reincarnation npc, but tomorrow's ark

"It's just that the result happened to meet their expectations, fulfilling the wishes of those damn scum," Greta said coldly.

This feeling is very uncomfortable. Even though it was all planned by myself, it was still within someone else's expectations. An invisible force is controlling them.

“There’s no way around it. The Deepsea Hunters’ program was a tragedy from the very beginning. It was the most heroic choice a civilization could make, sending its elite individuals to fight monsters and disasters with their own flesh and blood. In the end, the hunters themselves would become monsters and die at the hands of their comrades.” Ulbian clenched his fist. “But the Deepsea Hunters are undoubtedly honorable and must never be desecrated by the Corruptors.”

“Breagan? I’ve heard that name before; it must have been Greta who told me.” Bai Ye nodded his head; his memory was excellent.

“You should have the key he left behind.” Goredia pointed to Bai Ye’s pocket.

"The key... um, yes, the key..." Bai Ye had too many things on him, but everything related to the deep sea was kept together. Mentioning the key, and it's related to the deep sea again... it really is that thing...

Bai Ye thought for a moment and took out a polyhedron from his inventory.

“Ah…this.” Skadi exclaimed upon seeing the key, “I brought this back from Waterdrop Village.”

Bai Ye nodded.

The girls who had close relationships with him all gave him keys, such as Talulah's key and Skadi's key.

“The lighthouse and the large ship were both designed and built with the assistance of Breogan, an Agorian and a renowned Iberian architect and chief ship designer. The large ship you are trying to find by following the lighthouse, the Stutifira, also known as the ‘Fool,’ is also his masterpiece,” Ulpian explained.

"Skadi found the key, which was later passed on to the behemoths of the 'Sunset' band through Kal'tsit. In the end, they passed it on to me. After all the twists and turns, it's still in my hands."

Bai Ye looked at the key in his hand; it was a multifaceted crystal that looked quite beautiful.

“Now that we have the key, we should set off. If all goes well, we’ll be able to find a large ship and then enter the deep sea.” Bai Ye put the key away.

However, Ulpian suddenly spoke:

"I've always been worried about one thing. Is it appropriate for the Deep Sea Hunter, and you, carrying my newborn self, to enter the deep sea at this time?"

"As you know, these cultists have long known about the Eye of Iberia and the Great Ship. Yet, they allowed you to find them. Could this be another trap?"

Bai Ye shook his head:

“You know that only by going back to the source of everything can we solve the crisis once and for all. We don’t have time anymore. Even if it’s a trap, we have to go through it.”

In fact, not only did the land not have much time left, but Goredia also didn't have much time left.

Bai Ye put the key away.

Ulpian said nothing more. He knew he couldn't easily stop them.

“We don’t have much time to rest. Laurentina, do you remember what I taught you?” Bai Ye asked the shark.

“No problem, you inspected it yourself.” Laurentina nodded.

"Then, you will pilot the 'Cyclops'. If the Great Ship Project fails, this aircraft will be our only means of crossing the blockade."

Goredia was somewhat puzzled:

When will you teach her how to pilot an aircraft?

“It started a long time ago, and she has a real talent for it.” Bai Ye smiled. “Not everyone can go into the deep sea, so I want to keep Laurentina here.”

“That is indeed a good reason…and her health is certainly not what it used to be.” Goddess approved of White Night’s arrangement.

Chapter 139 New Activities

(I'll design a character later and give her a verbal tic, which she'll use every time she says a sentence, so that she can spout several words with each line. Like Arimas = =)

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Even before Baiye informed Luna, Luna had already begun promoting the new event on Earth. Although "Arknights Online" has always been a smokescreen, it is still being operated as a game until now.

However, the scenario where only 6 hours passed on Earth while a month passed on Terra in a single update, as was the case before, will no longer occur. As the two worlds draw closer, the flow of time is synchronizing. Moreover, once this process occurs, it will not be irreversible.

Initially, the two worlds approached each other very slowly, requiring a large number of players' mental projections to constantly travel between the two worlds, establishing teleportation crystals (anchor beacons) to strengthen the connection between the worlds and bring the resonance frequencies of the two worlds into agreement.

However, as this connection is established and strengthened, the worlds automatically pull and attract each other, and once they exceed a certain threshold, they automatically enter an irreversible fusion process. At this point, it is virtually impossible to go back and separate the two worlds. Moreover, as the two worlds get closer, this process will accelerate.

Currently, Earth and Terra are in a state of accelerated merging. The appearance of the White Night has indeed affected the entire Terra and accelerated the players' exploration of Terra. Therefore, Luna concluded that after the White Night's journey, the speed of world merging will far exceed that of the past.

