The Return of the God Level Assassin

ORIENT Express? Where did he hear that name? - That was Luo Yan's first thought as the Conductor's announcement echoed in his mind. Before he could ponder it further, the blinding light around him finally dimmed, urging him to open his eyes. The first thing he noticed was the soft sunlight, gently reflecting off the polished mahogany panels, casting a warm glow throughout the cozy compartment.

He was sitting on a soft burgundy seat in a small compartment. The seats were arranged in two rows facing each other, enough for four people to sit comfortably. A brass luggage rack above him held a few neatly packed old looking bags, and the clink of the train's movement made them sway slightly, casting shadows over the compartment.

Across from him, two women were seated, their skirts spilling over the edges of the seats in voluminous folds of fine fabric. The woman nearest the window wore a navy-blue jacket tightly fitted at the waist, with a row of shining buttons running up to a high lace collar. Her hair, dark and pinned up beneath a small hat adorned with ribbons and feathers. The sunlight picked up the fine embroidery on her cuffs as she adjusted her gloves.

Beside her sat an older woman, who could easily have been the first woman's mother. She had soft graying hair peeking out from under a bonnet tied with a satin ribbon. She wore a deep olive dress, cinched at the waist with a belt, the folds of her skirt falling elegantly to the floor. A small brooch glinted at her chest as she spoke.

And then, to Luo Yan's right, a third woman sat. Her dark green dress, trimmed with lace at the sleeves and neckline, rustled softly as she adjusted the shawl draped over her shoulders. A hat, pinned neatly to her hair, rested at a slight angle, decorated with a single rose. She glanced out the window, where the landscape outside blurred past in a wash of green fields and distant hills.

The compartment was filled with the quiet murmur of conversation between the two women opposite him, their voices polite but hushed. The air was perfumed with the subtle scent of rosewater and lavender, mixing with the faint smell of polished leather and wood.

It didn't take Luo Yan long to grasp where he was. The gentle rocking, the enclosed compartment—he was clearly on a train. And judging by the elegant attire of the three women around him, with their elaborate dresses and bonnets, he could tell this world was set in the late 19th century, most likely somewhere in Europe.

With all these clues adding up, it finally clicked. He remembered where he had heard the name "Orient Express" before. It was from that famous detective novel by a female English author. What was the detective's name again? Ah, yes—Poirot! He didn't know much about the book series, but he had seen the movie adaptation of one of them—Murder on the Orient Express.

From what he remembered from that, the Orient Express was this really famous luxury train that used to run across Europe. It connected cities like Paris and Istanbul, and only wealthy people or those with some status could afford to travel on it. Find your next read at m-vl-em-pyr

So, this was the setting of their semi-final match?

Now he couldn't help but wonder what their task could possibly be.

Just as that thought crossed his mind, he glanced down—and froze. He was staring at a white skirt. No, more accurately, the skirt of a dress. And he was the one wearing it! As if that wasn't startling enough, below the hem were two small feet encased in leather boots. He quickly raised his hand, only to find it small and delicate. He reached up to touch his hair, feeling it cascade past his shoulders.

He didn't need a notification window to tell him that he would be playing a child. And not just a child, but a young girl!

Before Luo Yan could fully register that, the older woman sitting in front suddenly spoke to him.

"My dear, you appear a bit pale. Are you feeling quite alright?"

He lifted his head, but before his eyes met the older woman, a soft mint-green notification window appeared in his view.

[The Orient Express Murder Mystery!

A notorious serial killer is aboard this very luxury train! The fiend who struck terror into the hearts of the Whitechapel district in London, stalking the streets under the cloak of darkness. In just three brutal months, he claimed the lives of five women—at least, those are the only ones known—before vanishing without a trace. The one and only Jack the Ripper!

But now, his reign of terror has found new ground. There will be two murders aboard this train, one tonight and another tomorrow night. These killings, however, are merely practice—a sinister prelude to his ultimate goal. On the third night, the Ripper will strike his true target.

Your team's main mission is clear: prevent that final murder. If the Ripper succeeds in killing his real target, your team will lose.

Beware, though—the Ripper is hidden in plain sight, carefully disguised, and no one is above suspicion. But fear not—you won't be facing this monster alone. A legendary ally is on your side, one whose intellect and skills are unmatched. The brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes!

However, there's a catch—before Sherlock Holmes can offer his assistance, you'll have to find him first. Known for his love of disguises, Holmes will be among the passengers, blending in seamlessly with the crowd. He could be anyone—a fellow traveler, a porter, or even someone you've already spoken to. His genius lies not only in solving crimes but in his ability to become unrecognizable when needed. Keep your eyes sharp, for the detective you seek may be hiding in plain sight, testing your wits before he steps forward to aid in this dangerous game.

Best of luck to you all!]

Luo Yan hadn't had time to react to all of that because another notification window appeared in front of him.