Identity Exposed?

Chengcheng, a boy with Black Cat perched on his shoulder, opened the door to his Apartment.

The room was pitch black, the only light source being the city night view streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling window directly opposite the door.

I'm back.

Twenty spoke to the empty, dark room.

He has always lived alone.

And today, when Nian greeted the empty room, it wasn't based on a love of life or anything like that, nor was it just a habit.

Instead...

"Come out, friend, stop hiding it."

There really were people in the room.

As Nian finished speaking, the room lights snapped on.

A girl with hair dyed in a gradient of blue, purple, and white walked out of the kitchen, an ice cream stick dangling from her mouth.

"Damn it, how did you know I was here?"

Twenty shrugged. "The rug on the left side of my front door is a little lower than when I left, so someone must have stepped on it."

"You truly deserve to be called a 'Detective,'" the girl exclaimed, sitting down on the sofa. "Your Memory and observation skills are amazing."

"Just kidding, the cat told me," Nian pointed to the cat yawning on her shoulder, "By the way... nice new hair color, Sister Yu."

Hearing the praise, A'yu shook her head smugly, causing the Card Key on her head to clink together.

"Hehe, it took me four hours to get it done, and it cost me over three thousand yuan," A'yu said, leaning back slightly. "It's really good."

"So, you're not here to show off your new hair color, are you?" Nian walked into the kitchen, took two cans of soda from the refrigerator, and tossed the Coca-Cola to A'yu on the sofa. "Is there anything that's worth your personal trip?"

"Let's keep an eye on the progress of that task the Boss assigned."

A'yu opened a can of cola, took a sip, crossed her legs, and said...

Twenty raised an eyebrow. "Oh, it seems he takes it quite seriously... Actually, the unexpected gain from this trip to Sea City is that I've already investigated thoroughly."

"Regarding his identity and his special qualities... but then again, I thought he would come in person."

A'yu sighed.

"He wanted to come, but he couldn't."

"That's normal, after all, he manages such a large organization," Nian said, taking a sip of his imported canned soda. Then, looking at A'yu's expression, he added, "Oh... it's not entirely because he's busy, is it?"

A'yu sighed, "You're too clever for your own good—he can't come not because he's too busy, but because he got beaten up and hasn't recovered yet."

"He can get beaten up too? Who is it, Player or an NPC?"

Twenty said unexpectedly.

"Grandmaster"

A'yu succinctly gave the other person's name.

Nian stroked his chin. "That shouldn't be the case. The second-best in the country can't beat the third-best?"

"Who knows? It's based on the overall strength of that ranking," A'yu sighed. "Anyway, this shows that in a one-on-one fight, we really can't win."

"It's possible that the 'Grandmaster' is more seriously injured."

"Twenty said with a smile."

A'yu shook her head. "I doubt it... and this matter is also related to that kid you were investigating."

"He encountered 'May May' in the last Instance —it's very likely that 'Grandmaster' came here for that kid."

He downed the soda in one gulp, crushed the can, and threw it in the trash can.

"Wow, what a huge advantage! A mere 'Tier 1' newcomer, not only is he being targeted by your Boss, but a 'Grandmaster' is even willing to protect him?"

Seeing Nian's reaction, A'yu realized something. "You don't seem very shocked. Can his true identity explain everything?"

"In reality, I'm just an ordinary 'acting major college student,' but I do have some special qualities."

Twenty pulled a file folder from his pocket.

"First of all, he should be rated as an S-Rank potential by the Psychology Society."

"Secondly, his 'Tier Advancement' should have only taken six Instance."

Twenty tossed the file bag over, and A'yu caught it.

"A performing arts student? How come he's a 'Doctor'?"

Nian laughed.

"Ha, that's the problem... He should be like you, his real Profession is his 'Unique Profession'."

"Because in the previous assessment by the 'Psychology Society,' he demonstrated the Profession abilities of a 'soldier'—in other words, this guy is not only a 'Unique Profession,' but also, like you, a 'Unique Profession' capable of using other Profession abilities!"

A'yu exclaimed in surprise, "Wow, that explains it... Unique Profession combined with S-Rank potential certainly makes them worthy of attention."

"That's not all."

"Twenty said calmly."

"That's not all?"

A'yu was somewhat surprised.

"He probably has more than just the 'Order' organization," Nian stroked his chin. "It's worth noting his interpersonal relationships; currently in Jiang City, many experts have gathered around him."

"Therefore, I suspect he may have joined some deep, secretive Player organization... and he's just the one who's come out on top."

A'yu stroked his chin. "Hidden Organization... Do those things really exist?"

"All indications suggest that, although the most senior Player can only be traced back three years, I don't think three years is the actual start time of this Game," Nian said thoughtfully. "Dealing with those NPCs and Deity always gives me a vague feeling... that their existence is not new to the Player."

"And according to those lunatics at the 'Psychology Society,' this 'Death game' will have 'major events'... just like a real Game."

A'yu frowned. "Do you think he has Player from the Previous Version giving him pointers?"

"Otherwise, for a newcomer, his information-gathering ability is terrifying. If you've observed his movements and social circle, you'll find that this guy seems to know the operational patterns of many organizations simultaneously," Nian said, stroking his chin. "That's impossible for a Newcomer Player to do..."

"Of course, he might not necessarily be Player from the Previous Version; he could be a Deity- level NPC, a 'representative' jointly chosen by Player from several Rankings, or a deification movement within 'Order' —in short, he's very interesting."

"This may also be why the 'Grandmaster' values him."

A'yu let out a sigh of relief.

"I understand. I will report what you've found out to the Boss."

Then she reached out and pulled out a box.

"Anyway—this is your payment."

"If I have any further requests, I'll definitely contact you again... It's been a pleasure working with you, Teacher Nian."

He nodded at twenty.

"If it's related to this guy, I'll definitely take the call."

"Honestly, even though the investigation has gone this far, I still feel... there are secrets I haven't uncovered yet!"