Chapter 70

Chapter 70

The faction war ended, and the victors were undoubtedly the Secret Church.

Victorious players spontaneously gathered in the Kamui District. Carmen had already received the news. Now, every household in the Kamui tribe had smoke rising from their hearths. Countless tents and piles of firewood were gathered in the empty spaces of the district. Men and women bustled about, faces beaming with joy.

"What’s going on here?" Druid and his team were startled upon returning here, instinctively grabbing a Kamui youth carrying firewood.

"Ah, it’s you guys," the Kamui youth, unbothered by being stopped, smiled broadly, "Chief Carmen said that thanks to your active efforts and the help you've given us recently, our homeland could be rebuilt quickly. So, we’re celebrating tonight to thank you all."

“Oh, I see,” Druid scratched his head and suddenly asked, “Can I bring someone extra to the party?”

“Of course! Everyone here is a follower of the great one, and your friends are our friends.”

“Yay! A party!”

The players cheered excitedly. Nothing attracted players more than a lively event, and Lann was well aware of this, having prepared the post-faction war celebration in advance.

“In that case, let’s help out too!”

“Yeah, it’ll be more fun that way.”

“I’ll go call some people.”

“I’ll call for more on the forum!”

The players spread the word, and soon many idle players gathered in the Kamui district. As night fell over Arkham City, the players’ celebration began.

“Are you sure you can go, Annie?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, just be careful.”

Druid and Black Cat carefully looked after the little girl who had come from the hospital. After being treated by Matcha Milk Green, Annie no longer closed off her heart. Druid and Black Cat occasionally visited her, and realizing her loneliness, decided to bring her along for some fun.

“Hey, Druid, Black Cat, is this your kid?” Night-night stopped them by the shoulder.

Druid and Black Cat coughed loudly: “You beast, what are you saying in front of the child!”

Night-night grinned mischievously: “Who can blame you? You two are always inseparable these days.”

[Dang, you guys from the Crafty Citizens Squad have some nerve to talk about others. Aren’t you three always together too?]

[The little girl is so cute, but she looks a bit melancholic between her brows.]

[Ah, isn't that the little girl Druid saved in the promotional video?]

[Druid! What did you do to bring her here?!]

Night-night curiously looked at the little girl: “Hello, I’m Night-night Hao. What’s your name?”

Annie shyly hid behind Druid, her lips mumbling, “My name is Annie.”

“Annie, that’s a beautiful name,” Night-night extended his hand. Annie instinctively shrank back, but the next moment, he magically produced a bright rose in his hand.

[Performance: Successful]

“For you, dear little lady.”

Annie looked at the rose in surprise, momentarily forgetting her shyness, and happily accepted it.

Seeing no apparent resistance on Annie’s face, Night-night then gently stroked her soft hair, “Welcome to the party.”

“Thank you, brother,” Annie said with a small smile on her face.

[Ah, I'm dead.]

[Such a cute and well-behaved loli, why can't I find one!]

[Guys, calm down, don’t scare her.]

They didn’t chat for long before the party began.

Although it was to celebrate the victory of the faction war, the motive behind the action couldn't be explained to everyone. Therefore, the official reason for the party was more about thanking the players for their recent help to the Kamui tribe. Luckily, the Kamui people were naturally warm and fond of parties, so no one minded too much.

The number of players kept increasing, with many rushing over from the forums. The usually quiet Kamui district was suddenly bustling!

At the party, women and men from various families showcased their special culinary skills. They served distinctive dishes, meats grilled with exotic spices, and a variety of fragrant dishes, with a large bonfire burning in the middle of the area.

The players were already having a blast without needing any encouragement!

Alon chewed on the grilled meat, tears of joy in his eyes: “Sob, it's so delicious. The game's realism in taste is just amazing!”

“Absolutely!” Bufeng devoured the meat without any regard for image, “Eating meat without gaining weight, what kind of divine game is this? Just for this, I’ll never quit playing!”

As the atmosphere heated up, several lightly dressed Kamui girls approached the bonfire, shy smiles on their faces, and began dancing the characteristic dance of the Kamui tribe.

