Chapter Seven: Promotion and Pay Raise—The New Captain of the Night Patrol

Home at last.

Chen Qi used his key to open the door to the shared apartment. He lived in a three-person flat, sharing it with Jiang Zan, a senior he’d met in college, and Wang Yan, a fitness vlogger who was still in university. Like him, both were young men in the prime of their lives.

The apartment was empty; Chen Qi confirmed both of his roommates were out. Jiang Zan was probably still troubled by work and his upcoming proposal, while Wang Yan was likely racking his brain for an apology video about his recent “cheating” scandal.

Chen Qi glanced at the clock—it was already one in the morning.

“Although I nearly died today, at least I don’t have to worry about job hunting tomorrow.”

He opened his bedroom door and locked it behind him. His room was rather plain: just a bed and a computer desk. Two barely touched programming books and some work documents lay on a small shelf beside the desk.

On the desk itself were a draft of his résumé and a monthly spending plan he’d made last night.

Now, neither of these things meant anything to him. Saving money and finding work had lost all significance.

He put away the interview materials in the drawer, then looked around the simple room, an indescribable feeling welling up inside him. Everything was so familiar. The room remained unchanged, but his mindset had been utterly transformed.

Playing the New Sun game was what mattered now.

With a thud, he flopped back onto his soft bed, pulled out his phone, and launched the game.

[On the way back to the prison, the Tracker lets his dog lick your wounds, restoring your health completely.]

[You follow the Tracker all the way to the Night Watchers’ Headquarters at Black River Prison.]

…

[The black rain gradually ceases. A colossal prison built from black stone rises before you—a structure as grand as an obsidian palace. This is Black River Prison, the hell of sinners.

Here lies the final destination for the guilty. All the most dangerous prisoners of the New City come here to serve their last purpose.]

[You and the Tracker enter the Night Watchers’ Headquarters beside the prison’s massive walls. The lowly Night Watchers, clad in rough black cloth, crowd together in dense groups.

Their lifeless eyes fix on you, tinged with suspicion, as if something momentous is about to occur.]

[Panic surges within you. Though Captain Fort of the Night Watchers is mad, he is still your superior and enjoys the protection of the Chief Night Watcher.]

Am I walking into a lion’s den? What is this text implying?

Chen Qi’s heart pounded with excitement as he rolled over on the bed. Was he about to be killed by his boss’s boss?

[Nervously, you step forward and look toward the center of the crowd.]

[You gasp—a corpse lies at the center, and it’s none other than your superior’s superior!]

[The Chief Night Watcher is dead!]

[The Tracker pats your shoulder and explains: the former Chief Night Watcher has been deposed, and the new Chief—“The Dog Master”—is now in charge. This is now the Dog Master’s domain.]

[The Dog Master was once a beast from the Arena, but has now joined the Night Watchers and become a member of Black River Prison.]

[He declares that he will lead you all to a better life—to the Realm Above!]

[The old man known as “Dog Master” holds five massive black hounds on chains, casting a suspicious look your way as he swings the leash forward.]

[The Tracker crawls to the Dog Master’s side and reports the recent events.]

[The Dog Master is greatly surprised. That someone as weak as you could defeat Fort, who wielded monstrous power!]

[He cares little for background, believing that in the New City, strength is the only pass. To triumph over strength with weakness is proof of uniqueness—and the hope of becoming truly powerful!]

[The Dog Master flashes his sharp black teeth and promises: if you swear loyalty, one day he will find a way to cure your Blade Stone Disease.]

[He extends a hand, asking if you wish to become the first new Captain of the Night Watchers.]

[Yes] [No]

Chen Qi tapped on “Dog Master,” but a screen full of question marks popped up. If the level exceeds five, you can’t view his stats.

After considering, Chen Qi realized he was in no position to take down the Dog Master right now. The answer was obvious—he would pledge his loyalty.

Yes.

[You know you currently lack the strength to defy the Dog Master. Suppressing any trace of greed on your face, you make your decision—the Dog Master is now your new superior.]

[He claps his hands happily. From the shadows, a black hound appears, carrying a neatly folded set of black clothes, which it delivers to you.]

[You accept the outfit.]

