《Greatest Streamer System》


 Chapter 1 - 1 – Transmigrated

    <h4>Chapter 1: ¨C Transmigrated</h4>


    "Thank you for the donation, KaizerDog. Wow! Thank you for 500 diamonds, SirAlpha! I do love the game! It is really fun! Let''s get to thest round before ending the stream."


    In the dimly lit room, the young man sat poised in front of hisputer, a tangle of wires connecting him to curious contraptions of medical equipment.


    A wide grin stretched across his face and, ignoring the whirring of the machine, he pressed start. His eyes twinkled with excitement as he continued the game.


    Theputer screen before him flickered to life as the ck loading screen disappeared and the game booted¨C its bright disy was the only source of light besides the yellow ambiance of themp.


    With every keystroke and mouse click, he navigated through the game. Each kill invited the chat of his streaming application to explode in cheers.


    <i>¡ª Woah!! Triple kill!</i>


    <i>¡ª Can he get a rampage? Go rampage!</i>


    "Hahaha, I think that''s impossible..."


    At that moment, a beeping sound rang in the headphones he wore. An alert popped up on the second monitor.


    <strong>[CrazyRich has started a mission.]</strong>


    <strong>[Stream Mission: 10,000 diamonds if you get a rampage.]</strong>


    "... But I will try."


    He epted the mission.


    <i>¡ª Hahahaha, he got fired up!</i>


    <i>¡ª Of course, it''s 10,000 diamonds!</i>


    The chat became more active with the mission given by the viewers.


    His concentration immediately peaked as he delved deeper into the game. The images on the screen morphed and swirled; each scene showed his character killing his enemy''s soldiers one by one.


    Time seemed to blur as he continued to y and stream, the machine silently ensuring his well-being as he lost himself in the game.


    With each kill and each chat that appeared, his happiness radiated. In this extraordinary moment, he felt alive.


    ''This is fun.''


    Even if his viewers only hit around 500, they were here to watch him y. There was nothing to stop him in the game, and streaming was the only way he could talk to other people out there.


    What made him regret was...


    "Thanks for today! I want to continue, but I need to go right now."


    That he did not have enough time to enjoy it.


    <i>¡ª Good job!</i>


    <i>¡ª That rampage was satisfying!</i>


    <i>¡ª You''re the best, Breeze!</i>


    <i>¡ª See you tomorrow!</i>


    Seeing the chat, the young man''s hand froze before he clicked the end stream.


    <i>''See you tomorrow.''</i> He repeated the word in his mind, and his smile disappeared.


    "Yeah." He said in a weak voice but still tried his best to make it clear. "See you tomorrow guys!"


    With that, he clicked the end stream as the chat was filled with ???. The viewers didn''t understand why he suddenly changed his tone like that.


    Anyway, the stream had ended sessfully. His tenth andst stream.


    "Damn..." A frustrated, cracked voice escaped his lips as he leaned back in his chair.


    This chair connected to various wires was the only thing that kept him alive.


    "Why did this happen to me? Why did I not discover streaming faster? Why?!"


    <i>Bam!</i>


    He mmed his hand against the table. It shook wildly, dropping the monitor above it with a loud crash.


    Blood dripped out from his palm, but he felt no pain. His perception of pain had gone since 3 years ago, when he was in a terrible car incident that forced him to retire from the parkour world.


    The young man broke down in tears as he sobbed loudly. He didn''t care about anything. Not after he lost something he just lovedtely.


    "Ten times... I can only do it that much..."


    The young man''s euphoria abruptly shattered, leaving behind a void of despair. His cheerful countenance earlier contorted into a mask of frustration and sadness as he faced the crushing reality that his life was seemingly about to end.


    Earlier this day, a few hours before he started hisst stream, his personal doctor delivered the sad news. The medical equipment wouldn''t be able to support him anymore. It had reached its limit.


    Nothing in the current era could save him.


    His fingers trembled under the weight of his helplessness. He longed to reach for the keyboard, immersing himself in the virtual realm again, and speak to his viewers.


    But s... His body refused to cooperate.


    "Fuck..."


    His dream had shattered. And the new dream he found a month ago was also broken by reality. He thought he could achieve it from the embrace of medical equipment. But no.


    In this moment of despair, the young man heard the sound of the door opening. A doctor wearing white clothes and a mask entered his room with a sad look.


    The atmosphere of sadness clung heavily in the room.


    "I am truly sorry." The doctor apologized and bowed deeply, a sense of helplessness could also be felt in his cracked voice. "We tried our¨C"


    "Hey, doc. I had fun."


    Before the doctor even finished the sentence, the young man cut him off. A smile reappeared on his face, which put a bitter expression on the doctor''s face as he tried to hold it in.


    "I was satisfied with thest month of my life. Aah, if I can describe it with words, then it would be that I felt free for the first time in thest 3 years." He said in a cheerful voice, but the doctor knew very well that he had just cried from his red eyes.


    "So thank you for allowing me to y games and stream, doc. I hope I can enjoy it in my next life. Maybe the breeze will bring me some hope. Hahaha."


    "You''re wee."


    That was what the doctor could only say. He watched the young man lean back to his chair, which turned into a bed. His breath became shorter and shorter before he finally let out thest breath with a sad smile.


    The doctor looked at his watch and noted the time of death in his notebook.


    "April 2nd, 2021. The cause of death: destroyed lungs and heart. Patient name... Breeze." He muttered in a heavy tone as he put down his notebook, "I hope your wishes true."


    ***


    April 2nd, 2045.


    A handsome young man suddenly jolted up and raised his body inside a one-bedroom apartment. He gasped for air desperately as if he had forgotten how to breathe.


    He had cold sweat pouring out his body as he managed to catch his breath.


    "Huff... Huff... This..."


    He looked around and saw himself in an unfamiliar room. It was brightly lit, with greenery around the wall and a strange capsule bigger than his bed at the corner of the room.


    ''What is this?'' He wondered, still confused about what happened. ''Is this what heaven looks like?''


    Trying to ensure this wasn''t just a dream after falling asleep, he pinched his cheek. Pain attacked him, and he grunted loudly.


    At that moment, he froze, and his eyes widened.


    "No way..."


    He could feel pain again after not being able to for a few years. And the fact he didn''t wake up and everything looked different from before could only mean one thing.


    This wasn''t a dream.


    <strong><Greatest Streamer System has been installed.></strong>


    "What?"


    And it seemed like he wasn''t quite sane as he began hallucinating.


    ***


    Author Note:


    Hello! This is your author! I started this novel because it sounds fun, and I enjoyed writing it.


    If you like this novel, please add it to your library and support me with power stones! Let''s have this journey together xD

 Chapter 2 - 2 – It’s Real?!

    <h4>Chapter 2: ¨C It¡¯s Real?!</h4>


    A few days had passed. Breeze, now known as Max Charles, got used to his new situation and learned a few things.


    First of all, he was indeed transmigrated. He knew this from the fragmented memories of the body he currently had. This world was simr to where he came from but was more advanced in terms of technology.


    Everything from school, meetings, and working exceptions were now done in a virtual world called ''Lobby.''


    With more people using virtual reality as part of their daily lives, healthcare was also focused in that area.


    Many doctors and scientists sessfully created a nutritional supplement that could sustain people for a day straight without food, but it was ill-advised to rely on it because it couldn''t truly rece real food.


    Secondly, it seemed like he was a 19-year-old orphan who had lived on welfare until now. His savings were only enough tost him three months, but after that, he wouldn''t have anything unless he found a job.


    The memories he got helped a lot to know about his situation. Max Charles loved games, and the capsule in his room was apparently a virtual reality device that people always used at this age.


    But he couldn''t afford a game due to hisck of money. Even the cheapest VR game with bad graphics costs more than 150$. That amount of money could allow him to live for a few days.


    He chose to spend his money on his daily life rather than y the game himself because he knew his situation.


    So he only watched streamers y the game instead of actually ying it.


    And the third thing... Streaming had be a favorite job alongside the fast development of virtual reality. It became the main source of entertainment, providing various themes from real-life streaming to game streaming, and even some movie-level storytelling.


    In fact, many streamers were more famous than celebrities in this era. Some with attractive appearances also worked as a model for fashion brands, and some signed ad deals with variouspanies.


    After settling and getting used to his current situation, Max was interested in one thing.


    "Streaming..."


    In his past life, he enjoyed it to the point he wanted to do it again in his next life. It seemed like God or whatever it was granted his wish.


    "Should I do it again? No, can I do it?"


    He stood up, caressing the VR capsule beside his bed.


    "It will be different from the past, but I want to do it again."


    Unlike a game streaming using aputer, he would need to control his character directly this time as the game would be in a full-dive virtual reality, which would be hard for him, who had no experience in it even with his new memories from Max Charles.


    During the three days, he got used to his body, tried the capsule, and entered Lobby to watch other streamers. They were just like the streamers in his past life, but it looked harder as they would need to read the chat in the middle of a game while moving their body.


    For example, a streamer read the donation while sword-fighting with another person. That kind of thing was exciting for the viewers but hard for the inexperienced streamer.


    Some didn''t read the chat at that kind of tense moment, but most sessful streamers did.


    After thinking for a while, Max shook his head and pped his cheeks.


    ''What am I thinking? I just need to enjoy it! I can definitely do it while searching for a job if it doesn''t work out. Streaming is fun, and I just need to enjoy it!''


    Besides...


    Max looked at the floating window in front of him.


    <strong><Greatest Streamer System></strong>


    <strong><A system to create the greatest streamer of all time!></strong>


    <Quest:


    <strong>- Start Stream</strong>


    <strong>As the first step to bing the top streamer, make a streaming ount and start a Livestream at a streaming website of your choice.</strong>


    <strong>Reward: 1test offline game installed in your Lobby.</strong>


    <strong>Deadline: 1 Day.</strong>


    <strong>Failure toplete the quest will result in the system being uninstalled.></strong>


    "I am not dreaming." He sighed and swiped his hand.


    The blue window disappeared with that. It was something he found out in thest three days.


    It suddenly appeared when he first regained consciousness, surprising him.


    Not only that, it suddenly gave him a quest that didn''t have much context. How could it give him a reward? Was it real, or was it just his imagination?


    Anyway, the quest was in line with what he wanted to do. If this system''s reward were real, he would get a free offline game he could use as his first streaming content.


    Max opened the VR capsule with hope. His heart beat faster out of excitement and nervousness as he saw the cover lifted slowly with a whirring sound.


    It reminded him of his medical equipment, so he was pretty hesitant when he tried it the first time. However, it was actually pretty different. He climbed in and made himselffortable in the chair.


    The interior of the capsule was simr to a sci-fi mecha cockpit with some small screen disying his vital signs. He wore the helmet that read his brainwave, and the capsule closed by itself.


    <strong>[Entering Lobby.]</strong>


    A mechanical voice rang in his ears.


    "Let''s do it."


    The scenery around him changed as he dived into the virtual world.


    An expanse of rolling grass in stretched out as far as the eye could see. A gentle breeze caused them to sway.


    Everyone''s Lobby was different.


    Max''s Lobby was just a simple grass in with a hill in the distance and a simple chair under a sole tree. He loved it, especially the gentle breeze that hit his face.


    With futuristic technology, human''s five senses could be replicated near perfection even in this virtual world. That was why people loved it.


    "Now..."


    Sitting on the chair, he looked at a hologram screen spread in front of him. Punch''s streaming website was opened on the screen, and the home menu was filled with various streamers.


    Max ignored them for now and went to the ount. He created one by himself using his capsule ID, which was connected to his personal ount.


    When pressing the create button, a window that asked him to write his name popped up. He hesitated a little before filling it with ''Breeze'' using the virtual keyboard.


    "That name is what made me love streaming, so there is no way I will use another name."


    He pressed the OK button after deciding.


    Then another choice popped up, asking whether he made the streamer or viewer ount. This time, he didn''t hesitate to choose the streamer ount, set up the donation ount, and finalized his registration.


    A notification popped up with a cheerful sound.


    <strong>[Your ount has been sessfully set up! Please fill in your additional information!]</strong>


    At the same time, he also heard a notification from inside his head, and a smaller blue window popped up in front of him.


    <strong><Quest ispleted! Please choose your reward!></strong>


    "It''s real?!"

 Chapter 3 - 3 – First Game

    <h4>Chapter 3: ¨C First Game</h4>


    <strong>


    <strong>1. Knight''s Journey</strong>


    <strong>2. Mercenary Quest</strong>


    <strong>3. Conrad''s Defense></strong>


    Max stared at the smaller blue screen in wonder. This was a virtual world, not a real one. He didn''t expect the system to be able to show him the blue window in this ce.


    <i>''I guess because the virtual world is connected to my brain, the system is also able to enter.''</i>


    There was another problem. How would the system install those games for him?


    He wasn''t a stranger to those names. The previous owner of the body, Max, had extensive knowledge about games.


    Each of them cost 500$ due to how good their graphics were. Not to mention, they were among thetest release batch, thus exining their cost.


    It was said they were games that were simr to reality more than the others, even the fighting system and the fact there was no magic in each of them.


    In other words, they were reality games that relied more on a yer''s skill than the game''s help and were wildly popr for use in a challenge. Not only that, it also had a bigmunity even when it was just released a month ago.


    That was why...


    "They are perfect to be used in my debut streaming."


    Max was confident in his skill. He had tested himself in the Lobby and knew he could move even better than his past life before he got into an incident.


    <i>''Because the game is hard, it''s normal to fail. But if I manage to clear the game on my first try... I can use that to boost my poprity, just like what I did before.''</i>


    He decided to just choose from those three as the system seemed to be real. There was nothing wrong with trying.


    If the game wasn''t installed after choosing one from the system reward, he could just stick to his original n to work for a few months before starting streaming.


    "Now... Let''s see..."


    The three games had simr reality genres. But the gamey was different.


    Knight''s Journey was as its name implied. The game was about a knight''s journey from his home kingdom to the edge of the world to retire. There were some fights with a weapon of his choice, a really typical adventure genre.


    Checking the Punch game list, there were a total of 550 thousand viewers currently watching people ying this game, a big number in his past life but not big enough in this world.


    A popr game would have more than a total of 3 million viewers, and the hottest game could reach more than 5 million viewers on its release date.


    The second game, Mercenary Quest, was a bit more open-world than the first game. It focused on the yers taking a quest as a mercenary and finishing it while following the provided storyline.


    Just like Knight''s Journey, it had no magic at all.


    Currently, there were more than 503 thousand total viewers for this game.


    Then, thest game, Conrad''s Defense. It was a bit different from the other two, as the story revolved around the city called Conrad, which was attacked by a foreign force.


    In short, it was a city defense game against waves of enemies.


    Among the three, this game only had 207 thousand total viewers on Punch streaming service. The reason was simple.


    "No one has ever finished the 10th wave of this game."


    This game was once called the ultimate challenge that had never been broken. Some streamers still tried to finish it, but many variety game streamers had long since given up on finishing this game.


    "I only have three choices, huh? And all of them are pretty hard games."


    Max held his chin and leaned against the chair¡ªa breeze passed by, rustling his short, dark hair.


    Which game would gain more traction if he did something impossible? All three games were challenging, but one was more difficult than the other two due to its gamey.


    Based on that interest...


    "Let''s take Knight''s Journey," Max said as he pressed the number 1 in the floating window.


    That one was the best choice.


    Not only did this game have the most viewers at the moment, but it also showcased the yer''s skill with cold weapons and strategy to reach the end.


    <strong><Knight''s Journey is selected.></strong>


    <strong><Installing the game in the yer''s capsule.></strong>


    Almost at the same time that he chose the Knight''s Journey, a notification from the system came.


    Following that, the mechanical voice of the VR capsule''s assistant rang in the Lobby.


    <strong>[A new game is being installed!]</strong>


    <strong>[Instationplete! Your game is ready!]</strong>


    Therge screen that opened up the Punch site changed into something else.


    On a screen, a knight with full-te armor was walking through a forest with a sword strapped to his waist. He looked gant and charismatic. And on top of the screen was the title ''Knight Journey'' written on it.


    This was the Knight''s Journey gameuncher.


    The game was sessfully installed into Max''s VR capsule.


    "Woah..." He eximed loudly, both in surprise and happiness. "It actually got installed."


    His surprise was cut short with another voice that rang in his head.


    <strong><New Quest!></strong>


    <Quest:


    <strong>- First Follower!</strong>


    <strong>Obviously, a streamer needs viewers!</strong>


    <strong>Let''s get your first 5 followers on the streaming site! A small step for streamers, a big step for the future!</strong>


    <strong>Progress: 0/5</strong>


    <strong>Reward: Profile Banner</strong>


    <strong>Deadline: 3 Days</strong>


    <strong>Failure toplete the Quest will result in the system being uninstalled.></strong>


    A new quest had been generated. The reward was unexpectedly something rted to his empty streaming ount.


    "I see. So the reward isn''t always a game but something that''s rted to streaming." Max concluded, nodding in understanding. "Having a profile banner is good. It can make my profile look more professional."


    As someone who couldn''t design anything but a doodle and had no money to hire someone, the reward was certainly something that could be considered ''good'' for him, especially since it was free and was only a bonus reward for his goal.


    His profile was his only source of promotion besides his stream. He only hoped that this banner would turn out great.


    "Anyway, 5 followers, huh? I better not think about it and just focus on streaming." He controlled the screen and prepared to stream.


    What he did was simple: connecting his Punch ount to the game and preparing the title.


    <strong>[First Knight''s Journey Gamey! First Time Noob tries a godly challenging game!]</strong>


    "That should be enough to get some people''s attention. They usually love to mock noobs andugh at them."


    After everything was prepared, Max didn''t waste his time and booted his game. His vision turned ck, and he was greeted with Knight''s Journey loading screen.

 Chapter 4 - 4 – First Stream

    <h4>Chapter 4: ¨C First Stream</h4>


    A white sh burst, and his vision changed.


    ng! Crash!


    "Arrgh!"


    Loud sounds of metal met with the others, and screams filled with pain echoed in the surroundings.


    ''What?!'' Max looked confused. His ears rang from the loud sounds that suddenly attacked him.


    What was it? The world around him looked real. Many people were fighting using swords, spears, and bows in the distance.


    "Wake up, knight! Move! Don''t lose your mind at a ce like this!" A middle-aged knight shouted near his ears, causing him to be surprised.


    <i>''The game has started?''</i>


    Max had finally realized it as his mind began working again. The graphic looked simr to the real world; that was why he froze for a few seconds.


    Horses went back and forth. Screams echoed once again, and a sound of metal shing echoed all over the ce.


    This was a battlefield.


    <i>''Is this war?''</i> He wondered.


    It felt real.


    He couldn''t see much due to the smoke rising and dust kicked by a lot of knights running around to beat their enemies.


    "Get up! Pick your weapon, or you won''t survive!"


    The knight from earlier pulled him up from the trench and pointed at a pile of weapons on the side.


    At that moment, the world froze still, and a blue window popped up in front of him.


    <strong>[Tutorial!]</strong>


    <strong>[Pick a weapon of your choice!]</strong>


    Four weapons lit up with a blue light as the surroundings turned ck and white.


    Facing the strange phenomenon, Max actually calmed down instead of panicking.


    He sighed in relief and muttered, "Phew... This is truly just a VR game."


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <i>¡ª Ah! Fresh blood! His ount was just made a few minutes ago.</i>


    <i>¡ª No way. You''re right!</i>


    "...!"


    Suddenly, another window beside the game announcement popped up at the corner of his sight.


    It surprised Max and caused him to flinch slightly. He quickly nced and noticed it was a chat window.


    <i>''I have a viewer already?''</i> He thought, not expecting him to get a viewer this fast.


    In fact, there was a number at the corner of the chat window.


    <strong>[4 viewers]</strong>


    <i>''Woah! This is a great start.''</i>


    Max couldn''t believe it. In just a few minutes, he got 4 viewers. This was the power of a clickbait title that gave the chance for trolls to make fun of a noob.


    Those 4 viewers baited by his title were important, especially that person who sent a chat. He used this chance to test something.


    "Test test, hello? Can you hear my voice?"


    <i>¡ª Hahaha! We have a real newbie here!</i>


    <i>¡ª Voice test, really?</i>


    "Ah, so you can hear me. That''s good." Max smiled at the floating camera above the pile of weapons.


    He set the camera in a 3rd PoV right now to let the viewer see his character. After making sure it pointed at him, he looked at the pile of weapons and held his chin.


    "Which one should I choose?"


    There was a sword, a spear, an axe, and a pair of bow and arrow. A yer was only allowed to choose one of them in the tutorial, and they were just crude weapons.


    Max had to admit he felt conflicted. Never in his life did he hold a weapon, but at the same time, he was also excited.


    No man in the world didn''t like weapons!


    He had seen many streamers choose a sword as their weapon. It was easy to use, and some people had trained in sword techniques in real life.


    However... That wouldn''t make him unique.


    <i>''Let''s choose this one.''</i>


    "I have decided."


    He approached the pile and took the weapon of his choice.


    <i>¡ª Really?</i>


    <i>¡ª This newbie has guts! He has guts, I said!</i>


    <i>¡ª I bet he will die in the tutorial. Three times, minimum!</i>


    <i>¡ª I said he would change his weapon soon!</i>


    Because of his choice, the 4 viewers he had began to mock him. What he chose was the most unusual weapon, only used by some people.


    "What''s wrong? An axe is a good weapon, no?"


    Yes, he chose an axe.


    A knight who used an axe was never heard of before.


    <i>¡ª Yeah, it''s good lol.</i>


    <i>¡ª That weapon is the best! (img=lol)</i>


    <i>¡ª Pfft! Yeah, that''s a good weapon.</i>


    The chat yed along. They weren''t here to watch a good yer but a funny newbie streamer.


    So Max''s choice amused them.


    <i>''Great.''</i>


    Max wasn''t discouraged at all. Instead, he was happy with their reaction.


    <i>''What''s left is for me to finish the tutorial with a flying color.''</i>


    <strong>[Axe selected!]</strong>


    The game announcement rang again after he decided to use the axe and returned to where he was before.


    "I see you have chosen your weapon! Now, let''s dep¨C Duck!"


    Max didn''t even spend a second after hearing the older knight''s words. He immediately rolled on the ground, using his old knowledge of parkour, and evaded a flying arrow.


    He was lucky. Due to his reaction, he managed to dodge the surprise attack.


    However...


    <i>THUD!</i>


    "He''s dead?!"


    The tutorial knight''s fate wasn''t good enough. Another arrowing from the same direction pierced through his head, killing him immediately.


    <i>¡ª Wow! That newbie is lucky!</i>


    <i>¡ª I thought he would die from the silent arrow. Tsk! I was wrong!</i>


    <i>¡ª Hahaha, he looks so flustered!</i>


    Chat was moving rather fast, and Max noticed that some new viewers had joined his stream. He now had around 9 viewers watching him, expecting him to be bad at the game.


    He wanted to talk to them, but there was no time. The game couldn''t be paused unless he was in a cutscene!


    The knight near him was killed one by one, leaving only him. An army of barbarians appeared in the distance, holding various crude weapons in their hands.


    At that moment...


    <i>p p p!</i>


    A knight on a horse charged in by himself while holding a silver sword from the distance. His figure looked so gant, and there was a name above his head.


    <strong>[Knight Captain Hutch]</strong>


    He noticed Max lying near the trench and shouted.


    "Follow me, soldier!"


    <i>¡ª Ooh! Hutch appeared!</i>


    <i>¡ª That damn handsome knight. I want to punch his face! Even his voice is so good!</i>


    <i>¡ª Agreed! I hate him, but I love him!</i>


    <i>¡ª Newbie! What are you doing? Follow that person!</i>


    "Ah!"


    Max was too stupefied by the sudden death of the knight in front of him and forgot that he was still in a tutorial stage.


    The Knight Captain''s shout and chat nagging saved him and snapped him out of his thoughts. Another game mission appeared in his vision.


    <strong>[Tutorial!]</strong>


    <strong>[Help Knight Captain Hutch and eliminate the barbarian army!]</strong>

 Chapter 5 - 5 – Success

    <h4>Chapter 5: ¨C Sess</h4>


    It seemed like the fighting tutorial had started.


    Max immediately focused and told himself that he was still streaming. His goal was to impress his few viewers who came to mock a noob to promote him in Knight Journey''smunity forum.


    Raising his axe, he began to run to Knight Captain Hutch in the distance. A person was able to block 6 barbarians by himself.


    "Help me, soldier! I won''t be able to hold them any longer! We can''t let them invade the vige!"


    "Leave it to me!"


    Infected by the Knight Captain''s vigor, Max unconsciously answered him with a loud shout. His hand gripped the axe tightly.


    Due to the heavy weight of his weapon, his movement was slightly restricted. But he moved skillfully through the muddy red ground from blood.


    <i>¡ª He''s fast!</i>


    <i>¡ª Is that possible for someone who uses an axe?</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn! He''s good!</i>


    The chat went wild after watching Max''s movement. The years of training in parkour paid off.


    Although he couldn''t move for 3 years due to his injury, he still had the basics and knew how to move with a little effort, even while holding something heavy.


    Jumping high in full armor, Max surprised all the barbarians and even the Knight Captain. Hended in front of two guardians and swung the axe horizontally.


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    The axe mowed down the unarmored barbarians, slicing their bodies in half.


    <i>¡ª Holy shit! The newbie is merciless!</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn! Their guts are spilling. Did he not turn off the gore content?</i>


    <i>¡ª Blood! Give us blood! Moooreeee!!!</i>


    The viewers were excited. They had never thought that a newbie who had just made his streaming ount the same day would be able to y this well.


    <i>''Woah.''</i>


    Max was also surprised. He nned to scare the barbarian, but he was actually able to jump higher than ever and even swung the heavy axe easily.


    <i>''My body is so light. I can move however I please!''</i>


    A grin crept into his face.


    <i>¡ª The newbie is excited.</i>


    <i>¡ª Lolol! Look at his grin!</i>


    "Don''t lower your guard, soldier!"


    Knight Captain Hutch warned Max as he killed a barbarian by piercing his heart. Only three were left.


    One of them was running toward Max while brandishing a simr axe. He didn''t panic.


    This was a game. And a game was supposed to be fun and not scary.


    "Come on!" He roared in excitement as he moved.


    Two axes met each other, creating a spark in the air. A loud sh rang from the collision, and they were both locked in a settlement. However... This was a virtual reality game.


    <i>Thud!</i>


    Max kicked the barbarian in the groin, and his enemy slumped in pain. Using this chance, he brought the axe down and killed his enemy in one hit.


    "Next!"


    With a bloody axe in his hand, he raised his head to lock at his next target.


    "Soldier... Calm yourself a little. Leave the rest to me."


    The Knight Captain moved forward with his horse and began tobat the remaining two barbarians alone.


    <i>¡ª I wonder who is the barbarian among them...</i>


    <i>¡ª A knight with an axe is a barbarian!</i>


    <i>¡ª ^^ I am disappointed. I wanted to hear Hutch curse at him, but he actually asked him to stay calm!</i>


    <i>¡ª Who is that guy? I don''t know that Hutch!</i>


    <i>¡ª What the... Can a newbie move like that? I thought this was a noob stream? How can he not die at all in the tutorial?</i>


    "Huh? Isn''t a tutorial supposed to be easy?"


    Max asked the chat as he watched Knight Captain Hutch mow down the enemy.


    Even if he had heard about the game and its difficulty, he thought that the tutorial was supposed to be easy, so he didn''t think much about it and charged at his enemy.


    <i>¡ª This is a realistic game. So even the tutorial feels like a real war!</i>


    <i>¡ª You can die in a tutorial. Didn''t you see the arrow that killed the tutorial knight? Many newbies from that arrow!</i>


    <i>¡ª He didn''t die, though... Disappointing.</i>


    As Max read the chat and chuckled lightly, proud of his skill, Knight Captain Hutch had killed one of the barbarians while still horse riding.


    "Thank you for the information, RabbitCat."


    He appreciated the viewers for giving him such useful information. But it was toote. If he had known about that earlier, he would''ve died and made a funny moment.


    <i>''What a shame, but I was able to show my skill off thanks to that.''</i>


    <i>Thud!</i>


    Thest barbarian panicked as he saw hisrade fall. With ast shout, he ignored Hutch and chose an enemy that stood behind and absentminded, Max.


    "Dieee!!"


    It was ast-resort attack. Nothing was coordinated, and it took Hutch off guard. When he was about to turn around and chase after the barbarian, the horse refused to cooperate and neighed loudly.


    "Wha?! Be careful, soldier!"


    "Hmm?"


    Max raised his head from the chat and saw a barbarian approaching him while wielding two swords.


    Caught off guard, he just raised his axe to defend against the attack.


    <i>¡ª Finally! First death? He surely won''t be able to block those two death swords!</i>


    One of the viewers eximed, expecting the newbie streamer to finally die. They got excited seeing thest barbarian, often called two death swords,ing for him.


    <i>ng!</i>


    A sound louder than any ever rang when the first sword struck Max''s axe.


    "At least I will bring you to the grave!" The barbarian shouted and raised his left hand, sending another attack with his second sword. "Die!"


    <i>¡ª Die!</i>


    <i>¡ª Dieee!!!</i>


    The chat exploded, imitating the barbarian''s howl. A total of 10 viewers immediately sent the same message.


    However...


    "Not today!"


    Max suddenly jumped, front flipping. He pulled back his axe and used the spinning momentum to deliver an attack to the back of the barbarian''s head.


    It split nicely, lodging on the bald head as hended on the bloody ground.


    <i>¡ª WTF?!</i>


    <i>¡ª Hey, is that possible?! He wears full te armor!</i>


    <i>¡ª Looking that VR uses a brainwave to move, and some gymnastics athletes can indeed do such a thing in virtual reality... So I believe that''s possible. But still, that''s amazing! The flexibility!</i>


    <i>¡ª POG!</i>


    Max froze in ce. He read the chat with a surprised expression.


    First of all, he only nned to jump high enough to dodge the iing axe. And it was a desperate situation, so he didn''t think much about it and just moved.


    To think he would be jumping higher than a person''s height was surprising for him. Thankfully, he responded quickly and front-flipped while attacking his enemy. It worked, and Max was happy about it.


    "Woah..." He muttered in amazement. "I front flipped over his head!" He eximed.


    <i>¡ª ... Damn... Just damn...</i>


    <i>¡ª It seems like he didn''t know he could do that either.</i>


    <i>¡ª o7 Good job, soldier. It seems like you will be knighted soon.</i>


    <i>¡ª Oh, right! He will be knighted soon! Kekeke, this will be a fun sight.</i>


    "Knighted?"


    Max muttered as he didn''t understand what the viewer meant.


    From a distance, Knight Captain Hutch approached him with his horse. The white fur and the rider''s armor were covered in red. There was a little dent here and there, a sign of a battle.


    "Soldier." He called out to Max in a cold voice as he jumped from his horse and walked toward him.


    <i>¡ª It''s here!</i>


    <i>¡ª Knighted scene!</i>


    <i>¡ª Kyaa! I am so excited!</i>


    The Knight''s Journey seemed like a peaceful game, but it was actually filled with fights until retirement. And the job of making a yer realize that fell to the knight captain.


    Many yers who had yed this game called this Knighted.


    And usually, it involved crushing a yer''s spirit by cursing at them. But...


    "Well done. That was a good fight, soldier. No, can you tell me what your name is? I think you''re worthy to be called a Sir."


    Hutch actually praised Max and asked his name.


    <strong>[Insert your game nickname.]</strong>


    At that moment, Max was a bit confused as he was prepared for the worst and stared at the new notification while the chat exploded.


    <i>¡ª What the...!</i>


    <i>¡ª ???</i>


    <i>¡ª This bastard...</i>


    <i>¡ª He wasn''t as nice to me for the first time!</i>


    <i>¡ª I got pped twice!</i>


    <i>¡ª Good for you. I got punched three times!</i>


    Looking at the viewers'' reaction, Max knew this was the best time to announce his name.


    "Breeze."


    <strong>[Breeze has been chosen as the yer''s name!]</strong>


    "Sir Breeze." Hutch nodded in approval, "Let''s return together."


    The game froze once again, and Max''s character moved by itself. It was a cutscene that signified the end of the tutorial.


    Almost an hour had passed since the stream started. The previous 4 viewers grew to 10, then to 17 as more and more people got curious before Max decided to end his first stream early.


    Those people began to remember this newbie''s name. A certain viewer decided to post a clip in themunity forum because it was a strange event that had never happened in Knight''s Journey before.


    The title in themunity forum was eye-catching.


    <strong>[Viral! The demon Knight Captainpliments a newbie!]</strong>

 Chapter 6 - 6 – Gaining Traction

    <h4>Chapter 6: ¨C Gaining Traction</h4>


    Knight''s Journeymunity forum, aka Knighted, had many active users and was located in amunity Lobby.


    Most yers would join this Lobby to talk about Knight''s Journey. They fell in love with the game itself and wanted to do whatever they could to find easter eggs. And the reliable source to find that was themunity Lobby.


    That was why the users often talked about various things and would always get excited when someone posted new things in the new thread that they could bring up on the main screen.


    However, as a month had passed since the game was released, the new things posted in the forum were getting less and less.


    Nothing new was posted for a few days already, and people would only talk about the walkthrough and the best way to reach the ending in person.


    That was why when a user called [FreakingNoob] posted a thread with an eye-catching title like [Viral! The demon Knight Captain praised a newbie!], those bored people immediately swarmed the post.


    On top of the post, the user puts a description.


    <strong>[As usual, I went hunting for noob and first-time streamers to have a goodugh at their funny reaction when ying Knight''s Journey for the first time. But, damn! I found a really good noob, and Hutch even asked his name! Be careful; he didn''t turn off the gore content.]</strong>


    <strong>[AttachedVideo.mp4]</strong>


    Under that description, a video was attached. It was a clip when Max jumped higher than a barbarian''s head and killed him after front-flipping.


    Following that, Max was approached by Hutch and was praised. The knight captain also asked his name and addressed him politely like a proper knight, not as a small fry.


    <i>¡ª Is that really a newbie?</i>


    <i>¡ª I doubt it is a newbie. His movement in the video is like a pro! Here is the link of his stream: [AttachedLink]</i>


    <i>¡ª Don''t lie to us, thread starter. You must''ve edited that video or recorded your friend who has already yed Knight''s Journey for a month!</i>


    <i> ©¸ Even so, it''s still impressive.</i>


    <i> ©¸ He''s a real newbie. I also watched his stream earlier, like FreakingNoob, and was surprised! Here is the screenshot of his streaming ount. [AttachedImage.jpg]</i>


    <i> ©¸ For real?</i>


    <i> ©¸ If the screenshot is urate, then he made his streaming ount today.</i>


    <i> ¡ª I just saw his channel. Damn, his reaction definitely belonged to a newbie. This is probably also the first game he yed.</i>


    <i> ©¸ For real, I also checked.</i>


    <i>¡ª Hutch praised someone?! I need to watch it!</i>


    <i>¡ª Is the p I thought was a script actually personal? That damned Knight Captain! Once I finish my third run, I will p him back! Twelve times!</i>


    <i> ©¸ lol, this guy must have been pped twelve times in just three runs.</i>


    <i> ©¸ You were lucky. I was punched! Six times!</i>


    <i> ©¸ Oh, this bes personal, then! I will also kick him three times for my next run!</i>


    <i>¡ª This is new. Are there actually still many things we don''t know about Knight''s Journey? I need to make a video about this!</i>


    <i>¡ª I will be the one that gets praised next!</i>


    <i>¡ª Damnit! I wanted to see the cutscene, but he ended the stream early!</i>


    <i> ©¸ Maybe he got tired? It''s his first stream, after all.</i>


    <i> ©¸ Breeze, is it? I will keep it in mind and follow his Punch ount. I also want to see what happens next!</i>


    The new thread was filled with people instantly. Some doubted the streamer called Breeze was an absolute newbie, while thetterments were mostly about interest in Knight Captain Hutch, a strict NPC, praising a yer in the tutorial.


    Some yers were excited about the possibility that Max opened by getting a new scene from Knight Captain Hutch.


    In one corner of the Lobby, which looked like a knight training ground from a medieval era, Max sat while swiping his hand to close the screen.


    A grin crept into his face as he looked around the surroundings. People''s avatars that looked like knights talked excitedly about the new thread.


    <i>''It worked.''</i>


    Max''s move of ending his stream early was risky. He was just getting good traction, and his viewers loved the way he surprised them.


    Not to mention, he unlocked a scene that was never seen before in Knight''s Journey, and many people got curious about the next cutscene after getting that strange event.


    However, that worry was unfounded. It actually made people more interested in him and followed his streaming ount.


    As a result...


    <strong><Quest ispleted excellently! Your profile banner has been put up! An extra reward has been added. ''About Me'' has beenpletely set up.></strong>


    Hepleted the system''s quest in less than 2 hours after he ended the stream.


    The profile banner was put nicely on his streaming profile, featuring his name and an interesting design that introduced what he did.


    "Variety streamers, mostly ying games!"


    The system also put up his goal in the profile, setting it to 500 followers. It showed 14/500, filling the sword icon slightly.


    There were also links that connected to his social media, which he didn''t know existed. He just needed to add some content in the future when he was ready.


    It was as if he had a personal manager that helped him to set his channel up like those streamers signing with an agency.


    "So the reward written is not actually fixed. It can give me an extra if I finish it way faster than the deadline or better than what the system wanted me to do."


    This time was easy because he only needed to get 5 followers.


    Following someone in Punch was free. The viewers just needed to press the follow button, which would give them a pop-up notification once their followed streamer started their livestream.


    That brought him to the next problem.


    <Quest:


    <strong>- Can I eat from donations?!</strong>


    <strong>Obviously, a streamer needs money!</strong>


    <strong>Let''s get your first donation milestone before the end of Knight''s Journey.</strong>


    <strong>Progress: 0/50,000 Diamonds or 0/1,000 Dors</strong>


    <strong>Reward: 1x B-grade nutritional supplement.</strong>


    <strong>Deadline: Fifth Livestream (0/5)</strong>


    <strong>Failure toplete the Quest will result in the system being uninstalled.></strong>


    "50K Diamonds or a grand... Can I achieve this much in five livestreams?"


    The nutritional supplement reward was really great. It was also a B-Grade, the third best among 5 grades out there, starting from S to D.


    And there was something that changed slightly in the deadline.


    <i>''Does this mean I need to finish the game in my fifth stream? Or do I just need to reach the goal?''</i>


    It was vague, but that was what Max understood from this new deadline.


    <i>''I can just try my best. Knight''s Journey is a short game, so it maybe won''t be strange if I finish one run in my fifth stream. For now, let''s log out and eat. Reading the new quest makes me hungry.''</i>


    With that, Max hit the logout button, and his character, which resembled his real self, disappeared from themunity Lobby.

 Chapter 7 - 7 – Breaking the Barrier

    <h4>Chapter 7: ¨C Breaking the Barrier</h4>


    Inside his room, the VR capsule opened, and Max climbed out. His body was slightly covered in sweat even though the capsule had a cooling function. While it wasn''t good enough because it was the worst capsule out there, it should be enough to keep him from sweating a lot.


    Max was drenched because his concentration was high, and he did a rather advanced movement in the game.


    "I guess this is why I feel rather tired and hungry, huh? I can''t y too long without the nutritional supplement. I would be too tired, and my performance would worsen."


    He pulled his cor, looking down at his drenched clothes.


    It felt ufortable, so he removed it and put it in an automatic washing machine in the bathroom.


    "The future is so convenient." Hemented with a smile as he put on a fresh shirt.


    To be honest, calling it the future might not be entirely correct.


    Max wasn''t sure whether he was in the future or a different world, as he didn''t really like history and couldn''t differentiate what happened in the past through literature and records.


    The names of the countries in the world were also slightly different from what he remembered. Even the country he stayed in was called the United Nations, and it was located in where North America was in his original memories.


    Anyway, the most important thing was that he had been given a second chance at life and was really hungry.


    Picking up his jacket, he pulled the hood up and left the room. It was locked automatically and could only be opened with his biometrics. Then he walked down the hallway and left the slightly run-down apartment through the elevator.


    Max''s apartmentplex wasn''t exactly the best. He could only stay there thanks to the government support.


    Actually, he also wanted to move to a better ce, mainly for safety reasons.


    But that was enough. He was happy enough with the blessing of walking and living again.


    With a smile, he walked away from the location, through a rather dirty alleyway to the main street of Lime City, where some restaurants were located.


    The feeling of moving his feet in real life felt great, especially since he headed to have a meal.


    It was a real meal and not a hospital meal!


    That was why he bothered to go to a restaurant where he could order food from a drone delivery. It became one of Max''s joys besides streaming.


    <i>''Maybe I should make a mukbang streaming in the future. It would be great if some restaurant sponsored me to advertise their ce.''</i>


    Before long, he had arrived at a small restaurant with a few guests inside.


    This ce sold spicy noodles, something he began to like after trying it in the past three days. Not only was it cheap, but it also had a big serving and was delicious.


    "Wee!"


    A cheerful voice from the waitress greeted him as soon as he entered. She was an energetic girl with short brown hair.


    This girl was Nina, and ording to Max''s fragmented memory, they had known each other for quite some time and were the same age, reaching neen just a few months ago.


    She had helped him in the past many times, mainly by giving discounts and something simr when he had no money to buy anything to eat.


    In short, Max was indebted to this kind girl.


    Upon seeing Max entering, her expression brightened immediately.


    "Ah, Max! Are you here to eat again?" She asked, approaching him with light steps and a bright smile.


    "Yes." He answered, nodding at her. He sat on the nearby chair and looked at her, "The usual, please."


    "Got it!" She chirped after getting the order.


    With a sweep of her hand, a hologram screen appeared in front of Max with the bill for his order. He casually raised his hand and tapped his watch against the screen, paying for his orders.


    "Thank you for your patronage." She cooed, "Just wait for a minute, alright. I will bring it soon."


    Nina turned around and left after she closed the hologram screen.


    What happened earlier was thanks to the smartwatch. At this current age, everyone used it to do everything, from paying for groceries to browsing the inte.


    ''It''s so convenient.'' He thought once again before falling into silence. ''Still, it''s rare that many people visit this ce. It''s usually empty, with only me eating. Is it because of the construction nearby? They look like workers. Well, it''s good for Nina and the business.''


    Max didn''t think too much about it and chose to rx. He nned to return and continue streaming after resting until 6 PM.


    There were still 5 hours until then, and he would use that time to find information about Knight''s Journey.


    He didn''t want to be blind anymore about the game in his second livestream and at least wanted to make another clip that satisfied his viewers. His current knowledge wasn''t enough.


    <i>''They will expect me to do something great again this time. From what I experienced earlier, I will probably get tired again after 2 or 3 hours. Without the supplement, that''s my limit to livestream and ying with my full performance before my body gets heavier.''</i>


    Max clenched his fist into a ball. His body was healthy but weak. It didn''t get enough training or nutrients needed.


    From his fragmented memory, Max knew that the previous owner of the body didn''t like exercising. He preferred to hole up in his room and watch a livestream through his VR capsule.


    That was why it couldn''t really handle the game when he truly needed it.


    <i>''I need to exercise. Even if I love streaming, my health is more important than that.''</i>


    "Thanks for waiting!"


    Max''s thoughts were stopped as he heard Nina''s voice. She put arge amount of noodles with red broth on the table.


    "This... Isn''t it more than the usual?" He asked the girl, looking at her curiously.


    "Hehehe, we''re doing pretty well today. So the chef is in a good mood and identally makes more than he was supposed to. Also, I can''t eat a spicy noodle, so do us a favor and eat it! We can''t waste food!"


    Max knew that it was just an excuse. They always had new excuses whenever he came, as they knew he only had enough money to survive for a few months if he didn''t get a job.


    He was grateful and smiled at Nina.


    "Thank you."


    "Hehehe, Eat a lot! I will go now. Other customers need me."


    Nina strode away and helped the other customers with their orders. Max only smiled softly before he looked at his meal.


    "Thanks for the food."


    He gobbled it down in one go due to how delicious it was.


    After he was done eating, he returned to his apartment and did what he had nned while exercising lightly, such as doing push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, as he sourced the inte.


    The information about Knight''s Journey was easy to find, and he could expect what kind of mission he would get next.


    However, as this game''s story depended on a yer''s choice, Max also couldn''t rely on the inte''s information alone.


    With his progress so far, he could also be entering a hidden route because he had triggered a different event that hadn''t been seen before.


    When the digital clock reached 6 PM, Max stopped his research and entered his capsule.


    "Let''s start."


    Max muttered as he entered his Lobby, the grass in without anything. He immediately loaded the game and started the stream in Punch.


    <strong>[Livestream start!]</strong>


    The game booted at the same time the notification appeared before him. His vision changed once again into a medieval city where he walked down the road with Knight Captain Hutch riding a horse in front of him.


    Max was surprised. Not because of how realistic and beautiful the medieval city was. But because of the number that was written under the chat window.


    <strong>[Viewers: 386]</strong>


    He broke the 300 viewers'' barrier in his second stream.


    <i>¡ª Oh, he''s here!</i>


    <i>¡ª Finally, I am curious about the cutscene.</i>


    <i>¡ª Cutscene where?</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze, is it? Let''s see whether you''re a real newbie or a smurf!</i>


    <i>¡ª Kind Hutch... I want to breed him.</i>


    <i>¡ª Why are you gay?</i>


    <i>¡ª Is the cutscene going to be different now?</i>


    The chat was moving even faster than the time he got a rampage in hisst livestream in his previous life.


    Max''s jaws dropped as he shouted in his mind.


    <i>''For real?!''</i>

 Chapter 8 - 8 – Last Tutorial

    <h4>Chapter 8: ¨C Last Tutorial</h4>


    Max knew that he would have increased viewers if he streamed, thanks to the thread posted in the Knighted Lobbymunity forum.


    But 300 viewers were more than he had expected.


    <i>''I thought I would only get 50 or 70 curious viewers at most.''</i>


    His jaw dropped in surprise. But the stream had started, and he couldn''t look stupid even when the game world was still paused.


    The cutscene hadn''t started yet. A window to y it hovered in front of him, with the words ''y'' glowed a blue light.


    There was one thing he needed to do before. Greeting his viewers.


    "Hello!" Max waved his hand cheerfully at the floating camera.


    <i>¡ª Hi, Breeze!</i>


    <i>¡ª Yahoo! We are back!</i>


    <i>¡ª Yooo, show us the cutscene! Is it different from the normal one?</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn, just start the cutscene already!</i>


    Some viewersined about the cutscene, but that was normal. Their curiosity about the cutscene after Hutch praised him was at an all-time high.


    "Hahahaha, wait a little bit. Wee back to those watching from the start! This time, I turned the gore content off! Sorry for what happened earlier." Heughed to brush off any sign of nervousness.


    <i>¡ª No worries!</i>


    <i>¡ª It''s an honest mistake. I don''t mind.</i>


    <i>¡ª Thank god... I don''t want to see guts spilled. You learned, newbie!</i>


    "Hahaha, yeah." Hisughter turned dry. "Let''s not wait any longer and continue Knight''s Journey from where we left off earlier!"


    <i>¡ª Let''s a goo!!</i>


    <i>¡ª Show us the cutscene! Now now now!</i>


    Max nodded at the chat and pressed y.


    Instantly, the world moved once again, and he couldn''t move his character.


    "I am moving by myself!" Max eximed loudly.


    <i>¡ª Hahaha, it''s a cutscene. Of course, you won''t be able to move freely!</i>


    <i>¡ª So far, it''s simr to a normal one.</i>


    <i>¡ª Yeah... They are just walking toward the knight''s barrack.</i>


    <i>¡ª But don''t you think Hutch and the horse look a bit... fresh?</i>


    <i>¡ª Fresh? Do you mean unscratched? Yeah, they definitely are.</i>


    Even when he knew that he wouldn''t be able to move freely during a cutscene, experiencing it himself was slightly different from his expectations. It felt... strange.


    <i>''It''s as if my body isn''t mine, and many ropes restrain me. I won''t be able to get used to this feeling.''</i>


    Max''s character moved slowly, following Hutch, who was leading him on a horse. His axe was slung over his shoulder.


    Some viewers already noticed a slight difference between a normal cutscene and this one, which was Hutch''s condition.


    In a normal cutscene, Hutch and the horse would be riddled with wounds because the yers were always toote killing the barbarians. But Max was able to kill two in a short time and even dealt with thest one without help.


    They moved through the city with no hurry. Everyone had already guessed that they would just move toward the knight barrack.


    Midway, Max''s vision was distorted, and the scenery changed. He was in a stable, watching Hutch pet his white horse.


    <i>¡ª ???</i>


    <i>¡ª ?? What ??</i>


    <i>¡ª Stable? Aren''t they supposed to be in a barrack? My trauma of getting bonked when I can''t control my body!</i>


    <i>¡ª It''s different! The cutscene is different!</i>


    <i>¡ª Oooh! This is what we''re here for!!</i>


    <i>¡ª Clippers! Don''t forget to clip this. This is a new route!</i>


    <i>¡ª On it.</i>


    As expected, the viewers'' reaction came. They were excited as the cutscene was different from a normal one.


    "Sir Breeze. Our duty as a knight is simple: to protect the popce of Ratsack City." Hutch began speaking as he continued to pet the horse.


    Hearing the city''s name almost made Maxugh, but he kept it to himself.


    "I understand that, sir! And I shall protect it with my life!"


    Max answered intuitively. Somehow, he was able to speak, and he just blurted out the best response he could think of in this situation.


    Hutch nodded, satisfied with his answer.


    "That''smendable." He said. "I have recognized you as a brave knight who is not afraid even in front of the barbarians. However, I believe our colleague won''t ept that. That''s why I have a mission for you to prove that you''re worthy!"


    "Yes, sir! Please give me the mission!" Max answered once again, putting up a salute that he had often seen in a video.


    <i>¡ª You don''t need to make any gesture, Breeze! The AI won''t detect it!</i>


    <i>¡ª lol, he saluted!</i>


    <i>¡ª He got a mission already? Where is the tutorial?</i>


    <i>¡ª This is still the tutorial, idiot! Breeze has no knight armor yet! He''s still wearing a soldier''s full-te armor!</i>


    <i>¡ª I see.</i>


    <i>¡ª Kick... He didn''t get kicked! This is unfair!</i>


    <i>¡ª I want to see him get pped! Or rather, p Hutch for me please!</i>


    The new viewers stillined about not getting kicked or such. They were expecting Hutch to be strict, just like the normal route.


    But those who came to find a new route of the game reacted differently.


    <i>¡ª New missions?</i>


    <i>¡ª There is no Huh Ah knight? Where is the fighting tutorial?</i>


    <i>¡ª Fool! This would be his tutorial! His skill is recognized by Hutch already, unlike you peasants! So he won''t need the fighting tutorial.</i>


    <i>¡ª So, no butt-kicking?</i>


    Max read the chat calmly and thought, ''Huh Ah knight? What is that?''


    While he was curious about it, he needed to stop the chat before it went awry.


    "Don''t fight guys. Let''s see what the mission is about." He calmly stated as he waited for Hutch to give him the mission.


    It didn''t work, but at least no one made a provoking chat anymore. The viewers were too excited to calm down, and a row of text was sent in a matter of a second.


    The Knight Captain approached him and raised his sword. Max was startled by the sudden movement, but it didn''t seem he wanted to attack him.


    Instead, he held the sword straight in front of him and dered.


    "We have received information about the remaining barbarian army in the west, near the mountainous area. Scout and report back to me. We need to know how many barbarians are left before advancing to deal with them!"


    As soon as Hutch finished speaking, a game notification popped in front of him.


    <strong>[Last Tutorial!]</strong>


    <strong>[Scout for the barbarian army in the west of Ratsack City! They are hiding around Ratcor Ner mountains.]</strong>


    At that time, Max''s vision changed. He could see a glowing light in the distance, specifically in the west.


    ''Is that the quest''s objective?'' He guessed.


    "I will do my best, sir!"


    "Good. I am counting on you, Sir Breeze."


    Once again, the chat exploded with text.


    <i>¡ª Scouting? Is there a mission like this?</i>


    <i>¡ª The west of Ratsack city in the Ratcor Ner mountains.</i>


    <i>¡ª Kekeke, rat corner. A fitting ce for the barbarians'' remaining army!</i>


    <i>¡ª How exciting! So there is a mission like this in the tutorial? I am not looking forward to what happens when he finishes this and enters the main story!</i>


    "So this mission is also different from what you guys did?" Max asked the chat as he walked away from the stable to the west.


    <i>¡ª Yeah, we fought Huh Ah knight.</i>


    <i>¡ª That guy was annoying. He kicked my butt.</i>


    <i>¡ª You really love getting kicked... Although he also kicked my butt.</i>


    "I-Is that so. My condolences, guys."


    Max looked at the camera with an apologetic face and put his hands together.


    <i>¡ª This guy...</i>


    <i>¡ª Don''t be happy with just a tutorial! There are many times your butt will get kicked in the future!</i>


    <i>¡ª Or pped!</i>


    <i>¡ª Or both!</i>


    "Hahaha... W-Well, let''s just finish this mission first. The mission said it''s thest tutorial, so I guess I will enter the main story soon."


    Because the viewers got unhinged and wanted him to suffer, he ignored them for now and went to the quest location, shown by a glowing light in the distance.


    "It''s time for the mission!"


    <i>¡ª Hell yeah!</i>


    <i>¡ª Forget scouting, just kill them all!</i>

 Chapter 9 - 9 – My Axe Crave For Blood! [1]

    <h4>Chapter 9: ¨C My Axe Crave For Blood! [1]</h4>


    Max''s vision changed once again once he passed through a thinyer of light at the entrance of the stable area. He had expected this to happen, so he wasn''t that surprised.


    He appeared at the top of a mountain, behind a cover of a bush. The sky was already dark; night had arrived. It was the perfect time for a scouting mission.


    The ground was uneven, and he almost tripped when he took a step forward.


    Thankfully, Max was able to stop tripping and regain his footing by holding the tree near him.


    "I guess I am in the Ratcor Ner mountain now." He muttered as he looked around the surrounding area.


    Max was standing on a rather steep slope facing an animal trail and forest. He was now wearing a dark cloak instead of full-te armor. His axe was still slung over his back in an easy-to-reach manner.


    There were signs of light from torches in the distance, moving around held by two people.


    Beyond the forest was an opening in the wall, looking simr to a cave entrance. Max was able to see barbarians guarding the entrance through the trees.


    "Two barbarians guarding the entrance, huh? Can I count this aspleting the quest already?"


    <i>¡ª Are you joking? There should be mission progress!</i>


    <i>¡ª Check your quest tab. There must be new information.</i>


    <i>¡ª Knight''s Journey won''t be called a challenging game if it''s that easy. </i>


    <i>¡ª Screw reconnaissance. If they died, the mission would finish nheless.</i>


    <i>¡ª Blood! I crave blood!</i>


    <i>¡ª My axe wants blood... I can''t... I need blood!</i>


    The viewers provided some useful information, while some were crazy for blood.


    "I see. Let me see the mission progress."


    Following the viewers'' information, he opened the mission page, and a blue window appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Last Tutorial!]</strong>


    <strong>[Scout for the barbarian army in the west of Ratsack City! They are hiding around Ratcor Ner mountains.]</strong>


    <strong>[Progress: 2/?? Barbarians found]</strong>


    Indeed, there was a new progress bar. Max couldn''t see how many barbarians there were due to the progress having ?? instead of a real number. But he knew that he needed to find all of them to finish the mission.


    Also, some of the viewers had a good idea to kill them all.


    "Is it possible to kill them, though?"


    <i>¡ª It should be.</i>


    <i>¡ª Are we going to see blood?</i>


    <i>¡ª Behead them!</i>


    <i>"Chill, guys. I don''t want to get a warning from Punch!"</i>


    Max needed to stop them from saying blood too much. He was worried that a warning from Punch would be issued for him.


    Also... while he agreed with the chat, he didn''t want toplicate this mission and would like to progress to the main story because he couldn''t y for too long due to his current condition.


    So he exined it to his viewers.


    "I don''t think we will see blood. This is a reconnaissance mission, after all. So I should¨C"


    <strong>[AxeLover has started a mission.]</strong>


    <strong>[Stream Mission: Kill all the barbarians instead of hiding around.]</strong>


    <strong>[Reward: 5,000 diamonds.]</strong>


    "¨C Kill them all! Let''s gooo!! There will be no blood because I turned off gore content, so let''s do this!! Those barbarians are dead! Hahahaha!"


    Before Max finished his exnation of the mission, someone interrupted him with a stream mission, and he immediately changed his sentence as he epted the mission in less than a second.


    This changed his n. The donation was more important than advancing the story! It was money!


    <i>¡ª The power of money!</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn! Good job.</i>


    <i>¡ª lol</i>


    <i>¡ª He changed his attitude so quickly.</i>


    <i>¡ª No one can refuse money! Money for blood. Blood for money!!</i>


    Who would refuse such a juicy mission?


    There was no difference between finding all barbarians and killing all of them. What Max should do was swing his axe to kill them instead of counting them with his finger.


    He just needed to find them all and kill them!


    The viewers got excited with him as he moved down the slope and entered the forest.


    <i>¡ª It''s blood time, baby!</i>


    <i>¡ª Axe! Axe! Swing the axe! Kill them all!</i>


    <i>¡ª Axe! Axe! Axe! </i>


    <i>¡ª Axe! Axe! Swing the axe! Leave no one alive!</i>


    <i>¡ª My axe wants barbarians'' blood!</i>


    They began to chant axe until a bell sound interrupted, and a glowing chat appeared.


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <strong>[LovelyOtter has donated 200 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[The first different mission, and he''s already looking for the kill... Take these diamonds and kill them all!]</strong>


    Max stopped inside the forest from the sudden notification and smiled widely.


    "Thank you for 200 diamonds, LovelyOtter. I will do my best to kill them all!"


    He advanced through the forest stealthily, lowering his stance as much as he could so the people guarding the entrance wouldn''t see him.


    Thankfully, he made no noise and could approach them silently because he didn''t wear metallic armor. He hid behind the bush while looking around once more.


    <i>''There is only one entrance, and 2 barbarians guard it. Their weapons seem to be the sword on their waist. That will be good to use inside this small cave. But that will be boring. I guess I will stay with my axe for now.''</i>


    The entrance of the cave was only around 2 to 3 meters wide. It also had a ragged edge, meaning the wall wasn''t smooth and could be climbed.


    There was probably another entrance from above the cliff or something, but Max''s time was limited, and it wasn''t worth the effort.


    So, his choice was simple. Just storm from the front and kill everyone trying to stop him.


    Max grabbed his axe and prepared himself.


    The barbarians were lowering their guard, thinking that tonight would be peaceful like the other nights. They didn''t even guard the entrance seriously as they yawned.


    Leaves swayed gently, and the sound of bugs resounded in the area. The me of the torch was the only illumination in the dark night, and both guards were bored because they were left for duty while their friends were ying inside the hideout.


