Arknights: I became an NPC in the online game

"Oh my god, who is that gorgeous mercenary girl? I want every piece of news about her in five minutes!"

"A pink-haired beauty, so elegant... If the Pioneer ever recruits a white-haired, red-eyed stunner, I swear I'll follow him for life!"

"Did anyone else notice? The Black Knight and the pink-haired mercenary both have golden eyes. I feel so dumb for missing that!"

"Green blooms on the battlefield—how adorable, hehe."

Felix glanced at the bullet screen. Among all the NPCs he knew, was there any white-haired girl who might one day join his team?

The first group that came to mind was the Abyssal Hunters—but honestly, there was no intersection between him and them. Their communication styles were worlds apart.

Saria had white hair, yes. But she was tied up with her duties at Rhine Lab—an important figure with her own responsibilities. There was no way Felix could just drag her around Terra on his own whim.

Who else was there?

While Felix was lost in thought, Yang Yan XF began detailing the situation in Kazdel, recounting the players' intense experiences there before the Pioneer arrived and brought peace. Now, every day was focused on rebuilding the town and working together.

Yang Yan XF explained, "We'd pieced together a general impression of the Pioneer from all the data and footage shared by Magic ZX. But I never imagined—meeting him in person made me realize I had completely underestimated him."

"What do you mean?" someone asked.

"The local Sarkaz called us 'the undead,' and exiled us to a distant battlefield where they had us kill each other. They gave us ragged armor and dry bread—that's how they treated their own kin," Yang Yan XF said, shaking his head. "But the Sankta Pioneer, the so-called enemy of the Sarkaz, didn't treat us that way. He brought us peace, gave us a new gameplay system, durable equipment, and, most importantly, respect. He's traveled all across Terra, helping wherever he can—even us players weren't excluded."

"The Pioneer has a heart full of compassion."

Xiaolang raised a question. "Did you get the memory crystal from him?"

As soon as this was mentioned, the comment section exploded again. A flood of players were wailing and begging the Pioneer to visit their own Novice Towns, offering the best resources and prettiest girls in exchange for gear and dungeon crystals.

Yang Yan XF's expression twitched slightly. "Yes, I was fortunate enough to join the Dynasty Team's pioneering expedition, along with Magic ZX and several other top players... but the dungeon's content was brutal. It took us several days just to pass the first mechanism without taking damage."

"It was that hard?" Moonlight gasped. This was a squad of pros and high-level players—how could it still be that tough to unlock a new area?

Yang Yan XF nodded, then hesitated, shaking his head. "We're trying to explore different ways to clear it. The world within the dungeon crystal is just as open-ended as the Ark itself, and we believe that every mechanism has multiple solutions."

"Players who've obtained the dungeon crystal should know that it centers around the Black Knight and the Pioneer," Xiaolang added. Though he was stationed in Siracusa, he had still managed to hear news from the strategy team about the dungeon. "I believe that as players continue to progress through the crystal, the relationship between the Black Knight and the Pioneer will gradually be revealed to us all."

"What's the mysterious question-mark force lurking in the background? Is there a third faction hidden within the dungeon? And why is the Pioneer labeled as the Black Knight's boss? I'm sure players will uncover these answers one by one."

"As for which region the Pioneer will head to next, I'll try to ask him indirectly," Yang Yan XF added. "If I manage to find out, I'll post the answer on the forum. Players in that area can start preparing—grinding currency and leveling up. And don't forget to give me that one-click triple combo!" He bowed exaggeratedly toward the screen, prompting another wave of excitement in the comment section.

Following that, the three hosts began reading letters and questions from players, going into detail about the unique tasks tied to different regional factions, where to find profession manuals, and the newly discovered secondary professions.

Felix hadn't expected his name to still take up so much space in the discussions. Clearly, showing himself to the players now and then had been a wise decision. The dungeon crystal, too, had brought him a wave of new popularity and traffic.

It had to be said—female NPCs really could boost popularity. When the Terra Times episode concluded, Felix took a look at the comment section. The most-liked posts were all beautiful in-game photos of the Black Knight, Ulšulah, and Senomi—obviously captured by players using the game's camera function.

Well… if Muelsyse were to appear, her popularity might rise as well. But everything had to proceed step by step. Bringing in too many followers at once wasn't a good idea; it could easily lead to players stereotyping the NPCs and failing to appreciate their individual traits. Beyond that, Muelsyse wouldn't be able to use Originium skills properly in Kazdel. The pollution here, while manageable for normal people in protective gear, was a natural disaster for elves like her.

