All the players had successfully obtained the dungeon crystal.
Completing the construction task wasn't particularly difficult for them. By dedicating a few days in the real world, they were able to et the objectives and unlock the instance crystal at the Pioneer Store.
Felix remained in the camp for a few days before finally setting out with Degenbrecher and Senomi in a Military truck.
He hadn't expected a send-off. Yet, before their departure, Ulšulah and many players gathered to see him off. Among them, Magic ZX was the most reluctant. Though disappointed that the Pioneer didn't take him on this mission, he had already begun planning his next video—one that would feature the story behind the Pioneer's dungeon crystal—so he wasn't too upset.
Felix didn't offer Ulšulah any grand promises. She had earned his trust in a surprisingly short ti. Even if she brought in other rcenaries from the Scar Market later on, he wouldn't object. In fact, that might be exactly what he hoped would happen.
As for popularity, he had no concerns. Unlike Felix's preference to stay behind the scenes, Ulšulah was constantly on the front lines. During the day, she explored with the Pioneer team composed of players; in the afternoon, she coordinated camp construction and planning; and at night, she ensured the market's safety.
If an NPC wants to beco popular, it depends not only on their behavior toward players but also on their personality and character. In Ulšulah's case, all of these were in her favor. On top of that, she was young and beautiful. Even though her figure was hidden beneath a rcenary uniform, her charm was undeniable.
Felix felt at ease knowing the players respected her and were willing to follow her lead.
After bidding farewell to Ulšulah and the others, he stepped on the accelerator and drove toward the coordinates marked for Theresa's army.
"Where… are we going?"
Over ti, Senomi had grown more comfortable with her surroundings. She no longer feared Felix the way she did when they first t. She now saw him as her closest companion and had co to understand that her new master didn't buy her for the dark rumors she'd heard back in the slave market. Instead, he trained her with care and seriousness.
Senomi felt deeply grateful. Though still shy and unsure how to express herself, she had resolved to train hard under Sister Degenbrecher's guidance and repay her master as soon as she could.
If Felix knew what she was thinking, he'd probably just pat her on the head and praise her a few more tis.
As they drove for several days across scorched land, they encountered scattered rcenary camps—outposts belonging to the Scar Market. The term "Scar Market" didn't just refer to a specific camp, but more broadly to small rcenary companies operating across the land.
Naturally, trouble ca with the territory. The pickup truck bore no military insignia, and with a Sankta at the wheel, it drew unwanted attention. Several rcenaries tried to extort protection fees.
In response, Degenbrecher calmly stepped out of the vehicle, took down the would-be extortionist in a single move, and returned to the passenger seat under Senomi's wide-eyed admiration.
Felix didn't bother hiring additional rcenaries as escorts—he had already begun to see signs that they were nearing the territory of Theresa's army.
---
The civil war in Kazdel was exactly that—a civil war. And for Felix, a Sankta wandering alone through such a battlefield, keeping a low profile was only natural. Drawing attention could easily an drawing blades.
As he stepped out of the pickup truck, several of Theresa's military-affiliated rcenaries turned their gazes toward him with visible suspicion.
"I'd like to ask," Felix said, his tone calm, "where is the Tower of Babel?"
The rcenaries exchanged puzzled glances. Tower of Babel? What was he talking about?
"How long have you been in Theresa's army?" Felix asked, eyeing them.
"A few days," one of them replied hesitantly.
"No wonder…"
The rcenaries looked at each other again, now slightly annoyed. Who does this Sankta kid think he is? Does he not see the swords on our belts? Where's this confidence coming from?
Felix, unfazed by the unspoken hostility, continued, "Do I look like a threat to you?"
"I'm a ssenger. I've co bearing information from the outside lands. I don't hold the hatred for Kazdel you might expect. If possible, I'd like you to introduce to your commanding officer."
Degenbrecher, standing nearby, let out a soft sigh. Her master was direct to a fault when it ca to negotiations. Still, she naturally moved in front of him, her posture relaxed but unmistakably protective.
rcenaries lived a harsh and transactional life. They moved only for profit. If there was nothing to gain, they wouldn't lift a finger. Their nature seed cold and uncaring, but that was simply survival in their world.
From a racial standpoint, yes—they were supposed to hate Sankta. But these were young soldiers, new blood who had never fought on a real battlefield, let alone against Sankta. For them, ancient hatred ant little when there was no personal stake. And frankly, risking their lives for a naless assignnt with no payoff? Pointless. Felix's gear might look cool, but even if they killed him and took it, their superiors would likely confiscate it.