    They just wanted the night to pass sooner so they could sleep.


    That was why.


    <i>Thud!</i>


    When an axe flew and got embedded in one of the barbarians'' heads, the other one couldn''t react properly. He only stood there, looking at his friend''s corpse with widened eyes.


    "A-Aaah!"


    "Ssh! Don''t make a noise."


    Before the barbarian could speak, Max was already in front of him and grabbed his sword, unsheathing it, and slit his throat in one fluid movement.


    Understanding the game''s mechanics, Max could utilize all his specializations, including running from 0 to top speed in less than a second.


    Covering 3 meters distance was nothing for him.


    After killing both guards, Max picked up his axe again and grinned. He casually strode inside the cave while the chat exploded.


    <i>¡ª Holy shit, axe throw!</i>


    <i>¡ª Headshot!</i>


    <i>¡ª Wohooo, that''s the blood we want to see!</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn, he''s so good! Breeze!</i>


    <i>¡ª His movement makes no noise, like a breeze!</i>


    Some viewers watched him from the Knighted Lobby. They joined a new thread created when Breeze started streaming earlier, and it was filled with many curious people who came from the clickbaity title.


    <strong>[Breeze''s Livestream Knight''s Journey new route. He''s killing the barbarians in a breeze!]</strong>


    <strong>[AttachedLink]</strong>


    <i>¡ª This guy is a real newbie, right?</i>


    <i>¡ª That movement! He''s able to move quietly and throw the axe with precision!</i>


    <i>¡ª Come and see! He''s a badass!</i>


    <i>¡ª [AttachedVideo.mp4] Look at this! He got a new mission and came to decimate the barbarians!</i>


    <i>©¸ Woah?! Does he throw his weapon? And itnded on the barbarian''s head!</i>


    <i>©¸ I need to watch him. I will see whether it''s real or not!</i>


    <i>©¸ His Punch link is above. He''s currently Livestreaming!</i>


    This thread attracted many people who were curious about the title. They all watched the attached video and were surprised.


    As a result, many curious viewers came to his livestream, only to see more absurd things Breeze did in the Knight''s Journey.

 Chapter 10 - 10 – My Axe Crave For Blood! [2]

    <h4>Chapter 10: ¨C My Axe Crave For Blood! [2]</h4>


    The interior of the cave was dark. The only source of illumination was weak candles lining against the wall. Even then, it still couldn''t help much due to the terrain and rugged wall that covered some corners.


    Barely able to see in the dark, Max walked carefully, hugging the wall before turning on the corner. Even if he nned to storm in from the front, it would be bad if many barbarians surrounded him at once.


    Max also couldn''t turn around and leave to report to Hutch anymore, not after killing the two guards who could alert the barbarians inside if they checked.


    "The cave is longer than I thought." He muttered to himself.


    But as the VR capsule caught every movement and voice, no matter how small it was, the viewers were able to hear him.


    <i>¡ª It''s loong loooonnggg</i>


    <i>¡ª And dark!</i>


    <i>¡ª Someone, turn the light on!</i>


    "Hahaha, there is no electricity here." Maxughed at the chat as he kept walking. He passed through a smaller entrance and found a light. "Oh, look at this. The light is turned on."


    Somehow, the viewer''s words came true. The area around the corner was bright, and Max was able to hear someughter from that direction.


    He carefully peeked and found arge room.


    From what he could see, there were at least 10 barbarians, and one of them looked stronger than the others. He had arge body and held two axes,ughing as he showed off his juggling skill.


    The others were drinking booze straight from the bottle,ughing merrily without any care of the world.


    A stench of booze hit his nostrils, causing him to frown slightly.


    Unable to bear the smell, Max retracted his head and pinched his nose.


    "The smell of alcohol... It''s so bad I almost puked." He growled in a low voice. "But at least I found how many of them there are."


    Having a n in his mind, he moved a bit away from therge room as he smirked. His eyes shed a dangerous glint as he picked up the candle on the wall.


    <i>¡ª There are at least 10 people. Even if you''re a good yer, it will be hard to take care of them.</i>


    <i>¡ª Blood! Kill them all!</i>


    <i>¡ª Let him cook, guys! Let him cook!</i>


    <i>¡ª I am curious about what he will do.</i>


    <i>¡ª Candle? What can he do with that?</i>


    "Stay calm, guys. I do have a n in mind." Max spoke to his viewer as he returned to therge room. He pulled down his hood and hid his face. "I promise there will be blood."


    <i>¡ª Wohoo!</i>


    <i>¡ª Blood! Blood! Blood!</i>


    <i>¡ª My right arm is aching. I need blood!</i>


    The viewers really got excited with the promise of blood. Max did his best to make them stay interested for a long time.


    ''<i>But it can''t hold on like this. I should show them my real specialty.''</i>


    It wouldn''t be good for me in the long run if they only sought violence.


    Max wasn''t a Knight''s Journey streamer but a variety streamer. Not only games, he nned to make an IRL stream when he got the equipment ready.


    So, he needed to show his viewers what he was truly good at. And what he was most confident with was the movement he trained as someone who dabbled in parkour in the past. He was confident in using the terrain to his advantage.


    <i>''1 vs 10, and I only have a crude axe. Therge room has many obstacles, which I can use. This is the perfect time to show what I am capable of.''</i>


    Holding a candle in his left hand and a crude axe in his right, Max entered therge room confidently.


    <i>¡ª Holy shit, no n!?</i>


    <i>¡ª This guy is nuts!</i>


    Indeed, it was strange from the viewers'' perspective. In fact, more barbarians should be hidden as the notification hadn''t notified Max of the mission''spletion yet.


    <i>''It''s safe to assume there are 2 or 3 more barbarians hidden in that door.''</i> Max looked at the wooden door at the end of therge hall as he strode forward casually.


    The barbarians noticed him and stoppedughing.


    "Aah? Who are you? What the fuck are those two doing?"


    One of the barbarians spoke harshly, followed by thergest guy.


    "Is this guy one of us? I can''t seem¨C"


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    An axe was embedded deeply in the biggest guy''s head before he finished speaking, killing him instantly. No blood gushed out because Max turned off the gore content, something that the viewers appreciated.


    The barbarians instantly realized the man who had just entered therge room was an enemy and drew their weapon, throwing the alcohol bottle on the ground and spilling the remaining liquid inside.


    "You are dead!"


    A grin crept into Max''s face as he ran forward and threw the candle.


    <i>''Idiot.''</i> He thought.


    The candle flew in an arch before hitting the puddle of alcohol on the ground. Abination of fire and alcohol. It didn''t take a genius to figure out what would happen when the two met.


    Fire burst and spread at a fast speed, covering therge room almost immediately.


    <i>Woosh!</i>


    ck clouds of smoke rose, filling the area and disturbing one''s sight. Being here for too long would be bad, as the oxygen would get thinner and thinned.


    Max needed to end this soon unless he wanted to die from theck of oxygen.


    "What?!"


    "Fire! Put that off, idiot!"


    The 9 barbarians panicked, running away to the corner where it was safe.


    <i>¡ª He''s cooking them!</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn! He literally cooked those barbarians!</i>


    <i>¡ª What did I say? Let him cook!</i>


    "Don''t you understand that alcohol can burn easily?" Maxmented casually as he took a sword from the ground and ran to the side of the room.


    Due to the game mechanics, the yers were able to use everything in the area, including the enemies'' weapons.


    The choice Max made in the beginning only affected his gamey in the future and the choice of a weapon he would get in the main story.


    Other than that... There was no limit to how to y Knight''s Journey.


    Max ran toward the barbarians. They were surprised by the fire; some were burnt because alcohol spilled on their bodies.


    None of them died yet, however, and they were still dangerous.


    And when he reached the fiery pit, Max suddenly jumped and ran on the slightly smooth wall, throwing the sword in his hand.


    <i>¡ª Fuck!</i>


    <i>¡ª Cheating! That''s cheating!</i>


    <i>¡ª Wall run... He''s wall running!!</i>


    <i>¡ª POG POG POG!</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze has turned this hard fight into a breeze!</i>


    The chat immediately burst into excitement as a row of texts ran. The wall run made them crazy.


    <i>¡ª How the fuck?!</i>


    <i>¡ª Is that humanly possible?</i>


    <i>¡ª The wall is almost smooth, unlike the outside. This guy''s nuts!</i>


    Max kept his concentration in dealing with the barbarians and had no time to read them yet.


    One barbarian got killed by the sword piercing his heart. The others began angrily running toward Max, brandishing their swords and axes.


    "8 more." He counted and jumped away to the other side of the fire.


    It should be doable.

 Chapter 11 - 11 – My Axe Crave For Blood! [3]

    <h4>Chapter 11: ¨C My Axe Crave For Blood! [3]</h4>


    Maxnded beside therge barbarian''s body. He took the corpse''s two axes tightly in his hands and faced the iing barbarian with a courageous smile.


    There was no need to be afraid in a game.


    "My axes crave for blood!"


    He ran toward the iing barbarians'' army even faster than before. Due to the room condition, there were many obstacles that hindered them. That created a perfect barricade he could use to fight them one by one.


    "Kill him!"


    "Murder him!"


    "Chop him!"


    They roared in anger as Max came toward them.


    Lowering his stance, Max first dealt with the two barbarians in front. His axes easily cut them through in half. The quality of the new axes he got was better than thest.


    "Sweet!" He grinned.


    It seemed obvious that he would lose. But everyone''s expectation was turned when Max easily dodged the iing attack. He jumped, swinging his axe. Another barbarian died with that, and he used the corpse to propel himself to the side.


    <i>¡ª It''s like watching a movie.</i>


    <i>¡ª This guy''s movement is crazy!</i>


    <i>¡ª Once again, he''s a newbie... Though it didn''t appear like that, he''s a newbie who only yed Knight''s Journey today!</i>


    Max didn''t stop there.


    Using the wall as if it were the ground, he pounced toward the other barbarian and beheaded him. His movement was fluid, like water, and his feet were moving in a blur. No attacks reached him as he moved even more versatile than a monkey.


    One swing from the axe was the only thing needed to deal with each barbarian. Theirrge, bulky body couldn''t move as fast as Max''s lean but flexible one.


    Not to mention, they weren''t really trained or ever fought in a terrain covered in fire and against a person who could do wall run.


    "Stop moving around like a monke¨C"


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    Max felt like he heard something he didn''t like, so he instinctively threw an axe toward the barbarian''s direction and beheaded him.


    Only four barbarians were left, and they realized that they were fighting a monster in human skin.


    "Attack him at once!" One of themmanded, and the others followed suit. This time, they used a tactic and came from different directions rather than rushing toward him like before.


    "For a barbarian, it''s surprising they use such a tactic!"


    <i>¡ª They are only barbarians in name!</i>


    <i>¡ª I think they just imitate the knights.</i>


    <i>¡ª Rather than that, exin how you can run on the wall!</i>


    <i>¡ª Yeah, wall running is cheating!</i>


    Reading the viewers'' reaction, Max couldn''t help butugh. "Hahaha. Haven''t you guys heard this phrase before? There is nothing unfair in love and war!"


    He gripped the axe tightly in his right hand as he grabbed on a hanging rope with his left hand. Using it, he jumped into the air as the barbarians swung their weapons.


    <i>sh! Crash!</i>


    "Aarrgh!"


    "My hands!!"


    The barbarians who had never worked together before hit each other, leaving deep wounds in each other''s bodies.


    What Max needed to do was to finish them off. He let the gravity pull him down and spun his body with his hand stretched out, swinging the axe.


    "Three-sixty spin axe swing!" He jokingly eximed as he beheaded the four remaining barbarians at once.


    <i>Thud thud!</i>


    Their bodies fell one by one as Maxnded.


    <i>¡ª What a show off!</i>


    <i>¡ª Three-sixty spin axe swing! This guy is showing off!</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze! Tutorial! We deserve a tutorial!</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn bastard! Not only a wall run but three-sixty too!</i>


    <i>¡ª Admin! It''s this guy! He''s cheating!</i>


    Max smiled at the viewer''s reaction.


    "Hey hey, I am not cheating." He defended himself. "Anyway, where is my new weapon? Anyone see it?"


    He looked around the fire-filled room. It was hard to see because the smoke had umted too much.


    <i>¡ª It''s there, near thergest guy body.</i>


    <i>¡ª On your right!</i>


    Thankfully, the viewers were able to see it from the camera and remembered where he threw it. Looking at the direction pointed by the viewer, he finally found what he was looking for and took it.


    "There you are, my second axe." Hemented. "Now I need to get out of this ce. The remaining barbarians should''ve died from the smoke or run out soon."


    <i>¡ª Yeah, right.</i>


    <i>¡ª So you won''t try to find them?</i>


    <i>¡ª Spoken like a true knight. Not that I know how a true knight speaks lol!</i>


    "There is no need to find them. Let the rats die in this Ratcor Ner cave."


    Max slung one axe over his shoulder and secured another one on his waist.


    Afterward, he traced back his way to the exit. He had heard a loud banging from the wooden door behind him but chose to ignore it and let it burn. The other exit didn''t exist like what he initially expected, after all.


    Everyone who wanted to leave must go the same path as him. Besides...


    <strong>[Last Tutorial!]</strong>


    <strong>[Scout for the barbarian army in the west of Ratsack City! They are hiding around Ratcor Ner mountains.]</strong>


    <strong>[Progress: 12/12 Barbarians found]</strong>


    The mission was finished. It seemed like finding a corpse and hearing the voice of the locked barbarian also counted as finding them.


    "We did it!" Max said with a big smile as he stepped out of the cave, pumping his fist to the hovering camera. "That was easy."


    <i>¡ª What an absurd way to finish it.</i>


    <i>¡ª Corpses are barbarians. Found is found!</i>


    <i>¡ª There was nothing wrong with his way.</i>


    <i>¡ª Blood! I am satisfied!</i>


    <i>¡ª New axes... how scary.</i>


    <i>¡ª Rather, teach us how to do wall run!</i>


    New reactions sprung one after another. Mostly, they asked about how he could do a wall run and talked about how well he fought.


    Max liked the reaction and theck of the word ''blood'' in the chat.


    Reading the chat was fun, but something caught Max''s attention as he nned to return to the knight barrack. It was the stream notification that he had finished the mission and could take the reward.


    He imed the reward by clicking the hovering button, and the stream notification popped up.


    <strong>[Missionpleted!]</strong>


    <strong>[5,000 diamonds have been donated!]</strong>


    "Oooh! Thank you for the 5,000 diamonds! I really appreciate it." Max''s tone was filled with happiness as the stream mission waspleted.


    <i>¡ª Look at this guy.</i>


    <i>¡ª He''s happier getting money instead ofpleting the quest without a scratch...</i>


    <i>¡ª The fact that he was happier from this made me mad... But he''s so good!</i>


    <strong>[Maddening has donated 300 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[Breeze! How did you do the wall run?! Tell us!]</strong>

 Chapter 12 - 12 – Have You Heard of Breeze? [1]

    <h4>Chapter 12: ¨C Have You Heard of Breeze? [1]</h4>


    "Oh? 300 diamonds! Thank you for Maddening. As for the wall run..." Max paused for a second and looked around. He wanted to find a good wall to show how he did the wall run and finally found one.


    Without wasting anything or even preparing, Max began to run toward the wall and jumped. His right footnded on the wall first; then, he began running as if he were on the ground and jumped after approximately 10 meters.


    "Hup!" Hended safely and looked at the camera with a smile. "Just like that."


    <i>¡ª That doesn''t exin anything!</i>


    <i>¡ª Show us how to do it... With instruction!"</i>


    "That''s troubling." Max scratched his cheek as his smile turned wry. "I don''t know how to exin it. It just came naturally to me."


    It wasn''t like he didn''t want to exin it to his viewers, but he didn''t know how to.


    Running on the wall or moving around obstacles was a skill Max obtained after training rigorously. It was already nted in his mind, and he remembered how to do it.


    Because VR used his brainwave to move his character, moving like that became easier. If this were the real world, even Max wasn''t sure whether he could do a wall run like that¡ªat least not with his current body''s condition.


    <i>''I already feel a little bit tired. Did I push myself too much in the battle?''</i> He thought as he felt his body be heavier. <i>''It''s best to end the stream right now. It''s been like... an hour? I will do the main story tomorrow.''</i>


    Deciding that it was time to stop, he bid farewell to his viewers and promised he would return for the main story tomorrow at the same time, 6 P.M.


    Just as usual, because Max stopped at an exciting ce, everyoneined and wanted him to continue. They wanted to see the next cutscene when he reported the mission to Hutch.


    But Max, already tired, didn''t hear them and nned to end the stream anyway. He was confident they would talk about this and clipped what he did.


    There were many surprising elements he did, after all. The chat also reacted well. Continuing would probably be a bad idea.


    "See you tomorrow! I will stream at the same time again!"


    <i>¡ª Welp, it''s frustrating, but we can''tin. He''s a newbie. It''s already amazing he can y and stream for so long with that kind of movement.</i>


    <i>¡ª See you tomorrow, Breeze!</i>


    <i>¡ª Rest well! We will be waiting for you!</i>


    <i>¡ª Make some tutorials in the future!</i>


    <i>¡ª See you!</i>


    Max smiled and pressed the end button.


    <strong>[Stream Ended.]</strong>


    The VR capsule in Max''s room opened, and he climbed out. He only live-streamed for an hour, but his body was covered in sweat.


    Even so, he had a satisfied smile on his face. It was mainly because of his quest''s progress.


    <Quest:


    <strong>- Can I Eat from Donation?!</strong>


    <strong>Obviously, a streamer needs money!</strong>


    <strong>Let''s get your first donation milestone before the end of Knight''s Journey.</strong>


    <strong>Progress: 5,500/50,000 Diamonds or 110/1,000 Dors</strong>


    <strong>Reward: 1x B-grade nutritional supplement.</strong>


    <strong>Deadline: Fifth Livestream (1/5)</strong>


    <strong>Failure toplete the Quest will result in the system being uninstalled.></strong>


    "Hyaa! I got 110$ in my second stream! I guess I am quite talented at this stuff." He squealed, pulling his cor to wipe the sweat dripping from his forehead before taking them off.


    This achievement was indeed something to be happy about, especially since this was his first day of live-streaming. Not many people could get a donation on their first day.


    There were many factors, such as skills and luck. Fortunately, Max had the skill and was somehow lucky by unlocking a new route. That was why his viewers soared fast.


    His first stream had that much of an impact.


    "But I can''t stop right now. It''s still 7 P.M., huh? I guess I will do some exercise to increase my stamina and durability to handle longer time in the capsule."


    ***


    Taka was one of the people working on the marketing team at Biozone Entertainment, one of the three biggest game distributors in the world that recently released Knight''s Journey. His ck hair was swept back, and he wore his dark suit like a professional office worker.


    Currently, he was in a bind.


    At first, thepany had estimated Knight''s Journey to be a sessful game that would garner attention from casual yers and streamers.


    It seeded wonderfully but was still lower than thepany had expected. The rating was good, and there were positive reviews.


    But they found one problem. The total viewers in a streaming tform, the biggest ce to promote the game, didn''t even reach their minimum target.


    Streaming tforms, especially the most popr one, Punch, became an important factor in marketing offline games without any esports event.


    Thepany didn''t expect the game to gain poprity, with more than 5 million viewers in peak, like the popr online game they released half a year ago called Blood Knight.


    However, they were still expecting Knight''s Journey to have at least 1 million peak viewers on the Punch streaming tform to further boost their sales.


    And the responsibility to think about how to boost sales fell onto the marketing team. As the marketing team leader for Knight''s Journey, Taka already had an idea of how to garner poprity and reach the 1 million peak viewers.


    That was to create an event utilizing the Co-Op function of the game.


    The event was simple. Three top Knight''s Journey streamers will teach three new Knight''s Journey streamers how to y and finish the game as fast as possible. In other words, it was a speedrun event.


    ''I''ve found all the veteran streamers, but no interesting new streamers exist. All of them are boring or just straight-up copying their seniors. And there is only a week left to submit the names!''


    Taka obviously visited themunity forum through his smartwatch to find what he was searching for. This ce was the best ce to find information.


    And he made the correct choice.


    Many new posts popped up in the forum when he opened it.


    They were mostly about Breeze''s livestream from earlier, a new streamer that got a new route in Knight''s Journey.


    That itself wasn''t amazing for Taka, but he got interested in the attached clips from the livestream.


    <strong>[Breeze made a crazy move.]</strong>


    <strong>[Who is this Breeze? Wall run in Knight''s Journey!]</strong>


    <strong>[Three-sixty with an axe is possible! Someone just did it in Knight''s Journey!]</strong>


    Taka began to wonder what was with those people. Who was this Breeze they talked about? They had never been this excited before¡ªnot after the first week of the game release.


    Because the titles sounded exaggerated, Taka decided to click and watch one of the videos.


    The clip he chose was mostly about Breeze storming inside the cave alone instead of only scouting.


    So far, it was normal. But the clip suddenly cut off, and another scene yed.


    In the video, Breeze suddenly jumped and did a crazy wall run! If that wasn''t enough, he killed all barbarians easily and ended the fight with three-sixty spin with an axe, killing 4 barbarians in one swing.


    When Taka saw what Breeze had done, his jaw dropped, and his hand trembled. He was certain about it. He finally found one!


    **


    Author Note:


    Hello, author here!


    We can now vote with power stones! If you like the novel so far, please gimme your stone, I appreciate it a lot!


    Also, do leave a review of what you think of what I write so I can improve my writing! Thank you!

 Chapter 13 - 13 – Have You Heard of Breeze? [2]

    <h4>Chapter 13: ¨C Have You Heard of Breeze? [2]</h4>


    "T-This is!" Taka shouted loudly as he stood up, knocking the chair he sat on back a few meters.


    A wide smile crept into his face as he saw thest clip of Breeze execute a three-sixty axe spin. "This is it! This will make the event exciting!"


    No one cares about new streamers. They had no name, and their skill was questionable.


    Of course, some viewers in the Knight''s Journey official Punch ount might get interested in those newbies, but their presence would probably be ignored throughout the event as an extra.


    Everyone would expect senior streamers with acknowledged skills to dominate the game even without the newbie''s help.


    Imagine when the viewers were expecting a new streamer who only started and created his ount a week before the event ran on the wall and made out of the world movement.


    The streaming event would probably explode, and many people would leavements talking about Knight''s Journey.


    "Who is this guy?"


    Taka began to work and operated the hologram screen, trying to find the new streamers and his information.


    What he found out further baffled him. Today was the streamer''s first day. And from his reaction, Taka knew Breeze also hadn''t yed a game before.


    In fact, the linked Punch and his game ount only showed 2 hours of gamey of Knight''s Journey, and there was no list of other games. This guy was a real deal.


    Taka saw hope for the event to seed with a bang.


    "I need to contact him as soon as possible. That way, he can finish at least one run and get used to the game before the event. There is no way he will refuse an offer from Biozone Entertainment."


    ***


    In the morning, Max opened the curtain in his room using his smartwatch before sitting on his cheap bed.


    He had finished all his routine, including a newly added morning exercise. He did this to make his skinny and weak body fit so he could y VR longer.


    To start the day, he nned to check themunity forum or do some research before he grabbed breakfast. However, an email stopped him from doing all that and made him wonder.


    "Biozone Entertainment... Isn''t that thepany that distributes the Knight''s Journey?" He muttered, having a bad feeling about the email.


    For one, he didn''t get his game from the right source and actually from a system. He was worried that the game distributor would catch on and ban his ount.


    <i>''I hope that''s not the case.''</i>


    It was just a day since he started his streaming career.


    Max couldn''t afford to get banned for an unknown reason because that would ruin the reputation he built yesterday and literally cut off his career before it even blew up.


    With a trembling finger from thinking of the worst possible oue, he opened the email and read it carefully.


    The first sentence was actually polite, saying, ''Dear, Mr. Breeze.''


    This alleviated Max''s worry slightly. There was no need for thepany to be polite to an offender. At most, they would type the email headline ''Banned Information'' or just a in ''Warning.''


    Max read the email carefully, trying not to miss even a single word. It wasn''t a wee message. When he opened this email, he realized it was directed personally at his Punch ount, not his game ount.


    It meant Biozone Entertainment sent an email to Breeze, the ''streamer'' and not his game ount.


    As he read down the sentence, his jaw dropped in surprise as his hands trembled. He had a hard time scrolling down the floating screen.


    When he reached the end, he gulped and muttered, "Is this real?"


    The content of the email was about an invitation to a program that Biozone Entertainment, more specifically Knight''s Journey, nned to hold. A confidentiality instruction inside the email warned him not to spread it before they announced it.


    It was a sudden program streamed on Knight''s Journey''s official channel, and the content was about speedrunning.


    Actually, Max was suspicious about the invitation, but he didn''t find anything at fault with the email. They also asked him to contact them back as quickly as possible with his answer because they wanted to discuss the details in person to avoid information leaks.


    Max suspicion wasn''t without any base. He was skeptical that a new streamer like him, who had just streamed for a day, would get a bigpany''s attention.


    So he surfed the inte and found Knight''s Journey''s official website. He became pretty sure the email was legit because the official email address matched the one that sent him the invitation.


    "Then, is this a dream? Nah, it can''t be. Am I just that lucky?"


    For some reason, it was too good to be true, so he reread it. The date of the program was next week, just two days after his supposed fifth or maybe fourth stream.


    It wasn''t just his imagination. There was even a link that he could click to give his reply.


    Even if he didn''t want to connect both, he needed to admit that the system seemed to prepare everything for him.


    "Does the system know this so it limits the deadline using the number of streams instead of days?


    Getting 50,000 diamonds wasn''t as easy as it sounded. He was lucky yesterday because there was someone who got interested in the Knight''s Journey mission and gave him a stream mission worth 5,000 diamonds.


    But he couldn''t rely on them. He might not be able to finish the system''s quest if he just got 200 or 500 diamonds worth of donations each time he streamed.


    "Speedrun between three skilled and newbie streamers teams, huh?"


    Max somehow understood the real goal of this program. It was to make Knight''s Journey look exciting.


    Pro streamers, who had already proven their skill, would need to carry the three newbies and go as fast as they could.


    He could already guess that both streamers needed to be alive to make the speedrun count as finished.


    It would create a challenge for the skilled streamer and some funny moments for the newbie.


    "But why me? Did they see the forum posts?"


    What he showed in his stream was far from newbie, although he could be counted as one seeing the gaming hours that he purposely didn''t hide in his ''About Me'' menu.


    But after thinking it through, he somehow understood why the management invited him.


    "I see. I became a surprise element, huh?" Max nodded, his lips curled up as he pressed the link attached to the email. "Then, let''s ept it. This is a big chance I can''t miss."


    Without a doubt, this could propel his progress as a streamer. Only a fool would not ept this invitation.


    The reply from thepany came fast, just a few seconds after Max sent his reply.


    It came with an invitation,plete with the Sky Rail ticket, for him to visit Biozone Entertainment''s headquarters in New Eden City as soon as possible to discuss further details.

 Chapter 14 - 14 – Knight’s Journey Program [1]

    <h4>Chapter 14: ¨C Knight¡¯s Journey Program [1]</h4>


    The meeting with Biozone Entertainment was scheduled for 9 A.M.


    There were 2 hours left to reach New Eden City and arrive at Biozone Entertainment''s headquarters to meet the person responsible for giving Max the details about the event program.


    Normally, it was impossible, even with a modern car, to reach New Eden City, which was located two cities away from Lime City, in under two hours.


    However, the story was different with Sky Rail.


    As its name suggested, it was a train that used a rail built in the sky between the buildings for easier ess to other cities.


    The train used electricity and could reach more than 500 KM/h at full speed. And because the ticket Max got was for a VIP Sky Rail that didn''t stop at any station and went straight for the station located near Biozone Entertainment''s headquarters, it didn''t even take 2 hours to reach his destination.


    "Is this New Eden City?"


    Max muttered as he walked downstairs from the floating station. He wore his best clothes: a white shirt and a tidy blue jacket with matching white and blue pants.


    Unfortunately, as an orphan who had just graduated from high school, Max had no suit or a formal suit. He just picked the best outfit he had that looked presentable.


    <i>''Well, I am a streamer and not a businessman. Though I hope they won''t get offended by my outfit. More importantly...''</i> He raised his head and smiled wryly. <i>''I didn''t arrive at the wrong ce, right?''</i>


    The building in front of him stood tall, its sleek silhouette soaring into the sky. Its exterior was shimmering ss with a touch of futuristic features glistening against the sunlight.


    Atop the skyscraper, proudly adorning its uppermost reaches, the Biozone Entertainment logo, a red bird around a green globe, gleamed. Max didn''t arrive at the wrong building. The one in front of him was Biozone Entertainment''s headquarters.


    Max looked at his smartwatch, which showed 8:40 A.M. There were still 20 minutes before the appointment.


    At first, he nned to show up on time.


    If he showed up faster than scheduled, it would show his sincerity and show them that he was desperate for this deal. That would get him a smaller cut in negotiation. He also couldn''t arrivete because they might think he looked down on them.


    But that was now impossible because Sky Rail had a pretty strict departure and arrival schedule.


    <i>''Well, let''s just show up first. I am still a newbie, after all. Showing my sincerity to Biozone Entertainment wouldn''t really hurt me, as I only want that exposure from the program. The mary contract they offer will only be a bonus. A big, fat bonus.''</i>


    Max walked toward the building with confidence. He had prepared the invitation email as proof of his identity. If he needed to, he could open it anytime.


    The entrance door opened automatically when he got close. When he entered, he was greeted by a vast lobby with many ces to rx.


    He looked around for a little moment before approaching the receptionist''s desk.


    In the email, he was instructed to contact the receptionist so she could call the person responsible for the invitation.


    "Excuse me."


    Max called out to the beautiful receptionist behind the desk. She was wearing a neat suit and had an attractive appearance, with her dark hair tied into a bun.


    "Yes. How can I help you?" The receptionist asked with a professional smile, charming, and she had a soft voice.


    Not used to many girls in his life, due to his condition, Max got slightly fluttered for a second. But he calmed himself soon and coughed into his palm.


    "I am here to meet Mr. Taka. I have got an invitation to discuss a program at 9 o''clock. Ah, my name is Breeze." He introduced himself calmly, trying to appear as professional as possible by using his streaming name instead of the real one.


    But that might be too much, seeing the receptionist trying to hold back a giggle. She pretended to look at the screen before her and hid it with a smile.


    "I have confirmed your appointment, Mr. Breeze. Please wait near that area." The receptionistdy pointed at the caf¨¦ connected to the lobby, "You can order a drink first. Of course, it''s free. Mr. Taka will meet you soon."


    "Thank you." Max smiled at the receptionist and went to the caf¨¦.


    <i>''Everything is free, huh?''</i> He thought as he arrived at the machine to take his order.


    Beforeing here, he had no breakfast because he needed to catch on the Sky Rail. And because the drink in this caf¨¦ was free, Max nned to use this chance to fill his stomach.


    Unfortunately, there was no hard meal, which disappointed him slightly.


    <i>''This Hot Chocte with Oats seems to be filling. I can probably eat this for breakfast and go by without food until evening.''</i> He thought as he decided on his order and went to a corner withfy seats.


    The cheap thinking he gained after transmigrating made him smile just by thinking about free food.


    It didn''t take 3 minutes before what Max ordered was brought to him by a waiter¡ªa steaming hot chocte with oats floating inside. He didn''t know whether it was because he was hungry or never had anything good before, but the smell had him salivating.


    Max smiled at his choice. This cup of wonderful chocte would definitely fill his stomach in the morning. But before he could even take a sip, a middle-aged man with sses approached him.


    "Are you Mr. Breeze, by any chance?"


    The man asked with a friendly tone as he stretched his hand.


    Max stood up and nodded, taking the handshake. He hid his disappointment for not being able to try the hot chocte before meeting him with a friendly smile.


    "That''s correct, I am Breeze. And you''re Mr. Taka, I assume?"


    "Hahahaha, yes." Mr. Takaughed and released Max''s hand. He sat on the chair across from him and gestured, "Let''s sit and talk about the invitation. I believe you have read about the n, yes?"


    Max sat down and nodded once again, "I have. I believe I am chosen as a candidate for one of the three newbie streamers."


    The email only mentioned the n and that Biozone Entertainment had nned to make the event. No formal contract or anything in the email said that Breeze would be chosen as one of the lucky streamers to join the program.


    In other words, Max was here as a candidate and should understand his ce.


    Mr. Taka was happy that Max understood that. He nodded twice before opening a screen above the table.


    "Indeed, Mr. Breeze." His grin widened after knowing that the streamer in front of him was young but not stupid. He chose the correct person. "Let''s discuss the program and the deal, shall we?"


    "Of course. I am thrilled to discuss this program with you, Mr. Taka." Max replied politely with a meaningful smile that hid his intention.

 Chapter 15 - 15 – Knight’s Journey Program [2]

    <h4>Chapter 15: ¨C Knight¡¯s Journey Program [2]</h4>


    "First of all, thank you foring on such short notice. Let me exin what this program is for."


    Mr. Taka started and operated his smartwatch, changing the screen hovering on the table. The blue screen showed an image with an exnation on the side.


    "The program, we called it Speedrun Hell! Three Veterans with Three Newbies! Not the best name, I know. But it gives context and makes the viewers curious. Hahaha. That''s what''s important in this business."


    Maxughed together with Mr. Taka. He agreed that the name sounded so... clich¨¦ and bad, but he also agreed that it gave enough context while invoking the viewers'' curiosity.


    <i>''I can think of a better name, but I should just agree with him.''</i>


    The negotiation had started, and Max knew Mr. Taka wanted to see his reaction to the title and the program. For now, he should just listen and not interrupt him until the exnation was finished.


    "The program is simple. We have already invited three veteran streamers who have proved their skills and are in the top 10 of Knight''s Journey speedrun." Mr. Taka started. He pushed his sses up and had a serious expression.


    "Unlike the normal story, the speedrun only includes defeating a barbarian army and taking over a fort. There are many speedruns categories, but we chose the hardest and the one that took the shortest time. Currently, the duo''s world record is 48 minutes 32 seconds. Ah, you just yed, right? Do you understand what I talked about?"


    "I understand, Mr. Taka. Indeed, I just yed a game yesterday, but I have watched many streamers before." Max scratched his cheek and smiled sheepishly. "Hahaha, I only managed to save enough money to buy one."


    "And yet you yed wonderfully." Mr. Taka praised with an honest smile.


    "Because you understand, let''s skip this and go to the main issue. We don''t hope to create a new world record, but we want to show how exciting Knight''s Journey is. This is why we nned this program. As a yer, I believe you see the charm of the game, right?"


    "Indeed. It''s a good game, and I enjoyed ying it so far. The realism of the game is captivating me."


    "Right?! That''s what we want to show the viewers!" Mr. Take eximed excitedly. "So, Mr. Breeze. As I already exined the goal of our program, let''s talk about the contract. As the representative of Biozone Entertainment''s Marketing Team, I invite you to join this program."


    After saying so, Mr. Taka swiped his hand, and the screen changed once again. This time, it showed a white background with text and the word ''Contract'' written boldly on the top.


    The screen moved closer to Max as Mr. Taka controlled its movement with his hand.


    "Please read the contract first. Of course, you can''t say this to anyone else. I also didn''t mention the other streamer''s name in the contract until the announcement to keep this confidential."


    Max nodded at Mr. Taka and carefully read the contract.


    What was written was what he could do and couldn''t. It was pretty simple, seeing it was only a contract for a one-time appearance instead of a long-term contract with thepany.


    <i>''I will be given a $1,500 minimum guarantee for my appearance and a free game released by Biozone Entertainment. Bonus will be given if the target of 1 Million total peak viewers in Punch is reached.''</i>


    He carefully read it so he didn''t miss even a single word.


    This contract would be a turning point in his career, whether he would stay normal and grind from the start or he would get a headstart from other new streamers, which popped up one after another, hoping to reach the top.


    But if something in the contract could ruin his reputation from the start, he could also end his career here. That was why he needed to be careful.


    Fortunately, there was nothing like a hidden trap written in small letters or something like that.


    <i>''The bonus isn''t written here. But point 5 is interesting. My name will be posted on the Knight''s Journey official page in the announcement 3 days before the event, and my Punch ount link will also be posted in the description.''</i>


    After reading the contract, Max continued to read what he was forbidden to do.


    <i>''I am just forbidden from talking about it or disclosing the program until Biozone Entertainment makes an official announcement. I need to finish the Knight''s Journey once before the program to get used to it. I can probably do that.''</i>


    Max was satisfied with the condition. The free game from Biozone was something he liked, as he did not have enough money to spend, and he couldn''t just rely on the system. But he didn''t ept it immediately since there was one confusing point.


    "Excuse me, Mr. Taka. But what''s this bonus written in point 4?"


    "Oh, that. My apologies. It seems that I have sent a non-revised version." Mr. Takaughed dryly, noticing his mistake.


    Time was valuable, and after watching the entire VODs of Breeze''s streamsst night, Mr. Taka decided to change the contract slightly. He hadn''t had enough sleep and became careless.


    <i>''How embarrassing.''</i> He thought as he put up the revised version.


    Max read it once more. There was nothing changed about the mary and free game points, but the points 4 about bonus had changed slightly.


    <i>''If the peak viewers for Knight''s Journey managed to pass 1 Million a week after the program, Biozone Entertainment will invite the winner of the program into the Biozone monthly segment. The appearance fee and contract will be discussed on ater day.''</i>


    His jaw dropped.


    The winner would be invited to the Biozone monthly segment! This was a great honor and chance for all streamers in the world!


    The monthly segment usually talked about games and Biozone Entertainment''s affiliated streamers with the most growth in an interview manner. Sometimes, the interviewer also invited the guests to show off their skills in VR.


    Compared to the program in Max''s past life, this monthly segment was more like a monthly game show that was popr among gamers or enthusiasts.


    Max was interested in this because this monthly segment always had more than 500K viewers on Punchtube, a video streaming tform.


    It was great publicity. No, it was the best publicity that a newbie could hope for.


    Even if there was a veteran streamer with him that would be a headlight, Max didn''t mind that. As long as he could make his name remembered and create asting impression on the viewers, that would be a win for him.


    <i>''I need to win in the program.''</i> He thought as his grin widened. <i>''I can''t waste my chance to show off and spread my name.''</i>


    He raised his head and said, "I ept the offer, Mr. Taka. I am looking forward to working with you."


    "Me too, Mr. Breeze." Mr. Taka smiled and shook hands with Max. "Let me call ourpanywyer to finalize the contract."

 Chapter 16 - 16 – Knight’s Journey Program [3]

    <h4>Chapter 16: ¨C Knight¡¯s Journey Program [3]</h4>


    What happened after that was smooth sailing. Both parties were satisfied with the condition and signed the contract after Max gave his identity information to Mr. Taka.


    The marketing team leader was surprised when he found out Max was only 19 years old.


    He didn''t believe the uing streamer who could do a wall run and such a crazy movement was a young boy. Max''s behavior also didn''t reflect his age, he was just sound too mature.


    After signing the deal, Mr. Taka gave Max another Sky Rail ticket to use to return home and $100 to get some meal as he pitied his condition a little.


    Max epted it without hesitation. Money was money, and he would appreciate every bit of it. He knew his body condition well and looked really malnourished because he couldn''t afford any supplement. The previous body owner also saved his money and survived with the bare minimum.


    He wouldn''t do that anymore, as he needed to eat to gain the strength and stamina needed to use the VR capsule longer without affecting his performance.


    And so, after everything was done, Max enjoyed his Chocte with Oats, which had already turned out cold, and returned home by Sky Rail.


    Mr. Taka also returned to the 50th floor, where his office was. He was in a good mood and sat in his seat while humming.


    "I just need to get 2 more newbie streamers. I will just pick those who had less than 50 hours y time and only streamed for a month at most." He murmured, bringing up the Punch website.


    But as he just did that...


    Ding!


    Someone had sent him an email.


    Not anyone could and dared to email Mr. Taka, as his position was by no means low. He also limited his email to important business. So, whatever email with the notification was definitely from someone important to him or to thepany.


    "Who is it?" He muttered curiously as he opened the email.


    When he saw the sender of the email, Mr. Taka couldn''t help but narrow his eyes, "StoneSword? Why did he email me so suddenly?"


    StoneSword, often called SS, was one of the veteran streamers who joined the Knight''s Journey event. He was good at games, mainly about medieval fantasy or realistic medieval offline games. Just as his name implied, he was crazy with a sword and was pretty good with it.


    At the same time, he was the current world record holder for both solo and duo capture the fort, or known as Fort Siege, speedrun in Knight''s Journey.


    "Hmm..." Mr. Taka hummed as he opened the email and read it. When he arrived in the middle of the email, his lips curled up into a smile, and it only widened as he finished the email. "Interesting. This will work."


    With skilled hand movement, Mr. Taka replied to the email politely. Being a marketing team of an offline game was hard, especially on the weekend like today when all employees other than himself were on a break.


    Still, Mr. Taka enjoyed his job because of an interesting moment and the satisfaction that came from the sess.


    "1 Million peak viewers won''t be a dream with this. It''s certain." He eximed as he sent his reply.


    ***


    "That was tiring."


    Max sprawled over his bed and exhaled a tired sigh. A satisfied smile appeared on his face as he suddenlyughed loudly.


    "Hahaha... That was real, right?"


    No matter how he thought about it, he still couldn''t believe that it was real. He just made a deal on his second day of streaming.


    "I am really lucky... No, luck isn''t enough to exin it. Does karma exist? If so, then thank you, God!"


    Max jumped from his bed and began to dance. Due to the small amount of room left, he could only move left and right, but that was enough. He was just so happy that he found hope to survive from streaming.


    In his past life, he was really unlucky.


    No, calling it unlucky was an understatement.


    If getting his dream screwed by a car ident and dying at a young age was called unlucky, then all people in the world were lucky.


    What Max experienced should be called a miracle instead of just luck!


    A celebration was needed to follow this sess.


    Grr...


    Coincidentally, his stomach was rumbling, making a sound simr to a dog growling. He was famished. The chocte with oats from earlier didn''t really help fill his stomach as much, it seemed.


    Max stopped dancing and looked at the time. It was around 1 P.M., a perfect time to have lunch.


    "Let''s order something good from Nina restaurant," Max said, wearing his sneakers once again, and left the house. "I will also tell her that I got a job so she and the chef won''t worry too much about me. They were really kind and helped me a lot, after all. I can''t rely too much upon their kindness."


    He exited his apartment and went to the main street, still with a dumb smile on his face. It didn''t take long for him to arrive at the restaurant with more people than yesterday.


    The business was also booming, but Nina still greeted him when she saw himing.


    "Wee, Max! Are you here for lunch?"


    "Yeah."


    Max nodded at her and walked toward his usual seat in the quiet corner.


    Nina approached him with a smile. The other customers had already started eating and didn''t need to be attended for a while.


    "So, are you going with the usual spicy noodles?"


    "No." Max shook his head and grinned, causing Nina to tilt her head in confusion. "I will have a serving of spicy noodles with pork belly."


    "Huh, but..."


    "I got a job."


    Before Nina could finish her sentence, which was probably about saying the pork belly was more expensive than the normal noodles, Max cut her off with a silly grin.


    "Really?!" Nina squealed in excitement. "That''s great news, Max!"


    "Yes. This job will pay me well, and I will be able to get something better. I appreciate all your help from before, Nina. Thank you. I will surely repay you in the future when I am sessful."


    "What are you saying?! You don''t need to do that." The kind waitress smiled wide and patted him on the shoulders, "I will tell the chef about your order. Ah, it will be $15. But because it''s celebratory, I will cut it down to $10! Just don''t tell anyone." She winked at him and opened the payment screen.


    "Hahaha." Max chuckled, feeling a bit guilty for her kindness. "I can pay in full, you know?"


    "Just put your smartwatch against the screen. If I said it''s celebratory, then it''s celebratory! My dad¨C I meant the chef will get mad at me if I don''t do this! Do you want me to get scolded, Max?"


    "Okay, okay. Thank you."


    Without any other choice, Max paid only $10, and Nina nodded in satisfaction. He was put in an unfavorable position, so he had no choice but to do it.


    ''Excessive kindness can be overbearing.'' He sighed as he saw the waitress walk to the kitchen. ''Well, I won''t go back with my words. I will definitely repay their kindness in the future.''


    At this moment and for a few days, he should focus on growing his channel and getting more audience.


    Finishing the Knight''s Journey was also his priority to fulfill the contract he just signed, so he had to work hard.


    ''I will livestream until my body can''t move today. I will use this chance to test my limit.''

 Chapter 17 - 17 – Main Story, Knight’s Lament [1]

    <h4>Chapter 17: ¨C Main Story, Knight¡¯s Lament [1]</h4>


    Max was curious why Mr. Taka targeted 1 million peak viewers in Punch, so he researched it after returning from Nina''s restaurant.


    Just a simple research by typing ''1 million viewers Punch'' in the search bar gave him a satisfying result.


    "So the game will be put on the Punch''s homepage in the ''New Hot Game'' section for at least a week if it manages to reach 1 million peak viewers?" He muttered as he read the information from the inte.


    Millions of people would be directed to it every time they opened the Punch website before finding their favorite streamers. So, it was the best ce to put promotions or ads.


    The information in the news website Max read also mentioned the growth of games that were once on Punch''s homepage. ording to the graph, there was at least a 50% increment in the purchase, and some good games would have more than a 100% increment.


    This week-long promotion was worth the money spent to invite 6 streamers and hold the event.


    The other way to appear on Punch''s homepage was for a streamer to have more than 100K viewers or a game with more than 2 million total viewers at the time.


    Of course, they had different sections titled ''Rmended Streamers'' and ''Rmended Games'' separately.


    "That''s why they created this event and set their target so specifically. I thought they just wanted to break a milestone, but I should''ve known a bigpany wouldn''t do something like that program without a clear goal."


    Max now clearly understood Biozone Entertainment''s goal and thought the reward and the bonus he got from the contract were actually smaller than he should have received. But that reward wasn''t his goal from the start. That was just an extra, as he mentioned before.


    "Knight''s Journey Punch channel only livestreamed for 2 times: when the game was announced and when it was released. But both livestreams got more than 80K viewers."


    This time, the viewers wouldn''t onlye from Knight''s Journey Punch channel but from all streamersbined. That meant the viewers would be more than what it achieved in the past.


    "The program can easily reach 100K viewers at the peak. Hyaa! It''s the best!"


    Naturally, Max hadn''t forgotten his system''s quest yet and had no n to abandon it. The reward from the system was too good, and it would help him in a longer term than any other contract. At least, he believed it to be so.


    "It''s already 5:50 P.M." He muttered as he looked at the clock at the edge of the screen. "I guess I will stream right now."


    Opening his VR capsule, Max climbed inside and activated it.


    Just as usual, he first appeared in his Lobby and started the stream inside. He hadn''t changed his first login configuration yet, and it was better this way as he could also start the stream from his lobby.


    This time, Max decided to change the stream title to a new one.


    [Stream title: Knight''s Journey Main Story new route! #Knight_Journey #Chat #NewRoute #KJ_NewRoute]


    He even added some tags after the title, imitating some sessful streamers in his past life. He didn''t know if it would be effective. No one in Punch used this kind of trick for whatever reason, but there was nothing wrong with trying as it didn''t breach the rules.


    The tags were added to make his stream easier to find when someone was using the search tab. This process was known as Search Engine Optimization or SEO for short, something he learned in his past life.


    After everything was ready, Max opened the Knight''s Journey game.


    "Let''s do this."


    <strong>[Livestream Start!]</strong>


    The scenery around him changed.


    His vision turned around and twisted before it returned to the familiar forest in the evening, right outside the cave used by barbarians as a base.


    At the corner of his vision, Max saw the chat window pop up as the viewer counts increased almost immediately.


    <strong>[Viewers: 189]</strong>


    It was lower than yesterday.


    <i>''Some curious viewers have left.''</i> He thought. <i>''Well, this kind of thing is normal. I shouldn''t be discouraged.''</i>


    Having up and down moments in streaming wasn''t considered strange. Even top streamers usually had peak and low moments where they broke their milestones or reached the lowest number of viewers ever.


    The fact that half of yesterday''s viewers still stayed to watch Max was something good.


    "Hi hi!" Max greeted his viewers excitedly as he smiled at the camera.


    The chat poured in almost immediately; each greeted him back in different manners.


    <i>¡ª Hi, Breeze!</i>


    <i>¡ª Yo, it finally started!</i>


    <i>¡ª Will we enter the main story now?</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze! Do the wall run again!</i>


    <i>¡ª Hello! Good evening!</i>


    Some familiar names from Day 1 and even those who donated to him before also greeted him. So Max decided to answer them.


    "Yes, AxeLover. We will continue the main story today. Also, I can''t do a wall run as I please, Madenning. If there is a chance, I will definitely do it. And FreakingNoob, good evening for you too."


    By mentioning each name, the viewers would feel as if they belonged to amunity, thus happy by being on the livestream. Two-waymunications were the charm of the livestream.


    "Ah, I will also try to stream longer now. I want to finish at least two or three main story missions. That''s today''s goal!"


    <i>¡ª Oooh! This will be fun!</i>


    <i>¡ª Two or three missions, huh? So, around 4 hours?</i>


    <i>¡ª It''s still a bit faster than the other streamers who stream for at least 6 hours a day, but I will stay for Breeze! He must have got a reason!</i>


    <i>¡ª You''re finally be a proper streamer! I am proud of you, Breeze!</i>


    "Thank you, all. But let''s not waste any time and continue! I wonder if there is another cutscene."


    Max walked toward the forest, and his vision suddenly distorted. Once again, he was teleported by the game as a way to cut things short. It would take too much time if yers needed to walk from one ce to another in an offline game like this.


    He appeared in what seemed to be an office room with some armor and badges decorating the corners and walls. Sunlight bore through the window, illuminating all corners and casting a shadow on Max''s face.


    At the end of the room was a desk made from oak wood. Knight Captain Hutch was sitting behind it with a sharp gaze that bore into Max''s soul.


    Another cutscene had yed.


    "Sir Breeze. You said there are 12 barbarians hiding in Ratcor Ner mountain? And you said you already cut them off?"


    "Yes, Sir! I have annihted them all in the shadow of night."


    Max''s character answered immediately with a clear voice.


    "I see." Hutch nodded at him, "Report the details!"


    As ordered, Max''s character began to recount the details of his mission. It was just a long conversation, so the world seemed to be yed in a fast-forward, and Max could move using a half-transparent character that just appeared out of nowhere.


    "It seems to be taking a while." Hemented and sighed.


    <i>¡ª I agree!</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn! This is so interesting! What would happen if Breeze just scouts instead of killing them all?</i>


    <i>¡ª So the choice matters too in this case.</i>


    <i>¡ª Can you touch Hutch, Breeze? p him!</i>


    "p Hutch?" Max muttered, caressing his chin.


    That would be interesting. Many people had a grudge against the Knight Captain for his behavior. They wanted to p, kick, or punch Hutch back for the treatment they got in tutorials.


    And Max was actually also interested in Hutch''s reaction. A grin crept into his face as he began to walk in his half-transparent state, approaching Hutch.


    <i>¡ª Look!</i>


    <i>¡ª This motherlicker! He''s walking toward him!</i>


    <i>¡ª Will he do it? Will he do it?!</i>


    <i>¡ª p him! p him!</i>


    <i>¡ª Punch him! Punch him!</i>


    The chat got excited as Breeze stopped in front of Hutch. He raised his hand high. And when he reached the highest point. He brought his hand down and pped Hutch.


    <i>p!</i>


    A shrill, loud sound echoed in the room, and everything went to a stop immediately.

 Chapter 18 - 18 – Main Story, Knight’s Lament [2]

    <h4>Chapter 18: ¨C Main Story, Knight¡¯s Lament [2]</h4>


    <i>¡ª He did it!</i>


    <i>¡ª He fucking did it!</i>


    <i>¡ª That sounds... It reminds me of my newbie days, but it came from Hutch''s cheek!</i>


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <strong>[HutchSucks has donated 500 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[Good job! Ah! I am satisfied!]</strong>


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <strong>[KnightCaptainFans has donated 500 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[That sound reverberated in my soul!]</strong>


    Two donations popped up with countless chats. Some viewers also posted the clip immediately, as no one had ever pped Hutch before.


    Meanwhile, Max was confused. The world suddenly stopped as soon as he pped Hutch, and it rewinded at a fast speed, faster than before.


    "What happened?"


    Following that, red error messages popped up infinitely, filling his visions almost immediately. Everything turned red, including Max''s character, Hutch, and the room.


    It happened instantly and caused Max to panic.


    <i>¡ª The karma!</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn! The game got an error because he pped Hutch!</i>


    <i>¡ª No one can touch Hutch!</i>


    <i>¡ª What happened?</i>


    <i>¡ª Is Hutch invincible confirmed?</i>


    A few seconds had passed since the error messages popped up. It disappeared one by one, and the room and situation from earlier returned.


    "Sir Breeze. You said there are 12 barbarians hiding in Ratcor Ner mountain? And you said you already cut them off?"


    "This is..."


    Max looked around and couldn''t believe what had happened.


    "Yes, Sir! I have annihted them all in the shadow of night."


    The cutscene was actually reyed from the start as if nothing was wrong. The dialogue, the movement. Nothing was perfectly yed, just like before.


    "It''s reyed?!"


    Max raised his voice loudly.


    <i>¡ª Lesson learned. Hutch can rewind time.</i>


    <i>¡ª This mf is so OP!</i>


    <i>¡ª Thanks for your sacrifice, Breeze! We will remember you!</i>


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <strong>[AxeLover has donated 500 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[Thanks for pping him! My revenge... It''s not for naught! I will remember you!]</strong>


    <i>¡ª lolol! This axe guy was pped, for sure.</i>


    "Ah... Thanks for the 500 diamonds, HutchSucks, KnightCaptainFans, and AxeLover. I am not dead yet, but I am happy that you remember me."


    The cutscene yed normally afterward. There was no other error, and it flowed to where it was before.


    Knight Captain Hutch suddenly stood up from his seat, approached Breeze, and patted his shoulder with a smile.


    "I know you can do it. You''re more skilled than I thought. I think I can bring you to that ce, Sir Breeze."


    "That ce, Captain?"


    Breeze raised his eyebrows curiously.


    "Yes, the front line. This will probably be your first andst fight as a knight. Do you want to ept this difficult mission? I can''t guarantee your life, but I trust your ability."


    Just as Hutch finished his sentence, his point of view changed back to his character, and a mission window popped up.


    <strong>[Last tutorialpleted!]</strong>


    <strong>[A new mission is generated.]</strong>


    <strong>[Knight''s Lament]</strong>


    <strong>[The barbarians'' army has attacked the Rami Kingdom! Head to the front line and push back the enemies!]</strong>


    "Front line?"


    "Yes, Sir Breeze. I trust you to apany me. Even I have a hard time dealing with 12 barbarians by myself. But you''ve proved yourself to be capable. So I will rmend you for this mission. Don''t worry, we will have time to prepare."


    Wasn''t the story progressing too fast?


    <i>¡ª ...</i>


    <i>¡ª wtf?</i>


    <i>¡ª Front line? First main story mission?</i>


    Even the chat fell into confusion. The mission of fighting on the front line should''veeter after a few smaller missions.


    <i>¡ª Is the new route actually just a skip for speedrunners?</i>


    It wasn''t wrong for the yers and the viewers to think that way. But so far, everything was different from the normal gamey.


    Max also didn''t know the details, but he epted the mission nheless. The game wouldn''t progress if he just stayed still without doing anything.


    "Let''s try this, guys."


    <strong>[A monthter]</strong>


    A blue window appeared before his vision was distorted. Before Max knew it, he was already in a different ce.


    This time, he was behind an army of knights, numbered in the hundreds, in a clearing of a forest that transitioned into a vast in in the distance.


    Knight''s Journey was a pretty realistic game with movement simr to the real world. That meant there was no magic or something simr. The battle was purely done with cold weapons and bows and arrows.


    "Listen, people!"


    That was why cavalry was important. In fact, Max was on a horse, wielding two axes behind his back, wearing silver knight armor, which looked nicer than the full-te armor he wore before.


    "We will fight and push back the barbarians trying to attack our country!"


    A knight wearing simr armor with a red cape without a helmet, showing his majestic brown mustache, was in front of the hundreds of cavalry, radiating charisma enough to make people want to follow him.


    Knight Captain Hutch was on his white horse beside that person, radiating a confidence and charisma that didn''t fall low.


    And the chat recognized that person beside the ever-famous Hutch.


    <i>¡ª Huh Ah knight?</i>


    <i>¡ª What the...</i>


    <i>¡ª Surprise, MF! He''s themander!</i>


    <i>¡ªThis new route is wild.</i>


    <i>¡ª Huh Ah knight bes amander of the front line... Where is thedy? Where is thedy knight?!</i>


    <i>¡ª Noooo, my sexy knightdy!!</i>


    The Huh Ah knight that everyone hated so much for kicking them in tutorials had be amander, recing the realmander who should''ve been leading the mission in the frontline with Hutch.


    This storyline had turned strange with many differences from a normal one.


    However... that wasn''t too important for Max.


    <i>''There is nothing that changes.''</i>


    Nothing had changed for what he should do. The mission stayed clear and the same.


    Besides, this was his first run, so any change didn''t affect him at all.


    "Is that Huh Ah knight strong?"


    Max decided to use this time that the Huh Ah knight spent to have a speech tomunicate with his viewers.


    At his question, the chat exploded with answers.


    <i>¡ª One word: He''s a bastard</i>


    <i>¡ª Two words: He love butt</i>


    <i>¡ª Three words: I want to kick his ass</i>


    <i>¡ª Guys... Those are not one, two, or three words... But I agree. I want to kick his ass too.</i>


    "So you guys agree to kick his ass?"


    Max smiled wryly at the chat''s answers. This Huh Ah knight was hated more than Hutch. Well, the chat didn''t hate Hutch but only wanted to get back at him.


    But this time, their hate was really apparent.


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <strong>[FreakingNoob has started a mission.]</strong>


    <strong>[Stream Mission: Kick Huh Ah knight''s ass.]</strong>


    <strong>[Reward: 3,000 diamonds.]</strong>


    Someone even started a mission for him. And it was a familiar name.


    However, it didn''t end at that.


    <strong>[AxeLover has increased the mission reward to 5,000 diamonds.]</strong>


    <strong>[HuhAh24 has increased the mission reward to 6,500 diamonds.]</strong>


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <strong>[Showmeblood61 has started a mission.]</strong>


    <strong>[Stream Mission: Kill Huh Ah knight.]</strong>


    <strong>[Reward: 1,000 diamonds.]</strong>


    "W-Wait a minute! There are too many notifications! Stop it!"


    He began to panic as the notifications poured in.


    This wasn''t what he expected to happen!

