People are in Star Iron; who says they're just NPCs?

But she actually endured it!

Released from control, Kafka sat up, her plump, long legs crossed in front of her. Every move she made was extremely elegant, exuding a charming and alluring mature grace.

"Mr. Lin Li, it sounds like you know me very well, but I know nothing about you. So could you please tell me where this place is and who you are?"

She had a smile on her face and even used polite language!

This turn of events surprised Lin Li a bit, but one shouldn't hit a smiling face. Since she was willing to speak politely, Lin Li didn't mind having a calm and peaceful conversation.

The status he saw in Kafka's information panel was "calm and composed," indicating that her behavior was not merely lip service or harboring murderous intent. Having just experienced a confrontation with the Black Tower, having a good chat with this charming and elegant older sister seemed like a good option.

So Lin Li poured himself a glass of water and also poured one for her, then briefly explained the NPC world to Kafka. The two chatted amiably, like long-lost friends, asking and answering questions, enjoying each other's company immensely.

It must be said that Kafka is indeed a master of mind manipulation. Even though she has lost the power to cast spells, her control over people's emotions remains precise.

This is why she didn't act rashly after breaking free of the control, because she sensed Lin Li's confidence, and she didn't have an effective way to deal with that kind of silent and forceful control.

People who walk on the edge of a knife are actually very adaptable and know how to be pragmatic, unless they are threatened with having their bottom line crossed.

This kind of person is also very good at chatting. Lin Li felt the joy of chatting freely for the first time in a long time. This kind of chatting was different from chatting with Xingbao online before.

When chatting online, it's like a newlywed couple who don't want to be apart for even a second, and they'll keep going even if they have to come up with dry topics.

The chats we have now are more like two people with similar interests, chatting endlessly based on their shared interests.

"So, the reason we encountered the Black Tower in the real world was actually because of Mr. Lin's tip-off, right?" Kafka suddenly asked at the end of the conversation.

Her expression revealed a hint of indescribable excitement.

"Hmm? I don't think I revealed any information about this. How did you come to this conclusion?" Lin Li asked, somewhat surprised.

They chatted, but Lin Li remained tactful, mostly introducing things about the NPC world and avoiding any mention of himself. The second update is here.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Alluring Older Sister

Lin Li underestimated Kaffa's grasp of human nature.

"Although Mr. Lin didn't say it explicitly, the details revealed in your conversation made me feel that you know me very well, the kind of knowing that sees through everything. I've met one person like that before."

“Elliot?” Lin Li asked in return.

"See, that's it. You have an extraordinary familiarity with me and with the Star Core Hunters, as if you've seen everyone's destiny beforehand. You're just like Elio in this respect!"

Kafka remained quite elegant, smiling slightly as she continued, "Our operation on the space station was disrupted by the unexpected appearance of the Black Tower, preventing us from achieving our full goals. In Elio's script, the Black Tower was not supposed to appear."

Unless someone anticipated our actions, notified the Black Tower, and disrupted Elio's original plan, Mr. Lin's apparent familiarity with the Star Core Hunters makes it hard for me not to draw conclusions.

Kafka didn't mention one more thing: Eriol's message before his disappearance mentioned that interference from an unknown force made it impossible to observe fate.

And this suddenly appearing NPC world, a complete replica of the Black Tower space station, doesn't it correspond perfectly to an unknown force? Based on all the information she obtained, she boldly guessed that Lin Li was the one interfering with the development of the script.

It has to be said, she truly lives up to her title of Star Core Hunter; she analyzed so much from just a few clues. Lin Li wasn't embarrassed or annoyed after hearing her explanation. If Kaffa guessed it, so be it; what impact could it have on him? He hadn't hidden his familiarity with Star Core Hunters anyway.

Even when facing Estádio or the Black Tower, he never hid his extraordinary understanding of them, and the Black Tower must have noticed this as well.

