Arknights: I became an NPC in the online game

Shopping is second nature to women. Senomi and Muelsyse were especially drawn to the commercial district of Lungmen, so Felix let them go explore freely. As for Degenbrecher, he asked her to stay close to Senomi to ensure her safety.

Felix didn't join their shopping excursion. Instead, he handed his card to Muelsyse and told her to use it however she liked. After finishing their morning tea, the four of them temporarily split up. Felix had his own matters to attend to.

He took a train through Lungmen, traveling from the Upper City down to the Hollywood District.

This district is Lungmen's university town and home to the city's most vibrant academic atmosphere. As soon as Felix stepped off the train, he saw groups of students chatting and playing, their laughter echoing in the streets. They looked to be about the same age as him, but it felt like they belonged to a different world.

Lungmen hosts many universities, most of them with strong ties to finance and economics. The focus of each university varies by region. Regional traditions influence the disciplines prioritized by their institutions: Great Yan emphasizes finance and trade, so its universities have many departments dedicated to those fields. Columbia leans toward science and technology, boasting numerous research programs. Meanwhile, Victoria, being a militarized state, fills its universities with military academies.

Felix recalled that in his previous life, he had picked up a side job here as an engineer.

Engineer is a secondary profession that can be unlocked by all classes. It's a production-based profession—and this is also Closure profession. Engineers can create electronic devices, ranging from small terminals and digital tools to home furnishings. They can even operate as network hackers capable of engaging in illegal activities.

At first glance, it might seem similar to the Mechanic class, but there are critical differences. Right now, Felix still controls his Patrol unit using a joystick mounted on his arm. If he wanted to control it mentally, he would need to install a remote communication module—a feature unlocked only through the Engineer profession.

Even the screen on his arm had been engineered by someone else; he'd simply bought it from the market.

While complementary to the Mechanic class, Engineer stands as a profession of its own. In the later stages of the game, players will face many enemies equipped with electronic gear. Having an engineer on the team allows for hacking enemy systems and rendering their equipment useless.

Moreover, engineers have access to more advanced power structures and blueprint designs. This expands their utility in navigating maps and—naturally—also increases their financial burden. But once they roll the right blueprint, they can forge the very core of a mobile city.

That's the kind of confidence an engineer possesses.

Among all universities in Lungmen, the Lungmen University of Technology stands out the most. Its student body includes people from across Great Yan and neighboring countries. After learning essential survival skills and technical expertise here, some return home to work, while others remain and contribute to Lungmen's development.

Admission procedures were surprisingly convenient. As a Sankta and a messenger, Felix had high favorability ratings with most national factions. When he expressed his intention to apply to the university next year, the security guard at the gate warmly welcomed him and even invited him to tour the campus.

He naturally passed through a security check upon entering the school gates. He wasn't carrying any weapons—his revolver and mechanical power device had been left at the hotel.

Dressed in casual clothes, he deliberately tried to appear younger.

Given his age, there was nothing unusual about him visiting the campus as a potential college student for next year.

After pretending to tour the campus for a while, Felix made his way to the library. He found a quiet corner and began flipping through some of the nearby books.

There's another way to gain knowledge in a university—attending classes in person. But Felix didn't want to draw that much attention. If he belonged to another race, it might not have mattered, but as a Sankta, his presence in a classroom would likely cause a stir. Students in the back row might not even be able to keep their eyes open.

The library, however, was a peaceful and fitting alternative.

Before long, Felix came across a book titled Analysis of Engineering Principles. He opened it and began to read.

[You are currently studying. Intelligence assessment in progress. Talent assessment in progress. Current progress: 2%]

…

By the time lunch arrived, Felix finally closed the book. A faint smile curved at the corners of his lips.

[You have acquired a new secondary occupation: Entry-Level Engineer. Intelligence +2. You have gained 1 free attribute point.]

[You have acquired a new trait: Primary Industrial Understanding.]

All the experience points accumulated from the players in the Novice Town were funneled into the Entry-Level Engineer class, instantly leveling it up to Lv10. With it came +1 Dexterity, +1 Intelligence, 10 free attribute points, and the skill Primary Industrial Manufacturing at Lv10.