 Chapter 19 - 19 – Battle Against Barbarians Army [1]

    <h4>Chapter 19: ¨C Battle Against Barbarians Army [1]</h4>


    The windows popped up in front of Max one by one. It filled his vision, just like the error messages earlier.


    Still, they were all money. His smile widened after he saw the end result of pooling in the mission reward.


    Curious about why the chat moved so fast and how many viewers donated, he checked his viewers count again.


    [Viewers: 426]


    ''Holy... It increased so much?! Did someone already post the clip of me pping Hutch in the forum?''


    That was the only reason why he had that many viewers. He decided to focus and looked at thest notification in front of him.


    Currently, Max had 2 missions from the viewers.


    Mission 1:


    [Stream Mission: Kick Huh Ah knight''s ass.]


    [Reward: 9,000 diamonds.]


    Mission 2:


    [Stream Mission: Kill Huh Ah knight.]


    [Reward: 1,500 diamonds.]


    The first mission was out of the viewers'' hate, while the second probably had his family killed by the Huh Ah knight.


    "I will ept the mission to kick Huh Ah knight''s butt, but I don''t think I will be able to do the second one, so I will have to refuse it."


    While it was a shame he needed to refuse 1,000 diamonds, killing Huh Ah knight at this moment would probably lead the mission to failure.


    Max couldn''t really afford that as his ytime was limited, and he needed to finish the game before next week''s program.


    ¡ª It can''t be helped.


    ¡ª We should be satisfied with Breeze kicking his ass.


    ¡ª This is the only time I saw Huh Ah knight outside the tutorial. So I will take a kicking.


    Thankfully, they weren''t that disappointed with his choice and were understanding.


    Max nodded in satisfaction and listened to the knight''s exnation for the battle.


    Hutch was the one who exined the strategy. The cavalry would be split into two groups, one under Huh Ah knight and the rest under Hutch, tounch a sneak attack from the side.


    Max was given a choice, and he immediately chose to stay under Huh Ah knight for a frontal assault. Hutch somehow nodded at him in recognition before turning around and leading around fifty knights on horse away.


    "I am d to have knights with a lot of courage who are willing to protect the Rami Kingdom!" Huh Ah knight eximed loudly, unsheathing his sword and raising it. "Follow me, knights! We will stop the barbarians here!"


    "Ooooohhh!!"


    The knights shouted loudly as they began to march into the in, where the barbarians'' army was spotted.


    Max watched the army march forward; their horses kicked the dust into the air.


    Yes, he only watched. The reason was simple.


    He was left behind because his horse refused to move.


    ¡ª Why did he stay still?


    ¡ª He skipped the knight barrack tutorial... He probably doesn''t know how to make the horse move.


    ¡ª Is Breeze actually a clutz?


    The viewers were correct.


    ''Shit... How do I make him move?''


    Without any tutorial or experience of riding a horse, Max was clueless on how to control it.


    Riding a horse wasn''t something simple, it seemed. Even when he pulled the rain or kicked it, the horse didn''t budge and only neighed loudly.


    "Screw it. I don''t need you! Stupid horse."


    Having enough of it, Max jumped off the horse and chose to run.


    ¡ª Ruunn!!


    ¡ª Hahaha! This guy is nuts. The others are on the horse and are far away already! How can you catch up to them?


    ¡ª You guys, shut up! You don''t know Breeze! His name might sound gentle, but he runs like a gust of wind! No, he''s even faster than that!


    While running upward the hill, where the rest of the knights went, Max read the chat and chuckled. Indeed, they didn''t know him yet.


    ''I am testing my limit now. Might as well try to run with all my might.''


    Max straightened his body and began to run at full speed. Indeed, it was still slower than riding a horse but faster than average yers, thanks to his technique.


    His lips tugged up as he felt the wind hitting his face. It felt nice


    ''What a nostalgic feeling.''


    In the past, before he got into an ident, he would always feel the wind from the top of a building or a tower after climbing it.


    The feeling with what he had right now was simr, although not exactly the same. That was why Max was happy feeling the freedom in this game more than ever.


    Although the nging of steel resounded loudly in the distance as the battle started, the adrenaline pumping in his blood still excited him.


    "Let''s kick Huh Ah knight''s ass!"


    Max dered loudly as he gripped his axes tightly with both hands.


    ¡ª Let''s kick him!


    ¡ª With as much strength as you could muster!


    ¡ª Guys, did you forget the game mission?


    The chat agreed with Max, and they got excited. The me of hatred they hid inside was burning brilliantly.


    "Push them back!"


    Huh Ah knight screamed loudly,manding the cavalry. The horses neighed loudly as they passed the barbarians'' army.


    With just a nce, there were more than 100 barbarians. They were enough to take over a small city and kill all the citizens inside. And it should only be the advanced party.


    The tactic the knights used was a hit-and-run. No barbarian had a horse, so their movement was slower than the knight. Always moving was the key.


    Some unfortunate barbarians had already fallen to this tactic, invoking the anger from the rest of them. They looked like they would skin and cook knights from the Rami Kingdom alive.


    So, what about Max, who charged into the barbarians'' army without a horse?


    Simple. He became their hate target.


    "There is one knight without a horse!"


    "Kill him! Use him as a hostage!"


    "I will skin him alive!"


    Various hostile words and curses were thrown at Max as a group of barbarians rushed toward him.


    Even so, Max wasn''t afraid. He ignored the shout from the Huh Ah knight and charged fearlessly toward the angry barbarians.


    ¡ª Blood Blood Blood


    ¡ª We will see a massacre!


    ¡ª Do it! Kill them all and kick Huh Ah knight''s ass


    No one doubted him. Max''s skill and control over his movement were top-tier, even though he was still a pretty unknown streamer.


    Dealing with 5 barbarians in front of him should be easy. The others were busy with the knights who returned to nk from the side, something he appreciated.


    "How many barbarians can I kill?"


    Max licked his lips in excitement as he jumped higher than ever. It easily reached 2 and a half meters, and hended in the middle of the barbarians.


    He grinned. Max spun and cut the five barbarians in two using his right foot as a pivot. Red liquid spurted out as their bodies fell with a loud thud, drenching his armor.


    Then, he finished his sentence, "Take a guess!"


    ¡ª There it is!


    ¡ª Ites!! The three-sixty axe spin!


    ¡ª Damn it! He''s too good!


    ¡ª Be careful, behind you!


    Reading thement, Max quickly turned around and saw a sword flying toward him at a fast speed and precision.


    ng!


    Fortunately, he raised his axes at the perfect time and parried the flying sword.


    "Tsk!"


    A barbarian clicked his tongue. He was the only one wearing a helmet with two horns among them. And, at first nce, he was easily taller than 2 meters.


    "That''s the leader, no?" Max asked the chat.


    ¡ª Yeah.


    ¡ª That''s the mid-boss! Trouser the Thrower!


    ¡ª Be careful, Breeze. That one is stronger than all barbarians.


    ¡ª I died five times against him.


    "Perfect. He''s taller than me."


    Instead of getting scared, Max was actually getting excited. This was the first boss he would fight. And this boss was perfect for him to test his limit.


    "I will show you guys something new."

 Chapter 20 - 20 – Battle Against Barbarians Army [2]

    <h4>Chapter 20: ¨C Battle Against Barbarians Army [2]</h4>


    The knights surrounded the barbarians'' army. Huh Ah managed to find a hole in their defense, thanks to Max''s suicide attack earlier.


    They didn''t let it go and rounded up the barbarians at once.


    Meanwhile, on the foot of a hill a bit away from them, Max had started his battle against the boss, Trouser the Thrower.


    "Stop moving around!"


    With a flick of fingers, Troused threw knives toward Max. They were fast and precise.


    Max swiftly dodged the projectile, his body moving like a wind. He twisted his body and arched his back. The knives only hit the air, embedding themselves into the ground.


    In response, Max threw one of his axes toward Trouser. It spun in mid-air with an amazing speed and flew straight toward the barbarian.


    <i>ng!</i>


    A loud sound echoed as the axe hit Trouser''s shield, creating a deep bend and injuring the barbarian. Blood trickled down his left arm, which was numb from the impact.


    "Ugh! What power!"


    Pained grunts escaped Trouser''s lips as he prepared to throw another batch of knives. However, when he raised his head, Max was already gone.


    "Where is he?!" Trouser looked around, gripping three knives between his fingers.


    "Behind you."


    With a powerful swing of his axe, Max aimed at Trouser''s arm, bringing his weapon up with all his might.


    However...


    <i>ng!</i>


    Trouser managed to block the attack with his bend shield. They collided and created a spark. And before Max could bring his axe back, the barbarian grabbed the hilt with his hand.


    A grin crept into the barbarian boss'' face.


    "I got you."


    He brought his other hand, which gripped three knives down, aiming at Max''s unprotected face.


    Without hesitation, Max abandoned his only weapon and jumped away. He managed to dodge the swift attack in a hairbreadth and exhaled in relief.


    "That was close. I underestimated him too much.''


    <i>¡ª True.</i>


    <i>¡ª Trouser isn''t a boss you can defeat by yourself. It''s a goddamn raid boss.</i>


    <i>¡ª This guy is a menace! Run, Breeze! You won''t be able to kill him!</i>


    The chat became anxious and gave out tips when they saw Max struggling against Trouser.


    In the normal ythrough, yers would attack the leading barbarians'' army together with the other knights. They would reduce their numbers slowly before battling the boss, Trouser, together with the others.


    Even so, the boss would always manage to defeat at least more than 10 knights before it went down. That was how strong Trouser the Thrower was as a boss.


    <i>¡ª You''ve done well injuring his arm alone!</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn guy soloing Trouser and is alive for so long.</i>


    <i>¡ª Even StoneSword can''t solo Trouser!</i>


    <i>¡ª I want to be Breeze! I envy Breeze! I want to be Breeze! I envy Breeze! </i>


    The name StoneSword was familiar to Max. He read it when he researched Knight''s Journey.


    <i>''If I am not wrong, that''s the name of one of the best Knight''s Journey yers? I think he''s also a streamer.''</i>


    It was an everyday urrence that a viewerpared two streamers with good skills against each other.


    The fact they did so in the chat meant they had recognized Max, or rather Breeze, to have a simr skill level as the StoneSword.


    Also...


    <i>''If I defeat Trouser alone, won''t that be the greatest proof of my skill? I can leech off his poprity and make a viral clip.''</i>


    "What are you dozing off for in the middle of battle?!"


    Trouser roared loudly and snapped Max out of his thoughts. An axe was spinning toward him, even faster than when he threw it earlier.


    "Shit!"


    He quickly leaped to the side, dodging the axe. Because it was done in a slight panic, his movement and bnce weren''t that great, and he tripped, causing him to roll on the ground a few times.


    Even a professional could fail. Max knew those words but failed to apply them because he was focused on the chat.


    <i>''I am careless.''</i> He thought as he stood up.


    "Come on! Move like before, you slippery guy!"


    Trouser didn''t give him any chance to rest. He threw the knives in his hand toward Max. Following that, he fished six knives and threw them rapidly, each de aimed with uncanny precision.


    Max looked at the knives with wide eyes. Blocking them was impossible. His armor could probably take some hits, but it would definitely hurt and injure him.


    Within a second, his brain thought of an oue. There was only one choice.


    His eyes followed the knives'' trajectory, and he jumped to the left, dodging the first three. He grabbed an axe thrown by Trouser from the ground and deflected the remaining knives. Luckily, it was close, and he had time to spare.


    "Stop moving, you eel!"


    The barbarian boss actually shouted once again and threw knives in rapid session. Max wondered whether the boss was an idiot or not.


    "You told me to move earlier, idiot!"


    <i>¡ª Trouser is an idiot.</i>


    <i>¡ª Indeed.</i>


    <i>¡ª Can''t agree more.</i>


    <i>¡ª But that idiot can solo you blindfolded.</i>


    <i>¡ª Can''t agree more.</i>


    The chat reacted to the situation differently, but they mostly agreed that Trouser was strong.


    On the other hand, Max had found an opening. From what he observed from the start, Trouser had never moved from where he stood when he was throwing. This was this boss'' weakness.


    A wide grin crept onto Max''s face as he rushed forward, dodging the knives swiftly and smoothly.


    "Chat, are you ready?! I will show you something new."


    <i>¡ª Oooh! Finally!</i>


    <i>¡ª What will you do? What will you do?</i>


    <i>¡ª Is it an air run? Impossible!</i>


    <i>¡ª Axe three-sixty again? Unalive him with that move!</i>


    "It''s not axe three-sixty," Max responded to the chat while jumping around.


    The fury of knives hadn''t stopped yet, and the battle behind him still raged. The knights still needed some time before defeating all the barbarians.


    Before that happened, Max nned to defeat Trouser alone without any help.


    ''That viral clip! I won''t let the knights ruin it!''


    Powered with a desire to create a viral clip, the first-time soloing Trouser, Max increased his speed further. He parried some with his axe and twisted his body to avoid others, narrowly escaping the deadly dance of des.


    "Oh? You''re approaching me?!" Trouser growled loudly, throwing his shield away. "Come!"


    Knowing his knives were useless, the barbarian boss took two kukris from his back and rushed toward Max. Hisrge figure looked like a train. Each of his steps shook the ground and left behind a deep footprint.


    Compared to Max, he was twice as big and probably also twice as strong.


    However...


    <i>''He''s slow and he can''t react fast. His reaction earlier was just from his instinct.''</i>


    That was what Max wanted to exploit. When they got close to each other, he executed his n.


    With a powerful leap, Max soared into the air, executing a midair spin that left the viewers in awe.


    As he descended, his axe also swung down with him. In a breathtaking moment, Trouser was unable to respond, and Max executed a perfect attack, cleaving the barbarian boss in half through the skull.


    Swoosh! Crash!


    Unable to bear the burden, the axe cracked into pieces as Maxnded behind Trouser''s body.


    The battlefield and the chat fell silent for a moment as everyone registered the stunning maneuver.


    Then, with energies that could be felt even through texts, the chat erupted into cheers, celebrating Max''s remarkable victory.


    <i>¡ª Whooooaaahh!!!</i>


    <i>¡ª DAMN</i>


    <i>¡ª What did... He just did a wheel spin?! He freaking split Trouser in half!</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze wheel... Scary! Is this man truly not cheating?!</i>


    <i>¡ª More than that, he soloed Trouser the Thrower! He freaking won!!</i>


    <i>¡ª SOLO TROUSER!</i>


    Indeed. Max''s midair forward spin wasn''t only surprising, but it was a move that also broke the first time.


    He became the first yer that soloed Trouser the Thrower, a boss that needed a squadron to defeat.


    Today... A history had been made.


    "Wooooaaah!!"


    Everyone would remember Breeze whether they liked it or not.


    "I did it!!"

 Chapter 21 - 21 – Rounding Up Enemy

    <h4>Chapter 21: ¨C Rounding Up Enemy</h4>


    <strong>[Moonlover41 has donated 200 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[Mebeautiful has donated 300 diamonds!]</strong>


    <i>¡ª I was here!</i>


    <i>¡ª I was here!</i>


    <strong>[Maddening has donated 500 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[Crazy! Crazy! Crazy! Breeze is crazy!]</strong>


    <i>¡ª I was here!</i>


    <i>¡ª I want to be Breeze''s student! Take me in! </i>


    <strong>[AxeLover has donated 1,000 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[Take my money!]</strong>


    The donations and chat poured in without stopping. It was how great Max''s achievement of soloing Trouser was. The viewers were excited and amazed!


    Some viewers also posted clips and new threads immediately in themunity forum. Some curious people joined the livestream, pumping up the viewers to pass the 400 mark.


    "Thank you for the donations! Moonlover41, thank you for the 200. Mebeautiful, thank you for the 300! And Madenning and AxeLover. I really appreciate all your support!"


    Max recited the names one by one, thanking the viewers who gave him donations. AxeLover and Maddening weren''t unfamiliar names. In fact, Max remembered AxeLover as he gave him his first stream mission, and Maddening had donated to him before.


    In the end, the donations for today alone, including what he got before, reached 4700 diamonds.


    <i>''Crazy!''</i>


    He still couldn''t believe it even when he saw the notification in the corner of his vision.


    However, Max couldn''t stop there yet. There was still another mission.


    "Now, let''s kick Huh Ah knight''s ass!"


    <i>¡ª Let''s goo!</i>


    <i>¡ª The barbarians are panicking now that Trouser is dead.</i>


    <i>¡ª It''s your chance! Use this riot to kick him!</i>


    "That''s the n."


    Just as the chat mentioned. After Max killed Trouser, the barbarians'' army looked shaken, and the knights managed to push them, causing them to spread.


    His mission wouldn''t end before the battle wrapped up. So Max still had a few minutes left to sneak behind Huh Ah knight and kick his butt to finish the stream mission. He used this chance to take his remaining axe first before going toward Huh Ah knight.


    While running toward Huh Ah knight, Max opened the mission to see the progress.


    <strong>[Knight''s Lament]</strong>


    <strong>[The barbarians'' army has attacked the Rami Kingdom! Head to the front line and push back the enemies with Knight Captain Hutch!]</strong>


    <strong>[Progress: 1/1 Trouser killed</strong>


    <strong>43/125 Barbarians killed]</strong>


    More than 80 barbarians were still left. They tried their best to run instead of confronting the knights.


    "Chase after them! Don''t let them run!"


    Huh Ah knight gave out orders as he stopped his horse and jumped down. Chasing the crazy barbarians on the horse in huge numbers could cause friendly fire.


    "Catch some of them! We need information about their main army!"


    Especially since the knights wanted to catch some prisoners for information, it would be hard to do so from horseback. So, some knights also jumped down the horse and started to tie the barbarians.


    Themander, Huh Ah, turned around and smiled widely when he saw Max approaching. Huh Ah knight spread his arms and hugged Max.


    "Huh ah! You did a good job!"


    <i>''Huh ah?''</i>


    Max couldn''t react when he heard him speak.


    "Huh ah huh ah huh ah!" Themanderughed loudly as he hit Max''s back and backed away.


    <i>¡ª There it is, Huh Ah!</i>


    <i>¡ª Huh ah huh ah huh ah!</i>


    <i>¡ª No matter how many times I heard it, hisugh is irritating.</i>


    The chat filled the chat immediately, imitating themander.


    They gave Max some context as to why the currentmander was called Huh Ah knight and not butt-kicking knight or something.


    "To think you killed Trouser by yourself! I will rmend you to get a medal when we return!"


    "Thank you?" Max answered, still confused by the strangeugh.


    ''That''s augh? So Huh Ah isn''t his name, but it''s how heughed?''


    While themander praised Max exaggeratedly, making him feel awkward and unable to kick him in the butt, the other knights rounded up the barbarians and tied some of them.


    At that moment, the barbarians who resisted the knights fought in many directions, using their swords, axes, and even bows.


    One barbarian stood on top of the empty hill where there were no knights around. He aimed his bow toward Huh Ah knight''s back with no one realizing.


    No one but Max.


    "Die!"


    <i>Pang!</i>


    The barbarian released the string, and the arrow flew straight at a fast speed, splitting the wind.


    Max''s brain worked at an incredible speed as he saw the arrow going toward him. Time seemed to slow down slightly as he decided what to do.


    Evading the arrow was easy, but Huh Ah knight would get hit in the back. He didn''t seem to notice the iing arrow.


    No matter what, if Max wanted to finish the game perfectly, he needed to help Huh Ah knight. Also...


    <i>''Isn''t this the perfect time?''</i>


    He finally had a reason to kick Huh Ah knight''s butt.


    Without hesitation, Max quickly ducked and stretched his leg. It was fast, and the wind split. A bone-cracking sound rang loudly when his metal boot hit Huh Ah''s soft butt that wasn''t covered in armor.


    <i>Crack!</i>


    "Aggh!"


    A painful yell resounded as themander was sent flying to the side. He rolled around the ground before stopping himself and red at Max.


    "What the heck are you do¨C"


    <i>Zoop!</i>


    Huh Ah''s shout was interrupted by an arrow embedded in the ground beside Max. He stopped and turned around, looking at the archer that the nearby knight stopped.


    "Commander! Are you okay?!" One of the knights shouted worriedly.


    Realization washed over Huh Ah knight as he slowly turned to Max, who stood up with aplex expression. His anger was gone.


    "Did you just save me?" Themander asked.


    "My apologies. I don''t know how to do it gently. It''s an urgent situation." Max answered while bowing his head. His expression couldn''t be seen.


    "N-No." Themander shook his head in guilt.


    "I should be the one apologizing. If you didn''t blow me away, that arrow would lodge in my head. You have saved my life, thank you." He patted Max on the shoulder. "You should rest, Sir Breeze. Leave the rest to me and the other knights. Good work."


    With that, Huh Ah knight walked away to his horse and jumped up. He groaned in pain while rubbing his butt, but a satisfied smile was on his face.


    Meanwhile, Max kept his head down low before walking away from the battlefield. His expression looked weird, as he had tried his best not tough loudly from the notification from both the streaming tform and the game.


    <strong>[Missionpleted!]</strong>


    <strong>[9,000 diamonds have been donated!]</strong>

 Chapter 22 - 22 – Curious Streamer

    <h4>Chapter 22: ¨C Curious Streamer</h4>


    The Knighted Lobby was filled with many people on weekend nights as people didn''t need to work and wanted to have fun. It boasted considerable traffic with users and streamers.


    Random posts kept appearing on the forum, usually featuring big streamers who managed to gain achievement, tips and tricks, and someone who found a new route.


    A big-time streamer with an average of 20K viewers, Flexy, tried to find some information about tips and tricks to win the program he was invited to by the Knight''s Journey''s marketing team.


    He wanted to find StoneSword''s video on the forum and learn from it. Not only that, but he also wanted to create an ideal n to clear the stage as fast as he could with a newbie who was potentially not that good at the game.


    However, everyone on the forum constantly mentioned the same user today.


    "Who is this Breeze?"


    The top to the fifth post mentioned the same name but with a different title.


    <strong>[Look at my butt! Huh Ah knight got kicked on the butt by Breeze!]</strong>


    <strong>[pping Hutch! Breeze causing the system error lolol]</strong>


    <strong>[Front spin and split in half! First managed to solo Trouser the Thrower, Breeze!]</strong>


    <strong>[No one can doubt Breeze''s skill!]</strong>


    <strong>[Breeze''s wall run and analysis]</strong>


    Flexy caressed his chin in wonder. He opened the thread, and saying that he was surprised to the point he jumped from the bench wasn''t an overstatement.


    <i>''This guy is nuts!''</i>


    The first video Flexy watched was the wall run and three-sixty axe spin. He was impressed by the movement and the fact he could pull such moves, not just one, but many times. That meant Breeze didn''t pull it out of luck, but due to his skill!


    Flexy proceeded to the other threads and watched all the videos. He couldn''t help but grin when he saw Breeze p Hutch and kick Huh Ah knight.


    <i>''Good job!''</i>


    Just like everyone else, he was also a victim to those people. So he was pretty satisfied when he watched someone else manage to exact the victims'' revenge against those two knights.


    At the end of the thread, the link to Breeze''s link was attached. Flexy found it and curiously clicked on it, bringing him to Punch''s website.


    "Oh? He''s live streaming now?"


    Flexy crossed his legs and rested his chin on his hand, smiling softly. He was interested in how Breeze yed live and how many viewers he got.


    "Damn, 500 viewers?" He eximed in surprise, "And this is his second day streaming? Yoo! This guy has crazy growth! He''s even faster than me in newbie days!"


    It only drove Flexy''s curiosity even further, so he decided to seriously give the stream a go.


    At this moment, Breeze had gotten a new quest, the next one after <strong>[Knight''s Lament]</strong> called <strong>[Knight''s Retirement]</strong>. After defeating the advanced party, he charged with the other knights toward the main barbarians'' army.


    However, something strange happened.


    "Why does he ride with another knight?" Flexy muttered as he saw Breeze standing on a horse behind another knight.


    Every yer would get a horse when they reached this part. Even if this was a new route, Flexy knew that having a horse was a default as there was a horse riding tutorial at the start.


    Unless... Breeze couldn''t ride a horse. But there was no way someone who finished [Knight''s Lament] and soloed Trouser couldn''t ride a horse, right?


    Curious, he decided to bring up a virtual keyboard and started to type in chat.


    <i>¡ª Why does he stand on a horse like that?</i>


    <i>¡ª lolol look at him</i>


    <i>¡ª lololol</i>


    <i>¡ª This dude is posing on a horse!</i>


    The chat was moving so fast that his text just got buried with the others.


    Flexy frowned and scratched his hair.


    <i>''Damn!''</i>


    He didn''t know that getting attention in newbie chat was so hard. The only way to get the attention would be sending a donation, but Flexy thought spending money for such a silly and obvious question wasn''t worth it.


    <i>''Let''s move on. This guy is good at getting the viewers'' attention. If he bes big, I will definitely hear about him again.''</i>


    As a streamer, Flexy thought that doing something new would definitely interest people. No one had ever done wall run, three-sixty axe spin, soloing Trouser, and standing on a galloping horse. So he was impressed by this newbie.


    But that wasn''t Flexy''s goal visiting the Knighted Lobby today, so he closed the stream when Breeze jumped toward the middle of the barbarians'' army alone.


    He closed the Punch website and moved to themunity forum while thinking, ''Is there any chance he also got invited to the program?''


    If that was the case, then the program would be interesting.


    <i>''I will know about it in four days. If I am not wrong, Biozone Entertainment will announce the participants that day. I will ask Lisater.''</i>


    A smile appeared on his character''s face under his helmet. StoneSword''s participation was already predictable. Flexy also had someone else in mind.


    However, the three newbies that would participate in this program weren''t that predictable, as he didn''t quite understand how the marketing team would pick them.


    What Flexy did know, however, was it would be interesting if a wild card appeared from those newbies and stole the spotlight from the veteran streamers.


    <i>''That would be fun.''</i>


    And so, Flexy returned to his speedrun''s research.


    ***


    Meanwhile, Max was currently in the middle of chaos, surrounded by barbarians'' army in the second main story he got.


    Brandishing his rare axe in his right hand and a crude one in his left, he roared loudly.


    "Come, barbarians! Give me your blood!


    <i>¡ª Blood!</i>


    <i>¡ª Blood blood blood!</i>


    <i>¡ª Our axes crave blood!!</i>


    <i>¡ª Hyahaaa!! Let him again, guys! He''s nning to massacre them all!</i>


    Max was really motivated. The reason was clear. It was because he got another mission from his viewers.


    <strong>[Bloodsucker has started a mission.]</strong>


    <strong>[Stream Mission: Kill every barbarian in the army.]</strong>


    <strong>[Reward: 100 diamonds per kill.]</strong>


    Five minutes had passed since he got this mission and advanced toward the barbarians'' army. And currently, Breeze''s kill count had reached 12.


    This was Max''s chance to fill the system quest''s progress. He still needed more than 30K diamonds to finish it and get the B-Grade nutritional supplement he badly needed.


    "Lemme suck all those diam¨C I mean blood until you have none! I will kill at least 100... No, 200 barbarians today!"


    <i>¡ª Please stop!</i>


    <i>¡ª Hahaha! This guy is crying.</i>


    <i>¡ª Rest in peace, money.</i>


    <i>¡ª Only money can make Breeze get this motivated.</i>


    <i>¡ª We will remember you, Bloodsucker.</i>


    <i>¡ª I want to be Breeze</i>


    <i>¡ª ^^ Dream on!</i>


    <i>¡ª ^^ I will</i>

 Chapter 23 - 23 – Throwing Frenzy

    <h4>Chapter 23: ¨C Throwing Frenzy</h4>


    "Come at me!"


    Max shouted loudly and rushed toward the nearby barbarians with a feral grin. He just needed to be careful and kill them slowly.


    No need to rush. There were more than 500 barbarians in the main army, while there were only around 400 to 450 knights after thest battle. Even whenbined with the army led by Hutch that nked from behind, dealing with the barbarians'' army wouldn''t be that fast.


    However...


    "We will help you, Sir Breeze!"


    The knights joined the battle and began to push the barbarians'' army. They were the only reason why Max wouldn''t be able to defeat them all.


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    His axe beheaded three people at once in one swing. He was no longer surrounded and had time to breathe.


    <i>''I said I will kill 200, but that doesn''t seem to be possible.''</i> He thought, breathing heavily.


    It was harder than he thought, and his movement began to be affected by fatigue.


    <i>''I can probably kill 50 more, and then I won''t be unable to move like normal. Am I truly this weak?''</i>


    As he thought that, Max ran toward the crowd of the barbarians in the distance. His goal in his stream had been achieved. It had been an hour and a half since he started, and he had fought without rest.


    His brain and body had reached the limit.


    "There!"


    Shouting, Max attacked the barbarian, killing him swiftly.


    <i>Swoosh!</i>


    "Oooh!"


    Another barbarian came to his left. It wasn''t unnoticed.


    With a swift movement, Max used his leg as a pivot and killed the rushing barbarian. As they wore no armor and were only topless, killing them was easy.


    <i>¡ª Double kill!</i>


    <i>¡ª On your right!</i>


    A loud sound echoed. A barbarian with a huge body killed the knight beside Max and came to him.


    "Ant! Crush!"


    The barbarian was holding arge club, bigger than Max''s body. He raised it and brought it down with a surprising speed.


    Looking at the iing attack, Max calmly leaped to the left.


    <i>Boom!</i>


    Therge club was embedded into the ground, kicking the dust above. The power behind the swing was no joke. Arge indentation was left on the hard dirt.


    "That was dangerous," Maxmented as he stood up.


    He spent no time getting angry and ran toward the giant, throwing the crude axe toward his head, and with a powerful leap, hended on therge club.


    Then, as the axe hit the giant''s eye and drew blood from him, Max leaped once again and delivered a strong horizontal swing with his rare axe. Even so, he only managed to cut half of the barbarian''s neck.


    Thankfully, that was enough to kill him.


    "Grrr..."


    With thest pained groan, the giant fell to the ground and drew itsst breath. Max walked toward his head and pulled the crude axe he had thrown earlier.


    "Woooh!!"


    "Sir Breeze has killed the giant barbarian!!"


    <i>¡ª Damn!!</i>


    <i>¡ª This guy pulled something ridiculous and made it look easy!</i>


    <i>¡ª Teach me, Breeze! Teach me!!</i>


    <i>¡ª We really need his movement tutorial. Breeze is on a different level!</i>


    The knights erupted in cheers, and the chat also got excited.


    Meanwhile, Max felt almost totally exhausted. He just killed a total of 29 barbarians, but the battle from earlier just took a big chunk of his energy, causing him to draw heavy breaths.


    But he was a streamer. His job was to make interesting content. What was interesting about him was his confidence and the fact he could pull off something impossible as if it were normal for him. Also, he was already famous as a shameless streamer.


    So he smiled at the camera while wiping his forehead.


    "Huff... That was hard. That should count as 5 kills, hey?"


    <i>¡ª lolol</i>


    <i>¡ª Agreed! We will count that as 5 kills</i>


    <i>¡ª So he has 33 kills? Sounds good</i>


    <i>¡ª Spare me! That''s 3,300 diamonds from my pocket. But for Breeze, we will count that as 5 kills.</i>


    <i>¡ª lol, your fault for making that mission</i>


    <i>¡ª That giant is 10 times stronger than a normal barbarian, so let''s count it as 10!</i>


    <i>¡ª That''s right!</i>


    No one seemed to mind, not even Bloodsucker, the mission starter, and some were actually proposed to make it 10 kills. That showed how strong the giant really was, and Max was able to kill him while making it look like he didn''t make any effort.


    <i>''Good.''</i> He thought.


    "5 kills is enough for someone like him, guys. That wasn''t hard at all."


    Max smiled confidently and jumped off the giant barbarian''s body.


    "Anyway, I will continue the massacre. Hutch wille soon, and I want to kill 100 more before that!"


    <i>¡ª He admits that it''s a massacre</i>


    <i>¡ª Scary... Breeze is scary</i>


    <i>¡ª I don''t know that I will be scared by Breeze</i>


    <i>¡ª ...</i>


    <i>¡ª Yeah! More blood!</i>


    Rushing forward, Max used a throwing approach to conserve his energy and reduce the burden in his mind. While streaming was fun and important, his health was still the most important for him. He wouldn''t push himself to the brink¡ªonly this time would he test his limit.


    As he ran around the battlefield, killing some barbarians in his way, he gathered some weapons and threw them in one ce. He had formted the fastest way to kill a lot of enemies in a short time. And now... His preparation was done.


    ''That should be enough.''


    After killing five more barbarians and throwing dozens of weapons in the same spot, Max stopped and began to walk back.


    <i>¡ª Huh?</i>


    <i>¡ª What is he doing?</i>


    <i>¡ª Is he tired?</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze can''t get tired, idiot. Just like before, he must be nning something!</i>


    <i>¡ª He threw many weapons earlier, but none of them hit</i>


    <i>¡ª Kill counts: 38</i>


    <i>¡ª Anybody, stop him! My pocket!!</i>


    <i>¡ª As I said before. You sucks blood, Breeze sucks ur money!</i>


    The viewers were confused, but none of them questioned Max. They fought among themselves in the chat, and at that moment, he needed to step in and change the topic.


    "Look at this, guys." He said as he stopped in the ce where he threw the weapons earlier. "How many weapons do you think are here?"


    Swords, short spears, axes, daggers, and even arrows embedded on the ground. Max picked up the nearby sword and put his rare axe on his back.


    "What do you think will happen if I throw them all?"


    <i>¡ª Oh no</i>


    <i>¡ª This guy is cooking! Let him cook again!</i>


    <i>¡ª Killing them will be a breeze for Breeze!</i>


    <i>¡ª Told you told you!</i>


    <i>¡ª Just a nce, I see more than 50 weapons there... Bloodsucker''s money is doomed.</i>


    <i>¡ª Nooo!!!</i>


    <i>¡ª Throw them all! One shot, one kill!</i>


    The death wail from Bloodsucker made Maxugh evilly. The viewers had already guessed what his n was.


    Indeed, throwing weapons from far away would be the fastest way to kill unprotected barbarians. There was a chance he would miss, but that was better than running around the battlefield.


    "Ready... Shoot!"


    Max put on a throwing stance and, with full power, shot the sword toward the barbarian he saw in the distance. The sword flew between knights before lodging right between his eyes.


    "Bullseye!" Max cheered and took another weapon. This time, it was an axe, and he brought his hand back before throwing it without much preparation.


    The axe made an arch mid-air andnded on a barbarian''s neck. It was an unreal sight, but it happened. Everything was calcted, and he was already used to this strength that brushed past his human limit inside the game.


    "Alright," Max eximed, massaging his shoulder while moving his arm around. His grin widened as he was ready to throw another weapon. "Let''s go for another kill. I can hear the nking of the diamonds in my ears."


    <i>¡ª ...</i>


    <i>¡ª ..</i>


    <i>¡ª .</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn</i>


    <i>¡ª Just damn</i>


    <i>¡ª RIP Bloodsucker''s money</i>


    <i>¡ª He will get 100 kills with that... For real.</i>


    <i>¡ª NOOOOOO!!!! STOOP!!</i>


    <i>¡ª One cling away until he goes bankrupt</i>

 Chapter 24 - 24 – Analyzing World Record Run

    <h4>Chapter 24: ¨C Analyzing World Record Run</h4>


    "Huff... It''s finally over."


    Max breathed heavily as he looked at the notification in front of him.


    <strong>[Knight''s Retirement missionpleted.]</strong>


    After throwing weapons for more than 20 minutes, Hutch finally arrived with the army from behind. When he was out of weapons earlier, the knights unexpectedly gathered the scattered weapons for him, making the chat speechless for a few seconds.


    Not only that, but the knights also protected him and let him throw weapons in peace under Huh Ah knight''s order. Themander was holding his arse because it was still hurt from Max''s kick earlier. He also shed a confident smile at him.


    In the end, he defeated most barbarians and killed 164 barbarians by himself, ording to the chat.


    As a result...


    <strong>[Missionpleted.]</strong>


    <strong>[16,400 diamonds have been donated!]</strong>


    Max gained more than 15K diamonds at once.


    <i>¡ª Nooooo!!!!</i>


    <i>¡ª Hahaha! That scream sounds beautiful!</i>


    <i>¡ª Tsk, only 164. Breeze should be able to get 200 kills if those knights don''t interfere!</i>


    <i>¡ª Right!</i>


    <i>¡ª Still... Isn''t he finishing the quest too fast?</i>


    <i>¡ª Right...</i>


    Indeed.


    The main battle usuallysted for three hours before Hutch finally nked from behind. Some good yers who managed to get Hutch''s acknowledgment managed to make it faster to two hours, but there had never been a time when the battlested under an hour like this.


    But Max achieved it. Exhausted, he slumped on the ground andughed.


    "Thank you for the 16K diamonds, Bloodsucker!"


    Max''s gratitude was real and without any greed. He finally had a chance to finish his second quest, just as he nned. The finish could be seen. More than half of his goal had already been achieved.


    <i>¡ª You''re wee, Breeze. That was a good fight ¨C Bloodsucker</i>


    <i>¡ª I like your content, so take my money ¨C Bloodsucker</i>


    <i>¡ª Take more, why did you stop at 164? ¨C Bloodsucker</i>


    <i>¡ª Hey! I didn''t say any of that!</i>


    <i>¡ª lolol</i>


    <i>¡ª This guy is bullyable. We won''t ever forget you, Bloodsucker</i>


    <i>¡ª I am not dead yet!</i>


    Everyone in the chat had a goodugh and moment.


    At that moment, Hutch and Huh Ah knightmanded the others to round the barbarians'' army up. The cutscene had yed, and Max''s character suddenly stood up and joined them to kill the remaining enemies. No one was spared, as they had taken prisoners from before.


    Just as usual, Max was in a half-transparent state in this cutscene. He had a hard time moving his body.


    <i>''I am at my limit. Just 15K more diamonds... It''s a shame, but I will stop here.''</i>


    The viewers were curious about what happened next. The cutscene was the same, only Huh Ah knight recing thedy knight that led the army in the normal route. However, they knew that the next mission Max received would probably be different, and they were looking forward to it.


    So this was the best time to stop, as their curiosity was still at its peak, and he had shown enough of his skill.


    "We have finished two chapters, guys. I am a bit tired now, so I will have some rest."


    <i>¡ª Again?! It''s only two and half hours!</i>


    <i>¡ª He said he would do two or three missions before and has kept his promise. Let him rest!</i>


    <i>¡ª After pulling many ridiculous movements like that, I understand that Breeze is tired. Rest well!</i>


    <i>¡ª Rest well! I will weep in the corner... You made me recharge my diamonds 4 days faster...</i>


    <i>¡ª See you tomorrow, Breeze!</i>


    "Yeah! See you tomorrow, chat. I will stream at 6 P.M. like usual."


    With that, Max ended the stream.


    <strong>[Stream Ended]</strong>


    This time, he didn''t immediately go out of his capsule but entered his Lobby instead. From what he had experienced before, staying in the Lobby wouldn''t take much toll from his brain or body as long as he didn''t move around too much.


    Max sat on the chair in the middle of the grass in. His lustrous ck hair was brushed against the breeze, and a smile decorated his face as he opened Knight''s Journeymunity forum.


    The articles about him were posted. The newest one was about aption of his clips and the strange things he did in the game. Unexpectedly, the one who posted it was FreakingNoob, someone who created the first thread about him.


    "He helps me a lot. I am d he''s staying even though he lovesughing at newbies."


    Anyway, Max was happy he still got a lot of attention. In fact, he noticed that he had broken 500 viewers when he finished [Knight''s Retirement] mission. His channel''s followers had also grown to 114/500.


    "This growth isn''t normal, isn''t it?"


    There was no need to research the other newbie streamers to understand that he was doing too well for someone who only started streaming yesterday.


    Even when the human poption had passed 10 billion, and people watched streamers more than in Max''s past life, this kind of growth was still impressive.


    <i>''Is this because of the system that I am doing pretty well? I still can''t believe this is all due to my luck.''</i>


    Until now, the offer Max received from Biozone Entertainment still didn''t feel real. But that was, without a doubt, not a dream, and he needed to work hard to get that bonus.


    <i>''With my current progress, I might finish the game in two days. The route I got skipped some missions due to me doing pretty well. What''s left is the journey of the main character and meeting the heroine. I wonder which one I will get on this route. Or will this be the true ending without any heroine?''</i>


    Nothing was known, as Max was a pioneer of this new route. So, he only guessed based on the other routes that people in the forum already found.


    <i>''Anyway, let''s focus.''</i>


    Max didn''t visit the forum just to see his viewers'' reactions to his previous streams. Indeed, it was satisfying, but he also nned to find a video of this duo fortress speedrun that became the main event in the program in a week.


    Fortunately, such videos could be found easily. What Max chose was the world record run. But when he saw the name of who had gotten the run, he couldn''t help but stop for a while.


    "StoneSword... The chat also mentioned him earlier. So he''s the current world record holder for the duo run? His partner is... LilyPixel? Is she a streamer? I don''t recognize her name."


    Not recognizing a streamer''s name was normal. Not everyone knew each other, and more than a hundred thousand streamers in Punch alone were trying to go by.


    But whoever this LilyPixel was, she must''ve had an impressive skill to be able to get a world record with StoneSword.


    "Let''s watch the run for now. I will note down anything that I can use for the program."


    And with that, Max began analyzing the run and even forgot the time.

 Chapter 25 - 25 – Invitation

    <h4>Chapter 25: ¨C Invitation</h4>


    Without realizing it, two hours had already passed since Max analyzed the world record run video. He was so engrossed in it that he only noted a few parts of the video.


    Of course, he didn''t just analyze the world record run but also the second and third fastest. They were all different, including the enemies'' spawn, but the strategies they used were simr.


    "The goal of the run is to take over a fort by killing the barbarian''s leader and upy the highest point for a few minute, huh? And the most efficient strategy is to split up, as only one person was needed to stay on top."


    The breeze hit Max''s face softly, blowing his hair as he watched the video again. His hand was on his chin, thinking deeply.


    Max was apetitive person by birth. He would spare no effort to win as long as there was apetition. Even if there was no bonus for winning, he definitely would always aim for the win.


    The reason was simple.


    "It''s fun to win."


    After watching different videos of the run, Max realized something important. He narrowed his eyes and paused StoneSword''s video in the middle of the run.


    "This..."


    His smile tugged up into a smile that slowly formed a wide grin.


    "Why did no one go through this path before?" Max asked himself but noticed a problem shortly after he resumed the video. "Ah... I see."


    He wanted to try it immediately, but he had no friend to run the duo with him. So, all he could do was note what he just found.


    At that moment, a notification window popped up right in front of his face, startling him.


    Ding!


    "Wha?!"


    He almost jumped out of his chair out of surprise.


    "Who is it?" He growled in irritation as he was interrupted so suddenly.


    Max looked at the notification and saw the name Nina written on it, with the call written above and the ''ept'' and ''Refuse'' buttons under her name.


    ''I should''ve guessed.'' He sighed, calming himself down.


    Then, he pressed the ept button, and Nina''s cute face popped on the screen together with another small notification.


    [Video Call started]


    On the screen, Max was able to see Nina clearly. She wore a headband to keep her hair and a white jacket with fluffy fur around the hood. Looking at the background, she seemed to be in her bedroom.


    "Ah, hello there!" She greeted cheerfully while waving at the screen.


    "Hello, Nina." Max greeted back with a smile as he rxed his posture. "It''s rare for you to call me thiste. Do you need something or help?"


    "Ah, no no no."


    Nina looked quite flustered as she shook her head rapidly.


    "I was just wondering... Are you fine with your job? You know... My dad looked happy but was also worried that you got scammed when I told him you got a job. Ah, I am also worried. That''s why I called!"


    "I know." Max chuckled at her rather cute reason, "Thank you for worrying, but I am fine. It pays well, and the job isn''t as hard as you think. Of course, it''s a virtual job. So you also don''t need to worry about my safety."


    "I see..." Nina smiled, looking relieved. "W-Well, that''s all I wanted to ask. Ah, my dad said toe tomorrow morning to test a new menu. He said there are many customerstely, so he wants to make new variations and needs a regr customer''s opinion. That''s all, bye!"


    The window disappeared as soon as she said that. Max heaved a sigh and smiled.


    "Both of them can''t be honest. I told them I was fine, but they still wanted to help me."


    Max knew that testing a new menu was just an excuse the chef used to invite him for free breakfast. Nina also coborated on that, which had happened more than 3 times with new excuses each time.


    Their kindness knew no bounds, and they especially liked Max for some reason.


    "Tomorrow morning, huh?" Max stood up from the chair and logged out of the VR capsule.


    ***


    Obviously, Max had no reason to refuse Nina and the chef''s kindness. Even if he had gotten many donations, they would only be able to be withdrawn twice a month. It was still too early to get the pay, as it was still early in the April, so he was happy when Nina invited himst night.


    Besides, the chef would sulk and get angry if Max didn''te. It happened once, and he didn''t want to repeat facing a sulking man again. That was a bad experience.


    "Hello."


    Max greeted respectfully as he entered the half-opened restaurant. He arrived before it was open, as he was here for ''tasting'' and not as a customer.


    "Come in, Max! We are in the kitchen!" Nina''s voice was booming from inside, but her figure couldn''t be seen.


    A sizzling sound followed suit with a sweet and tantalizing aroma.


    When the smell entered his nostril, Max couldn''t help but gulp. He could imagine how delicious the food would be from the smell alone, and his appetite was roused immediately. At this moment, he could feel hunger, and his stomach grumbled in response.


    Grrr¨C


    He was embarrassed.


    ''Damn... It smells delicious.''


    Having received permission, Max went into the kitchen following the smell. It was just the room behind the curtain.


    And there, he found Nina wearing an apron and a man with impressive muscle in a chef outfit putting three tes filled with green noodles on a tray.


    He was the chef and Nina''s father, Rush.


    "You''re here." The man nodded at Max. "Eat while it''s still hot. We will also try it with you. Just give your opinionter."


    "You can sit here, Max."


    Nina set up a small chair beside her. Rush had long since been seated on her left and took one bowl for himself.


    Scratching his cheek out of guilt and gratitude, Max smiled at Nina.


    "Thank you."


    "You''re wee," Nina answered, putting a bowl filled with strangely green noodles and red broth before Max. "It''s Dad''s new creation, spicy spinach noodles. I don''t know why he suddenly makes this, but it should be delicious." She smiled wryly as she nced at Rush.


    "It''s healthy," Rush said calmly. "And no talking at the table. Let''s eat."


    "Yes, yes."


    Nina sat down quietly and ate her own bowl, following her dad.


    Watching them, Max smiled softly and ate his noodles too. His mind was still hovering over the fact that he had no friends other than Nina, so he couldn''t even practice the run even if he wanted to.


    That could add a surprise element, but the stake was too high for him not to practice anything.


    At that moment, his eyes widened slightly, and he looked to his left.


    ''I have a friend.'' He thought, slurping the noodle loudly.


    Both Nina and Rush looked at him in wonder. Max usually ate slowly and carefully. Never did he slurp loudly like that.


    "Is it too spicy?" Nina asked worriedly, "Or did the noodle not to your liking? I told dad many times that spinach noodles and spicy broth aren''t a goodbination!"


    "But it tastes great." Rush chirped in defense, turning to Max. "And it''s healthy. Do you really not like it?"


    Max shook his head in denial, "No, it tastes great, chef. I just remembered something." He turned to Nina, who looked at him worriedly. "Nina, do you y a game?"


    "A game?" Nina asked curiously, tilting her head. "I like games and ying some. But why suddenly?"


    "Perfect." He smiled brightly, "Say... Can you help me with something?"

 Chapter 26 - 26 – Gym

    <h4>Chapter 26: ¨C Gym</h4>


    <i>''She doesn''t agree, huh... Or rather, she can''t because she has to study and can''t really y action games.''</i>


    Max sighed in disappointment as he walked through the city. With Nina not ying with him, he needed to find a friend if he wanted to try the run before the program was announced in three days. However, he couldn''t think of anything and definitely couldn''t force her to y with him if she didn''t want to.


    So, he went to the market to get some ingredients for lunch and dinner for the next week.


    As a former traceur, an athlete, he often prepared his meals himself. He couldn''t do so for the past six days because he was still getting used to this world.


    And now that he had everything on track and could make money from streaming, he thought he could begin to focus on his health again. That hopefully would make him able to stream longer. Just ten minutes of improvement would be a massive help for him.


    The market was located in one big building 2 KM from Max''s apartment. There were many cheap public transportation avable around the city, but he chose to walk to build up his stamina.


    <i>''I am really weak and skinny.''</i> Hemented at his body''s condition. <i>''But it won''t be for too long. A few months... Or maybe even only a month is needed if I have that supplement. However, I also need to exercise, so I need to find an affordable gym too.''</i>


    While the former was out of his current budget, thetter was fortunately easy to find. With people finding out one''s body condition could affect how many hours people could spend gaming, they began to look out for their health.


    Gyms began to pop up one after another. There was even one in each block. At some parts of Lime City, two gyms stood side by side and were still full of people training.


    While thinking so, Max had arrived in the market. He already knew what to get, so he just asked the employee where they were located and got it done quickly in under 10 minutes.


    <i>''Shopping should be done fast. I don''t understand people who never nned what to buy first and then took hours to shop.''</i> He thought as he paid for all the ingredients he bought.


    Because he prepared for a week, the total came to $240, which was higher than he initially thought. He thought it would cost simr to his past life, but it seemed like vegetables in this world were more expensive due to the demands from people.


    <i>''I need to fix my sense of money... Now, all the donations I got didn''t seem to be that much. I am saved with the apartment given by the government. I would be homeless without it. And...''</i>


    Max called out the system window as he waited for the street light to turn green and cross the road. It popped up in front of him, showing his current progress.


    <strong><Quest:</strong>


    <strong>- Can I Eat from Donation?!</strong>


    <strong>Obviously, a streamer needs money!</strong>


    <strong>Let''s get your first donation milestone before the end of Knight''s Journey.</strong>


    <strong>Progress: 35,600/50,000 Diamonds or 712/1,000 Dors</strong>


    <strong>Reward: 1x B-grade nutritional supplement.</strong>


    <strong>Deadline: Fifth Livestream (2/5)</strong>


    <strong>Failure toplete the Quest will result in the system being uninstalled.></strong>


    A smile appeared on his face. The donation was nice. He already got $712 in his third stream. Just a little bit more, and he would get that B-grade nutritional supplement.


    When he checked the market earlier, he found a D-grade nutritional supplement and it cost $1,000 a bottle. No other grades were sold in the market, but Max heard about their price before.


    The C-grade was said to be twice as expensive as the D-grade, and the B-grade was thrice the C-grade. That meant that one bottle he would get from the system cost $6,000.


    ''The system is really generous.''


    The light had turned green, but Max didn''t cross immediately. He looked left and right first, making sure that no vehicles were flying past, and only then did he cross.


    There was still a bit of trauma when crossing the road, thanks to the ident in his past life. But that didn''t stop him from going out, as he loved the city situation and liked to take a walk.


    Before long, Max arrived at his apartment and put all the ingredients he bought in the fridge. Then he sat on his bed, bringing up the hologram screen of his smartwatch, and began to find a gym where he could sign up for morning training.


    Of course, because of his limited money, only around $2,700 now, he nned to choose a good ce with an affordable price. And even if he had money, he definitely wouldn''t squander it away.


    Just by typing affordable gym, many options sprung out on the screen and created a list. The price listed was also all reasonable, seeing that there was apparently an intion in both vegetables and gym. But still...


    <i>''$500 a month to be a member is a bit much. I will skip that one. Hmm... This one is $400 a month, seems rather good, and it''s also close.''</i>


    It was still more expensive than in his past life.


    Exercising alone was also an option, but gyms around this era got advanced equipment that could allow one to gain more with less effort. This equipment was expensive, thus leading to the increase of the monthly membership.


    There was also a trainer for the members who would help them exercising. Max needed that trainer because he might be outdated with the training menu and the current diet type.


    Max scrolled down to find the perfect gym and found an interesting one among the lists.


    "A VR room?"


    He pressed the details and read what this VR room was about.


    The description said that for someone who aimed to game and increase their movement in VR by making the synchronization of their brain and the machine as high as possible, this gym would help them.


    Also, the members were free to use the VR capsule in the gym to y together. It was like an inte caf¨¦ but free for the gym''s members.


    However, Max wasn''t focused on that.


    "y together..."


    The connection between the VR capsules in the gym was through a local server. That means all capsules were connected, and one didn''t need to add friends to use the co-op function.


    With so many people in the gym, some of them would definitely y a rather famous title like Knight''s Journey. If he invited them to y the co-op fort siege together, there was a chance they would ept it.


    "This is perfect for friendless people like me!"


    When he checked the price, it was also within a reasonable range of $450 and $600 with a trainer. The ce was also clean and vast. It was just a bit far, 3 KM away from his home.


    "Let''s visit this ce and sign up immediately. Then I will start the gym tomorrow if that''s possible."


    Max was excited about this gym, and he was actually also curious about his synchronization rate with the VR capsule.


    So, after deciding, Max spent no time thinking about it twice and exited his apartment once again, running with a smile on his face.

 Chapter 27 - 27 – Surprised Flexy

    <h4>Chapter 27: ¨C Surprised Flexy</h4>


    Gxy Gym.


    Located in Lime City, one of the big cities in the United Nations, it was a big gym with many branches with its main and first main location in New Eden city.


    Many people liked this gym because it was affordable,fortable, and hadplete equipment. But, if only those were their sell points, then this gym wouldn''t be able to survive or have more than a hundred branches.


    No, the main selling point of this gym was the VR room and the synchronization test. Many people who loved VR, especially gamers and streamers, would join this gym. They also sponsored many streamers, thus getting more people interested in it.


    Because they sponsored many streamers, some of them actually live-streamed inside the gym to promote it. An In-Real-Life livestream wasn''t strange at all at this age. And those who did that sometimes were bodybuilding streamers.


    However, today, a variety streamer visited the Gxy Gym in Lime City due to his contract. He needed to do an IRL stream of his workout inside the gym and the VR room to his viewers.


    "It''s packed to the brim! Look at this! Even with this many people, there is still free equipment that we can use!"


    That streamer was talking to a drone, more specifically to the camera connected to the drone. He had bright orange hair and an energetic personality that could infect other people with his spirit.


    This guy was Flexy. And inside, he regretted taking the Gxy Gym''s sponsorship.


    <i>''I just want to stay at home! Why should I exercise at the gym when I have full equipment in my home? This is strange... I don''t like it.''</i>


    Yes, Flexy hated being outside. His manager, Lisa, needed to force him by threatening him. Even now, she stood a bit away, controlling the drone and shooting Flexy''s face perfectly. A scary smile was stered on her beautiful face.


    <i>''Damn it! But there is a VR room here, at least. I will finish my workout quickly and show it. Trying that co-op with the newbies here might also help me get used to the program.''</i>


    Flexy put on an energetic smile and raised his voice, "Let''s start with jogging! It will only be 3 KM, and then we will move to another workout. Preparation and warming up are important; don''t forget that!"


    Saying so, he hopped on the treadmill and began his workout while talking to his 14,610 viewers. It was a bit lower than usual, but it was understandable as it was still 9 AM. Not to mention, it was Monday. People were still working at this time.


    However, he didn''t care. He only half-assed this stream anyway. His real stream was tonight, from 8 PM until morning. This was why he hated going out in the morning because he was still sleepy from his streamst night.


    <i>''I just want to go home and sleep.''</i> He whined in his mind as he kept up his cheerful expression and began to lift weight.


    Flexy''s workout onlysted for 30 minutes. At that moment, many people entered and exited the gym.


    When he finished, his body and tank top were drenched in sweat. Even if it was a 30-minute workout, it was optimized to build his muscle and brain activity, thus further helping him to stay online in VR with fast movement for longer.


    "That''s my workout! How is it? Are you guys inspired?" Flexy asked his viewers as he wiped his body with a towel given by Lisa. "After this, we will check the VR room. I somehow want to y Knight''s Journey co-op here, hahaha. I wonder if this gym has a game?"


    With a big smile of being freed from the workout, Flexy went to the VR room located on the other side of the gym. The drone and Lisa followed him.


    Unlike the gym area, where loud noises filled the room, the VR area was quiet. Manytest-generation VR capsules were lined up against the wall, divided by partitions. Colorful lights decorated the ceiling, giving the room a bright but quiet atmosphere.


    "Shh! We can''t talk loudly here. Even if the people inside the capsule can''t hear us, that will break this silence. So, I will pause the stream until I am inside my Lobby. See you guys again! Enjoy this upbeat music while waiting."


    The camera in the drone was deactivated after that, and Lisa changed the live streaming screen into a waiting animation. Having a manager to control the stream made everything easier for the streamers. It was her duty to make sure it ran smoothly.


    She smiled softly and turned off the hologram screen from her smartwatch.


    "That was wonderful, Flexy. Now we just need to return to the studio and continue our stream there."


    "Yaa, what should I do? I suddenly want to y here and get some practice." Flexy scratched the back of his head.


    "Look, there are many newbies here, right? And I noticed some capsules have Knight''s Journey game booting up. Maybe some of them are willing to y co-op with me? Of course, I will go anonymous."


    "Is it to prepare for that?" Lisa asked, pushing up her sses. Her sharp blue eyes shed a strange glint as she considered the pros and cons of this decision.


    After a while, she nodded in understanding, "I guess there is nothing wrong with it. This will be good content, as your stream has also focused on Knight''s Journeytely. Besides... I am happy you are willing to work hard to promote this ce as you should be."


    "Haha...hahaha... I-Indeed, I worked hard. So I will connect to my stream ount inside."


    Flexy entered the nearest empty capsule and quickly entered his Lobby. The login program was entered automatically by scanning his biometrics. It was a fast process that everyone didn''t need to worry about, and when he entered, he appeared in the Knighted Lobby. It was where he logged outst time.


    <i>''Let''s set it quickly and continue the stream.''</i> Flexy thought as he quickly set his stream and changed the screen.


    As he did so, he started Knight''s Journey and chose the co-op and not the story mode this time. He was surprised when an invitation appeared on his face just as he entered. Not only that, the invitation was for the fort siege!


    <i>''Lucky!''</i>


    The stream had also started, so he decided to take this opportunity!


    "Hello, I am back! It seems that there is someone who yed Knight''s Journey here. Let''s join them and do a co-op!"


    Flexy epted the invitation, and he appeared in arge field. Beside him was a knight character with a boring design simr to his. That character had two axes behind his back, a strange choice of weapon, and kept his nickname anonymous.


    "There is finally someone epting my invitation. People refused my invitation after seeing I only yed Knight''s Journey for around 8 hours." The character chirped in, "I am counting on you, bro!"


    Hearing the inviter''s words, Flexy couldn''t help but smile. He seemed like an energetic person who could help his content. Not only that, the other party seemed to be a newbie.