Even in the sixth version, Baiye was still playing the game, but now, in only the third version, Luna's plan is about to enter its final stage.

However, the Earth is still calm for now. Before everything is ready, such a civilization-level migration will certainly require full preparation and must ensure that it does not cause unnecessary panic and chaos.

Fortunately, the existence of beings like Luna can completely liberate productivity, allocate surplus resources, and allow human society to effectively utilize excess resources in preparation for future global integration while developing normally.

Currently, only a few high-ranking members of the Earth Federation are aware of Luna's plans, and they remain classified. Luna's focus has never been on Terra; with White Night's assistance, that's sufficient. Her computing power is primarily used for developing various contingency plans and long-term mechanisms after the world's integration.

However, even while carrying out these major projects, Luna still manages to operate the entire game with ease. The game company is merely a shell; Luna is primarily responsible for its core operations, such as promoting the new game event.

Players have clearly noticed that starting with the third version, the game's production efficiency has increased significantly. The previous two versions primarily encouraged players to explore and adventure in the world. Now, the game seems to place a greater emphasis on purposeful guidance for players.

Some players like it, while others disagree, but in any case, most players are enjoying it. They first enjoyed the thrill of battling it out in the arena and various fun competitions. Now, it seems there are new events and enemies appearing.

As the game progressed through three versions, the players' strength gradually increased, and their numbers also grew. Just as Bai Ye said before the players arrived, they would inevitably become a powerful force that would shape the future of this land.

This is something everyone must realize, or, with the "help" of players, realize.

-------------------------------------

The new expansion "Final Defense" limited-time event is coming soon!

I. The new expansion "Final Defense" event begins

II. Limited-time exchange event for the [Iberian Court of Justice Military Merit Shop] is now open.

III. Reputation System for the New Faction "Iberia" Now Open

IV. [Deep Sea] Series, New Packaging Available for a Limited Time

V. New Iberia-themed furniture added, available for a limited time.

VI. Gift packs available for a limited time

VII. A new class, [Judge], has been added. Please explore in-game to find out how to obtain it.

8. The brand-new teleportation anchor point [Granfalo - Frontline] will be available soon.

Please continue to follow the in-game announcements and official announcements for more event details in Arknights Online.

Along with the event announcement came the usual update notice. Unfortunately, Bai Ye has been quite busy lately and hasn't had a chance to check the forums for the latest player updates. In fact, with the event announcement, players have already begun speculating about its details.

The most obvious point is that Iberia, a mysterious country that appeared in the last event, seems to be making its official debut this time. Therefore, before the teleportation point set up by White Night was activated, some players had already found a way to enter Iberia.

Clearly, they were impatient; some had even begun engaging the Sea Kings. Players were also helping to maintain a portion of the coastal defenses. Consequently, the Inquisition's attitude towards these undead had changed considerably. Previously, they viewed them as bounty hunters, mere thieves who had smuggled themselves into Iberia in search of treasure. Now, however, they had truly witnessed their power and their role.

……

Bai Ye closed the soundproof barrier she had previously set up.

He walked up to Grand Inquisitor Dario:

"How much longer until Saint Carmen arrives here?"

"I've arrived. Young man, you must be patient."

An old man walked over from a distance, dressed no differently than the Grand Inquisitor, with his lantern hanging from his waist.

“Lord Carmen.” Bai Ye nodded to the old man.

This is the saint of Iberia, and the last one to survive. He possessed an extraordinary lifespan, a price he paid for the future of his nation. At least, he cannot rest in peace until his mission is complete.

“I’ve heard a lot about you from that doctor,” Carmen said, scrutinizing Bai Ye. “I’ve also read the two judges’ reports.”

Yes, this was the first time Bai Ye and this saint had met. Clearly, Bai Ye was very interested in the old man before him.

The opposite side is the same.

"It seems you still don't quite trust me." Bai Ye glanced at the Saint's hand on his waist, where his hand cannon was.

“Iberia has never trusted anyone. That word used to be fragile, but now we really need you, and... your help,” Carmen said slowly.

Chapter 140 Gathering

(From now on, I am an analyst.)

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"The Iberian coastline is becoming a battlefield. We are now on the front lines." Bai Ye looked at the distant sea with a serious expression.

“Although we’ve been fighting the deep sea for a while, this is the first time we’ve seen such an increasingly fierce offensive—the first time since the Great Tranquility of 1038 that they’ve proactively attacked the land.” Carmen glanced at the burning Granfalo, then asked, “Nethermark?”

