" [Who Isn't a Little Crazy] exclaimed, her face contorting in frustration.

In just a few seconds, the two were surrounded.

They seemed well-prepared, or perhaps they were in cahoots with the swindling old man on the ground, brandishing steel rods and eyeing the two menacingly: "So what do you say, folks? You knocked the old man down, how about giving some money as a gesture?"

[Who Isn't a Little Crazy] and the bald man exchanged glances.

Bald Man: Do you fight?

No One's Truly Sane: I didn't allocate any points to combat skills.

Bald Man: What a coincidence, neither did I. I'm a healer.

No One's Truly Sane: .

"Huh? Why do you need such a big build as a wet nurse?"

Unable to grasp the madness, the bald man seemed to read the confusion in her expression and shyly said, "I'm just scared of medical disputes."

"Okay, fine," Bùfēng conceded.

Before the two could continue their banter, the gangsters, having perceived their poverty, decided to take action: "What bad luck today, always running into paupers. Well, their clothes might fetch some money."

The bald man, perplexed, exclaimed, "What? You can strip in this game? Don't touch me, I'll do it myself."

Bùfēng: "???"

Gangster: "?"

Just as the bald man's hefty frame was about to be exposed, a voice suddenly came from outside: "Hey, what are you guys doing?"

"Oh, the classic hero-saving-the-beauty scene!" Bùfēng hurriedly said, "Someone's here to save us, you don't need to undress."

The bald man's hand dropped from his trousers, a hint of disappointment on his face.

Bùfēng didn't want to know what he was regretting and quickly turned her head, expectantly looking towards the source of the voice. She had expected a fight, but when the gangsters saw who it was, their faces changed in unison. Then, to the surprise of Bùfēng and the bald man, they bowed to the newcomer:

"Big brother, why are you here!"

"Just checking what you're up to. It's this late and you're still into these shenanigans," grumbled the player named A Long, patting an old man. "Isn't there a place up front to get bandages? It's free for seniors over 70."

The old man sheepishly smiled, "Just trying to make some extra revenue."

"It's not entirely unacceptable, but you've got a problem when you're exploiting our people. Sigh, let's go."

The old man and the gangsters quickly left, and A Long then turned to the two newbies, a smile appearing on his face: "Newbies?"

"Yeah, yeah, you must be an experienced player, right?" Bùfēng asked, still a bit apprehensive.

"Of course, hey, don't tell me none of you recognize me?" A Long pointed at himself with a pitiable look, "I've been streaming in the live broadcast area recently."

The audience in the live room spared no effort in teasing him:

[A Long, you're out of your league now, definitely past your prime.]

[Exactly, everyone's busy with major plotlines in the game now, immersed in their daily questing. Nobody's watching streams anymore.]

[I think it's because your streaming content lacks uniqueness. The Druid master is really into his gaming, and with Black Cat's hardcore deductions, plus the joyous streams of the Troublemaker Squad.]

A Long felt as if countless arrows had pierced his heart.

The words of the newbie were the final blow, as the bald man naively said, "Sorry, I usually only watch the Troublemaker Squad's streams."

Bùfēng suddenly realized why this guy seemed so odd.

It's true, birds of a feather flock together.

A Long, clutching his chest in agony, lamented, "Is my streaming content really that boring?"

[Actually, it's not too bad. It's just that there aren't any major storylines currently, and everyone is busy leveling up their skills], a kind-hearted viewer in the live room consoled him.

[But it's true you lack a unique feature.]

[Go for it, A Long, waiting for you to become a top streamer.]

Bùfēng comforted him, "I'll give you a follow."

"Wuwu, thank you. By the way, what skills have you guys chosen? Let me take you through some daily quests."

"Sure, sure, we've both chosen to be doctors."

"Doctors, that's great! We're in need of doctors right now," A Long addressed his live room, "Today's stream will feature me guiding newbies through faction daily quests. Interested viewers, lords and ladies, give me a follow, yeah?"