    People who were invited through the local server could see the inviter''s information if they clicked the profile. However, Flexy didn''t do that because he knew that people who yed in here usually weren''t that good anyway.


    But to think the other person was a newbie. This was perfect for his goal of training for the program.


    So, he shook the yer''s hand andughed.


    "Hahaha. Let''s have fun!"


    Both of them started the co-op afterward. In the middle of the run, Flexy couldn''t believe what he saw and froze, resulting in him getting killed by a barbarian.


    His chatughed at him, but he ignored them due to surprise.


    <i>''What the heck is that newbie''s movement? Is something like that even possible?''</i>

 Chapter 28 - 28 – Mistake or Opportunity? [1]

    <h4>Chapter 28: ¨C Mistake or Opportunity? [1]</h4>


    Max was satisfied.


    After trying the gym for the day, he returned to his apartment and took a shower. They allowed one to have a day trial, so he didn''t need to spend any money for membership and actually gained ess even to the VR room, which was unexpected.


    The gym was better than he initially thought, although he could only y co-op once because no one wanted to y with a ''newbie.'' But that was enough. His goal was already achieved.


    <i>''My nned path is actually possible. I will be able to cut one or maybe even two minutes of the run with that. Also, I will probably subscribe to their membership as I quite like the ce.''</i>


    Turning off the water, Max wiped his body with a towel while sighing. It was just too hard to look at his ribs sticking out.


    <i>''I need to eat more.''</i> He thought as he got dressed.


    It was now 5 PM, just an hour before his stream schedule. He only tried the VR room for an hour earlier and wasn''t exhausted even when he exercised afterward. His body had gained more stamina slightly in these 5 days since his transmigration.


    That was good progress, considering Max didn''t push himself too much in real life. That made him wonder whether his capsule activity also affected his stamina growth.


    "There is no way that''s the case, right? It''s just impossible, hahaha."


    Training inside the capsule and the real body affected by it was impossible, as the body wouldn''t move at all.


    In fact, scientists have already debunked that no matter how hard the brain activity in VR was, it wouldn''t affect the body at all. At least human muscle mass wouldn''t change just by lying down and exerting their brain a little bit.


    So Max''s increased stamina was thanks to his hard work and probably the nutritious meal he had every time he didn''t visit Nina''s restaurant.


    Having a time before his streaming, Max wondered what he should do. But then, he decided to enter the VR world and joined Knighted Lobby to hear some rumors. Who knew if there was news about him?


    Even if Max wasn''t an attention whore, it was great hearing himself get praised directly for his godly skill.


    Unusually, the Lobby seemed to be in chaos right now, more than when the news of Breeze soloing Trouser was spread yesterday.


    <i>''What happened?''</i>


    Max, who had just arrived, wondered. People were talking with each other excitedly, and some even cursed at the others because they didn''t believe him.


    This was something beyond a single yer who managed to do something incredible. The fever was like when Max discovered a new route. It was just that big!


    And that was bad news for him, as the threads about him probably were pushed down thanks to this news.


    <i>''What''s actually happening?''</i>


    Max immediately opened themunity forum to check. Just as he had expected, the threads about him were pushed down by one new thread uploaded by someone named Flexy with a title <strong>[Unbelievable path!]</strong>.


    That name was slightly familiar to him. That person should be a streamer.


    So Max went and checked the Punch. Just as he had expected, Flexy turned out to be a streamer who was focused on Knight''s Journeytely. He had more than 100K followers, a rather big streamer in this age.


    It roused Max''s curiosity. What kind of thread was that kind of person posted? And why did he post it in the forum?


    Thetter was obviously to gain more traction to his livestream. But the former still made Max curious.


    <i>''Let''s see...''</i>


    The thread was apparently about a co-op fort siege. When Flexy was streaming to promote a certain gym, he met with someone who made an unbelievable move.


    When he read that, Max froze a little and thought of something.


    <i>''Gym... Co-op. Hahaha, could it be? The yer who did a co-op with me in the VR room was killed by a barbarian 3 minutes after we entered. There is no way this Flexy is that bad.''</i>


    A clip was attached in the thread, and Max couldn''t help but chuckle when he saw it. Why not? Because what he thought was the start of his stagnation was actually a great boost for him.


    The video was only 5 seconds long as Flexy''s sight turned ck all of a sudden. But that was enough for Max to recognize himself, no, his movement.


    Under the video, Flexy also put up ament.


    <strong>[Can someone help me find that person? When I exited the capsule, he''s already gone.]</strong>


    <i>¡ª Sorry, but that''s too short</i>


    <i>¡ª How is he ying? I watched the stream, but it''s only focused on you!</i>


    <i>¡ª That damn movement! It''s inhuman!</i>


    <i>¡ª I think that''s Breeze</i>


    <i> ©¸ I think so too. I won''t mistake that movement and those axes!</i>


    <i> ©¸ The clip is too short, but only Breeze uses axes and he is crazy</i>


    <i> ©¸ You mean crazy good, right?</i>


    <i>¡ª That was me, Flexy! It''s me who yed with you! Thank you for inviting me!</i>


    <i> ©¸ Shut up, that''s Breeze, okay!</i>


    <i> ©¸ lolol, trying to impersonate someone!</i>


    <i> ©¸ Idiot</i>


    <i> ©¸ Brainless</i>


    It was both good news and bad news. The good news was Max could use this to further boost and make his name recognized.


    The bad news was his strategy was leaked. He didn''t think he would meet a famous streamer in Gxy Gym''s VR room.


    Now, hispetitors for the programs would see this move and try it. A path that saved one or two minutes in a speedrun was too valuable not to be used.


    <i>''What a mess.''</i> Max thought, sighing in exasperation at his mistake.


    However, there was still something he needed to do.


    "Aaah, let''s reply to this thread. Or people will try to get the credit."


    That was something that Max refused to give. He was the one who found that path, so the credit should go to him.


    "Hi, Flexy. That was me, Breeze... That might be too formal." He scratched the back of his head and deleted it all. "Fuck it, let''s write it like this."


    <i>¡ª That was me. I didn''t know the person I invited to y co-op in the gym was you, hahaha! The way you died by getting stabbed from behind was hrious and made meugh.</i>


    "It''s good enough." He nodded, satisfied with what he wrote.


    His ount name was written in the post, so everyone could recognize him. Now, he just had to wait.

 Chapter 29 - 29 – Mistake or Opportunity? [2]

    <h4>Chapter 29: ¨C Mistake or Opportunity? [2]</h4>


    Flexy always streamed from 1st PoV mode to add realism and self-insert experience, so no one knew how he died. The stream also started when he was inside, so no one knew whether Flexy was invited or was the one who invited the other party.


    The only one who knew the details of how he died to the barbarian was Max, who actually yed with him.


    [Ding!]


    Just a few seconds after he replied to the thread, he received a private message from someone. Max curiously looked at it, and his grin widened after he read the sender and the content.


    <i>[Flexy: Hey! That was cool, dude! So you''re Breeze. I saw your stream before. Good content! I didn''t know you were in that gym and actually invited me to y, hahaha. I should''ve exited my capsule and greeted you immediately, but I was still livestreaming at that time.]</i>


    Flexy actually privately messaged him instead of replying to his threat.


    <i>[Breeze: Thanks! Please don''t mind that, I actually left immediately after that. Hahaha, I am ttered that a big streamer like you watched me!]</i>


    <i>[Flexy: Nonono, you''re really good! I am curious how you can find that path in co-op. Say, can you teach me how to do that and the wall run? Of course, that''s only if you don''t mind. We can stream together if you like it. Haha, I am not boasting, but that will probably get you some viewers!]</i>


    Reading thetest message, Max''s hands stopped midair just above the hologram keyboard.


    <i>''Stream together?''</i> He thought as his body trembled slightly in happiness. <i>''Of course, I don''t mind! Who would refuse such an opportunity!''</i>


    Bad things were always apanied by good things. Max could also use this chance to teach his viewers about wall run.


    <i>''Just streaming Knight''s Journey story will be boring. This is the perfect content I need before continuing the main story.''</i>


    As he thought that, he typed the reply to Flexy.


    <i>[Breeze: I don''t mind. Rather, I am happy to!]</i>


    <i>[Flexy: Great! Let''s meet in the Knighted Lobby in an hour. You''re streaming at that time, right?]</i>


    <i>[Breeze: Yes.]</i>


    <i>[Flexy: It''s decided then. See you around! I will also add you as a friend now. You will be able to see my nickname that way.]</i>


    <i>[Breeze: Alright. See you around.]</i>


    A notification of a friend request popped up just after Max sent hisst reply. It was from Flexy.


    He immediately epted it and chuckled in a low voice, trying his best not tough too loud.


    <i>''Hahaha! Screw the exposed secret. Thanks to that, I have a partner for a co-op and a coboration with a big streamer. Besides... I still have another path I didn''t show other people. That will be my real ace.''</i>


    Standing up, Max went to where he should meet with Flexyter. The Knighted Lobby was vast, expanding more than 5 KM in a rectangr shape. Meeting with each other by coincidence in this space was slim.


    That was why Flexy made sure to leave a meeting ce after he sent a friend request. Both agreed to meet at the fountain, which was easy to find and in the middle of the Lobby.


    Max walked leisurely and wasn''t in a hurry.


    He even stopped at a bar to get a drink. Even though he couldn''t get full of food inside the VR, at least he could taste it, although diluted. This was one of the reasons why fat people couldn''t really be found in real life. They were satisfied by tasting food in VR.


    <i>''The beers taste like water. It''s not that good, but at least I now know how it tastes.''</i>


    The taste wasn''t like what he expected, and he spat the diluted beer on the ground, throwing the paper cup into the trash¡ªanother strange thing in the Lobby. Even when the theme was medieval, advanced technology was used to serve the yers.


    When Max arrived at the fountain, he looked around curiously. Arge clearing with many benches ced around invited many people. This ce became a hub to meet other people and chat together.


    People dressed like mercenaries or knights stood around and held a paper cup in their hands. It looked funny. If they had a wooden mug instead, the scenery would be perfect.


    As Max was enjoying the new scenery, he suddenly felt someone patting his shoulder.


    "Breeze?"


    He looked around cautiously and looked at the other party. A young man with an entric appearance, bright orange hair, and a wide smile stood there wearing full armor. His character''s appearance was the exact copy of his real life.


    Words ''Flexy'' written in glowing letters hovering above his head. At that moment, Max realized who that person was.


    "Flexy?"


    "Hahaha! That''s right! One and only."


    Flexy raised his thumb and shed an exaggerated smile. His energy made Max smile bitterly.


    "Still..." The orange-haired streamer looked at Max from toe to head. "You wore a simple avatar, huh? ck pants and a ck long-sleeved shirt... Well, you look handsome, so I don''t think that will be a problem. Alright, we can start the stream here. How about it?"


    "Here?" Max asked, looking a bit reluctant.


    Just like Flexy, Max''s avatar was the scan of his real life. He didn''t change anything, and he looked so skinny.


    In fact, he nned to do a scan again a day before the program started so his avatar would look fresh. He was confident in fixing his body with the B-grade supplement and the workout he did.


    Looking at Max''s face, Flexy immediately noticed something.


    "Ah, you didn''t do a face reveal yet, right? Sorry, I forgot about that!" He raised his hand and smiled apologetically. "We can start the stream inside the game then. You can wait for me while I do the intro here. Do you mind if we do it like that?"


    "Ah."


    Max was pulled out of his thoughts and nodded. He smiled at Flexy''s consideration and how he changed things fast when he noticed that revealing his face was inconvenient for now.


    "That will be the best, thanks. I need to do an intro and introduce the content to my viewers. I hadn''t told them that I would stream co-op for today."


    "Great. Let''s talk about the details, then! But for now, let''s move to a quieter ce. I stick out like a thumb, hahaha."


    "Alright."


    Both of them moved to a tavern near the fountain and sat on the corner. Flexy exined the n and what he had in mind to make the stream exciting. The main point was Max showcasing his wall run and axe spin three-sixty.


    Max readily agreed to the n. He thought that would be the best in this guerri coboration. Then, he dived into the game first.

 Chapter 30 - 30 – First Collaboration [1]

    <h4>Chapter 30: ¨C First Coboration [1]</h4>


    <strong>[Livestream Start!]</strong>


    As soon as the stream started, many viewers popped up one by one. They were already waiting for Breeze''s stream, curious about the continuation of the new route''s main story.


    But, as soon as they saw the stream, the viewers were slightly confused.


    <i>¡ª Why is he in the barrack?</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze, did you not continue the story?</i>


    <i>¡ª Isn''t that co-op barrack? Is Breeze going for a co-op?</i>


    <i>¡ª Is this a speedrun stream TODAY?</i>


    Max stood in a knight barrack''s training ground, the waiting lobby of Knight''s Journey, where a yer could enter to wait for a co-op partner to arrive or start. He was in his Knight''s Journey avatar, an average man wearing a knight''s full te armor.


    This area differed from the main story''s barrack, so the viewers quickly noticed.


    Seeing the viewers'' count stopped at 462, Max smiled at the camera and waved his hand.


    "Guys! Breeze is here again with Knight''s Journey! As you can see, there is something different about today''s stream! Today, we will try this co-op mode before continuing the main story!"


    <i>¡ª As expected, it''s the co-op waiting lobby!</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze, is it about today''s thread? Were you really the one who yed with Flexy in that clip?!</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze in co-op... Is he going to set a new world record now?</i>


    <i>¡ª Don''t be stupid! Setting a world record isn''t like going to the bathroom! It''s tough.</i>


    "Yes, it''s rted to the newest thread earlier. As for the answer, that was indeed me. I just worked out in the gym I found and yed a little. Hahaha, I didn''t know I would stumble upon a big streamer."


    <i>¡ª How lucky</i>


    <i>¡ª No, it''s Flexy that''s lucky! Breeze actually found a new path in the fort siege.</i>


    <i>¡ª Yes, that''s right.</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze, will you y with your friend today?</i>


    "Indeed." Max nodded at the viewers'' question.


    He also checked the time; it was already a few minutes since he prepared and started the livestream.


    <i>''Flexy will invite me soon.''</i> He thought as he kept talking to entertain the viewers.


    The viewers were already excited. Although some left, with only 420 viewers staying, the others were still here because they liked Breeze''s content and the surprise he created every time he streamed.


    "My friend will invite me soon, so let''s wait. While waiting, is there anything you guys want to ask? I will answer all questions to celebrate my third day of streaming!"


    Everyone forgot about that fact until Max brought it up again. Indeed, it was only his third day of streaming. No one would expect that when they saw his viewers count.


    Also, while everyone didn''t know about it, he was invited to a program to promote the Knight''s Journey game by Biozone Entertainment''s marketing team. His achievement was significant, and he came like aet, not like a breeze.


    Many people were curious about him, so questions popped up in the chat like a waterfall.


    <i>¡ª Will you do a face reveal, Breeze?</i>


    <i>¡ª How much is your synchronization rate? Your movement is sick!</i>


    <i>¡ª Where do you live? I want your numbers!</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze, are you nning to make streaming your career?</i>


    <i>¡ª How tall are you? How old are you?!</i>


    <i>¡ª Do you have a girlfriend? Or maybe a boyfriend?!</i>


    <i>¡ª How can you move that well in the game? Is there a trick to it?</i>


    Some questions touched on the topic of his real life, while some were only curious about the streaming and Virtual Reality part.


    Breeze read the questions carefully and only answered some of them.


    "I will do a face reveal soon. And FreakingNoob, I don''t know my synchronization rate yet. I n to test it soon. And to answer your question, Kappa, I was doing parkour in real life before; that''s the base of my movement. Also, I am still single, and I like a girl!"


    His answer was perfectly calcted and only gave enough information to satisfy the viewers. They asked many questions after that, and Max either answered vaguely enough or ignored questions that rted to his real life.


    While he indeed loved streaming and would do an IRL stream in the future, he wanted to stay mysterious until the program in 6 days.


    Of course, the answer about him not knowing his synchronization rate was a lie. He had tested it when he visited Gxy Gym the first time before trying the VR room.


    <i>''I will keep it a secret for now.''</i> He thought. <i>''There will be a better ce to disclose this information.''</i>


    After answering a few questions, the invitation he was waiting for finally arrived.


    <i>Ding!</i>


    A blue window appeared in front of him, with the inviter''s name clearly glowing in blue.


    At that moment, the chat suddenly blew with ???.


    <i>¡ª ??</i>


    <i>¡ª What??</i>


    <i>¡ª Am I seeing things?</i>


    <i>¡ª The one who invites Breeze... I read it''s Flexy.</i>


    <i>¡ª Hey, is that really Flexy?! Are they going to do a co-op stream together?!</i>


    The excited viewers filled the chat. Some also posted a thread as Max smiled calmly and epted the invitation.


    When he pressed to ept, his figure was covered in a blue light and was transferred to Flexy''s waiting room. The orange-haired streamer stood before him in a Knight''s Journey avatar, simr to Max''s. What made them different was that Flexy already customized his armor and dyed it gold.


    "Hahaha! Everyone, wee Breeze to the room! Say hello to him!" Flexy eximed excitedly as he gestured at Max.


    Noticing that it was time for his introduction to Flexy''s viewers, Max shed a smile and waved his hand at the small camera hovering around him.


    "Hello, everyone! I am Breeze, a small-time streamer. Hahaha, it''s nice to meet you guys!"


    As he finished his introduction, he nced at his chat room, and, as expected, it exploded with many chats at once.


    <i>¡ª Holy shit!</i>


    <i>¡ª He''s with Flexy! On his third day of streaming!</i>


    <i>¡ª Big Breeze! Will he be a Typhoon soon?</i>


    <i>¡ª Now he''s with a beeg streamer. I am proud of you, Breeze!</i>


    Not only did Max''s viewers type like a storm, but his viewer count also increased at a fast speed¡ªmilestone after milestone was broken until it stabilized.


    [Viewers: 1251]


    <i>''Crazy!''</i> Max''s eyes widened in surprise,<i> ''We just met in the waiting room, but my viewers are pumped up like crazy! It broke my record in the past too!''</i>


    While Max was silent and still surprised, Flexy took the initiative to exin what they would do in this sudden coboration stream to the viewers.


    "Are you not interested? I bet you guys saw the thread I posted! Wasn''t that amazing?!"


    And when Flexy''s viewers were on top of excitement after he skillfully manipted the stream direction, heughed.


    "Hahaha, sorry sorry! I will tell you guys now. Our stream today is about..." Flexy paused dramatically, moving his hands as if he were beating a drum.


    Max watched with anticipation. He couldn''t help but get pulled to Flexy''s energetic way of streaming. Being a top streamer wasn''t all due to luck; it also needed skill, dedication, as well as awareness of surroundings.


    ''I will learn from him.'' He thought, looking at Flexy.


    He stopped drumming and raised his hands.


    Not wanting to ruin the moment, Max also imitated him and did a simr thing. Flexy only smiled at him and tapped his foot twice, giving him a sign that they would need to say it together in the second tap.


    They had talked about this before. And when Flexy tapped his foot''s tip twice, both of them shouted simultaneously.


    "Fort Siege speedrun!"


    Max''s face was burning in embarrassment. But when he watched his viewers'' reaction, whoughed at what he did, he felt like it was worth it. However...


    ''I won''t do this kind of thing again.'' Heined in his mind. ''It''s too embarrassing!''


    His respect for Flexy increased. To think that man did this every time he was streaming... How terrifying. His courage even beat a former traceur!

 Chapter 31 - 31 – First Collaboration [2]

    <h4>Chapter 31: ¨C First Coboration [2]</h4>


    Two people dressed in golden and silver armor appeared in a clearing, surrounded by tall trees that created a natural cover against many barbarians in the distance.


    Because the game hadn''t started yet, the enemies were frozen still, not even moving an inch. A half-transparent timer was hovering in the corner of the yers'' vision.


    Not only that, when yers entered the co-op Fort Siege, the weapon they chose in the waiting room automatically was carried over.


    The silver-armored individual, Max, had two rare axes slung on his back. Meanwhile, Flexy had a longsword strapped on his waist.


    "Alright! We''re here!" Flexy spread his arms wide and grinned. Then he turned to Max. "I''ve exined the goal of this co-op before to you guys. But! Have you exined it to your viewers yet, Breeze?"


    "I n to exin it," Max answered with a nod and turned to the camera.


    "Do you want to hear my exnation, guys? Bear with me, alright. Some of you may already understand how this works, but there might be people who have never watched Knight''s Journey and are only here after hearing my beautiful voice." He added with a chuckle.


    <i>¡ª What is this guy saying?</i>


    <i>¡ª Be careful, Breeze! Someone will stab you from behind tonight!</i>


    <i>¡ª This newbie is getting full of himself lol</i>


    <i>¡ª First time here! It seems this streamer is shameless!</i>


    <i>¡ª lolol</i>


    <i>¡ª I can''t have a word... Flexy changed our kid to be shameless!</i>


    The viewers looked disappointed in the front, but they were actually having fun as some only sentugh emoticons.


    "I bet you guys are actually also staying to hear my voice."


    He continued,ughing yfully to get his viewers'' reaction. It worked, and the chat moved faster than ever.


    "Hahaha, anyway, let me exin what we will do. I will just summarize it so it won''t take long."


    Max began to exin about the co-op Fort Siege and the objectives that he and Flexy needed to finish to end the challenge. On the side, Flexy nodded many times in acknowledgment, sometimes praising Max''s exining skill whenever he stopped to ask the chat.


    After less than a minute, his exnation ended, and he asked whether the viewers understood.


    <i>¡ª Yes yes, just y now!</i>


    <i>¡ª What''s he ying? I came because I saw this stream in a rmendation.</i>


    <i>¡ª That was the end of Breeze''s beautiful voice lol</i>


    <i>¡ª lolol beautiful voice</i>


    <i>¡ª ^^ He''s ying Knight''s Journey</i>


    "Great! Watch our run closely, and don''t leave! I will probably exin something in the middle of ying." Max smirked and looked at Flexy, who nodded his head.


    "Indeed. Some of you must''ve seen the clip. We will try to use that path in today''s stream! Our goal is the world record, but don''t get mad if we can''t achieve it in our first stream!"


    The chat mocked Flexy jokingly, and he ignored them and approached Max. Muting his microphone, he gestured to Max to do the same and only talked after he did so.


    "I had a great reaction from my viewers. We will stick to the n and do the first run to teach each other how we y. The second run will be the real one. We will stop after that, and you can teach me your wall run trick before we end it an hourter, whether I managed to learn it or not."


    Flexy was famous for his energetic and fun streaming content, while Breeze''s streaming content focused on his skill and an element of surprise that was fun and exciting to watch.


    Combining both to create energetic but unexpected content would definitely work wonderfully.


    "Right now, I am reaching 25 thousand viewers. This is a higher side in my Knight''s Journey stream, so we need to do our best." Flexy extended his hand, and his smile widened. He also activated his microphone again as he was ready to y.


    Max nodded with the same grin, activated his microphone, and bumped his fist against Flexy''s.


    "Let''s do this. I will go first, and you follow me from behind!"


    <i>¡ª lolol, I don''t know what they are talking about, but his confidence is through the roof!</i>


    <i>¡ª Kill them all!</i>


    <i>¡ª Blood! We will see barbarians'' blood!</i>


    <i>¡ª The axes will finally get their blood! My right hand is aching!</i>


    Breeze''s viewers became excited at how confident he was even with a big streamer and undoubtedly one of Knight''s Journey best yers.


    They liked that part of him. No one talked him down because they had seen Breeze''s actual skill. He wasn''tcking, even whenpared to StoneSword! After all, he solo-killed Trouser, which was said to be impossible to kill alone.


    "Hahaha! I am confident in my ability, but if that''s what you want, then I will let you go first!" Flexy answered enthusiastically and started the stage.


    <strong>[Fort Siege will start in 3 seconds!]</strong>


    <strong>[3]</strong>


    <strong>[2]</strong>


    <strong>[1]</strong>


    <strong>[Go!]</strong>


    Both of them ran out of the hiding spot at the same time. Max was running fast in front of Flexy, gripping two axes tightly in his hand.


    A fort with an imperceptible wall stood tall on a hill. On the highest spot of the fort, a ripped g was hit by the wind, ruffling around in its former glory. That was one of the objectives of this run. The other objective was inside the fort, so the best strategy was to split up when they were in front of it.


    The barbarians that were frozen earlier started to move. They noticed Max and Flexy and shouted loudly to rm the others in the castle. Afterward, they rushed at the duo with anger burning in their eyes.


    Looking at them, Flexy turned a bit worried. There were too many barbarians, totaling 25. They had a bad Random Number Generation, known as RNG, and actually spawned more mobs than normal.


    "Breeze! Can you handle some of them?" Flexy shouted at Max, who went a little ahead of him.


    "I got this!"


    Max answered and raised his right hand. He brought it behind his head as he kept running. When he heard metal touching each other from behind, he quickly threw his hand forward, and the axe was flying toward the barbarian with a bow and arrow, lodging between his eyebrow and killing him in one go.


    "First blood is mine!" Max eximed without reducing his running speed.


    He didn''t notice Flexy''s perplexed face behind him and started to mow down the barbarians with a feral smile on his face.


    Looking at the big streamer''s reaction, the chat burst intoughter.


    <i>¡ª Hahaha! Look at his face!</i>


    <i>¡ª Lolol! That''s why Breeze is the best. He''s built differently!</i>


    <i>¡ª I want to be him! I envy him! Make me yours!</i>


    <i>¡ª STFU! Just enjoy Breeze killing the barbarians while Flexyboy is stunned!</i>


    <i>¡ª We need to clip this! Clippers!</i>


    <i>¡ª I got you bro!</i>


    It was just usual Breeze''s streaming for the people from day 1 and 2. However, those who just joined today after knowing Breeze from Flexy''s stream reacted differently.


    <i>¡ª This guys nuts!</i>


    <i>¡ª Is he cheating?! No way he can move like that!</i>


    <i>¡ª The barbarians are nothing... They are more like Bruhbarian</i>


    <i>¡ª Barbierian fits more.</i>


    <i>¡ª Damn, you are good at puns. Come to him, Barbierian! Let him cut you in half!</i>


    <i>¡ª lololololol</i>


    Indeed... Just the usual reactions.

 Chapter 32 - 32 – First Collaboration [3]

    <h4>Chapter 32: ¨C First Coboration [3]</h4>


    "Flexy!"


    Max shouted at the frozen Flexy while picking out the axe he had thrown earlier. Every barbarian that came to him earlier was either turned into a blob of flesh or was cut into two.


    "Let''s continue!"


    Flexy snapped out of his thoughts and blinked. The sight before him was too unreal, but he remembered that he was still streaming, so he reacted professionally.


    "Yeah!" He ran toward the blood-covered Max. "That was a nice one, Breeze! You''re like a typhooning for them, impaling everyone that gets close to punishment!"


    "Hahaha, that was easy." Maxughed and slung his axes on his back. "Anyway, let''s continue as nned. I will take and guard the g while you defeat the boss."


    "Right. I am counting on you, partner!"


    "Don''t die on me too!"


    After talking to confirm their ns, both of them moved once again. This time, they moved in a slightly different direction.


    Their split started now.


    Usually, people who had never yed with each other in co-op wouldn''t dare to do this, but Flexy and Max had talked before and weren''t afraid of failure.


    As agreed before, the first run was a test run. No matter the oue, they would fix it for the next run.


    So they were free to experiment with things or even mess up in this as long as they finished the objective.


    <i>''Let''s not hit the path immediately. Following the one in StoneSword''s video might be good enough for the first run and keep my path as a surprise forter.''</i>


    Thinking so, Breeze went to the highest part of the hill, which jutted out slightly and covered half of the fort''s northern wall. That was the original route that people often took to get to the objective faster.


    Naturally, Max would use it as he also believed it was the optimal way, as only a few enemies existed in that part. But of course... That was if the RNG god was on his side.


    Max didn''t decrease his speed even a little as he jumped on the wall and grabbed the top side, pulling his body up. This part, which was the hardest for other people, was easy for him, just like walking to the part.


    <i>¡ª So smooth.</i>


    <i>¡ª Smooth detective?</i>


    <i>¡ª What a way to avoid copyright, but yeah. Breeze''s movement is so smooth! Like my thighs!</i>


    <i>¡ª Doubt. You have hairy thighs, confirmed.</i>


    There were 3 barbarians waiting for him above. They were surprised at how fast Max climbed the wall and hadn''t yet unsheathed their weapons.


    Using their surprise as a chance, Max immediately dashed to them and threw one axe at the farthest enemy. It lodged in his neck and killed him immediately.


    "AAANNNDDD!!" One barbarian shouted at his friend''s death, taking his eyes off Max.


    That was a mistake.


    "That''s over." Max coldly announced their death.


    Max''s speed was faster than average, even when he wore full-te armor. He reached the nearest barbarian and cut his vulnerable neck without hesitation, followed by the next barbarian by throwing his axe.


    Three barbarians died just like that. After getting used to the movement in the game, Max was able to pull all his potential and became more deadly! It was actually thanks to the tips he read in Gxy Gym''s VR room.


    <i>''It''s working.''</i> He thought as he recovered his axes and ran to the nearby door to head to another side. <i>''I am also not as exhausted as I am supposed to be. Limiting useless thoughts when moving fast really decreases the load in my brain.''</i>


    The VR capsule read brainwaves and converted them into data. It had 100% uracy and could replicate realism inside the game.


    However, that was also its downside. Because all information was converted into data, even useless information, such as when a yer was thinking about what to eat after gaming, was also converted, thus taking more energy needed.


    The trick to minimize that was just to focus on one thing. That was what Max applied in the battle earlier. He just focused on killing the barbarians and nothing else, not even his next move.


    Becauseplicated thoughts were minimalized for this trick, it couldn''t be used in arge-scale battle or a battle that needed a strategy to win. That was its second downside.


    <i>''Now I just need to go to the southern wall and use the tight rope to reach the main fort building.''</i>


    When Max reached another part of the wall, five barbarians ambushed him. Three of them attacked from the front, while two jumped from the tower that connected the northern wall with the west one.


    He was surrounded from all sides, and he could use only a small space to move around.


    <i>¡ª Breeze is a pinch!</i>


    <i>¡ª Will this be his first death on stream?</i>


    <i>¡ª How can he dodge them? Find out after themercial break!</i>


    <i>¡ª Break your 4$$, there are no ads in Punch for a premium ount!</i>


    <i>¡ª Shut up! Watch Breeze die!</i>


    Everyone expected him to be unable to dodge this attack. No matter where one saw it, this was unlucky, and the chance to be ambushed by 5 barbarians at once was slim.


    But... Max didn''t panic. He had expected this after watching many failed runs and analyzing them before. So, he already nned the way out.


    Turning around, he sent a roundhouse kick toward the two barbarians dropping from above as they came faster than the ones from the front. He needed to deal with them first.


    His kick connected with one, blowing him to his friend, and both fell from the narrow ledge to the ground.


    Three barbarians were left. They were already closing in and only 2 meters away from him.


    "Die!"


    "Get shredded!"


    "I refuse!" Max answered their shouts with a grin as he jumped back. His feet were nted on the wall, and he kicked hard.


    His body flew in the air, passing the barbarians from above. They looked surprised as Max rolled around the ground to reduce the impact and ran away.


    Yes, Max just ignored them and ran toward the southern wall.


    The viewers were speechless as well. Due to how easily Max killed his enemies and how he massacred them before, they expected him to butcher the rest.


    However, he actually ran away!


    Breeze, the blood axe, or so the viewers called it, ran from barbarians without killing them!


    <i>¡ª Who the hell is he?!</i>


    <i>¡ª KHAKAHHAHAHA</i>


    <i>¡ª He''s running lol! Breeze didn''t dye his axe in blood!</i>


    <i>¡ª W-Who is that?! I thought I was watching Breeze. Eh? Am I dreaming? Where am I?</i>


    <i>¡ª Wee to heaven bud</i>


    <i>¡ª My right hand! It craves bl¨C... Huh? It doesn''t hurt!</i>


    <i>¡ª Huh? Isn''t that normal in a speedrun?</i>


    Only when a new viewer pointed it out did the others remember.


    ¡ª That''s right...


    ¡ª This is a speedrun, not a normal mission...


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <strong>[LovelyOtter has donated 300 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[Running Breeze... It''s not so bad. And guys, keep your bloodlust down! Apologize to new viewers!]</strong>


    <i>¡ª Sorry...</i>


    <i>¡ª My bad</i>


    <i>¡ª Otter, you''re so sus, so apologize.</i>

 Chapter 33 - 33 – First Collaboration [4]

    <h4>Chapter 33: ¨C First Coboration [4]</h4>


    Just as Max managed to get past the barbarians and arrived at the tight rope in the southern wall, a message suddenly appeared in front of him.


    [Flexy has been killed by Gargantua! The Fort Siege ended in failure!]


    Max stopped his advance and stood on one foot on a path narrower than 5cm. It was an amazing feat that needed a really good bnce, and the viewers made a fuss about it.


    <i>¡ª Another clip of the day!</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze should upload his edited video to Punchtube... For real...</i>


    <i>¡ª Inhuman</i>


    <i>¡ª He''s a breeze, what do you expect? I won''t be surprised if he suddenly flies.</i>


    <i>¡ª That''s just impossible... right?</i>


    Their reactions were amusing. However, Max didn''t read them and only clicked his tongue in disappointment as his vision distorted and changed back to the waiting room. He was transported back.


    Upon arriving, he saw Flexy approach him with a stupid smile whileughing stupidly.


    "Hahaha, that was totally my fault. My chat is angry at me and says that I am a burden!"


    "I can''t say I disagree with your chat," Max replied yfully, shrugging his shoulders.


    Hearing him, Flexy''s smile froze as he looked disappointed and slumped down.


    "T-That was harsh... Ugh... I can''t deny it as I was the one who got killed by the boss. But hearing that from someone who hasn''t yed Knight''s Journey for more than 10 hours is humiliating!"


    "Get better." Max chuckled evilly, crossing his arms. The axes he had inside the game had disappeared when he got transported.


    <i>¡ª How dare he be a burden to Breeze!</i>


    <i>¡ª This Flexy need to learn from the master</i>


    <i>¡ª By the way, how did he die?</i>


    Indeed, that was the most important question. Max was also curious, and as someone had pointed it out, there was nothing wrong with asking.


    "I will ask him." He replied to his viewer and poked Flexy''s shoulder, getting his attention.


    "What? You want to mock me again?!" Flexy reacted exaggeratedly, wiping an imaginary tear with his gloved hand.


    "It''s not that. My viewers are curious about how you die against the boss. It''s easier than the boss in the main story, right?"


    To make the speedrun possible, the boss in the co-op stage was made to be weaker than the original one in the story with a different name to avoid spoilers for new yers.


    "Yeah, that should be the case," Flexy answered with a nod, putting up a serious expression to appear smarter. "The truth is..."


    "The truth is...?"


    Both paused for a while. Tension grew in the room and the chat, waiting for Flexy to disclose it.


    <i>¡ª Ba dump</i>


    <i>¡ª Dum dum</i>


    <i>¡ª Badadum!</i>


    <i>¡ª Tss!</i>


    As if on cue with Max''s chat, Flexy scratched the back of his head and said, "I tried wall run and slipped, then the boss kicked me hard. Hehehe!"


    At that moment, Max had a desire to punch someone in the face without caring whether he was a big streamer or not. He facepalmed as Flexy keptughing, with his viewers mocking him.


    He held his desire to let out a long sigh and tried to keep calm by controlling his breathing.


    <i>¡ª Breathe in!</i>


    <i>¡ª Breathe out!</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze, notice me!</i>


    <i>¡ª Shut up, let him breathe!</i>


    Still, Max understood where Flexy wasing from. The run was not terrible, but it had no interesting element besides him massacring the group of barbarians at the start. They just did something simr to other streamers, thus ruining the goal of making energetic but unexpected things.


    Even now, Flexy was winking at Max secretly, waiting for him to say something and change the topic. The big streamer was used to toxicments, so saying something to look down on him after his failure would add more spice to the content.


    "You got killed because you failed to run on a wall?" Max asked, lowering his hand and looking at Flexy in disbelief.


    "Hahaha, yeah," Flexy answered nonchntly, dropping his discouraged look. "It was so hard! When I watched your clip, you did it so effortlessly. Do you really have no trick to do that wall run?"


    This was Flexy''s real goal of having himself killed by the boss. As a veteran streamer invited to the program by Taka, his skill was already confirmed. The chance of him making such a mistake and getting killed by the boss was slim.


    Of course, Max still didn''t know about that and only guessed that Flexy actually had a n in mind. And it seemed like they would skip the second run and go straight to the next content they agreed on.


    <i>''He''s really a good streamer.''</i> Max praised Flexy in his mind.


    <i>''He understands that if we continue like before, people will just leave. I also can''t show my strategy yet because I don''t know who will join the program, so our run looks like a normal one, boring and tedious. Well, I did my best to entertain them.''</i>


    <i>¡ª Wall run tutorial, finally?!</i>


    <i>¡ª I retract my words! This guy, Flexy, is the best!</i>


    <i>¡ª Do it Breeze! Teach that noob how to wall run!</i>


    <i>¡ª That one person you called noob can whoop your 4$$ easily!</i>


    <i>¡ª Why censor your words? Just use *** directly!</i>


    <i>¡ª Hahaha! Wall run tutorial!</i>


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <strong>[FreakingNoob has donated 200 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[While I am curious about the clip of your new path, wall run takes priority! Also, dirty words are censored *****!]</strong>


    "FreakingNoob, thank you for the donation. Should I do it? I don''t know how to teach other people. Also, LovelyOtter thank you for the 300. Thanks for calming the chat!" Max used the donation to ry to Flexy that he didn''t mind moving to the next content.


    Noticing that, Flexy smoothly followed suit.


    "Hey, your viewers want you to teach me, right? Just do it! Or should I donate first to make you agree? I heard you can be moved by money."


    Flexy grinned and put his thumb and index finger together. He moved them up and down as if trying to bait Max to ept it.


    Max grinned back in response and said jokingly, "That might not be bad. Every lesson that can''t be searched on the inte is premium, no? I think 50,000 diamonds will suffice for my secret skill."


    Naturally, he wasn''t serious and thought Flexy was also only joking about that. That was why he blurted out 50,000 diamonds, as that was the milestone he tried to pass to finish his quest. But...


    "Great! Teach me then!"


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <strong>[Flexy has donated 50,000 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[Lesson fee!]</strong>


    ...Max underestimated the person named Flexy and his mary value. He looked at his new friend in disbelief.

 Chapter 34 - 34 – How to Wall Run [1]

    <h4>Chapter 34: ¨C How to Wall Run [1]</h4>


    <i>''You''re sending this for real?''</i> He asked through his gaze and muted his microphone.


    Flexy only smiled and responded after muting his microphone.


    "Take it as your appearance fee. I nned to send more, but you asked for too little, so I will transfer the rest through your bank. I already got more than that from the donation. Also, do you mind if I upload this edited stream to PunchTube?"


    50,000 diamonds was equal to $1,000. It was by no means a small amount of money. To spend something like this for an appearance fee that also helped him was... simply ridiculous.


    Also...


    <i>''How much did he get from his donations? His viewers are fewer than other streamers, but they seem really wealthy. Enough to get more than 50,000 diamonds in less than an hour. My quest is finished with just this one donation...''</i>


    Thanks to this donation, his quest from the system was finished immediately. But he didn''t get a notification yet because he was in the game. Just like before, he guessed the notification would only pop in front of him once he entered the Lobby or exited the VR capsule.


    "Thanks, Flexy... This will help me a lot. Also, I don''t mind if you upload it."


    "No need to mention it. Ah, I will put your link in the description too, hahaha. We are already pals, no?" Flexy smiled and unmuted his microphone, continuing the stream. "Teacher Breeze, teach us!"


    <i>¡ª Teacher Breeze!</i>


    <i>¡ª Teach us!</i>


    <i>¡ª Breeze be like: How to be a breeze.</i>


    Max once again put on a smile. He couldn''t let that money bother him and ruin the stream and excitement.


    "Very well! I will teach you how to do a wall run. Hahaha, it''s natural for me to teach my friend!"


    <i>¡ª Lies</i>


    <i>¡ª You only teach him for his money</i>


    <i>¡ª Money-lover Breeze! Profit number one!</i>


    "I am not a money-lover, guys. I just love money."


    <i>¡ª That''s what those words mean...</i>


    <i>¡ª Oh no, our Breeze has be a dum dum!</i>


    <i>¡ª Meh, he probably is just acting</i>


    <i>¡ª ^^ You don''t know... He changes his mind as fast as I spend money after getting paid! In a sh, I said!</i>


    <i>¡ª Anyway, it''s the wall run tutorial we are waiting for guys! We can finally listen to his detailed exnation!</i>


    <i>¡ª Yeah! 50,000 diamonds well spent! I don''t feel bad at all!</i>


    <i>¡ª Because that''s not our money.</i>


    The viewers looked excited and looked forward to it.


    And the stream reached its peak. Many new viewers joined, most of them either because they were moving from Flexy''s stream or the post in the thread that became a viral talk among Knight''s Journey yers.


    FreakingNoob was the thread starter. And he actually made a bold title.


    <strong>[Get over here! God Breeze is teaching us how to run on the wall!]</strong>


    Truly, this person really knew how to elevate someone from a noob to a god in just 3 days.


    ***


    Max and Flexy changed spots. The current waiting room was not suitable for learning wall runs as it had no wall, so Flexy changed it to an indoor training room through customization.


    Of course, this customization could only be bought through an item mall using real money. It was a perk given to a whale or someone who loved to custom and change something from the original. By the way, Flexy''s golden armor was also bought in a simr way.


    Max already knew about it but was uninterested, as what he enjoyed was the game, not the customization. Not to mention, he would rather buy a new game as it cost more than $500 rather than spend it on cosmetics, at least until he had more money.


    <i>''This guy is really rich.''</i> Max thought as he stretched his hands and legs in preparation. <i>''We could''ve done it in the Lobby, but he chose to do it in the game because it''s part of the content.''</i>


    He didn''t wear armor anymore and was only in a long-sleeved turtleneck shirt and long ck pants, so he felt really light.


    Flexy still customized the waiting room and added walls with various inclinations. He had an excited look on his face as he licked his lips, moving his fingers skillfully to change where the walls were located.


    The first one was a rather t surface with a 90-degree inclination. Then there was one with 75, 69, 55, and thenstly, 45-degree.


    Max could understand giving them levels, but why would he make one of them inclined 69-degree and not 70?


    ''Is that number also nice in this world?'' He thought as he checked the chat.


    <i>¡ª Nice</i>


    <i>¡ª Man of culture</i>


    <i>¡ª Nice</i>


    Unexpectedly, they understood what that meant, and the chat was filled with ''nice.'' He couldn''t help but smile bitterly as he finished his warm-up.


    At the same time, Flexy was finished and nodded in satisfaction. All the walls had their inclination written on them.


    "This is good." He then turned to Max. "Teacher Breeze! I am ready!"


    The way he called Max still sounded strange in his ear. He preferred when Flexy didn''t add a teacher and just called him casually.


    "Alright then. Shall I give an example first?" Max asked while holding his shoulder and rotating his arm, loosening the joints.


    "Ooh! Of course. It would be nice if I could see how you do it directly and not through the screen. Maybe you should change your camera to 1st PoV so the viewers can see what you see."


    "That''s a good idea."


    Flexy''s suggestion was good, and the viewers seemed to agree. If they could see through the 1st PoV, they might be able to see how to do it.


    Max quickly changed the camera angle, and the small camera in the air disappeared. His eyes had be the new camera, and what he saw was broadcast to the streaming screen in real-time.


    "Is this fine?" He asked his viewers, still unsure whether it worked or not.


    <i>¡ª We can see it</i>


    <i>¡ª I almost forgot Breeze is a newbie streamer again... This question woke me up</i>


    <i>¡ª Yeah! It''s perfect!</i>


    "Great." Max smiled and nodded. He walked toward the wall with a 90-degree inclination without hesitation while giving out a warning. "Be careful, alright? I rmend those who can''t withstand a sudden and fast movement to watch through Flexy''s stream."


    He couldn''t really force or stop people from watching, but at least he knew that some people probably had a condition where they couldn''t handle such a sudden movement. In fact, some viewers left after leaving a message they would watch from Flexy''s PoV instead.


    That was fine. There were still more than 1,200 viewers who stayed to watch him directly. He also didn''t mind disclosing his technique to wall run because it wasmon knowledge back in his world.


    Sooner orter, people who could imitate him would appear. That was why he was grateful for this opportunity. He actually could use it to make a name for himself.


    <i>''Well, well, I should really thank Flexy for this.''</i> His smile widened as he looked forward, concentrating.

 Chapter 35 - 35 – How to Wall Run [2]

    <h4>Chapter 35: ¨C How to Wall Run [2]</h4>


    As a former athlete, Max had a deep concentration. He could ignore almost everything and just focus on choosing a path he should take if he fully concentrated.


    In his eyes, the optimal path he could take and where he should step was glowing brightly. He usually just followed that path, and what he imagined in his mind would always work.


    "I will begin the demonstration."


    Announcing the start, Max began to run toward the wall and jumped when he was just a bit away from it, carrying his momentum and stepping on the wall a few times before hended by rolling to reduce the impact.


    It was by no means an easy feat. The wall was more than 5 meters long, and that would require at least four steps to get to the end.


    Max did that in just a span of a second and managed to keep his feet on the wall like a spider.


    The viewers who watched from Max''s perspective were speechless. The chat was stopped for a few seconds and immediately exploded once Max stood up and asked.


    "Did you guys catch that?"


    <i>¡ª My head is spinning!</i>


    <i>¡ª Is this what Breeze had seen every time he moved? This is like a movie!</i>


    <i>¡ª I can''t... It doesn''t make sense! How can he do that?!</i>


    <i>¡ª My head! Arrghh! My heaaadddd!!</i>


    <i>¡ª I thought the world was spinning, but it turned out I was the one who was spinning!</i>


    <i>¡ª It makes me dizzy just by watching it.</i>


    Flexy was also speechless. He actually didn''t believe what he saw and was pretty impressed by it. Watching it directly and watching through the screen was indeed different.


    <i>''His feet moved so fast that it looked like a blur.''</i>


    He didn''t know someone could do what Breeze had just done in virtual reality.


    <i>''How high is his synchronization? He said he had done parkour before. What is that? Is that a martial art?''</i>


    In this age, people trained how to use swords, built their bodies to get stronger, and some even honed their aim in a training range.


    All of it was to be better at games.


    Most E-sport professionals all had various pieces of training themselves. Sometimes, they even rmended some training that could benefit gamers and streamers.


    The term parkour wasn''t on the list of the training they rmended. Flexy had never heard of it before, so it was a new thing for him.


    <i>''Is it an ancient martial art technique? No... Hearing his exnation before I invited him to join the lobby, it seems like parkour is like moving through obstacles, just like a game of tag. Is he a professional tag athlete?''</i>


    Whatever it was, Flexyughed bitterly. He still had a job to do as a streamer. That was to sate his curiosity as well as the viewers''.


    His chat was filled with people in disbelief and cursing at how that was possible at all. They wanted an exnation.


    "Hahaha, that was amazing! Watching it directly sent a goosebump to my skin!" He eximed excitedly and ran toward Max. "That was a pretty solid run, Breeze. Can you exin how you do that? I still don''t understand the principle behind it just by watching it."


    Max nodded at Flexy. He already had something to exin to the readers, unlike the first time he showed how to wall run and ended up saying it was easy.


    <i>''They won''t be satisfied with that, especially Flexy''s viewers.''</i>


    At least he needed to bullshit a little if he truly didn''t know how to exin it. Thankfully, though, he remembered what he heard when he was taught how to run horizontally on the wall when he first started parkour.


    "First of all, you shouldn''t really be running alongside the wall, but make an angel so you also run toward the wall. Running around a 30 to 45-degree angle is good as long as you have enough pressure and weight to stay on the wall and not slip while running."


    Max positioned himself and looked at the wall as an example. He even made sure to use his arms as an example of what he wanted to tell the viewer. All through the 1st PoV because he hadn''t changed the camera angle yet.


    "Also, not all walls are good for wall run except you''re already used to it. Try to run in a stone wall with a lot of grip first. The first step is important. You shouldn''t kick the wall but try to absorb the impact and stay on it.


    "Try two steps first on an inclined slope; that''s the basic wall run, or you can also call it a wall ride. I hope you understand this exnation."


    Max ended his exnation with a smile. He thought he exined it well, but Flexy stayed silent with his jaw dropped. He looked rather clueless.


    <i>¡ª A what?</i>


    <i>¡ª His exnation is more technical than I originally thought...</i>


    <i>¡ª B-Breeze is actually a smart guy? That exnation is so easy to understand!</i>


    <i>¡ª He''s not just a bloody axe, but a smart bloody axe</i>


    <i>¡ª Thank you Breeze! I will try to apply your technique</i>


    <i>¡ª We still need a detailed tutorial, but this is enough to start practicing!</i>


    <i>¡ª Change it back to a free camera and teach Flexy how to do it!</i>


    <i>Ding!</i>


    <strong>[BloodyAxe has donated 500 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[Lesson fee!]</strong>


    <strong>[ILoveWall has donated 500 diamonds!]</strong>


    <strong>[Lesson fee! Take my money]</strong>


    "What do you guys think I am? A bloody murderer?" He asked with a growl, trying to intimidate them. "Thank you for the lesson fee, BloodyAxe and ILoveWall. And I changed the PoV now. Is it good?"


    <i>¡ª It''s good.</i>


    <i>¡ª Hahaha, we can''t deny it</i>


    <i>¡ª A barbarian hunter, Breeze</i>


    Max nodded at their response. Then he looked at Flexy, who had recovered and held his chin in a deep thought. He didn''t know what the orange-haired streamer thought about it, but the stream was still ongoing.


    "Do you want to try it, Flexy?" He asked, raising his voice to get his attention.


    Flexy looked up after he was called. His face brightened into a smile as he eximed excitedly, "Of course! And I won''t do any inclined wall, so move a bit. I will prove that I am also a gamer! I can do this in one try!"


    "Go ahead." Max gestured for Flexy to try as he moved away from the wall. "Remember not to face the wall directly or run alongside it, but make an angle."


    "Alright."


    Pumping himself up, Flexy stepped forward. Just like Max, he was dressed lightly to move more easily. He lowered his stance and, imitating Max, he ran toward the wall at full speed and jumped confidently.

 Chapter 36 – Quest Complete!

    36 Chapter 36 ¨C Quest Complete!


    A burst ofughter rang on the 50th floor of Biozone Entertainment''s building. It echoed against the wall and filled the empty office at once.


    Even if this was called an office, it was actually more like a remote home. No one was here except for the team leader, who was responsible for reporting to the Chief directly, Taka Mir. The others were working through their VR capsule at home.


    That was why he was free tough or cry whatever he wanted. The reason why heughed loudly this time was because of Breeze''s stream. After finishing his work, Taka was curious whether Breeze would be professional enough to keep silent in his stream, so he decided to watch.


    It turned out his worry was unfounded, and he was surprised. He didn''t expect that a veteran streamer and the newbie he invited would coborate. Not only that, they were ying co-op Fort Siege, which would be the main program in 6 days.


    It was such a coincidence, but Taka liked this. Neither Flexy nor Breeze had been informed who would join the program, so they were clueless about each other''s situation. Thus, their livestream resulted in many funny and surprising things.


    "That boy is really talented at reeling people. No, maybe a genius? It''s like he''s born to entertain people."


    After knowing that the co-op streaming didn''t work due to their splitting ways, Flexy suggested that Breeze change the content to a learning one instead. His change was also smooth, ensuring he died while he failed to do the wall run.


    "Both of them make a good partner. At least they have a simr way of thinking and actuallyplement each other pretty well. And this¡­"


    The floating hologram screen in front of Taka showed Flexy''s serious expression as he ran toward the wall. He imitated Breeze''s movement and jumped. One step, two steps.


    Just right after his second foot hit the wall, he suddenly lost his bnce and fell to the ground head-first.


    "Hahahaha! He had done it five times but is still unable to?! Is he doing this on purpose? His synchronization is more than 92%. He should be able to do this quite easily with his mechanic. Or¡­" Taka''s voice lowered slightly. "Is this movement technique that hard?"


    Not every streamer was a yer with good skill and mechanics. In fact, only around 15% of the top streamers couldpete with real professional gamers.


    Flexy was one of the rare streamers whose skill almost matched professional gamers. His control in VR was also top-notch. If he didn''t y around and failed to try to replicate that movement, then it would be safe to assume that Breeze''s mechanics and control were even higher than his.


    "I got a jackpot! Hahaha, the program will be exciting. Should I pair both of them together?" Taka caressed his chin which was filled with a soft beard, thanks to getting stuck inside this office for a while. "This might be an exciting fight." He smiled widely and began to type on the keyboard.


    Taka kept watching the stream until the end, and Flexy finally was able to take the third step on the wall before falling. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The speaker boomed loudly as Flexy screamed and high-fived Breeze. Donations poured into both streamers, and the livestream ended shortly after that.


    ***


    "Phew¡­ That wasn''t as tiring as usual, but Flexy''s energy was too much for me. At least he was satisfied and managed to do a first-level wall run. He''s pretty good."


    Max climbed out from the opened capsule. He was drenched in sweat like usual, as the air conditioning in his old capsule wasn''t as good as the new one, and he was actually exhausted from concentrating on virtual reality.


    His clothes were already wet and sticky. It was too ufortable, so he took it off and wiped his sweat using the towel he prepared beforehand as he sat on the bed. After his face was clean, he hung the towel on his shoulder and smiled.


    "But thanks to him, I managed to finish my quest."


    <Quest:


    - Can I Eat from Donation?!


    Obviously, a streamer needs money!


    Let''s get your first donation milestone before the end of Knight''s Journey.


    Progress: 92,650/50,000 Diamonds or 1,853/1,000 Dors


    Reward: 1x B-Grade nutritional supplement.


    Deadline: Fifth Livestream (3/5)


    Failure toplete the Quest will result in the system being uninstalled.>


    <Quest ispleted excellently! Your reward and the bonus will be sent to your address in the morning!>


    "So it will be sent to my home?" Max sounded a bit disappointed as he sighed, "I thought it would appear magically. Like popping in front of me or on my table or something like that. But I guess this is also fine. Nutritional supplement is said best to consume in the morning before exercise, after all."


    Breeze wasn''t expecting to get a bonus, but he still looked forward to it. Free stuff was always weed.


    "And this donation¡­ It''s my record."


    In just one stream, he managed to get 57,050 diamonds. It was far more than what he got in the past two days.


    The 50,000 diamonds were from Flexy; That meant he only got 7,050 diamonds from his viewers. It was less than he thought, but he only showed his move thrice and didn''t do anything shy. Still, that much was still worth more than $100.


    Max wasn''t disappointed with the result. There would always be days like this where he got less than viewers. What was important was that his followers in Punch finally broke the 500 milestone, and his viewers peaked at 1562 earlier.


    "I will be able to get more donations once I finish the main story. But my money in the bank is still around $2,100 after registering at Gxy Gym. I won''t need to worry about electricity bills or meals anymore."


    Punch always paid out the donations and everything every 1st and 15th of the month. It had been 5 days since he transmigrated on 2nd April. The next paid-off would be in 8 days, 2 days after the Knight''s Journey program.


    "Well, I don''t need to worry. Even with the cut and the tax, I probably will still make at least $1,500 next payoff." Max smiled in satisfaction. There was also still $1,500 from the contract. "I can say I am pretty well-off now. At least better than before. Also¡­"


    He looked at the floating window in front of him. Information about the new quest appeared after he pressed finish for the previous quest.


    <Quest:


    - Come at me!


    Good streamers are not only funny but skilled!


    Finish the Knight''s Journey main story without getting a scratch.


    Progress: 0/1


    Reward: Streaming Loading Screen and a Mysterious Reward!


    Deadline: Second Livestream (0/2)


    This is a bonus Quest before the next one. Failure will result in nothing!>


    It was slightly strange, calling it a bonus quest and actually no failure penalty.


    "I guess this is a challenge for me, huh? This loading screen is essential if I want to take a break in the middle of the stream. This system knows how to motivate me to finish the quest." He chuckled and stood up, pulling the towel down his shoulder. "For now, I will just take a shower and rest. I need to exercise a lot to maximize the supplement effect tomorrow."

 Chapter 37 – B-Grade Nutritional Supplementary

    37 Chapter 37 ¨C B-Grade Nutritional Supplementary


    "8 April 2045. Today''s weather is good, with a 4% chance of rain. Please have a wonderful day and don''t forget to exercise!"


    Ding Dong!


    "Delivery!"


    In the morning, the packet Max was waiting for had arrived. It was sent by a drone that was put right in front of his house. Only when the drone scanned Max did it fly away through the corridor.


    Max watched what happened before him while being surprised.


    ''It''s my first time watching a drone delivery. It''s really cool and convenient.''


    Not even the previous Max had a drone delivery before, as it cost a lot. Usually, he picked up the packet he ordered in the office a bit away from his apartment for a lower shipping cost.


    Still, this packet should be the one sent by the system, as the receiver name was set to Breeze, and the sender was kept anonymous. Nothing was written besides that, and the content was wrapped in a rtively small but secure ck box.


    ''I wonder what a B-Grade nutritional supplement looks like.'' Max smiled widely as he brought the box inside, ''Also, what''s the bonus? Is it inside?''


    After sitting on his bed, he put the box on hisp and opened the box carefully as if it were a delicate ss. He didn''t want to make a mistake and break the ss tube containing the nutritional supplement Inside.


    Inside the boxy two small tubes with different liquids inside, red and green, lying on a soft cushion. The one with red liquid had B written on the tube, while the green one had Energy written on it. The first one must be the nutritional supplement, as it looked simr to what he saw in the store.


    But Max didn''t know what the second one was.


    "What is this?" Max wondered as he carefully lifted the tube with green liquid. He examined it carefully and found small words written underneath the Energy.


    "Bonus item. It can prevent you from getting fatigued for 3 hours. Use wisely."


    "Preventing me from getting fatigued?!" He eximed in surprise.


    Instantly, he didn''t believe that this kind of medicine existed. There was nothing like this in the market or even the medicine store.


    But¡­ This medicine was from the System. It was a bonus reward because he did it excellently. Not getting fatigued for 3 hours would definitely not be that useful for normal people as they had monstrous stamina from their training and the supplement.


    However, this was actually pretty useful for Max.


    ''I can y in my top condition for 3 hours. This is pretty good.'' He put the medicine back in the box and took the nutritional supplement tube.


    ''And I will use this today. The announcement for the program is in 2 days. I need to look fit and not this skinny before that. I don''t know if that''s possible, but I just need to do my best. I better visit the gym and ask the best way to drink this supplement.''


    Max stored the box nicely and changed his clothes before going to the gym while bringing the B-Grade nutritional supplement with him.