"Yes, the Netherworld was surrounding the town, but it was effectively engulfed by the flames," an inconspicuous townsman reported from behind Carmen.

“As expected, you definitely have more than two judges here. The court also has its own informants.” Bai Ye glanced at the townsman, who was the court’s informant.

"The incendiary you used is very effective; it's even faster than we can clean up Minghen." The informant bowed to Bai Ye.

Bai Ye smiled and replied:

“This is a specially made version of mine. It’s not just effective against the Netherworld, but against any organism. However, I’m not sure if the Sea Child will evolve again because of it.”

This remark drew a rebuttal from Saint Carmen, who looked at the sea with concern:

"This is no longer the time to think about these things. What Iberia needs to think about now is how to hold out for one more day. In places you can't see, every moment, punitive soldiers and judges are being wounded and killed. The Sea Siege is encroaching on our coastline, and we must stop their advance first."

Bai Ye comforted him:

"Support is on the way."

However, Carmen was somewhat pessimistic:

“The landlocked countries are unaware of our situation. No country has sent us reinforcements yet, and the support you mentioned doesn't seem to have even begun to assemble. As far as I know, Dr. Kal'tsit is even preparing to meet with the heads of those countries. By the time they make their final decision, Iberia may no longer exist.”

Bai Ye shook his head:

“I never expected them to be the main force; their willingness to provide support is already a great honor. However, Lord Carmen, the reinforcements I am referring to do exist, and they can effectively help you maintain your lines.”

"But before that, Iberia needs to be prepared."

As Bai Ye spoke, he handed Carmen a report he had prepared beforehand, which included opening the "Exchange Shop," partially opening access channels to the Inquisition, and preparing for the sudden influx of players.

This is a very detailed plan, which only requires Saint Carmen's approval to be implemented.

“The Undead, so this is the reinforcement you mentioned.” Carmen already knew about the players. “The Undead have already entered and are maintaining the line. I must admit, they are indeed highly efficient warriors, and they value honor and commitment more than other land dwellers.”

"But they are too few in number..."

Yes, only a small number of players entered Iberia ahead of time. Most players are still adventuring in various parts of the land or engrossed in the arena. Of course, they are also waiting for the event to start.

"They'll be pouring in soon, and then you'll probably think there are too many of them," Bai Ye laughed upon hearing this.

There were even people who complained about the lack of players. Perhaps Saint Carmen didn't know there was a place called Sherag. When they finally accepted players and opened the Holy Mountain, the entire Holy Mountain was packed with players.

This mountain has never been climbed by so many people before.

This gave the people of the snowy region a small but significant shock in terms of numbers.

“I will arrange things according to your suggestions as soon as possible…” Carmen nodded, “However, there are some things that still need to be considered, such as the judges…”

"This is just a gimmick. The Tribunal only needs to raise the bar as much as possible and accept a small number of undead that you deem suitable and outstanding," Bai Ye said with a smile.

Things are valued for their rarity. If the Judge profession, a combat role, becomes commonplace, it will lose its appeal.

In fact, Arknights Online is a game that downplays the concept of classes. Players have a lot of freedom in their character builds. The so-called Inquisitor class is more about learning a couple more skills and getting a cool uniform and a powerful set of equipment.

As I said before, strength is only temporary, but looking cool is something that lasts for several versions. Players have long coveted the Inquisitor's outfit, especially the lantern and hand cannon; it's not only powerful but also incredibly stylish. Unfortunately, it's a limited-time item for the Inquisition, so players don't have a way to obtain it.

“I’m not coming, nor do I expect those undead to understand the scriptures…” Carmen quipped.

Players may also be seen as a symbol of chaos in his eyes.

……

Am I too late?

Just as Bai Ye and Carmen were discussing things, a young girl rushed over, panting.

"Tulip, long time no see." Bai Ye turned around and greeted her.

This was also an old acquaintance of Bai Ye's; she was Rhodes Island's liaison in Iberia. She was the one who led Bai Ye and the others into Saltwind City last time. Of course, she had also witnessed what a battle of titans looked like.

“Dr. Kal'tsit asked me to come and contact you, but it seems I’m late? Ah! Inquisitors, and… Saint… His Excellency the Saint?” Tulip then noticed Carmen and the others standing next to White Night. She looked shocked, clearly not expecting to see such important figures from Iberia here.

"Calm down, you represent Rhodes Island now," Bai Ye comforted her from the side.

"Yes." Tulip took a deep breath.

Then Bai Ye smiled and said:

"Actually, you didn't arrive too late. If you had arrived any earlier, you probably would have had to clean up the Netherworld with us, or you might have been trapped outside by the Netherworld."