Arknights: I became an NPC in the online game

Felix had mixed feelings as he stepped onto the university campus once more.

In this land full of hardship, could anyone truly say that an academic degree would guarantee survival, or even a livelihood?

Perhaps, in a way, it could. After all, Columbia's scientific community was overflowing with graduate students, master's candidates, and PhDs. Academic credentials were still the most reliable stepping stones.

As for college life itself—there were no school uniforms here. Unlike the standardized attire that Senomi, Mandragora, and Susie had to wear in high school, university students mostly dressed casually. The only major difference was that they weren't required to stay in dormitories—otherwise, they lived much like ordinary students.

Speaking of housing, Felix had already purchased a new property in Trimount to serve as a base for his small team. Since they intended to stay in Trimount long-term, continuing to live in a hotel wasn't an option.

Plans for employee housing were also in progress. Felix, alongside Yara, had spent considerable time negotiating with the military and the Maylander Foundation on behalf of Rhine Lab. They outlined the expansion area on a map and drafted preliminary plans for the future. The military had been highly satisfied with Rhine Lab's efficiency—particularly after they had successfully resolved several minor flaws in the military's armor. In this line of work, even small improvements brought substantial returns, and the military's attitude had improved significantly as a result.

Felix's collaboration with Ferdinand was also going exceptionally well. During a research and development conference attended by many shareholders, Ferdinand stood confidently, one hand in his pocket, proudly presenting the improvement results.

Expansion had become inevitable.

The players who returned to Columbia with Felix quickly went their separate ways. Each had their own goals and resources to pursue. The production players who had acquired mechanical skills—blacksmiths, craftsmen, and the like—settled in Barichara, the town closest to Trimount.

Compared to blacksmiths or scribes, leveling up as a mechanic or craftsman was far more difficult. Experience gained through production eventually dried up. Since these players had chosen production classes, they had to rely on producing goods to earn income and gain experience. However, the lack of materials, combined with the high cost of crafting blueprints, left many disheartened. The production quests available in the town's recruitment boards were mostly abandoned—no players had succeeded in completing them.

But gradually, they began to realize the advantages of being in Columbia.

Many of Barichara's long-term residents were members of the Pioneer Association. After each expedition, they returned with valuable experience and equipment, selling surplus materials and ingredients in the evening market. Starting with the lowest-tier production items, players could slowly begin crafting real, functioning equipment.

Excited, a group of players purchased large quantities of metal and began forging it into usable materials using their crafting skills. From there, it was all about raising their skill proficiency. In the beginning, these novice production players maintained good success rates. While earning experience, they also managed to create forged shoulder armor.

Although the quality of the armor didn't match those sold by seasoned pioneers, it could still be sold to NPCs. Beyond that, it could also be offered to newly joined players. As Ark gained increasing popularity in the real world, more and more newcomers were entering the game.

Only when there are new people and fresh demand can an economy truly come back to life, right?

As for the broader mechanics of the production system, players were still figuring things out step by step. In the city, Qiu Muyu and Xiao xuegao stayed closer to the pioneers and thus had access to more resources. Though there were no pioneers available to personally teach them iron forging, they could purchase metals in Trimount—materials that were unavailable in the novice town. While exploring the city alongside players like Dandao Dantart and Magic ZX, they even discovered the existence of a black market.

---

"Who's going to take them today?"

Felix popped a fried egg made by Senomi into his mouth. "Now that Senomi, Mandragora, and Susie are all attending the same high school, we don't need to send them out in batches anymore."

"I'll take them. Carnelian, you guard the boss while he's at school." Degenbrecher glanced toward the white-haired Caprinae beside her, who was cheerfully munching on a piece of bacon.

Carnelian let out a light laugh. "Alright, I'll make sure to protect Felix's safety."

"There's no need. Nothing's going to happen at school."

Felix was speechless. He had recently started to notice some changes in Carnelian's demeanor and tone when speaking to him. Curious, he opened the favorability chart and glanced at the two seated at the table.

[Degenbrecher's relationship with you: (70/100)]

[Carnelian's relationship with you: (60/100)]

If he remembered correctly, a favorability of 70 indicated loyalty, and 60… what was that again? Enthusiasm? It seemed like just a few more points would push it into the loyalty category.

"Master, does breakfast taste good?" Senomi poked her head out of the kitchen with a cheerful smile.

"Yeah, we all agree—Senomi's cooking is top-notch."