The old hands among the players' eyes lit up. Night-night and the others immediately turned their live stream cameras towards the dancers. Suddenly, two of the dancing girls broke away and, laughing, ran towards the Crafty Citizens Squad.

“Come dance with us, gentlemen.”

“Come on, thank you for protecting us before.”

[Dang! Night-night, you guys?]

[What protection? Did I miss something?]

[They're probably talking about that time when some troublemakers at the entrance of Kamui district were dealt with by the Crafty Citizens Squad.]

The three members of the Crafty Citizens Squad were momentarily at a loss. Faced with the enthusiastic invitation from the Kamui girls, even the usually thick-skinned Baba blushed: “I’m not very good at dancing.”

“Me neither.”

“Me too.”

They were all introverts, otherwise they wouldn't always be in the game. They had no idea how to dance!

“It’s okay, just follow our steps,” the Kamui girls said, laughing gently as they led the Crafty Citizens Squad to the fire. The live chat was instantly filled with good-natured teasing.

[Oh oh oh, let’s see who’s blushing!]

[Yo yo yo, Crafty Citizens Squad, you’re not still single, are you? (in that tone)]

“Shut up, you guys!” Night-night rolled his eyes at the live chat but quickly put on a charming smile when the Kamui girls looked his way.

For the first time, he regretted... Damn, if only he had set his avatar’s (appearance) settings higher!

Watching the lively scene before her, Matcha Milk Green suddenly sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Druid asked.

“It would be nice if Lann’s wife were here,” said Matcha Milk Green. “I really haven’t seen him in such a long time.”

As soon as she said this, the surrounding players immediately echoed: “Yes, yes! I miss the days when I could just go see Lann whenever. Sob sob sob, I started playing this game just for Lann! But soon after, this version made it impossible to meet him whenever I want. It's so frustrating!”

“Exactly, I haven’t seen Lann for so long!” Player B cried out, “It’s like false advertising. I was attracted to this game by the looks of the NPC Lann, and in the previous version, Lann would always spawn at a fixed location. But since I started playing, I've only seen him once!”

“Right, sob sob, I miss my wife.”

“Even if I use up all my character card slots, I only got to see him when I first joined the church. Other times, it’s impossible to meet Lann.”

“Yeah, although the game’s playability has increased a lot in the second beta version, with complete faction and mission systems, I always feel like something is missing.”

The players discussed animatedly. Matcha Milk Green, who initially just made a casual remark, didn’t expect her offhand complaint to instantly ignite the players’ collective indignation.

“Haha, such an exaggerated reaction,” Druid laughed, “Cloud players are still guessing when Lann will fade out, but I doubt it.”

“Exactly,” said Matcha Milk Green. “Though it’s said that players are the most fickle group, in this game, Lann’s fans are incredibly loyal, oh, including me.”

This was one of the most peculiar aspects of the game. Initially, analysts observing how this game became popular had concluded that, over time, the popularity of the NPC Lann would gradually wane along with the game, especially since it was just a niche game.

But no one expected how things would unfold as time went by.

Lann's popularity hadn't faded, and players who joined the game because of him remained fiercely loyal, with an increasing trend of devotion.

It's hard to describe this phenomenon in words, but if one were to attempt, it could be said that players who have encountered Lann in the game generally don't quit.

“However, it’s uncertain when Lann will be released by the officials,” Matcha Milk Green sighed softly, turning to Black Cat, “Black Cat, was your guess true? That if there are enough believers, Lann would reappear in reality?”

“Don’t call me a boss, it was just speculation,” Black Cat shrugged, “Who doesn’t want to see Lann? And I think the officials wouldn’t miss such a hot topic. From both a rational and emotional standpoint, I hope Lann comes back soon.”

“Players really do want to see him.”

As Black Cat finished speaking, the Kamui people around them suddenly gasped in surprise.

Sensing something, everyone quickly looked around.

From the earthen ground of the district, plants started to sprout.

Fresh greenery twisted out from the cracks, climbing up the crumbling walls, seemingly breathing life into the dilapidated houses.

