Arknights: I became an NPC in the online game

Getting their identification approved wasn't a problem. Carnelian and Avdotya had no criminal records, nor were they infected. Even with Felix vouching for them, the physical screening—specifically the blood test—was still required.

Felix had no objection. In Laterano, the law ran deep in people's hearts. As a Laterano citizen and a player, he understood why these measures were necessary. Carnelian and Avdotya didn't complain either.

Though they hadn't yet entered the Holy City, simply crossing into Laterano felt like coming home for Felix. He still couldn't reach Degenbrecher's convoy—meaning she was probably still somewhere in the uninhabited zone, a fair distance away. With nothing urgent to do, he decided to start writing his report.

No one likes writing reports. Felix sat in thought for a moment, tempted to hand the task over to Avdotya. But she had only just joined the team and naturally knew nothing about the earlier events. Besides, there were things that could be written down—and things that couldn't.

For example, the trip to Kazdel could not be mentioned. Nor could the research work and results from inside Rhine Lab. Encounters with the infected in Ursus territory were also off the table. What remained after cutting all that down was just enough to make a concise, clean report.

"Whose idea was it to make 'government clerk' a side job?"

He had barely written a few lines before he already wanted to play games instead. Even as a terranities major, Felix still hated this kind of paperwork. There was a keyboard lamp right there, but the will to type simply wasn't there—classic laziness taking over.

Sighing, he left the inn. Avdotya was napping on the bed, and Carnelian, having just received her Laterano tourist permit, was happily exploring. Though this was just a small town, it had a kind of atmosphere she had never experienced before.

Leaving them to enjoy their free time, Felix made his way alone to the church.

It was mid-afternoon, yet several elderly Sankta were still inside, praying quietly. Their faces were free of any trace of worry, showing only peace and contentment. Upon seeing Felix, they greeted him with gentle nods.

Aside from the elders, a few young Liberi women sat in the front pews. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting the space in soft, colored light. The air was calm, serene.

Felix stepped forward and offered a sincere prayer. He was not a devout Laterano believer—his being a player had much to do with that. Even so, he had often been grateful for his Laterano citizenship while traveling these lands. The church's teachings were something he often quoted, giving his actions the veneer of Laterano charm and a certain romanticism.

When he rose and lifted his head, he noticed the Liberi girls were not ordinary townsfolk—they were dressed in Laterano Guard uniforms. Years had passed, yet the uniform looked exactly the same: outdated, unfashionable, and still paired with the most eye-catching piece—the massive, unwieldy-looking halberd.

Training to wield a halberd was no easy task; it was said to require mastery of many muscle groups. No wonder it was a favorite weapon among vanguard players. But equipping one came with high requirements—strength and dexterity had to be up to par, or it couldn't be used effectively at all.

Seeing Laterano Guards in such a small town surprised Felix. Normally, they were responsible for the security of the Holy City itself. The only reason for them to be here would probably be… vacation.

He didn't linger on them—it wasn't polite to stare at a lady. But just as he was about to leave, a Liberi girl called out to him.

"Hey, I think I remember you…"

Felix turned toward the voice. The speaker was a black-haired, blue-eyed Liberi with subtle inner highlights in her hair. Beneath her plain uniform, she carried an unmistakable air of style.

He thought she looked familiar—like they had met before.

"Patia, do you know him?"

"Only in passing, Senior Plume."

The two Liberi girls exchanged a few words. The others turned their eyes toward them, and when they saw Felix's sleek, high-tech jacket, their gazes lit up with little stars. They began whispering to each other in hushed voices.

Felix's memory wasn't exceptional, but he soon recalled where he had seen her. Back before he left Laterano, he'd once encountered a Laterano Guard patrol on the streets. Among them had been this very girl—Patia.

"It's been a long time, Lord Felix." Patia rose to her feet and gave a polite bow, a warm smile on her face. "My name is Patia. This is our first proper introduction, and I'm pleased to meet you."

"You know my name?"

"Mhm… I heard it from Senior Fiammetta," she replied with another bow. "I understand you've been away on assignment for quite some time. I hope you enjoy your vacation to the fullest."

"Thank you."

Felix offered a brief greeting to the other Liberi girls, then turned and left the church.

Patia watched him go. They say time changes a person, and she could still remember how, years ago in Laterano, Felix had seemed somewhat green. Now, he appeared far more composed, carrying with him an indefinable allure—something she could only describe as an intellectual charm.

Patia had been in the Laterano Guard for several years now, but lately she felt a strange weariness. It wasn't that she disliked the profession—rather, she had certain misgivings about the state of affairs within Laterano. Perhaps her long hours spent training in firearms had sharpened not just her aim, but her perception as well.

Were the Sankta and Liberi truly living together as harmoniously as they appeared?

To the average citizen, yes—they shared peaceful, ordinary lives in the Holy City, free of worry and burden. But from Patia's vantage point as a member of the Guard, having taken part in numerous assignments, she had come to question the reality behind the façade.

Why did the Liberi follow the Sankta? Or perhaps the better question was—why did the Liberi place the Sankta upon a pedestal?

It was an answer she was determined to find.

If Felix were here, he'd probably frame it like a 4X strategy game—the perfect opening hand.

In this "Laterano Civilization," the Sankta boosted technology and industry, maintained a high happiness index, and ruled territories free of conflict or unrest. Their natural talent for Originium Arts and their refined, detached demeanor put them above the rest.

The Liberi, by contrast, provided military strength—the sword and shield of Laterano's power.

In the game's code, these two factions would never clash. But reality didn't follow scripts.

The Sankta were a cut above, in combat prowess, research, Originium Arts, and attitude. Liberi were scattered across the continent, and those who gained entry into the Holy City were seen as privileged—fortunate, even.

