Transmigrated NPC, But It's Arknights

However, he did recognize the girl's identity: Beatrix Swire, a senior superintendent of the Lungmen Guard Department.

She was also Lungmen's famously wealthy socialite.

Extremely rich.

In his past life, Bai Ye most enjoyed taking her missions, as the rewards were generous and the Lungmen Dollars plentiful.

He hadn't expected to meet Swire in this situation.

"Officer Swire, you've arrived at the perfect time. I need a team right now, plainclothes, to assemble and stand by near the slums. Also, I need a batch of drones."

"Lungmen profanity, my name isn't Swire!"

As expected, it was impossible for these two not to argue. Their conversations always contained a bit of Lungmen profanity, much like the West cannot exist without Jerusalem.

Of course, arguments aside, that was a personal grievance; the mission came first. Chen Hui Jie had personally approved the temporary management measures for the refugees, and Miss Swire obediently went to prepare.

After the girl left, Bai Ye smiled and teased, "So Sir Chen can get flustered too."

"Don't mind her... I really don't know what's wrong with her. Why doesn't she just live her life as a rich young lady and instead come to the Lungmen Guard Department to be a police officer?" Chen Hui Jie shook her head.

Her feud with Swire had started since childhood. Perhaps because they were too familiar with each other, they always argued whenever they met. Chen Hui Jie also showed her true feelings in front of Swire.

To be honest, it was quite interesting.

Perhaps because her other side was seen, Chen Hui Jie let go of her inhibitions and became more candid in front of Bai Ye. On the way back to the office, she also complained about this batch of refugees, specifically the issue of player Oripathy quarantine.

"Not a single Infected person, it's quite absurd."

Bai Ye rolled his eyes, thinking it would be a miracle if any were detected.

According to the setting, no part of a player's body would be left behind in the game. Severed limbs, blood... anything that left the body would instantly decompose into light particles and dissipate.

A player's corpse would also disappear after death.

These characteristics would be discovered one by one by the natives of Terra later on.

Therefore, even if they knew about the players' immortality and uniqueness later, they would not be able to unravel the secret through human experimentation.

Of course, that's a story for another time.

Returning to the office for a meeting, Bai Ye and Chen Hui Jie began to arrange the next plan.

Bai Ye was responsible for explaining the mission to the player Zhai Mao, while Chen Hui Jie discussed other details of the plan with the Black Steel and Black Silk team 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 an equipment item.

Both Zhai Mao and the viewers watching the stream were excited.

Players were like this; as long as there was positive feedback and rewards, they would have endless motivation.

"...Originium, formed by the crystallization of energy overflowing from nature. It commonly appears as a black, semi-translucent mineral. Its abundant energy is applied by the system to all aspects of contemporary life..."

"People infected by Originium are commonly known as Oripathy patients... Patients, depending on their physique, will develop symptoms within a certain period after infection, characterized by the formation of Originium crystals on or within the body. The patients' condition gradually worsens over time, leading to life-threatening internal and external crystallization, and finally death after fatal bodily fluid crystallization. Currently, there are no effective treatments..."

Bai Ye diligently played the role of an NPC, seriously imparting common knowledge that everyone in this world knew to the player.

Moreover, he wasn't just telling one player, Zhai Mao. As a streamer, Bai Ye was essentially telling countless viewers; they were all potential players. Therefore, Bai Ye wouldn't spare his effort, as it was all for future gains!

While educating, Bai Ye inwardly lamented that he might be the most NPC-like NPC in this world.

"What you need to portray now is an Infected person. We need to use you to find clues about the sale of illegal drugs."

Following the lead, as long as a tiny clue was found, the investigation could continue.

"Yes, I promise to complete the mission!"

Zhai Mao patted her chest and agreed after hearing the instructions, even making a clumsy salute.

The viewers were discussing and offering suggestions. They felt like they were witnessing history – this was the first mission taken by a player in "Arknights Online," and it wasn't the traditional newbie village quests like "kill chickens and wolves."

Zhai Mao's great name was destined to be remembered in the game's history. Other players and streamers couldn't help but wonder what kind of luck this person had to receive such a complex mission right from the start.

