After Retiring From the Underworld, I Entered an Infinite Game

Among various answers like “hide in the shoe cabinet” or “hide in the kitchen,” Jie Fangcheng chooses to slowly draw his sword: first, kill the one on the bed, and then kill the one in the elevator. ***After working diligently for 1,500 years in the underworld, Jie Fangcheng finally retired as an outstanding employee.His kind-hearted boss asked him, “Would you like to return to the mortal world? That way, you can continue your work as a 007 agent in the underworld after a hundred and eighty years.”Jie Fangcheng nodded in agreement. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in an infinite game.The game, “Do Not Respond,” was renowned for its horror, bloodshed, and cruelty. The survival rate in its dungeons did not exceed thirty percent, and death in the game meant real-life death.Mysterious mountain villages.Terrifying fairy tale towns.Apocalyptic Battle Royales… As players contemplated how to survive in the dungeons, Jie Fangcheng diligently guided and redeemed each NPC.Jie Fangcheng: “Hello, I’m a recently retired department manager… and now I’m back on the job!” ***It is said that a newcomer has entered the game, and the dungeon they entered has never been reset. ***It is also said that someone witnessed NPCs panicking and running around.Player: How is that possible… Jie Fangcheng stabbed the ghost leader with his sword, completing the redemption, and wiped his blade: “Who’s next?!” #What kind of lousy game is this? ［Do Not Respond］but I’ll respond! #Trying to steal people from the underworld? Did you ask us, the official personnel of the underworld? Consumption Notes:1. Not a leveling-focused story, starting at maximum level.2. Attack and defense mechanics deviate from the traditional rules. The game allows for forced storyline alterations and NPC manipulation.3. Features a significant number of supporting character perspectives, god-like viewpoint, but not a large ensemble cast. Main focus is on the protagonist and their romantic interest. Retired manager from the underworld department (shou) x a professor of Buddhist studies with official appointment (gong) Cover art by Quan Si Ji – Er Gou (Non-exclusive character design, authorized by the artist).

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on After Retiring From the Underworld, I Entered an Infinite Game This web novel certainly took me on a wild ride! "After Retiring From the Underworld, I Entered an Infinite Game" blends action, fantasy, horror, and even a bit of romance (yaoi), creating a unique experience that's both thrilling and thought-provoking. I found myself consistently entertained, even if I occasionally stumbled over some of the translation hiccups. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of an OP MC navigating horror game scenarios. The idea of a retired underworld finance manager casually demolishing monstrous NPCs sounded incredibly fun, and it largely delivered on that promise. The earlier arcs were particularly captivating, drawing me into the intricate game instances. ### What Works Well The strength of this novel lies in its world-building and character development. Each instance felt well-developed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged. I especially appreciated that the side characters weren't just cardboard cutouts; they had their own personalities and motivations, making their fates genuinely impactful. The MC, Xie Fang Cheng, is a compelling protagonist – powerful yet surprisingly kind, with a quirky personality that shines through. The dynamic between him and the ML, Zhang Do'an, is another highlight. Their "brawn and brains" partnership is fun to watch, and their interactions, while slow-burn, are endearing. The plot twists are also well-executed, revealing deeper layers of the story as it progresses. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the novel overall, I did find some aspects less satisfying. The romance is undeniably slow, with minimal physical affection until very late in the story. If you're primarily seeking a romance-heavy BL, this might not be the best fit. Some readers also felt that the plot became overly complicated towards the end, with excessive info-dumping that detracted from the story's momentum. I also noticed several reviewers mentioned issues with the translation, particularly inconsistencies in character names. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk spoilers! Several readers pointed out a significant plot twist involving the ML's death and subsequent reincarnation as different characters within the game. This event drastically shifts the focus of the story, with the MC's backstory taking center stage. While some appreciated the expanded lore, others felt that it overshadowed the original dynamic between the MC and ML. ### Final Verdict Despite some flaws, "After Retiring From the Underworld, I Entered an Infinite Game" is a worthwhile read for those who enjoy action-packed fantasy with a strong focus on plot and character development. While the romance is subtle, the unique world-building, compelling characters, and thrilling game instances make it an engaging experience. Just be prepared for a slow burn and a potentially convoluted plot towards the end. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.