Yet among those "fortunate" few, some still harbored doubts and dissatisfaction. It was only natural. After all, individuals were individuals—you couldn't expect every Liberi to understand or share the same sentiments.

After spending a day and a half in the town, Felix finally managed to contact Degenbrecher. Half a day later, he spotted her truck rolling toward him just outside the town limits.

One by one, they stepped down from the truck—Degenbrecher, Senomi, Mandragora, Susie, and Rafaela.

The moment Senomi and Mandragora spotted their "big brother" Felix, they rushed forward and wrapped him in a big, warm hug.

A moment later, Muelsyse manifested in her water-clone form. Even though she wasn't physically present on this trip, she still had to go through the formalities of entry.

None of them were Infected. Mandragora, who often worked with Originium Arts, was especially careful and had never allowed herself to be contaminated; the others had no contact with Originium at all. As a result, the paperwork went quickly, and before long they were on the road toward the Holy City of Laterano.

Senomi and the others soon met their new companion. Felix introduced Avdotya to them—though he kept her identity to himself to avoid making her uncomfortable. Avdotya, however, was surprisingly open. She explained how she and Felix had crossed paths, which instantly stirred the girls' sympathy.

Well… perhaps they weren't "little" girls anymore. Senomi and Mandragora were already fifteen, just a few years from adulthood.

From the driver's seat, Degenbrecher overheard the chatter in the back and exchanged a knowing smile with Carnelian.

"Didn't expect you to be the one to act this time."

"You said it yourself," Carnelian replied matter-of-factly. "Every time the boss goes out, he brings someone back. This time he didn't, so I stepped in."

Degenbrecher chuckled and turned her eyes to the scenery outside. "The price of becoming a hero is steep."

Carnelian only shrugged. "It's fine. The company's almost running smoothly. Once we're there, we can find them positions. Honestly, I think the boss hasn't rescued enough people yet. If we can save a few more with good potential, we'll have the next generation of leadership ready. Not only will their skills be guaranteed—since we trained them ourselves—but their loyalty will be absolute. That's worth far more than random recruits."

Degenbrecher glanced at her, realizing Carnelian didn't quite understand what she meant by "price." Her gaze shifted to Senomi and Mandragora, smiling brightly in the back seat. Hard to explain…

As for Susie—Degenbrecher couldn't quite read her. She seemed to view the boss more as a reliable older brother. But the future was anyone's guess.

Rafaela, though, was obvious—she looked at him the way a daughter looked at a father.

Sigh… the boss really never gets a break.

By the time the truck rolled up to Laterano's gates, traffic was almost nonexistent. In fact, theirs was the only vehicle. The Holy City rarely opened its doors to other nations or powers, and aside from steady trade, most Laterano citizens never left.

Standing at the gate were two Papal Knights, heavy rifles in hand, halos glowing above their heads, radiating an almost oppressive solemnity.

The atmosphere was enough to make Senomi, Mandragora, and the others shrink their heads in nervousness. Even the usually spacey Rafaela sensed something was off, staring at the knights with her large, dark eyes.

"Well now—what adorable little girls. You remind me of my granddaughter," one knight said suddenly, his tone breaking the tension.

Then, with a teasing lilt, he added, "So, Sankta boy, these aren't your daughters, are they?"

"No… just girls I've taken in. And they're not daughters—they're sisters," Felix replied, a touch exasperated.

The other knight let out a puzzled "Huh?" and smirked. "Then this young lady with the long flax-green hair—she's not your wife?"

Hearing that, Muelsyse nearly burst with delight, though shyness quickly overtook her. She hurried to deny it. "Uh… senior, we're not… that kind of relationship."

"…Oh."

The knights' offhand teasing made the girls relax immediately. Felix coughed into his fist. Papal Knights were all veteran Sankta, many with a reputation for being mischievous old-timers despite their lofty position. Their favorite pastime was teasing the younger generation.

After the entry inspection, Felix finally turned around with a smile and said to the group,

"I know it's a bit late to say this, but—welcome to the Holy City of Laterano. I hope you'll take the time this holiday to enjoy its sights and customs, and have a wonderful New Year here."

"Okay~!"

The four girls responded in high spirits.

The first order of business was to arrange their accommodations. Felix himself lived in a small single apartment—no way it could host so many guests. Although tourists were rare in Laterano, the Holy City still had hotels and inns. Very Sankta of them, really—never caring whether the business actually made money, as long as it made them happy.

Once the rooms were sorted, the group decided to play tourist, wandering around the nearby streets together.

"Felix, do you have work to do?" Muelsyse asked.

"Sort of. I am a notary office employee, after all—I have reports to file."

She tilted her head. "And?"

"…And I need to meet a few friends," Felix admitted.

"Um… could I meet your friends too?"

"Of course. We'll have a meal together. The Sankta are good people—nothing to worry about," he said, giving her a small wave. "See you in a bit."

"Mm." Muelsyse stayed where she was, smiling as she waved back.

Felix was already thinking about reaching out to Mostima's squad later—grab dinner together, maybe. In this whole city, she and her teammates were the only people he really knew.

Well… there was also Lemuel, but Felix preferred to pretend they didn't know each other.

When he unlocked his door, a familiar faint fragrance greeted him.

He closed it behind him, then paused.

Something felt… off.

Someone was here.

Instinctively, his hand went to the pistol at his thigh—but before he could draw it, a soft hand caught his. In the next instant, warmth pressed into him and he was knocked back onto the sofa, someone falling with him.

"Ow—!" Felix grunted, opening his eyes to see the silhouette of his attacker in the dim light.

Blue hair spilled over his face, tickling his skin.

Azure eyes looked down at him from above.

"…Mo—Mostima?"