007. Game Planner: I remember something happy
Luo Le, Xue Nian, and Lu Run sat on the bench in the interrogation room, facing the suspicious gazes of the Triangle Town guards. Luo Le scratched his neck and said:
"What I'm about to say, you must not be afraid."
"Say it."
"The gtb-issued warrant and the charges against Li Aozi by Frost-Plated—it's all a frame-up."
"Oh."
"What do you mean 'oh'? What's with that reaction?" Luo Le rolled his eyes. "Li Aozi slaughtered the entire Abyss Humanitarian Relief Organization, freeing the human test subjects—such a person being framed by Frost-Plated, and you have no emotional reaction?"
"So, you mean Li Aozi didn't destroy the Abyss Humanitarian Relief Organization?" the interrogator asked suspiciously.
"Uh, that's not it. He did destroy the Abyss Humanitarian Relief Organization, but we found evidence of their heinous crimes."
Luo Le said, handing over a copied video, then mumbled in the voice channel:
"I took a look, these guards are all at least level fifteen. It's surprising to find such a powerful settlement in the Outlands."
"Never mind that. Are you sure this straightforward approach will help us find Li Aozi?" Xue Nian retorted. "Old Luo, although recent overtime has been tough, working more than eight hours a day, is your brain overloaded?"
"I think Luo Ge's method is quite feasible," Lu Run said, finding it reasonable. "Li Aozi is so popular in the Outlands. If he's in Triangle Town, he's probably a VIP of the local warlord. We're here to clear his name; he'd likely want to see us."
"Not necessarily. I checked the company data, Triangle Town's warlord, Auckland Jute, has weapon-grade enriched uranium. Wouldn't someone like him be wary of Li Aozi?" Xue Nian said pessimistically. "Besides, look at our identities: two community thugs and a gtb insider—especially you, with such a sensitive identity. Do you think Li Aozi would trust us?"
As they talked, the interrogation room door opened. The guards immediately stood at attention and saluted, shouting:
"Triangle Alliance!"
"At ease."
A childish male voice sounded, and a group of well-equipped guards escorted a short, thin boy wearing a thick coat. The boy walked with a friendly smile, chatting and laughing with the man beside him:
"In recent years, it seems more and more conscious men from Frost-Plated are choosing to leave the country, even venturing into the Outlands."
"It's a historical trend. Besides, the Outlands also have well-developed towns like Auckland's domain."
"Haha, I'm flattered. Compared to a real country, Triangle Town is far behind."
The boy chuckled, then sat down with Li Aozi. Through a layer of bulletproof glass, they faced the three Frost-Plated unfortunate ones.
To Luo Le and the others, Triangle Town's lord Auckland Jute looked like a beautiful Outlands youth with white hair, red eyes, and pale skin. If not for his thick commander's uniform and his commanding presence, he would appear more like a gentle and amiable figure.
Although Lord Auckland was already a graceful youth, compared to Li Aozi beside him, he was like a firefly next to the bright moon, pale and dim.
Without the need for immediate combat, Li Aozi had changed out of his practical and shabby outfit, now wearing a knitted sweater vest, shirt, canvas trousers, and a casually draped washed cotton jacket. His demeanor softened significantly. Moreover, he had his hair styled by a local barber, making him appear more sunny and approachable.
Lu Run immediately started recording. Li Aozi's attire was secondary; his poise and aura were perfect for a promotional video, showcasing the diverse costume system of "Star Abyss."
"This is the real Li Aozi. He's indeed handsome," Luo Le said sourly in the voice channel. "Couldn't he dress more lavishly? Then I could blame his looks on his outfit. Players would definitely be motivated to spend money on skins and outfits."
"Why don't you go work in the planning department?" Xue Nian remarked sharply.
"Don't get too close to the game planning department; you'll lose both parents."
"That kind of thing never existed..."
Lu Run focused on adjusting the camera, aiming at Li Aozi. He noticed that this NPC with extraordinary charm and strength didn't seem as violent and terrifying as in the previous plot. Quiet Li Aozi even had a tranquil beauty.
If not seen in person, it would be hard to associate this calm man with the one who slaughtered everyone in the Abyss Humanitarian Relief Organization.
Speaking of which, he didn't see Qiu Ran or Du Zexin, nor any survivors of the Abyss Humanitarian Relief Organization.
Since boarding the subway, they hadn't seen any video footage.
Lu Run thought they must have left. Those survivors and Qiu Ran should have gone home by now.
"Greetings to the three guests from Frost-Plated."
Auckland smiled and said:
"There's an old saying from the old era, roughly meaning: for those who come from afar, prepare fine wine and shotguns. I'm a warlord, a rough person, not well-versed in culture and etiquette. How I entertain you depends on your attitude."
After some discussion, the three decided to let Luo Le, the big fool, speak. His charisma attribute was 5, the highest among them.
"Sigh, I have to step in—watch how to interact with NPCs in the most authentic and natural way. I'll demonstrate only once."
Luo Le shrugged, opened the system interface, and skillfully found the [Disguise Mode].
The next moment, in Xue Nian and Lu Run's eyes, Luo Le's interface changed instantly, displaying as an 'everyday NPC.' His ID also transformed from the company's standard name to a strange Frost-Plated male name:
Qi Huaimu.
He cleared his throat and naturally spoke in a Frost-Plated suburban accent:
"Hey, I like talking to straightforward people—honestly, we're from Frost-Plated, employed by gtb, that's true."
Under Lu Run's astonished gaze, Luo Le seemed to become the real game NPC 'Qi Huaimu,' saying smoothly:
"I'm Qi Huaimu, this is my streetmate Sweeper Xue Parker, and this is Mr. Lu Ao • Vick—alright, he's a gtb employee. But Lu Ao is very righteous. After seeing the original footage of Li Aozi massacring the Abyss Humanitarian Relief Organization, he noticed something wrong and decided to stand up and expose him."
His speech patterns became like a Frost-Plated street kid, leaving Lu Run dumbfounded.
What was going on?
Was he possessed?
Why did he even disconnect from the voice channel?
"This is the [Disguise Mode], still in the testing phase, will be fully implemented during the beta."
Xue Nian explained:
"Even if players understand the plot and cultural background, there's still a big gap with native NPCs."
"So Luo Ge now is..."
"Overlaying the personality of the NPC you summoned."
Xue Nian explained:
"This is also one of the main systems we're testing, enhancing player immersion. Even players with social anxiety or poor language skills can communicate freely with NPCs."
"Hmm, I feel the practicality is, maybe... why not add an in-game voice system?" Lu Run suggested. "You see, once Luo Ge activates [Disguise Mode], the background plugins are disabled. It will surely be inconvenient for players to communicate."
"Don't you have friends for gaming?"
"…I think most people come to play games because they don't have fixed friends."
Xue Nian was silent for a moment, then said:
"When are you and Luo Le going to the planning department?"
"Uh, my mom is very healthy and treats me well. I don't want to lose her yet..."