"Sister is so smart. It was indeed me who informed them of the antimatter legion and your arrival. What, does Sister Kafka want me to take responsibility for this?"

Lin Li raised an eyebrow, a playful smile playing on his lips.

“Mr. Lin Li, you misunderstand. What’s done is done, and there’s no point in pursuing it further. I just want to know the current state of the vessel, which is Xing. If I’m not mistaken, Xing should have been to this world before.”

This is easy to deduce; back in the containment chamber, Kafka couldn't wake the sleeping Starbaby no matter what she did.

Looking back now, it's very likely that Xingbao was already in this NPC world when they couldn't wake her up. "She's fine."

“I think Mr. Lin should know our purpose.” Kafka’s pink eyes were fixed on Lin Li. “I know, you want her to board the Star Train.”

"I failed to wake her last time, so I didn't have time to explain these things. And the space station is heavily guarded now, so I can't just approach Xing's room without permission. Could you please pass on a message to her for me, Mr. Lin?"

"Passing on a message is certainly possible, but—"

"What price are you prepared to pay for my help, Sister Kafka?" Lin Li asked, his eyes flashing. "Mr. Lin, please feel free to make any requests. As Star Core Hunters, we will do our best to fulfill them!"

Kaffa knew he was probably going to ask for an exorbitant amount, but she hadn't anticipated his question. Lin Li asked an unexpected one: "Has Kaffa ever been in a relationship?" "No." Hearing this question, Kaffa's heart skipped a beat.

Considering that her little hands hadn't been very still when Lin Li was holding her earlier, Kafka already guessed what he was going to say. And sure enough, he did.

Lin Li's smile turned somewhat ambiguous as he said, "Hehe, that's perfect. My request is that you become my girlfriend, how about it?"

"I am grateful that Mr. Lin thinks highly of me, but I have no plans to date at the moment, I'm really sorry." Kafka gave an elegant bow, even when rejecting Lin Li, she remained graceful and polite.

"Hehe, it's alright. The Star Core Hunters are incredibly powerful. I'm sure you'll be able to contact Star Treasure even without my help."

Lin Li wasn't surprised at all that his request was rejected. It would be strange if a great shark like Kafka agreed so easily. Lin Li wasn't in a hurry to have anything happen between him and Kafka; making this request was just a small gesture to leave an impression.

He was waiting for the Star Core Hunters to truly be driven to desperation and find no other way before slowly advancing his plan. As for whether they would actually be driven to desperation?

Black Tower is now determined to catch them!

"However, I must remind you, sister, the Star Train won't be staying at the space station for very long, so you two need to hurry, otherwise..."

Even if Bao wanted to go, he wouldn't make it in time!

Lin Li tossed his phone in his hand, looking relaxed.

"Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Lin. It was a pleasure chatting with you, but time is of the essence, and I must go back first to try and contact Xing. Goodbye!" "Go ahead, go ahead."

"By the way, Mr. Lin, you won't tell Black Tower about our information this time, right?"

"Hehe, if you kiss me, I'll promise to keep it a secret." Lin Li smiled and pointed to his lips. "Mr. Lin is really greedy."

Kafka stood up gracefully. She had intended to refuse the impolite request outright, but for some reason, she ended up limping over to Lin Li.

She was tall, but slightly shorter than Lin Li by half a head. The alluring girl stood on tiptoe and cupped Lin Li's head in her hands. Her full, red lips pressed against Lin Li's, the soft touch simultaneously touching his heart.

The girl's kiss was brief, followed by a waft of alluring fragrance. The charming and alluring woman had already turned around and gracefully left the living room.

Watching her figure disappear through the doorway, Lin Li touched his lips, as if her faint fragrance still lingered on them.

"What a seductive woman, but I'm sorry, I don't intend to keep my promise." Lin Li swiped through his phone, which displayed a character card of Kafka.

