reincarnation npc, but tomorrow's ark

(Happy new week!)

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Bai Ye saw Goredia pat her leg and didn't immediately understand what she meant. Although he vaguely guessed at a possibility, he still felt the idea was quite absurd.

Only after Goredia brought her legs together and gestured again did Bai Ye tentatively sit down beside her, then slowly turn his body to the side.

Goredia held Bai Ye's head with both hands and let him rest his head on her lap.

"There's no furniture in the room, so we'll have to make do. This way, we can ensure we get the most rest," Greta explained, though it sounded more like a cover-up.

"The truth?" Bai Ye lay on the hunter's lap, feeling the elastic and firm touch of the back of his head.

“I’ve been watching them do this for a long time, and I want to try it too.” Grandia answered every question; she was a very serious person. Then she asked, “How does it feel?”

"Very good, thank you." Actually, the effect of the lap pillow was not very good, but Bai Ye enjoyed the atmosphere, and in this empty cabin, where the rest of the furniture had long since rotted and broken, Goredia's thighs were indeed one of the most comfortable things.

"You've helped me so much, I want to do even more for you," Godia said softly as she gently massaged Bai Ye's head.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony." Bai Ye couldn't see Goredia's expression at that moment, as his vision was blocked by some kind of frontal armor, which, although not as large as Skadi's, was still quite impressive.

Only now did Bai Ye realize that the captain of the deep-sea hunters was indeed very beautiful. Because of the urgency, Bai Ye hadn't been able to appreciate her beauty while she was receiving treatment, which was a real waste.

Goredia hummed a song softly, just as Skadi used to do, and now Goredia was imitating her.

……

Skadi and Laurentina were stunned. They looked at Bai Ye and Gretia, never expecting that the two would enter such an atmosphere. It was even more surprising than seeing Ulpian still alive.

"What on earth happened to those two in the underwater cave... that they've changed so much?" Laurentina had obviously guessed the answer, but it still felt unbelievable to her. After all, it was Gretia, and Laurentina knew her captain's skin all too well.

Therefore, having witnessed the interaction between the two, the nun felt her familiar world rapidly receding into the distance, and she even thought that the person in front of her, Greta, was something else in disguise.

There's no way Goredia could be that gentle!

In fact, even Gretia herself couldn't have imagined this change. When she first met Bai Ye, she couldn't help but take action directly. At that time, she certainly couldn't have imagined that this day would come.

Actually, Bai Ye was already somewhat eager to make a move, but he also knew very well that he needed to conserve his energy for the upcoming operation, so he had to control himself and instead enjoy the tranquility of the moment.

……

The brief silence was broken by a tremor. Bai Ye rose from Goddess's lap; he had fully recovered. Bai Ye decided to attribute the credit to Goddess, although he knew perfectly well that it was clearly the effect of the sane potion. However, psychological satisfaction was obviously far more important than the actual effect.

“It’s time.” Gladys stood up as well, her expression returning to its usual seriousness and calm. “Hunters, we should go… let’s go home.”

Although she no longer considers Agor her "home," Goredia still uses the word "home."

Goredia felt no attachment to that place, but she still felt a sense of responsibility; after all, she was still the Scientific Consul. This was a source of pride from the bottom of her heart.

The four men finished preparing, almost fully armed, and then they left the cabin and went to the deck of Stutifira.

Apart from the sailors who were piloting the giant ship, everyone else had already come to the deck. As soon as Bai Ye and the deep-sea hunters appeared, they attracted a crowd of onlookers. Most of them were players, who curiously observed the hunters and Bai Ye, who was walking at the front.

Players have learned through various channels that Bai Ye is about to complete an important mission, one that will determine the fate of the entire game. Over the years, Bai Ye has traversed almost the entire land, and now he is about to venture into the ocean.

This is no longer an area that players can interfere with.

The players felt a pang of regret at not being able to witness firsthand what Bai Ye was about to do, but they also felt a strange sense of satisfaction, as if they were witnessing someone grow from an ordinary person into a protagonist of the world, a living legend. This feeling was familiar; everyone knew Bai Ye, and they would sometimes, after a few drinks, talk about this well-known NPC, reminiscing about his past deeds, every item sold in his shop, and the power armor bearing his name.

Rather than viewing Bai Ye as a cold NPC, players believe, or rather prefer to believe, that Bai Ye is more like a long-time, familiar friend, part of the game's vast data.

……

Saint Carmen was ready; he had composed himself and become resolute and strong once more.

Carmen looked at Bai Ye and said:

"We can only take you this far. We simply don't have any extra fuel."

"Moreover, here we found a city called Agor, underwater, very bright, the light connecting into one."

Goredia remained unmoved:

“That’s not our city. Agor’s city wouldn’t be this close to the shore. It’s a trap, a den of terror fish and cultists.”