Thus, the two players followed A Long, who led the way, bringing much-needed calm to their journey. The watchful eyes that had been observing them from the shadows also shifted away upon seeing A Long.

"Wow, boss, what's your status here? Why is everyone so afraid of you?"

"They're not afraid of me, but the power behind me," A Long explained, "You must have heard of the Secret Society. Its subsidiary, Black Poker, is the biggest gang around here. Just mention you're with Black Poker, and everyone here will show you respect."

"Wow, that's awesome?"

"Yeah, I know. The forums have shared a lot about different factions, but none offers benefits like the Secret Society."

These days, while most players are happily grinding the Secret Society's daily faction quests, many, like the Astronomical Guild, prefer pioneering new areas. Their guilds prepare accounts for them to resume faction dailies whenever they want.

Apart from these players, a player recently active on the forums with the ID 'Adventurer' often organizes and freely shares information about the game's power dynamics.

Unlike professional players, the Adventurer's exploration is purely for the sake of exploration. She often posts her discoveries on the forum without caring about hiding them for personal gain. In her words, an adventurer savors the journey, not the destination.

Her posts list numerous organizations, mostly gangs, and obscure cults that the Adventurer seems to have connections with.

The bald man nodded in agreement, "Yeah, among the factions the Adventurer has revealed, like the Black Azalea gang, the faction missions are far more explosive. Joining gets you firearms and a 'prepared prison' package. To ensure loyalty, the organization makes you shoot someone or transport drugs. This game is too intense; I doubt it will survive till official release."

"What, doesn't the game have restrictions?"

"Yeah, recently that faction was reported and taken down by the police," the bald man paused, "I have good reason to suspect it was reported by players."

[He's not wrong in his suspicion.]

Comments flew across A Long's live stream.

[It was probably reported by the Adventurer herself. A friend of mine was curious and joined, only to witness a police raid that very night.]

[Wow, what happened?]

[It was a righteous backstab, of course. My friend and I despise such things, never imagined we'd experience divine justice in a game, haha.]

[This inspired other players too. Now, many small factions have disappeared (dog head emoji).]

[Thanks to you clever little devils, joining other factions has become much harder (crying laughing emoji). Who started this backstabbing trend, anyway?]

[But backstabbing is profitable. The police department recently started offering rewards - report effectively and get 100,000 XE.]

[Whoa, where can I sign up for this??]

[Too late, as if we'd get a chance. Such good deals are always snatched up immediately.]

It seems that players' gaming lives aren't just about grinding faction dailies; they're free and full of fun.

As for why no one has reported the Secret Society and Black Poker.

Once A Long took the two players to the small clinic on the street corner, they understood.

The line for treatment stretched from one end of the street to the other.

Several players were tirelessly treating the wounded at the makeshift clinic on the corner. Bùfēng witnessed a player's failed attempt at emergency care; the patient convulsed and then fainted.

"Damn, my hand slipped, sigh, unlucky dice roll." Player A sighed, as Player B pushed him aside, "Move, let me try!"

[Emergency Care: Successful]

The patient who had just fainted came to and said, "I... I think I saw my deceased grandmother."

"Haha, you sure have a sense of humor," Player B laughed it off, looking at the next in line, "Okay, who's next?"

The waiting patient swallowed hard, "I think I'm okay, I can tough it out."

"No, I don't think you can."

Bùfēng watched the scene in stunned silence, while the bald man's eyes shone with excitement.

"Is this even allowed? Why don't they go to a regular hospital?"

"Look at what you're asking," A Long smacked his lips, "If they could afford expensive medical insurance, would they be living in a place like this?"

A strangely realistic scene in the game: comprehensive medical insurance is available, but it's expensive and out of reach for the poor.

"Plus, we don't charge for treatment. What's a death or two, right?" A Long said, patting a patient who had just been bandaged.

The patient swallowed hard: "You're right."

