The Captain's Area of Expertise

With Old Zheng's help, the [Mind-Reading Mirror] definitely wouldn't be able to discern Lin Yu's emotions.

This is why the other party was surprised.

But what intrigued Lin Yu was...

Why would the other party possess a [Mind-Reading Mirror]?

Although this is indeed Item produced by "Truth Company," and despite being a relatively rare "conceptual" product with only a few prototypes available, it's not surprising that NPCs in this world possess such an item.

But Lin Yu still couldn't help but have doubts...

"Could this guy be Player?!"

After all, the opponent's code name is "Zhu Rong"...

This is a "Player" code name that Lin Yu had heard before—the buyer who purchased the mysterious Carrot from Grandpa Radish in Sea City had this name!

Lin Yu didn't think it was a complete coincidence.

But if the other person is Player, isn't this supposed to be a solo Instance? Why would I encounter other Player?

Should we test the waters?

Should I reveal my Player identity to the other party?

Lin Yu thought quickly, but decided to let things take their course for now.

Even if I were to reveal to the other party that I am Player, I certainly wouldn't do it in front of the other two.

However... he can give some hints.

"You can call me 'Pollo'," Lin Yu said calmly. "As for my strengths... I know a little bit about everything."

As Lin Yu spoke, he quietly observed Zhu Rong's movements.

However, the other party remained calm and did not reveal any flaws.

"The other party was also in Sea City before, as a buyer of 'Carrot'. Even if they knew nothing about detective novels, it's impossible that they hadn't heard of 'Sherlock's' activities," Lin Yu pondered. "So... maybe it really is just a coincidence?"

Although the name "Zhu Rong" must have originated from the Real World, Lin Yu knew very well that as the "Death game" continued to send people from his world as "Player" into the Ten Realms, it had already affected different worlds.

These worlds are even connected to each other—for example, he found wine produced by the Mist Island Manor on the train earlier.

"Of course, it's also possible that this guy is just too slow... Tsk, I should have looked up information about Zhu Rong..."

Lin Yu grumbled inwardly, but the guy with the studded jacket, Bone Spur, made a big fuss.

"You know a little bit about everything? That's quite an arrogance. Does that mean... you've dabbled in assassination, hand-to-hand combat, repair, Hacker, alchemy—all the skills commonly used by mercenaries?"

Lin Yu recalled his [Item] reserves and nodded with a smile.

"Yes, but on the other hand, I don't actually have anything I'm particularly good at."

His calm and understated retreat, though still arrogant in tone and filled with impeccable self-deprecation, actually made it harder for his Bone Spur to flare up.

"Then I hope you won't hold us back!"

"I'll do my best," Lin Yu said calmly, "But who exactly is our mission target?"

"Well, we don't actually know yet," Big Ball said apologetically, "But you've come at just the right time. The captain will be here soon to explain the details of the commission to us personally."

"Team leader?"

Lin Yu was somewhat surprised.

"Yes," Big Ball said cheerfully, "The captain was personally appointed by the employer, and according to Black Snake, he's a master!"

Bone Spur scoffed again. "I doubt it. Those middlemen always love to exaggerate—I'll test their mettle once they arrive!"

He then fell silent.

Lin Yu also sat down on the sofa near the door, closed his eyes to rest, and began to communicate with Old Zheng.

Do you know that "Zhu Rong"?

"Feels like Player."

Old Zheng's voice rang out. "It's hard to say. Her aversion to attack is very strong... and the methods she just demonstrated are things that exist in this world itself."

"Let me rephrase the question: What are the chances of encountering other Player in the 'Personal Trial Instance'?"

"Normally, it's very unlikely. Theoretically, you might encounter other Player doing normal Instance or 'Tier 3' players wandering around the Ten Realms, but 'Death game' should help you avoid them," Old Zheng said calmly. "But you're too mystical; low-probability events happen very easily to you."

Hearing Old Zheng's answer, Lin Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright, let's treat it like Player then..."

Lin Yu pondered quietly.

More than ten minutes passed.

The door to the private room was pushed open again, and Lin Yu opened his eyes.

The newcomer was a handsome, tall, and slender young man.

He was wearing a smart white trench coat, tall boots, and a beret.

However, this guy's eyes looked somewhat lifeless, as if he had forgotten to wear his glasses because he had 800 degrees of astigmatism—this was very unusual, because someone with his appearance and demeanor should usually have extremely sharp eyes.

He swept his dead fish eyes over the four people present, then spoke with a smile.

"So you're here to apply for mercenary jobs, huh? You seem to be doing the job."

Bone Spur was the first to stand up. "You're the captain? Who are you, and what makes you so confident in being our captain!"

He glanced at the Bone Spur.

"You don't need to know my background. As for why I'm your captain... come here."

He beckoned to Bone Spur snorted and took off his studded jacket, tossing it onto the sofa.

He wore a black sleeveless vest underneath his Bone Spur, revealing his thin but extremely muscular physique.

Meanwhile, there were faint silver threads half-buried in his skin on his arm.

"Active Metal Electrode... the technology of the Universal Trade Association, and the fourth generation at that!"

The Big Ball exclaimed in surprise.

Bone Spur looked at the other person, his tone unfriendly. "It seems you may have seen our files and know my role as a 'gunman'... However, the reason I've made a name for myself in Gray Street Three is not only because I'm exceptionally skilled with firearms, but also because hand-to-hand combat is by no means a weakness!"

He deftly leaped over the table and landed in front of the captain.

The captain, wearing a white trench coat, adjusted his hat and then smiled.

"It seems you've misunderstood me..."

He reached behind his back and quickly pulled something out.

"Whoosh!"

Seeing this action, which resembled drawing a gun, Bone Spur's expression changed instinctively, and he was about to pounce on the captain.

But just as he was about to touch the captain, Bone Spur stopped moving.

The captain pulled out five gleaming, stiff sheets of paper from his back.

This is a "commemorative product" for the Noble, also known as "Gold Point Vouchers," issued ten years ago by the Universal Trade Association.

These are Entities "Asset Points" vouchers, each worth 1000 points.

"I'm actually not good at anything like fighting, but... I'm my employer's confidant."

He stuffed five sheets of paper into Bone Spur's hand, then chuckled and pulled out fifteen more.

"This is a gift from me to you, it's extra and not part of your payment—come on, everyone gets a share."