Tokyo: The Player Behind the Scenes

"These have been turbulent times lately, but don't overthink it. It all comes down to safety, safety, and more safety. During your two-day holiday, we conducted a very rigorous special disaster prevention drill. This morning, instructors will explain and demonstrate the drills for you, so listen carefully."

Students are generally willing to accept anything as long as it's not lecturing or standing around listening to nonsense.

The next part of the lesson involved an instructor who was a former member of the Self-Defense Forces explaining how to respond to suspicious incidents at school, on the road, or at home, and requiring each person to download an "Extraordinary Situation Warning Map" on their phone.

Once an unusual situation occurs nearby, the map will delineate "danger zone," "cover zone," and "safe zone."

The danger zone, needless to say, is where you are close to a source of danger and need to get away quickly; the cover zone indicates that you should seek cover and hide carefully in this area, and if you have time, it is best to run to the safe zone.

"That's too exaggerated. It only happened once, but suddenly it feels like we're living in a very dangerous world."

"But I heard that over a thousand people died this time alone. It's terrifying."

"I told you, the authorities have always known about this, but they've been keeping it from the public. Otherwise, why would there be such a huge commotion? In just a few days, preventative measures and software have already been implemented. There must always be vampires, paladins, and monsters in the dark side of this world."

"Have you been watching too many news reports about officials neglecting their duties? You don't know how efficient it is for the government to take real action?"

The students whispered among themselves, sharing all sorts of messages.

Some people worry that the world will descend into chaos and want to move away; some believe that where there is evil, there is justice, and that the country must have some kind of secret superhuman force; others take a scientific approach and believe that the fear stems from insufficient caliber, and that no carbon-based life form could withstand high-temperature radiation.

"Do you want to buy amulets? I'll get them made by a priest at Nezu Shrine. They're three thousand each, or ten thousand for three amulets."

Nobi didn't participate in the discussion; he was absent-minded, staring blankly at the area around his phone screen.

The two-day holiday did not make him feel much better; on the contrary, he lived in constant fear.

When the instructor came in, he even thought he had been discovered and that the man was there to arrest him. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he was so scared that he tried to use his ability to escape through the window.

Fortunately, reason prevailed and stopped him from acting.

"This can't go on."

He finished the exercise and afternoon classes amidst his sighs and groans, and it was time to go home.

[Looking for: Nobi-san, could you please come to the game club warehouse if you have time? I need to move some things.]

Nobita didn't want to go home so soon, so he agreed.

Upon arriving at the game company's warehouse, the door was already open, and Asano Hiroshi was staring blankly at an antique arcade machine in front of him.

"Asano-senpai, what do you need to move?"

Nobita placed his bag on the table beside him and asked casually.

"That arcade machine from last time, didn't it have some problems? Take it over and have them fix it." Asano quickly glanced at Nobi's absent-minded expression and pointed to an arcade machine, saying simply.

"Okay, let's start moving it then." Nobita nodded, not even glancing at the arcade machine, and squatted down to the side.

Asano walked to the other side, and on the count of one, two, three, the two of them lifted the arcade machine up.

On the way to the game club, Asano, looking strained, kept observing Nobita's condition.

Soon, they brought the arcade machines to the video game club.

"One, two, three, slowly put it down, phew, all done."

President Kanai Chito stopped introducing his self-made game to the newcomer, glanced at the machine that had been brought over, and asked Asano curiously, "Why did you bring this old relic over here? I remember there's a power outlet in the warehouse if you want to play it."

"Didn't we have a screen glitch during the last recruitment? I thought you could fix it if you have some free time now, President." Asano took a breath and adjusted his glasses.

"Huh? I fixed that machine the very next day. If it needed repair, why would I need to move it all over? Besides, these old things are prone to problems... um?"

As they were talking, Kanai suddenly stopped, leaned closer to examine the machine more closely, then looked at Asano with amusement and pointed at him with a laugh.

"Haha, I didn't expect you to make a mistake, Asano. Putting everything else aside, the Street Fighter we moved over that day, and the one you moved over is King of Fighters... wait, good heavens, this thing's weight hasn't been modified, it's practically a lump of iron. And you two actually carried it over like that? Impressive."

Asano nodded in realization: "I got it mixed up, I'm sorry."

"It's alright, do you need help carrying it back?"

"No need, the two of us can manage."

"Alright, you guys get some training."

Jin Jing continued to introduce the game he made to the newbie.

Asano turned to look at Nobi: "Sorry, I've made you go through all this trouble for nothing."

"Ah, no, it's nothing." Nobita felt something was off; Asano had seemed a little stiff just now.

The feeling I get from spending time with him is quite different now.

"Then let's move it back."

"it is good."

The two moved the machine back to its original place in the warehouse.

"Alright, senior, then..."

Click.

With a puzzled look on Nobi's face, Asano closed and locked the warehouse door.

His calm yet inquisitive eyes were fixed on Nobi.

Chapter 127: The Runaway Knight

".Asano-senpai?"

Sensing something was wrong, Nobi carefully created some distance and nervously prepared to unleash his abilities.

Could it be that the senior is player [Hao]?

That makes sense, considering Asano-senpai's strong puzzle-solving abilities.

However, his name does not contain the character "浩".