[The true gathering of quacks.]

[Somehow, I feel sorry for the NPCs treated by these medics hhhh]

[Who says A Long's stream isn't interesting? I love watching players treat NPCs haha]

"Doesn't anyone cause trouble over the treatment?" the bald man asked curiously.

"Of course, there's always some," A Long said, nodding towards a dispute brewing nearby.

"Didn't you say bandaging wounds here is free?" a middle-aged man in a suit shouted, "Why are you charging only me?"

Player C rolled his eyes: "We only offer free service to residents of this block because they regularly pay protection fees to Black Poker. It's a value-added service."

Other patients in line immediately started clamoring:

"That's right, we do pay protection fees regularly!"

"Though I never thought the day would come when that protection fee would actually be useful."

"Wuuu, thank you, Black Poker. I'll make sure to pay the protection fee on time from now on."

Player: "You heard them. You obviously don't live here, do you? You can afford to pay for treatment at an external clinic, can't you?"

"We're all human, why charge me?" The middle-aged man, ignoring Player C's words, almost poked his finger in Player C's face, "And this place is clearly an illegal clinic, right? Where's your medical license? Show it to me, or I might just report you!"

Player C couldn't be bothered to even glance at him. If they had a medical license, would they need to run an illegal clinic? Waving towards a corner, the idly lounging gangster players were overjoyed, adopting thuggish stances learned from some drama as they approached the middle-aged man.

"Ah~ so it's you who's causing trouble here↑ and↓ there?"

"You think you're tough, huh? Which area do you hang around?"

"You have a proper job, right, uncle? Want us to visit your workplace for a bit?"

[Intimidation: Failed]

[Intimidation: Successful]

The previously arrogant middle-aged uncle instantly cowered like a quail, not daring to say another word and scampered off in the opposite direction. But, seizing the opportunity to level up their intimidation skill, the players casually followed him.

The two newbies watching this scene: ……

Bùfēng, amazed: "I originally thought this version was only about leveling up medical skills. It seems I underestimated it."

"Hehe, never underestimate the creativity of players. Even if there aren't opportunities to level up other skills, we'll create them," A Long said with a smile. "But your choice is indeed wise. Right now, those skilled in first aid, medicine, and psychoanalysis are in high demand."

"Eh, I know the first two, but what about the last one?"

"Hmm, you'll understand once you encounter it. By the way, have you just logged into this game? Joined any factions yet?"

"Not yet."

"Well then, let an experienced player guide you. Joining the Secret Society first allows you to level up your skills through volunteer activities, gain faction contribution, and with some luck, improve your faction reputation. It's a triple win; this is the route everyone takes."

"Yes, yes!" Bùfēng eagerly said, "I heard that when you join the church, you can even visit the kingdom of God and see Lann, is that true?"

"Of course! Cherish the opportunity hhh Lann hasn't been appearing in reality lately. Meeting him when you join the church might be the last chance in the current storyline."

A Long waved in a direction, and soon a van drove up, rolling down its window.

"What's up?"

"You're heading out, right? Could you take these two newbies with you?"

The seasoned driver said nothing, just gestured: "Get in!"

Bùfēng and the bald man hurriedly got into the van, thanking the driver. The van had been converted into a makeshift ambulance, with the back seats removed and replaced with fixed single beds. "Are you in a hurry?" the driver asked. "If not, I might pick up a few patients along the way."

The bald man and Bùfēng: "? Is that even a business?"

"Of course! Don't you know how expensive ambulance services are here? Although my main goal is to practice driving, earning XE and experience points on the side is a no-brainer," said the driver, closing the door and starting the van. "Off we go."

Bùfēng instinctively buckled up and turned to the bald man, "Aren't you going to put on your seatbelt?"

"Please, this is just a game," the bald man said, peering out the window. "But why does this game feel more like a management sim to me so far? Isn't its selling point the C-system?"