Perhaps Zhai Mao was a bit muddled and appeared foolish (remove the 'appeared'), but she was perfect as bait in this mission. Her natural airheadedness meant she had no acting skills, just pure authenticity, so there was no fear of no one taking the bait.

"Do you think it will succeed?" Chen Hui Jie watched Zhai Mao being taken away for makeup, feeling that the girl was unreliable.

Bai Ye smiled.

Players, so-called, were people who changed the world, reversed tragedies, turned the impossible into the possible, and strived to surpass common sense.

Perhaps they were still very naive now, but Bai Ye would find ways to guide them, to gain a sense of accomplishment, honor, and purpose... If you always assume the worst intentions of players, you will harvest malevolent fruit; if you guide players with goodwill, then everyone can be a hero who saves the world.

Justice, kindness... If one had a choice, who wouldn't want to be a hero?

Of course, if they need to be a tool, they'll still be a tool. After all, being a hero and being a tool don't conflict.

Right, Traveler who runs errands everywhere.

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Bait

(Happy birthday to our guild leader Aunt Cang Lei)

While Bai Ye and the others were busy at the Rhodes Island office, a group of people with rather strange behavior appeared in Lungmen city.

Some wandered around, trying to find the "invisible boundary line," or what they called the "air wall." Others were looking for work, enthusiastically acting like model Lungmen citizens. Some would grab people and ask endless questions, like ignorant children. Even more rushed into the slums.

According to typical game settings, this area was filled with chaos and conflict, perfectly suited for new players.

Most of the first equipment players could obtain was also acquired here. Things like small knives and clubs were all rated as basic items by the system.

Of course, besides combat, some players found their own fun.

For instance, players Makise and Little Horned Dragon weren't interested in fighting. They managed to get a guitar and performed songs in the central park. It was a successful street performance; their novel musical style attracted a group of "wild" fans (the curious Lungmen people) and even caught the attention of talent scouts from an agency that happened to pass by.

This would be the first step of cultural invasion on the continent of Terra.

Other players attempted to enter the red-light district to gain some experience, only to find they couldn't even take off their pants.

The Pants Removal Party's great failure! Cang Lei shed tears of regret. He was the first player arrested by the Guards Bureau officers for indecent exposure.

You're always there during every crackdown.

As a senior superintendent of the Guards Bureau, Chen Hui Jie learned about the chaotic scenes throughout Lungmen via her communicator as soon as possible.

Just as she expected, these four thousand "refugees" who entered Lungmen were not at peace. They were even more noisy and troublesome than the Laterano people. The angels with halos and distinctive personalities seemed much more well-behaved in comparison to these guys.

"This should be a good thing..." Bai Ye said as he opened the game forum. As expected, he saw many low-effort posts. Players were sharing various joys from the game. Bai Ye also saw his own photo, with a crowd of "fencers" below it.

Officer Chen Hui Jie sighed, "I really don't know where your optimism comes from. There are many more strange people in the slums, the water is muddied, can you still fish?"

"Our specialty is to fish in troubled waters," Bai Ye squinted his eyes. "With so many strangers in the slums, the attention of a certain 'Grey Lin' will be diverted. Our enemies might make a move."

As he spoke, Bai Ye turned to look at Zhai Mao, who had already been dressed up as an Infected. "Little one, do you remember what I told you?"

It didn't really matter if she remembered or not; she wasn't fighting alone. Behind her were countless viewers. Although most of them were as useless as "sleeping dragons and phoenixes," as the saying goes, three Imperial Guards could rival one Patriot. These viewers would also be somewhat useful.

Zhai Mao nodded. Black Originium crystals were attached to her arms and legs, and she wore a special "costume" provided by the Guards Bureau – most Infected in the slums were dressed like this.

"We just need to follow her quietly," Bai Ye said, standing up from his chair and stretching his neck and wrists.

"Swire brought the drones. I hope they can help..." Officer Chen Hui Jie was not as optimistic as Bai Ye.

"Hey Chen Hui Jie, it's Swire when you need something, but it's Zhai Mao when you don't!" The little tiger's voice came from outside the office. The girl's voice was truly loud, naturally a boisterous one.

Officer Chen Hui Jie took the drones from Swire and waved her hand, "You can go back."

"Wait, what do you mean? Are you targeting me on purpose? Kicking me out as soon as I arrive? Making me run around for a drone?" Swire was furious, staring at Chen Hui Jie with her round eyes.

