Arknights: I became an NPC in the online game

Degenbrecher spoke highly of Saria, which didn't surprise Felix. Degenbrecher's strength lay in her martial prowess, but Saria's advantage was of a different kind entirely—her powerful Originium abilities, which calcified her body and made her extremely resilient.

For now, Degenbrecher could still cut through Saria's defenses with her sword. But as Saria continued to grow, Degenbrecher would eventually no longer be a match for her.

Degenbrecher never believed herself to be the strongest in the world. That wasn't the mindset of a true warrior, which was why she was genuinely delighted to meet someone like Saria. She even said that if given the chance, she would teach Saria her hand-to-hand combat techniques.

Felix shivered. Wouldn't that make her even more difficult to beat?

Wow... Saria had just received an epic-level upgrade. She wouldn't even need a shield anymore—just a pair of iron fists to take on all of Terra!

"Boss… that kid Susie is at Trimount," someone reported.

Felix's spirits lifted. He had been waiting for Susie for a long time. Like Senomi and Mandragora, Susie was on his training list. Unlike the other two, though, she had a family and responsibilities, so she couldn't stay by his side all the time. But any chance to reconnect with her was a good thing.

Degenbrecher sighed slightly. "That child's father passed away."

Felix was stunned. The weary, pale face of Mr. Glitter surfaced in his memory. He pressed his lips together and said, "When I left, I thought Mr. Glitter didn't look well. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about medicine, and he refused my offer to pay for his treatment."

"There's nothing wrong with what he did. He had his dignity," Degenbrecher said calmly.

"Put that way, I guess I really did come off like some entitled rich kid."

Degenbrecher gave a soft smile. "You weren't wrong. But sadly, this is a land where even doing the right thing doesn't always lead to a happy ending."

"Where is Susie now?"

"She's at the hotel with Senomi and Mandragora. They're keeping her company. But Susie's a strong girl—she's handling it well. She'll be someone truly remarkable in the future."

"I think so too."

The two of them made their way to Rhine Lab's infirmary to visit Saria, who was undergoing treatment for her injuries. Muelsyse was by her side, helping with care. Saria wasn't seriously hurt—her injuries were mostly superficial. But Degenbrecher's swift and agile fighting style had posed a real challenge, and even Saria hadn't been able to block every strike.

Now, Muelsyse was applying ointment to her skin to prevent scarring. As she worked, she excitedly introduced Degenbrecher's past identity as the Black Knight to Saria.

As spectators, she and Felix were satisfied. After such a battle, it was only right that Saria learned who her opponent had been.

"So you're the legendary Black Knight. It was an honor to train with you," Saria said respectfully, still feeling the power lingering in her fists.

Degenbrecher shook her head. "The title of Black Knight is one I've left behind. Just call me Degenbrecher. Saria, you have real talent. I may not be able to teach you much about Originium Arts, but I can teach you more about physical combat—so that you can better protect what you wish to protect."

Saria's amber-orange eyes shifted slightly. She pursed her lips and gave Degenbrecher a slight bow.

"Please."

This time, she was truly on the path to becoming the ultimate form of Saria.

Felix had once looked forward to having a "friendly sparring match" with her later in life, to see if he could ever best her. But now, it seemed that chance was slipping further and further away.

After bidding farewell to Saria and Muelsyse, Felix and Degenbrecher returned to the hotel.

Standing outside the room, he could already hear the laughter of three girls. Among them, Susie's laughter rang the brightest—cheerful and unburdened, as if no sadness or sorrow had ever touched her.

Felix knocked softly, then opened the door.

"Ah, Brother Felix!"

Mandragora was the first to jump up from the sofa and launch herself into his arms. Senomi gently led Susie by the hand over to him. Felix reached out and gently patted the heads of all three girls.

"Let Susie get some rest. She traveled all the way from Victoria to Columbia by car. It was a long journey, and she's probably exhausted."

"I'm fine, Brother Felix," Susie said quickly, waving her hand. But even as she did, a quiet yawn slipped out.

"Go rest first," Felix said, smiling. "Senomi, Mandragora—take this chance to go buy some food for Susie's welcome party tonight." He handed each of them a thick stack of Columbian gold coupons.

