Chapter Four: Infernal Affairs

The Profession District serves as a hub for players of the three major organizations to learn skills, turn in quests, and obtain special equipment and items. Consequently, one can see many novice players here, either hurrying about or standing in long queues.

Although novice players start at level ten, they lack the stats to form any real combat capability. Therefore, *Anomaly Paradise* features a standard tutorial system, guiding players to deliver goods for shopkeepers or do odd jobs for instructors to acquire skills, equipment, and credit points, helping them get on the right track quickly.

Strictly speaking, Ember and his companions were also newcomers, yet they could not enjoy these novice perks and had to figure things out on their own. However, their special status brought its own conveniences. As a Guardian Knight and a Shadow Envoy, they were key cultivation targets for the three organizations. When entering the branch bases, they did not need to wait in line like ordinary players and were even met by dedicated staff.

"Respected Shadow Envoy, the Director of the 19th Concealment Facility wishes to speak with you. Please follow me."

After briefly parting ways with Lu Renjia, Ember had just stepped into the Foundation’s branch gate under the gaze of many players when he was approached by an attendant in black. Ember noticed the attendant’s attire was unique; pinned to his chest was not only the Foundation’s insignia but also a black maple leaf, identical to the leaf carving on the Maple Blood Badge.

"Very well."

Ember, lost in thought, separated from "Not an Expert," who was also being sought out by someone, and was led by the attendant into a reception room. No sooner had he sat down than the scene in the room suddenly shifted into the office of the elderly man in the suit. The Director, known as "The Old Tailor," sat upright behind his desk, smiling at him, while the impassive Head of the Control Center stood nearby.

The sudden spatial shift caught Ember off guard. The old man in the suit chuckled, "Don't be afraid. This is merely a holographic projection; you are still on the Island. I requested this conversation in such haste because there are certain things that must be made clear to avoid future mistakes. I hope you don't find this old fellow too long-winded."

"Please, speak freely," Ember replied, maintaining his respect for his superior's superior.

"Once you pass the final assessment, you will have graduated from my jurisdiction. You will then undergo a period of professional training on the Island. Upon qualifying, you will be eligible for external assignment. Whether you remain here or work elsewhere depends on your training performance—the better you perform, the more choices you will have. Otherwise, you might be sent to some desolate, bitter region where even growth resources cannot be guaranteed."

The old man in the suit glanced at the black-clad attendant behind Ember and continued, "Of course, this shouldn't be an issue for you. Both the Foundation and the Shadow Queen will pay close attention to your growth; you won't fall behind others in terms of missions. But you must not take it lightly. Failing too many critical missions will lower your standing with the higher-ups and could cause you to miss out on vital mission resources."

"I have noted this," Ember replied with a solemn nod.

"Good! Enough idle talk; let's get to the point. Your decision to become the Shadow Queen’s Shadow Envoy did not surprise me. Otherwise, you wouldn't be the 'Consecutive Apostate' Sun Defender."

"..." Ember, who had been listening with rapt attention, nearly choked. He wanted to explain that there were other reasons for his choice, but both the old man in the suit and his direct superior seemed convinced it was due to his character tag.

"I cannot yet judge if this choice is good or bad, as I have only recently learned the truth behind the 'Kindling Project.' You new recruits are, in some respects, even more special than Reality Benders, and perhaps your training should be specialized as well. But I must warn you: always remember your identity. You are a formal employee of the Foundation first, and a Shadow Envoy second!"

Hearing this, the black-clad attendant stepped forward, stood next to Ember, and said in a deep voice, "I ask that the Director be careful with his words. The three organizations have gifted the Island to the Sun Daughter and the Shadow Queen. At least on the Island, the status of the Shadow Envoy is more prestigious."

"The decisions of the high-level officials are not for me to dispute, but I offer you the same advice: do not forget your roots. Do not think that becoming a Shadow Dark Servant gives you the right to act in bad faith toward the Foundation. Get out! My conversation with the Shadow Envoy is not for you to eavesdrop on."

The old man's expression turned chillingly sharp. His imposing aura instantly made the attendant’s face turn unsightly. Ember realized that even the seemingly peaceful Island was teeming with undercurrents; he wondered how much scheming had occurred both on and off the Island during his time away from the game.