[You have obtained: Night Watcher Captain’s New Uniform.]

[Night Watcher Captain’s New Uniform: A brand new garment crafted by prisoner-weavers, complete with a black hood, etched with dark patterns. Touching these patterns, you feel an overwhelming urge to escape.]

[Attribute bonus: Agility +3, Charisma +2]

Chen Qi opened his equipment menu and donned the uniform; his agility rose from 14 to 17, and his charisma from 10 to 12.

Not bad. Early-game stat bonuses are always welcome.

[Your class has been updated to “Night Watcher Captain,” with a pay grade of one silver coin per day.]

[You are now in charge of a twelve-person Night Watcher squad.]

[Night Watcher Captains are exempt from patrols; their main responsibility is managing Night Watcher intelligence and reporting it to Chief Night Watcher “Dog Master.” You’ll have more free time.]

…

[Once all Night Watcher Captains have been appointed, the Dog Master leaves with the Tracker.]

[You are now free to explore, with three directions available, plus the interior of Black River Prison.]

A small map appeared at the top of the game screen, marking possible destinations.

Chen Qi glanced through it. Apart from standard facilities like the Night Watchers’ dormitory and restrooms, he had no access to the prison’s interior.

Three locations were open for exploration.

[First: The Land of Faint Light. This is a barren region where daylight barely penetrates—a gathering spot for the jobless, a place where disaster spreads.

Here, opportunity abounds; it is a paradise for the lucky, though countless unfortunates have found their graves beneath its soil.]

[Second: The Culvert. This underground lair is a haven for rats, a breeding ground for hatred, and a hub for shady dealings.

If you’re short on cash or in need of special services, Traveler, you can visit the Culvert. They’re more reliable than you’d think.]

[Third: Tracker Headquarters. This is the headquarters of the Trackers. Traveler, do you have missing people or things in need of finding?]

The Culvert was likely a special shop. Chen Qi’s current funds amounted to 52 silver coins—the equivalent of 52 days’ salary as a Captain—not a fortune.

He considered his options. If he wanted to grow stronger quickly, he’d need to take some risks. Besides, he had an extra life.

The Land of Faint Light seemed the best choice.

A message suddenly popped up.

[Your Night Watcher subordinates gather around you—those who once mocked your Blade Stone Disease now look up at you, awaiting their “Captain’s” orders.]

[You can order them to patrol, or perhaps…do something else?]

Chen Qi tapped the text. Besides a few personal commands, he could also question the Night Watchers for information.

Ask for information.

[The Night Watchers’ patrols cover wide ground, so they know quite a lot.]

[You ask your subordinates for exploration tips.]

[They tell you that to the east of the Land of Faint Light’s entrance, a giant crow once alighted; where its talons touched the earth, many precious gems are said to be buried.

If you hurry there, you may be lucky enough to dig one up.]

[You have obtained information: Gems Dropped by the Giant Crow.]

Gems…

That fit perfectly with his “Morning Star’s Quest”—the first-stage talent of the Lord of the Morning Star.

No one could be better suited for treasure hunting than he was. Chen Qi immediately chose the Land of Faint Light.

[Today is a special day. Though deep into the night, the sun above the city continues to blaze.]

[Catching the lingering daylight, you prepare your gear and set out for the Land of Faint Light.]

[You are on your way… (Please wait)]

While waiting, Chen Qi scrolled through group chats, picking up more game tips.

For instance, dying didn’t mean respawning on the spot or at the starting point; instead, you’d reappear at a random safe location.

He also browsed through his video feed but found nothing relevant—just travel vloggers posting weather selfies.

Nearly ten thousand superhumans were online, yet there was no news. Odd, really.

Half an hour passed in a blur.

[Bathed in daylight, you stride purposefully into the Land of Faint Light.]

[It’s a desolate place. Even the blazing sun overhead cannot fully pierce the thick white mist, and now and then you hear a voice of hunger whispering in your mind.]

[Following your subordinates’ information, you head east from the entrance.]

[There, near the gateway, you catch sight of a figure: someone with a ragdoll’s head, riding a little donkey, emerging slowly from the fog—eyes glinting with greed as he studies you.]