Then there was the Caprinae woman standing before them. The sharp pressure in her golden eyes was oppressive, her presence like a looming storm. Even the thought of crossing her made the rcenaries hesitate.
"Don't wander around here," one finally said. "We'll go inform the commander."
"You talk to like that," Felix said flatly, "what, are your clan's Heirloom being sold off wholesale?"
He turned to Degenbrecher with a casual glance. "Can you give that one a punch later?"
"A normal punch or a serious punch?" Degenbrecher asked, raising an eyebrow.
Senomi, who had rolled down the window and overheard the exchange, spoke up in a cautious tone, trying not to irritate her master. "Umm… they didn't really say anything too an just now…"
Felix smiled warmly. "Senomi, you're too kind. Sweet and loving as always."
Senomi imdiately looked down, her cheeks flushing as she shyly avoided his gaze.
Degenbrecher gave a soft chuckle as she stepped past.
Before long, the rcenaries returned with a battlefield commander in tow. He was dressed in a full military uniform, the faint shimr of Originium particles clearly visible on his rolled-up sleeves.
"What are a Sankta and a Caprinae doing on a battlefield?" the officer asked in a low, guarded tone. "Judging by your numbers, you're no match for our forces. Two people can't stand against an army."
His gaze lingered deliberately on Degenbrecher before shifting to Felix. "I ask again, Sankta, why have you co to our battlefield?"
"I intend to make a visit to the Tower of Babel," Felix replied earnestly. He retrieved a folded letter from inside his coat. "I'm a ssenger. My mission is to deliver information. When I received this assignnt, the recipient had already joined the Tower of Babel under Theresa's army."
"…"
The officer narrowed his eyes, clearly suspicious. "Do all ssengers nowadays travel in military pickup trucks with ard bodyguards?"
"Since the destination is deep within Kazdel, and I don't have any combat capabilities, hiring protection was my only choice."
Felix's answer left the commander with no real retort. The officer's face remained cold, but he relented.
"Very well. But you'll proceed under the surveillance of our forces. Any suspicious movent, and you'll be executed on the spot. I'll assign a small unit to 'escort' you to the Tower of Babel."
"Much appreciated," Felix said calmly.
The officer spat on the ground before walking away, as if just being near a Sankta had tainted him. His contempt was obvious, but Felix didn't react. He had thick skin, and petty insults were aningless. Striking back would solve nothing—only a mont of relief that wouldn't change the situation.
Before long, their assigned "escort" convoy appeared: a group of supply trucks with rows of rcenaries perched on top, eyeing Felix's group with a mixture of disdain and amusent.
These were standard trucks used for transporting goods and making round trips between outposts. Felix wasn't surprised. He returned to his truck, started the engine, and fell in line between the supply trucks.
As they rolled out, Degenbrecher glanced sideways from the passenger seat. "There's no actual ssenger mission, is there?"
"Well, it's a reason," Felix replied with a relaxed tone, leaning back into his seat and humming a light tune. He glanced at her with a small smile. "There are always other reasons. thods are just thods. Reaching the goal—that's what matters."
"Of course," he added, "I'm not the type to resort to despicable tricks."
Degenbrecher let out a quiet hum of agreent. "Because you're not that kind of person."
The frontlines were still a long distance from the supply station. At night, the convoy made camp. rcenaries rotated shifts, standing watch around the campfire. Felix, Degenbrecher, and Senomi kept to themselves, relying on their own provisions.
Felix noticed the looks from the surrounding rcenaries—so filled with hatred, so with contempt, others with curiosity, or simply indifferent calm. He made no effort to approach or befriend them.
Words alone were empty and aningless. The speeches of the so-called nobles held nothing of interest for the poor. They were just noise—grating and hollow. The only thing they cared about from those above them was the food and water that kept them alive.
Today, the lives of Sarkaz rcenaries were no different from those of the impoverished. They were like wild hyenas in the wastelands, siding with whoever fed them best.
Words and deeds—both were necessary.
This was exactly why Felix was so curious about Theresa. Was she truly confident that her thods could restore the Sarkaz to glory? How had she managed to attract so many rcenaries to her cause? Even among the ranks of the Theresa Army, the soldiers seed deeply captivated by her presence.
He was also quite intrigued by the organization known as the Tower of Babel.
In his previous life, when he had read discussions about Babel Tower, it had already vanished from Kazdel. Back then, while the civil war raged, Felix had still been playing in the mud—just another ordinary player with no involvent in the founding or fall of Babel Tower. By the ti most players beca aware of the situation, the war had ended, Babel Tower had disappeared, and Theresa had beco a mory.
