"Self-identified as 'Nine Waters', occupation is 『Soldier』, impulsive and vengeful personality but meticulous in thinking. Shows unique insights in puzzle-solving and setting traps using 'game rules'. Estimated potential at A+ to S- level."

"During actual gameplay, he didn't uncover my identity or purpose, but noticed my earlier surveillance and caused me some trouble in the dungeon."

"My recommendation: If he passes 『Promotion』, he might be worth recruiting into our organization."

In a standalone villa on Jiangcheng's outskirts.

A swimsuit-clad girl wrapped in a towel sat by the poolside, holding a tablet.

Beside her lay a soaked windbreaker and sweatpants.

After saving the file on her tablet, she dragged it into an 11-person group chat to upload.

Soon, the quiet group chat came alive with responses.

【Magician: Finished the evaluation already? Quick work [thumbs up]】

【Undertaker-Xiao Yun: Vengeful personality? Probably won't join the 『Psychological Society』 then, since they're the ones who killed her】

【AAA Construction Lao Wu: But we should prevent 『Order』 from poaching him, especially since he's a 『Soldier』】

【Chef God: An S- 『Soldier』? No wonder the Psychological Society sent that guy to Jiangcheng!】

【Magician: Seriously? Even I'm only rated A!】

【Prisoner: You're trash who got chased around by Haicheng's Game Master】

【AAA Construction Lao Wu: Honestly, should we make an exception and invite him first? With that potential, he'll definitely pass 『Promotion』】

【Chef God: Let's wait. With that potential, he might reach 『Promotion』 by the eighth dungeon... maybe even seventh - just an extra month's wait!】

【Magician: I agree with Chef God [flower]】

【Prisoner: Chef God makes sense. We can observe him more during this time】

【Undertaker-Xiao Yun: One thing bothers me - why call himself 'Nine Waters'? Rumors say that guy's also from Jiangcheng, possibly Jiangcheng's 'Game Master'!】

【Magician: Probably coincidence [sweat]】

【Chef God: If not, we're in big trouble!】

【Braised Carp King: Regardless, we should make more contact to confirm. Ideally determine his Promotion timeline and ensure he doesn't join 『Order』】

Seeing the message from "Braised Carp King" (whose avatar was a Charmander), the girl picked up her tablet again.

【Master Thief Anian: Then pay up! The kid's dangerous enough already, now possibly connected to the 'Game Master'? No extra pay, no deal!】

【Braised Carp King: Deal. Before next dungeon, I'll mail you the 'Exquisite Gloves'.】

Reading this, the girl's lips curled into a smile as she turned off her tablet.

"Nice, scoring 'Exquisite Gloves'... Carp's really going all out..."

"But the kid's worth it... Hope he passes 『Promotion』 smoothly."

......

"So the 『forum』 is deliberately hiding information about 『Promotion』."

Lin Yu put down his phone.

After browsing forum posts, he confirmed one thing...

While the forum had countless posts and guides, mentions of 『Promotion』 were extremely rare.

Even when mentioned, discussions were superficial at best.

Instead, many bounty requests contained posts like "Starting 'Trial' next dungeon, need help surviving safely."

This only deepened Lin Yu's confusion about what "Trial" actually was.

Realizing further searching wouldn't yield answers, Lin Yu opened his contacts.

After some thought, he messaged "Harmony Brings Wealth".

"Available?"

Within seconds came the reply:

"Oh, the 'newbie' who sold all those items!"

"Congrats on clearing your second dungeon... Got more items to sell?"

Lin Yu smiled at the enthusiastic response.

A true businessman, always eager for customers.

"Sorry, nothing to sell this time."

"But I have some questions."

Lin Yu sent the message.

The reply came quickly:

"Ask away."

"If it's sensitive, come to the 'restaurant'."

"Just be discreet when coming."

Lin Yu considered this.

"I'll head over soon."

Currently, Harmony Brings Wealth was the most trustworthy 'Player' he'd met.

Though late at night, most Players had just returned from dungeons and wouldn't be moving around.

Perfect timing for Lin Yu.

Soon changed and masked, Lin Yu left home.

This time, he didn't take his bicycle but rented a shared bike instead.

The ride was less smooth than his own bike, taking longer to reach familiar Changming Street.

After returning the bike, Lin Yu approached the "abandoned restaurant".

As he prepared to find entry, a second-floor window suddenly opened.

"Kid, up here."

A bright blue-suited man lowered a retractable metal ladder.

Lin Yu blinked at the ladder before climbing up and hopping through the window.

Once inside, the man closed the window while Lin Yu removed his mask.

He found himself back in the luxurious office.

Harmony Brings Wealth took some loose tea leaves from a cabinet and gestured "please sit".

"Take a seat! What's so urgent you came running right after a dungeon?"

"Trouble in the dungeon?"

Seeing his composed host, Lin Yu sat on the sofa, sipped tea, and exhaled deeply.

"Big trouble!"

Adopting a troubled expression, Lin Yu continued:

"Do you know about the 『Marauders』 and 『Free Alliance』? Those banned groups from the forum notice?"

"I encountered them last dungeon. They seem dangerous... and I offended one. Am I in trouble?"