“You really surprise me. Even so close to your homeland, you can still remain calm.” Carmen was unaware of the changes in Goredia’s heart; he was simply impressed by the strength of these Agorians.

“According to the plan, we will attack that area to cover your operation,” Carmen continued after the brief interruption.

“Lady Kal’tsit said that you are the key, so the fate of the land is in your hands.” Carmen said, pressing hard on Bai Ye’s shoulder.

Bai Ye felt the weight on his shoulders.

No longer is there only one civilization; now, the fate of two worlds rests on his shoulders.

However, life went on in other parts of this land, and few people knew that their fate had been handed over to a stranger.

Chapter 179 Deep Blue

(I bought Jedi: Survival Evolved again...)

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Goredia was the first to jump into the water, followed by the three deep-sea hunters.

Bai Ye looked back one last time before leaping into the deep sea.

The four were like water droplets splashed into the ocean, instantly swallowed by the azure sea, disappearing without a trace and never to be seen again.

After watching Bai Ye and the others leave, Carmen turned around and looked at the players standing on the deck:

"Gentlemen, our war has only just begun."

Stuttgart began to slowly turn and then headed towards the predetermined location. In fact, their operation might be even more dangerous, because without White Night's protection, no one knew when Hai Si would make a move against the ship.

After watching the group leave, Ulbian said to Carmen:

“Without the newborn, this ship will soon become unsafe. I’ll go ahead and scout ahead, trying to avoid the school of terror fish as much as possible.”

Then, the deep-sea hunter jumped into the water.

While players were still debating whether these Super Terrans were holding their breath underwater for too long, those in power armor jumped in with Ulpian. These guys were rather laid-back and wanted to trigger the mission early.

Carmen was already used to this; he never expected these undead to obey orders like his own Punisher. Carmen wholeheartedly agreed with Bai Ye's words: "Never think about how to control these guys. The tougher you are, the more you'll provoke their rebellious nature." "You have to guide them, let them achieve your expected goals to a certain extent."

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"..."

In fact, this was the first time that Bai Ye had truly entered the sea. It wasn't about entering any underwater caves or any other place, but rather about completely immersing himself in the seawater.

On deck, White Night inhaled his last breath of land air before switching to underwater breathing. This was a method Skadi and Laurentina had taught him in Siesta; in addition, he learned how to communicate underwater.

"At least we've accomplished something worthwhile on land... Teaching him these things has proven quite useful." Seeing that Bai Ye didn't need her assistance, Goredia finally felt relieved. Although Bai Ye had previously claimed that he was just as capable as a deep-sea hunter in the water and didn't need any help, Goredia still didn't quite believe it.

Now it seems that Bai Ye was not exaggerating.

……

The sea wasn't dark, and Bai Ye quickly adapted to the sudden change in environment, then saw various twinkling lights. Afterward, Bai Ye saw the city Carmen had mentioned.

In the darkness, the brightly lit city stood out starkly.

Like a crystal ball in the sea, a transparent dome envelops the city. This giant dome, built with an unknown transparent material, can withstand the immense water pressure of the deep sea. It's somewhat like the underground city of the Durinians.

This is Agor, and every city in Agor is designed to explore the human condition. Agor's cities feature artificial low-gravity environments, allowing Agorians to "swim" directly in the city's airspace, or to connect via neural links to vehicles designed by the Vehicle Design Institute, operating them like fish manipulating their fins. However, there's also the risk that prolonged driving might actually make one feel like a fish. Agor's lighting is constant, intended to encourage citizens to freely arrange their daily routines.

These were all things that Greta, Skadi, or Laurentina told Bai Ye—a wealthy, lost kingdom hidden in the sea, unknown to the people of the land.

But now, Bai Ye only felt that the city was fleeing, as if it was desperately trying to escape the center of a vortex, or as if it was being swept up by something and became the nest of something indescribable.

Bai Ye didn't look at it again, but instead led the Deep Sea Hunter to swim towards a deeper place.

The large swarm guided him, showing him the origin and direction of everything, preventing him from getting lost in the deep sea. Meanwhile, the Cyclops remained suspended directly above their heads. Through the game system, Luna was also constantly watching him.

Therefore, although he was in the abyss, Bai Ye felt extremely at ease.

On the contrary, Isamara, the newborn sealed within Bai Ye's body, became silent after Bai Ye entered the deep sea. She stopped making a sound and stopped communicating with Bai Ye, seemingly worried that she might attract some trouble.

Clearly, she was worried about triggering other newborns.

As the group ventured deeper, Goredia witnessed Agor's current state once again.

Obviously, that's not good.

They had passed through several abandoned cities, where giant domes were shattered, seawater filled the entire city, and buildings were deserted, becoming the lair of the sea monsters.