    Walking to the gym was never this fun for him. But the expectation of finally being able to drink the nutritional supplement and possibly being able to y games and stream longer put a smile on Max''s face.


    Without a doubt, his body would change slightly, and this B-Grade supplement would solve his malnutrition problem. Or at least he hoped it would make his body slightly better than now.


    ''I will really be disappointed if this won''t change anything in 2 days.'' He thought as he entered the gym and went straight to where he could find a trainer that he chose when registering.


    ''My trainer is a girl, right? This will be my first time meeting her. I wish I could get a male trainer that I can chatfortably with, but well, this is also fine. Besides, I believe she''s a professional and will give me a good training menu that I really need. That''s all I need.''


    Finding the person wasn''t difficult, as all the trainers in the Gxy Gym wore uniforms with their names. The female trainers wore spats and tank tops, while the male trainers usually only wore shorts without any tops. Thetter always wanted to show their muscles.


    Not to mention, because it was Tuesday, not many people were in the gym in the morning.


    Max found his trainer near the treadmill area at the corner of the gym. She was instructing another girl with a stern face. He knew that it was her thanks to the nametag she had on her chest and the picture he was shown by the receptionist yesterday.


    ''ording to the receptionist, her name is Ava, a 23-year-old short-haired blonde girl with good body proportions and a young face. Yup, that''s her.'' He thought as he walked toward her.


    She noticed him and said something to the girl on the treadmill before approaching with a smile.


    "Hello." Unexpectedly, she was the one who greeted Max first with a sweet and friendly tone. "I believe you''re Max Charles, who had just registered yesterday?"


    "That''s right," Max answered with a friendly smile.


    The trainer nodded and stretched her hand for a handshake. Her grip was firm, taking him by surprise slightly.


    "It''s nice to meet you. My name is Ava Graves. I will be your trainer as long as your membership is still active. I know that some boys are disappointed in having a female trainer, but I need you to be epting, alright? All trainers here graduated from fitness school without any exception, so you can trust our capabilities."


    "Don''t worry, Miss Graves. As long as you instruct me on how to get the best result, then I won''tin."


    "Hahaha, you sure are different." Avaughed merrily and lowered her hand. "Well, you can just call me Ava. And thank you for trusting me. Don''t hesitate to ask me if you have any questions."


    It was the perfect chance to ask, so Max didn''t hesitate at all.


    "Thank you, Miss Ava. You may also call me Max. Also, there is something I want to ask immediately before training, Miss Ava."


    "Just Ava is enough, Max." She sighed softly, "And what''s your question?" N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Actually, I just bought a B-Grade nutritional supplement." Max took the tube from her jacket pocket and showed it to Ava. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw the tube, but she didn''t say anything yet. "I wondered how I should exercise to get the best result from this."


    "I see." She nodded with a small smile. "I am d you asked. Many people waste this precious and expensive supplement because they are ignorant. I will give you the training menu you can use to maximize the result you can gain for that. As a bonus, I will also give you a diet n if you want to."


    "Please." He nodded and smiled, full of gratitude. "That would help me a lot. I want to focus on building stamina and ying VR games longer. If possible, please make the training menu to focus on that."


    "Don''t worry about it. Your skinny body will soon turn into a muscled one. This B-Grade supplement will be able to sustain your workout for a month."


    Sheughed merrily as she patted Max''s shoulder. Then she put on a serious face.


    "To be honest, you made a good decision buying a B-Grade instead of higher ones. The A and S-Grades are usually used by professional athletes who need a lot of nutrition. If you drink the supplement in your current condition, you might sleep in the hospital instead of getting a good result."


    That was the first time Max heard that. And from this, he once again was thankful to the system.


    ''It probably knows about it, and that''s why the bonus is the Energy liquid instead of another supplement.''


    "Hahaha, I am quite fortunate, huh?" Max chuckled lowly.


    "Indeed. Now, then, let''s not waste any time. I already have your contact information from the gym, so I will send the training menu and the diet n to your message. For now, get changed and wait for me in the weight training area. I will be there soon."


    "Yes."


    ''This trainer is better than I thought.'' Max mused in his mind as he went to the locker room. ''No matter what the training menu she gives me, I willplete it. I don''t want to waste my second chance in life. Having a good and healthy body is a must to enjoy this life.''

 Chapter 38 – First IRL Livestream [1]

    38 Chapter 38 ¨C First IRL Livestream [1]


    Max returned to his home after working out in the gym for more or less two hours.


    "Phew." He sighed in satisfaction as he gulped down the water he took from. His body was drenched, and the shirt he wore for exercise was wet from sweat. "That felt good."


    The exercise n Ava gave fit his current body condition. It wasn''t too excessive but not too light. It was just¡­ perfect.


    ''She even weighed me after I changed and made a few improv in the training menu. I guess that''s a professional for you.'' He thought as he put the water bottle down on the table. ''She even sent me a diet menu through direct message.''


    [Ava: Recipe.txt]


    Max smiled as he read the list of recipes he got from Ava. She even separated breakfast, lunch, and dinner into three separate sections.


    Because Max''s goal was to gain nutrition, he was told to eat a lot more than normal until he reached average weight.


    "Registering the course with a trainer is worth it." He muttered and closed the message.


    There was no more message from Flexy yet, even though he said he would contact him again after he uploaded the video to PunchTube. But it was only 10 A.M., so Max guessed that Flexy was still sleeping.


    ''I remember he said he streamed until morning and then slept until 12 P.M. His life is not really bnced at all, but thanks to nutritional supplements, he''s able to live healthily.''


    Talking about the supplement, there was no effect on Max''s body yet. It only made him energetic when he drank it, just like an energy drink.


    The effect couldn''t be seen for now, but even after having an intense workout, Max didn''t feel that tired yet.


    ''I want to move my body.'' He thought as he stood from the bed while bringing the water bottle with him. ''Is there a park nearby? I want to try parkour if possible. It might be a bad idea, but¡­'' N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A smile appeared on his face as he put on a jacket and left the apartment. He didn''t forget to bring a little camera he could mount on his head and a portable microphone with him.


    That camera and microphone were something he had brought prior to his transmigration. The previous Max also wanted to try streaming, but he was too shy to do that and had no confidence, so he stopped before even trying.


    However, Breeze was different. He just wanted to have fun streaming and did it without thinking much.


    ''All bad ideas are fun, though I need to be careful. And I can do a gueri stream too. This is a perfect time to do that, or at least I want to do it.''


    23:48


    And now, there was something he wanted to do.


    ''All bad ideas are fun, though I need to be careful. And I can do a gueri stream too. This is a perfect time to do that, or at least I want to do it.''


    Opening the map, Max tried to find a suitable park that he could use, preferably with a lot of stairs, walls, and railings. He immediately found one near his apartment, just a block away.


    The park was perfect, with everything he needed, including even some pirs he could climb. Max became excited as his steps turned lighter and faster.


    Arriving at his destination, Max looked around and found some people exercising in the park''s corner. A girl with long ck hair also used the pull-up bars, but thankfully, the stairs that separated the park and exercise area were empty around this time.


    That was where the ce that was perfect to be used for parkour was located.


    Looking at the area, Max nodded to himself.


    ''This is perfect.''


    Max began to prepare and activate the small camera. It hovered above his head using AI technology that could follow even the most intense movement and focused on what Max saw. It was also connected to his smartwatch, allowing him to see the camera angle.


    A hologram screen popped up when he touched his smartwatch, showing what the camera saw.


    Max didn''t n to reveal his face yet, so he adjusted the angle slightly so his face or hair couldn''t be seen and nodded, satisfied.


    ''Good enough.''


    Following that, he set up his stream and connected his camera footage to Punch. He also connected the wireless microphone and clipped it on his jacket. Lastly, he changed the title to catchy and looked at the result.


    [Wall Run in Real Life! Can I do it? I am not good enough yet! #Breeze #WallRun #IRL_Stream]


    After everything was ready, Max walked toward his destination and passed by the girl who did a pull-up. He nced at her for a second due to how beautiful she was before ignoring herpletely.


    His heart was beating faster, not because of the girl earlier but because of the expectation of finally being able to do what he loved again.


    ''Finally.'' He stood at the top of the stairs and stretched.


    The railing that separated two stairways and two tall walls that were perfect to be jumped ony in front of him. Not to mention a row of low to high pirs at the end of the stairs extending toward a small fountain in the middle of the park.


    What was the purpose if that wasn''t built to be climbed on? People must be stupid if they hadn''t considered standing at the top of those pirs. It looked so much fun.


    Maybe Max would get into trouble. Maybe he would be chased by the security.


    But that was the risk of this ''bad idea.'' He just hoped that Punch wouldn''t give him any warning of what he did. He would only do this for a while¡­ Just a few minutes before resting and jogging while chatting with his viewers.


    ''My body is in great condition.''


    Finishing his light stretching, Max pressed the start streaming button.


    [Livestream Start!]


    One by one, his viewers who followed him joined. The numbers weren''t a lot, but they were definitely here because of the notification.


    While waiting for the peak viewers, Max kept stretching to loosen his joints.


    ¡ª Good afternoon!


    ¡ª Morn!


    ¡ª What is this?


    ¡ª We are outside?! Is Breeze streaming identally?


    ¡ª Fools! He set up a camera, so he definitely did this on purpose! Look at the title!


    ¡ª Breeze''s first IRL stream! He said he would do a wall run?!


    ¡ª That''s a tall wall! Is he going to run on that?


    Some greetings, questions, and exmations quickly filled the chat. The viewers grew until it stopped at 516, a natural number as the stream was sudden, and people were still working or having activities at this time.


    Max, however, wasn''t discouraged. He just streamed what he was about to do because he thought there was nothing wrong with it. Any bad ideas or fun ideas should be shared with the fans. That was the fundamental rule of streamers if they wanted to grow.


    "Good morning, guys! Hahaha, this is my first IRL streaming. Because I have no advanced equipment, the video and audio quality might be affected a bit. So forgive me for that!"

 Chapter 39 – First IRL Livestream [2]

    39 Chapter 39 ¨C First IRL Livestream [2] n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ¡ª No problem!


    ¡ª There is no blur. Your camera is okay-ish!


    ¡ª I can''t watch 4K, but at least I can use 2K. Your voice is also clear!


    Reading the chat in a floating window from his smartwatch, Max nodded.


    "That''s great. Then, just as the title said, I will try to do a wall run in real life. My body''s condition isn''t that great, so I might fail. But let''s have fun until 6 PM and continue the Knight''s Journey story by then!"


    ¡ª Good idea!


    ¡ª Wooo! Your stream is always fun so I will watch!


    ¡ª Is it really possible to do a wall run in real life?


    "It''s possible," Max answered as he prepared himself. "Anyway, I will do a wall run, and I will also show you what parkour is. You guys are curious, right? I know you are. But once again, don''t expect too much. I just started going to the gym yesterday when I met Flexy."


    ¡ª We know.


    ¡ª Just show us the possibility!


    ¡ª With great skills, you need great teaching skills!


    ¡ª ^^ Rip off!


    Maxughed with his viewers. His embarrassment of livestreaming in public seemed to be non-existent in this age where most people were apathetic and already used to streamers. As long as he didn''t bother other people, the others would also ignore him.


    Pumping himself up, he approached the wall to show the viewers how high it was actually. The height perspective at the camera angle was slightly strange.


    "I am around 180 CM tall, and this wall is triple my height. First of all, let''s try the normal wall run, and then I will show you guys what parkour is!"


    From his conversation with Ava earlier, when she asked what kind of things he did in the past, he found out that parkour was either not that well-known in this world or was even non-existent.


    At that moment, Max knew that he probably had a chance to be a unique streamer and could use this content for his everyday content, so this idea came around.


    Though he was a bit worried about how the viewers would take this idea, with good or bad reactions, he still did it either way. Combining both things he enjoyed shouldn''t be that bad, no?


    ''As long as I can have fun.''


    A grin crept into his face as he began to run down the stairs. It was difficult to wall run at this position, but Max leaped toward the wall either way. And¡­ He fell on his third step.


    ¡ª lololol!


    ¡ª Kakaka! Not even Breeze can do wall run IRL!


    ¡ª No, guys! You heard him saying his body condition isn''t that great, no?


    ¡ª True. He only started going to the gym yesterday, and his hands look skinny. It''s amazing he can achieve what Flexy can''t do in VR with his body!


    ¡ª Fact


    ¡ª Breeze, teach me!


    Embarrassment hit Max, but when he read the chat from the small floating text on his left waist, heughed instead of showing his bad side.


    "Hahaha. Let''s try it again!"


    And he stood up, walking back to the top of the stairs to try it again.


    ***


    Lily was a girl who got bored easily. She loved adventures and new things, andtely, she was only interested in moving her body and virtual reality games, thanks to her older brother''s nagging.


    Streaming also sounded fun, so she also started. But due to her quiet personality, she couldn''t get more than 100 viewers, even though her brother was one of the veteran streamers out there with an average of 40K viewers.


    Still, that didn''t discourage her because it was slightly fun.


    Hap!


    Finishing her pull-up reps, she held her hips, fixed her ck shrugs, and tightened her sweatpants. Sweat poured out of her body, but thankfully she wore a white tank top that was specially designed not to see through even when it was wet. Shout out to thepany that made exercise clothes.


    "Fuu¡­"


    Exhaling a hot breath, Lily looked around the park. It was empty, with only a few people exercising a bit far away from her.


    Then, there was a strange person trying to run on the wall. Even to Lily''s standard, he looked handsome, with blue eyes and short ck hair. But that person was slightly skinny, it was clear, even though he wore a baggy jacket.


    ''What is he doing? Is he trying to imitate that viral Knight''s Journey video?''


    Indeed. As she also yed Knight''s Journey for her streaming, Lily also came across the video of a streamer that had be a hot topic among the Knighted.


    She thought it was ridiculous. She tried it once or twice, but she was unable to replicate it. It was impossible, or so she thought, until she watchedst night''s stream.


    Her brother also watched it with her, as he thought that the streamer called Flexy might be his rival in the future of a particr program that she was also forced to join, unwillingly. However, she didn''t mind as it sounded fun.


    In that livestream, that streamer managed to replicate an imperfect wall run, causing her to get surprised. Her brother also expressed his fascination and went to try it. He was probably still inside the VR capsule until now, as she knew how he could be fixated on one thing.


    That was why this random person, who was apparently also doing a livestream right now, caught her attention. She watched him preparing to run down the stairs toward the wall.


    When he started running, Lily thought he would fail and just fall or hit the wall. A sneer unexpectedly came onto her face.


    ''He won''t be able to do it. I can''t even do it in VR; how can he do it with a skinny body like that?''


    Because of her talent, she often looked down on people; it wasn''t an exception today. But¡­ She was wrong this time.


    The man jumped and actually ran on the wall beforending on the ground. He pumped his fists into the air, smiling widely in satisfaction as he screamed to his viewers.


    "Hell yeah!"


    His voice was filled with happiness, and Lily was surprised when she watched it directly.


    Indeed, she often looked down on people. But she wasn''t arrogant and knew how to respect the right person. And instantly, she became curious about that man, and her respect grew.


    ''He''s able to do it¡­'' She thought.


    Her feet moved before she could even think twice. Curiosity grew on her.


    ''I want to try it. It seems fun.''


    She approached him with light steps. The man seemed to notice her already. He moved his camera up and apologized to his viewers. He respected her privacy enough not to show her on his livestream.


    That somehow made Lily a bit happy.


    Stopping on the other side of the railing, Lily was about to call out to him. But before she could say anything, the man spoke first.


    "Ah, did I disturb you? I am really sorry."


    Lily shook her head, "No. That was interesting."


    "Interesting?"


    "Wall run. Can I watch from up close?"


    Hearing Lily''s words, the man stopped for a while and looked confused. His gaze ran around the surroundings before stopping at the small screen floating on his left wrist. He seemed to think about his livestream too.


    Maybe he wondered whether it was okay for her to show up in the livestream.


    Noticing his hesitation, Lily added.


    "I don''t mind showing up in your livestream. I just want to watch."


    "Well¡­" The young man scratched his cheek, "I guess that''s not a problem? Ah, my name is Breeze, by the way. Feel free to watch if it''s any interesting."


    Lily nodded. That name wasn''t unfamiliar, as she just watched his streamst night.


    ''As expected. This man is different.'' She thought, ''No one can pull that crazy stunt in real life. Well, except the one who could do it in VR already.''


    But she didn''t say anything and just sat on the nearby bench while watching quietly. The young man, Breeze, returned to the top of the stairs and fixed his camera angle before going at it again.

 Chapter 40 – First IRL Livestream [3]

    40 Chapter 40 ¨C First IRL Livestream [3]


    ''She''s just watching.'' Max thought as he stole a nce at the girl who suddenly approached him. ''She was the one doing the pull-up earlier. Is she truly interested in wall run? Why?''


    After doing a few sessful wall run, Max was exhausted and decided to end the livestream after he promised to continue Knight''s Journey tonight. Everyone was content with it, and some viewers even donated to him.


    And not only that, there were actually two bottles of chilled drinks she bought from the nearby vending machine. Watching him finish with the wall run, she stood from the bench and approached him again, handing him one bottle.


    "For you." She said in a calm tone.


    Max was slightly confused and wary of the girl, so he didn''t take the water bottle immediately. Then she added,


    "As thanks. I also want to try wall run, and now I might be able to. So, here¡­ lesson fee."


    That sounded like someone he met and knew yesterday. Max couldn''t help but smile as he received the water.


    "Thank you."


    "Un." The girl nodded, "Then, I will leave. See you."


    Max watched her turn around and leave just as she said¡ªno other conversation, and she knew how to respect his privacy. She didn''t even introduce herself, which was natural as he was streaming earlier.


    ''That''s really out of my expectation.'' Max thought as he looked at his hand, which held a cold water. He opened the lid, which was still sealed, and gulped a few times to quench his thirst.


    "Fuu¡­" He sighed; the water worked. It cooled his body down.


    "Well, that was some kind of experience. Can''t say I am not happy with a beautiful girl talking to me, but yeah¡­ I probably won''t even meet her again."


    Max walked back to his apartment after putting the camera and the microphone into his pocket. His first IRL livestream was a small sess, with around 800 viewers at the peak. It was just 50 minutes long and not really that memorable except when he seeded on his fifth try.


    But tonight''s livestream would be different.


    ''I am not allowed to get hit. This will be a hard one.''


    No damage! Knight''s Journey''s new route walkthrough!


    Max had already decided on tonight''s livestream title.


    And as he walked toward his apartment, he got a message from Flexy.


    [Flexy: Hey, my friend! Sorry to get to you thiste! But I have transferred the lesson and appearance fees to your bank ount. Hahaha, check it and tell me if it''s not in yet.]


    When he read Flexy called him his friend, Max smiled softly. If he truly meant it, then he was the first friend he made in this world.


    Anyway, he checked his bank ount and found the transfer history. When he looked at it, his eyes widened in surprise, and he typed the reply at lightning speed.


    [Breeze: Are you sure you are giving me this much?! No, I believe you typed the 0 too much!]


    Max didn''t really hope that Flexy would reply to him soon, but his expectation was wrong. He actually got the reply just a few secondster.


    [Flexy: AH?! Did I? I believe I inputted it correctly. It should be $15,000. Did I identally send 150 thousand instead?]


    Once again, Max was speechless. It seemed like the amount he received wasn''t wrong, and Flexy actually sent him that much money.


    [Breeze: No, it''s $15,000. But isn''t it too much for my appearance fee? Like¡­ I already got your help growing my viewers too. I am happy enough with that. Not to mention, you already donated to my stream yesterday for the lesson fee.]


    [Flexy: Don''t sell yourself short, bro! That donation is just to hype our livestream up. Also, I think you deserve that much. Just don''t be bored ying with me in the future, hahaha! Use it to buy some supplements so you can y longer!]


    Well, Max understood where Flexy came from. Friendship and connection with other streamers were important. Maybe it was because the guy himself was already kind, that he didn''t mind spending much for his friend or the person he liked, but Breeze was also growing at a fast pace.


    If considering it as an investment for the future to have coboration livestream again, then spending that much money probably was not that much.


    ''And he asks me to buy supplements instead.'' Max smiled at the message and typed his reply.


    [Breeze: Thanks, Flexy.]


    [Flexy: No need to mention it!]


    ***


    Inside a dark condo, an orange-haired man looked at his chat with his new friend and smiled.


    "Well, I should be the one who thank you, Breeze." He said as he leaned back against his bean bag, letting his body sink. "My odds of winning this program just increased. And I might be partnered with you if Biozone Entertainment''s team isn''t stupid."


    On his stream yesterday, Flexy realized that Breeze might''ve also been invited to the program. A newbie who broke 1,000 viewers in his third streaming day was probably unheard of, especially since that newbie streamed Knight''s Journey and not other games with a bigger audience.


    As a streamer who did his research, helped by his manager Lisa, to grow his channel, he would definitely invite Breeze as he was the recent sensation in the Knighted Lobby and Knight''s Journeymunity.


    ''His name still appears frequently on the forum. I wonder why he asked the question about what he can expect from the Knight''s Journey plot earlier, but well¡­ Maybe he just wants to enjoy the game without spoilers.'' Flexy thought as he scrolled down the Knight''s Journeymunity forum with a soft smile.


    ''There is even a clip from his IRL stream just now. Some people are worried. I agree that he needs additional nutritional supplements. His body is too skinny. I thought it was just his avatar, but it turned out to be his real body''s condition.''''


    Originally, Flexy only nned to send $3,000 to Breeze. But after having a fun stream with him yesterday and actually seeing his body''s condition through the stream, he felt bad for his new friend and wanted to help him a little bit.


    ''After all, we will be partners soon if my guess is on point.''


    Flexy''s lips curled up into a smile. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At that moment, the door of his room opened automatically, and his manager, Lisa, entered. He raised his head and looked over the chair.


    "Do you get the list, Lisa?" He asked curiously as Lisa stopped beside the chair with a stern look.


    Her sharp brown eyes bore through Flexy behind her sses that shined mysteriously as she pushed them up.


    "Biozone Entertainment''s marketing team leader has sent me. This is the list of the participants that will be announced in two days."


    Lisa operated her smartwatch and opened a document. A hologram screen appeared before her, and she swiped it, moving it so Flexy could read the content.


    The documents had a list of Knight''s Journey programs. Flexy got the list first because he was one of the veteran streamers. And the names written in documents were like this.


    Veteran Streamers: StoneSword, Flexy, RoninKnight


    Newbie Streamers: Breeze, LilyPixel, Mad


    "Aha! Hahaha, it''s just as I expected."


    Reading the list, Flexyughed out loud. StoneSword and LilyPixel, there was no way Biozone Entertainment wouldn''t invite them, as they were the current world record holder for the Fort Siege.


    But that wasn''t Flexy''s concern.


    "The marketing team is not a fool. I know that he will be invited." He smiled, swiping his hand to close the document, and looked at Lisa. "Who do you think they will pair me with, Lisa?"


    "It''s obvious." She answered with a cold tone, looking down at her boss, "It will be Breeze. They definitely watched your stream with him. That was funny, and many people liked it."


    "Thought so." He smirked and continued his nap, closing his eyes. "Wake me upter when I need to stream."


    "Why are you so useless like a pig?" Lisa clicked her tongue and muttered.


    Flexy, who couldn''t really make out what she had said, raised his voice, "What?"


    "Nothing." She shook her head and smiled softly, "Have a nice nap."


    "O-Oh, alright. I thought you called me a pig."


    "That''s just your imagination." Her smile widened, turning scarier as the second passed. Then she turned around and left, leaving Flexy to look at her with fear.


    When the door was closed, he sighed and closed his eyes again.

 Chapter 41 – Knight’s Last Journey

    41 Chapter 41 ¨C Knight¡¯s Last Journey


    Right at 6 PM, Max started his stream.


    [Livestream Start!]


    "We meet again, guys! How are you doing?!"


    As soon as he appeared in the Knight''s Journey waiting room, which he set as his default spawn point after streaming with Flexy, he greeted his viewers as usual. He had already recovered from exhaustion and was in top condition.


    ¡ª Hello Breeze!


    ¡ª Damn, I missed your IRL streaming because of work! And now I can''t watch the Vod! Please upload it!


    ¡ª I missed it too!


    ¡ª Evening, Breeze!


    ¡ª From the title, it seems you''re doing something impossible again.


    "Evening! And, yeah. I am attempting to get no damage or get hit until I finish this route." Max replied to the chat with a confident smile.


    "I guess this will be easy as the war mission is finished. I don''t know what kind of enemiesy ahead, but I bet none are stronger than Trouser."


    Because he had gotten an impossible quest, he didn''t want to waste it and asked Flexy what he should expect in the future game mission. He didn''t ask for anything specific, but only what he should expect to fight after the war.


    The answer he got from his new friend was enough to make him a bit cautious, but it was still doable, as no enemies would be as strong as Trouser. At least not until the final boss.


    "Now, let''s enter the main story!"


    Having said that, Max entered the main story, and the cutscene appeared with white letters floating in the air.


    [A few years had passed since the battle. Sir Breeze had advanced through rank, moved to the Capital City of Rami Kingdom, and achieved Knight Captain rank.]


    [Former Commander Hurian Ahran has retired to the countryside and enjoyed a slow life due to injury in his back from the battle to protect Rami Kingdom from Barbarians.]


    [Knight Captain Hutch has been appointed as the newmander together with Aestes Raymond.]


    [After five years of service, at age 28, Knight Captain Breeze has decided to retire. He left the Capital City and traveled alone to the countryside, where his trustedrade, Former Commander Hurian Ahran, lived.]


    "¡­"


    ¡ª ¡­


    ¡ª The¡­.


    ¡ª Fu*k?!


    ¡ª WTF?


    Reading the text that appeared one by one, Max and the viewers were speechless. They were surprised by the cutscene and the story development that was different from the original route


    But what was most surprising for them wasn''t the story, but other things.


    ¡ª Huh Ah knight has a name?!


    ¡ª Hurian Ahran¡­ Hu Ah¡­ Huh Ah!


    ¡ª Brilliant!


    ¡ª The developer is sozy lol


    After the texts disappeared, countless images shed, each representing the times that Max''s character went through inside the game. Each imagested for a second, just enough for him and the viewers to see them.


    It went on for a while, as a few years passed. The snippets continued before it showed a colorful image of a in with a dirt road stretched across it. Max''s character stood while holding a leather bag on his shoulder, dressed in adventure clothes with an axe on his hip.


    At that moment, the cutscene ended, and Max could control his character.


    "Where am I?"


    His curious question was answered by a game mission.


    [A new mission is generated.]


    [Knight''s Last Journey]


    [Reach Former Commander Hurian Ahran''s residence in the Frontier City in the west! Your journey will be arduous, but a good life is waiting for you!]


    [Progress: 0/??? Kilometers]


    "Knight''s Last Journey?" Max raised another question as he read the game''s mission.


    ¡ª It''s thest quest!


    ¡ª Darn¡­ No extermination and just go straight to thest quest?


    ¡ª This new route is really efficient. Does this mean if you y better, the faster you reach the end of your journey? This is perfect for speedrun!


    ¡ª Truly Knight''s Journey!


    The viewers weren''t wrong.


    That was how the developer created this game.


    Knight''s Journey was a realistic game. There was no superpower or superhuman strength. It was a pure action-war game using a human''s capability. Using VR, that capability could be pushed slightly farther than in real life, but that was it.


    And so, to add a sense of realism, the developers'' team leader made a decision. To make the journey simr to real life.


    Those with talents and skills would arrive faster at their destination. They would advance faster, but with more difficult ordeal.


    In fact, the viewers already expected this, as the ones who found new routes were usually skilled yers like StoneSword and Flexy. Both of them had skipped some quests, too, but not the tutorial ones.


    And now, Max skipped many quests at once, the tutorials, and even the subjugation mission after the war that would lead to his character''s retirement.


    "I must say¡­"


    Looking around the grassy in with a soft breeze, a confident smile stered across his face.


    "I really am a genius at gaming, no?" He smirked at the camera.


    ¡ª How irritating!


    ¡ª Someone, kill Breeze!


    ¡ª y online games, and you shall learn hell


    "I might try that next." Max replied to the chat with a shrug of shoulders.


    "But what would you do if I dominated the online game? I need to give the others chances and y something different first. Well, I haven''t decided what I will y next after Knight''s Journey. It''s a fun game."


    Max''s priority wouldn''t stray away from streaming. However, having fun was also important. If he yed games solely to get views, he thought that his content would be boring and unattractive. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Even he would only watch livestreams if the streamers enjoyed themselves.


    "Now then, where is this countryside located?"


    ¡ª There should be a map.


    ¡ª Say Map! Say Map!


    ¡ª Yes, say Map!


    "¡­ I won''t be fooled by that trick, you know?" Max spoke with narrowed eyes, as if the chat''s suggestion wasn''t worthy of his consideration at all. "I know that the target will be marked with a glowing light."


    Having said that, he looked around the area. Behind him was a forest, and in the distance stood the first city he visited in this game. On the right was an animal trail leading inside the forest. And there, he could see a glowing light that indicated the mission''s objective.


    "There it is."


    ¡ª Tsk!


    ¡ª He''s not fooled.


    ¡ª This Breeze is smart. I will make it my goal to fool him.


    "Hahaha! Try it."


    Max walked toward the animal trail while holding the leather bag on his shoulder. He proceeded carefully as he had a system quest not to get a scratch until he finished the game.


    Once he realized that this was thest quest, he decided to try to finish the game today so he could rest tomorrow and prepare for the announcement.


    ''That way, I can rest tomorrow and try those pirs in the park. If they asked, I would just say I am taking care of the program and can''t really stream. Besides¡­''


    As Max traveled through the animal path, his eyes darted at his viewers'' count.


    [Viewers: 1069]


    His lips curled up.


    ''I have a stable viewers count now.''


    "Let''s aim for no damage! I won''t get scratched until I reach my destination!"


    ¡ª God of RNG, please make a lot of traps!


    ¡ª Please kill Breeze!


    ¡ª I want him dead!


    ¡ª Cut his nose! Bad guys don''t deserve a nose!


    ¡ª You guys underestimated Breeze''s power. He has the higher ground! ¡ª Shut up, nosist! I have no nose and I look awesome, alright!


    ¡ªF


    ¡ªOur condnces...


    You can join privilege for an advanced chapters!


    ShuviLily

 Chapter 42 – Knight’s Last Journey [2]

    Chapter 42 ¨C Knight¡¯s Last Journey [2]


    After walking for a while, Max found nothing noteworthy. He was even teleported to a new town when he stepped out of the forest. The glowing light was a bit away from the town, in front of a broken carriage on the roadside at the foot of a hill.


    "Is this that kind of event?"


    Max immediately guessed what kind of mission was waiting for him. The main mission was to reach the countryside, but as expected, it wouldn''t be that easy.


    There were side missions that he needed to finish before he could continue to his destination.


    ¡ª The clich¨¦


    ¡ª Yeah¡­ Help the broken carriage


    ¡ª Yup yup! But do you think Breeze is able to do that?


    ¡ª Breeze is a strong, smart, funny, dependable teacher streamer. Of course he can do that


    ¡ª But he¡­


    ¡ª Yeah¡­ I don''t know


    ''That?''


    While he was confused, he still walked toward the glowing light. The elderly man standing beside the broken carriage turned to Max as he approached.


    "Oh, young adventure! Can you help me with something?"


    Not only did it have a ssic plot, but the NPC also spoke a ssic line. Not surprising. But as the chat said earlier¡­


    ''The developer is sozy.''


    Max smiled dryly as he answered, "What help do you need, elder?"


    "You''re so kind! Actually, my carriage is broken, and I only have 1 Gold. I-I am willing to give this to whoever helps us! My back hurt so much that I can''t change the broken wheel!"


    ''Yeah, you''re lying.'' Max thought as he nced inside the carriage. It was filled to the brim with gold bricks, far exceeding the carriage''s weight.


    But this was a mission that would show him his next objective nheless, so he epted the request.


    Smiling brightly, he eximed, "I will help you, elder. It''s really easy!" N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Ooh, thank you, kind adventurer! If you may, please fix my broken carriage! That was what I wanted to ask, but there is an urgent matter."


    "Urgent matter?" Max raised his eyebrows, looking at the elderly man nodding.


    "Indeed!" He eximed. "Actually, our spare wheels were stolen. The thief who attacked us mistook it for the Gold Wheel of Fortune. That''s why we actually don''t have any wheels or any gold. Can you help us buy a wheel in the Rampant City over there and fix our broken carriage?"


    [A new side mission is generated.]


    [Helping Merchant]


    [A merchant is in trouble! Help him buy a wheel to rece the broken one and fix his carriage.]


    [Progress: ???]


    ''What bullshit! No gold? What''s that hidden in the carriage?!'' Max shouted in his mind. ''Realism, my ass. How could a thief steal wheels instead of a heap of gold bricks inside the carriage?! Why doesn''t this merchant buy the tire himself and ask for someone to fix his carriage faster? And where is the money to buy it? He doesn''t give me any!''


    Before Max could curse at the elderly man because of his strange request, who was apparently a merchant, his mouth moved to follow the storyline.


    "Of course. I will buy your carriage wheel and fix it for you."


    It was a forced event that made Max bite his lower lips in frustration. He had changed his mind after hearing how ridiculous the quest was, much more than the clich¨¦ that he had expected.


    Not to mention, his character began to move toward the city like a cutscene without him being able to move it himself.


    "This is bullshit!" He eximed loudly as he entered the city.


    ¡ª This is¡­ Breeze reacted the same as the other streamers!


    ¡ª How fresh¡­


    ¡ª So he can get angry too


    ¡ª lolol, azy and greedy merchant''s quest is always unreasonable, but¡­ guys?


    ¡ª Yeah, don''t tell him anything. He''s clueless lol


    ¡ª lol newbie Breeze


    [FreakingNoob has donated 100 diamonds!]


    [This is why I love watching newbies. I always forgot that Breeze was a noob who first yed the game 4 days ago! Hahahaha!]


    The viewers seemed to hide something from him. FreakingNoob even donated to have augh.


    "Thank you for the hundred. Can you at least tell me about what I can expect? I still can''t move my character now!"


    ¡ª No


    ¡ª no


    ¡ª No way lol


    People in the chat had the same answers. They seemed to want to keep this information to mess with him.


    ''Well, I kind of expected it.''


    Watching streamers struggle and get surprised was part of the fun watching them. If possible, Max wanted to finish his system quest and get the free loading screen. It was a bonus quest without penalty, which was unusual.


    ''It usually threatens me with uninstalling the system. Not that I need it to be a streamer, but the system has helped me a lot, so I don''t want to lose it.''


    While thinking, his character had brought a wooden carriage wheel and walked out of the city to meet the man. For some reason, many people ran around inside the town, and the gate inspection to enter the town took a long time.


    However, Max couldn''t even move his body freely yet, so he ignored them and focused on his side mission.


    The hill obstructed the sight and hid the broken carriage. That was why the guards standing near the entrance didn''t help the man.


    Only when he arrived at the foot of the hill could he move the character freely. On top of that, he also saw a new beacon of light in the distance, on the opposite side of where the merchant was.


    "Oh, does this mean I can either take this wheel andplete the side mission or just ignore it and go to the next objective?"


    ¡ª Probably


    ¡ª Who knows? Why don''t you just finish the side mission first? You are already close to the merchant''s location.


    Reading the chat, Max narrowed his eyes suspiciously. There had to be a catch in this ''clich¨¦'' mission. There was no way the chat would react so strongly if it was just a regr fix to the broken carriage.


    ''Merchant, broken carriage, hidden behind a hill that can''t be seen from the entrance. Inside the carriage are a lot of gold bricks. His story was also ridiculous.'' Nodding his head, Max saw the top of the hill and stopped walking, ''Yeah, it''s suspicious. Let''s hide first.''


    Thinking so, he decided to walk around the hill using bushes to conceal himself. He put the wheel in one of the bushes behind him so it wouldn''t be found by anyone.


    Watching Max suddenly change his course, the chat exploded.


    ¡ª Noo!


    ¡ª He''s aware!


    ¡ª Damn! WHY IS HE SO SMART!


    ¡ª He''s not smart. The ones who got scammed were STOOPID!


    ¡ª Shut up and don''t say anything more! I''ll send you to Maru!


    ¡ª Who''s Maru?


    ¡ª ^^ Kid, you don''t wanna know¡­ He''s a cult leader¡­ Scary¡­


    Max''s lips curled up as he silently stopped behind the carriage, hiding from the merchant''s gaze. After a while, he could hear the merchant grumble.


    "Fuck, where is he? Could he be detained by knights? That will be bad. I won''t be able to run away with these golds if I have no goddamn wheel!"


    ''Jackpot!'' His smile widened as he heard the merchant.


    He smirked at the camera and raised his index finger.


    "Sorry, but I am not clueless."


    He actually wanted to put up a middle finger to his viewers, but he refrained because he didn''t want to get a warning from Punch.


    And the chat got disappointed and started to boo at him.

 Chapter 43 – Knight’s Last Journey [3]

    Chapter 43 ¨C Knight¡¯s Last Journey [3]


    After confirming that the merchant was trying to run away with these gold bricks, for some reason, Max decided to knock him unconscious and brought him to the guards near the entrance. The mission didn''t fail even when he did that, so it was the correct choice.


    But¡­ He was somehow looked at by the guard suspiciously after he handed over the merchant and was told to wait in a small room with only two chairs and a simple wooden table in between.


    ¡ª BUSTED!


    ¡ª You Have Been Detained!


    ¡ª Those guys are really strong. They can detain Breeze. How scary¡­ Not even Hutch and Huh Ah were spared, but¡­ how scary


    "I don''t think it will end up like this too¡­" Max sighed as he leaned back on his chair. The cutscene didn''t y out, so this was still part of the mission. "Is the next mission breaking out of this room?" He smirked, imagining whether it was true.


    A few momentster, the door was unlocked, and a knight dressed in full metal armor entered, sitting in front of him with a stern face.


    "Apologies for the wait. Now, may I ask some questions?" The knight spoke in a serious tone, narrowing his eyes suspiciously, "First of all, what is your name?"


    Just as the knight said that, Max was about to answer, ''I am your father!'' but held himself back due to the sudden window that popped up in front of him.


    [Choose your answer!


    1. Tell the barrack knight your name and former affiliation.


    2. Lie and tell the barrack knight a fake name.]


    The world seemed to stop, just like when he chose the first weapon and cutscene. Max looked at the window and blinked his eyes.


    "Is this where the route will branch?" He asked in a low voice.


    Just as he remembered from his small research, Knight''s Journey had multiple routes that could also branch into various endings depending on a yer''s choice. There were happy endings, and of course, bad endings also existed.


    Currently, Max had arrived in the first branch and needed to choose to advance the main story.


    Telling his name to the knight would definitely give him a free pass, as the name Breeze was already spread as an excellent knight in the cutscene he had seen before.


    After looking at the two choices for a few seconds, he decided to ask the chat.


    "Which one do you think I should choose, chat?"


    ¡ª Lying is awful! Just tell him your name! N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ¡ª True. As human beings, we shouldn''t lie! Not even in a VR world!


    ¡ª I raised you better than this, Breeze¡­ You shouldn''t lie!


    ¡ª Ahem! Maybe you should lie once in a while.


    ¡ª Why don''t you use Bloodsucker as a fake name?


    ¡ª No!! Please no!! The PTSD!


    There were two separate groups in chat. One wanted him to lie, while the other wanted him to tell the truth.


    In fact, both had strong opinions and various reasons why Max should choose the first or second option.


    "Hmm, what should I choose?" He rapped his fingers against the chair''s handrest and chuckled as if enjoying the viewers'' trying to convince him to choose their choice through chat.


    ¡ª I think PoopAdventure is a nice fake name


    ¡ª Breeze! I didn''t teach you to lie to other people! Just tell him your name and spread the breeze!


    ¡ª Don''t listen to Angel''s whisper! Listen to the Devil! Stay in a demon path!


    ¡ª Mama mia!!


    ¡ª Huff¡­ Huff¡­ Breeze¡­ Huff¡­


    "Damn. Don''t be a weirdo."


    A curse escaped his lips as he looked at the chat. His finger moved immediately and pressed ''Ban'' at thest guy who acted creepy.


    [SoftBreath is banned permanently.]


    "To think I will need to ban one viewer this fast. It''s just my first week streaming, for god''s sake!"


    ¡ª F!


    ¡ª F for ourrade!


    ¡ª Don''t act creepy. It''s disgusting.


    No oneined about Max''s decision, as it was reasonable.


    Sighing, Max leaned forward and then made his decision.


    "I choose the second option."


    As soon as he made his choice, the world moved once again, and he introduced himself to the knight.


    "I am not a Noble; I am not a Merchant; I am just a humble adventurer who has thrown away his name in pursuit of freedom."


    ¡ª Pfft! Freedom!


    ¡ª I believe he took lines from somewhere¡­


    ¡ª Breeze, why are you so cringe? Revert back to your usual self!


    ¡ª He became cringe because he forgot to p or kick that knight! Rewind, please!


    ¡ª I want to puke¡­ But I must hold on!


    ¡ª NOOO, he chose the second choice!


    The knight NPC looked at Max with an intense gaze. He slowly nced to the right at a small window that worked as the only venttion for the room and nodded softly in a way that Max couldn''t see. Or at least he tried to.


    ''It''s really apparent.''


    Max knew the second choice wouldn''t be as easy as the first one, but he chose it anyway. Why?


    ''The chat wants me to choose the first choice desperately. There is no way I will give them what they want!''


    An evilugh rang in Max''s head as he read the disappointed text in the chat.


    At that moment, two knights holding weapons burst into the room and pointed their swords at Max.


    "Sir, you are under suspicion of helping the evil merchant to smuggle gold bricks to Rami Kingdom. Please cooperate and follow us to meet the Magistrate." The knight spoke calmly, but there was a force behind his voice, "Please. Don''t make us draw blood."


    ''So this is the second choice.'' Max mused in his mind.


    A new notification window appeared in front of his face as he nodded to the knight.


    Ding!


    [Helping Merchant side missionpleted!]


    So far, it was just as expected.


    "Please follow these two knights. They will take you to the Magistrate''s office gently."


    "Very well," Max answered and stood up, following the knights who sheathed their swords back. He was walking between the knights ufortably and was guided toward where the next guiding light from his main mission was.


    While walking between two knights, he smiled widely and looked at the floating camera. The knights didn''t seem to mind and continued walking on his sides.


    "Chat. It seems something fun will begin soon."


    ¡ª So, being a prisoner is fun


    ¡ª Oh, how low Breeze has fallen. My child has be an M!


    ¡ª I didn''t know you enjoyed this kind of y, Breeze¡­


    "It''s not like that!" Max retorted to the chat, and they exploded inughter.


    ''Damn it. I need to watch my wording more in the future.'' He growled in frustration as he looked at his destination, a huge castle withyered walls. ''My mouth is my tiger. I just blurted it out because I thought climbing that huge castle and running on its roof would be fun.


    Indeed. Nothing was safe from the chat.

 Chapter 44 – Progress

    Chapter 44 ¨C Progress


    The game''s skipping function was really helpful for yers.


    Just after Max took a few steps toward the Magistrate''s office, he found himself standing inside an office room with two knights sitting on a couch beside him.


    He couldn''t help but get excited this time. Although it was his first time in this ce, he knew what was about to happen, as he had watched some clips in the past for a few streamers.


    ''I will finally meet one of the heroines! So I made the right choice by lying back then!''


    Indeed, he finally got the heroine''s introduction scene. But he only saw a few clips about the heroines and didn''t know what to expect in this situation. So, he was still clueless and his heart was beating faster in anticipation.


    "Sit down, adventurer." One of the knights spoke with a cold tone.


    "Don''t raise your voice like that, Sir Knight," Max answered with a smirk as he sat down.


    Surprisingly, it wasn''t a cutscene, and he could still move freely.


    Before long, a middle-aged man dressed in a nice suit entered with a stern face and sat behind a table. He looked at Max curiously, and his face immediately changed. He recognized Max.


    Turning to the knights and ring at them, he shouted loudly.


    "How dare you disrespect him! Get your butt off that couch right now and stand in attention!"


    ¡ª Tsk tsk, how dare these puny knights


    ¡ª Indeed. They dare to sit on the same couch as Breeze


    ¡ª Know shame!''


    Unlike Max, it seemed like the chat already knew what to expect, so they weren''t that surprised. The knights were silent and blinked their eyes, confused with the Magistrate''s words.


    Seeing them frozen, the Magistrate became angry and mmed the table hard.


    Bam!


    "Did you not hear what I said? Stand in attention!"


    "Y-YES!" The two knights scurried away immediately and stood at the corner of the room, still looking confused, but didn''t dare to ask any questions.


    Sighing, the Magistrate gave an apologetic look to Max.


    "My apologies, Sir Breeze. My subordinates have been so rude to my own savior. I can''t be more ashamed!"


    "Savior?" Max asked in a confused tone.


    The Magistrate smiled, "Indeed." He nodded. "I was also in that war against the barbarians'' army. When I was about to get done by those barbarians, you saved me. Once again, I am ashamed that I can''t convey this properly. Thank you!"


    "I see," Max smiled wryly, not minding what the Magistrate said.


    ''I am farming diamonds at that time, though. I know the Magistrate only said this to advance the plot.''


    Max guessed the Magistrate would say this to every yer no matter what, even if they didn''t save him in that war. Or rather, theter part of the war was a cutscene, so this event happened at that time. A so-called forced event.


    "As part of my gratitude and apology for what my subordinates did, please tell me what you need, Sir Breeze. We will provide it without fail."


    "I don''t need anything, Sir Magistrate."


    This time, Max''s mouth moved by itself. Another forced event happened, and he had entered a cutscene.


    His character was speaking with the Magistrate and exchanged some information. He was also given a pouch filled with money as an apology before he left the building to continue his journey.


    Nothing else happened. No side mission. No conclusion to the story from before, too. What happened to the thief who pretended to be a merchant? Max didn''t know.


    Just like before, a teleportation happened, and Max found himself in the middle of a forest this time. He stood idly for a while, looking around the area.


    "Say, chat. Is it just my imagination or does the plot feel rushed?" He asked, raising his eyebrows. "I mean¡­ That was the perfect time to introduce the heroine, right? But why? Why haven''t I met a single female yet in this game? It''s so strange!" He shouted loudly.


    ¡ª ¡­ Good question


    ¡ª I don''t know


    ¡ª This time, I can''t agree more


    ¡ª That was indeed the time when the heroine appeared. That''s strange


    ¡ª Breeze, forever single


    ¡ª You will get a wizard title in a few years, do your best!


    ¡ª Maidenless Breeze


    "You guys are¡­" Max couldn''t help but let out another sigh of disappointment.


    He knew that he was exploring a new route, but to think that not only some missions were skipped, but also the heroine''s introduction scene!


    "Am I truly fated to be maidenless forever?" Hemented.


    ¡ª It''s because you chose the 2nd choice


    ¡ª Kekekeke, the maidenless gang won!


    ¡ª Actually, you would meet the heroine if you chose the first choice in that room and introduced your real name. My disappointment is immeasurable


    ¡ª Take that! Hahaha, I won the bet with my friend! I recovered what I had lost!


    ¡ª Good for you, Bloodsucker


    ¡ª Thanks, pal. And be prepared, Breeze. I shall give you a new mission soon!


    ¡ª This guy never learns¡­


    "Thanks for cheering me up, Bloodsucker. I thank you for your donation in advance. I will now set the minimum amount to give me a mission to 10,000 diamonds just for you."


    ¡ª lolol


    ¡ª Go bankrupt once again! Breeze shall suck your money!


    Maxughed as he read the chat again and walked toward the glowing light again. The disappointment of not meeting the heroine couldn''t be erased, but at least he didn''t get into any problems and could probably finish this game today.


    "Let''s aim to finish this quest before 10 PM!" He dered with a big smile. "Screw heroines! I shall be a maidenless knight!"


    ¡ª Fweet fweet!! Way to go!


    ¡ª This is why I love you!


    "Sorry, but I still like a girl!"


    Max joked around with his viewers as he kept walking, enjoying the atmosphere.


    This was truly Knight''s Last Journey. The calm atmosphere truly fit to end a journey after a long battle. But¡­ Just walking would be boring.


    The glowing light, his destination this time, was located on the peak of a rugged mountain. Many obstacles surely were waiting for him along the way.


    For a normal yer, that ce might be hard to reach, and they would have a hard time reaching the peak. However, in Max''s eyes, that ce was perfect for him to do parkour.


    "Why don''t I show you guys some stuff? I am confident this will blow your mind."


    ¡ª Surprise us


    ¡ª No need to say anything. Just do it!


    ¡ª It''s about drive! Go and reach that peak!


    "Of course." A grin appeared on Max''s face as he began to run. "I am motherfucking Breeze for god''s sake! A mountain will not stop my way to the top!"


    ***


    Inside a dimly lit room with small lights on the ceiling, a cute girl wearing fluffy ck bunny pajamas watched the floating hologram screen before her. Her eyes twinkled with curiosity as she watched a streamer called Breeze run up the mountain easily as if the obstacles were nothing for him.


    If one needed to describe his movement, it was like a monkey. But upon closer inspection, that movement had grace and looked cool. Even climbing a mountain was a breeze for him.


    "Breeze¡­" The girl muttered in a small voice. "He''s indeed that guy." She continued, cradling a soft pillow and pulling it closer to her chest.


    Her small hand extended to the screen and scrolled down slightly, finding a ''Follow'' button and clicking on it.


    [You ''LilyPixel'' has followed Breeze! Activate notification?]


    The small notification appeared on top of the streaming screen.


    "Yes." The girl, Lily, answered without hesitation.


    [Complete!]


    After reading that notification, she swiped her hand and erased the small window. Her body leaned deeper into her bed, getting engulfed in warmth and softness.


    A small smile adorned her face as she saw Breeze finally reach the peak and stand on the edge. The camera panned out and showed his figure looking in at the sunset in the distance. An ethereal light bathed his face that was full of satisfaction.


    "Beautiful."


    It was unknown what she called beautiful, the scenery or Breeze himself. However, her smile widened slightly as she muttered that. At that moment¡­ Someone messaged her and the window reced the stream she watched.


    [StoneSword: Lily, time to practice.]


    Her smile disappeared, reced with a t expression. She raised her body and brought up the virtual keyboard, typing the reply.


    [LilyPixel: Yes, brother.]


    "What a bummer." She sighed and left the bed, entering her VR capsule.

 Chapter 45 – Ambushes

    Chapter 45 ¨C Ambushes


    Max continued ying without stopping. He particrly enjoyed climbing the mountain and jumping to the other side. When he arrived at the foot of the mountain, donations poured in from impressed viewers, and he took some time to thank those people.


    Even so, his journey hadn''t ended yet.


    "The next objective has appeared," Max eximed as he put his hand above his eye. The sun was about to set, and the background turned orange now, "I believe this is thest one. Isn''t that right, guys?"


    ¡ª It''s been a long journey¡­


    ¡ª More like the fastest journey¡­


    ¡ª If Breeze isn''t a newbie, wouldn''t he finish this game in under two hours? That''s possible, right?


    ¡ª Ask him to learn how to ride a horse first!


    ¡ª So long, Breeze! Reach the countryside and end this game with a bam!


    "Ahaha, I know what you wanted. Don''t worry, I will surely do it." Maxughed and began to move once again. He entered a dense forest.


    The branches and leaves created a natural canopy that blocked the sunlight. It created a dark shade and made this forest look like night all the time.


    Thus, this area was called Midnight Forest by the yers, although it actually had no official name.


    Looking around the area, Max slowly pushed forward, following the trail.


    "It''s really dark here."


    His field of vision was narrowed to only a few meters in front of him.


    Because of his light baggage, he had nothing like a torch in his bag. Not to mention, the branches and trunk seemed to be wet. He couldn''t light a fire and made a makeshift torch with them. So, getting any artificial light source in this ce was impossible.


    Creak¡­


    Swish¡­ Woosh¡­


    Awooo!!


    The sound of the branches rubbing each other rang, filling the forest. Bushes moved due to the movement of small animals. And animals'' howl reverberated in the distance.


    Max instantly became cautious and looked around with full attention.


    "I feel like something can spring up at any moment." He said whileughing bitterly.


    It was like he traveled to a mountain full of bandits. Due to the darkness, he felt in danger even if he couldn''t see anything beyond 5 meters.


    Not to mention¡­


    ¡ª Guhahaha! I am taking your soul!


    ¡ª How dare thee enter this ancestor''s territory! Scram!


    ¡ª I am the darkness, lurking in the shadows to hunt down Breeze!


    ¡ª Be careful! On your six!


    ¡ª Cough, please look away. I am busy with my girlfriend, R hand here.


    ¡ª One two three frogs leaping, oh no, Breeze is slipping!


    ¡ª Don''t worry~ Nothing will happen to you


    ¡ª Hello darkness, my old friend¡­


    ¡ª This is¡­ REQUIEM!


    ¡­ The chat worsened the situation, and they didn''t even try to help Max.


    Three minutes had passed since he entered. Max was talking to his viewers and lowered his guard after nothing happened. The forest was long, and at the end of itid the Frontier City, his destination.


    "It looks like we still need to walk 5 more minutes before we exit the forest." He muttered to himself as he squinted his eyes, looking at the glowing light that became slightly bigger because it was closer than before.


    Furthermore, he already estimated how far the exit was when he was on top of the mountain. He was confident to say that he almost reached the halfway point in the forest.


    "Should I run at full speed? What do you guys think? This forest has good branches I can use to jump around."


    At that moment, the bush on his left moved aggressively. It happened many times before, and all of them were false rms.


    However, Max wouldn''t take the chance to ignore it. This time, it was different.


    "Awooo!!"


    "Grrr!"


    Two ferocious wolves sprung out from the bushes, baring their fangs at him. Their eyes looked at him as if he was a prey. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "SHIT!" Max cursed loudly as he leaped backward to dodge them.


    The wolves'' bites missed him, and they only got air. They raised their heads at once and growled loudly to intimidate him.


    Looking at the wolves, Max smiled wryly and asked the chat in a low voice, "Chat, do you think I can handle them?"


    ¡ª There are only two wolves.


    ¡ª Kill them! Give me blood, huahahaha!


    ¡ª Just axe them, Breeze!


    ¡ª We want to see violence


    "You know that violence is not good, right?" Max retorted with a t face as he pulled out his axe and threw his bag to the ground, "But you''re right. I can definitely handle two of them. Child, don''t try this at home!"


    ¡ª Wohoo


    ¡ª Kill kill kill


    ¡ª Give my right arm wolf''s blood! It''s the ingredient for my apotheosis!


    As soon as he finished speaking, the wolves attacked him once again. They pounced from two directions, sandwiching Max, who lowered his stance. His eyes moved fast, observing their movement, before he dashed forward between the wolves.


    Behind him was a tree, so that wasn''t the way out. Unlike battling humans, his opponent was an animal. Even if they were clever, their attacks were simple enough.


    So, the best way to get out of this situation without getting injured in the process was to dash forward.


    ''I need to be careful as I can''t take any hits at all.'' He thought as he ran toward the left wolf.


    "You are first!"


    Max shouted loudly as his right hand, which held the axe, turned into a blur. The next thing that happened was blood gushing out from the severed head as the wolf''s lifeless body fell to the ground with a thud.


    He passed the other wolf by ducking.


    Screech!


    Using his legs, he stopped advancing and immediately leaped back with great force. He managed to catch up to the second wolf that justnded on the ground and spun his body like a fan. His axe struck the back of the wolf''s head and split its head.


    "Fuh!" Max was able tond safely with his hand and wiped his forehead, "That was scary."


    ¡ª Scary¡­


    ¡ª You''re the scary one! How can you kill them that fast?!


    ¡ª Normal yers would run away¡­ I don''t believe he just confronted them like that¡­


    "Come on, guys. You said I should kill them." Maxined as he picked up the bag he had thrown earlier. He wiped the blood that got on his face and put his axe back to his waistlock. "Besides, it''s just two wolves. If there are three of them, I don''t think I will be able to survive."


    ¡ª Normal people can''t even fight one-on-one with wolves.


    ¡ª Even StoneSword had a hard time and died once against those two wolves.


    ¡ª Dumdum! Don''tpare Breeze with SS. It''s obvious that thetter is a pro gamer while Breeze is just a monster!


    ¡ª Oh, shiet! You''re right!


    "I am not a freaking monster!" He sighed tiredly. "Well, anyway. Let''s con¨C"


    "Grrr¡­!"


    "Awooooo!"


    "Grrrrrr!!"


    "Woooo!!"


    Just before Max could finish his sentence, he heard loud growls and howls from behind. He turned around immediately and saw six pairs of shiny golden eyes observing him from within bushes.


    It didn''t need a genius to know who they were and what they were here for.


    "Guys¡­" Max took steps back slowly as he spoke with a trembling voice. "I guess this is time to run!"


    Saying that he kicked the ground and ran at full speed at once. The wolves followed him almost immediately, pouncing on the ground and creating a formation. Their bloodlust was clear from their eyes. They were determined to kill him.


    Also¡­


    ¡ª Du du du du dudu, du du du du du


    ¡ª aye! Don''t run, you rascal!


    ¡ª Get over here!


    ¡ª Run bitch, run!!


    ¡ª Move bitch! Get out of the way! Breeze is passing through!


    The viewers got excited at the sight of Max running at full speed while jumping around boulders and fallen trees like a scared rabbit.

 Chapter 46: Chapter 46 – Running and Arriving

    Trees stood close to each other in the Midnight Forest. Their trunks were thick, so only a few parts of the forest, including the trail, could be passed by an adult human.


    Max''s running speed slowed down considerably in this terrain.


    On the other hand, animals that had lived in the forest since birth could navigate easily.


    If this went on, the pack of wolves could catch up to Max and kill him.


    Swoosh!


    ''What should I do?''


    As he ran between trees and jumped over boulders to give the wolves a slip, he formted a n to escape from them.


    ''Fighting them all is impossible. I will probably die or get badly injured. Thus, the bonus quest from the system would fail. I can''t afford that.''


    Without a doubt, Max''s running speed was fast. He also could pass through the obstacles easily. If it were any other yers, they would definitely die in the first minute of the chase.


    He was halfway into the forest. There was no way back now, and the way out was still around 4 to 5 minutes away with his current speed.


    "Awooo!"


    At that moment, one of the wolves managed to catch up and pounced at Max, opening its mouth, ready to bite his shoulder.


    ¡ª Be careful!


    ¡ª Shed his blood! Give it to me! I want to suck it


    ¡ª Wolfie caught up to Breeze!


    "Tsk!" Max clicked his tongue and turned around.


    He immediately threw his bag into the wolf''s mouth and rolled on the ground. Using his experience in parkour, he managed to retain his speed and continued running as the wolf shredded his leather bag into tatters.


    "That was close!" He eximed as he jumped between the trees, giving him enough time to widen the distance between him and the pack of wolves once again. "I almost died¡­"


    ¡ª You should ask him to sit


    ¡ª Or paw.