Back to the topic at hand, the Black Knight's appearance had been well-timed. Ulšulah wasn't technically his subordinate, so he couldn't have her follow him around constantly... but the Black Knight's pacing had been just right.

Once the Black Knight became more familiar to players, and once the majority had obtained the dungeon crystal and witnessed the might of her, it would be the perfect time to introduce the next NPC.

Rushing things could backfire—but Felix wasn't in any hurry. He believed he'd encounter more well-known or even completely unknown NPCs on his journey across Terra. When the time came, he'd evaluate who could be brought into his fold.

"Felix, what are you thinking about?"

Degenbrecher pulled back the curtain, giving Felix—who was lying on the table, lost in thought while staring at a blueprint—a puzzled look. "Everything's ready. Are you sure you don't want to bring Miss Ulšulah along this time?"

"If I take her with me, who's going to look after the house?"

Hearing that, Degenbrecher—who'd originally been worried Felix might get lost in the scorched earth—relaxed. With that kind of answer, there was no need for concern.

She still admired the uncertainty lingering in Ulšulah's heart—how she wrestled with the unclear future of the Sarkaz people. It was such a contrast to her boss, who was about the same age as Ulšulah, yet never showed any signs of hesitation. The side of him that he revealed to others had a calming, reassuring effect. Sometimes, it even felt a bit magical.

Take, for example, his attitude toward adventurers. He showed no fear at all. Instead, he treated them like ordinary people.

That might be his greatest strength: a broad-minded heart that treated everyone equally, regardless of their race. It was one of the very reasons why Felix had managed to win Degenbrecher over.

Felix, of course, had no idea what Sister Degenbrecher was thinking. He simply nodded and stood up. "We'll head out tomorrow morning. Senomi will come with us."

"Understood, Boss. Be sure to get some rest."

Degenbrecher waved her hand and exited. Felix stretched and sat back down, continuing his sketch of the city. It was the last thing he could do before departing.

Afterward, he upgraded his Apprentice Gunsmith from Level 1 to Level 15, gaining +3 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, and 15 free attribute points. However, he hadn't yet accepted the class promotion quest—he lacked the necessary knowledge for advancement. To become a full-fledged gunsmith, he would need to return to Laterano and complete the random promotion task assigned by the system.

Thinking it over, he then upgraded his Rookie Blacksmith to Level 10, gaining +1 Strength and +1 Endurance. After reading the Blacksmith secondary occupation manual in his item library, he successfully advanced to Blacksmith Apprentice. Having accumulated over 400,000 experience points, he quickly maxed out the skills and characteristics tied to that path. The blacksmith apprentice level cap granted him an additional +2 Strength, +2 Endurance, and 25 free attribute points.

Next, he spent another 100,000 experience points to raise his Mechanical Strength skill from Level 1 to Level 10. With that done, Felix reviewed his updated status panel:

---

[Name]: Felix Shawn Lanshem

[Title]: Pioneer (47%)

[HP]: 7630 / 7630

[MP]: 2260 / 2260

[Race]: Sankta

[Template]: NPC

[Level]: 72

[Experience]: 56,230

[Main Occupation]: Assistant Beginner Lv1 (1/200)

[Secondary Occupations]:

Apprentice Gunsmith Lv15

Technician Lv10

Apprentice Mechanic Lv15

Blacksmith Apprentice Lv15

Messenger Lv1 (1/50)

Craftsman Apprentice Lv15

[Skills]:

Basic Gun Manufacturing Lv10

Basic Shooting Lv10

Maintenance and Repair Lv10

Custom Modification Lv10

Basic Mechanical Manufacturing Lv10

Basic Iron Manufacturing Lv10

Mechanical Strength Lv10

Basic Craftsman Forging Lv10

Electronic Machinery Application Lv10

Basic Material Forging Lv10

[Skill Points]: None

[Attributes]:

Strength: 33

Dexterity: 38

Endurance: 14

Intelligence: 38

Spirit: 3

Charm: 9

Luck: 1

[Allocated Attribute Points]: 70

[Features]:

Beginner Assistance Lv1

Squad Assistance Lv1

Team Assistance Lv10

Basic Gunnery Understanding Lv10

Gunfighting Lv10

Pistol Manufacturing Understanding Lv10

Basic Machinery Understanding Lv10

Basic Ironware Understanding Lv10

Basic Craftsman Understanding Lv10

[Talents]:

Genius

Gunsmith's Hand

Super Mechanical Mastery

[Rank]: 1.79 stars

[Evaluation]:

Trash, trash. How can your level be this high and your rank still not break 2 stars? How lame!