"..." Goddess remained silent. She glanced at the ruins and then ignored them, continuing to venture deeper into the ruins.

Although he was in the dark depths of the sea, Bai Ye had not lost his sense of time. Timekeeping had become an instinct for him, a result of countless training sessions. Each of those strange training methods was devised by Luna, and each had its own rationale.

About half a day later, Bai Ye found a cave where the ruins of the city of Agor were integrated with the area. Part of the city had not yet been submerged by the sea, making it a suitable place to rest.

Bai Ye led the hunters into this waterless area in the sea.

“There is oxygen, we can breathe…” Bai Ye discovered that some of the ruins of the Agorian city were still functioning, such as the oxygen supply module.

The hunters stared silently at the ruins before them. The situation was worse than they had imagined. Agor's city was rapidly falling, all a disaster orchestrated by the Deep Sea Church.

"How much further?" Skadi spoke again. She was a little unaccustomed to communicating with ultrasound before, after all, she had been on land for a long time.

"There's still quite a distance to go. As it stands, there aren't many enemies yet..." Bai Ye sensed the situation briefly.

Goredia added:

"The place we're going to is also a mysterious place for Agor. Thousands of years ago, we reached the center of the ocean. There, we discovered the origin. The origin of civilization."

People in Agor who have received a general education all know this story, a story that is similar to a legend and a myth.

Leave

I got some work done and I'm working overtime on it, so I'm taking a day off today.

Speaking of which, the old man's cup is hilarious; it's a tribute to the legendary alchemist Otto...

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Chapter 180 An Unexpected Enemy

(I've been watching Godzilla-1 recently, thanks to the Bilibili uploader for sharing.)

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"Let's not talk about the Ocean Center for now... we'll find out when we get there anyway." Goredia didn't continue.

Bai Ye checked the location of the Cyclops spacecraft, and then looked at the city ruins in front of him with great interest.

Structurally, this must be an ancient city, its history shining brightly, the grandeur and arrogance of the buildings beneath the domes still faintly visible. No wonder the Agorians hold an almost contemptuous arrogance towards the land-dwelling nations and inhabitants.

However, it seems somewhat laughable now. Arrogance is the greatest obstacle to civilization.

However, this did not prevent Bai Ye from appreciating the city before him. In his hometown, there were many legends about underwater kingdoms, perhaps because humans could not explore the unfathomable ocean, thus giving rise to many interesting fantasies.

However, in Terra, these Agorians put this fantasy into practice, and it must be admitted that they did indeed build a wonder.

"It is said that the new underwater city is somewhat similar to the land-based one, both having added mobility features. This is probably a city structure created for migration to avoid the disaster of the sea monsters," Goredia said softly. "The Agorians will not easily abandon the city unless absolutely necessary."

As they spoke, the deep-sea hunter kept his eyes on Bai Ye. Although the city of her hometown, which she hadn't seen in a long time, was right beside her, Goredia seemed to have no interest in it.

Goredia was aware of her own changes—her personality, her behavior, or rather, her "humanity." Everything about her was shaped by Agor, where parents of children who exhibited flaws such as timidity or indecisiveness were legally deprived of the opportunity to raise their offspring.

Of course, her family, especially her mother, were even worse.

"What's wrong?" Bai Ye noticed Goredia's gaze and asked curiously. They were currently in darkness, on the seabed, deep in the ocean. Sunlight was merely a phantom thousands of meters overhead; it should exist, but no one could perceive it. Only the portable lamp Bai Ye carried emitted a faint glow.

"I just thought of my birth mother after a long time. We don't talk as much as we do these days. Most of the time, she just gives me a few instructions, like a cold machine."

"So you looked like this at first too." Bai Ye smiled.

Bai Ye wanted to say something more, but was suddenly stopped. He stood up and felt the wind inside and outside the broken dome and the ocean current outside the dome.

"Something's coming. It should be a deep-sea bishop," Bai Ye said softly.

Then, the deep-sea hunters rallied, picked up their weapons, and carefully hid among the corals.

Clearly, the deep-sea bishop had not discovered them; he had come here simply because it was his lair.

Having escaped the ocean currents and entered the city ruins, the cultists shook off the seawater and then strolled through the streets of the ruins.

“I know him, a big shot in the Visual Arts Creation Institute under the Technical Institute,” Laurentina whispered. Only now did she have a direct feeling about just how much the Deep Sea Church had corrupted Agor.

No, it's more likely that the Deep Sea Church originated in the deep sea, born in Agor, and brought ashore by the fleeing Agor people. Perhaps, in a way, the Iberian perspective is somewhat accurate; it was indeed these Agor people, the islanders they spoke of, who brought the disaster. Since sea creatures don't attack land without reason, it's highly probable that followers of the Deep Sea Church were mixed among these refugees.