The Kamui district, primarily known for its decrepit appearance with no greenery or standardized architecture, giving it a sense of ruin and chaos, was gradually transformed by these strange plants. Everyone watched in amazement as the plants converged in the central area, forming the shape of a throne.

Players guessed what was happening, watching the center with anticipation, as Night-night and others quickly aimed their live stream cameras at the scene.

Under the watchful eyes of many, the long-awaited figure finally appeared.

The moment that surpassing human beauty came into view, all players with high inspiration were instantly mesmerized.

A frenzy of notifications sounded in their ears.

[Willpower Check in Progress]

[Willpower Check in Progress…]

Not only the players but even the Kamui people who were dancing or eating became transfixed, their eyes glued to the emerging figure, hearts pounding like drums.

Annie too stared in that direction, her little mouth slightly agape.

His appearance was as perfect as ever, as if even a single strand of hair was imbued with a brilliance too intense to gaze upon directly. The long-unseen Lann exuded a divine yet enigmatic aura, a blend of sanctity and mystery.

Lann seemed to be smiling in their direction, and for a moment, everyone heard angelic hymns in their ears, even feeling a warmth in their eyes as they kept looking.

[Willpower Check: Failed]

Eyes aching unbearably, yet unable to look away, as if compelled to keep watching, forever...

“Damn, Black Cat, what's wrong with you?” Druid, having passed his willpower check, snapped back to reality and saw his friend's strange smile and steps forward, startling him into grabbing hold of him.

“…” Black Cat, as if waking from a dream.

The figure had already disappeared.

He looked around bewilderedly, only to realize it wasn’t just him; everyone, including the players and the Kamui tribe, seemed to have been entranced, their souls captivated. Yet, when they came back to their senses, they couldn't recall the specific features, only a vague face lingered in their memories.

[Ahhhh, my wife is so beautiful!]

[Sob sob, it’s been so long since I’ve seen a new portrait of my wife, I miss it.]

[Screenshot taken, my new screensaver]

[So beautiful, so beautiful. I'm wondering what the officials will do when they release figurines. Can any craftsmanship truly replicate Lann's face?]

[Damn, you guys, look around!]

[Crap, I was still admiring the beauty. What’s happening on-site? Did you all go crazy?]

[Night-night! Are you guys okay!?]

Night-night also snapped back to reality, startled: “What? What happened?”

[Night-night, didn’t you feel anything?]

“I think I just failed a willpower check.”

[Whoa, so bizarre. To us, it looked like all of you just froze in place, some even reaching out towards Lann and continuously walking forward.]

[But he was indeed so good-looking ahhh!]

[What's it like to see him in the game with your own eyes??]

“...I don’t know,” Night-night murmured dreamily, “I just felt... an urge to be by His side.”

【？？？】

[I have this feeling the officials are up to something big…]

[Is this for real? What was discussed in the forums, that seeing Lann in the game and outside provides different experiences?]

[This has been confirmed already, right? But I’m curious how they achieved it. A special sensory system? It doesn't have any side effects on the human body, does it?]

[It shouldn’t. Market supervision is pretty strict nowadays.]

The chat continued discussing that moment, but many players on-site hadn't yet recovered. The feeling of their souls and spirits being shaken was still deeply etched in their hearts.

It wasn’t just them; the Kamui people too were affected. After Lann’s figure disappeared, many knelt and began softly chanting prayers, some even showing fervent expressions.

Originally, the Kamui people’s faith in the Secret Church was largely due to Carmen, their leader. Adhering to ancient traditions, they stubbornly believed the leader would guide them on the best path for survival. But faith isn't something given lightly.

Yet, now, having witnessed a miracle, something inside them was changing.

Druid looked down at Annie with concern, only to find the little girl still showing signs of shock. She looked up and asked, “Is that brother a god?”

“Hmm… why would you think that, Annie?”

“Because His radiance was so dazzling…” Annie said innocently, “like the god in my dreams who saved Annie and everyone… He is, isn’t He?”