    ¡ª Or bite¡­


    ¡ª Breeze is really good. To think he fed the poor wolf his smelly bag¡­ Devil¡­


    "I did it to survive."


    Max looked over his shoulders and saw the pack of wolves still chasing after him. They were so persistent and wouldn''t stop until they tasted his blood and flesh.


    "They are still chasing after me! Is the smelly bag not enough?"


    ¡ª They don''t like your smell!


    ¡ª Breeze, why don''t you just jump on the tree and dodge those wolves? I remember they won''t be able to climb tree


    ¡ª REJECT HUMANITY AND RETURN TO MONKE!


    ¡ª Embrace your ancestry! Floor Gang will be proud if his theory of evolving backward is proven!


    Reading the chat''s suggestion, an idea shed in Max''s mind.


    "Right, we can do that."


    Wolves couldn''t climb trees. Max knew that from a documentary he watched when he was on a sickbed and hadn''t found the joy of streaming yet.


    Using that knowledge, Max decided to try it and found the perfect tree to climb. It was more than 4 meters tall, somewhere the wolves couldn''t reach even if they jumped.


    He ran faster than before and leaped up with all his strength. His feet touched the trunk, but he was nowhere near the thick branch he could use as a foothold.


    ¡ª He''s going to fall!


    ¡ª It''s falling down!


    ¡ª Huehehehe, I am hungry! Breeze''s meat¡­ delicious! - wolves


    The viewers were expecting Max to fail. They were looking forward to when his body was shredded in pieces by the wolves, just like the fate of his bag earlier.


    "Hah!"


    At that moment, Max kicked the trunk and jumped to the branch. He grabbed it and pulled his body skillfully while smirking at the camera.


    "You wish! Did you forget I can run on the wall? Well, I just did a double jump, a dumber version of it, but¡­ Meh, it''s the same." He shrugged his shoulders and looked at the ground.


    The wolves were howling and barking as they were unable to get up to where Max was. He crouched on the branch and gave a middle finger to the wolves before turning to the camera.


    "It seems I survived without a scratch, guys. Too bad you don''t get what you wanted to see. I am just too good."


    ¡ª Tsk!


    ¡ª That was a sick move!


    ¡ª Double jump¡­ Now I realize that Breeze is inhuman once again


    ¡ª A new technique¡­ How terrifying.


    ¡ª Teach us! Make a tutorial like the wall run!


    Shaking his head, Max asked.


    "¡­ You wanted the wolves to eat me earlier. Now you suck my toes to teach you how to do a double jump? How shameless¨C"


    Ding!


    [CrazyRich has donated 4269 diamonds!]


    [Lesson fee! Teach us, teacher Breeze!]


    "¨C I like that part of you guys, though. Tutorial wille soon!"


    Max suddenly changed what he wanted to say once he heard the donation sound, just like usual. He even had a big smile on his face as heughed at the camera.


    ¡ª How shameless!


    ¡ª CrazyRich¡­ You are the GOAT!


    ¡ª We learn one thing, guys. A lesson fee is needed for a tutorial!


    ¡ª This guy loves money too much


    "No one hates money. Don''t be a hypocrite, guys. I doubt you will refuse when someone pays you to do something you needed to do anyway."


    ¡ª There is truth in his words, but¡­ Why do I feel that something is wrong?"


    "It''s just your imagination," Max answered the chat and looked around, finding the best path to tread through branches.


    "Anyway, I need to finish this mission as soon as possible. Start the countdown. If I am unable to reach the next destination in 5 minutes, I will gift 5 Punch premium to random viewers."


    ¡ª That''s a deal!


    ¡ª Wohooo!


    ¡ª Do it, sucker!


    ¡ª Oh, I will!


    At that moment, another notification came.


    Ding!


    [Bloodsucker has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Reach the objective in under 3 minutes.]


    [Reward: 10,000 diamonds.]


    ¡ª Hyahaaa!! He did it! What will you do, Breeze?!


    "3 minutes, huh?" Max muttered as he stretched his legs and hands. His footing area was narrow, so he could only move his toes slightly.


    Licking his lips, he looked at the camera, "Thanks for the money in advance, Bloodsucker. I am d I set the minimum amount to 10,000 diamonds. I actually can finish this in under 3 minutes."


    ¡ª You''re lying! You said 5 minutes!


    ¡ª Hahaha! He got baited!


    ¡ª Poor Bloodsucker... Or rather, you should just change your name to BreezeWalkingBank now.


    ¡ª Guys... You are awful


    "Nah, they are just worried about you. Anyway, let''s do this."


    Having said that, he kicked the branch at full strength and jumped into another one. As soon as hended, he began to run as if the branches were solid ground. They only shook after he alreadynded on another branch.


    His speed was ridiculously fast, only a bit slower than when he ran on solid ground.


    When there was no good branch to step on, Max used the tree''s trunk as a footstep and jumped on another branch. On one asion, he even grabbed the branch above him and used it to swing around.


    The viewers were speechless as they watched him move around like a monkey.


    ¡ª Hahaha! REJECT HUMANITY!


    ¡ª RETURN TO MONKEY!!!


    ¡ª N-No, why is he so fast?!


    ¡ª Sucker, it seems you will lose another $200 now.


    ¡ª Good sucker. He''s supporting Breeze with all his strength... Or rather money


    ¡ª HE''S CHEATING!! Run on the ground!!!

 Chapter 47: Chapter 47 – End of Journey and Mysterious Reward

    Max didn''t read the chat this time as he needed to concentrate so as not to fall to the ground, as his vision was still limited.


    The wolves had given up on chasing him and scattered. The howl could still be heard from within the forest.


    After getting used to the terrain and seeing the wolves no longer chasing him, he jumped down on the ground and followed the trail again. It was the fastest way to the exit of the forest.


    Then, after 2 minutes, he was finally able to see the light in the distance.


    "Alright, guys, give me the countdown!" He shouted excitedly, smiling widely as he intentionally increased his speed again.


    ¡ª 46 seconds before 3 minutes!


    ¡ª The destination is in sight!


    ¡ª Countdown to Bloodsucker giving money to Moneysucker!


    ¡ª You should just change your name to Sucker


    ¡ª 30 seconds to go!


    With an amusedugh, Breeze jumped and spun his body mid-air, front flipping twice as he exited the forest.


    "Hahaha! I arrived!"


    The scenery immediately changed in front of him. With sunset in the background, the Frontier City wasid like a beautiful painting. The game world stopped as soon as he touched the light, and a notification appeared in front of him.


    [Knight''s Last Journey missionpleted.]


    [You havepleted all missions and reached the end. Open world mode is unlocked.]


    [Start the credit now? Yes/no]


    Following that, Max received the 10,000 diamonds from the stream mission.


    [Missionpleted!]


    [10,000 diamonds have been donated!]


    "It was a good game." He eximed with a satisfied smile. "I guess we will end this by kicking Huh Ah''s knight butt one more time?"


    ¡ª Agree


    ¡ª Do it


    ¡ª Yes


    "Well then, let''s find him."


    With that, Max walked into the Frontier City and tried to find Huh Ah knight, or rather, Hurian Ahran. It wasn''t that difficult to find him. Even if he looked older than when the main story first started, his overall feature was still the same.


    The older knight dressed in peasant clothes beamed with a smile as he saw Max approach him.


    "Sir Breeze!" He greeted Max excitedly while he spread his arms wide, trying to hug him. "It''s really nice to see you again! Oh, my savior!"


    "It''s nice to meet you too. Now¡­"


    However, when Huh Ah knight got close, Max dodged by stepping to the side. He raised his leg as he grinned at the confused old man.


    "Let''s end it with a bam!"


    Bam!


    Max''s feet met with Huh Ah knight''s arse and sent him flying. The knight screamed loudly, in pain, and tried his best tond safely.


    At the same time, he started the credit roll and was transported to the top of the mountain as the world moved faster to relieve the past moment that he went through in the game.


    "It''s over." He muttered with a voice full of emotion that he couldn''t even describe.


    ¡ª Breeze''s massacre is over


    ¡ª Barbarians are saved


    ¡ª Huh Ah knight''s A$$ died forever!


    ¡ª Long live Sir Breeze!


    The viewers also celebrated the end of the game with him, though in a way they knew.


    ¡ª GG


    ¡ª You''ve done well!


    Not only those congratting him through normal chat but also viewers who enjoyed his content and had money donated one by one.


    [CrazyRich has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [GamingGuru94 has donated 300 diamonds!]


    [Good game!]


    [SpeedySwordSwinger has donated 100 diamonds!]


    [PixelPirate69¡­]


    [¡­]


    Many donations filled Max''s vision, and he thanked them one by one without missing a single person.


    Indeed, the amount might not be muchpared to CrazyRich''s initial donation and the two missions BloodSucker gave, but he was grateful to all his viewers and wanted to appreciate them with his gratitude.


    When the credit roll ended, Max sat on a boulder that was located near him and looked over the scenery from the top of the mountain. The sun slowly disappeared on the horizon, behind a twin peak of mountains.


    At that moment, the notification from the system rang in his mind.


    Ding!


    He immediately muted his microphone and pretended to look at the scenery as only he could see the system window.


    ''Huh?'' Max was speechless when he read the notification, but it didn''t give him any time to react as it continued.


    <System upgradeplete. You have proven your talent as a streamer, and the Penalty of the Quest will change ordingly. The system is permanently bound to you and won''t be uninstalled.>


    ''That means I will be able to fail the quest without worrying about the system disappearing?'' He chuckled in amusement and hid his grin behind his hand.


    From the viewers'' point of view, they thought that Max was getting emotional from finishing the game for the first time.


    ¡ª Breeze is¡­ crying?


    ¡ª No way! He cried for those poor souls he massacred!


    ¡ª Poor souls, your will be purified


    ¡ª You miss one word after your


    ¡ª Ah, my bad. Your hate is purified! They shall rest forever!


    Reading the chat, Max was pulled out of his own world and unmuted his microphone once again.


    "I am not getting emotional, guys. I was just thinking about how to tell you about my schedule tomorrow."


    The announcement for the program would be on 10th April, which was two days from now. He also got a lot of money thanks to Flexy, so he was thinking of having a day off tomorrow to prepare everything for his face reveal.


    ''There should be a photo session a day before the announcement, right? I remember it''s written in the contract.'' He thought.


    ¡ª You''re going to y a new game, right? Are you going to announce it now?


    ¡ª Is there something special tomorrow?


    ¡ª What game will you y? Is it an online game?


    "Ah, about that." Max looked at the camera, "I probably won''t be able to stream tomorrow. I need to do something important tomorrow. I will tell you what game I will y in the next stream. Better keep it a surprise, right? Ah, but I n to y an online one. I can tell you that much."


    ¡ª Hoho¡­ Online game, huh?


    ¡ª We will finally be able to meet Breeze directly


    ¡ª I will kill him¡­ I will kill him! My money!!!


    ¡ª Sucker, do you think you will be able to touch Breeze? Look at reality!


    "Well, I don''t like stream snipers, so don''t do it. Though I doubt you will be able to watch my stream inside the game."


    In this age where streamers became mainstream, many people who wanted to y with their idols naturally sprung up. They would do anything to y with the streamers they liked, even though it bothered the streamers.


    That was why the capsule, or rather games that were released in the past few years, all implemented a feature that didn''t allow people to watch livestream inside the game. It was to minimalize the cheating done by the viewers.


    So, even if they joined the same game, the viewers wouldn''t be able to monitor where the streamers were.


    Still, they were pretty annoying because they often only targeted the streamers, so most people hated them. Except for the viewers who loved seeing chaos.


    "Anyway, guys. I won''t be able to stream tomorrow. I am happy that I finished Knight''s Journey on time today. I will see you in two days with an important announcement! Bye!"


    ¡ª Bye, Breeze!


    ¡ª That was fun. I hope you return to this game again


    ¡ª Lolol, I have a good time. I will follow your livestream more


    With that, Max ended the stream and went to bed after he took a shower without checking the forum that went wild because of him.

 Chapter 48: Chapter 48 – Photo Session [1]

    Thud!


    "It hurts!!"


    Max shouted loudly right after waking up, throwing his body back to the bed. His body was aching all over the ce, and his legs couldn''t be moved at all.


    "What the fuck?" He cursed out as another round of pain attacked his body.


    Nothing was wrong with it, just a simple sore muscle.


    ''I didn''t remember the pain from muscle pain was this bad¡­'' He hissed in pain and tried to get up slowly this time.


    He managed to sit up this time and slowly moved to the edge of the bed.


    Sitting upright, he hissed painfully once again and inspected his body thoroughly. There was no swollen part, and he actually made a muscle slightly. His lower body, especially his legs, looked firmer than before.


    Not only that, his ribs area where his bones could be seen jutting out before were also gone. It was amazing.


    "Is this the effect of yesterday''s nutritional supplement and workout?"


    More than amazing, Max considered the change that happened to his body as a miracle. The pain that apanied it a day after seemed to be worth it now.


    It''s not like he would feel the same after a few times. Also¡­ The first time always hurts.


    Anyway, Max got used to it soon and did his morning routine and shower. It was natural for him to wash his body every morning and evening as he sweated easily from moving around a lot. Besides, it refreshed him and helped him think easier.


    After showering, he put on easy-to-move pants and a sweatshirt before exiting his apartment for a morning jog. The sun was just peeking from the horizon, casting a soft light over Lime City.


    Unfortunately, Max''s apartment was in a rather dense city and didn''t get much light from the morning sun.


    However, he had found a perfect spot to run yesterday and went to that park. When he arrived, the park was still empty, perfect to concentrate on his own business.


    So he started immediately after warming up and opened a hologram screen using his smartwatch to catch up on everything he missed yesterday.


    First of all, he found some threads about him and people talking about how the newest route discovered by Breeze would be the most effective for speedrun.


    The downside was that there would be no heroines showing up, so men who wanted to enjoy the game after finishing all quests shouldn''t y the new route.


    All men were simple. They actually agreed that having a heroine for the post-story, which was an open-world type game, would be better.


    Someone even poked fun by saying that Breeze was destined to be maidenless forever. It ticked Max slightly as he didn''t want to stay that way. Naturally, he also wanted to have a girl like other normal people.


    Out of irritation, he replied to the thread and told the one who poked fun at him that they would be surprised seeing how handsome he was when he revealed his face.


    Naturally, no one believed him, but that didn''t matter. Because Max already nned to reveal his face because of the program.


    ''I will have my photo session today, which will be released tomorrow. So it''s the same as revealing my face to the public.''


    In fact, he had already read the new email that arrived this morning. At 9 AM, he needed to take the Sky Rail to the New Eden city once again to Biozone Entertainment HQ. Mr. Taka had already prepared the ticket, just like before.


    There was a warning with the invitation that the photo session mightst for a whole day because there would also be a briefing. The streamers were also instructed to stay at a Biozone Hotel located near the HQ to attend a press conference that would be held after the announcement.


    ''Thank god I chose not to stream today.''


    Max''s decision was correct to announce his schedule. And now he was curious who the other five who got invited together with him were.


    Once again, Max was confident with his guess that a streamer called StoneSword would definitely be invited.


    ''Unless there is something between them, there is no way Mr. Taka won''t invite a world record holder.''


    Max couldn''t help but be excited. While bad ideas were fun, he also liked surprises.


    His jogging became a bit slower because he thought a lot about what Biozone Entertainment had prepared for him.


    At that moment, he heard a soft voice from his side.


    "Hello¡­"


    Slightly surprised, Max closed his hologram screen immediately and looked to the left. He hoped whoever it was didn''t see the email he had just opened.


    When he saw a rather familiar face beside him, he smiled slightly. It was the girl from yesterday who watched him trying to do a wall run for the first time using his body.


    "Good morning." He greeted her back without saying anything more.


    The girl nodded at him and stayed silent afterward. They kept running, circling around the park in silence.


    Max was confused about what had just happened but thought nothing more than the girl only greeted him out of politeness.


    Sighing internally, Max continued jogging before he finally stopped after feeling slightly tired. Sweat had covered his body and wetted his sweatshirt. Because he didn''t bring a towel, which was a mistake, he could only use his drenched shirt to wipe sweat off his face.


    At that moment¡­


    "Here, use this."


    The girl from before spoke to him once again and held a towel in her hand.


    Max looked at the girl in confusion and tilted his head slightly. Why was she trying to hand him a towel?


    "I brought two. Use this." She added after seeing his reluctant expression. "Don''t worry. It''s new. I always use a new towel."


    "Well¡­" Max wasn''t sure what to say. It was just too sudden and strange. However, he took the towel nheless, as he didn''t want to waste her gesture. "Thank you. Umm¡­"


    He paused.


    When he thought about it again, he introduced himself to the girl yesterday, but she hadn''t introduced herself yet.


    Once again, noticing him not saying anything again, the girl nodded and spoke.


    "I am Lily." She said simply with a t expression as she wiped her sweat. "Lily Spencer. Nice to meet you."


    "Nice to meet you, too." He nodded in acknowledgment. "I am Max Charles."


    "Un, Max." She nodded back at him, "You can call me Lily."


    "Alright."


    After that, both of them stood in silence under the shade of trees on the edge of the park. No one said anything, and the atmosphere turned awkward. They didn''t know what to say or speak about as it was just their second meeting, coincidentally.


    ''It''s so awkward.'' Max thought as he tried his best to maintain his smile. ''But still¡­''


    Max stole a nce at Lily. Her long eyshes fluttered as her small lips exhaled a heavy breath.


    ''She''s beautiful. Are all the girls in this world as beautiful as her? Nina is also beautiful in her own way.'' He mused in his mind.


    Thinking it was rude, he immediately looked away at his smartwatch. His eyes widened when he saw the time shown in it. It was already 8 AM.


    "Shoot!" Max cursed loudly and quickly packed his stuff. "Sorry, Lily. But I need to go right now. I will return the towel if we meet again!"


    "There is no need¡­" Lily answered Max and raised her head. However, when she looked to her left, he was already away from her, running in a hurry.


    Seeing that she answered an air and not Breeze, her cheek inted like a bun, and she pouted.


    "He didn''t even hear my reply..." She muttered in disappointment.


    Beep beep beep!


    At that moment, the rm she had set with her smartwatch rang loudly. She deactivated it quickly as she frowned as if she found the rm to be something troublesome.


    The words ''Photo Session'' were floating with the rm''s notification. She swiped it away with her hand, and it disappeared.


    "I also need to go."

 Chapter 49: Chapter 49 – Photo Session [2]

    Max managed to prepare himself to board the Sky Rail after taking another shower and wore his best clothes in time.


    If he were to arrive just a minuteter, he would definitely miss it and have to go to New Eden City with another Sky Rail, which would cost him another pocket money.


    ''Phew¡­ I didn''t realize how long I was running because I didn''t really feel tired.''


    He looked at the time once again.


    9th April, 9:03 AM.


    Just a few minutes after the Sky Rail departed for New Eden City.


    Wednesday wasn''t a crowded day as most people worked in the VR, so only Max sat on a VIP seat in the frontmost wagon, getting the perfect view of a metropolis city from the air.


    His hand that was holding the window rail was trembling. Mainly because of excitement, but he was also a bit nervous.


    How could he not? Even if he used to be the center of attention due to his previous experience in his old world, Max was still a human. Besides, this would be the first time he would get his picture taken as a streamer, not a traceur.


    Not to mention it would also be posted on Biozone Entertainment''s website, one of the three biggest game distributors in the world. Millions¡­ Maybe a billion people would get to know him soon.


    It was natural to be excited and nervous.


    ''Just a two-hour ride. Well, I can''t say I don''t enjoy this sight. It''s beautiful.''


    While watching the scenery outside, Max thought of what happened before. Lily seemed to be able to read him easily, and so was Nina. Was his expression really that easy to guess?


    Running his hand over his cheek, he hummed in wonder.


    ''Maybe I need to work on my poker face again.''


    ***


    An orange Hovercar was moving down the main street in another city called Pear City. It was moving automatically, following the destination set before.


    Inside the car were two people, sitting side by side, a man and a woman. The man wore a striking orange suit and had orange hair, which stood out a lot. He was Flexy, and he was browsing through Knight''s Journey forum on his smartwatch while leaning against the soft chair.


    "Ooh? This is interesting."


    "What is it?" Lisa inquired with a curious tone as she nced at him.


    "Don''t tell me that you have a sudden idea of using this photo session with other streamers to pull pranks on them. I need to remind you what happened when you tried that a year ago at the newbie streamer award¨C"


    "No no no, I already stopped doing that."


    Before Lisa could finish her sentence, Flexy stopped her in panic. Cold sweat formed on his back as heughed bitterly, remembering Lisa''s ''punishment'' after he messed up a year ago.


    He quickly pointed at his screen and continued.


    "There is someone leaking the content of the program. More precisely, that user just mentioned that Biozone Entertainment will have an interesting program nned for Knight''s Journey soon."


    "Isn''t that normal? Leaks always appeared a day or two before the actual announcement. There is nothing unusual about it."


    "I know." Flexy nodded without denying Lisa''s words, "But well¡­ the one who leaked this content is a pretty rare individual."


    He swiped the screen and moved it in front of his secretary. When the beautiful, stern-faced woman read the content, she frowned deeply.


    "This is indeed a rare individual. What''s this person trying to achieve by doing this?"


    "Nah, I don''t know what trolls think."


    Flexy shrugged his shoulders.


    "But IamNotTroll has a name to back his im. His credibility is at least¡­ the worst among the other trolls. People will think that he''s just joking. I didn''t know what Mr. Taka nned by asking that troll to spread the leak."


    Lisa nced at her boss and pushed her sses up, "You think Biozone Entertainment purposely leaked out their own n? This¡­ isn''t something they usually did. And the fact the one who spread the leak is that infamous troll yer¡­"


    "I guess you can say that Mr. Taka is cooking something."


    Flexyughed and crossed his arms.


    "That''s your job to find out, my dear Lisa. I will take a nap until we arrive. Oh, stop at the Sky Rail station instead of the Biozone HQ. We need to fetch someone first."


    "You seem to be quite pleased with that boy."


    "Can''t say anything about it." He smirked, "He reminded me of my newbie days, and he''s a fun person. Also, he will get big someday. I am looking forward to that time to climb back in fame using his bus, hahaha."


    Having said that, Flexy put an eye mask over and slept by leaning his head back. Lisa sighed tiredly as she opened her smartwatch. She had work to do.


    ''What a troublesome boss¡­ He''s too kind for someone who works in this harsh industry.'' She thought as she operated the virtual keyboard, ''Well, that''s why I am also attracted to him. Life is just so strange.''


    ***


    "This will be your debut, Lily. Just do like the usual, and you will be fine."


    "Yes, Brother. I have also learned how to do that trick, and I will show it to you in the demonstrationter."


    "That''s amazing. I am surprised." The man smiled softly at his sister, "How did you do it? Even I couldn''t do it perfectly yet."


    "I have a teacher." The sister answered simply without changing her expression, "I paid him a can of coffee. He''s really good."


    "Is that so?"


    A pair of siblings walked side by side. They both had ck hair and blue eyes.


    The older one was a man, looking like he was in his early 20, with handsome features and a high nose. His hair was slightly long, tied into a low ponytail. He was tall and wore a neat suit as if he was going to a business fair.


    In the gamingmunity, this man was known as StoneSword, a veteran streamer who loved and was good at using a sword. His real name was Peter Spencer, Spencer Capsule Company''s heir.


    Obviously, he hid that fact while streaming, although his fans found it faster than he liked it. Even without that, due to his skill in the game and his humble personality, he managed to create a fanbase big enough to guarantee that his stream had a minimum of 40K viewers.


    On the other hand, the younger one was a head shorter than the man. She looked innocent and still had a hint of youth.


    With slightly wavy long hair, she looked like a beautiful and delicate doll. She was Lily Spencer, the girl Max had met earlier. Her game and streamer handle name was LilyPixel, StoneSword partner in the run that bagged them the world record of duo Fort Siege.


    Both of them entered Biozone Entertainment HQ ahead of the other streamers as they arrived using a private jet instead of taking Sky Rail or a Hovercar. It was parked on the roof, which had a Helipad.


    Greeting them was the leader of Knight''s Journey marketing team and the head of the program they would join to promote LilyPixel to the streamingmunity.


    "Wee, StoneSword and LilyPixel. The others aren''t here yet, so please enjoy our lobby and feel free to order any drinks." Mr. Taka gestured to the caf¨¦ that was connected to the lobby. "The photo session will be conducted when everyone has gathered."


    "Thank you." StoneSword replied with a smile, "We will do that. We indeed arrived too early."


    "Thank you for your understanding."

 Chapter 50: Chapter 50 – Photo Session [3]

    Having said that, the siblings walked into the caf¨¦ withoutining. Mr. Taka smiled brightly as his n wasing together nicely. The dark circles around his eyes faded slightly, but it was still apparent.


    Just four more people to wait, then he could rest. If this program seeded, then as a marketing team leader, his job would be limited to ordering his subordinates around.


    ''A little bit more.''


    His smile widened as he saw two more people entering the HQ. They were a pair that unexpectedly blended together very well, Breeze and Flexy.


    If one asked him the best decision he made for thest year, he would answer it without hesitation. It was to find the unique and unexpected newbie streamer called Breeze.


    Not only was he young and had potential, but he also gave Mr. Taka a good impression as a polite boy in their first meeting.


    Also¡­


    ''If I can rope him in to be Biozone Entertainment''s affiliated streamer¡­ Just a little bit more...''


    A thought shed in Mr. Taka''s mind. He could imagine that Breeze would definitely rise. His intuition as a senior corporate worker was telling him.


    ''... And I can get a promotion! He''s the golden goose that can lead me to a good rest. I can''t let the others take him! I will be the one who sign him with Biozone Entertainment.''


    Naturally, his treatment toward Breeze would be slightly different from StoneSword''s from earlier, as he was his favorite streamer in this program. He spread his arms wide and weed them.


    "Wee! We''ve been waiting for you!"


    ***


    A few minutes ago, in Sky Rail station right across the Biozone Entertainment HQ.


    Max stepped out of the Sky Rail with a perfect poker face. He learned how to create one on his way here by watching a tutorial.


    But it was soon ruined as his lips curled up into a smirk.


    ''Learning everything is so easy now. To think that even a poker face tutorial will be that detailed. There is even a hologram model that I can use to synchronize my face with it perfectly to make a poker face.''


    He was in a good mood and exited the station with a smile.


    However, Max immediately put up his poker face again when he saw someone unexpectedly standing with open arms as if trying to embrace him standing right outside the entrance.


    "Hahaha! We finally met, my friend! It''s me, Flexy!"


    Many people looked at them with strange gazes. They walked away from them and whispered something to theirpanions.


    Standing beside Flexy was an elegant woman in a suit wearing an apologetic expression. She seemed to be embarrassed just to be seen standing next to Flexy.


    ''I am really thankful I watched that tutorial. If not, I would definitely have that expression too.'' Max thought as he heaved a sigh.


    As much as he wanted to push Flexy away for being an embarrassment in public, he couldn''t do that because his destination was right in front of him. Besides, he owed Flexy a lot to ignore him too, so he greeted him back.


    "Good morning, Flexy. It''s nice to meet you IRL for the first time." He shook Flexy''s hand expressionlessly while observing him.


    Just like his character in Knight''s Journey, even the real person wore a color that stood out a lot. It was no exaggeration to say that he was built to stand out among the crowd.


    "Hahaha, it''s nice to meet you too. I see that you''re not as thin as yesterday. Did you buy a B-grade nutritional supplement by any chance? That stuff is really great, right? I am thankful to the scientists developing them. I don''t need to work out as hard to get an ideal body with the supplement!"


    Flexy kept talking energetically as if he was with his best friend, something that Max found a little bit too much.


    He enjoyed talking with people, but when the other party didn''t even give him a chance to speak, it became too overbearing.


    Thankfully¡­


    "Flexy, it''s time to meet Mr. Taka. Please head inside first; I will park the car in the basement parking lot."


    Flexy''s secretary, Lisa, stepped up to stop him. Max showed his gratitude toward her, and she nodded as if saying, ''Just leave it to me!'' while pushing her sses up.


    "It''s already time?" Flexy asked, looking slightly disappointed. "Well, it can''t be helped. Let''s meet Mr. Taka and take the best picture. I believe StoneSword has already arrived, knowing how punctual he is."


    ''StoneSword?''


    Max''s eyebrows raised slightly as he heard an interesting name.


    ''So he''s also invited. But¡­ How did Flexy know about it?''


    He looked at the orange-haired streamer curiously.


    The other party noticed and grinned.


    "Connections are important. I got a leak from an insider." Flexy answered and began to walk toward the building.


    Max followed right beside him and nodded.


    "That''s really convenient."


    "It is."


    They entered the building together and were greeted by Mr. Taka. The marketing team leader looked happy when they saw both of them, gesturing for them to go to the caf¨¦ first while waiting for thest pair.


    That offer made Max happy. Last time, he couldn''t get to drink that hot Chocte with Oats. This time, he wanted to try it because he had taken a liking to it.


    When he went to the caf¨¦, he found a familiar face sitting in the corner. His eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he quickly rposed himself and waved his hand when he saw her looking at him.


    The girl, Lily, waved back softly before continuing to munch on a cake. She seemed to enjoy it.


    ''What''s Lily doing here? And the one sitting in front of her¡­ Who is that?'' He asked in his mind.


    It didn''t take long before his question was answered by Flexy''s energetic voice.


    "Ah! As expected, you''re already here." The orange-haired streamer approached the duo in the corner and stopped beside the man. "Long time no see, StoneSword. You still look as stiff as ever when you''re not streaming."


    ''So that''s StoneSword.'' Max nodded as he stayed still, watching Flexy talking to StoneSword.


    StoneSword smirked and looked up, "And you''re as loud as ever, Flexy. Pin your voice down a little bit. My little sister doesn''t like loud noises."


    "Oh?" Flexy looked to his right at the girl who stared at him dangerously, "Sorry! I didn''t know that you hate loud noise. Anyway, I will talk normally now. Nice to meet you, StoneSword sister. My handle name is Flexy! Feel free to call me anything you want."


    "¡­ Lily. And don''t talk to me." Lily answered shortly and stood up, walking away from the two of them.


    Flexy''s smile froze as he looked at his hand, which stayed in the air. Another hand grabbed and shook it; it was StoneSword.


    "I told you she hated noises. Also, I never saw her talk to a boy before, so don''t mind it too much."


    "Yeah¡­ Well, it can''t be helped." Flexy shrugged his shoulders, "Anyway, I want to introduce you to my new pal. He''s standing over there."


    He turned around and pointed at Max. But once again, he froze as he saw him talking to the girl who had just left him alone.


    ''Huh? What is this difference in treatment between me and Breeze?'' Flexy thought, confused. ''Is it because I am loud? No, rather¡­ How is that guy talking to that girl smoothly like that? He''s unexpectedly good.''


    StoneSword looked surprised when he saw his sister talking to a boy.


    "Oh? It''s rare to see her smiling like that. Who is that guy?"


    "He''s Breeze." Flexy answered as he let out a sigh, "Well, you must''ve heard about him if you yed Knight''s Journeytely. He''s that wall run guy."


    "I watched his video before." StoneSword nodded. A smile appeared on his face, "So that was why she always seemed to be so out of it and suddenly able to do a wall run. I see¡­"


    Looking at StoneSword''s expression, Flexy couldn''t help but shudder and took a step back.


    "Hey hey, you look so scary right now. Are you that kind of guy? Dude, keep your expression in check! Malicious rumors will spread if someone misunderstands the situation."


    "I know. I am not mad, just a little bit jealous."


    "Seriously?"


    Flexy didn''t believe what StoneSword had said. The expression he showed earlier was more than a little jealous.


    But¡­ it seemed interesting.''


    ''I never thought this rock-like guy would have this kind of personality.''


    Flexy looked at his friend, Max, who went to the machine to order something with Lily. An amused smile appeared on his face.


    ''My friend, it seems like you will have a bit of difficulty in the future. Good luck!''


    He never expected this kind of situation to unfold. It was interesting.


    Oblivious to the conversation between the two veteran streamers, Max felt cold sent down his spine.


    ''Did someone curse me? It must be that Bloodsucker¡­ He must''ve cursed me for baiting him to donate a huge amount of money.''


    "Are you okay?" Lily asked worriedly as she peered into him.


    Smiling, Max answered, "I am okay. Just feeling a little cold."


    "I see..."

 Chapter 51: Chapter 51 – Photo Session [4]

    After waiting for a few minutes and enjoying the Chocte with Oats, Mr. Taka entered the caf¨¦ with two men and invited everyone to follow him.


    They went to the 30th floor, where a photo studio was located. When they were in the elevator, Mr. Taka introduced everyone to each other, starting from StoneSword, Flexy, and RoninKnight to the newbie streamers.


    As everyone yed Knight''s Journey and followed the forum, they recognized Max as wall run guy when he was introduced.


    Max also greeted them politely, understanding his position as the newest streamer who hadn''t streamed for a week yet.


    Naturally, the other''s curiosity stayed at that, except for two people, Flexy and StoneSword.


    Thetter seemed to re at him for a second before. But when he looked at him again, the ponytailed man was smiling softly, like a kind person.


    ''Is it just my imagination?''


    The former seemed to hold back hisughter for whatever reason, apologizing when Max looked at him strangely.


    ''And Flexy is just as strange as usual. I don''t know what he''s thinking.''


    Before long, they arrived on the 30th floor, and Max was astounded by howrge the studio was. When he heard about the photo studio, he imagined a corner where a white background stood surrounded by camera and sh equipment.


    However¡­ This was like a real studio usually used to shoot a Hollywood film.


    "It''s huge¡­"


    "Hahaha, it''s quite smallpared to a real studio." Mr. Taka answered Max with a soft smile.


    He looked at the streamers, from left to right, and pped his hands.


    "Everyone, please head to the fitting room. We have prepared a make-up artist for this asion and will take your IRL photo in the best way possible. Of course, we also prepared the clothes, so please don''t worry. It''s located over there. As for thedy, she will be in the opposite room.


    "Please follow the director''s instructions for the photo shoot. He will be in charge here." Mr. Taka looked at a man in a hat sitting on an elevated chair in the distance. "Is there a question?"


    Flexy rxed his stance and said, "None, Mr. Taka. It''s just like the usual, right?"


    Nodding, Mr. Taka replied, "Yes. It''s just like the usual photo shoot." He looked at his smartwatch and nodded again, "Now, I am afraid I must excuse myself. Please ask the director if there is still something you don''t understand."


    With that, Mr. Taka left the studio, and the streamers began to move. There were 5 guys and 1 girl only. The distribution seemed to be weird, but it was natural if seen from what game they yed.


    While Knight''s Journey could be called famous, it was, in the end, still a realistic game about fights and wars. It wasn''t the kind of game that a girl enjoyed.


    Maybe some, but certainly not the majority. They preferred something with magic or not too bloody.


    Just as Mr. Taka said, there was already a make-up artist assigned for each person. Flexy kindly guided Max like a friend should, exining what they would do in this photo session.


    The RoninKnight and Mad also listened to the orange-haired streamer, as this would be the first program they attended.


    Flexy was surprised that a veteran streamer like RoninKnight had never attended an event like this. But Ronin exined that he had always refused before, as none of the programs was to his liking. But this¡­ He said he could feel excitement from the event, so he joined.


    StoneSword was already experienced in stuff like this, so he stayed silent and let the make-up artist do his job.


    After the make-up finished and he changed clothes to what appeared to be a dark red suit, simr to a noble knight uniform used in the party, Max looked at the mirror and was surprised.


    ''They are pretty good.''


    They managed to make him look dashing and elegant.


    Just as he appreciated his appearance and was about to take a picture for his Punch profile picture, Flexy''s loud voice rang from outside.


    "Hey, Breeze. They started taking StoneSword''s picture already. Don''t just stand inside and let''s go. It''s your turn after me."


    "Alright!" Max replied with a shout and heaved a sigh.


    ''Well¡­ I can always ask Mr. Taka to send me the result of the picture. Let''s just get it done for now.''


    When he joined the others, it was already Flexy''s turn. He stood confidently under the shlight and posed. Maybe because he was already a professional, it didn''t take long for his turn to finish. The director gave an okay almost immediately.


    Following that, it was RoninKnight''s turn. Unlike Flexy, he was a bit stiff under the camera. Thankfully, the director was experienced and could give a direction on how to pose.


    Max silently listened to the advice and thought to himself.


    ''What should I do to pose? Should I do the usual folding arms and raising chin all e-sport yers did back on Earth? Or should I pose like a model simr to Flexy?''


    He shook his head.


    ''That would be boring. I guess I will try that if allowed.'' He looked at the chair he sat on and grinned. An idea of a pose shed in his mind.


    It would look dumb and out of ce, but it was something that he wanted to do at least once. He also trusted the photographer to be able to take his picture nicely.


    "It''s your turn, Breeze."


    Flexy patted Max''s shoulder and pushed him toward the shlight. Nodding at his friend, Max walked toward the position while bringing the chair he sat on earlier, confusing the others, including the director and photographer.


    However, he ignored their stares, set the chair in the middle of the white background, and asked.


    "Can you take a dynamic pose? There is something I''d like to try if possible."


    The director narrowed his eyes and nodded, "You have a minute."


    That was a positive response. Hearing that, Max smiled and began to pose using the chair as a prop. He held the chair tightly and jumped high, passing the chair.


    "Crazy guy!" Flexy eximed loudly as heughed merrily.


    Yes, he tried to do a jumping pose to be different from the others.

 Chapter 52: Chapter 52 – Synchronization Test [1]

    "Hahahaha, don''t be discouraged. I think the first pose is good. It''s too bad that the director rejected it, as it doesn''t really look professional. Pfft¨C"


    "Don''tugh, Flexy. I am embarrassed here."


    "My bad, my bad¡­ Remembering it is still funny. But hey, at least you managed to finish your photo session quicker than that MadLad. That scary-looking guy was so stiff that he even got the director fuming in rage. Ah, maybe that''s why his handle name is MadLad."


    "Whatever¡­"


    Max leaned his back against the soft sofa as he exhaled a tired sigh. His pose, which he had thought deeply about before, was rejected. In the end, he went with the mainstream folding arms that almost all professional e-sport gamers did in the past.


    When he posed like that, the director immediately gave him an ok and ended his session. It felt¡­ suck.


    ''Not even a hot chocte will make me forget this disappointment. Forgive me for not following the diet n, Ava. But I want to enjoy this chocte for today.''


    While disappointed, Max also couldn''tin as he thought his pose was a bit too much. So he epted the result and went to the hotel prepared by Biozone Entertainment with Flexy. The others were also resting.


    The room prepared by Biozone Entertainment was a suite. Every streamer invited for today''s photo session was given VIP treatment and had their own room. There was also a room with thetest VR capsules near the hotel lobby that they could use to log in or livestream.


    So, Max was confused.


    "What are you doing in my room, Flexy?"


    He looked at the orange-haired guy who sat on a couch and had his legs crossed as if this was his own house.


    "Hmm?" Flexy looked over his shoulder at Max, who sat on his bed and grinned. "I am bored being alone in my room, so I came. Besides, I am going with you to your and the other two''s synchronization tests. I am curious how high you will achieve."


    "There is still an hour before that¡­" Max grumbled in displeasure. "Besides, it will be recorded by the director to be revealed after the announcement tomorrow at the press conference. You will find out at that time."


    Indeed. To add more excitement, Mr. Taka also added this synchronization test, as all the newbie streamers who joined hadn''t revealed theirs yet.


    Usually, this would be an important moment in a livestream for almost all streamers. Viewers were always curious about good yers or streamers'' synchronization rates, and the announcement usually was a big deal for a streamer.


    There was no better ce to reveal it than an event that was also attended by three veteran streamers like this. So Max also agreed to it.


    "How could I miss my friend''s test? That''s just impossible."


    Flexyined and shrugged his shoulders.


    "Ah, my synchronization rate is 92%. Even if you think I am stupid and loud, my result is still within the top 2% of the world, you know? I can even debut as a professional gamer with this."


    For a variety streamer who didn''t focus on games like Flexy, 92% synchronization rate was indeed pretty high. That was why he could almost learn wall run in such a short time.


    It was more than enough to y better than most yers andpete with a pro. Only one in a million, or maybe two million, had such a high synchronization rate.


    The average synchronization was around 85 to 87%, and that was enough for them to feel as if they were in the real world when entering VR.


    Knowing that, Max nodded at Flexy. Maybe this orange-haired guy wasn''t as bad in the game as he initially thought.


    ''As expected, I am indeed abnormal.''


    "That''s amazing." He ttered Flexy and pped his hands.


    The other party wasn''t pleased.


    "Stop with that fakepliment. I know that your synchronization rate is higher than mine."


    "Who knows?" Max shrugged his shoulders and stood up.


    Watching Max, Flexy raised his brows and asked curiously.


    "Where are you going?"


    "Toilet."


    "Ah, have fun." He lost interest almost immediately and yed around with his smartwatch.


    ***


    Max went to the hotel lobby when the time came for the synchronization test for the three newbie streamers. He appeared from the elevator with Flexy, who hummed pleasantly.


    Everyone had already gathered, including StoneSword and RoninKnight, and Mr. Taka stood in front of the four with an old doctor dressed in ab coat.


    Mr. Taka looked at Max, who approached them, and smiled.


    "It seems everyone has arrived. And I see that the three of you are also here, although it''s not really needed as we already know your synchronization rate."


    "I am curious about my sister''s synchronization rate. We have never tested it before." StoneSword said, followed by a small nod from Lily.


    "Well¡­ I have nothing to do." RoninKnight added while scratching his cheek. "Are we not allowed here?"


    "No, you''re all wee to watch. But please don''t livestream or leak the result before tomorrow''s press conference. We will use the synchronization test to promote the program, too. I believe it''s written in the newbie streamers'' contract."


    Mr. Taka looked over at Max and the other two newbies. All of them nodded, confirming his words. It was written just above the non-disclosure agreement, saying that Biozone Entertainment was allowed to use any content before the announcement for promotion.


    Of course, as it was something normal and they couldn''t talk about it anyway, there was nothing wrong with epting the term. It would also benefit them if their faces and names appeared in the promotional video; it could make them further known to people.


    "Great." Mr. Taka pushed his sses and smiled, "First of all, allow me to introduce Doctor Ardi. He will be the one who will monitor your vitals when you''re undergoing the test."


    "It''s nice to meet you."


    The doctor, with a friendly smile, greeted the six streamers. Everyone nodded back without saying anything and turned their attention back to Mr. Taka.


    "If everyone is ready, please follow me. I will exin the test while walking. It''s located at the end of the hallway over there."


    Having said that, Mr. Taka walked down the hallway with the Doctor first, followed by the others right after.


    Max looked around curiously, looking at pictures put across the wall. These pictures were sessful games that Biozone Entertainment released. Only those that managed to reach a peak of one million viewers on a streaming tform were put up in this hallway.


    In short, this hall was the hall of fame for games that Biozone Entertainment released.


    ''There are at least 15 games. It''s really a lot. And the genres are different too, from RPG to FPS. There is even a survival one¡­ It''s amazing.''


    While walking the long corridor, Mr. Taka exined to the streamers.


    "The synchronization test we will do is a bit different from a normal one. We will push your capability with thetest technology, making sure that you achieve the best result. The test itself won''t be much different from the usual.


    "It uses the 10-minute format with various obstacles that professional gamers use. Just focus on the test and leave everything else to us. Please, just do your best."


    As he said that, Mr. Taka stopped in front of a door and ced his palm on a glowing screen beside the door.


    A whirring sound followed suit, and the steel door opened slowly. Mr. Taka smirked and spread his arms proudly.


    "Wee to our most advanced testing facility. Flexy, will you show your junior how to do the test? Of course, I can do it too, but isn''t it better for you to show them."


    "Heh, it can''t be helped." Flexy huffed and put his hands on his hips, "Leave it to the most quiet streamer, Flexy. I will show you how to do the test."

 Chapter 53: Chapter 53 – Synchronization Test [2]

    Just as its name implied, synchronization rate was a number that exined a person''s ability to move within a virtual space. The higher the number of one''s rate, the more one felt like they were moving in real life.


    The milliseconds dy that should be felt from turning the brainwave''s information into data would be minimalized. It was said that someone with 99% synchronization rate would have no dy at all, and his brain could control 100% of his movement in the VR world.


    To find out that synchronization rate, in short SR, a 10-minute test needed to be done within a specialized VR Capsule that had no limit. It was slightly dangerous if something went wrong, so someone needed to oversee it.


    "Are you ready, Flexy?"


    "Anytime, Mr. Taka."


    Hearing Mr. Taka''s voice from the microphone of the overseer''s room, Flexy answered confidently. He stepped toward the pure white cubic room without anything but a blue tform in the middle.


    His avatar''s appearance resembled his real self, as the test was done with thetest scan of one''s original self instead of another avatar, like what Knight''s Journey used, to achieve the best result.


    Max excitedly watched the screen that showed a third perspective of Flexy''s test. He wanted to see how a person who achieved 92% synchronization rate was doing in the test.


    ''It''s harder than it sounds. I wonder how Flexy will deal with it.''


    Inside the VR testing chamber, Flexy nodded at the camera, gesturing that he was ready to start now. He even shed a smile and put a thumb up before the scenery around him changed.


    The synchronization test wasposed of various obstacles and in a different setting. There were a total of 10 types of tests, which would be harder as it progressed. The 10-minute time would be reset each time one finished a course.


    The first test was simple. It was an obstacle run.


    A track field appeared in the virtual space, recing the white room.


    Flexy''s clothes also changed into a short and a simple shirt, orange in color. There were many obstacles on the track, including a pit filled with sand that he needed to jump over with a rope, a tall wall, and a wire trap he needed to crawl over.


    The timer was floating in the sky, showing 00:10:00. It would start to decrease once Flexy crossed the start line.


    "We are already recording. You can start anytime." Mr. Taka instructed through a microphone, gaining a soft nod from Flexy.


    At that moment, the energetic streamer started to run at full speed.


    Watching the first test, Max leaned against the soft sofa and rxed his body.


    ''He''s pretty fast.''


    The first test was almost nothing for Flexy. Thanks to his agility and good control, he could jump over the pit and the wall easily. He struggled a bit in the crawling test but finished in under 3 minutes.


    ''He''s good. But the synchronization test isn''t just about fast. It''s about how well we move and how well our avatar responds to our brainmand.''


    There was indeed a record of the fastest finish of the synchronization test, which was held by a professional gamer called Puppeteer. He finished all tests in 16 minutes 32 seconds and recorded his name on the Hall of Fame.


    Not only that, he also boasted a 98.3% synchronization rate, the third highest in the whole world. Only two anonymous people who didn''t want to disclose their identity had a higher synchronization rate than him.


    Max''s goal was to beat Puppeteer''s time and set a new record. The reason was simple.


    ''I need to finish this new quest.''


    He had gotten a new quest when he entered this room.


    <Quest:


    - Set a Record


    You said you wanted to be a famous streamer?! Without having your name known by the whole world, that would be a dream!


    Set a record time in the synchronization test! Shock the whole world!


    Progress: 0/1


    Reward: Latest VR Capsule


    Deadline: 1 Try


    Failure toplete this mission will make your body sluggish and limit your synchronization rate to 80% for a week!>


    ''I will get thattest VR capsule that allows me to use all my capabilities!''


    The old VR Capsule in his room currently only maxed at 95% synchronization rate for safety purposes. If possible, Max wanted to get thetest technology avable to draw all his potential.


    In fact, he already nned to buy one with his pay when it was enough. However, the system once again helped him to get it. So he was thankful.


    Still, even if the reward wasn''t a VR capsule, Max couldn''t afford to fail the mission.


    The punishment for failing the quest indeed had changed, and it didn''t threaten with uninstalling the system anymore, but having his SR limited to 80% for a week will be detrimental to his streaming. He wasn''t sure how it would affect him, but it sounded bad.


    "16 minutes, huh?" He muttered in a low voice.


    But the girl, Lily, who sat beside him, heard it.


    "What 16 minutes?" She asked curiously as she looked at him. "Do you want to finish the test in under 16 minutes?"


    Due to her voice being loud enough to be heard by everyone sitting around, Max became the center of attention at once. They ignored Flexy, who tried to look good on camera while doing his second test.


    Smiling wryly, Max scratched his cheek.


    "I just remembered the record held by Puppeteer. Of course, I want to beat his record. Everyone is. But all I can do is to do my best."


    Appearing to be humble was important as he was still a newbie. Also, it wasn''t Max''s style to show off his skill in a ce like this. He would only do it when streaming or in the right ce.


    Lily nodded, satisfied with his answer.


    "Un. Beating the record sounds fun."


    She looked away, returning her attention to the screen. The other streamers said nothing and watched Flexy struggle to pass the third test.


    After he barely passed, the scenery changed into a ming ground, and he needed to step quickly to avoid his feet getting burned.


    However, as he had finished the test many times before, he managed to finish it rather quickly. The fourth to ninth tests were also easy for him, as they were mostly just obstacles like before.


    But his speed decreased considerably in the tenth test. It was the hardest one, and he needed to be careful not to take a wrong step, or the trap would kill him and return him to the start.


    Finally, after struggling for exactly 25 minutes and 54 seconds, Flexy arrived at the finish and pressed the finish button.


    "Hahaha! I am 20 seconds faster than before! Did you see that?!" He shouted loudly while raising his arms proudly.


    At that moment, three numbers, glowing in gold, appeared on top of Flexy''s head. It was written ''92.6'', which showed his synchronization rate. It wasn''t different from hisst test.


    Everyone pped hands to congratte him. Even Mr. Taka pped his hands.


    Then, the marketing team leader pushed his sses and turned to the newbie streamers.


    "That''s the test. Are you ready?"


    "I am."


    "Un."


    "Anytime, Mr. Taka."


    Everyone answered immediately. The other two, besides Max, seemed to have a reserved personality and didn''t speak too much even though they were streamers.


    ''Well, that''s why we are called newbies.'' He thought as he saw Mr. Taka looking back at him.


    "Alright. Then let''s start with Breeze, shall we? I believe everyone is curious how he, who is rising due to his strange movement skill, will fare in this test."


    Hearing Mr. Taka''s words, Max couldn''t help but wince. What kind of reasoning was that?


    Still, it wasn''t a problem. It was probably for the promotional video.


    Besides¡­ The faster he finished this, the easier it got.


    ''Well then, let''s do this.''

 Chapter 54: Chapter 54 – Shock!

    Max went to the VR capsule located in the overseer section where Mr. Taka and Doctor Ardi were. On his way, he passed by Flexy, who just exited the capsule.


    "Yo, it''s your turn. Do your best." The orange-haired streamer raised his hand and grinned.


    Knowing what he wanted to do, Max also grinned and raised his hand.


    "Just watch. I will set a new record."


    "Heh! Show off!"


    Dap!


    A shrill sound echoed as their hands pped in the air. It was the perfect dap, and bothughed at it.


    Max somehow was confident to break the record and felt really rxed. He nodded at Mr. Taka before entering the capsule at the Doctor''s direction.


    "Please don''t worry about anything. I will warn you if something is wrong. Just focus on achieving the perfect run." Doctor Ardi reminded him as the capsule began to close.


    Having been used to be taken care of by a doctor before, Max nodded without worrying about anything.


    "Thank you, doctor."


    The capsule was fully closed, and a whirring sound rang. A helmet-like device covered Max''s face and pulled his consciousness into the VR world.


    When he blinked, he wasn''t inside the capsule anymore but in a white room. His clothes changed into a sweatshirt and tight pants, and he even wore running shoes.


    He tried to move slightly and nodded in satisfaction after trying his avatar.


    "Is there something different or any difort, Breeze?"


    Mr. Taka''s voice rang from the speaker in the room.


    "It''s perfect." Max answered while making an OK sign with his fingers, "Let''s start immediately, Mr. Taka."


    "Hahaha, you''re really motivated. Just move toward the blue circle, and the test will start in a few seconds."


    "Alright."


    Without any hesitation, Max walked toward the blue circle confidently. He had already watched all the tests and experienced it once before, although he yed around then and wasn''t so serious. So, this was his first real test.


    He couldn''t help but get excited.


    Once he reached the blue circle, the scenery changed to a track field with 3 obstacles in front of him. He ignored it and began to warm up.


    "What''s he doing?"


    In the waiting area, RoninKnight looked confused when Max began to stretch his legs and arms.


    "He''s warming up."


    The one who answered his question was StoneSword. He looked at the screen curiously, looking forward to what Max would show them.


    "Does it work?" RoninKnight asked once again as he raised his eyebrows, "I mean¡­ He''s inside a VR world. There is no need to warm his ''avatar'' body as it''s already in peak condition."


    "It doesn''t matter whether it works or not." Flexy, who had just arrived, chimed in the conversation with a grin.


    "It''s all just about mindset. Breeze did this parkour thing in the past, and I guess he was used to stretching before doing any exercise. It''s like he''s preparing his mind more than his body."


    "Parkour?" StoneSword asked and looked at Flexy. "What kind of sport is that? An athletic one?"


    "Who knows?" Flexy shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, "Look, he started."


    Just as Flexy said, Max started running after finishing his stretching. The first obstacle was a pit with a rope. He managed to jump it without any problem and continued to a wall obstacle.


    Looking at the tall wall in front of him, the corner of his lips curled up. It was around 3 meters high. There was a rope that could help a yer climb the wall, but he didn''t need that.


    Hap!


    With a single leap, Max managed to reach half of the wall.


    "He will fall!" MadLad eximed loudly when he saw Max didn''t choose the side with a rope.


    But¡­


    "No. He''s Breeze." Lily denied his words with a soft smile.


    And she was correct.


    Max''s right foot kicked the wall once again and propelled him upward. He just did a double jump. Then, he grabbed the top part of the wall with his hands and jumped over it, continuing to the wire area.


    "Fuck!"


    Who cursed loudly in the waiting area was unknown, and no one reacted to it. They were so speechless at Breeze''s action that their eyes were glued to the screen streaming it. Even Mr. Taka didn''t react.


    Breeze was already on the ground when they realized it, sliding past the wire area. It just took him five seconds to pass it. The time floating in the air showed 00:09:26.


    That meant¡­


    Pa!


    "This motherfucker just finished the first test in 34 seconds!"


    MadLad pped his thighs, and it created a shrill sound.


    Everyone was speechless. Not even Flexy, who self-imed to know Breeze the best, could say anything.


    "Shit." A curse escaped his lips as his butt fell to a sofa, "That bastard¡­ He was holding back when we streamed together, didn''t he? Hahahaha!"


    "So fast¡­" Lily muttered in amazement.


    StoneSword only nodded. He had to admit that Breeze had skill. Just his movement alone, maybe, was already better than most professional gamers.


    On the screen, the second test was ongoing. The scenery changed into a forest view with many trees on the way. At the end of the forest was a vast canyon, spreading around 100 meters wide. Only a single log connected two grounds together.


    The goalid at the end of that canyon, a simple area with a checkered ck and white g.


    "Ah¡­ this will be a breeze for him." Flexy chuckled as he watched Breeze move through the forest as if no trees were in the way. "After all, this guy passed through Knight''s Journey midnight forest in under 8 minutes. No one is faster than him in the forest."


    As Flexy had said, Max had no problem moving through the forest and uneven terrains. He even used the trunks as footholds and the branches to help him move around easier.


    After a few seconds, the end of the forest could be seen. Max increased his speed without worrying about the small log. He was confident in his bnce. If he wanted to, he could stand on a single rope, not to mention a log with a diameter of around 50 cm.


    As for height¡­ If that were a problem, to begin with, Max wouldn''t even consider himself a traceur and start a parkour.


    In the end, the second test only took him 52 seconds, a bitter than the first test because the track was also longer.


    Max stood within the glowing circle with a checkered g and a wide grin.


    "Next!"


    The scenery changed once again to prepare for the third test.


    Watching how fast Max finished the first two tests, Mr. Taka couldn''t help but smile widely. He guessed it¡­ No, he trusted his gut feeling.


    ''This will be big.''


    No one doubted it. Even breaking Puppeteer''s record wouldn''t be a dream at this current pace.


    ''We will create a new world record in this program! How marvelous!''

 Chapter 55: Chapter 55 – Beating the Record [1]

    The third test was different from the rest.


    If the first and second tested a person''s dexterity and agility, the third test tested a reaction speed. Unlike the other tests, this one had a designated time of 1 minute.


    Not only that, the test taker was unable to move beyond a meter from the center. They were trapped inside a ss wall.


    What they needed to do was simple. It was to avoid an iingser.


    "Will he be able to do it without dying in this test?" Mr. Taka asked himself as he watched the screen.


    Max stood in the center of a white room from before. However, unlike the first room he entered before the first test, there were many devices alongside the wall. Just as he looked around, the 1-minute countdown in the air also started to decrease slowly.


    Following that, aser appeared.


    Fwoosh!


    It was a verticalser that moved from one side to another. The speed was also moderate, not too fast, and not too slow. It was like a person''s running speed.


    Dodging it was easy for Max. He just needed to duck. As much as possible, he didn''t want to jump as that would make him unable to move for a second.


    Zoop! Swoosh!


    This time, twosers crossing against each other appeared. Not only did they move toward Max, but they also moved up and down. Their movement was static and easy to guess.


    Once again, Max dodged it easily.


    ''Nowes the hard part.''


    The first two were just like a tutorial. Now that the yer was used to theser''s movement, the real test started.


    Fivesers appeared at once, moving around the wall as they moved toward the other side. Their speed was faster than the first twosers. Dodging them would be rather tricky as he needed to find the gap created at the perfect time.


    In short, he needed to either predict where the gap would be or just react to it when it got close.


    Max chose thetter. Thinking in this kind of situation would only make his body stiff. Three were on the right side, and two were on the ceiling.


    When thesers got closer, the gap could be seen at the corner of the closed space.


    ''There it is!''


    With an amazing reflex, Max immediately threw his body between the gap and passed by theser unharmed.


    30 seconds had passed.


    And the test continued. Sevensers, with speed faster than before. There were still 2 more Max needed to clear.


    Just like earlier, he managed to squeeze through the gap unharmed by front flipping. The audience in the waiting room cheered at his show, but then they became tense as the next batch ofsers appeared.


    This time, twice as manysers appeared. Four on both sides and six on the ceiling. They also moved around wildly; their trajectory couldn''t be guessed.


    "Hey! Howe people are able to get past this?!" Maxined loudly as he saw thesersing at him twice as fast as the first one.


    Indeed, it was strange.


    Those who had tried this test before also couldn''t use their knowledge to find the gap because thesers'' paths would always be different.


    But then, everyone could get past this level because there was a trick. People just needed to lie down on the floor for thest twosers, and they would be safe.


    Whoever did that would never gain a satisfactory SR that professional gamers had. Those who were truly good at VR wouldn''t try or use that trick.


    ''Left.''