"I just wanted to talk to you about some gaming issues."

Asano's eyes reflected a white light as he casually pointed to the table, where his briefcase also sat.

"Open the first layer, and there's a notebook and a black ballpoint pen inside."

"Then open the third page."

Nobi glanced hesitantly at the bag. Based on the trust he had built up over Asano's help, he remained cautious and slowly pulled out the notebook Asano had mentioned.

It was an ordinary notebook that you could find anywhere in a stationery store, along with a black ballpoint pen.

Turning to the third page, Nobita's body seemed to stiffen instantly, and his pupils dilated as he stared at the notebook.

I know who you are.

"Uh, is Asano-senpai imitating 'I know your secret'?" Nobita grinned foolishly, looking at Asano with a confused expression.

“Turn to a few pages, and write down what you want to say.” Asano looked up, her face showing no hesitation.

Nobita shut his mouth and turned a few pages.

【Red Scarf Knight】

This is currently the most widespread name used by the public to refer to that person with extraordinary armor.

Nobi pursed his lips, didn't stop, and continued to flip through the pages until he reached the bottom, where there were no more words.

I've figured it out. The other party didn't make any mistake just now; they were just testing me based on their guesses, and then confirmed my identity through my behavior.

When the club was recruiting new members a while ago, he wasn't a card game expert yet, and he was much weaker. Even moving that modified arcade machine was quite tiring for him.

Then he switched to an unmodified arcade machine, which was unusually heavy, but he didn't seem to be struggling more.

Nobita sighed and didn't make a futile struggle.

During the time he spent with Asano, he was well aware that the other party would not act unless he was absolutely certain of success.

It's not surprising that his behavior aroused his suspicion; after all, this is someone who integrates puzzle-solving into his life.

They may have even considered the possibility that he might suddenly lash out, and probably had some backup plan, even though the possibility of him suddenly killing someone was very, very low.

Was I too obvious on the day of the incident?

After he finished writing, he handed the notebook to Asano.

Asano replied quickly.

[That's one aspect, and there are other factors to consider, but there's no need to waste time on that. What I want to tell you is that if you entered the subway station that day, you're in a dangerous situation now. The authorities will definitely screen people entering and exiting the station during that time, and it's only a matter of time before you're exposed.]

I know I will run away if necessary.

No, the authorities can't confirm it's you. You shouldn't underestimate them, nor should you overestimate them. You'll be on the suspect list, but as long as you cooperate with me in putting on a show, many of your actions can be offered a barely plausible explanation.

【acting?】

[You conspired with me to steal money from my family. I was the one who got you involved, but because your conscience bothered you, you confessed to the principal, who is also my father. I will cooperate with you in giving false testimony.]

hiss.

Nobita's eyes looked a little strange.

What's this guy up to?

It's no use; the scene of me getting on the bus was probably recorded.

"Was it that monster train you boarded? Well, there's really nothing we can do about it. But if there's anything you can't do in the future, you can contact me. I go to the Morisato Cemetery in Atsugi City on the 1st and 15th of every month to pay my respects. It's a very remote place, and there are very few people there."

Why risk helping me?

【interesting. 】

Is it really that simple?

No, it seems that's true.

Nobita recalled asking Asano why he liked puzzle games so much, and Asano's answer was also "It's fun".

Asano unlocked the door, stepped past Nobi, and put the notebook and pen back into her bag.

"There are many places to avoid being searched in that game, such as the wilderness, chaotic neighborhoods, and outlying cities, but if you want to maintain a certain source of information, it's best to choose the second option," Asano suddenly said in a tone as if he were discussing a game.

Footsteps could be heard passing by outside the corridor.

"I'll think about it carefully." Nobi understood what he meant.

"Oh, by the way, is there an ending to the subway storyline?"

"I'm not entirely sure about the ending either."

"Really? That's a bit of a shame."

"Senior, please try to avoid going to the subway map, it's very dangerous there."

"Danger? I'm not afraid of danger. If possible, I hope you can consider me a partner."

[You now have some understanding of "Asano Hiroshi" and have obtained the special card "Guidance".]

When you're unsure what decision to make, use this card to list the options, and it will provide the choice you're least likely to regret.

At that moment, Nobita felt that his "bond" with Asano had deepened.

Then a game system notification popped up.

"So, we're meant to be partners," Nobita murmured to himself.

He looked at Asano and nodded seriously.

"Thank you."

Asano smiled and adjusted his glasses: "Let's go back to the club. There's a game I'd like to discuss with you further."

And so another two days passed.

With Asano's help and the "Guidance" card, Nobita seemed less afraid. However, the uncertainty about the future made him somewhat different from before.

"Zhiliang, have you encountered anything troublesome at school these past few days?"

Nobi family.

During the meal, Nobi's father suddenly put down his chopsticks and asked hesitantly.

Nobi snapped out of his daze, looked at the ginger slices he was holding with his chopsticks, casually placed them on the bone plate, and shook his head: "No, it's just that the lessons are a bit hard to keep up with."

"Well, I can't help much with that. Just do your best in your studies." Nobi's father couldn't offer much help in this area, and even hiring a tutor would be quite expensive and a bit difficult to afford.

"I'll handle it," Nobi replied curtly.