Black Cat and Druid exchanged looks. Finally, Matcha Milk Green said, “That’s something no one can confirm, nor deny.”

Annie lowered her head, then looked up again: “He is. Annie is sure of it!”

“Why do you think so, Annie?” Matcha Milk Green asked curiously.

“Because I always feel a warmth from Him,” Annie said, her eyes gradually showing the passion familiar to Druid and others, “If there really is a god who saved Arkham, then that god probably looks like Him.”

At this moment, Carmen also appeared at the party, walking to the center. The Kamui people noticed their leader, and the atmosphere gradually quieted down.

The players also turned their attention to Carmen.

“Please don’t mind me; tonight's heroes are you,” Carmen said with a smile, “I’m very grateful for your efforts and contributions recently. On behalf of our Lord, I convey His will — all items exchanged tonight will be half price!”

“Wow!”

“Long live Carmen!”

“Long live Lann!”

"My wife is awesome!"

It seems like something strange got mixed in there.

Anyway, Carmen's announcement lit the final spark for the entire banquet. Players who participated in the faction war had earned a lot of honor points, and those who didn’t but completed faction tasks in recent days had also accumulated a decent amount of honor points, enough to exchange for various potions or entry-level enchanted weapons.

Everyone involved was pretty happy this time.

Well, except for those who joined the rival faction and the occasional passersby who felt stung by the cheerful scene in this district.

……

Lann in the divine realm watched the players’ jubilant scene in reality, a smile involuntarily appearing on his lips.

This faction war was a grand victory, largely thanks to the players' efforts. Let them enjoy their moment of happiness.

But still... what just happened?

Lann’s appearance before the players was initially intended for a brief message, but unexpectedly, as soon as he appeared, some anomalies started happening in reality. For instance, plants in the land growing wildly and players and NPCs, who should have been accustomed to his face by now, staring blankly at him.

There were also subtle changes in his body, but no one could clearly define them at the moment. Lann had initially stayed in the divine realm due to the danger of being sought after in reality, in coordination with Black Cat. But now, he began to doubt whether he was still fit to appear in reality.

Like this time, he got so scared by the reaction that he returned to the divine realm almost immediately. He had a feeling that staying there might cause some major trouble.

It seems that he needs to find a way to contain this situation before reappearing in reality.

He had planned to say a few words of thanks to the players, but now it seemed best to leave that to Carmen.

Withdrawing his gaze from the Kamui district, Lann started to reassess the gains from this faction war victory.

Firstly, the biggest achievement was successfully clearing Edmund’s suspicion and eliminating the unsettling element of players within the Inspection Bureau.

Although players might join other factions in the future, with the precedent set by Star-gazing and others, they would likely consider whether it's worth it.

Unless they are just thrill-seekers, many players wouldn’t pledge allegiance to an organization that suspects its own members and could potentially oppose the majority of other players. Additionally, with the officials now banning account trading and implementing one account per player, those logging into the game will surely think more carefully about their actions.

Secondly, he had witnessed the strength of the Inspection Bureau’s elite squad.

Honestly, they were more comprehensive than Lann had imagined... but relatively fragile.

The ability distribution within that squad was truly comprehensive, encompassing healing, teleportation, intelligence, and combat, covering all aspects of an investigator's role. No wonder they were dispatched here. Generally speaking, even when investigating eldritch events, they could manage to come back unscathed.

But players are a whole different level, especially those with strong backing.

This battle gave Lann some confidence in contending with the Inspection Bureau. They are indeed strong, but so are the players. And as long as they are not invincible, there’s a possibility to defeat them.

However, the change in Job at the end concerned Lann. The severed limbs sent by Karens for examination hadn’t yielded results yet.

Lastly, of course, was Karens’ successful revenge and the players' first faction war, greatly strengthening the faction’s unity.

Everything seemed perfect, and what remains to be seen is how the Inspection Bureau will react to this event.

For now, Lann didn’t know the situation with Edmund and Archie, making it unwise to 'descend' there.

At that moment, Lann thought of something and took out a bell.

