---
I shook my head, my gaze drifting away from the soldier's intense stare. "No, I'm not a player."
The soldier's eyes narrowed, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, he turned and followed the others, leaving me to my thoughts.
I wandered into a nearby convenience store, seeking solitude. The aisles were a mess, shelves bare and floors littered with debris. But I found what I needed - a new set of clothes.
I changed into a black turtleneck shirt, hoodie, and trousers, covering myself in darkness. The only color on me was my face, pale and drawn. I added a pair of black gloves, feeling a sense of anonymity wash over me.
As I dressed, I couldn't shake the feeling that the soldier's question had stirred something within me. What did he mean by "player"? And why did the monsters seem to ignore me, as if I was invisible?
I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on my new disguise. The black clothing seemed to swallow me whole, making me feel like a ghost drifting through the ruins of civilization.
With my new attire, I felt a sense of detachment, as if I was observing the world around me from a distance. I left the store, merging with the shadows, and continued my journey into the unknown.
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