Suddenly, the office conference room turned into a battlefield between the girls. The receptionist had already hidden herself away, while the two from the Black Silk International looked on with expressions of "witnessing something new."

Facing the defensive Swire, Chen Hui Jie calmly replied, "The situation within Lungmen city is a bit complex. I'll leave the overall public order management to you. This is more important, and only you can handle it well."

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

"I'll temporarily hand over the Lungmen Guard Department to you," Chen Hui Jie said, patting Swire on the shoulder. "You've always wanted to take over the Guards Bureau, haven't you?"

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

"Heh, what can be hidden from me in the Guards Bureau?" Chen Hui Jie sneered.

Swire eventually left.

With just three sentences, she made Swire obedient.

"Actually, having an extra person isn't bad," Bai Ye, like most players, suffered from a fear of low vitality. More is always better, and if you can call for backup, you shouldn't leave anyone out.

Chen Hui Jie shook her head and leaned close to Bai Ye's ear, whispering, "The Guards Bureau was infiltrated before. I'm worried this situation might be related to that. We need to be careful of the mastermind."

"You must keep this information confidential."

Officer Chen Hui Jie told him this because she found Bai Ye trustworthy.

Bai Ye stood there, extremely awkward.

So, the mastermind was me all along.

Bai Ye warned himself to keep this secret absolutely, otherwise, the resentful Chen Hui Jie would definitely find a way to kill him.

He also needed to maintain a good relationship with the girl. That way, even if the matter was exposed later, there would be room for maneuver.

After preparations were complete, Bai Ye and the others set off towards the slums.

Because Bai Ye had exchanged a sword with Chen Hui Jie while escaping the Guards Bureau earlier, his standard-issue R.G. Industries longsword was inconvenient to use. Thus, he had to "borrow" a short knife and a semi-automatic crossbow from the Guards Bureau.

Chen Hui Jie handed Bai Ye a bundle of tranquilizer darts. This time, they needed to capture targets alive.

The Guards Bureau officers, Flanka, and Scythe were all wearing plain clothes. It was worth noting that Flanka and Scythe had suspicious blushes on their faces when they came out of the changing room.

One could easily guess they probably had some minor roughhousing inside, and it was highly likely that the fox made the first move.

The situation is looking very good.

Although they didn't find any useful clues, the Guards Bureau at least confirmed the general area where the targets appeared. Now, it was up to the players to perform.

Bai Ye followed Zhai Mao from a distance. He was the closest because his stealth skills were the best.

None of them, not Chen, Flanka, or Scythe, could match him in this regard.

Drones hovered high in the sky.

The bait had been cast, and now they just had to wait for a bite.

Chapter 30: The Angler Who Never Fails to Catch

A light rain fell in the evening. After the drizzle, the air felt slightly damp.

An Infected girl clutched the shawl wrapped around her, pulling the brim of her hood down further. She walked through streets surrounded by garish neon signs, carefully avoiding puddles at her feet. Turning into the narrow passage between buildings, she slipped into the maze-like slums.

In the dimly lit alley, only a few dim streetlights flickered. By the trash cans in the corner, two or three Feline Beasts were foraging. Sensing a human presence, they retreated into the shadows of the wall, warily watching the small figure passing by.

However, these night owls didn't seem to notice another figure quietly moving past them. The stealth skills of an Eastern ninja were enough to fool even sensitive cats.

"What kind of job did this guy have before?"

From a distance, Flanka watched the footage from the drone, unable to help but click her tongue. If she hadn't known Bai Ye's location beforehand, she might have been fooled too.

Chen and Scythe didn't reply. Their expressions were grave.

This was the third district. Zhai Mao had been asking around about the special medicine, but she had found nothing.

However, Bai Ye soon stopped.

It was because he saw two suspicious figures following Zhai Mao.

Zhai Mao entered a small, rundown bar. A moment later, she came out, having found nothing.

Speaking of which, her movements and expressions had been a bit stiff at first. However, as she did it more, her acting had gotten better and better. Even the comments in the live stream had to admit that some people were born to play airheads; it was practically method acting.

Exiting the bar, Zhai Mao sighed, putting on a disappointed expression.