Almost forgot, there was still a source of information.

Now in the divine realm, he no longer needed to return to the Dream Rift to use items from there, like the dice, bell, and scepter.

These items appeared with each new level he reached, feeling to Lann like gradually unlocking authorities originally belonging to him.

Soon after ringing the bell, the sphinx with a human face and lion's body emerged elegantly from the mist. The Sphinx bowed gracefully to Lann: “Finally seeing you again. Even after some time, your beauty remains dazzling.”

“It hasn’t been that long,” Lann said with a smile.

“No, every second apart from you feels incredibly long in my heart,” the Sphinx spoke with heartfelt pain.

Though it had a face similar to Archie's, the Sphinx’s personality was drastically different. Even knowing this, Lann almost lost his composure seeing the Sphinx’s face, so resembling Archie’s.

Better make this quick.

This time, Lann’s inquiries were about the Inspection Bureau and Archie. Uncertain of the situation on their end, he cautiously refrained from directly approaching Archie and Edmund, instead opting to indirectly gather information through the Sphinx.

"What's the situation with Archie? How is the Inspection Bureau reacting?" Lann asked, seeking the information he was most eager to know.

The Inspection Bureau had been defeated by the Secret Church, and their reaction was uncertain. Edmund, having just cleared his name, should be fine, but Archie’s case was different. Lann hadn’t heard of any players informing the Bureau about Archie, but if someone investigated, they could find out that Archie had visited him and they had even acted together for a day.

He hadn’t directly contacted Archie due to the unclear situation, but the Sphinx, as Archie’s origin, should be the most informed about his situation.

Upon hearing Lann's concern for Archie, the Sphinx's eyes brightened. After hastily completing the formality of asking a riddle, he responded, "The situation at the Inspection Bureau isn’t good right now. The team wasn’t taken back to their base but directly to the hospital."

It wasn’t Arkham Hospital, but another hospital in Arkham City, so Lann wasn’t aware of this.

“Um, it seems like Edmund was mistaken for a serial killer and taken to the police station, but Archie managed to bail him out.”

“Archie is alright for now,” the Sphinx said, his expression showing a hint of hesitation as if wanting to say something but then closed his mouth.

“Just say whatever it is.”

“Yes, I suspect those from the Inspection Bureau had some ulterior motives and were reluctant to let him go.”

“Ulterior motives?” Lann frowned, “What kind of motives?”

“It might involve Albert,” the Sphinx quickly revealed the secret Archie was reluctant to share, “Someone in the Bureau once warned Archie that they were looking for his close friend, Albert.”

Archie knew Albert was with Lann, so he wasn’t worried. But his composed attitude might appear suspicious to others, leading the Bureau to suspect that Archie had hidden Albert.

Archie had some awareness of the recent surveillance on communication devices and the Bureau’s reluctance to release him despite completing his tasks, but he didn't tell Lann directly due to various reasons.

Probably because Lann had been worried about Edmund being under suspicion and didn’t want to add to his troubles.

Sigh, how to get Lord Lann to pay more attention to Archie if such things aren’t mentioned? Sphinx knew well that Lord Lann had intentionally set up a scenario for the Church to clash with the Inspection Bureau, just to clear Edmund’s name.

Ah, such kindness, such greatness, Sphinx admired. He turned his head, criticizing Archie for his lack of initiative and cunning, for not playing his cards right. At this rate, wouldn’t all of the Lord's favor fall to those damn dogs?

In crucial moments, it was up to Sphinx to take action.

“I understand,” Lann said, furrowing his brows slightly, “If anything happens to Archie or there’s movement from the Inspection Bureau, inform me immediately. After such a blow, I don’t think they’ll stay quiet.”

If possible, he actually wanted to pull Archie and Edmund out of there. Continuing to be undercover was too dangerous, but regrettably, his followers were all stubborn.

He just hoped everything would be alright on their end.

As Sphinx's figure vanished into the mist, Lann stroked his chin, deep in thought.

Why was the Inspection Bureau looking for Albert? Were they planning to silence him, or was there some other conspiracy?