The Shadow Dark Servant, lacking the nerve to confront the renowned Old Tailor, silently retreated. The old man’s expression softened, and he looked at Ember with anticipation. "I hope you take my words to heart. The emergence of the Shadow Queen is unusual. What her relationship with the Sun Daughter is, and what her stance toward the Paradise world is, remains unknown. But I know that remaining firmly on the side of the Foundation will never be wrong."

"I understand."

Ember nodded, though he felt a sense of helplessness. He was one hundred percent certain that if he didn't have the "Consecutive Apostate" character tag, the Old Tailor would not keep emphasizing the need for a firm stance to avoid becoming an enemy of the Foundation.

"Director, may I ask what happened on the Island later? The Chaos Apostles looked aggressive, but I feel like they didn't accomplish anything." Having confirmed the influence of his character tag, Ember immediately asked about what concerned him most.

"That is because the main objective of the Chaos Apostles was to facilitate the Sun Daughter’s arrival on the Island and her meeting with the Maple Blood family, thereby boosting her strength to check the plans of the three major organizations. Of course, they also coveted the Kindling and some data on your cohort of elite recruits, but the University President successfully stopped them. They did, however, indulge their destructive nature before leaving, leaving the outskirts of the Island in shambles. You will see the situation for yourself soon enough."

The old man explained, "Ordinarily, these things are not for you to know, but considering your choice to follow the Shadow Queen, I felt it necessary to make an exception."

"As I thought..."

"This 'Killing Island' assessment plan was, in reality, a trap set for the three organizations by the Maple Blood family. Although the outcome did not spiral out of control, the reappearance of the Maple Blood family has drawn special attention from all sides. I must emphasize that the Sun Daughter and the Maple Blood family are not the same. The former has lost her backing, while the latter has deep roots in the Paradise world; their members are not only integrated into the three organizations but also have deep ties with the Chaos Lighthouse."

The old man sighed. "It is said that Professor Wind-Instrument of the University was the one who directly facilitated this plan, and she is a veteran member of the Maple Blood family. Although the University President managed to capture her afterward, the Sun Daughter personally intervened to protect her. If I am not mistaken, this Professor Wind-Instrument is currently a guest on the Island. You will likely encounter her. When that happens, she will inevitably probe your attitude, and I hope you can, in turn, find out her true opinion of the Sun Daughter."

"Are you saying..." Ember arched an eyebrow.

"No matter how grand the plans of the Solar Empire and the Maple Blood family may be, after so many years, it is hard to guarantee they haven't soured. The Sun Daughter is alone; I do not believe the Maple Blood family has no designs on usurping her position." The old man smiled suddenly. "Coincidentally, your character tag will help you easily become a confidant of the Shadow Queen. If you can seize this hard-won opportunity, I don't need to describe the benefits."

"..."

Ember remained silent, suddenly feeling that he might have been led astray by his "Consecutive Apostate" character tag.

Is this the start of an *Infernal Affairs* plotline?

As for the so-called benefits, they were likely just tricks to keep him going "three years after another three years."

And in the end, when everyone has forgotten their true identities, the only superior who knew the truth would die by falling from a building...

At this thought, Ember cast a pitying glance at the Head of the Control Center, leaving the latter thoroughly bewildered.

"Alright, enough talk. It all boils down to one thing: hold true to your heart and do your job."

The old man signaled to the Head of the Control Center, who immediately opened a briefcase to reveal a dark green left glove. According to the Head, this glove was an anomalous accessory produced by the anomaly project [Active Soft-Body]. Using an anomaly equipment voucher, Ember successfully obtained his fourth piece of anomalous equipment through the [Remote Physical Exchanger] in the conference room, completing the four-piece Active Soft-Body set.

*Knock, knock.*

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

The old man, anticipating that the Shadow Dark Servant was anxious and intended to interrupt the conversation, gave Ember one last warning before closing the holographic projection.

The black-clad attendant returned, took a deep look at Ember—who was busy inspecting his new accessory—and finding nothing amiss, gave a slight nod and whispered, "Respected Shadow Envoy, the Shadow Queen has issued an urgent summons for you."