---

Felix clenched his fist and vein popping mark can be seen on his face. "Since when did the system get a Bratty module?"

Was level really that much of a burden? Level had never been a true measure of one's strength. Felix didn't feel proud just because he had reached the level of a 3.0 player. If his current combat power, including machinery, were truly tested, he probably still couldn't beat a Kazimierz knight who had cleared several preliminary rounds.

Is my spirit too low? He wasn't a frontline tank, but as a support, what would happen if he were instantly killed? Kazdel was crawling with Casters—never mind the Confessarius in the royal court. If any of them casually cast a spell, he could get blown up in an instant. Not even a Degenbrecher could save him.

Besides, Degenbrecher wasn't versed in Originium Arts either, which only reinforced Felix's belief that it was better to plan ahead. As a support, regardless of what secondary job he took, the thought of enemies getting close and playing sumo with him was enough to make him sweat.

As for charm and luck... those were the two attributes you couldn't manually invest in. They could only be cultivated through external effort and experiences.

After a brief consideration, Felix allocated 20 of his 70 free attribute points to Endurance, and the remaining 50 points to Spirit.

"Is this what they call max out defense because you're afraid to get hurt?"

---

[Updated Attributes]

Strength: 33

Dexterity: 38

Endurance: 34

Intelligence: 38

Spirit: 53

Charm: 9

Luck: 1

---

Good! I feel full of energy!

The sudden rise in spirit gave him a deep sense of satisfaction. Now, facing an average Caster wouldn't feel like walking into certain death.

Who says support roles are fragile?

Today, I, the support, will take you on in melee combat!

Speaking of melee combat... was there a close-quarters subclass compatible with all job types? Something adaptable to a support's combat style?

---

After dinner, he sought out Ulšulah.

"I'm leaving tomorrow…"

"I knew that my employer would leave sooner or later," Ulšulah replied gently. "After all, you're a Sankta. Staying in Kazdel too long puts your life at risk."

"Don't you protect me?"

Felix wasn't bothered by Ulšulah cutting him off earlier. He waved his hand dismissively. "I'm just heading out to take care of some things, not vanishing altogether."

"When I'm gone, you'll handle everything in the camp. I've prepared all the blueprints for you. From now on, you're the city lord and commander of this place," Felix said after a pause. "If any Sarkaz mercenaries are willing, they can use this place as a temporary shelter."

"Really?" Ulšulah's voice lit up with surprise, but she quickly caught the implication in Felix's words. "I can only serve as the deputy city lord. The actual city lord still has to be you."

"Good," Felix acknowledged with a hum.

A city needed NPCs. If it were entirely run by players, what would happen when they all logged off?

That was one of the main reasons players couldn't hold high positions in NPC factions. Beyond the matter of trust, they simply weren't always online. Accidents could happen during their absence—so who would take responsibility?

"What if the Theresis and Theresa armies come to attack?"

Ulšulah voiced the worst-case scenario—the possibility that the two warring undead factions might reconcile and turn their sights on the city. Such an act would be a betrayal to both armies. After all, the players had never officially withdrawn from their respective camps, and their identities still bore the insignias of the Theresis and Theresa forces.

"Then let them fight."

Felix's smile gave Ulšulah a strange feeling, and the words he followed with made her clench her hands tightly.

"If they choose to attack a city built by their own people—people who no longer want to fight—then they are already doomed."

A faint smile lingered on Felix's face. "I'll take these Sarkaz who still carry hope and rebuild the city on new land. Let's destroy Kazdel... because this time, it's the Sarkaz themselves who made that choice."

"…"

Ulšulah wanted to object, but no words came. Nothing she could say would serve as a proper rebuttal.

Felix smiled and nodded at her. "Your salary has already been advanced to your account. Though we'll be in different places, I believe we're still heading in the same direction."

Ulšulah gave a subtle nod. "Thank you. I feel like I owe you more than I can ever repay."

"Then show it through your actions, Ulšulah."

In response, Ulšulah raised her hand in a familiar mercenary salute. Then, after a brief hesitation, she added a formal military salute.

Deputy City Lord, Commander Ulšulah—reporting for duty.