"Yes, so opportunities for players to level up skills are becoming scarce," the seasoned driver said, shaking his head. "You see, tasks are actually decreasing day by day. As newcomers, you'd better act fast. The game may not refresh its map, but the NPCs are building at a rapid pace."

"Oh, got it."

Bùfēng curiously peered outside, seeing various NPCs in uniforms bustling through the streets, creating a scene that almost overlapped with reality.

Suddenly, the driver slammed the brakes and rolled down the window, calling out, "Hey, need an ambulance? Only 10 XE. If you can't afford the hospital, I can recommend a clinic that doesn't charge, but I can't guarantee outcomes."

The injured person on the roadside appeared to have been struck by a suddenly collapsing electric pole, half his body crushed. His friend or relative beside him was utterly bewildered, showing no response.

The driver clicked his tongue and got out of the van, followed by Bùfēng and the bald man. Nearby volunteers also gathered around.

Unfortunately, the electric pole had landed in a bad spot, crushing half of the victim's body underneath. It was clear his bones were shattered, and he had slipped into unconsciousness.

In just that moment, the victim's breathing grew increasingly faint. Then, the bystander beside him snapped into action, attempting to lift the pole but failing.

"Step back, let us handle this." Several players with high strength stats stepped forward.

[Strength: Successful]

[Strength: Failed]

Two successful attempts were enough. The players strained and managed to move the pole, revealing the severely injured victim, his arm a bloody mess.

"This is bad, he's showing signs of shock, unlikely to make it to the hospital," the driver said, checking the victim's eyelids.

Kolenna, a bystander, felt troubled. She knew some first aid, but just as she stepped forward, her husband stopped her, shaking his head.

They could try to save him, but the risk was too high if they ended up causing death.

Not waiting for Kolenna's hesitation, another player eagerly volunteered, "Me, me, I have first aid skills!"

"I'll do it, I have medical skills. My medical points are high, 20 points!"

"Back off, 20 points is nothing. I've got 30!"

"Heh, I have 32 points, the highest here. I'll take over."

"Damn, did you guys dump all your free points into medicine?"

Finally, the player with the highest medical skill took charge of the situation, not waiting for Kolenna's advice, and eagerly started.

First Aid: Failed.

Player A: ...

The failed first aid attempt nearly sent the barely breathing victim to the great beyond, as their relative's eyes nearly popped out in shock. Kolenna was also speechless. Without waiting for anyone to react, the bald man swiftly took over.

"Move aside, let the king of luck handle this!"

First Aid: Successful.

"See that? Some people are just born with a healing touch." The bald man flipped his hair, smirking proudly, "Heh, this is the first person I've ever saved!"

Kolenna: ...

The others: ...

The person just saved: ...

For some reason, suddenly they didn't feel very thankful 🙂

The driver couldn't help but give a wry smile: "Alright, let's get him in the van. We'll take him to that clinic. The emergency rooms at the hospitals are overflowing; you wouldn't get a turn there anyway."

He said this last part to the victim's family members.

The victim's family hesitated but, having no other choice at the moment, they gritted their teeth: "Let's go, then."

"Alright, Bùfēng, Strongest Man, if you keep walking a few hundred meters ahead, you'll reach the Kamui people's district and can join the church there. I need to take this patient to the clinic, so you'll have to go the rest of the way on your own."

"No problem, thanks, brother," said the bald man, whose ID was 'Strongest Man', waving his hand.

Soon, the van drove off. Seeing no more incidents, the volunteers who had gathered dispersed once again.

Bùfēng and the Strongest Man were about to leave as well but were stopped by an NPC. Kolenna, noticing the bloodstains on the Strongest Man's hands from the first aid, said, "My house is nearby. Would you like to come wash your hands and rest a bit?"

She warmly invited both Bùfēng and the Strongest Man, "You both must be tired. Come have some tea before you continue on your way."

Bùfēng and the Strongest Man exchanged glances, and ultimately the bald man agreed.