[Member: Kaffa] [Age: 18+]

[Faction: Star Core Hunters]

[Status: Bonded] [Bond Level: 25]

[Actual Functionality: Viewpoint Sharing]

The two had a very pleasant conversation, and their favorability rating rose rapidly. By the time Kafka rejected Lin Li's suggestion, it had already reached 20 points, unlocking the [Perspective Sharing] ability.

Therefore, Lin didn't care about being rejected by Kaffa, because he could find Kaffa's hiding place in the real world very soon.

Not only could they win the bet with the Black Tower, but they could also further restrict the Star Core Hunters' operational space, and if handled well, even capture them directly. At that point, Kafka would be left with no choice but to consider whether or not to agree to their demands.

Killing two birds with one stone, simply perfect! The first update is here!

Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Enraged Black Tower

Kafka, who had just left the living room, was unaware that Lin Li had already decided to betray her, but she hadn't expected Lin Li to keep his promise anyway.

There were several reasons why she still kissed him as he wished. Firstly, she had a fairly good impression of Lin Li.

Although this teacher-like young man is a bit lecherous, he always maintains restraint and a bottom line in his actions. He could have used his control to do whatever he wanted to her, but he didn't.

This actually increases Lakafka's favorability.

Secondly, she felt a little sorry for and sympathized with Lin Li.

After she woke up in the containment pod, she didn't encounter a single living person along the way until she met Lin Li. The suffocating and numb feeling was something she found hard to get used to.

Kafka admired Lin Li's strong will and felt a little sympathy for him for living alone in this place for so long and maintaining a stable mental state.

Therefore, she could understand Lin Li's slightly excessive small demands. After being foolish for so long, being a little lecherous was not even a flaw.

Moreover, the fact that he was lustful but not impatient with it is already quite commendable.

Kafka has seen too many people who lost themselves after gaining power, doing whatever they wanted and ultimately bringing about their own destruction. Lin Li has shown an extremely strong mind in this regard.

The last reason is Lin Li's special identity. Kafka is almost certain that Lin Li and this NPC world are the "unknown power" that Eriol mentioned.

She never expected that simply taking a nap would solve the biggest mystery.

Lin Li and the power of this NPC world have grown strong enough to influence future destinies, indicating a very promising future for him. Such a determined and promising individual, with such outstanding looks, perfectly matches Kafka's aesthetic; her heart truly resonates with him.

This caused a slight ripple.

However, the turmoil eventually subsided. She quickly calmed down, hurried along, and found the clerk's room where they were temporarily hiding in the real world. She closed her eyes.

In the real world, Kafka's first words upon opening her eyes were, "Silver Wolf, we need to move to a new location." "Huh? What's wrong?"

"I'll tell you the details later, let's go now."

"Alright then, luckily I prepared several hiding places in advance." Silver Wolf chewed gum and shrugged nonchalantly. The two moved swiftly, quickly finding a safer spot.

One of them was a top-tier hacker, and the other was an expert in mind control; hiding in the vast space station would have been incredibly easy for them. Shortly after they left, the Black Tower surrounded the room they had been in.

Black Tower's confidence was not unfounded; after all, the space station was her home turf, and she quickly tracked down the clues and found her.

Unfortunately, Kafka is now much more vigilant and her relocation was timely enough. (NPC world)

Lin Li, whose perspective was constantly shifting between different angles, secretly felt fortunate to see this scene.

If I hadn't scared Kafka away, I might have really lost this bet!

In the real world, one shouldn't underestimate a top genius like Black Tower. However, since she failed to capture him this time, she has no chance at all. Lin Li has already completely grasped the whereabouts of Kafka and Silver Wolf through [Perspective Sharing]; in his eyes, they are already trapped.

That's it!

Of course, whether or not they can catch it depends on Black Tower's ability, which Lin Li doesn't care about.

His bet with Black Tower was about who would find the Star Core Hunter first; whether they could actually catch it was not part of the bet. Lin Li thought about it and decided it wasn't time to back down. If he delayed any longer, Black Tower might find another opportunity.

