Arknights: I became an NPC in the online game

Felix couldn't shake the feeling that Muelsyse was acting a little… off. She was being very warm and friendly toward Lemuel—too much so for someone who had just met a Sankta woman not long ago.

This wasn't a business meeting or a college social event. It was their first encounter, and they weren't exactly friends. So why, over the course of the meal, did it feel like the two of them had somehow become sworn sisters?

Listening to Lemuel call her "Mumu," and Muelsyse answering back with "Little Lemuel," Felix had to admit they matched well. Both were cheerful and friendly—Muelsyse with a touch of playful mischief, and Lemuel the very picture of a troublemaker. He wouldn't be surprised if the two were already plotting to sign up for the New Year's demolition contest together.

By the end of the meal, Muelsyse and Lemuel had closed the distance considerably. Even the kids took a liking to Lemuel, thinking of her as a fun and caring big sister.

"See you tomorrow, Little Lemuel~"

"Mm, see you. I'll take you all around the neighborhood tomorrow—maybe check out some local attractions too."

Lemuel had accepted Muelsyse's invitation without hesitation. Since they were new to the area and Felix couldn't always accompany them, having a local guide was a good idea. Hearing the request, Lemuel had been genuinely happy to help.

If not for this invite, her New Year's would probably have been spent at home, alone, buried in homework. Graduation was approaching, and the workload at the church school was no joke. Lemuel, however, was a committed advocate of "happy living"—why stress when you could just… not do the assignments?

Now, she had found herself the perfect excuse: "cultural exchange" with travelers from across Terra. Maybe it could even get her out of doing homework.

The hotel Felix booked for Muelsyse's group was nearby, but Lemuel didn't live there. Since she wasn't yet an adult and it was already dark, Felix decided to walk her home.

"Um… thanks for tonight, Felix-senpai," Lemuel said with a lazy grin, resting her head against the window as they traveled. Dinner had been on him, and though she felt a little guilty, she figured she could always make it up to him later.

Lemuel wasn't one to dwell on things—she was a natural optimist.

"When Lemuen's away, are you always by yourself?" Felix asked.

"Mm-hmm. My sister has to travel for work. I'm used to it. Besides, it's not dangerous at home."

"Is that so."

They stepped off the tram and into a quiet residential street. At her front door, Lemuel unlocked it and glanced at the entryway. Spotting the lack of extra shoes, she sighed. "Figures… she's not back yet."

"She'll probably be home tomorrow."

Standing at the doorway, Felix said, "I'll get out of your hair then. I might have to trouble you again tomorrow."

"Oh, not trouble at all! I love going out."

Lemuel slipped off her sneakers at the entrance, tugged off her black tights, and tossed them into the laundry basket. Barefoot, she padded across the wooden floor to the fridge, pulling out two ice pops—one for herself, and one for Felix still standing at the door.

Wait. Ice pops? In winter?

Well, the place was warm with the heater running, and there was a certain charm in eating ice pops in a cozy room.

"I'll get going, then."

"What, already?" she said around the ice pop in her mouth. Turning, she plopped down in front of the TV. "You're free later, right? Wanna watch a movie together? There's still time before bed."

"I could… but are you sure it's fine?"

Closing the door, Felix stepped inside, swapping his shoes at the entryway. When he opened the shoe cabinet, he found that besides the two pairs of pink slippers for the sisters, there were also two black pairs.

"The black ones are for guests. Though honestly, aside from Mostima and Fiammetta, we don't really have many," Lemuel said, tapping her chin before turning her attention back to the night's movie. "So, what do you want to watch, Senpai? I'm guessing you'd prefer something exciting—how about that new Columbian action flick? I heard it's packed with explosions."

Felix hung his coat on the rack, setting his mechanical gear aside. As for whether it was improper to be in the Lemuel sisters' home, he figured his conscience was clear—after all, there was always Lemuen and Mostima between him and Lemuel.

Besides, she kept a healthy sense of personal space. She never crossed the line into overfamiliarity; their dynamic felt more like friends than anything else.

He didn't watch many Terra-made films. Back in Columbia, he'd seen a few famous Blue Cardwood productions, but more often than not he'd used forum links to watch movies from his previous life that he never had time for—usually while hammering metal at the forge, since watching while driving was impossible.

When the credits rolled, Lemuel explained that the film reel had been brought home by her sister from the notary office. Apparently, the old men there loved it. Felix didn't comment—though he had to admit Fiammetta's nickname was well-earned. Cool, indeed.

"Hey, are you going to the year-end coming-of-age ceremony?" Lemuel asked, hugging her long legs and accepting the glass of water he handed her.

"Yeah. Mostima and I are the same age. If I skip it this year, I might never get another chance… not that I even remember my birthday."

He sipped his hot cocoa and glanced at the clock. "It's getting late. I should head out. You should rest too, Lemuel."

"Alright~"

Felix stepped into the entryway, just pulling on his shoes when the door opened with the sound of a key.

Standing there was Lemuen, fresh from work at the notary office, dressed in casual clothes.

Even so, he could still sense the lingering edge in her presence.

Truth be told, he and Lemuen weren't exactly friends either—Mostima stood between them as well. Back in Laterano, he'd been focused entirely on building up his attributes, caring little for winning anyone's favor. He hadn't planned to stay long enough for that to matter.