A wide array of industrial creations was added to the blueprint pool he could now roll from. In the future, he could spend a fortune exploring blueprints and testing his luck to unlock the one that held the core of a mobile city.

As for the promotion book needed to advance beyond Entry-Level Engineer, Felix hadn't found one yet. He planned to try his luck searching for it that afternoon.

"Um... Have you finished reading that book?"

A soft female voice came from beside him. Felix turned slightly and saw a girl, shorter than him, eyeing the book in his hands.

She had a rare, two-toned head of fluffy black and white hair. Her orange eyes blinked as she spoke, and the way she held her hands protectively in front of her hinted at a timid personality.

Judging by her appearance, she seemed to be about the same age as Felix—though on Terra, appearances could be deceiving. There were people who had lived for centuries yet still looked young.

"Are you a student here?" Felix asked as he handed the book to her.

"Ah... no."

She shook her head gently, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just come here often to read... Big brother, please don't tell the librarian."

She seemed to have mistaken Felix for a student at the university. Her plea was soft and pitiful, and her orange eyes began to glisten.

Felix sighed. He had also snuck in to read a book—there was no reason for him to report anyone.

Seeing her like this, he couldn't bring himself to tease her. He raised his hand in reassurance and said, "I'm not a student here either. I'm just visiting the campus today. I won't say anything to the librarian, so don't worry."

"Thank you," the girl said sincerely, bowing her head slightly.

Felix asked curiously, "Judging by your age, you seem to be in high school, right?"

"…Yes."

She seemed a bit embarrassed as she replied, "It's just… I'm really interested in mechanical engineering, so I often come here to study."

"My name's Felix. What's yours?"

The girl opened her mouth but hesitated, looking shy.

Felix couldn't tell if it was because of his own charm that she was at a loss for words, or if that was simply her personality. With a smile, he added, "If you don't want to give me your real name, then maybe a codename or nickname is fine?"

The girl thought for a moment, then said softly, "…Snowsant."

Felix paused for a moment, a flicker of recognition stirring in his mind. He felt like he'd heard that name somewhere before, but couldn't quite place it. Maybe she was a minor character in some storyline, or perhaps they had crossed paths in business before.

He smiled warmly. "I didn't expect you to be into engineering. I like it too—I hope to become an engineer in the future."

"Really? Felix-senpai thinks so too?"

Snowsant's eyes lit up with surprise and delight. The moment she started talking about her interests, her shyness faded, and she radiated a quiet passion. She spoke softly but animatedly about her small inventions. Felix listened with interest, occasionally offering his own insights. His thoughtful responses made Snowsant feel a warm sense of connection—like she had found a kindred spirit.

"I heard the cafeteria at Lungmen University of Technology has a lot of good food," Felix said with a smile. "Why don't we continue this conversation over lunch?"

He extended the invitation casually.

Snowsant hesitated, then chuckled nervously. "Umm… I already ate, hehe."

But right after she said that—gurgle~

A cartoonish stomach growl echoed between them.

She let out a tiny groan and buried her face in embarrassment, her cheeks turning slightly red.

Judging from her attire, Felix had already guessed her family background wasn't too well-off. With a gentle smile, he added, "Well, even if I'm treating you today, you can treat me next time."

"Okay, Felix-senpai… it's a promise."

Snowsant lifted her head earnestly, sealing the agreement with a smile.

Anyone could see how passionate she was about her interests. During the meal, she and Felix continued to talk about engineering. Though Snowsant listened with shining eyes, Felix did most of the talking.

Engineers and mechanics shared many overlapping areas of knowledge. Felix began to explain topics like "mechanical dynamics" and "mechanical engineering"—subjects he once proudly discussed during his time at Rhine Lab. For a while, Snowsant listened in fascination, her large orange eyes glimmering with admiration and intellectual excitement.

"So impressive… Felix-senpai, you know so much. You must be a top student from some prestigious university, right?"

Snowsant looked at him with genuine admiration.