The two girls beamed with delight, happily accepting the money before heading out. At the door, they met Degenbrecher, and each took one of her hands. Together, the three headed off to the shopping street to buy ingredients and snacks for the evening's celebration.

Once the door was shut, Felix led Susie into Senomi and Mandragora's room. A third bed had already been placed inside—prepared in advance for her arrival. Each of the girls had their own resting space and privacy. After all, every girl had her own little secrets.

Susie set down her gift and looked up at Felix.

"Um... thank you very much, Brother Felix."

"If you're calling me 'Brother,' then don't be so formal."

Felix gently stroked her head. Her soft pink hair puffed up slightly, but after a few rounds of smoothing, it fell back into place.

"…I'm sorry about Mr. Glitter."

Susie lowered her gaze. Feeling the warmth of his hand on her head, she smiled—though it was forced.

"Well… my mother said that those who are still alive must keep living strong. My father… he'll always be watching over us."

Felix knelt down slightly so that he was at eye level with her. Now, he could see her face clearly—the face of a girl trying to smile through tears she refused to shed.

"Susie, your father—Mr. Glitter—entrusted you to me. Senomi and Mandragora are your friends, and this place… this is your second home."

He opened his arms and said softly,

"Burying your emotions too deeply will only harm your body. But… that's just part of growing up, isn't it?"

"Brother Felix, have you ever had to suppress your emotions?"

Felix gave a gentle smile.

"There have been many times. I've witnessed countless injustices and tragedies in this land of suffering—so many that they're difficult to accept. In the end, all I can do is suppress what I feel inside and treat it as normal."

He paused, then looked at Susie earnestly.

"But Susie, I hope you can be someone who laughs when you're happy and cries when you're sad—at least when you're with us. I hope that when you're upset or hurt, you'll cry and let us know how you feel. And when you're joyful, I want you to share your happiness with us too."

Susie sniffled. She took a few small steps forward, then finally threw her arms around Felix. She fidgeted a little in his embrace before burying her face in his chest.

"…Brother Felix, can I lean on you… for a little while?"

"Of course."

Felix gently stroked her head and the soft, folded ears atop it, holding her fragile, trembling back with care.

A moment later, quiet sobs began to escape her.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was unmistakable. Susie was crying—finally letting out the emotions she had held back for so long.

She had never complained. She had always endured everything on her own, smiling brightly like a little angel. But Felix believed—no, he knew—that she had every right to cry.

When children grow up, they learn to restrain their emotions, to hide their feelings rather than wear them openly. It's a painful but inevitable part of growing up.

Susie, too, would one day mature. But Felix hoped that day wouldn't come too soon. He wished for her to remain a little girl for just a bit longer—to laugh and cry freely, and to have someone she could cling to without shame.

Eventually, Susie looked up. Her eyes were still wet with tears, but they held a flicker of light once more—those golden eyes now shimmering with a quiet resilience.

"Um… Brother Felix, can I lean on you just a bit longer?"

Felix didn't refuse. He simply nodded.

Once more, he gently ran his hand through her hair, as if to pass his warmth to her.

Before long, Susie's breathing had grown steady. Felix chuckled softly to himself—he hadn't expected her to fall asleep while leaning on his shoulder.

After releasing deep emotions—whether grief or joy—people always feel exhausted. Susie, too, had finally grown tired. Her eyes were closed, her soft ears folded atop her head, and her breathing calm and peaceful.

Tired from crying. Time to sleep.

Felix carefully picked her up, laid her gently on the bed, drew the curtains closed, adjusted the quilt to keep her warm, and quietly closed the door behind him.

He began to consider Susie's future.

She would live in Trimount, Columbia, at least until she finished high school. After that, it would depend on her interests—whether she wanted to pursue higher education or start working right away. Felix had no intention of controlling her life. He believed in a joyful, free approach to education.

In the end, the choice would be hers.

This had been part of the agreement with Mr. Glitter back then—Felix would cover Susie's tuition, and once she graduated, she could choose to work for him.

Felix felt nothing but pity for such a kindhearted little Feline. Everyone carried their own scars—Senomi had a painful past, and so did Mandragora. It was a relief that the three of them had managed to become friends.