Mandragora and Susie, still wearing aprons, were finishing up washing their hands. Their assistant duties were done, and it was almost time for them to head to school.

Felix took a quick peek at the favorability values of the three girls.

[Senomi's relationship with you: (95/100)]

[Mandragora's relationship with you: (95/100)]

[Susie's relationship with you: (55/100)]

Whoa—so high. Both Senomi and Mandragora were just five points away from the max. Felix was stunned. Not confused, just genuinely surprised. In his previous life, when players concluded that capturing an NPC's heart was impossible, he had stubbornly kept trying. He remembered grinding favorability with the smug Kal'tsit every single day, yet it never budged past 20.

So it seems the problem wasn't with me... it was with you.

Turning to Carnelian, Felix said, "There's no need to worry about any crises at university. This isn't Kazdel. You and Degenbrecher are free to go wherever you like."

Carnelian shrugged. "If that's what you wants—how about we hit the training ground later? Let's invite Saria. She'll definitely show up."

"Sure," Degenbrecher replied, wiping her mouth.

Felix gave a dry cough. Honestly, he was starting to feel like he couldn't beat Saria anymore (sad).

After seeing Degenbrecher, Carnelian, and the three girls off, Felix didn't head straight to school. Instead, he made his way toward East District. Most of the residents here were working-class folks and students. The students, in particular, paid low rent and supported themselves through part-time jobs, managing to get by on their own.

[You have triggered the C-level personal series mission: [Snowsant's Future]. Accept / Decline?]

[Mission Details: With your help, Snowsant has successfully enrolled in Trimount Polytechnic University. But you know that her journey is just beginning. She needs time and space to grow, and you will take on that responsibility.]

[Task Requirements:

– Snowsant successfully enters an industrial university (Completed)

– Snowsant successfully completes a one-year internship at a technology company (Incomplete)]

[Reward: 30,000 experience points]

[Special Reward: Unknown]

Felix arrived at a residential building and rang the doorbell of the first-floor unit.

"Coming~!"

A bright and cheerful voice answered, followed by a muffled thud—like something had just crashed into something else.

The door opened to reveal Snowsant rubbing her knee, eyes brimming with tears from the impact.

"Are you okay…?"

"N-No… I'm fine." Snowsant blinked rapidly, and her expression quickly shifted to one of joy. "Thank you, Felix-senpai. It's the first day of school, and you came to pick me up. That makes me really happy."

"It's nothing."

Felix smiled and asked, "Where's Grandma?"

Snowsant sighed lightly. "She went out to the small square nearby after breakfast. Said she ran into an old man from Yan Country and now spends her mornings playing chess, cards, and practicing boxing there every day…"

"…"

Felix was speechless. The old lady really was full of energy. Ever since arriving in Trimount, she hadn't stayed indoors at all—heading out immediately to make new friends.

Snowsant had arrived at the end of August. A few days after Felix returned to Trimount, Snowsant and her grandmother took a convoy into the massive mobile city. Felix had already instructed a few black market contacts to keep an eye on the city gate and report the moment the two appeared. As a result, he was able to meet them promptly, share a meal, and help them find a rental close to campus.

Of course, Snowsant paid the rent herself. She was proud and fiercely independent—there was no way she'd accept free money from Felix-senpai.

She had enrolled in the engineering department at Trimount Polytechnic University, a four-year program. For her, being admitted to her dream school and chosen field was one of the happiest milestones of her life. As for what would happen four years later—whether to enter the workforce or pursue a master's degree as many in the academic community now encouraged—she hadn't thought that far ahead. It still felt too distant.

Felix, by contrast, had no classmates, no assignments, and no lectures in the conventional sense. What he had was a private classroom, a library brimming with books, and several professors personally selected for him by the Maylander Foundation.

These included experts from the Department of High Energy Physics, the Department of Mechanical Power, the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Department of Ecology, and the Department of Originium...

Why such a wide range of departments beyond Mechanical Engineering? Simple—Felix figured he might as well study more while he had the time. Given his genius-level talent, it would be a waste not to. For him, studying mainly consisted of self-guided reading, supplemented with books and instruction as needed.

And since the Maylander Foundation was covering all his tuition, expenses, and providing top-tier faculty, Felix figured it wasn't too much to ask.

After temporarily parting with Snowsant, Felix found that the university's opening ceremony wasn't overly complicated. Soon after, he followed a professor to begin his private lessons.