    Using his amazing kic ability, Max could see the trajectory of thesers and jumped to anticipate it beforehand. He was not lucky. It was his experience of finding a path that helped him in this situation.


    ''Heh, this is easy.''


    Maxnded on his feet after he passed the small gap. His hand was scratched by theser earlier, but that wasn''t a problem. He could still move.


    ''Now this is a gamble.''


    Thestser. People would definitely move to the next test, no matter the result of this one. However, those who died would get a minute penalty. For someone who wanted to set a record, surviving thestser was a must.


    ''But it''s so difficult. Even I died in this testst time.''


    Not only him, but the current record holder, Puppeteer, also didn''t survive thestser and took the penalty.


    Swoosh! Zoop!


    Wrrrr!!


    Thirtysers appeared from four sides of the walls and ground. Their rotation was faster than before, and it went toward Max at full speed like a truck.


    He needed to think fast. His eyes observed thesers to find a small gap that would allow him to survive. Getting injured was fine. He just needed at least 70% of his body to stay intact.


    And he found it.


    ''Over there!''


    His feet moved as soon as he found the gap. He leaped toward the ss barrier that kept him inside and used it to jump again. He did it so many times that he moved up until he hit the ceiling.


    At the same time, thesers reached him. His heart was beating faster than usual, but his eyes looked calm.


    Pzzt!


    When theser touched his hair, he immediately curled into a ball and kicked forward. The rotatingsers seemed to be ready to cut him into pieces. However¡­


    Swoosh!


    By a miracle, Max was able to go away with only his legs cut. His upper body was still intact, and he used his hands to slow down his fall.


    The countdown in the air slowly approached 0. And when it disappeared, the scenery changed. Max''s legs regenerated after it was covered in blue glow, the cheers erupted in the waiting room.


    "Woooooo!!! He survived! He freaking survived thestser!!!"


    "No way!"


    "Crazy¡­ This is crazy! Motherfucker!!"


    "Impressive."


    "¡­"


    Mr. Taka''s smile widened from ear to ear. His fist was clenched hard as the sound of money rang in his ears.


    ''Ah, we seeded. We make history¡­ Our program will seed, and my promotion will be guaranteed. Breeze! Truly a golden goose! I am d I found him.''


    Controlling his heart which was beating fast out of excitement and the danger he barely survived earlier, Max picked himself up and was ready for the fourth test.


    It was a ming ground, and he needed to cross through it to finish the test. Now, it was time to show off his bnce.


    "It''s so hot. I will finish it in 20 seconds." He wiped a fake sweat from his forehead and began to run.

 Chapter 56: Chapter 56 – Beating the Record [2]

    "How long has it been since Breeze started?" Mr. Taka''s voice rang as his eyes were still focused on the screen.


    His sses reflected the screen that showed Breeze moving at a fast speed without decreasing his speed, even once since the third test.


    "It''s been five minutes and 52 seconds¡­ 54 seconds now." Doctor Ardi answered as he looked at the small screen above his smartwatch. It showed a stopwatch that he started when Max started the test.


    "And he''s already in the eighth test?" Once again, Mr. Taka questioned. His eyes narrowed in disbelief, but his lips betrayed his expression. It was full of happiness. "How are his vitals?"


    "Only his heartbeats increased more than normal. However, that''s due to his adrenaline and excitement. So I must say that there is nothing wrong with him. All vitals are green."


    "Really?" A surprised voice escaped Mr. Taka''s lips as he looked at Doctor Ardi. He got a nod from the doctor and heaved a sigh, returning his attention to the screen. "Is he a human? No¡­ How could he be so calm at this kind of test? Newbies usually feel pressure under expectation."


    "Maybe he was used to it?" Doctor Ardi added a suggestion, "Flexy''s vitals were also normal earlier."


    "That guy doesn''t count. Among all the streamers I know, he''s the most carefree and energetic one. Something like pressure is nonexistent in his dictionary."


    "Hahaha, you''re so harsh to him."


    "I praised him." Mr. Taka said. His hands couldn''t help but tremble in excitement as he watched the screen, "Breeze has just finished the ninth test¡­ Only the hardest one remained."


    ***


    Swoosh!


    The scenery around Max changed for the tenth time. He began to get exhausted from the test, but his movement was still the same as before. There was nothing different, and he finally reached the end.


    ''Now I really need to be careful.''


    The first to ninth tests were designed to determine a person''s capability, starting from their dexterity, agility, reaction speed, bnce, and other stuff rted to how well one moved in the VR world.


    However, the tenth test, the hardest one, was different. It tested everything and mashed all tests into one, creating a test room filled with traps and obstacles that needed to be passed without getting killed.


    The tenth test was just a straight 300-meter hallway with tight ropes, strong wind, and a pitfall trap. Added with some flying knives that would appear randomly and a fire that could burn one to ash immediately.


    And yes¡­ All traps were randomly ced depending on RNG to make the test fair without any chance for people to remember the most efficient path.


    It was no wonder this test was designated as thest one.


    One thing that became Max''s saving grace was two.


    ''There is a wall that I can use, and there is no time limit for thisst test.''


    After looking at the path for a few seconds, he started to run at full speed. He couldn''t waste any more time and needed to finish the test as soon as possible to set the record.


    And the time he had left might not be enough to cross the tenth test, as even he didn''t believe he could finish it in one try without memorizing the trap''s location.


    When he crossed the 10-meter distance, a fire suddenly surged from the ceiling and hit him. It took him by surprise and gave him no time to react, killing him immediately.


    Max''s avatar was teleported back to the start point with a blue light. He couldn''t move for 3 seconds as it regenerated, so he used this time to remember what had happened earlier.


    ''10 meters, a fire trap. Activation method seems to be the tile I stepped on.''


    On the second try, Max didn''t hesitate and ran again as soon as he was able to move. When he reached the area where he died earlier, which was marked with a skull mark, he jumped and dodged the trap activation device.


    The sound of wind being split by a fast object echoed as soon as hended. From the end of the hallway, an arrow was moving at a fast speed toward him. However, as it came from a distance, Max had no problem dodging it as he kept moving forward.


    With his speed and agility in dodging obvious traps, Max managed to reach the 100-meter line without any problem.


    At that moment¡­


    Zap!


    The floor suddenly disappeared, and he fell into the hole filled with spikes. His body turned into data once again and returned to the start.


    ''Damn, this is harder than before.'' He thought as he prepared to go at it once again, ''The activation is automatic. I need to jump to dodge that pitfall in the 100-meter line. The skull mark will help me determine when it gets activated.''


    It was already a minute since he started the tenth test. As expected, this was the most time-consuming one among the others.


    Once again, Max was already prepared to it. On the third try, he managed to dodge the pitfall by jumping and rolling on the ground. To reach the 100-meter line, he needed around 20 to 23 seconds, depending on his movement.


    But it wasn''t enough.


    ''Faster.''


    Many traps activated at once when he passed the pitfall. Axes moved vertically, and some spikes appeared from the ground.


    For other people, it was a hard trap to pass by. They needed to time correctly if they wanted to get past.


    Yes. That was for other people.


    ''Looks easy.''


    Max didn''t need to time it because the trap was only on the ground and the middle of the hallway. When he got close to the spike trap, he jumped and began to run into the wall, avoiding the two traps altogether.


    He kicked the wall and moved like a ninja. Gravity seemed to be non-existent, and he continued running on the ground once he passed the 200-meter line.


    The hallway shrunk to half its size. It was now only 1 meter wide to the way to the finish. A golden button was waiting to be pressed on top of a red pedestal.


    Projectiles were shot toward him, aiming for his whole body. From darts, knives, to even arrows, it didn''t stop pouring from the end of the hallway.


    Of course, it wasn''t impossible to dodge, just really difficult. Max died once more, impaled to the head by an arrow. He respawned once again and tried again.


    For the record, Flexy needed 8 tries before crossing the 300-meter line and pressing the finish button. He was an experienced streamer who enjoyed ying VR games and had more than 5000 hours of total ytime. He was used to it.


    As for Max¡­


    ''A little bit more!''


    He was faster with each try, and the finish line was just on the sight.


    At that moment, many projectiles were shot at once. Only a small gap could be passed.


    But that was enough. Max jumped without hesitation and spun his body midair, dodging the iing projectiles. His hand was stretched to the front as much as he could.


    Then¡­ A loud cheer erupted as he pressed the golden button.


    [Ding ding ding!]


    [You have finished the Synchronization Test!]


    [Final time: 00:13:51.]


    [Final Time Worldwide Ranking: 1]


    Hearing the notifications that came right after he pressed the button, Max broke into a big smile.


    "FUCK YEAAAAHHH!!!" He shouted loudly out of the excitement that he cursed. "I did it!!"


    But the notification wasn''t over yet. There was something that hadn''t appeared yet.


    [Ding! Synchronization Rate is calcted¡­ Finished.]


    [Synchronization Rate is¡­]

 Chapter 57: Chapter 57 – New Record Set

    [Synchronization Rate is 98.5%]


    [Synchronization Rate Worldwide Ranking: 2]


    "¡­"


    No one in the waiting area or even Mr. Taka, who stood in front of the monitoring area, said anything. Their eyes glued on the golden numbers floating on top of Max''s head.


    The two glowing numbers showed his time and his synchronization rate.


    "Doctor Ardi¡­"


    After a while, Mr. Taka finally spoke. Everyone''s attention turned to him as he looked at the doctor, who prepared to help Max get out of the capsule.


    "This is real, right?"


    "Based on the data, yes. His vitals are also green, so this record is valid."


    "Sick¡­!"


    A grin broke into Mr. Taka''s smile afterward.


    "Holy¡­! Breeze just broke a record! And his synchronization rate¡­ What the heck! He wasn''t lying, hahaha!" Flexy shouted loudly as he jumped from his chair. He broke into a run toward Mr. Taka and Doctor Ardi without caring about the others.


    At that moment, the VR Capsule was opened, and Max exhaled a sigh. His body was covered in sweat, just like usual, even though there was a better cooling system in the capsule he used.


    When he opened his eyes again, he almost jumped in surprise as what he saw the first thing was two men''s faces with a disgusting grin.


    "Hehehe, congrattions, my friend!" Flexy eximed energetically.


    "Congrattions on breaking the record, Mr. Breeze. I was quite surprised. Pleasantly!" Mr. Taka added with a smallugh.


    Looking at their gleeful expression, Max couldn''t help but chuckle.


    "Thank you. But may I get a towel? My body is really drenched from concentrating too much."


    "Ah, apologies. Towel¡­" Mr. Taka looked around, searching for a towel.


    "Here is the towel."


    Fortunately, Doctor Ardi was prepared. He handed the towel to Max with a soft smile.


    "Thank you, doctor."


    "You''re wee."


    Both of them nodded at each other, and Max got out of the capsule. Flexy kept bothering him as he walked back to the waiting area. Everyone was looking at him, congratting him on his new record.


    A jealous expression was clear on MadLad''s face.


    "Hah, I will set the new record after this. Just watch." His tone was higher than usual, and he sounded displeased. He didn''t even give a ttery and proceeded to enter the VR capsule.


    ''It''s so childish. Or rather, he has a really highpetitive spirit.'' Max thought.


    Setting the record made him happy, and the quest was alsopleted without any hitch.


    Max didn''t know how the system would send his reward, as it would be quite big. One thing he could guess was the system would order it from the real brand, and the saidpany would also do the delivery and instation.


    However, nothing was certain. The system was so mysterious that he knew nothing about its origin. What he knew was one thing.


    ''The VR capsule will probably be ready once I return home.''


    What he needed to do was simple. Waiting for the others to finish their test and then rest in the hotel while preparing for tomorrow''s press conference. He also reminded himself to lock the door before Flexy bothered him again, just like what he did right now.


    MadLad''s test ended in under 30 minutes. He was careless in his steps and got killed many times in the fourth test, making him quite slow. His final time was 29:46, and his synchronization rate was 94.5%. It was quite high for a streamer with a decent skill.


    However, the man himself wasn''t satisfied and looked angry. He red at Max for a second before sitting soundly and crossing his legs.


    "It''s my turn." Lily stood up from her seat and walked to the monitor area.


    "Don''t rush," StoneSword advised his little sister without even ncing at him.


    "Good luck!" Max cheered, gaining a nod from her.


    Lily''s test went better than MadLad''s. Possibly because she went with a cold head and faced the tests calmly, she didn''t make a mistake for the first three tests. She also made a surprising move when she did a double jump to dodge theser on the third test, gaining a gasp from the other streamers.


    "She''s able to do a double jump too?" Flexy whistled in amazement; his lips curled into a grin. "I need to learn that soon. It''s quite a useful technique. Teach me, Breeze." He looked at Max.


    "¡­ If I have time."


    Due to her small stature and good control over her body, the obstacle poses only a small challenge to her.


    After ten minutes, she finally reached the final test. It took her 4 minutes longer than Max, but she could still be considered fast in a normal situation. However, she started to struggle in the tenth test and died eight times before she finally managed to hit the button.


    Lily''s final result was 17 minutes 24 seconds. And her synchronization rate¡­


    "97.6¡­ That''s really high." Maxmented as he leaned against the backrest.


    "It''s even higher than mine," StoneSword added, ncing at him. "If you weren''t here, my little sister might be the one in the spotlight."


    Something about his words sounded as if he was grateful for it. StoneSword even smiled, and the slight hostility in his gaze when he looked at Max was gone.


    "Sorry to steal Lily''s chance to shine," Max replied with a joking tone as he smirked. "It seems I am still faster and have a higher synchronization rate than her."


    "Hahaha, not a problem." StoneSwordughed as he stood up. "Also, the yer''s skill isn''t based on SR alone. yers with lower SR can also y well as long as they know the drill. Well, today is enough, I think. Have a nice rest, Breeze."


    "You too, StoneSword." Max nodded.


    StoneSword walked toward his sister and congratted her before they left.


    ***


    As soon as he was allowed to leave, Max immediately returned to his room and locked the door. He didn''t want Flexy to disturb his rest.


    However, the energetic streamer and his new friend would always find a way to disturb him.


    This time, it was by text.


    [Flexy: Hey! How cold. Why did you lock the door?]


    [Flexy: Aren''t we friends?]


    The notification kept ringing as the messages entered one by one until it piled up to 10. Max looked at the screen while gritting his teeth in irritation.


    ''For fuck''s sake, please let me rest!''


    His condition wasn''t the best yet, so the test earlier took a lot from him. Naturally, Flexy didn''t know that, and Max didn''t want to be rude to him as he had helped him a lot.


    So, the only choice he had was to reply to him.


    [Breeze: I am quite tired, so I will sleep. Good night.]


    He hoped that would be enough to stop Flexy. But¡­ he was too na?ve.


    [Flexy: Is that so? What a shame. And here I am, kind enough to let you see the edited video of our coboration before I upload it. I guess you aren''t curious. Well¡­ Just watch it tomorrow after you wake up. Of course, on my channel.]


    ''Video¡­''


    Reading that message, Max''s eyes widened in realization.


    ''Right, he said he would upload the video of the coboration. I also hadn''t uploaded all my VODs, as I made them private. Damn it, how could I forget about that?''


    Many things happened in thest day that the was so busy.


    He quickly wrote a reply and jumped off his bed.


    [Breeze: I will watch it now. Where are you?]


    Putting on a jacket, he opened the door of his room. The question he just sent to Flexy was answered by then.


    Flexy was standing in front of his room with his secretary, Lisa, behind him. He had a smile on his face, and his right hand was raised.


    "Yo! I know you will open the door for me, my friend."


    Max''s expression was twisted in defeat. He should''ve known that it was just bait. He looked at Lisa, who gave him an apologetic look.


    ''Not even his secretary could stop him, huh?'' He thought, sighing tiredly. ''How can he still have a lot of energy left after all of that?''


    Pointing inside with his thumb, he said, "Come in. Let''s watch the video together."

 Chapter 58: Chapter 58 – Edited Video

    "Hello everyone! Your favorite streamer, Flexy, is here! Surprise, surprise, there is something special in today''s stream!"


    The video started with Flexy''s introduction as he appeared alone in his lobby. It was when both of them were preparing for the streams. However, there was something different.


    "Let me introduce you to today''s guest, Breeze!"


    When Flexy said that, Max''s avatar appeared behind him from the air,nding perfectly like a superhero, it was dramatic and was given some effect to make it look better.


    Following that, they made an agreement to attack the Fort Siege together, and the scene shed, changing perspective immediately to Max''s. He had sent the VOD to Flexy as requested just right after the livestream ended that day.


    The previous 1st POV turned into the 3rd POV immediately, giving a clear idea of what happened when Max massacred the first batch of enemies they faced for Flexy''s viewers.


    First kill!


    Triple kill!


    Rampage!


    Godlike!!!


    Each time Max killed a barbarian with his axe, various sound effects and popping words appeared. They were pretty shy and colorful, contrasting the Knight''s Journey''s dull color and full of mosaicked blood. It added the visual and made it look more animated than it should be.


    When the first batch of the barbarian''s army got massacred and Max turned around, an explosion effect appeared.


    "Let''s go. We''re done here."


    Max''s voice rang through the speaker, a bit deeper than the real one. However, it was perfect with the image shown in the video, adding ambiance to the situation.


    Once again, the video changed. It showed Flexy''s POV as he watched Max reach his spot at the highest part of the hill. The split started.


    And since Max hadn''t seen Flexy''s POV yet, he became quite interested, although the video was already edited heavily.


    "Alright then. Guys, let''s kill the boss before Breeze can reach the southern wall!"


    ¡ª As if you can do it


    ¡ª Do you think we will believe you?


    ¡ª Pfft! You? I think you will die


    [BloodSucker has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Die on the boss and let Breeze teach you wall run.]


    [Reward: 5,000 diamonds.]


    "Oh?"


    "Oh?"


    When Flexy spoke in the video, Max, who watched together with the streamer, also let out an interesting voice. He recognized the name. How could he not? It was the guy who gave him a lot of donations at once.


    "So you got a mission from him?" Max asked.


    "Hahaha¡­ W-Well... For now, just watch." Flexy scratched the back of his head and dodged the question by pointing at the screen.


    Max sighed and followed his suggestion. The video was still ying, and it now showed Flexy inside the castle, battling the barbarians with his sword and shield. It was the usual choice of a veteran yer, as the sword and shield were versatile.


    The orange-haired streamer skillfully dodged some of their attacks, blocking the one he couldn''t with his shield. So far, the run was exciting, but the end was near and predictable.


    Before long, Flexy arrived in the boss room, arge dining room with a man sitting at the end of the table. The man wore armor even when eating as if he knew an enemy would arrive soon.


    Arge sword was leaning against the table next to him, and he tried to reach it out.


    "Uwoooohhhh!!"


    Without waiting for the boss to finish his movement, Flexy jumped toward the nearby wall and tried to run on it.


    ¡ª Uwoooghhh!!


    ¡ª Can he do it?! Can he do it?!


    ¡ª Flexy is flying!


    ¡ª He''s trying to imitate Breeze! Impostor! I hope you slip!


    ¡ª Hey, remember my mission! I want to get back to Breeze!


    Flexy''s body was in the air, passing therge table, and his foot touched the wall. A grin appeared on his face, and he looked confident about what he did.


    However¡­


    "Huh?"


    His foot didn''t really move the way he wanted, and he slipped, just like what his viewers hoped. He fell to the ground, crashing against the table, and destroyed it.


    ¡ª Kek


    ¡ª He slipped!


    ¡ª Noooo!! You fool! Idiot ******, kill yourself! KILL YOURSELF AND MAKE BREEZE SUFFER!!!


    [BloodSucker is banned from the stream.]


    [Stream Mission is canceled.]


    ¡ª RIP


    ¡ª Oh, lol. He got banned!


    ¡ª And the boss is approaching.


    While the chat became full of words because BloodSucker was banned and Flexy slipped, the boss began to move angrily toward him. He had his great sword above his head, ready to strike Flexy down into a paste.


    "You are underestimating me, son!"


    With those words from the boss, Flexy''s life was no more. His head was split, and a mosaic filled the screen. The words ''You Are Dead'' written in blood-like letters filled the screen, and the video changed once again.


    It showed Max''s confusion and disbelief as hended on the tightrope perfectly.


    "What?"


    The scenery soon changed into the lobby, with Flexy apologizing to Max while scratching his head. It was aedic scene, and the former''s chat was making fun of him, just like thetter''s.


    All viewers med Flexy for ruining a good run.


    However, their reaction changed once again when Flexy asked Max to teach him a wall run. They thought that everything was nned perfectly, while it was not. As proof, the edited video had Flexy''s inner thoughts ying out loud.


    "Safe! I can cover my mistake like this!"


    To further emphasize it, big subtitles were written just right under Flexy''s face. The video continued with Max teaching Flexy until the newly recruited disciple was able to do a wall run once.


    The total duration was around 29 minutes, shorter than the actual livestream. However, it was packed and exciting.


    A ck screen with thank you words appeared after it ended.


    Max exhaled a long sigh and leaned back against the chair he sat on.


    "That was good. The editor did his best to deliver the edited version without missing the main point of the stream. Though I am quite surprised that BloodSucker gave you a mission." He looked at Flexy.


    "Hahaha, me too. Well, I didn''t expect him to give me a mission, either. I epted it, but I never nned to throw the game. Also, it was thanks to Lisa that I didn''t need to do anything about him. She banned him immediately."


    "It''s because he uses a banned word." Lisa, standing beside Flexy, answered. She looked as serious as usual. "And we need to return to our room soon, Flexy. There is a call you need to make."


    "Oh, is it already at that time?" Flexy raised his eyebrows and looked at his smartwatch to check the time. Then, he turned to Max with an apologetic look, "Sorry, I can''t stay any longer, my friend. I have an important meeting with my editor after this."


    "No problem. We can talk again tomorrow." Max answered as he stood up.


    Inside his mind, he was happy that Flexy didn''t stay longer. He wanted to rest for the day already.


    After both of them said goodbye, Flexy and Lisa left the room together. The secretary nodded at Max and gestured apologetically. It seemed like she knew that he didn''t want to be bothered and pulled Flexy away.


    He was thankful for the gesture.


    "Now then¡­ I need to make all my VODs public and then sleep. I also should set up my social media when I have time¡­ Ugh, having no assistant is hard. Should I also find one like Flexy? Lisa seems to be capable and helps him a lot."


    The list went on.


    Max grumbled and sat on his bed. He realized that what he had just said wasn''t realistic at all. There was a fundamental problem with that.


    ''I have no money to spend on such luxury yet. I guess I will do everything alone for a while.''

 Chapter 59: Chapter 59 – Press Conference

    April 10th, in the Biozone Entertainment''s conference room.


    Today was the announcement of the Knight''s Journey program. The team was working hard to prepare for it and called many gaming reporters from all around the United Nations.


    It was an ambitious project that aimed for a million concurrent viewers on the Punch streaming tform. All advertisement was needed, even if that meant calling those reporters to spread this news.


    They were sitting behind long tables, readying their smartwatch to record everything. There was no need for a fancy camera or a recorder, as the watch also had a recording qualityparable enough to a modern camera.


    Naturally, the reporters were still oblivious to what kind of something that would be announced. They came by blind, trusting Biozone Entertainment''s reputation.


    "What are they going to announce this time? Thest time they gathered us like this was when they announced theirtest game, Knight''s Journey, two months ago. Will there be a new game released soon?"


    "I don''t know. My boss suddenly told me to attend without giving much details. If it''s not Biozone Entertainment, I will surely refuse such a sudden invitation!"


    The reporters who just came by because their boss ordered them to were curious. Some were grinning as they seemed to get the leak that was spread on the forum. But they were also confused about something.


    ''Why did they call us for something so simple? I don''t believe a press conference is necessary to release that information.''


    One of the reporters, wearing a low hat and cream suit, thought deeply. John was already working around the gaming circle for a few years, someone who could be called a veteran reporter.


    Based on his experience, announcing a game''s program with streamers was usually done only through websites and promotional videos. Not even Biozone Entertainment would call reporters just to spread such a thing.


    The reason was simple: their target market was already clear, and just a simple post on the website,munity forum, and fan page was enough to spread it.


    ''What''s their goal and what''s that interesting program? I am curious. But that''s my job to find out in this press conference.''


    At that moment, a man walked onto the stage, followed by a spotlight. All chatter in the room immediately died down as they focused on him. He walked to the center and took a spot behind a podium.


    While it was called a conference press, the way it went was slightly different from Earth. It was more like a presentation, followed by a question-and-answer section afterward.


    Clearing his tongue, Mr. Taka, who stood behind the podium, looked around the room for a second and spread his arms.


    "Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for attending today''s press conference. There is only one thing that I, Taka Ramsan, want to say on this asion."


    With those words, all attention was centered on him. The smartwatch on the reporters'' waist glowed slightly, signing that they were recording.


    "First of all, please look at this promotional video. We believe that this will¡­ be the highest news of the month."


    Arge screen appeared above Mr. Taka as he walked to the side. Countdowns began ticking, showing the number 5, and it slowly decreased.


    When the countdown reached zero, a video was yed on the hologram screen. It started with the introduction of Knight''s Journey and its edited footage taken from the program''s participants''st stream.


    The reporters who had seen the leaked information nodded. They had confirmed that Biozone Entertainment had indeed nned something with Knight''s Journey when they saw the video.


    One thing they didn''t expect was that the video promotional would also contain the said ''participants'' of the interesting program.


    ''StoneSword, Flexy, RoninKnight¡­ The first two are expected, but I never thought RoninKnight would join this program. Also, who are the other three?''


    They seemed to be newbie streamers. Their faces were unknown, and their names had yet to be revealed. Two boys and one girl, all looking like they were in their early twenties.


    One boy looked handsome, wielding two axes as he killed barbarians mercilessly. The other boy looked rough. He wielded a spear and stabbed his enemies without hesitation.


    Lastly, the girl seemed to wield a bow and dagger. She could react to long-range and close-range enemies rather easily with her quick movement and agility.


    ''Axes¡­ If my memory serves me correctly, a newbie just rose in the Knight''s Journeymunity and gained many viewers in his livestream. I believe his name is¡­''


    As John thought that, the screen changed. The camera closed up to the handsome boy, who grinned confidently while crossing his arms.


    The name ''Breeze'' was written under his body, which was surrounded by a glowing effect.


    ''Yeah, Breeze. I remember him. His rising fame in the Knight''s Journeymunity looks like a storm has taken it, not just a gentle breeze. So he would also participate in the uing program.'' The reporter nodded.


    The introduction continued to the second boy, MadLad, and the girl, LilyPixel. They also crossed their arms for some reason. No one knew why, but the three of them had the same poses and were put side by side, with Breeze in the middle.


    Following that, the screen changed and introduced the program.


    Veteran and Newbie, Versus!


    Text and voice that exined the program rang with a background video of the Fort Siege.


    ''I see, the girl is StoneSword''s partner to achieve that world record. That''s why they invited her. Breeze and MadLad are also rising newbies. I understand now.'' John nodded, listening to the introduction quietly.


    After the exnation of the program was finished, it then introduced the veteran streamers and their partner.


    First was StoneSword. His best clips when ying Knight''s Journey were yed together with a girl next to him. They achieved a world record for a duo speedrun. Thus¡­ They became the first partner, an obvious one in this case.


    Second was Flexy. An annoyingly energetic streamer was shown in a pathetic state after failing a wall run when fighting the boss. Then, he begged his partner, Breeze, to teach him how to do it. And the practice arc started.


    The third was RoninKnight. The footage was taken yesterday after the others returned to their room. Both he and MadLad walked toward a crowd of barbarians without fear and decimated them.


    They were the participants of the interesting program, ''Veteran and Newbie, Versus!''

 Chapter 60: Chapter 60 – New Friend [1]

    After three clips were yed, their pictures covered the whole screen.


    In the center were the first pair, StoneSword and LilyPixel! On their right were Flexy and Breeze. Lastly, on their left were RoninKnight and Mad.


    The reporters pped their hands after the introduction was over, thinking that the video ended. However¡­ The screen once again changed.


    "We have written a new history to the gaming world!"


    A bold statement was written in fiery letters, floating on a white background. Everyone noticed what that background was. It was the first area of the synchronization test.


    "For the first time after 5 years!"


    Another sentence appeared.


    Following that, the scene changed, showing golden letters floating above a blurry figure''s head.


    "One of our participants¡­"


    [Final time: 00:13:51]


    [Final Time Worldwide Ranking: 1]


    "¡­ Have broken the record!"


    Shock! Without any exception, all reporters gasped. Someone among the participants had set a new record in the synchronization test, something that had stood for over 5 years.


    No one knew who broke the record because the figure was blurred and hidden.


    "Who is he? How high is his synchronization rate?!"


    A provoking sentence, inducing curiosity that couldn''t be itched, showed up on the screen. A burst ofughter could also be heard in the background.


    "Find out in 3 days, April 13th, at our channel!"


    With that, the screen turned nk, and Mr. Taka walked to the podium. With a confident smile on his face, he held the edge of the wood and leaned forward.


    "That''s our announcement. We will enter the question-and-answer segment now. Please raise your hand if you have a question."


    Hearing that sentence, all reporters raised their hands at once.


    ***


    "It''s really rowdy," Maxmented as he watched the question-and-answer segment going on from a back room together with the other streamers. "These reporters are really energetic, reminding me of someone."


    "Hahaha, it''s usually quieter. The bait that Mr. Taka threw was really effective." Flexy answered as he closed the one-way mirror, cing his hand on it and looking at Max.


    "It''s thanks to your ridiculous record-breaking feat. I still couldn''t believe that happened. Too bad we can''t upload it to our channel before the program. There is that NDA stuff, you know?"


    "Right¡­"


    That was indeed too bad for Max, as he could gain a lot of traction in his next stream if he could upload his record-breaking video.


    However, there was also an NDA agreement when he signed a contract. So he couldn''t carelessly leak the ''content'' used by thepany before it was released.


    Still, Max thought it was better this way.


    ''Biozone Entertainment can promote it better than I do. Surely, there will be people interested and visit my livestreamter.''


    Besides, he would be able to release it afterward. On top of that¡­


    ''There is the promised reward because of me breaking a record in Biozone Entertainment''s testing facility. Whether I win or not, I will be invited to the Biozone monthly segment to be interviewed. And if I win the program, I will be given a different bonus, which is still a mystery.''


    It made him smile.


    The press conference ended after all the streamers were introduced.


    Naturally, they just used their tag name and hid their real names.


    StoneSword was really calm in front of all the reporters and answered all questions directed to him skillfully.


    Flexy, with his energetic personality, also managed to handle the questions like a professional. Everyone was curious how he met with Breeze, and he answered by watching thetest video on his channel instead of outright answering it. The answer was there.


    As for RoninKnight, he only answered with ''Yes,'' ''I will do my best,'' ''I am hoping for the best,'' or something simr. He was quite nervous in front of cameras and reporters as this was the first program he joined.


    Just like them, Max also faced a few questions. Some of the questions were aimed at finding out who among them broke the record. But he didn''t reveal anything and just answered the questions vaguely.


    There was one question about what parkour was, and it was at that moment he realized this world didn''t know parkour. He needed to exin it in simple terms and make them understand what it was.


    Surely, that would be enough and cause no trouble. He even made sure to use ''obstacles'' instead of ''anything you can find around the area.''


    The reporters moved on to Lily and MadLad after three questions. Mr. Taka put a limit on the questions reporters could ask because it would never end otherwise.


    Everyone was allowed to return home after Mr. Taka told them that Biozone Entertainment had sent a little ''gift'' to their residence as written in the contract.


    Max exited the building first as he nned to return as soon as possible and enjoy his free time until tonight, searching for an online game he should y next in his new capsule.


    However, as he was about to cross the street and go to the station, someone called out to him.


    "Max."


    Only one person would call his real name in this ce.


    Turning around, Max saw the only pair of siblings walking out of the building toward him. He smiled at them and greeted her back.


    "Hello. Are you guys about to take the Sky Rail to return, too?" Then he turned to StoneSword as they stopped before him.


    "We are about to return, but not with Sky Rail." StoneSword replied on Lily''s behalf, "And I heard from Lily that you lived around Lime City?"


    "That''s right." Max nodded at him.


    There was no need to deny it. He met Lily for the first and second time in a park near his apartment.


    "Perfect." StoneSword smiled at him, "How about you return with us? It will be faster than Sky Rail."


    "Come with us." Lily added with a nod, "We will fly."


    ''Fly?'' Max thought as he looked at them, confused by the sudden invitation.


    But once again, he was interested in what they meant by flying. Going back alone would be lonely. And Flexy, his friend, had another n with his sponsor, so he left early.


    If he epted StoneSword''s invitation, he could also talk and ask for tips to stream from him, which was a rare chance. The guy seemed to change how he viewed him too, and became more friendly.


    There might be a chance he would tell him a secret or two about the industry.


    ''I can also ask for an online game rmendation from him. That will be better than trying to research and save me from a headache.''


    So¡­


    "If it doesn''t bother you¡­ I will be in your care."


    He epted the invitation.


    Lily smiled when she heard his answer. StoneSword also nodded.


    "I will also be in your care. Let''s prepare for the arrival of our vehicle then."


    They turned around and walked inside the building once again, much to Max''s confusion. But then, he realized something.


    ''Fly... Are they using a helicopter to return to Lime City?''


    Max quickly followed them so he wasn''t left behind.


    Unfortunately, that thinking was na?ve and originated from Earth and a poor boy living in a government apartment. He greatly underestimated the technology and the power of money in this world and soon would be forced to understand it.

 Chapter 61: Chapter 61 – New Friend [2]

    Max indeed greatly underestimated this world and its technology.


    When he arrived at the rooftop with StoneSword and Lily, a private jet actually arrived andnded vertically. Not only was the ne stable, but there was also no strong wind that was usually created when a helicopter or the ne''s engine was on.


    "It''s just a small jet, but enjoy your flight," StoneSword said as they entered the jet and were weed by the crew inside.


    ''Hahaha¡­ Small, he said.''


    The private jet''s size was actually the same as the average passenger ne back on Earth. The interior design was luxurious, built like a living room, and had a rather vast space.


    ''They must be pretty rich.''


    No, maybe just ''Rich'' was underestimating them. Filthy rich might be a better word to use to describe their wealth.


    "It''s an amazing jet."


    Sitting across from StoneSword and Lily, Max let out an amazed voice as the jet took off. There was almost no sound or a rocky feeling at all. It was a smooth take-off.


    He looked at the two, who kindly invited him, and smiled.


    "Once again, thank you for inviting me."


    "Hahaha, our destination is the same, so it''s nothing. Besides, I want to talk to you about something, Breeze." StoneSword replied and crossed his legs.


    "Please, feel free to," Max responded.


    It was just perfect. Breaking the ice and getting closer to him was something Max also wanted, as he was curious about StoneSword and asked for some advice.


    "I wonder¡­" StoneSword started, leaning slightly, "How did you train to move that good? Wall run is actually not something new; many people have tried it. However, all they could do was stop themselves in the air for a little bit before jumping away. Yes, I believe you call that double jump."


    Max nodded.


    It wasn''t so surprising. People would always try to do something new, even if it sounded stupid and didn''t seem to be possible.


    "How do I train? Hmm¡­ Actually, I never trained. I just ran a lot and tried to find the fastest way to reach my school back then. Hahaha¡­ I was quite poor and stingy that I couldn''t even afford Sky Rail and chose to run. That''s how I trained."


    He didn''t lie.


    Back on Earth or even in this world, Max was quite stingy. He wouldn''t even spend on a train or Sky Rail, even if it was rather cheap and had money.


    In fact, he also started doing parkour after getting interested in a video where people could run fast through obstacles. Who would have expected that he had a knack for it and became so good?


    "Running¡­"


    StoneSword took Max''s exnation seriously and nodded. He didn''t even doubt him at all.


    Not finished with his exnation yet, Max continued.


    "Besides that, I also love to climb to a high ce. If there is something that looks like it can be climbed, I would climb it."


    Maxughed shyly and scratched his cheek. There was no correct way to train parkour. One only needed to try and try until they mastered it.


    Of course, there were a few techniques that could be learned and needed to be mastered before doing anything dangerous. However, most parkour training only consisted of trial and error.


    "I see. In short, you''re good because of your hard work. Is it possible to give me a few tricks for wall run? No matter how I tried, I always failed. It''s a wonder how my little sister became better than me or even Flexy after she watched you directly."


    "You are just bad," Lilymented tly. Then, she put on her headphones and watched an animal documentary video on the hologram screen she brought out.


    "Hahaha, that''s cold, little sister." StoneSword chuckled.


    He was already used to his little sister''s cold attitude, unlike Max.


    Thetter was quite surprised that Lily spoke sharply to his brother. He thought that she was quite a soft-spoken girl, seeing how she always looked rather shy.


    ''People have many sides. We don''t really know them no matter how hard we try.'' He thought.


    "So, Breeze. Is there a little trick that we need to use to master that wall run? Of course, I am not pushing you. You can refuse to tell me, and I don''t mind. People have secrets, especially if that''s what makes them rise."


    Understanding the circumstances, StoneSword didn''t really force Max to tell him. On top of everyone else, he knew that the kind of secret or technique that streamers use usually became their main points.


    Many streamers wanted to keep such a secret themselves. It was their weapon in this industry.


    "I don''t mind. But¡­"


    "But?"


    Max wasn''t like them. Compared to other people who thought that his wall run was unique, he knew better than anyone could learn them.


    Before that happened, he would use it¡ªthe simple trick in exchange for important knowledge.


    "I''d like to ask for some advice regarding streaming if you don''t mind. Hahaha, I am a bit uncertain about what I should do next as I finished Knight''s Journey already."


    Without a doubt, StoneSword had extensive knowledge as he was a veteran streamer. His specialty was a realistic game, but that didn''t change the fact he knew something more than newbies like Max.


    Knowledge was power.


    StoneSword smiled softly after hearing Max''s words.


    "Sharing is caring." He said, "I don''t mind as long as you promise not to tell anyone. I quite like you, so I will share what I know with you."


    "I am sorry, but I like girls." Max retorted jokingly and moved back slightly.


    "Pfft!" Lily burst outughing after she heard Max. "S-Sorry, please continue." She said, covering her mouth with her hand, stillughing.


    "You''re also quite funny," StoneSwordmented. "I like you even more now. No homo." He raised his hand to show that he was serious.


    Actually, he wasn''t offended at all and enjoyed joking around. People around him were too stiff, so it was quite pleasant to have someone who didn''t even care or know about his position like Max.


    ''Maybe that''s why Lily is alsofortable around him.'' He thought. ''This guy is quite funny.''


    "Phew¡­ I thought my chastity was in danger." Max sighed in relief and smiled, "Setting that aside, let''s continue. The trick to wall run, huh? If you do it like this¡­"


    Max began to exin the trick to wall run to StoneSword, exining it while showing the video of him teaching Flexy from his VOD.


    After he was done, StoneSword also gave some advice. He even answered Max''s question about what games were poprtely and likely gaining viewers'' attention.


    Both of them were pleased with the conversation. They quickly became friends with each other and even exchanged chat IDs. Lily also asked for Max''s, saying to contact her anytime if he needed anything.


    Before long, the private jetnded in Lime City.

 Chapter 62: Chapter 62 – Games Choice

    Max returned home by walking. He was initially offered to be taken home by Hovercar, as his apartment was around 12 KM away from thending ground, but he refused.


    Because of the press conference this morning, he hadn''t had a chance to jog and exercise to maximize the nutritional supplement''s effect. Using that as an excuse, he quickly ran out of the airport after saying goodbye to StoneSword and Lily.


    He arrived at his apartment after an hour. He took time to get some refreshing drink on the way and looked around the area to enjoy the city view.


    "Phew¡­ That was a bit tiring."


    Thud¨C


    Arriving at his house, Max immediately put his bag down andy on his bed. It was midday; the sun was straight on top of his head earlier. His body was drenched with sweat as a result.


    He didn''t change his clothes immediately and opened a hologram screen inside. It was filled with notes that he recorded from StoneSword''s exnation earlier as well as game rmendations for him.


    "Still¡­ StoneSword is too kind. He gave me a lot of rmendations. There is no way I can y them all."


    There were a total of 6 games that StoneSword rmended. All of them had different genres, from action fantasy, survival, dating sims, and horror to even FPS. It made Max a bit hesitant to choose.


    "V-Shelter Survival, Return of Lycan, The Fabled Door, Bikes Are Girls, Traditional Warfare, or Breaking Havoc, huh?"


    Some games were released way back but were still popr and had stable viewers count in Punch. Among them, 3 were online games, and 3 were offline.


    Max had already promised to y an online game next, so he quickly crossed the three games: Bikes Are Girls, Return of Lycan, and The Fabled Door. He was left with the other three.


    "Survival, FPS, and roley games are left. All of them are difficult choices." He mused loudly as he sat up.


    His hand stroked his chin, thinking deeply. He knew these games from the integrated memories from his transmigration, and he had to admit he quite liked these three.


    V-Shelter Survival, just as its name implied, was a survival game revolving around looting and making a base called ''shelter'' in a certain city. Many yers could join a lobby at once, and it could be yed by up to 100 yers in one server.


    The premise was like a battle royale, but those with the highest point counted from the shelter won. Obviously, yers could raid other shelters and form teams. That was the whole point of this survival game.


    It also had a solo mode that only focused on looting and building bases. The threat in this mode was NPCs that guarded the looting area and sometimes could raid a yer''s base. Sometimes, even infected zombies showed up, and they often harassed yers.


    Traditional Warfare was an FPS game with a setting in the past. It was said the game''s setting was in the past. However, the guns were very modern for Max, looking at how this world was already in the futurepared to Earth. He was familiar with them.


    Then there was Breaking Havoc. It was a roleying game with an open-world model. The game revolved around daily life.


    yers were free to do anything they wanted, from being a cop or even a criminal. This game was popr among those who loved roley, and they took their role seriously.


    "Hmm, I wanted to y V-Shelter Survival or Traditional Warfare. But I wonder which one is more fun?"


    For a streamer, Max was rather strange. He believed that if he didn''t have fun, then the viewers would also feel the same. That was why his priority when choosing the game was for it to be ''fun'' or it wouldn''t do.


    And yet, it was what troubled him.


    Both games he mentioned sounded fun. At least more than Breaking Havoc. He knew that he probably wouldn''t really enjoy roley right now.


    Not before he genuinely wanted to do it.


    ''I guess I will leave that to my viewers. Today''s stream will be a chat only to answer my viewers'' questions. I believe they are curious about the announcement earlier.''


    Nothing to worry about. As long as he had fun with his viewers, all was well.


    ***


    Inside an empty restaurant, Nina sighed tiredly. The rush hour for lunch was over, and she could finally rest.


    Appearing from inside was her father, dressed in a chef outfit. Chef Rush took off his top hat and looked at his daughter.


    "You can go to your room first. No need to help me prepare for dinner."


    "Are you sure, dad? Can you even wash the dishes without breaking the tes with your muscly hands?"


    Nina looked at his father suspiciously. She helped the restaurant, although she was also busy preparing for next year''s college entrance, because her father was a bit klutz at controlling his strength and broke many tes before.


    It never crossed her mind to leave cleaning the dishes to him anymore after that.


    Getting an unexpected jab from his daughter, Chef Rush scratched his cheek in embarrassment.


    "You can finish the dishter. There weren''t too many dirty dishes."


    "Right¡­ The lunch rush wasn''t as busy as in the past." Nina looked around the empty restaurant with a sad face, "I wonder if there was a new restaurant opening near us. Or maybe people are already tired of eating noodles."


    "That doesn''t matter." Chef Rush responded and turned around, "We can only do our best to serve the customers the best noodles I can make. That''s it."


    Watching her father walk inside again, Nina couldn''t help but lower her gaze, "Is that truly the case?"


    She knew that the sales had decreased for a few months already. If it went like this and the sales got lower than this, there was a risk that they would be in the red and couldn''t even pay for their daily necessities.


    ''Well, let''s be optimistic! People may be just tired of eating noodles. Soon, they will return. Yes. Not everyone eats noodles every day like Max!''


    Thinking so, she took off her apron and went to her room on the second floor while giggling.


    When reaching her room, she immediately operated her smartwatch and opened the news page. She missed today''s morning news due to preparation, so she nned to read it as she had time to rest.


    As a normal 19-year-old girl, she also had a favorite streamer that she followed. It was always her enjoyment reading about streamer-rted news.


    The segment usually talked about new rising stars, a drama or scandal, and a big streamer event. Today, the news seemed to be about a new event, Veteran and Newbie, Versus!


    However¡­ Nina saw an unexpected face standing beside the streamer that she followed the most, Flexy.


    "Huh?"


    At first, she didn''t believe it and rubbed her eyes.


    It must be a mistake.


    She refreshed the page and looked at it again. The image didn''t change.


    "Huuuhh?!!!" She shouted in surprise as her eyes widened, "T-T-This is¡­ Isn''t he Max?!"


    The name written under the image said ''Breeze,'' but Nina knew better. She wouldn''t mistake her friends from childhood and the boy she met almost everyday for anyone else, no matter how much he had changed.


    And so, she was certain.


    "This is Max¡­ Max has be a streamer!"

 Chapter 63: Chapter 63 – Nina’s Worries [1]

    Slurp! Slurp!


    A young man sat in front of a brand new capsule in the corner that seemingly was more luxurious than any furniture or even the bed in the room while eating an instant noodle cup.


    He hadn''t realized it before as he didn''t look around, but thetest VR capsule had been installed in ce of his old capsule. Thetter was also gone and couldn''t be found anywhere.


    Slurrp¨C


    But that wasn''t a problem. He couldn''t use two capsules at the same time, anyway.


    And if he had to choose between the old and the new one¡­


    "Gulp!"


    He would choose thetest generation one.


    "Huff¡­ That was delicious. Thankfully, I found it before the expiration date. If I forgot about it, then it would just be trash in this room waiting to be found."


    Max stood from his bed and threw the empty cup into the trash can.


    It was already 5 PM, an hour before his livestream. He wanted toy around the bed and rest more, but he had a promise.


    ''Nina wanted to talk about something in her Lobby. What is it, I wonder?''


    This afternoon, his long-time friend suddenly messaged him that she wanted to talk with him. He asked whether he should go to the restaurant or not, but she said to meet herter in her Lobby. She would invite him.


    Entering his new VR capsule, which was the same model he used in the test yesterday, he fitted his body perfectly and entered the VR world.


    A vast grassy in greeted him with nothing but a single tree and a set of a table and a chair. Max sat down and opened the Knight''s Journey forum, which was filled with recent news while waiting for Nina''s invitation.


    [Breeze has gone worldwide!]


    [The truth behind Flexy and Breeze''s coboration!]


    [Veteran and Newbie, Versus! StoneSword''s pair versus Breeze and Flexy''s fair. Exciting battle!]


    The threads were filled with the program announced by Biozone Entertainment. But it wasn''t only that.


    [The new Synchronization Test world record. Breeze or LilyPixel?]


    [Our Breeze has broken the world record! He''s growing!]


    [Mysterious newbie who broke the world record. Is it Breeze or LilyPixel?]


    [Veteran and Newbie, Versus! Or rather, 4 veterans, 1 newbie, and 1 monster, Versus!]


    People also discussed the recent news spread by the reporters and Biozone Entertainment. One of the 3 newbies who joined the program had broken the synchronization test''s world record in the testing phase.


    It was big news that was not only talked about in the Knight''s Journey forum but also everywhere else. However, the people who often stayed in the forum had two guesses.


    It was either Breeze or LilyPixel. MadLad seemed to be forgotten, but unfortunately, his skill was not up to par with both of them.


    LilyPixel was FortSiege''s world record holder with StoneSword. Her skill was already known and acknowledged by the Knight''s Journeymunity.


    Meanwhile, Breeze had a bizarre skill even though he was a newbie. He was the hotcake among the yers, and no one doubted his skill, especially those who tried to wall run and failed. They had acknowledged him already.


    "That MadLad guy is so pitiful. He''s a skilled yer, but it''s just that." Max muttered, resting his back against the chair.


    Lily was good at movement, and she was beautiful. People were bound to remember her with thatbination.


    On the contrary, MadLad had nothing more to offer besides his skill. That was why he became a shadow in this program.


    Ding!


    At that moment, a notification appeared in front of Max. It was an invitation to join a person''s Lobby. The inviter was Nina.


    "Talk about perfect timing."


    He pressed ''ept,'' and the scenery changed.


    The greenery around him turned into a concrete jungle. In the middle of that was a small room made from ss,plete with wooden furniture that looked elegant. It was a simple kitchen bar.


    Metal utensils were hung neatly behind the counter¡ªand ceramic tes were stacked on the side of the sink.


    "Ah! You''re here!"


    A cheerful voice greeted him. Nina, wearing a modified chef outfit that looked feminine, leaned forward toward Max, who sat on a chair in front of the counter in his real appearance.


    "Of course. You invited me, after all." Max responded with a smile.


    He noticed that the girl looked rather different from usual. She seemed to be a bit down.


    ''What happened?'' He asked in his mind. ''She''s not the type to call me to her private Lobby out of nowhere. From what I remember, she would only do this if there was a big problem guing her mind.''


    "That''s right, hehe." Nina giggled and scratched the back of her head. She suddenly stopped and gasped, "Ah, are you sure you can talk with me right now? Aren''t you busy with your new job? I don''t bother you, right? Didn''t you always stream at 6 PM?"


    "Huh?" Max raised his voice slightly. "How did you know? I didn''t tell you about that yet¡­"


    It wasn''t like he didn''t want to tell her, but he didn''t want to make Nina worried. Being a streamer wasn''t stable, and before, he wasn''t even sure he could make money from it.


    But after what happened two days ago, with Flexy transferring 15 thousand dors to him, he nned to tell her about his new ''job'' soon. To think she would find out about it before he could have a chance to was surprising.


    "I read about a new streamer event in the morning news. Hehe, you''re famous now."


    "Not that famous ifpared to Flexy and StoneSword." He chuckled dryly, "Anyway, what do you want to talk about? I will listen to it as long as you need me to."


    While streaming was important, Nina''s matter came first. He was truly indebted to the girl for not outright ignoring him. And he wasn''t an asshole who forgot about the favor he received.


    In his memory, Nina had never called him before.


    "I called you to congratte you." Nina eximed with a bright smile, "We need to celebrate it, don''t you think so? Congrattions, Max!"


    She was lying.


    For some reason, Max was able to tell that much.


    His expression fell down, "I am happy that you congratte me, Nina. However, please be honest with me. I can at least lend my ears to listen to your problem."


    After saying that, he looked at Nina''s reaction. Her smile fell and turned sad.


    "I can''t hide anything from you, huh?" She muttered in a sad voice as she walked to the chair next to Max.


    Sitting down, Nina poured water into a ss cup and drank it slowly.


    "Will you hear what I want to say? Please¡­ I don''t know who I could consult with."


    "Sure." Max looked at her and nodded, "That''s what I am here for, right?"


    Hearing that, Nina smiled again, tears trailing down her cheeks, "Thank you, Max."


    Then, she began to tell him about her worry.

 Chapter 64: Chapter 64 – Nina’s Worries [2]

    "Phew¡­ That makes me feel better. Thank you, Max. I need to help my dad soon for the dinner rush. Please, don''t think too much about it. I really appreciate you for hearing my story."


    "You''re wee. Good luck with that!"


    "Yeah! Really¡­ Thank you!"


    After bidding farewell, Nina logged out from the VR, and Max was forced to return to his private Lobby.


    He let out a long sigh and sat down on the chair, troubled. Nina''s problem was not just a simple one. It was not that of love or rtionship but something more fundamental.


    ''The restaurant has been in the red for a few months. Andtely, there are almost no customers because a new noodle restaurant opened a branch near this area.''


    The construction worker he saw a few days ago was actually building the new noodle restaurant. It opened yesterday and took almost all customers away.


    ''She looked so worried.'' He thought.


    Someone he owed a great debt to was in trouble. Max wanted to help them if possible.


    Giving them money was impossible. They would definitely refuse it if he suddenly did it. And he could imagine Chef Rush getting angry if he tried to help them directly.


    ''I don''t want to anger him. He looks so scary and can squash me like a bug with those muscles.''


    Then, the help he could offer was only an indirect one. He had an idea but didn''t know whether Nina would appreciate it or not.


    Even when she knew he was a streamer, she didn''t ask for help and congratted him for his sess. She would have appealed to him to make content of the restaurant or something, promoting it in his livestream.


    There were many ways.


    But¡­ She didn''t do it. She was genuinely happy that Max was able to stand on his feet now. And that felt rather strange, and he felt like he needed to do something.


    Of course, he also couldn''t forget about his chatting stream tonight.


    ''Well, change of n. Let''s do an IRL stream tonight. My face was revealed in the program, and I can use this to greet my viewers directly. As for the ce¡­''


    A smile appeared on his face.


    ''I wonder if there is a nearby restaurant with no customers.''


    ***


    Exiting the VR Capsule, Max wore his best outfit and jacket. He left his apartment after bringing all his IRL streaming equipment: a portable camera and a wireless microphone.


    He didn''t need to take care of his appearance as he had already done so before.


    His destination was a noodle restaurant just right on the main street near the exit of the small path leading to his apartment.


    Before going there, Max made sure that the camera was on and the stream was ready. A loading screen yed on the livestream''s screen, showing Breeze''s name and some clips of his most amazing moment in Knight''s Journey.


    It was the reward he gained from a previous quest.


    He also changed the title of the livestream.


    [Let''s talk about today''s news while eating! IRL facecam stream! #IRL_stream #Mukbang #OnlyChat]


    Many viewers were waiting and chatting about how the loading screen looked really good. Some curious viewers also talked about today''s news excitedly, sending questions even though he hadn''t even started to talk yet.


    Also¡­


    [Viewers: 4208]


    Thanks to the news, he broke his highest viewers record almost as easily. It hadn''t peaked yet, and it could still increase.


    ''Biozone Entertainment''s effects are really amazing. It''s really perfect.'' He thought and walked toward Nina''s restaurant. ''I won''t mention the restaurant''s address, only its name. That way, they can order online or find the address itself. I only use this restaurant to stream, that''s it.''


    Thinking so, he entered the unusually empty restaurant. Nina was sitting on a chair, looking a bit depressed. She had her head down low and sighed asionally.


    "Hello!"


    "Hya!"


    When Max greeted her excitedly, she was surprised and yelped. She raised her head and pouted.


    "Max! You¡­! That surprised me!"


    "Hehehe, you are absentminded, so I can''t help it." He chuckled yfully.


    "Hmph! I guess you did that on purpose." She said, throwing her face away. "Also, what are you doing here? Didn''t you have a stream today? It''s past the scheduled time already¡­"


    "Ah, about that." He pointed at the camera he held in his hand, "Can I stream here? I have a chat-only stream today and am thinking of doing so while eating Chef Rush''s noodles. Hahaha, I am quite hungry."


    Of course, that was a lie. He just ate an instant noodle before talking to Nina. In fact, he didn''t feel hungry a little bit. And Nina knew that.


    "Max¡­" She muttered in a low voice and bit her lower lips.


    Just as he could read her easily, she could also read him like an open book. No matter how much he changed by new memories from Earth, Max''s personality was still the same.


    Nina knew he did it on purpose because he was worried about her after she shared her story.


    "You really didn''t need to do this, you know?"


    "Do what?" Max asked, pretending to be oblivious. "I told you that I am hungry. Ah, give me the best seller here, the one with pork chop. Hehehe, I got quite a pay from Biozone Entertainment, so I want to eat something good."


    It was Max''s way of telling her that she didn''t need to think much and just serve him as a waitress. He didn''t do this for her but for himself.


    For once, he considered himself to be a selfish individual. He brokews back on Earth just to reach ces that he thought were good for parkour. It was wrong, but back then, he thought it was fun.


    And no matter what his friends told him, he wouldn''t listen. And it also applied to what he did right now.


    If Nina hadn''t explicitly told him not to stream in this restaurant, he wouldn''t listen to her and just did whatever he wanted. He knew the girl wouldn''t do that to him.


    "It''s unfair." She spoke in a low voice that he couldn''t hear and put up a business smile, "Well then, selfish customer. The food will be ready in a while, so please take a seat!"


    Hearing that, Max nodded and smiled, "Thank you. Tell the chef to make it extrarge! I will also take the special drink too, Miss Waitress."


    "Cheeky Max." Nina giggled happily. Her mood was restored thanks to joking around, "Wait for a while. We will give you the best noodles you have ever tasted in the world!"


    "I am looking forward to it." He said, "Ah, no spinach noodles, please."


    "Hehe, the chef''s special is up to the chef. You will get what he made." Shemented and went to the kitchen.

 Chapter 65: Chapter 65 – Mukbang Time!

    After Max watched Nina disappear into a kitchen, he went to the inconspicuous corner and set his camera down, facing him. The wireless microphone was clipped on his cor, and he observed the livestream room with a small screen he brought in front of him.


    The number of viewers increased to 4,500, and they were quite impatient and asked him to start the stream soon.


    Why? Simple.


    The other streamers who also joined the program would only stream at 8 PM, unlike Max, who usually started at 6. The two of them, Ronin Knight and MadLad, also didn''t stream today as their residences were far from New Eden City.


    As for StoneSword, he announced that he would only stream after the program was over. He mentioned he wanted to do training with LilyPixel as the opponents couldn''t be underestimated.


    That was why curious viewers and people joined Max''s livestream. They wanted to hear directly about the program from the participants.


    ''It''s ready.''


    All equipment was set. All Max needed to do was to change the loading screen to the camera one.


    The streaming screen changed. It showed Max jumping and spinning a few times, cutting the screen and transitioning it to the camera one.


    "Hello, guys! Hahaha, I finally showed my face in the livestream. How do you like my new loading screen?"


    ¡ª That was awesome!


    ¡ª Damn! The transition was smooth and sick!


    ¡ª ¡­ This guy is really good-looking


    ¡ª Breeze''s face¡­ This maidenless knight has such a handsome feature


    ¡ª Hyaa! Breeze! Marry me!!


    The chat exploded at once at his greeting. It moved so fast that Max couldn''t really read all of them, unlike before.


    ''4000 viewers might be too much¡­ But thankfully, I can slow it down on another screen and actually read some of the chat. I might need to make a slow mode for my chat soon, putting 10 seconds of cooldown for each chat.''


    That was alreadyte for this livestream, so he needed to work around this for now.


    "Hahaha, you guys are rowdy. This time, I want to talk about this morning''s announcement and about the next game I should y. Oh, right now I am also in a restaurant to eat, so we will do a mukbang too. Let me tell you, this Rush Noodle is really good, and I am looking forward to eating it again."


    ¡ª It sounds like an ad


    ¡ª Rush Noodle? I never heard of it


    ¡ª This guy has been getting ads! Damn, it''s not even a week since your first stream!


    "Actually, it''s my fifth day today." Max smiled at the camera, "I started streaming at 5th, and it''s now 10th. And no, it''s not an ad. I just visited the restaurant I often went to, and the waitress allowed me to stream here. Hahaha, the noodles are also good, so I nned to have dinner too."