Of course, Felix had another reason for making this trip.
Kal'tsit—why do you have to be as cold as a block of wood?
If he couldn't raise her favorability as a player, then maybe he could still stir sothing by acting like an NPC. That alone made Felix very curious.
After traveling for another ten days along the dirt road, they finally spotted signs of life in the distance: thin plus of smoke from cooking fires.
Kazdel had no mobile cities or so-called mobile villages. What Felix saw was a small settlent, built much like those players created in the ga. Most of the structures were simple wooden buildings—easy to dismantle and rebuild when needed—but that also made surviving winter a real challenge.
It was already September or October in Terra, and the weather was growing colder by the day. rcenaries would need to conserve their strength to endure the coming winter.
Felix and Degenbrecher got out of the vehicle. He was lightly ard—two revolvers strapped to his thighs and two automatic pistols at his waist.
The camp rcenaries took notice when they saw soone approaching. Once they realized it was a Sankta, so rubbed their eyes in disbelief, wondering if they were seeing things.
Felix stood casually off to the side, chatting harmlessly with Senomi, his tone light and teasing. This relaxed attitude caused so rcenaries to drop their guard, though others kept a watchful eye on him.
By now, Felix had grown numb to these stares.
After waiting a while, he straightened his clothes and began walking toward the entrance of the camp.
At this point in ti, Babel Tower had yet to develop the mobile landship known as "Rhodes Island." Their headquarters was still a simple compound of wood and stone. From the camp entrance, he could already see the Babel Tower flag fluttering in the distance.
A few rcenaries stood guard at the gate. It seed they had already spoken with the group assigned to monitor Felix, as their expressions were tinted with suspicion. A tall rcenary stood nearby, speaking with them.
"Are you the ssenger from Laterano?"
The tall man turned to face him. He wore sunglasses, carried a large shield, and looked incredibly sturdy.
Felix glanced at him twice, initiating a scan.
[ACE – Lv90]
It was actually ACE. Felix's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He had so vague recollection of this person. In his previous life, when he had joined Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals, the early wars were long over, and his knowledge of ACE ca only from cold, impersonal text in the mobile terminal.
> "The team, including ACE, consisted of 13 mbers. The team mbers were: Bad Tom, Kerger, Hard Brick, Wooden Spoon, Seventeen, Copper Nose, Green Bean, Yinyin, Secret Words, Sand Wash, Purple Fla, and Caries. All were confird dead."
– This was the archived record he had once read.
That was the only impression ACE had left him: words on a screen.
"Hello, my codena is Pioneer. I'm a ssenger—and a businessman. I've co to the Tower of Babel to deliver a ssage."
"…Hello. My codena is ACE. Welco to the Tower of Babel."
ACE responded formally, extending a hand. They shook hands, and he continued, "As the designated ssenger, your safety during your stay here will be my responsibility."
He cast a glance at the Caprinae woman beside Felix. She radiated the aura of a natural-born warrior even while standing still. He silently wondered what his chances would be if he were to face her in combat.
Felix could feel the imnse pressure radiating from ACE—like a mountain looming silently nearby. At level 90, his physical strength and combat experience could probably knock Felix out with one hand.
Having soone of this caliber as a bodyguard? Not a bad arrangent at all. Considering he was a Sankta surrounded by Sarkaz, his personal safety was definitely a legitimate concern.
"I've heard a few things about the Tower of Babel. But seeing is believing. It's an honor to enter as a ssenger."
Empty courtesies were free, after all—he could say as many as he liked. These words were polished enough to be faultless, respectful without being sycophantic, and without lowering the status of a formal envoy.
With ACE in front and Degenbrecher behind him, there might not be a more secure escort lineup anywhere in all of Terra.
As they walked through the gates, they were greeted by operators wearing standard rcenary uniforms, each bearing the Tower of Babel insignia on the shoulder.
"ACE, your dical report is here. Next ti, I hope you'll respect your physical limits instead of recklessly charging ahead with your team."
A cold, emotionless female voice rang out. Felix turned his head toward its source.
The speaker was the very first NPC whose official portrait had been revealed on Arknights' website. Her expression was unreadable, and in her clear, green, gem-like eyes, no hint of emotion could be found. She gave Felix a brief glance—light as air, yet it felt like it spanned a thousand years.
It was her—the cool, sharp-tongued cat that had first captured players' hearts.
Kal'tsit.
Reviews
All reviews (0)