Death Game: Starting as a Trickster, Pretending to Be a God

Lin Yu observed ’Phoenix’s’ analysis, finding it a sheer delight, like a breath of fresh air!

Although he had encountered many ’Third Tier’ experts, most were either the type who traded their brains for combat power or had personalities that were somewhat twisted and extreme.

Someone like Phoenix, who had a sense of responsibility, intelligence, accountability, a wealth of knowledge, and a stable, well-adjusted personality—a ”normal person”—was actually quite rare.

Initially, Lin Yu had only wanted to create a new, low-key image to prepare for rejoining the ’Psychological Society’ later—after all, he had already tangled with ’Fluoxetine.’

After finishing two matches in the Land of Certain Death, he truly needed a ’Second Tier’ persona that wasn’t so eye-catching to operate in the 【dungeons】.

After all, whether it was ’Director’ or ’Zhu Ming,’ both were too easy to target.

Meeting neutral or aligned organizations was one thing, but if he ran into hostile ones, it would be troublesome.

Using those two identities was fine, but it was like gambling every time before entering a 【dungeon】.

If he used ’Zhu Ming,’ he had to pray he wouldn’t run into ’Order’ or the ’Night Watchmen.’

And if he used ’Director,’ he had to be careful not to bump into the ’Marauders’ or the ’Psychological Society.’

While it might not be life-threatening, it would definitely add a lot of trouble.

But just as this new identity was getting started, Lin Yu realized…

This ’Phoenix’ from the ’Hunters’ Association’ was way too reliable!

Within minutes of starting, not only had she helped him figure out where they were, but she had already mapped out a strategy for clearing the 【dungeon】.

It seemed he could actually coast a bit and let her carry him in this 【dungeon】.

Thinking of this, Lin Yu couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation.

Then, he further slipped into his underling mode and spoke up to ask.

”So, respected Lady Phoenix… where should we start tracking down those leads about the Dark God Church?”

”Of course, inside Lilee,” Phoenix said, pointing to the massive city in the distance. She paused for a moment, then continued, ”But tracking them down isn’t urgent yet. We probably have to deal with a problem first.”

”What problem?”

Lin Yu turned into a relentless questioning machine and a professional straight man—this was also to help Phoenix organize her thoughts as quickly as possible.

Sometimes, having someone asking questions on the side could actually speed up the thinking process more than quietly mulling things over alone.

Phoenix touched the jagged edge of the wagon. ”It’s still warm. In other words, this cart flipped not long ago.”

”And based on the distance to Lilee and the efficiency of the Tribunal of Heresy… they should be here soon.”

”Once they arrive, they’ll definitely try to detain us first—we’ll have to argue with the Tribunal for a while. I might be fine, but keeping you safe could be a problem.”

”Don’t keep any 【items】 produced in Night Valley on you… Unless you’re sure they were made by the orthodox church, don’t keep them, because they might carry traces of dark races or the Abyss.”

”Oh, and while it’s unlikely… 【items】 related to gods from other worlds are also a no-go.”

As Phoenix spoke, she jumped down from the wagon.

The moment she landed, a sound came from the distance.

”Woo—!”

Accompanied by a howl that sounded like a bellows being pulled, the dust on the ground trembled slightly.

Soon, five pitch-black double-horned steeds galloped over from afar. The riders on horseback were all wearing gray close-fitting outfits, complete with pure gray masks and felt hats.

They had leather belts tucked with two short-barreled guns, two scrolls, and three medicine bottles; a mithril short knife strapped to their left forearm; and a metal cross heart-guard ornament on their chests.

The long weapons carried on their backs varied. Two carried a blade and shield, one carried a lance, one carried a large crossbow, and the last carried a long staff.

”An inspection squad from the Tribunal of Heresy. Whatever you do, don’t resist… Fighting them in Lilee is absolutely not a wise move.”

”If we take out these five, there will be no peace from then on!”

Phoenix murmured, and Lin Yu nodded in understanding.

The five riders reined in their horses, and the one carrying the long staff urged his mount two steps forward.

”Heretic cultists attacked the transport cart. The escort team is missing, possibly in pursuit. We’ve found two unidentified individuals at the scene,” the man said, his voice hoarse.

”State your identities and explain what happened.”

Phoenix raised her hand, holding up a document and two ID cards high in the air.

”This is a commission certificate from the Holy Flame Church of Kesor City in the Maro Empire. I once completed a commission for Deacon Fato of Kesor City, helping him eliminate three Bloodline Folk hiding in Kesor City. On the left is the honorary church membership certificate I received for that.”

”The other card is my adventurer’s professional license registered with the Adventurers’ Guild. Even before my time in Kesor City, I had completed two four-star difficulty missions.”

”I came to Lilee this time after receiving information that dark creatures were active here, intending to eliminate the hidden dark beings.”

”I didn’t expect to run into this attack on the way here—I don’t know exactly what happened either. I was hit by the blast from the explosion and briefly lost some of my memory.”

Phoenix spoke methodically.

Listening to her, Lin Yu became even more convinced of his judgment—this Phoenix was indeed a reliable expert.

This set of negotiations was almost flawless, leaving no cracks.

The leading Tribunal member nodded as well.

”So you’re an honorary church member of the Holy Flame and a seasoned adventurer,” the man said, his voice still hoarse but his tone softening. ”Given the gravity of the situation, we still need you to return to the Tribunal of Heresy with us to cooperate with our investigation. Additionally, since you’re experiencing memory loss, we need to check the integrity of your soul.”

”And the person with you?”

”He’s my traveling companion. I temporarily found him as a teammate to deal with the dark creatures together.”

Phoenix tried to give Lin Yu a reasonable identity—but since Lin Yu had no ID, her words carried very little weight.

After all, in Night Valley, ID documents were very important!

Because there were too many demons that could confuse the mind, the testimony of others was simply unreliable.

And since Phoenix didn’t know what had happened either, using ”memory loss” as an excuse only made Lin Yu look even more suspicious.

Sure enough, although the Tribunal members held back out of respect for Phoenix, their expressions became serious.

”Please don’t resist. Raise your hands above your head now. We’re going to put magic-suppressing restraints on you. After we examine you at the headquarters and find nothing wrong, we will naturally release you.”

The leading Tribunal member spoke, but Lin Yu seemed to ignore him completely.

He reached into his pocket.

”Don’t move!”

The five Tribunal members shouted in unison, instantly drawing the weapons from their backs and dismounting to gather together.

Lin Yu watched their movements, unbothered.

He simply and unhurriedly opened the box he had pulled from his pocket, then pinched out…

A golden cross medal.

Lin Yu shook the cross medal without saying a word.

The five Tribunal members stared at the cross medal, stunned.

A moment later, they all sheathed their weapons and stood up straight.

”Apologies, sir. We didn’t recognize you just now!”