Kolenna was right; her house was indeed close, situated in a residential house beside the street. While the Strongest Man went to wash up, Bùfēng sat on the sofa, holding the homemade snacks Kolenna had prepared, engaging in a curious conversation with the NPC.

Kolenna shared that she was a seasoned homemaker who, aside from caring for her family, also often volunteered in the community. During this disaster, her family was fortunate to have been spared major harm. When the chaos first erupted, they were all at home, thus avoiding the initial turmoil. Later, they fainted and woke up inside their house, safe from danger.

However, upon waking and seeing the outside devastation, they all joined the volunteer rescue effort.

"You really are good people," Bùfēng remarked. "I've seen many hiding in their homes along the way. Not everyone has the courage to come out and help others."

"Oh no, I'm far from being as admirable as you," Kolenna humbly said. "I actually know a bit of first aid myself. I studied nursing when I was younger, but in that moment, I hesitated, afraid to take responsibility if I failed. I couldn't step forward right away."

Bùfēng looked at Kolenna in surprise, not because of what she said, but because of her level of intelligence.

Even though Bùfēng knew the game's NPCs were said to be almost indistinguishable from real people, this level of emotional simulation seemed too real.

In this short gaming session, Bùfēng had encountered thieves, scammers, villains, passersby, and now this ordinary yet kind woman.

They truly had their own internal logic, just like real people. They could do evil, do good, hesitate over consequences, and even feel gratitude when someone else salvaged a situation.

They were almost like living, breathing humans.

The similarity was so high that Bùfēng felt almost at the point of triggering a sanity check.

"Bùfēng, I'm done washing up; let's go," said the Strongest Man, emerging from the washroom and patting Bùfēng's shoulder. "What are you daydreaming about?"

"Right, right," Bùfēng stood up hastily, thanking Kolenna, "Thank you for the snacks, we have to get going now."

"You're welcome. Take the first aid kit too. I noticed your friend didn't have any tools earlier, which must have been inconvenient."

"No, no, how can we take your things?"

"Please, take it," Kolenna said with a smile. "Although our family isn't wealthy, we still want to do our part. This will be more useful in your hands than staying with us."

With Kolenna insisting, the Strongest Man had no choice but to accept. The family even warmly offered to see them off.

"No, no, we really can't impose," Bùfēng hurriedly waved her hand.

"It's fine, we're heading out to volunteer anyway," Kolenna said, still smiling.

The Strongest Man, feeling less embarrassed, asked as they were leaving, "Has volunteering been busy lately?"

"It was incredibly hectic for a while, but it's much better now," Kolenna replied. "Suddenly, a lot of people started volunteering, and the workload was quickly shared."

The male host added, "And they're all great young people, just like you two. Very responsible and enthusiastic, always eager to help with anything."

Bùfēng thought to herself, of course they're eager, it's an opportunity to level up skills.

However, she didn't interrupt the host's praise. When they were saying goodbye to this warm-hearted family, a teenager who looked like a high school student suddenly asked, "Aren't you afraid of being held responsible if you can't cure someone?"

"Even professional medical personnel get nervous when faced with critically injured patients, but these guys, with barely any training, are so bold. They rush forward without considering the patient's condition. Aren't they afraid of being sued for medical malpractice?"

The Strongest Man shrugged, "Saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda. Saving lives is what matters, everything else can take a back seat."

Bùfēng and the other players nodded in agreement, and Kolenna could see their sincerity. Unlike mature adults adept at shirking responsibility, they seemed to retain an inherent goodness of humanity.

This instantly raised the family's fondness for them. Kolenna's son shrugged, "Okay, I apologize for my initial stereotype. I thought you guys were weirdos, but now I see you're cool weirdos."

"John!"

"Haha, it's alright, Mrs. Kolenna. We are indeed weirdos," Bùfēng laughed, waving goodbye, "Farewell, we're off to the Kamui district, see you later."