At that moment, Felix felt a bit awkward. Kristen had once urged him to pursue a doctorate at Trimount Polytechnic University—perhaps for occasions exactly like this. If he now pretended to be a PhD in engineering, wouldn't that just be an empty boast? Sadly, he didn't have such a title. He could only respond with a modest smile.

"What are your plans for the future, Snowsant?"

Though the two of them were not classmates—nor even students of the same school—Snowsant still referred to Felix as "senior" because of his deep engineering knowledge. In return, Felix shamelessly called her "junior." It was an unexpectedly pleasant relationship.

"I… I'm planning to apply for a scholarship to Lungmen University of Technology. Then… I want to go to Columbia and become a researcher, specializing in engineering."

Felix's golden eyes lit up with sudden joy upon hearing that. Noticing his reaction, Snowsant looked slightly startled and asked hesitantly, "Um… Felix-senpai?"

"Oh, nothing. I just thought of something that made me happy," Felix replied with a smile. "I'll be staying in Lungmen for a while. Since we're both passionate about engineering, why don't we exchange contact information?"

"Um… okay!"

Snowsant agreed without hesitation. She was genuinely happy to have met such a kind senior in the library—someone who listened to her ideas patiently, offered thoughtful advice, and understood engineering so well.

After lunch, Felix and Snowsant continued chatting and laughing as they walked back toward the library. Eventually, it was time for them to part ways and study separately. Felix, however, was a bit disappointed to find that there were still no books related to promotion paths for entry-level engineers. At this point, reading would only increase his experience slowly—far less efficient than hammering iron.

As the sun dipped low in the sky, the two wrapped up their time at the library. Together, they walked to the university gate. Snowsant shyly waved goodbye, then bowed politely.

"Felix-senpai, thank you."

"If you come up with any new ideas or inventions, don't hesitate to share them with me," Felix replied with a friendly nod and smile.

Snowsant smiled brightly and nodded in return. She gave another small bow before quickly walking off.

'If there's a chance, I'd like to invite Felix-senpai to my home to show him my little inventions…'

'I wonder if Grandma would agree to it…'

'This would be the first time I've ever invited a friend home…'

Felix noticed Snowsant heading toward the lower city. Without saying anything more, he boarded the train to the upper city district.

The Upper City and Lower City—one in the south, one in the north—were a clear symbol of status and hierarchy.

Midway through the journey, the train came to a sudden and unexpected stop. The jolt from the brakes nearly sent Felix sliding off his seat and into the arms of a large, muscular man beside him. Around him, other passengers grumbled in irritation. Just then, the intercom crackled to life with an announcement.

"There is an emergency ahead, please wait patiently—"

Before the announcement could finish, Felix saw a crossbow bolt whiz past the train window and embed itself in the ground.

Huh? What's going on, robbery?

The train doors opened automatically, and Felix stepped off alone. To be honest, he wasn't in any condition to fight. He carried no weapons, and the only mechanical device on him was the wrist guard strapped to his arm. Aside from offering a bit of protection, it provided no real offensive capability.

Up ahead on the viaduct, sirens blared, and police cars blocked off the bridge. The assailants—masks over their faces, wielding crossbows and knives—looked like characters straight out of Payday 2 after a bank heist.

"It's the Lungmen Guard Bureau. They're handling a mission!"

"Someone's hurt! Run!"

"Get to safety! Back on the train, now!"

The disembarked passengers immediately fell into chaos. But with the conductor's loud commands, they gradually returned to the train to wait for the Guard Bureau to resolve the situation.

Among the boarding passengers, however, one was missing—Sankta.

Felix made his way beneath the viaduct, where a staircase led directly up to the scene. He climbed quickly and, turning a corner, found a female Guard officer slumped against the wall, a wound on her shoulder and blood trailing from the corner of her mouth.

The injury was still bleeding, unbandaged.

Felix wasn't a medical professional, but he knew that basic first aid didn't require a license.

Under the woman's gaze, he tore off a strip of her uniform and began to wrap the wound. Throughout the process, the woman gritted her teeth, never making a sound.

She had long, crimson-red hair and striking blue eyes—a member of the Lungmen Guard Bureau.