"No need to worry, loners. We are players, just like you."
The man stepped closer to Reever and Conner, his movements relaxed but deliberate.
"They call me Big Chillie, but you can just call me Chillie." He reached out and shook both their hands. "We are here to hunt as well. The people behind me were trapped and controlled by the spider ants. Around thirty of them." He gestured behind him as he spoke.
"I am bot 067, and this is Conner," Reever replied. "We are just passing by."
As he spoke, Reever studied Chillie carefully. Apart from the light armor covering his chest and groin, the rest of his body was wrapped in something resembling a black combat suit, tight like a swimmer's outfit. He had a square face, a bald head with barely visible eyebrows, and stood slightly shorter than both Reever and Conner. Despite that, his body was compact and muscular. He reminded Reever of a small bodybuilder monk.
"Why don't you join my team?" Chillie said. "We are about to start a big hunt. While freeing these people, we found one of the secret entrances to the spider ant colony. Follow me, and ranking up will be easy."
Reever paused, appearing to think it over. In truth, he had no intention of joining, but he wanted Chillie to believe that the offer was being seriously considered.
After a moment, he spoke. "I am sorry to disappoint you, but we prefer to move alone. Joining you would only slow you down. Let us part ways. We will manage on our own."
Chillie frowned briefly, then let out a sigh. "It is fine. You look capable enough to hold your ground. We would not mind if you joined us."
"I am sorry," Reever said firmly. "But we reject your offer."
His grip on his weapon tightened. Conner felt the shift immediately and subtly adjusted his stance, ready to strike if needed.
Chillie's expression darkened. "Then if you do not join us, you can die here."
At his command, the people behind him moved, forming a loose circle around Reever and Conner. Chillie stepped back, positioning himself behind them, clearly ready to coordinate the attack.
"Be ready," Reever said quietly. "These players are already under his control. They will not listen."
"Senior, leave this to me," Conner said as he stepped forward. "You wanted to see my skill anyway. This is a good chance."
Reever hesitated, then nodded. "Be careful. If you are pushed even slightly, I will step in."
Conner smirked, then his expression hardened. "I will give you one chance. Leave now."
The crowd scoffed in response.
"Fire," Chillie shouted.
Gunfire erupted. Bullets rushed toward the duo, but Reever remained calm. His armor would easily handle it, and he trusted that Conner had his own method of defense.
Conner crossed his blades in an X shape. A silver shield bloomed outward, covering both of them. Bullets struck it relentlessly, sparks flashing as they bounced away.
The firing continued until the shooters were forced to reload.
Conner tensed, ready to move, but Reever's voice stopped him.
"Wait. Chillie is watching us closely. That weapon of his is dangerous, especially for you. Let them finish reloading. Let them feel confident before you act."
Conner glanced back, then nodded. "What a devil," he thought.
The firing resumed, bullets slamming uselessly against the shield. Even Chillie seemed unsettled by the sight. His jaw tightened as he raised his own weapon.
A red beam burst forward, roaring through the air. It struck the silver shield and began to eat through it.
Before Conner could react, Reever stepped forward and took the remaining force head-on. The beam dissipated against his armor, leaving nothing more than a faint vibration.
"Are you done?" Reever asked calmly.
Chillie snarled and fired again, anger clear on his face, the red beams screaming toward Reever.