Underworld Player Chapter 30 - The Concerning Department

Late Night Kitty hugged the portable amplifier and whimpered, "But it's uh... it's festive, isn't that nice?"

"I don't care about festive, all I know is that we look like complete imbeciles trying to have a serious conversation while this upbeat nonsense is playing!"

"Oh." Late Night Kitty raised a hand cautiously. "What if I picked a different song? I'll find something suitable, I prom—"

"Here, use these."

Before she could finish, Bai Zhi whipped out a pair of wireless headphones and stuffed it right into her arms.

Temperance Gentleheart made a face. "...Just how much more do you have in your inventory? I thought we only had thirty slots in a basic Inventory…"

"Just essential adventuring supplies. I've got homemade white phosphorus bombs, and what else... ah, digestive tablets! You want digestive tablets*?" Bai Zhi said with a straight face.

Temperance was speechless.

"A large backpack can contain quite a lot," Mustachio began. "but the backpack itself only takes up one space in the Inventory. This is information freely available on the Player's Forum, which is on the Dark Web."

He sighed deeply. "Very well, cards on the table. I've decided to come clean. I am a new Player, but also a member of the Official National Forces. To secure my chances of a successful Newbie Run, before starting the quest, I was able to rent some equipment."

"The National Forces/Player's Forum?" said Temperance Gentleheart and Late Night Kitty, respectively, at the same time.

Mustachio's revelation had captured their full attention. Bai Zhi alone seemed unsurprised.

"Yes, I received my Player status a week ago, and three days after that, I was discovered by the National Team. I chose to join them." Mustachio said candidly, showing that he meant his word.

"I trust you've all heard about the proliferation of supernatural or bizarre incidents occurring all over the world?" These incidents started occurring frequently three months ago, and that's when Players came into existence. Naturally, the powers that be could not overlook such important events. Thus, nations all over the world would come to establish official organizations dedicated to dealing with such matters."

Late Night Kitty raised a hand. "Is it called the Dragons of the Orient?" she asked with sparkling eyes.

"...No. The proper name is The Concerning Department."

Even Mustachio cringed as he said it.

"All in all, joining The Concerning Department offers many benefits. With the ongoing increase in Impossible entities, the world is sinking ever deeper into crisis, and Players, the only ones with the power to fight them, are more needed than ever. If you all wish to join, I can give you a phone number. After the Newbie Run, just dial it and someone will walk you through the rest."

"That's not important right now... What equipment did you get?" asked Bai Zhi. "Logically, I don't expect equipment, even rented ones, to come cheap."

"You're right. Equipment is key to staying alive, but if a Player loses their life during the Newbi

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