White Line

Biodata

Background

White Line operates as an information broker around the Grand Alliance’s frontier regions, particularly the Herno Strait. His intelligence network is described as broad and closely connected, sometimes allowing him to learn about incidents before they occur and anticipate their outcomes. His dealings with frontier warlords and separatists once led the Internal Affairs Department to place him on a wanted list, but the warrant was withdrawn only days later under unexplained circumstances. He ultimately gained legal backing and official recognition from the Grand Alliance. 39

More than a decade before the events of the novel, Xia Lun accidentally saved White Line’s life. Their subsequent mutual assistance developed into a deep friendship, and White Line’s channels helped Xia Lun rise in Whitewash City. He also supplied Xia Lun with the Investigator game chip and the Voidwood Box. 39

Appearance

White Line never reveals his true face, instead relying on masks and disguises. At his meeting with Xia Lun, he wears a black mask and speaks in a mechanical mixed voice. 39

• Keeps his identity concealed even from trusted associates. 39
• Frequently manipulates a coin with notably nimble fingers. 39
• Carries his “special goods” in a large suitcase. 39

Personality

White Line is cautious, practical, and experienced enough to prioritize information, evasion, and mental stability over direct confrontation. He bluntly warns Xia Lun that skills can harm the mind and that even a powerful fighter should avoid sinister entities whenever possible. 39

Despite his eccentric presentation and transactional profession, he gives Xia Lun sincere advice based on their long friendship. His composure can falter when confronted with achievements he considers impossible, such as Xia Lun’s Mastery-level firearms proficiency and manifestation rights to the Evil Flesh Codex. 39 40

Abilities & Skills

Psychological Invisibility

White Line can cause people within the ability’s range to consciously disregard him, allowing him to converse openly with Xia Lun in a crowded café without attracting attention. 39

• People can physically see him, but psychologically choose to ignore him. 39
• Can be used to restore privacy after bystanders notice him. 40
• Requires emotional control; it failed when White Line became overwhelmed by shock at Xia Lun’s offer of Evil Flesh Codex manifestation rights. 40

Information Brokerage

White Line’s principal strength is his intelligence network and long experience with Investigator. He has played for more than twenty years and experienced over thirty scenarios. 39

• Advises players to prioritize Information Panel upgrades, which enable exchanges of Manifestation Authority. 39
• Understands the distinctions between proficiencies, talents, and skills, as well as their mental-health risks. 39
• Warns that Memory Points are generally more valuable for manifesting useful items than for directly improving proficiencies or talents. 39
• Recognizes the Abyssal Hand as an exceptionally dangerous entity capable of mentally corrupting observers. 39

Known Merchandise

• Snail Effigies — Four Paradox Items made from human remains. Burning one while repeating a feasible wish increases the chance that a related item will appear in the next scenario; burning all four guarantees such an opportunity but greatly increases scenario difficulty. White Line trades all four to Xia Lun for the manifestation rights to the Evil Flesh Codex. 40
• Investigator game chip — Acquired by Xia Lun through White Line’s channels before Xia Lun’s first scenario. 39
• Voidwood Box — Also supplied through White Line’s channels. 39

Relationships

• Xia Lun — Longtime friend, business partner, and former rescuer. White Line supplied Xia Lun with access to Investigator and later acts as an adviser on its mechanics, though he is repeatedly startled by Xia Lun’s unusually rapid advancement. 39 40
• Seer Club — Xia Lun hires White Line to investigate the organization after presenting evidence that its supposed conspiracy symbol is a genuine occult ritual mark. 40
• Grand Alliance Internal Affairs Department — Once listed White Line as wanted due to his frontier connections, then withdrew the warrant under unexplained circumstances. 39

Story Role

Consultation at the Milk-Foam Café

White Line meets Xia Lun in Whitewash City’s Canal District after Xia Lun’s first scenario. He explains that supernatural abilities gained through Investigator can be used in reality and outlines the game’s emphasis on investigation, evasion, communication, resource gathering, and mental preservation. He is shocked to learn that Xia Lun already possesses Mastery-level firearms proficiency. 39

Snail Effigy Exchange

White Line presents four Snail Effigies and explains their wish-based attraction effect. Xia Lun exchanges the manifestation rights to the Evil Flesh Codex for the effigies, causing White Line’s Psychological Invisibility to collapse briefly from shock. White Line then accepts Xia Lun’s commission to investigate the Seer Club and confirms that its emblem is connected to real occult practices. 40

Notable Quotes

“Psychological Invisibility means people see you, but psychologically choose to ignore you.” 39

“I never thought someone could really clear a scenario through combat alone.” 40