"I will be your future professor of engineering and dynamics. You may call me Professor Taylor," said the middle-aged man, who looked somewhat aged and spoke with a soft tone. His gaze toward Felix was devoid of emotion—it felt more like a business arrangement than a teaching session. "I heard from the Maylander Foundation that you've already completed all your undergraduate studies. So today, we'll begin with statistical dynamics and quantum dynamics."

"Professor Taylor, what kind of dynamics powers a mobile city?" Felix asked.

"...You'll understand that once you complete the lesson," the professor replied.

Without further small talk, Professor Taylor began the class. Felix didn't mind the cold attitude; he wasn't here to make friends. What he enjoyed was watching his numbers increase.

[Professor Taylor Lv55 is teaching you the skill [Quantum Dynamics], current progress: 0.05%. Dynamicist sub-profession unlocking progress: 0.02%]

[Professor Taylor Lv55 is teaching you the skill [Engineering], current progress: 0.1%. Engineer sub-profession unlocking progress: 0.09%]

Watching the values climb steadily, Felix felt a rush of satisfaction. So this is what it feels like to gain numerical progress?

After class, Felix had already compiled a long list of questions he wanted to ask. Professor Taylor, initially uninterested and stern, was taken aback. He had assumed the Maylander Foundation was simply indulging in a whim—having respected scientists play house with some privileged student—so he intended to get through the lesson as quickly as possible and leave.

But to his surprise, the so-called "young master of the Maylander Foundation" not only understood the material but also raised a slew of thoughtful, well-formed questions. These weren't the type of queries one could mimic without comprehension—they came from genuine engagement and internalization.

Professor Taylor realized all these questions were grounded in Felix's own analysis and interpretation. Not only had he followed the content, but he had fully grasped it.

With a learning speed like this… Professor Taylor found himself taking a more serious look at this student who didn't appear to take things seriously on the surface.

After addressing all the questions, Felix was pleasantly surprised to find that his progress rate had doubled. So this is the benefit of being a "problem student"? Could this method accelerate his studies even further?

After the engineering and dynamics lesson, the next professor entered—this time from the Department of High Energy Physics, the same department Kristen had graduated from. She was an older woman with a stern, quiet demeanor.

"You're part of Kristen's Rhine Lab?"

"Yes."

"I'm Professor Mei. Since Kristen has acknowledged you and even written to me, let's see where you stand."

[Professor Mei Lv55 is teaching you the skill [Electromagnetic Physics], current progress: 0.08%. High-Energy Physicist sub-profession unlocking progress: 0.05%]

Excellent—another wave of proficiency added. Although Felix couldn't fully grasp most of Professor Mei's content initially, as his career progress continued to unlock, he gradually began to understand the core points she was conveying. He diligently took notes and began compiling more questions, ready to continue his strategy of being a "problem boy" after class.

Professor Mei's calm expression revealed a trace of surprise. She had heard from Kristen that the young man in front of her was a mechanics major—so how was he responding so well to her course? Was he truly a genius?

After class, Felix continued to ask questions—questions that extended beyond the current material and explored applications in other fields. Once Professor Mei had answered all of them, he moved his lips slightly and said, "I feel relieved that Rhine Lab has you."

One by one, the professors had arrived with expressionless faces and left with twitching ones. They had never encountered such a genius—no, a wizard—no, a freak.

For ordinary people, excelling in a single subject with high dedication was already extremely difficult. But to rapidly grasp the core of entirely different disciplines in such a short time—and still raise meaningful, insightful questions after class? Where did this monster come from?

After class, Felix met up with Snowsant in front of the cafeteria. They quickly had lunch together in the university cafeteria, and afterward, Felix took her off campus, walking toward Rhine Lab.

"Felix-senpai… will the place we're going to next really hire me?" Snowsant asked with slight embarrassment. She still harbored some self-doubt. How could a company possibly want someone who had just started university?

"I already told you—it's an internship."

Felix smiled helplessly. "You'll only start working formally in your third or fourth year of college."

After waiting briefly at the front desk, the receptionist invited Snowsant to go upstairs with a polite smile. Snowsant glanced at Felix with hesitation but eventually gathered her courage, patted her cheeks lightly, and went ahead on her own. It would most likely be either Yara or Kristen who would meet her. Going forward, Snowsant would continue her studies while interning at Rhine Lab.

She'd earn money, Felix would gain a reliable subordinate, and Rhine Lab would welcome a promising new employee.

This time, he had truly made a great deal.