"Wait… you're going to the Kamui district?" Kolenna's husband, who was about to say goodbye, raised his voice in surprise.

"Yes, why?" Bùfēng asked, puzzled.

"Oh, it's nothing," the husband said awkwardly, waving his hand. Kolenna hesitated before adding, "It's fine, we're not religious and don’t mind it, but recently some people have been playing pranks on those from or passing through the Kamui district."

"Pranks?"

Bùfēng and the Strongest Man didn't understand at first.

But they soon did.

As they approached the Kamui district, they saw several shady-looking youths carrying paint cans and spray guns, splattering red paint on the walls of the Kamui neighborhood.

Bùfēng and the bald man were startled. Before they could intervene, a group led by YeYe suddenly emerged from a corner, cameras in hand.

"Finally caught you guys, you rascals!"

Seeing YeYe and his group, the youths weren't panicked and mockingly gestured middle fingers at them, "Scram, traitors!"

"What can you do about it? You fools bowing down to demons."

"It's because of people like you that we're suffering all this!"

"Get out, get out of Arkham!"

"Hey, I really can't control my temper anymore." Baba rolled up her sleeves and charged forward, causing the youths to scatter and flee.

"Let it go," someone from the Kamui district came out to stop YeYe and his group from chasing, "Don't bother with them, we're used to it."

"Damn, how can you get used to something like this? Let me tell you, if you keep tolerating this bullying, these people will only get worse."

A Kamui woman sighed helplessly, "Even if we resist, the outcome is the same. The police won't take our side, but thank you for standing up for us."

Baba was about to say something else but was suddenly pulled aside by YeYe for a quiet discussion.

The Kamui woman turned to Bùfēng and the Strongest Man, "You two… are new faces. Are you here to join us?"

"Yes!" Bùfēng replied. She looked towards the Strongest Man, only to find him pestering Shushu Hao for an autograph, expressing his admiration for the Troublemaker Squad.

Bùfēng rolled her eyes and turned back to the exotic woman, "Can we still join now?"

"Of course, please follow me."

Led by the Kamui people, they soon met with Carmen, the priest of the Secret Society, and recited the prayer words together.

When they opened their eyes again, the scenery had changed.

They were now in a dark forest. Both players had seen the path tutorial on the forums. All they had to do was head towards the central court, and even if they got lost, the plants in the area would guide them to the very center.

Following the path once trodden by the Druids, Bùfēng finally met the divine beauty that had initially captivated her into the game.

"Welcome." The deity of the forest depths greeted them warmly, their eyes a mesmerizing mix of emerald green and divine gold, weaving a dreamy vista, "I hope you will grow to love this world."

[Sanity Check: Successful]

Bùfēng, hearing the sanity check in her ears, momentarily drifted into a daze.

Although she had heard of the NPC known as Lann's beauty on the forums long ago, she didn't expect the reality to be so stunning.

Fans on the forums claimed that photos couldn't capture even a tenth of Lann's allure. Bùfēng had thought they were exaggerating, but only those who enter the game can truly experience this almost sanity-evaporating, bewitching charm.

Bùfēng took a deep breath, thinking of the scenery she had witnessed along the way, and smiled, "I've already fallen in love with it."

"That is wonderful to hear. I hope you fully enjoy everything here," Lann said, his lips curving into a gentle smile.

After seeing off another group of players, Lann exhaled, taking a moment from his busy schedule of greeting players.

He decided to check what kind of good deeds players were undertaking in their faction quests.

Then he saw:

Quack doctors reemployed in black clinics in the lower streets, racing gangs driving black ambulances to steal jobs from regular ambulances, thug players collecting protection fees for Black Poker, and some familiar regulars, seemingly devoted fans, taking advantage of the post-disaster unrest to preach in slums with a holy book.

Lann: 6

Lann: ...Wait, what's with the last one? Since when did he have a holy book?

1 Comment