Luke was still wearing his clothes from before the transmigration, but in the world of "Epoch," the setting was a blend of steam, magic, machinery, alchemy, and extraordinary powers. The attire reflected a 2D game style reminiscent of modern-day Europe.
The person in front of him was the one known as Black Mamba, whose real name was Shelley. She had gained significant popularity among players in the Cape District of the Furious Waves City for her "100% solve rate" in solving cases.
It could be said without exaggeration that the Cape District had become the most chaotic area in Furious Waves City. Not only was it a gathering place for the lower-class residents of the city, but Shelley's unique investigative skills had also made a significant contribution to the disorder.
Shelley's appearance hadn't changed much from her in-game counterpart. She wore a black midriff top, a brown leather jacket that couldn't be buttoned up due to a certain area being too large, fitted leather shorts, and a black leg band wrapped around her left leg, with a gun holster attached to the side.
Below that, the heel of her leather boots was connected to a sharp blade, reflecting cold light that pierced Luke's eyes.
Luke looked at Shelley and asked, "What's today's date?"
"It's the 24th of April, Year 2647 in the Century Calendar."
It seemed that some of the strategies from the game could come in handy.
"I'm the newly appointed detective in the Cape District branch of the Secret Bureau."
"Are you mocking me?" Shelley moved her leg forward a bit. "Kid! Even when lying, you need to come up with a lie that sounds believable. What you said, I'm afraid not even Pisco would believe it."
Surprisingly, Pisco interjected, "Boss, our previous detective died last month, and the headquarters said they would send us a new one. He knows so much about you and me; maybe he really is our detective."
"Shut up, Pisco." Shelley stopped her dim-witted teammate. "I know the headquarters will send us a new detective, but it definitely won't be someone so... weak. I bet he won't last three days in the Cape District."
Shelley turned to Luke and asked, "This is your last chance. Tell me, who exactly are you?"
"I'm your new detective."
Shelley's expression turned murderous, and the blade on her shoe came even closer.
"My patience is wearing thin... You don't have any appointment letter on you."
Luke stared at Shelley and said, "Of course, I have an appointment letter. You just don't know how to read it. Let me go, and you'll see."
Luke's response made Shelley somewhat unsure.
"Where is this appointment letter? Show it to me."
"Let me go first... Are you afraid that such a weakling like me will escape from here?"
Shelley pondered for a moment, withdrew her leg, and signaled to Pisco.
Pisco immediately untied the ropes and handcuffs binding Luke.
Luke stretched his wrists and said, "Give me all my belongings."
After receiving a nod from Shelley, Pisco went out and returned with a bag of evidence, which he handed over to Luke.
Luke opened the bag.
Inside were keys, a cellphone, and several cards.
Luke took out the cellphone.
Shelley asked cautiously, "What's this? It seems to be a magical item. I tried opening it, but it requires a certain password."
"This is an experimental alchemical tool developed by the Imperial Alchemical Engineering Bureau. Nobody but me can open it. Explaining won't help; you wouldn't understand."
Luke unlocked the cellphone with his fingerprint and started searching for video collections.
"Here, take a look for yourself."
Shelley and Pisco leaned in to look at the phone screen.
When they saw a woman appearing on the screen, Shelley jumped up from her chair.
She stood at attention with perfect military posture.
"Greetings, Princess!" she exclaimed.
Princess Agatha, the eldest princess of the Golden Shield Empire, was a legendary woman who possessed beauty, martial prowess, and intelligence. She was ruthless, decisive, and had a strong-willed personality befitting a monarch.
Princess Agatha held several important positions, one of which was overseeing the Secret Bureau of the empire. Shelley worked directly under her.
Therefore, when Princess Agatha appeared on the screen, Shelley dared not show any negligence.
She stood respectfully, waiting for the princess's instructions.
Although Pisco hadn't seen the princess before, he followed Shelley's lead and stood at attention as well.
"Greetings, Princess!" he said.
However, what shocked Shelley and Pisco was...
The Princess Agatha on the screen spoke affectionately, saying, "Are you... leaving tomorrow? That place must be very dangerous... I, I'm worried about you, but I believe in you. With your abilities, there's nothing in this world you can't accomplish. I'll miss you, every single day. Tonight... can't you stay? I want to watch over you... because I don't know when we'll meet again..."
Luke took back the cellphone and said to the dumbfounded duo, "What happens next is not something you can see."
"Epoch" incorporated interactive CG animations of high production quality into the game's storyline, constantly enticing players to delve deeper into the narrative.
Moreover, as the favorability increased, the content could push the boundaries.
As an "Epoch" content creator, Luke had stored a massive amount of CG animations and strategies in his cellphone for video production purposes.
Not to mention spending a pleasant night with your princess.
I even have CGs of spending a pleasant night with your queen.
Looking at Shelley and Pisco's expressions, Luke knew that he had thoroughly shocked the two rising stars of the Cape District branch of the Secret Bureau.
Their mouths were open, but they couldn't utter a word. Judging from their expressions... their heads were probably buzzing.
At that moment, Luke's consciousness received a prompt.
[Do you want to charge your cellphone?]
Luke checked the battery level... 57%.
It was time to charge.
But how should he charge it?
Luke could only attempt to respond in his mind, "Charge it."
The cellphone instantly disappeared from Luke's hand, and at the same time, the operating interface of the cellphone appeared in his consciousness.
The icon displayed [Charging].
The cellphone vanished from Luke's hand, finally snapping Shelley out of her daze.
"That person... really was Princess Agatha," she murmured.
Luke casually crossed his legs.
"Shelley, you've met Princess Agatha before. You should know if it's real or not."
Shelley was indeed well aware.
The person she had just seen was indeed Princess Agatha, and the location was inside the princess's chambers.
But how could the usually serious and disciplined Princess Agatha... say such things and have such an expression?
Her image was collapsing!
More importantly, who were those words of affection from the princess directed towards?
As Shelley scrutinized the man in front of her, she couldn't help but think...
He... he slept with Princess Agatha!