"Oh, Felix. What are you doing here?"

Her smile was mild, her tone curious but without any hint of disapproval or surprise—more like she'd just found a neighbor stopping by for a casual visit.

"You're back, sis~"

Lemuel practically bounced over, clinging to her sister's arm. "Felix-senpai treated me to dinner tonight! And we watched that movie you brought home."

"I see. Thank you for looking after her."

At the entryway, Lemuen gave a small bow. Felix waved it off. "No need to be so formal."

"Want to stay a bit longer?" she asked, holding a paper box in one hand—inside was a chocolate cake.

"Maybe next time."

He politely declined, but before leaving, he turned to her. "Is squad work really that rough?"

Lemuen paused, the Sankta gift of empathy letting her sense the flicker of eagerness in him. A smile tugged at her lips. "I wouldn't call it fun, but it's a lot better than sitting at a desk in the notary office. If you're interested, you could ask Mostima about it."

"…Fair point."

Without missing a beat, she had just handed her good sister an opening. Smiling, she waved him off at the door.

Back home, Felix went back to reviewing the documents Ers had handed him earlier. To be honest, there were plenty of talented people out there—but finding someone both exceptional and suited to this squad? That narrowed the list considerably.

The next morning, he was jolted awake by the sound of an explosion. For a split second, he thought he'd been thrown into another firefight. He tumbled out of bed, half-convinced Rhine Lab's mechs had gone berserk again and that old Professor had cooked up some new nightmare.

Then he blinked and realized… he was still in Laterano.

"Mm…"

There was someone else in the bed.

In the dim light, he couldn't make out who it was. He switched on the bedside lamp, his hand brushing against smooth, silky blue hair.

Cerulean eyes blinked up at him, dull with sleep. Mostima yawned hugely, stretching languidly before reaching over to switch off the lamp again. "…Didn't get to bed until four. Way too early for this."

"Right… but why are you in my bed?"

"Haa—" She gave another long yawn, words slurring. "My place is too far from the notary office. After yesterday's report, I was dead tired."

Alright, that tracked. Too far from home, exhausted, so she just walked into the nearest place—his. Perfectly logical… for Mostima, anyway.

"Sleep a little longer, then…"

She caught his hand.

"I'm heading to the notary office to drop off some documents. I'll bring back breakfast. How's that?"

"…Mm."

She sounded genuinely drained, too tired to even tease him. Letting go, she burrowed back under the covers, her halo glowing faintly in the dark.

And yes—without a sleep mask, most Sankta just buried their heads to sleep. There was no helping it.

As for when she'd actually arrived, he had no clue. Since coming to Terra, Felix had learned to value his health. On nights he wasn't forging, he lived like a disciplined student—lights out by eleven, never staying up late. Model citizen.

At the notary office, Ers skimmed the list Felix handed him. His sharp eyes met Felix's, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Plume and Patia aside, I think you'll have a lot in common with Spuria."

"I thought so too." Felix nodded.

"But your squad is still one member short. Haven't decided yet?"

"It might take a bit more time, but I won't keep you waiting long."

"I have someone in mind."

Ers laced his fingers together, smiling slightly. "Interested in meeting him?"

Felix had no objections. In the notary office, merit and contribution spoke louder than connections. Ers wasn't the type to throw him a mediocre candidate.

"Come in."

"Yes, sir."

A calm, emotionless voice came from behind the door. It opened to reveal a young man with short, light beige hair and clear blue eyes. He stepped inside, gave Ers a polite bow, clasped his hands behind his back, and waited silently.

"Federico Giallo. Seventeen. Graduated early from the church school. Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, firearms, and stealth," Ers said, standing. "He's been interning here for three months, mostly handling clerical work. I think he's ready."

Ers turned to him. "This Sankta in front of you is your senior—Felix Lanshem. graduated early, skilled in mechanical engineering, firearms crafting, and team leadership. As a messenger, he's brought the notary office and the Papal Court hundreds of valuable reports."

"Hello, Senior Felix."

Federico extended his hand. He was slightly shorter—likely not done growing—and his voice was precise, formal, and stripped of all emotion.

"Hello, Federico." Felix felt a jolt of surprise. In his previous life at Rhodes Island, he had met this Sankta before—codename: Executor. And now, in this life, Federico was standing before him, likely about to become his squad member.

Ers watched the two exchange greetings and gave a small nod. Seeing no sign of objection from Felix, he turned to Federico.

"From now on, you'll be part of Felix's squad, working alongside him. This will be an excellent opportunity for your growth."

Federico bowed slightly. "Understood."

"Good. I'll call the rest of your squad here. As for the mission—Felix, I'll leave that decision to you."

With a genial smile, Ers left the office.

Federico said nothing, simply standing there and studying Felix. Felix, in turn, was sizing him up.

It was a strange kind of silence—no one spoke, yet neither seemed to feel awkward. Well… except Felix. Honestly, in his downtime he was usually the one tossing in sarcastic remarks to break the mood, but it was becoming clear that staying quiet wasn't going to work here.

"…Looking forward to working with you from here on, Federico."

"Yes. Please guide and discipline me well, Senior Felix," Federico replied, voice perfectly calm despite the earnest choice of words.

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The two locked eyes.

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