So she directly sent Kafka and Silver Wolf's location coordinates to Estella via [real-time communication].

When Estella received the message, she could hardly believe it—Lin Li was actually able to contact her directly in the real world!

To gain Estella's trust, Lin Li even sent her a close-up photo of Estella's little feet, taken when Estella was learning to hold a gun with her feet.

With this photo, Aistar naturally believed that it was indeed Lin Li contacting her, so she quickly reported the coordinates to Black Tower. "You mean, Lin Li sent you these coordinates?" Black Tower opened her mouth, looking incredulous.

"Yes, that's right, he sent it to me." Estella was a little puzzled. Why was Lady Black Tower making such a fuss? This wasn't like her. While Lin Li's ability to connect with the real world was indeed astonishing, it didn't seem like it had to be this exaggerated, did it?

Little did she know that Black Tower was actually in a bit of a mess at this moment. She was not surprised that Lin Li could directly contact the real world, but that Lin Li had found the Star Core Hunter so quickly!

Am I going to lose this bet too?

Just thinking about the contents of the bet made her heart race, and she felt inexplicably irritable.

"Um... Lady Black Tower, are we going to arrest someone?" Estella asked cautiously, seeing her absent-minded expression.

"Go away! I don't believe he can win on my home turf!" Black Tower pouted and stormed out of the office.

"Win? Who won?" Aista looked completely bewildered. She didn't know that Black Tower and Lin Li had already met and made a bet. However, Black Tower was unusually agitated today, which was quite rare!

Lin Li had been observing the Black Tower's reaction through Estella's perspective, and seeing her exasperated expression filled him with immense joy. He was truly overjoyed; Kafka and Silver Wolf, on the other hand, were in for a lot of trouble.

Kafka and Silver Wolf had just moved their hiding place and were racking their brains about how to contact Starbaby when Black Tower suddenly arrived with a large group of people.

Not only did they have the space station's own defense capabilities, but they even called on March 7 and Himeko from the Star Train!

On the way here, Black Tower was even secretly thinking that it would be great if these two Star Core Hunters could have sensed the danger and run away in advance like they did just now.

Unfortunately, Kafka didn't expect their location to be exposed so quickly. They had just settled down and hadn't even had a chance to drink some water before they were surrounded.

When Black Tower saw Kafka and Silver Wolf in the room, his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally died. Neither the one who captured them nor the one who was captured seemed entirely unwilling.

That being said, Black Tower came prepared this time. In addition to asking the people from the Starry Sky Train for help, she also found outside helper Screw Gum.

Screw's strength in the digital realm is beyond doubt. He once had a wonderful data attack and defense battle with Silver Wolf. Although he himself did not come, his methods of defending against Silver Wolf's manipulation of real-world data were enough!

With Silver Wolf's abilities restricted, it will be difficult for the two to escape! The second update is here!

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Fireflies

"My methods have been restricted; it's Screwgun's doing. We'll have to find another way to escape!"

The moment Silver Wolf was surrounded, he prepared to modify the real-world data to teleport the two of them out, only to find that someone had already interfered beforehand!

Resolving this interference will take time, and clearly, the people on the space station and the Star Train won't give them that time. "It seems there's no other way but to surrender," Kafka sighed.

Despite being surrounded, she was not discouraged. She smiled at the unhappy-looking Black Tower and asked loudly, "Ms. Black Tower, can we talk?"

"You can't escape now, what's there to talk about!" Black Tower curled her lip, not wanting to say more in her bad mood. "The space station and the Star Train are indeed powerful, but we Star Core Hunters are not to be trifled with either."

If we really have to fight to the death, we can't escape, and you'll have to pay the price too. We don't have any deep-seated hatred for each other, so why make things so ugly? Kafka's voice had a kind of magic that made people involuntarily focus their attention on her words.

Although everyone present was determined and would not be easily controlled by her words of power, it still had some influence on them; at least they were willing to listen to her finish speaking.