Arlon is a weird guy. No—both Arlons are weird.
Let's start with Arlon the guide.
We met him in Istarra. Back then, we didn't know this world wasn't a game.
So, we treated him as an NPC. But I was always sure something was up with him.
However, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find anything solid.
Whenever I thought I did, there was a shred of evidence that I was wrong.
That was also suspicious.
Unlike other NPCs, he didn't stay in one place. He treated us differently than the other players.
I asked questions, tested theories, and even confronted him directly. Once, I told him to his face, "Other NPCs don't even know they're NPCs. How do you know what you are?"
His reply? "I don't know what an NPC is—you're the one who keeps calling me that."
This was another perfect answer.
I had also checked his outfit. But, Arlon had taken off his armor, getting ready for sleep.