As evening approached, the three-person shopping team returned. Carnelian, who had been roaming the lower districts of the city lately, likely came across something interesting—perhaps from the black market, though Felix couldn't be sure. For now, Senomi was still the one in charge of cooking, with Mandragora assisting in the kitchen.

Felix had once assumed that someone like Carnelian—who had journeyed across the land—would be a decent cook. To his surprise, the Caprinae mostly survived on dried rations and energy bars. While practical and nutritious, they certainly weren't appetizing.

After updating Carnelian on Susie's situation, the traveler gave a calm nod.

"So now, Felix, you're the guardian of three girls?"

"I'm Susie's guardian while she's in Columbia." Felix thought for a moment and concluded that the statement was accurate. As for Senomi and Mandragora, there was no need for further explanation—both had long lost their families.

"That's quite the responsibility, Brother Felix~." Carnelian smiled. "But Senomi and Mandragora are well-behaved and easy to care for. As their big brother, you must feel very blessed."

"Of course. Susie's got a lovely personality too. I'm sure you two will become friends in no time."

Their conversation drifted into the kitchen, and Senomi and Mandragora's tails began to wag cheerfully at the praise.

Not long before dinner, Susie awoke. The darkness of the room offered a gentle kind of reassurance. She noticed the soft blanket that had been draped over her, and that the curtains had been drawn. From beyond the door came familiar voices—some she recognized instantly, others not so much. There was the sound of someone cooking, the rhythmic clang of a spatula hitting the bottom of a pot, and the murmur of conversation. It all made her feel, strangely, as if she had returned home.

Though her real home had been small and cramped, filled with siblings, it had always held an indescribable warmth and sense of security.

Her father used to return home every evening with a weary smile, proudly recounting the work he had done that day, how much he had earned, and what he would buy for the family next. Those were difficult days, yes—but filled with hope.

Susie listened quietly to the voices outside. That soft and delicate voice had to be Senomi's. The lively and spirited one was Mandragora's. The gentle, calm one was Brother Felix. The composed and measured voice was Sister Degenbrecher. And the deeper, rougher voice—Senomi and Mandragora had told her—belonged to a traveler named Carnelian, who journeyed across Terra.

Her old home still lingered in her memory. And in that moment, she could almost hear her father's voice, calling everyone to the table for dinner.

Ah… No. I feel like crying again.

But now, I'm alone—and Brother Felix said it's okay to cry when I want to.

Susie hugged her pillow tightly and quietly wiped away her tears.

She was about to welcome her second home—a place with friends, dependable seniors, and a brother as gentle and warm as family... It was truly wonderful.

Wiping away her tears, Susie opened the door and stepped out toward the living room—toward her new life.

At the end of July, just before August, Felix, Magic ZX, and Yang Yan XF happened to meet Felix. It was called a "meeting," but in truth, it was just a coincidence that they ran into each other at a store.

The two adventurers greeted Mr. Pioneer with a cheerful smile, but Felix got straight to the point.

"Do you know about Bolivar?"

Magic ZX and Yang Yan XF shook their heads in unison, eyes lighting up with curiosity. Could this be the start of a new main storyline?

Felix gave a brief explanation of Bolivar, including the current state of affairs there—how the various factions were locked in quiet conflict, testing one another's strength. Then he smoothly shifted topics.

"Bolivar's city, Dossoles, is a resort built on an artificial sea. This August, the first Dossoles Warrior Championship will be held. Besides being a vacation destination, there are also prizes to be won."

"Mr. Pioneer, what are you trying to say?"

"Would you be interested in joining me, adventurers?" Felix smiled. "I'll be heading to Dossoles to spend the summer. Are you in?"

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[D-level Mission: The Pioneer's Invitation]

[Mission Details:] In the slow days of summer, you hear from the Pioneer about the resort city of Dossoles. He invites you to join him there. You think it would be more fun with more people, so you decide to invite other adventurers to come along.

[Mission Objective:] Invite more adventurers to join the trip.

[Reward:] Guaranteed 1000 experience points. Gain an additional 100 experience points for each person you invite.

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"it's awesome!"