    ¡ª Excuses


    ¡ª Sounds like a lie, but I will believe you!


    ¡ª I am the noodle consoeur. If you show me bad noodles, be prepared for the setback!


    Max''s smile froze after reading thest chat. It was what he feared too.


    Advertising food was a bit risky. Some people would like it, and some would hate it. Taste was rtive depending on people, and it could even put the restaurant at risk if many attacked it with a 1-star rating in the maps or food catalog applications.


    ''There are people like him.'' He thought as he coughed into his hand.


    He had expected as much, so he wasn''t really surprised.


    Besides, he was pretty confident in Chef Rush''s noodles. Nothing could beat it.


    As someone who had eaten it since he was still in junior school, Max could guarantee that much.


    "Now, now, I will open the Q&A section. I have prepared links to have your questions listed, so fill it up while I am waiting for my meal."


    Having said that, Max operated the screen, pasted the link he prepared this morning in the chat, and pinned it on top. It was a form that only allowed one person to ask one question.


    An artificial intelligence automatically sorts simr questions, making it tidier.


    As soon as he posted the link, the questions were entered one by one. Max leaned back on the chair and waited as he hummed happily.


    At that moment¡­


    "Thanks for waiting!"


    A voice rang in the direction of the kitchen, which was also visible from the camera''s angle.


    ¡ª Oh?


    ¡ª Huh?


    ¡ª The waitress is cute!


    ¡ª Damn! Rush Noodle, I need to find its location ASAP!


    ¡ª Hey, girl. You want to get going with our Breeze? He''s mine!


    ¡ª ^^ Gay


    ¡ª B-B-B-Breeze, tell us the location of the restaurant right now!


    The response immediately changed once the viewers saw Nina wearing casual clothes and an apron. Her smile managed to catch the viewers'' hearts at once.


    "Ooh, the noodles we are waiting for have arrived." Max opened his arms and weed the mountain of noodles on the tray with a big smile, ignoring the chat.


    He gestured to Nina not to call his real name by putting his finger on his lips. She understood it immediately and put the tray on the table.


    "Here is the extrarge Rush Special you ordered. The drink will be here shortly, so enjoy it!" She said, carefully putting a bowl that was filled¡­ No, it overflowed with red noodles in front of Max.


    "Thank you, Miss Waitress." He smiled at her and winked yfully, "The chat said you are pretty cute. Can I get your number for them?"


    ¡ª Oooh! Breeze is striking!


    ¡ª Did it get through? The cute waitress'' face turns red!


    ¡ª It worked! This damn handsome monster is trying to get the girl!


    ¡ª Refuse him! Let him be maidenless forever!


    "Surely you jest." Nina giggled, her face flushed slightly red from embarrassment. "I-I need to prepare your drink, so please enjoy your meal."


    With that, she turned around and ran back into the kitchen.


    ¡ª He''s rejected


    ¡ª It failed, no?


    ¡ª Hahahahaha! Good game!


    ¡ª Does that mean I have a chance with that cute waitress?


    ¡ª Dream on, kid. Even this handsome monster was rejected!


    ¡ª But, the waitress'' face is red, isn''t it? Doesn''t that mean she''s just shy? Or is she falling for Breeze?! Tell me that she''s not!


    ¡ª Could be. Shy and cute. How wholesome¡­


    At the same time, Max also felt embarrassed. If not for the trick he learned from watching poker face tutorials, his face would definitely have a red tinge.


    ''That was so awkward!'' He screamed in his mind as he took chopsticks from the bowl.


    "Cough," He cleared his throat and looked at the camera. "Forget about the waitress from earlier, guys. Look at this dish. It looks so good."


    ¡ª Don''t worry, Breeze. We''re also maidenless


    ¡ª Lmao, he changed the topic


    ¡ª We wanted to talk to that waitress again!


    ¡ª Let the waitress talk again!


    Reading the chat, the corner of Max''s lips twitched.


    ''These guys! All they think are girls!''


    But that was how men were.


    ¡ª Breeze, you can just go to my home. It''s here [address]. I will be waiting for you wearing a naked apron


    ¡ª Don''t worry, Breeze! I am willing to take you in.


    ¡ª You can cry in my bosom, baby.


    Correction. The girls were also hungry for boys.


    Ignoring them, Max began to eat the noodles with a satisfied expression. The slurping sounds made the viewers gulp. They all thought of one thing.


    ¡ª It looks delicious

 Chapter 66: Chapter 66 – Q&A With Breeze!

    "That was so delicious! The spiciness is on point. The noodles are soft, and the broth is thick and creamy. Not to mention, the pork chop is so tender, like it''s melting in my mouth! It''s not so heavy, but it''s not too light either. If I have to exin it, it tastes heavenly!"


    Max did his best to exin to the viewers the taste of the noodles he ate. It needed to be mentioned that he wasn''t a professional food critic, but his exnation was satisfactory.


    The viewers were able to get a good sense of imagination from it.


    ¡ª As a noodle consoeur, I approve of this noodle!


    ¡ª I have been thinking for a while, but isn''t the correct term connoisseur? I searched Bubble!


    ¡ª Let him be¡­ If he''s consoeur, then he''s consoeur


    ¡ª That looked so good. Not to mention the portion¡­ It''s not Extra Large but OVERFLOW!


    ¡ª There is also a cute waitress¡­ I mean, good drink. It looked so cute¡­ I mean, it looks so refreshing


    ¡ª Police! Here is the guy! This old man wants to look at cute girls! He''s oggling them!


    ¡ª Police here, lemme apprehend him!


    ''Watching all those food vloggers wasn''t a waste of time. Thank you!'' He thought as he looked around.


    Some people entered the restaurant and began to order something. They nced at him for a second while taking pictures secretly.


    Without a doubt, they were his viewers.


    ''And these guys are already here. They are fast.''


    Thankfully, no one disturbed him and only took pictures from afar. Max was already used to being photographed while he was parkouring on Earth, so he didn''t really mind. He even shed a smile at them, the girls, as a sort of service.


    Even so, the livestream needed to be continued, so he looked back at the camera.


    "Come on, guys. Let''s forget about the waitress and continue to the Q&A section. I guess you guys are already curious about the program, right?"


    The chat was filled with ''yes'' and ''tell us already,'' with some viewers adding questions in the chat.


    "I won''t answer questions that are not through that form. But I already gave enough time to fill it, so I will close it now. Otherwise, endless questions will be waiting for me, and I can''t really stay here forever."


    ¡ª Indeed


    ¡ª You need a moderator soon, Breeze. The chat is going out of hand


    "You''re right, FreakingNoob. I might ask some friends after this." Max agreed with him for obvious reasons. "Anyway, let''s move on to the questions!"


    Max opened the site that gathered all questions from the form and disyed it on the side of his streaming screen, making its opacity 50% so it didn''t really hide him but could still be read.


    From the data entering the site, it seemed like there were at least 600 questions, with around 45 unique ones. The AI had done its job wonderfully to make such an amount manageable for him.


    But that was not the best feature this site had. The best one was¡­


    ''It''s free!''


    ¡­ It cost nothing.


    "Alright, I have 600 questions here. You guys are really spirited to ask about the program. But, some questions are simr, leaving us with only 45 unique questions. Let''s start from the top. The first question is¡­"


    When he read it, he came to a halt. How could he not?


    [1. Please tell us how big your PP is!]


    The question was simply too strange.


    Nothing was wrong by ignoring it, and that was what he did.


    "It seems that there is an error in the AI. Alright! Let''s get to the 2nd question!"


    ¡ª lol, he dodged the question


    ¡ª lmao


    ¡ª So Breeze has a smoll PP!


    Max obviously ignored them and proceeded.


    [2. How did you join the Versus program? Were you invited? Or did you attend some sort of contest?]


    "This is how you ask a question, boys! Who the heck will ask PP size in a Q&A stream?!"


    ¡ª Me


    ¡ª I would definitely do it


    ¡ª Without a second thought, me


    ¡ª That was me


    "You guys really are so shameless and gross." Max sighed and shook his head, pretending to be disappointed.


    But that was it, just pretending. He had a goodugh with his viewers and liked the moment.


    "To answer the second question, I was invited. It''s all thanks to your support and encouragement. The clips posted in the forum were seen by management, and they reached out to me thanks to that."


    After reading the NDA and consulting with Mr. Taka, he knew that he was allowed to say at least that much. And using this chance, he decided to announce something.


    "Thanks to that, I also considered uploading my videos on PunchTube. I will open an editor recruitment soon, probably after I start the second game. Of course, it''s still a rough n. The details aren''t decided yet."


    ¡ª Damn, you can even hire an editor now?


    ¡ª interesting, so we can be your editor and get paid?


    ¡ª No one recruits an editor like that. Trust is important between the two


    ¡ª Probably, he already has a candidate and uses this as a setting and excuse to hire him/her. People did this, you know?


    As they said, it was a bit risky. As thest person said, many people used a contest as bait to make content while they actually already had someone in mind to hire.


    It was somon in this world. But many people still took the chance even though they knew it was hopeless.


    ''It will be hard.'' Max thought, understanding the situation. ''But I have no friends or contact in this world. I don''t know anyone that I can hire to be my editor, and I don''t want to bother Flexy anytime I need something. So this is the only way to find one.''


    Max decided to ignore thosements and proceeded to the next question. He answered them skillfully, dodging some strange questions with jokes and silly answers.


    The question about the next game he yed also came, and he decided to answer it truthfully.


    "I would like to y either V-Shelter Survival or Traditional Warfare next. I haven''t decided yet, but it''s definitely between these two games."


    And then, he arrived at the question that he had expected to be asked tonight.


    [36. Who''s that mysterious person who broke the synchronization test''s time record by more than a minute?]


    "Hehe, I know that you''re expecting me to deny or lie to answer this question. But fear not! I shall answer it." He chuckled like a madman.


    With a confident smile, he pointed his thumb at his face and eximed.


    "It was me, Breeze!"


    The chat broke into chaos at his exmation. Some viewers clipped it immediately and posted it on the forum.


    They got so excited that the question was answered. Some were skeptical, but Breeze''s original fans defended him with all their strength.


    Breeze''s name immediately shot up to the top of the inte search. The Synchronization Test and World Record followed right under it.


    However, it was soon thrown into chaos again when Flexy made the same exmation a few hourster.


    At that moment, they realized. They''ve been had. Those streamers had conspired to make a big lie!


    Thus, the topic became hot, and discussion flew from the left to the right corner of the inte.


    A certain someoneughed inside his office at the genius tactic these two streamers had used to keep the interest in the program at the top while spreading their names simultaneously.


    "They are born to be a genius streamer." Mr. Takamented as he keptughing.

 Chapter 67: Chapter 67 – New Game!

    Ding!


    [Nina: Max! I can''t say anything but thank you! Thanks to you, the restaurant has the highest customer count today. Truly¡­ Thank you!!]


    A heartfelt message popped up in the window in front of him, making Max smile happily.


    [Breeze: You''re wee. Good luck with handling them. If there is someone who looks like he would harass you, just call me.]


    [Nina: Hehehe, there was one guy. But he immediately went as quiet as a rock when he saw dad holding two cleavers! His face is so pale. I wish you could see it.]


    ''Chef Rush is scary.''


    A chill was sent through his spine as he imagined the scene in the restaurant.


    An unknown man tried to look at Nina with perverted eyes. Then, a giant with a body full of muscles stepped out of the kitchen while holding two bloody cleavers.


    ''Yeah, I better not make him mad.''


    [Breeze: That''s good. It''s almost midnight. Take a rest already.]


    [Nina: You too! Also, I am cheering for you for that streamer event! Good night!]


    [Breeze: Thanks, Nina. Good night.]


    The screen disappeared as he saw Nina leave the message board. He smiled as he threw his body onto the bed.


    "I am d my advertisement is working." He sighed in relief and put his arm over his head, "Though I was too full as a result, Nina be cheerful again. I guess I will need to work harder at the gym tomorrow."


    ***


    The next day, just as he promisedst night, Max went to the gym and pushed himself. The effect of the nutritional supplement was still in his body, and he wanted to maximize it once more.


    His trainer, Ava, was displeased that he didn''t show up for two days and actually didn''t follow the diet menu. She turned into a devil andughed when he couldn''t move after the intense session.


    Moving to the resting area, Max downed his drink and controlled his breathing.


    "She''s a demon." Hemented as he saw Ava chatting with the receptionist in the distance. "Let''s not make her angry too."


    His energy was depleted. Going to the park and trying to climb those poles seemed to be impossible.


    ''Let''s just go home.'' He sighed and tidied his stuff, putting it in a small bag he brought along. ''I will stream early and y that new game.''


    And he did exactly that. He passed by Nina''s restaurant on his way home, and many people were still walking in and out even before the lunch rush. The business was booming, making him happy that his help worked nicely.


    The rest would depend on Chef Rush''s food, which was actually delicious, to make them stay and be a regr.


    Without anything worrying him, Max entered his VR capsule and started it. He wasn''t trying to stream right away, as it was still 11 AM. However, he nned to download the new game he chose with his viewersst night and practice the fort siege again.


    He had a promise with his buddy, Flexy.


    Appearing in his simple lobby, he bought the game for $250 and wept a little bit.


    ''It''s still so expensive! Games in my previous life only cost 10 to 100$ at most.''


    While he had more than $15,000 in his bank ount now, his mary value was still the same as before. Also, thanks to his memories from his previous life, hepared his past value with the current one, whether he liked it or not.


    Still, Max bought the game and downloaded it.


    Usually, he would need at least 6 hours to download even the simplest game. However, his inte speed was also upgraded at the same time as his VR capsule. The game would be fully downloaded in less than three hours.


    Ding!


    A message notification popped up in front of him. It was from Flexy.


    [Flexy: Yo, my friend. Let''s have the practice going, shall we? Don''t forget to record it so we can upload it to PunchTubeter!]


    [Flexy invites you to y Knight''s Journey. ept/Deny.]


    The message came with an invitation, which Max epted immediately. He appeared in the waiting room, with someone in golden armor waiting for him.


    They only talked for a bit before proceeding to their practice.


    Because they were partners, Max didn''t need to hide his ''secret path'' from Flexy anymore and surprised him. Both of them were certain that it would further cut the time needed to finish the instance if Flexy didn''t mess up by more than a minute.


    Their training finished around 4 PM. Of course, they only actually tried the instance once or twice. The rest of the time was spent nning and talking, so Max wasn''t that exhausted yet.


    "Phew! That guy is amazing if he''s not screwing around. He managed to kill the boss just a minute after I managed to capture the g."


    Not even StoneSword and LilyPixel''s pair could do that. No, it was more like they couldn''t do both simultaneously with just a minute difference.


    "We might be able to win this."


    Max decided to rest before starting streaming. The reason was Nina''s message. She prepared a meal for him and sent it to his doorstep with only a note. It put a smile on his face, and he had an early dinner.


    Today''s dinner menu was¡­ Yes, noodles. A spinach noodle that he didn''t really like but still delicious. He ate it because he didn''t want to waste food and reminded himself to tell Nina not to send him any again, as he was on a strict diet.


    "That was delicious. Now, it''s time to work."


    The VR capsule was whirring in the corner of the room, ready to be used. It opened its hatch as it detected Max approaching.


    All he needed to do was toy down.


    "Start the game." Hemanded the capsule, and it answered by closing on the hatch.


    His consciousness was pulled into the VR world once again. This time, he wasn''t in his Lobby but was greeted by bold words with a bloody background.


    V-Shelter Survival!


    Infected people with decayed skin and fleshes walked around the destroyed city, dragging their feet. Blood everywhere, pus was dripping from their faces.


    All buildings were covered in some sort of brown mushroom, making them look older than they were supposed to be. Electric cables dangling around from poles, threatening anyone near with high voltage current that sparked from the tip.


    Scary background music was ying, adding a creepy atmosphere. Max, who had just logged in and saw the intro, was captivated.


    The game was indeed worth the $250 he spent.

 Chapter 68: Chapter 68 – V-Shelter Survival

    The loading screen started to y in Breeze''s channel as notifications were sent to his followers.


    "It''s here! Hehehe, he finally ys a new game!"


    One such person was a man in his twenties. He had a perm ck hair and sses to hide the dark circle around his eyes. His pale skin stood out in his room andcked light, only lit with many hologram screens hovering around, making him look like a vampire.


    "Damn Breeze! This guy is so good that he ate all my money!"


    Without wasting a second, he opened the stream page and watched the loading screen change into the game screen. A grin appeared on his face.


    "Hehe, let''s see how you survive this game."


    In fact, this guy told other viewers to vote for this particr game because he wanted to see Breeze suffer.


    There was no need to guess this person''s identity as he was someone insignificant among the viewers.


    "Hello, guys! Hahaha, let''s y some survival game!"


    Breeze greeted them excitedly, as usual. And just like any other stream, this person immediately brought up his keyboard and donated whileughing like a madman.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    [BloodSucker has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [Hahahaha! Suffer in this game, Breeze! I will look forward to it. I hope you won''t run from the future''s bet!]


    ***


    ''This guy never learns.'' Max grinned as he saw the donation message. It was from his loyal viewers and the second highest donator in the ranking, BloodSucker.


    Because he had such a high profile, he remembered him and even gave him a nickname that everyone used to call him.


    "I will have to thank you for your donation in advance, sucker."


    ¡ª No mercy, lol


    ¡ª Money pocket donated at the start of the game!


    ¡ª Poor sucker. Breeze only sees him as a walking wallet.


    ¡ª Good to be you, sucker. At least Breeze remembers your existence


    ¡ª Shut up! And I am BloodSucker, a vampire! Not just sucker!


    Max crossed his arms and nodded, "Yeah, yeah. I understand that." He said, "Anyway, I think I need to exin what game I will y today. I don''t know much, but at least I will read the introduction of the game."


    V-Shelter Survival was an online game published by Biozone Entertainment a year ago. It managed to gain poprity early on and broke a million concurrent viewers in just a few days.


    Due to a mainstream genre but new gamey and graphics, many people were curious and took a liking to the game''s system.


    The main reason why people loved the game was because they could y with their friends, make teams, and even help each other. When one team becamerge, they could even create a city andmunity to talk with other people.


    "There is a rank of the shelter andmunity, making it a bigpetitive game. We can also join a server or merge them to have a big-scale war. But, we can also enjoy survival and action in this game as we have those Infected as enemies."


    Looting and building. That was the base of V-Shelter Survival.


    An active hunger and thirst bar forced the yers to constantly seek resources and think of the best location to build their shelter.


    The server created by a yer was private, but they could make it public and get people to join through a special invite code. Of course, the generated world in each server was also unique, as there were more than a billion unique seeds avable.


    Even if the world looked simr, the resources'' location might be different.


    Furthermore, there were also special ces called Ruins where huge amounts of resources were hiding. yers who could find it would be considered lucky.


    "Now, I will create my own server and y the game. It''s only my first time ying, so I don''t know anything about good shelter locations or where the loot is."


    ¡ª Newbie Breeze is here again


    ¡ª Good shelter location, eh? Worry not, as I, ShelterMaster, shall help you


    ¡ª A private server, huh? Will you consider opening your server to us, Breeze?


    ¡ª I hope you die from the Infected! I want to see you die!


    ¡ª Aah! Don''t get bitten, Breeze!


    Reading the chat, Max smiled confidently.


    "I won''t die or be bitten. Also, I don''t think I will open this server to the public. However, I will consider joining other people''s servers or creating a public server for ourmunity."


    That way, he could y with them. Although, he could imagine his viewers trying to kill him if they met, especially BloodSucker.


    ¡ª A shame


    ¡ª Understood, that''s a good idea


    ¡ª A content server and a publicmunity server, sound good


    ¡ª If you need anything, visit my server! I have a level 10 shelter already!


    ¡ª Stay in hell''s path!!


    ''I also want to y online with them to build better rtionship. But I need to know the mechanism of this game first. Besides, amunity server is rather expensive as it has no yer limit like a normal one.''


    "Now, without further ado, let''s start!"


    Saying so, he pressed the start button and entered the game. There was no difficulty in this game to make it a little bit more realistic and fair.


    Max''s avatar looked simr to his real life, as he didn''t do any tweaking on it. Most streamers who had revealed their faces did the same to make the viewers remember them more easily.


    His character appeared with a blue light in the middle of the destroyed city. He wore a simple brown suit, covered in dirt and blood, and tactical pants.


    On his back was a backpack that served as a limited inventory with two breads and one water bottle. There was also a water purifier and a simple knife for self-defense.


    Those were the beginner sets that everyone got when they first started V-Shelter Survival.


    "Oooh!" Max eximed in wonder as he looked around the area, "It''s really different from Knight''s Journey. I am in a destroyed civilization!"


    ¡ª Somehow, he fits the area pretty well. Is Breeze supposed to live in that ce? Damn!


    ¡ª The setting was a destroyed civilization from 20 years ago. All technology was still far behind what we have today, but my dad said that era was called Modern instead of Advanced.


    ¡ª It''s a destroyed modern world. I read about it in a history book. It said our technology had evolved faster after 2025!


    ¡ª V-Shelter Survival took an IF route if our technology destroyed us. It''s a really daring concept


    ¡ª Failed Nutritional Supplement bes a virus that makes humans mad. That''s a genius idea.


    ¡ª Even the items we looted came from the modern world. First-time yers might not be able to know what they can be used for!


    ¡ª You guys are so knowledgeable that it''s scary


    ¡ª Geeks!


    Modern world¡­ Those words made Max stop looking around in amazement and observe his surroundings.


    Skyscrapers made from concrete and ss. Some familiar cars stopped by the sides of the road, destroyed beyond saving but recognizable nheless.


    The dark gray asphalt in ce of the lighter one he always saw in Lime City.


    Without a doubt, it was simr to the modern world he knew.


    ''But this is not the Earth from my previous life. It could be a different timeline¡­ Well, that''s not too important.''


    Yes, that was unfortunate, but not that important.


    One thing was sure.


    ''I can use my knowledge to know what items I loot and how to use them. Well, if it is any use.''


    Once again, he had the advantage that the viewers didn''t know. Even without looking at V-Shelter''smunity forum, Max was confident he could understand the items without any problem.


    "I appreciate your help, guys. Now, where should I go first? I guess I need to find a ce to build a shelter before it''s gone dark."


    Having said that, he looked around while reading the chat. Most said to go to the North or West, while some told him to find a roof to look around first.


    Deciding on where to go ording to chat''s suggestion, he nodded and began moving.

 Chapter 69: Chapter 69 – Be Careful of Where You Go [1]

    Max''s destination was an abandoned police station nearby that he could see from his spawn point. He was lucky to appear in the middle of the city instead of a wastnd or forest.


    ''I wonder if there is a gun or something in the police station.''


    Spawn points were random for each yer. It was designed that way to avoid sudden conflict in a server with many yers.


    While walking, Max didn''t forget to be careful of his surroundings; the knife clutched tightly in his right hand. Infected, and zombies were everywhere. They could''ve been hiding and jumping at him when he wasn''t aware.


    "The atmosphere is so creepy and quiet. Heck, even the sky looks sad gray. This is really an apocalypse."


    ¡ª People have died. What do you expect?


    ¡ª While it has no apocalypse in the title, it''s indeed a survival apocalypse game


    ¡ª Why would it win the best apocalypse game if the setting isn''t apocalypse?


    "How rare. My chat is suddenly filled with people who make sense instead of those crazy people. I really am happy to see this. Rest in peace, my boys."


    ¡ª Hey! We''re still here!


    ¡ª Crazy people¡­ Why am I not offended?


    ¡ª This b4st4rd! How dare he say as if we were dead! You limited ourment, damn it!


    ¡ª The cooldown makes us disappear, sad. Make it only 5 seconds!"


    "Hahaha, I can''t do that. Did you not see that we have more than 4500 viewers? The chat moves so fast if I don''t put a 10-second cooldown! I won''t be able to read anything that way."


    Heined, looking at the floating camera, and shrugged his shoulders.


    "Anyway, we''ve arrived at our first destination. I wonder if this building has something good."


    Slowly, he entered through the destroyed entrance. He stopped just right after, as the interior was darker than he thought, and looked around. His gaze stopped at a table on the side as he found something with a shiny star.


    "Oh? What''s that shiny thing?" He eximed and got close.


    ¡ª That''s loot


    ¡ª Loot will have a strange star shine when you spot it. Of course, only at a certain distance


    ¡ª First loot! What will it be?


    ¡ª Ba-dump! Ba-dump!


    ¡ª Please be trash! Please be trash!


    ¡ª Breeze, be careful!


    Upon closer inspection, Max discovered the first loot he found was something he urgently needed. His lips curled up into a smile as he grabbed it with his left hand.


    [1x shlight obtained!]


    A notification rang alongside a transparent blue window that popped up on his side.


    "I''m pretty lucky." He grinned, immediately putting the shlight to good use by shining it on the long, dark hallway in the distance.


    Light immediately chased away the darkness, revealing a dirty, long hallway filled with rotten corpses.


    "Ugh!"


    Max immediately winced at the sight and stepped back. Unlike Knight''s Journey, this game was rated 17+ and had no censored version. Blood and rotten flesh were what made this game good. There was no point censoring them.


    "What the heck? There are decayed corpses everywhere!"


    ¡ª Kukuku, have you felt nauseous yet?


    ¡ª Those words andugh!


    ¡ª C-Could it be?!


    ¡ª BreezeSucker?!! He''s here to donate more money!


    ¡ª Wohooo!!


    The main perpetrator that encouraged the other viewers for Max to choose V-Shelter Survival appeared. But thanks to the cooldown, the chat was only filled with old viewersughing at BloodSucker and confused new viewers.


    "Nauseous?" Max sneered and began to walk. "Watch me! I can walk through this ce without any problem."


    With a brave front, Max went to that hallway while being careful not to step onto anything disgusting. It was the only way inside this building, which probably had weapons, considering it was a police station.


    As he walked in the hallway, he tried his best to look natural with a poker face. However, he didn''t feel that good inside.


    ''Damn it. They are truly disgusting. I should''ve chosen Traditional War and fought those guys upfront instead.''


    Still, as a streamer, this might be a better game. The chat was moving fast, even with the cooldown, as they got excited, redirecting him or giving tips. The new viewers, especially, were happy to do that.


    "Slowly¡­ Slowly¡­" He muttered in a low voice, stepping between rotten flesh with maggots crawling around. "Am I going to be fine? I won''t be infected, no?"


    ¡ª You can get infected


    ¡ª If your hunger bar is 0 and you get bitten by an Infected, you will die immediately. Zombies'' bite only gives you a bad status that decreases your hunger bar faster for 1 hour, though.


    "That''s good to know." Heughed dryly.


    In short, don''t get bitten. It was so simple.


    And yet¡­


    "Haaannnn."


    Swoosh!


    "Shit!"


    ¡­ It was so hard.


    One of the decayed corpses suddenly moved and lunged at Max with an open mouth, intending to bite him down to the bone. It moved fast for something without any muscle.


    Surprised, Max instinctively kicked at the moving zombie with all of his strength. There was no hesitation or technique whatsoever, just a purely defensive reaction from his reaction to danger.


    Ssh!


    When Max''s foot hit the zombie''s head, it burst like a watermelon, sending a ssh of pus, brain matter, and decayed flesh anywhere. There was no blood, as it had died a long time ago, but it was still disgusting.


    His heart beat faster thanks to the jumpscare. He held it tightly with his hand as he controlled his breathing.


    "Phew¡­ That surprised me."


    ¡ª Holy sh1t! The jumpscare!


    ¡ª This is why I like this game. It pushes me to die faster by making my heart beat faster! Fasterrrrrr


    ¡ª That kick¡­ It destroyed that zombie''s head easily! Now I know why Huh Ah knight retired faster


    ¡ª Deadly kick¡­ Please don''t kick my 4ss. I beg you! Just kick BloodSucker


    ¡ª I-I am not afraid! T-That was nothing for the noble me


    [FreakingBreeze has donated 300 diamonds!]


    [What a reflex. You immediately turned around and killed that zombie. Magnificent. Ah, it was me, FreakingNoob! I am a fan now, so I changed my name!]


    "Thank you for the 300, FreakingBreeze. My body just moved by itself when I heard the groaning earlier. Also, you don''t need to change your name, you know? I appreciate all kinds of support, but I don''t want to inconvenience my viewers. So don''t push yourself too much."


    ''And saying my name to thank the donation is weird. Please notice it!'' He prayed sincerely in his mind.


    ¡ª Don''t worry, I just did it to show my support


    ¡ª This guy turned from hunting noob to hunting Breeze. What a dedication


    ¡ª lololol, should I change my name to GodGamingBreeze too?


    ¡ª No one forces or will stop you


    ¡ª Who are you talking to? Confused


    It seemed like his prayer went unanswered. He couldn''t help butment this. This was their way of showing support, which he appreciated, so he also couldn''t stop them.


    ''Well, it''s his decision.''


    He sighed and turned around, "Well, that was my first encounter with a zombie. Talk about a jumpscare. But, well¡­ Let''s continue exploring this building. I hope I can find some rations or weapons."


    ¡ª Let''s go!


    ¡ª I hope a female zombie appeared


    ¡ª Screw female zombies. I hope Breeze will meet Infected next. I want to see his reaction


    ¡ª A sexy Infected.


    ¡ª Yikes¡­ This is why guys are¡­


    ¡ª Stop your dirty mind, guys


    ¡ª Keep it SFW!


    As he continued walking, Max suddenly had an urge to ban some guys in the chat but couldn''t find their names anymore due to how fast the chat was going.


    From this, he learned one more thing about his viewers. They were all either weird or perverted or both.


    ''I guess I will need a moderator on top of a video editor.''

 Chapter 70: Chapter 70 – Be Careful of Where You Go [2]

    Arriving at the end of the hallway, Max opened the door with a newfound sense of danger. His knife was ready to stab or cut anything and anyone appearing beyond the door.


    There was no ally. Everything that moved was an enemy.


    But before he touched the door''s handle, he decided to spice things up a little bit.


    "Guys, what do you think will be waiting for me beyond this door?" He asked his viewers and looked at the camera, "How about another bet?"


    ¡ª Bet?


    ¡ª This guy is up to no good


    ¡ª He ns to rack money again


    ¡ª A bet? Are you sure you''re going to bet against me?! Us?!


    ¡ª Sus, this guy is so suspicious!


    "Now, now, guys. If I lose, I will gift 50 Punch premium ounts to random viewers. But if I win¡­ Let''s see. What should we do if I win? Should I have you to follow my ount? That''s a good idea."


    Racking follows would increase the chance of his channel being rmended in Punch''s monthly ranking. It wasn''t that he wouldn''t get a result of that.


    ''My followers are around 1000 now. It''s increasing steadily. Though¡­ I would really appreciate it if the system gave me more quests. I be a bit greedy now after tasting its reward. Too bad that it''s been very quiet since thest quest. Maybe it''s preparing something big?'' He guessed.


    He was waiting for his chat''s reaction, and it came quite fast.


    ¡ª Guys, are you chicken?! We lost nothing in this bet!


    ¡ª Bet! Who are afraid? We will bet you die in the next 30 minutes!


    ¡ª I know that a lot of zombies are waiting behind that door


    ¡ª No no no, there will be no zombies at all!


    "Hmm, the opinion is divided." He stroked his chin while reading the chat


    "Let''s make a vote. Are there zombies behind the door or not? The choice with the highest vote will be your choice of our bet. Hehe, and should we have another vote about how long I would survive if there are indeed zombies behind this door?"


    He chuckled in a low tone and provoked the viewers.


    It was one of the tricks that worked on certain people with high pride.


    In this eerie atmosphere of an abandoned police station, his chuckle sounded irritating. And as he had expected¡­


    Ding!


    [FreakingBreeze has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Explore this abandoned building and kill all Infected and Zombies you meet!]


    [Reward: 1,000 diamonds.]


    ¡­ Someone had taken the bait.


    Following that, viewers who had money added the mission reward as it sounded interesting. They knew from before Max entered this ce that this building was massive, with three floors and a wide structure. It would take time for him to explore everything.


    Also, from their knowledge of this game, they had expected many zombies to nest in this building. The decayed corpses in the hallway and a stealth zombie from earlier were enough clues for them.


    Before long, the mission reward became 9,600 diamonds from all viewers who donated to it. The vote Max set was also done at that moment, and the result wasn''t surprising.


    "I see, so it''s like that." He nodded as he saw the vote result. "78% of you guys chose that there would be zombies behind the door and that I would survive for 5 minutes at most. That means I would win the bet if I survive longer than 5 minutes, right?"


    ¡ª That''s correct


    ¡ª More so


    ¡ª Heh, I bet you die within a minute


    ¡ª You were just lucky earlier. This kind of building is a zombie''s nest! Some Infected might also be walking around


    ¡ª You thought you were lucky, but it was me who was lucky!


    ¡ª No one mes you for dying, Breeze. It''s pretty normal in this game.


    Those who consoled him were new viewers. Their names were unfamiliar and didn''t ring a bell at all.


    Still, that kind of act put a smile on his face. He enjoyed the reaction of his cheeky viewers who cursed at him, but he also wanted some helpful tips sometimes.


    "Well then, the time starts when I open this door. No oneins whether I survive or not. As men, we will take our words seriously!"


    ¡ª But I am a girl


    ¡ª A girl with rod, that is


    ¡ª Funfact, 90% of V-Shelter Survival''s viewers are men!


    ¡ª Hey, I am a genuine woman, with wo in front of man, since birth!


    ¡ª Guys, I believe Breeze''s viewers are 40% women. Look at his handsome face. He''s women ma!


    ¡ª ¡­ Can''t deny it


    "Oh¡­ My bad." Max also felt it was rude to group them as men, even when he knew there were female viewers.


    So, he changed his sentence.


    "Alright,dies and gentlemen! Let''s start our adventure!"


    ¡ª The genre suddenly changed.


    ¡ª Shut up, let him cook again!


    ¡ª Psst! Breeze has begun his adventure. So, shut up!


    With that as a cue, Max opened the door with his shoulder. He pointed the shlight from the gap created slowly.


    Just like the hallway, the room was dark. No, it was darker than the hallway without any speck of light. Dust was kicked up from the wind that entered the room.


    That roused anything lying waiting inside.


    "Graaa!!!!"


    "Grrr!!"


    "Aaahhnnn!!"


    Groans and moans rang loudly.


    And at that moment¡­


    Bam!


    A hand was suddenly extended toward his arm from the gap between the door. Panicked, Max immediately mmed the door shut and chopped the decayed arm off. It dropped to the ground with a ssh.


    Max looked at the severed hand for a second before hearing loud sounds from inside. Whatever was behind that door was banging on it, trying to break through.


    Slowly, Max retreated while keeping his eyes on the door.


    "T-This is bad, isn''t it?" He asked with a wry smile.


    No, it wasn''t bad anymore.


    ording to the banging sound that intensified, there were probably more than 5 enemies. The groans also became louder as they heard Max and found him. They were going for a kill.


    Bam! Bam! Bam!


    "Hey hey hey, it''s not stopping!"


    Max kept stepping back. He no longer cared about stepping on decayed flesh on the floor.


    Just as he arrived halfway to the exit, the door burst open.


    Crash!


    "Graaa!"


    "Hrrrr!!!"


    Zombies appeared from the other side, squishing through the tight space and trying toe out. At a nce, there were seven heads that tried toe out of the opening. Many more were waiting behind them.


    Seeing that, Max realized¡­ That he fucked up.


    "Shit!"


    ¡ª Run Breeze! RUNN!!!

 Chapter 71: Chapter 71 – Run, Breeze! Run!

    Run.


    Max did it without thinking twice. He turned around and kicked the ground with all his strength. Right after he did that, the zombies managed to breach through the door. They chased after him with surprising speed that didn''t fit their decayed bodies.


    "What the heck?!" He couldn''t help but curse as he saw them. "How are they so fast?!"


    ¡ª They are zombies


    ¡ª Do you need any exnation?


    ¡ª Inhuman always fast


    ¡ª It''s surprising that you are faster than them. Really surprising


    "Tsk! That doesn''t help!" Maxined as he reached the entrance. He quickly knocked over the shelf and got out, mming the door shut simultaneously.


    He stopped in front of the police station building and looked back to see the situation. The zombies from inside tried to destroy the door and exited the building. However, after a few seconds, they retreated back slowly, one by one.


    Watching that, Max became confused.


    ''Why?'' He asked in his mind, ''Could it be that their AI is programmed to keep them inside this building? A limited spawn zone? If so¡­ Then I am pretty lucky and unlucky at the same time.''


    When facing an enemy with advanced AI or enemies that couldn''t leave a certain area, that usually meant two things.


    First, the game was programmed as such. They made certain areas for particr enemies so yers could progress naturally without meeting stronger enemies at the start of the game.


    Second, in case the game had no levels system, having met enemies with territorial restriction usually meant that they protected something. That something could be an important item or¡­


    ''A boss, superior enemy.'' He clicked his tongue as he looked at the building before him.


    The stream mission window popped up beside him as he moved his left hand.


    [Stream Mission: Explore this abandoned building and kill all Infected and Zombies you meet!]


    [Reward: 9,600 diamonds.]


    ''They give me this mission knowing this fact, huh?'' He sneered.


    Yeah, his viewers certainly guessed this kind of progression.


    ¡ª Hehehe, he''s frustrated


    ¡ª Good job, FreakingBreeze. Trapping a clueless first-timer is always fun


    ¡ª Breeze looked uncertain, this is the first


    ¡ª He realized that there is a superior Infected in the building lolol.


    ¡ª No need to praise me, guys. I have always loved trapping newbies and first-timers. I just want revenge against Breeze because I like him.


    As Max had expected, they indeed knew about it. He crossed his arms and sighed tiredly. How should he tackle this problem, he wondered.


    It only needed him a few seconds to decide. He had nothing in his possession, only the basic knife and a shlight he found.


    Slowly, he walked back into the building with a determined expression.


    "I guess I need to do this."


    ¡ª Damn¡­ He''s going


    ¡ª Hyaaa! Brave Breeze! Marry me!


    ¡ª Can he beat them all?


    ¡ª How can he deal with that horde with only a knife?


    Just before Max entered the police station once again, he stopped and looked up. Mushrooms and vines covered the buildings. On the second and third floors, many windows were broken. There were no signs of zombies looking out of them.


    Seeing these alternative entrances, a grin appeared on Max''s face.


    "Let''s reset the timer again. The five minutes will start after I re-enter the building, alright? I won''t cheat and say that I survived even though I ran out of the building."


    ¡ª Sure


    ¡ª We can do that


    ¡ª He''s surprisingly fair. Surprising


    ¡ª This grin¡­ Breeze is going to cook something


    ¡ª But why is he looking up?


    ¡ª C-Could it be?!


    "Heh!"


    With a smirk, Max bit the shlight and began to run toward the nearby wall and jumped high. His feet nted on the slightly destroyed wall, and he used them to propel himself up.


    Stretching his hands up, he grabbed a thick vine and skillfully climbed up the building. His movement was smooth, twisting his body to gain the momentum he needed to pull himself up.


    In just a few seconds, he reached the third floor and entered through the leftmost broken window. He took the shlight in his hand and turned it on.


    Apparently, he was in some kind of office. He wasn''t sure because the room was already trashed.


    Some ces, such as the desk and half-destroyed shelves, had stars blinking to get his attention. They were loots that were waiting to be taken and used.


    One of these loots stood out among the others. Max immediately approached the desk near where he stood and grabbed the loot.


    [1x Handgun obtained!]


    [12x 9mm bullets obtained!]


    "Hehehe, I chose the correct room." Heughed as he examined the handgun he found in the room, much to the viewers'' disbelief and displeasure.


    ¡ª Nooo! He got a gun!


    ¡ª Damn it! He can fight that horde now!


    ¡ª He only got 12 bullets. Is fighting even possible?


    ¡ª That handgun has a capacity of 12 bullets in a magazine. That means he only has a full magazine, and that''s it. Unless¡­ He found some magazines and bullets again, he will need to reload the bullets manually


    ¡ª Thanks, trivia guy.


    ¡ª True, but¡­


    ¡ª Yeah¡­


    ¡ª There are still many loots in the room. Besides, Breeze is good enough to kill zombies unarmed or with a knife.


    As they said, killing all zombies with a full mag was probably impossible. But they were talking too early. There were still at least 5 stars that Max hadn''t looted yet in the room.


    "I feel bad that I chose a safe room. So, I will change the bet''s condition again. The 5 minutes will start when I step out of this room." He said with a confident smile, "Right now, it''s looting time, baby!"


    All 5 loots were located in the room and were easily visible. He immediately took all of them and inspected drawers and ces he hadn''t seen to make sure he didn''t miss any.


    Bullets and mags were usually hidden in such ces. There were also bandages and herbs that he could use to heal himself in case he got injured or bitten by zombies. They were really useful in survival games like this.


    Indeed, he found them. Two hidden loots in the desk''s drawers. There was a mag filled with 30x 5.56mm bullets and an antidote for a zombie''s bite. The bullets were useless for him as he had no guns that used 5.56mm yet, but he could save it forter.


    The other loots were like this.


    [3x Scraps obtained!]


    [1x Boot Knife obtained!]


    [1x Gloves obtained!]


    Two of them were useful, as gloves were defensive items that protected the yer''s hands. A boot knife could also rece his main knife if it broke, so it could also work as a secondary weapon.


    Scraps were used as currency in this game to exchange for some items to create or rank up his shelter. It could also be used to buy and upgrade a weapon.


    While Max felt it was a shame that he got no shelter-building material or other 9mm bullets, he was happy enough to get gloves and a handgun.


    Putting on the gloves, he put his handgun in the holster that came with it on his chest and clutched his knife in his right hand. He was ready to move again.


    Max approached the door and opened it, greeted by another zombie that stood right in front of it.


    However, unlike before, he immediately moved and stabbed it in the head, killing it immediately.


    "Let''s do this, guys! It''s time for a zombie massacre!"

 Chapter 72: Chapter 72 – Your Lucky Day is Over! [1]

    Looting was an important aspect of V-Shelter Survival. yers would usually take their time to check every room and every corner to find items if they were in a certain area with a lot of loot, usually called a ''heavy loot area'' by veterans.


    Yes, it wasmon sense to loot.


    "Hahaha! Die, bastard! How dare you make me run like a chicken!"


    Swoosh!


    However, for Max, who got embarrassed after showing off a confident look, he didn''t care about looting. He wanted to kill all the zombies as soon as possible and got that stream mission reward.


    "And this is thest one!"


    With a swing of his right hand, Max destroyed the zombie''s brain, their weak point, and killed thest zombie he saw on the third floor.


    It dropped to the ground with a sshing sound, and Max wiped his knife which was covered in strange liquid, using his sleeves before putting it on his backpack.


    "To think there are so many zombies on just the third floor. I guess there will be more of them on the first floor, no? And an Infected as well, with faster speed and sturdier body."


    ¡ª You said many, but there are only 6


    ¡ª They look so easy to kill with a knife.


    ¡ª He makes it look so easy without a gun, but¡­ It''s supposed to be hard, no? Ah, I am just a viewer, I have never yed the game yet!


    ¡ª V-Shelter Survival without a gun = 10% survival rate. It makes it way harder.


    ¡ª It''s just 6 zombies, guys. I won''t say it''s impossible to kill them as easily as Breeze


    Zombies, although had almost zero defense thanks to their hollow bones and decayed fleshes, they still moved faster than humans. Killing them barehanded, without any gun, was supposed to be hard, just as the chat mentioned.


    It didn''t mean impossible, just hard.


    "Their movements are fast but can be easily guessed," Max exined the reason why he could kill them easily. "As long as you react at the perfect time, you can deal with them easily, even with a knife."


    ¡ª Easier said than done


    ¡ª This b4st4rd is showing off


    ¡ª Suck my ***!


    "Oh, that''s one person banned from chat."


    [SuckMyEyes is banned permanently.]


    The notification appeared in chat as Max banned him without hesitation. It sounded different from when BloodSucker was banned from Flexy''s stream, as he only banned this viewer from chatting and not from his stream.


    "I know that some of us want to cuss, but be polite and on topic."


    ¡ª Understood


    ¡ª Instruction is clear


    ¡ª Damn! He banned him without hesitation. Well, that crazy guy deserved it


    ¡ª lololol, goodbye, fish!


    ¡ª No one will miss him


    No oneined about Max''s decision. Crazy and impolite people could ruin the stream with their weird chats, so no one liked those kinds of people. That was why they even mocked the person who got banned and appreciated Max for doing it.


    "Well then, let''s loot the third floor and move to the second floor. I hope I can find more 9mm bullets or Scraps."


    Max proceeded to go inside each room and took everything he found with a big smile on his face.


    "I have taken a liking to looting." Hemented as he took thest item he found in the hallway.


    [12x 9mm bullets obtained!]


    "Oh?! Finally! Getting 8 Scraps out of 8 loots made me skeptical about the RNG. But, to think I found a full mag here. Lady luck hasn''t forsaken me yet!"


    ¡ª More like she pities you


    ¡ª To think he got 8 Scraps out of 8 loot in a heavy loot area¡­ How pitiful


    ¡ª I thought his RNG was good, but it''s trash! Lolol, not even I get that many Scraps without any ammo or herbs


    ¡ª No shelter-building material too. How unlucky¡­


    "Shut up, guys. Let me be happy getting these bullets!" Maxined while putting the mag into his pocket.


    Of course, Max also thought that it was too much. It was as if the game was trying to nerf him.


    ''Ugh, I hope there is a rifle or something on the second floor. Preferably the one that uses 5.6mm bullets.''


    Thinking so, he walked down the stairs to the second floor carefully. From what he found out, the zombies were sensitive to sound, so he put his hand on his lips, gesturing to his viewers that he would be silent while proceeding.


    ¡ª Ssshh!!


    ¡ª ZOMBIEE!! BREEZE IS HERE! BREEZE IS HERE!


    ¡ª You should use text to voice and make your donation be heard by the in-game function, Breeze. It would be fun that way.


    ¡ª Kekeke, yeah yeah. I agree with that idea


    ¡ª How sadistic¡­ You want to bait the zombie to him. I like it.


    That was indeed a good idea, if he was already used to the stream, that is.


    "I will think about it." He answered in a low voice and stepped on the second floor.


    Just like the third floor, it was an office area with many rooms. Some of the walls were destroyed; debris filled the hallway and blocked some parts of the area.


    Zombies'' groans could be heard from some of the room. They began to move ever so slowly when they smelt fresh flesh entering their area.


    On top of exceptional hearing, their sense of smell was also like a dog, though a little bit limited in range. They loved fresh flesh and wanted to devour it.


    One by one, they showed themselves, dragging their feet against the floor. Drools dripped down their open mouths, and they looked really hungry. Their stomachs were empty¡­ Literally.


    Max, oblivious to the fact zombies had good senses of smell, asked in surprise, "They found me? I didn''t make any noise."


    ¡ª Your breath smell


    ¡ª You stink, Breeze. That''s why


    ¡ª Did you forget to shower?


    The chat provided him with the answer he needed.


    "Why didn''t you tell me that earlier?!" He raised his voice inint as he bit the shlight and took out the handgun, holding it in his left hand.


    "Fck! Nw I nid to fght dem all!" His voice was muffled, but that didn''t matter.


    ¡ª F*ck! Now I need to fight them all!


    There was always a viewer who would trante it for the others!


    Having that cleared out, Max pulled the handgun''s trigger, killing the farthest zombie, and started running. A fight broke out immediately with that as a signal.

 Chapter 73: Chapter 73 – Your Lucky Day is Over! [2]

    In a rather narrow hallway, around 3 meters wide, eight zombies rushed toward Max at once. They had already lost their tworades from an earlier attack, but they didn''t care. All they cared about was meat and meat.


    "Come here, rotten flesh!"


    Without sensing any fear, as it was in a game, Max slid down under one zombie and stabbed the knife upward. It pierced the zombie''s chin, and the tip appeared from the top of its head.


    "A¡­Au¡­gh."


    It was an instant kill. Like his previous world''s story, these zombies had a simr weak point. However, this game had a lore for these zombies'' weak points.


    ''The virus is focused on their brain, going toward their nerves. That''s what moved those corpses. Destroying the brain means destroying the virus'' mainponent, thus rendering them lifeless forever.''


    Swoosh!


    Another zombie fell as a victim while trying to grab him. Max''s quick reaction allowed him to move recklessly like this. Besides, he could defend himself using his gloves and had an antidote in case he was bitten.


    "I have no time to deal with you guys now. The diamonds are waiting for me!"


    ¡ª The usual Breeze


    ¡ª Diamonndssss!!! DIAAMOONNNDDSSS!!!


    ¡ª It''s no longer a survival game but a hack-and-sh!


    ¡ª Die die die die! Get killed and get sucked!


    Max had no time to read the chat as four zombies tried to grab him at once, stretching their dirty hands at him. He didn''t want to push his luck, so he used his handgun and knife at the same time.


    Bang! Bang!


    Two shots rang with the sh from the muzzle, sending bullets to the zombies on the left. Almost immediately, Max stabbed the third zombie and pulled the trigger once more.


    Bang!


    Four zombies were dead at once. It just took him a few seconds to finish them.


    ''I have used 4 bullets, only 8 left in the chamber.'' He thought as he jumped back to distance himself from the remaining 3 zombies. ''It''s been a few minutes since I started ying. I need to finish this building soon and build a shelter before I am too exhausted.''


    With that, he started to rush forward the remaining zombie. Gun wasn''t needed as they were a bit spread from each other, meaning he had space to work on.


    However¡­ Just as he passed the stairs leading to the first floor, a giant hand shot forward quickly.


    "Shit!"


    Having prepared to move since he rushed forward, Max immediately stopped his feet with a stretching sound.


    The giant, ck hand passed him by a hairbreadth. The palm hit the ground and destroyed it with a loud, booming sound.


    Boom!


    Debris was sent flying from the pure force of the p. Max raised his hands in reflex and jumped back to dodge them, getting hit at some ce in his body.


    "Ugh!" He groaned in pain.


    While the pain was reduced considerably from his setting, around 50%, something hurt was still hurt. But that was a sign that he was alive, and he enjoyed it. Not that he was a masochist, but pain was something he couldn''t feel for a while.


    Due to his unfavorable position from earlier, he rolled on the ground a few times before stopping. A creepy, excited grin adorned his face as he raised his head, looking at the new enemy that made its appearance.


    Boom! Boom!


    "GRRRR! Hurrrr!"


    Loud footsteps rang, causing a small shake in the building. A creepy groan rang louder than the others. All the zombies on the second floor backed away. No, they were trying to run away from the giant that took a step into the hallway.


    His feet were small, just a little bigger than a normal one. But his body had swelling all over the ce, and his blood vessels popped up, turning his skin dark.


    One of his arms, which he used to p the ground and create a hole in the floor, was bigger than the other one. Its muscle was twitching uncontrobly, supporting his imbnced body that stood over 2 meters tall.


    "Hauurrrr!"


    Max felt goosebumps all over his body. This new enemy was¡­ dangerous.


    ¡ª He meets an Infected! And it''s a freaking Rocket!


    ¡ª To meet a rocket in the first building he entered. I don''t know whether Breeze is lucky or unlucky


    ¡ª 2:21 << countdown of his bet.


    ¡ª Can he survive? Or can he kill Rocket?!


    ¡ª Hyahaaa!! Your time ends here, Breeze! Your lucky day is over!


    ¡ª Rocket''s right hand and swelling body are bulletproof. At least it can deflect 9mm or 45mm bullets. Only a rifle with 5.56 or 7.62 above can pierce it!


    ¡ª That means he can only fight Rocket with his knife, whose durability has decreased from all the fighting he did.


    ¡ª Thank you, trivia guys. I will simplify it¡­ Cough, Breeze is f*cked.


    ''This is bad.''


    Max also understood that his situation wasn''t that good. Dealing against Rocket with only a knife was suicide, especially in a tight space like this.


    Because his gun wouldn''t even work against Rocket, ording to the chat, he put it back in the holster and took the shlight he bit earlier, holding it backhanded with his left hand.


    "I have to admit this is a bad situation for me." He chuckled nervously as he stood up.


    Rocket was walking toward him, dragging his body and feet with his giant arm. The loud footsteps from earlier apparently came from him moving his arm.


    Even so, his movement was fast. He was even faster than normal zombies, which forced Max to make a decision soon unless he wanted to get killed.


    ''What should I do?'' He looked around the area. Behind him was a sturdy wall, seemingly impossible to climb. His only way out was two doors that stood on his left and right.


    But¡­ he didn''t know whether those doors were locked or not, as he needed to break some on the third floor earlier to enter the room.


    ''I can only leave it to my luck!''


    In the end, he decided to move toward the door. He lowered his stance and kicked the right door with all his strength, breaching it through.


    ''It''s not locked!'' He eximed happily as he rolled inside, trying his best to stop by using the knife.


    The room was smaller than the office earlier and was dark. There was a locked window on the corner, leading straight outside. But it was covered in a vine, so there would be a need to cut them down first, which would take time.


    ''I can''t escape through it.''


    And just when he turned around and looked back to try his luck in the other room, he saw Rocket was already standing in front of the door while breathing heavily. The Infected looked at him in irritation, guarding the entrance with its huge arm.


    "Huffff¡­ Hufff¡­"


    This time, it was a real dead end. There was no ce to escape to.


    "I guess I need to fight it. Your prayers havee true, guys. I might die and need to give a 50 Punch premium ount today."


    ¡ª Hehehe, it feels good to watch Breeze get cornered


    ¡ª Get rekt!


    ¡ª Go go, Rocket! Kill Breeze! GET REKT!


    At least the chat was enjoying this situation.

 Chapter 74: Chapter 74 – Knife is Useless? Watch This!

    Rocket began to move its arm, stretching it toward Max, who stood in the middle of the room looking around to find any usable loot.


    There were two stars on the shelf and one on the corner.


    ''I can only hope.'' Max thought as he prepared himself to fight Rocket, gripping his secondary knife tightly with his left hand.


    At that moment, as if they had talked about it beforehand, both of them rushed forward at the same time.


    Rocket used the momentum of his giant arm to push him forward, raising it up and preparing to smash Max to a paste. Once again, for a giant with an imbnced body like him, he moved pretty fast.


    "Graaa!!"


    The Infected fell down like a meteor, mming his fist at Max. However, he had already expected that. The floor in this room was clean, maybe because the destruction didn''t reach this ce.


    That was why Max was able to slide on his knee, dodging the attack from below. At the same time, he attacked Rocket with his knives, shing his hand and arm. The first attack worked and drew ck blood from the Infected, but his boot knife couldn''t pierce the big arm and repelled with a cling.


    ¡ª Uwoooghh!!


    ¡ª This guy is insane. I forgot that he''s good at fighting close range!


    ¡ª Damn, he injured Rocket with just a knife!


    New viewers who hadn''t watched any of Max''s clips before were baffled. They knew this guy was good enough to be invited to the Knight''s Journey event and was featured in the news. But they didn''t know he was this skilled.


    Some of them, who yed V-Shelter Survival, clipped some moments and uploaded them to the Sheltermunity forum, quoting a title.


    [URGENT! SUICIDE! Someone is trying to fight Rocket with knives only! It''s Breeze!]


    No one knew whether the thread would take off and gain other yers'' attention or not. Even the thread starter only put a link to the livestream and clips before returning to watch the exciting moment.


    Max smiled as he found out that his attack worked. He immediately ran toward the nearby corner where the loot was while Rocket fell to the ground, cracking the floor under him and writhing in pain from the wound.


    ''I can do it.'' He thought. Then, he grabbed the loot with his left hand and sincerely hoped. ''Please, make it something good!''


    [1x Scrap obtained!]


    Hearing the notification, he couldn''t help but shout, "FUCK!!"


    "FAAAAAAAKKKK!!!"


    Rocket also shouted at the same time, as if mocking him. Furthermore, the chat also imitated them.


    ¡ª FAAAAKKKK!!


    ¡ª GRooooooo!


    ¡ª [emote:fck] lolololol


    ¡ª FOOOORRKKK YOUUUU!!


    ¡ª lololol, I can''t stopughing


    ¡ª Scrap obtained! Breeze: F**CCKKKK!!!


    "Fine! Scrap or everything, I will also take those two loots. Let hope be gone, but I won''t give up killing this guy! Knife is useless? Watch this!"


    ¡ª He''s gone crazy lolol


    ¡ª Can''t help it. Everyone will with that kind of luck


    ¡ª And there will still be the boss monster


    ¡ª Watch out! It''sing!


    From the distance, Rocket propelled himself with his arm once again. This time, he added a spin and intended to use his whole body to attack him. The sound of splitting wind echoed as he flew toward Max faster than his normal leap.


    Dealing with it was¡­ impossible. Max immediately calcted where he could dodge. Left? Or right? He only had a second to decide before his body was blown away by Rocket.


    And unfortunately, he couldn''t find any.


    "Tsk!"


    Without any choice, Max prepared himself to jump anytime he needed to. Rocket kept advancing and destroying anything touched by his hand. The spin became slightly slower, but it still packed a force that could kill him in just one touch.


    If there was any way he could dodge, he just needed to create one!


    "If there is a hole¡­!"


    Max began to move when he saw Rocket''s body get pulled by gravity, descending slowly. It created a gap near the ceiling, big enough for him to squeeze through if he was lucky.


    ¡ª There is a way!


    ¡ª THERE IS A GOAL!


    ¡ª Uwooh! He took the risk! Can he do it?! Or will he fail and give us 50 Punch premium ounts?! Look forward after themercial break


    ¡ª There is nomercial! This is a livestream, damn!


    ¡ª OOOH! Thankfully the ads ended! POG!


    ¡ª I believe he can fly! I TOLD YOU! HE''S FCKING FLYING!!!


    ¡ª I CAN FLY!


    These viewers weren''t aware of Max''s synchronization test, so it was natural for them to be surprised. But the hole that was nearing the ceiling looked really doable to pass throughpared to thestser back then.


    Kicking on the wall behind him, Max somersaulted and spun his body midair. Attacking Rocket in this condition wasn''t possible, but he could go to take the two loots on the shelf and hope for the best while the Infected recovered himself.


    For Max, this was way too easy!


    His body managed to squeeze through the hole between the spinning Rocket and the ceiling. His face was so close to the ceiling that he could feel the heat from the friction. It was as if it was giving him a sheer hot kiss.


    He felt the wind from the spinning Rocket, and it hurt him. However, that didn''t matter. It was better than being crushed.


    And Rocket, who missed his target, went straight to the wall without being able to stop.


    Crash! Bam! Crumble¨C


    Landing in the center of the room, Max watched the destruction caused by Rocket''s attack. A big hole was created, connecting this small room to the one next to it and the hallway. If it was now, then Max could escape.


    ¡ª POG!


    ¡ª Flying Breeze! HE''S DA WIND!


    ¡ª This is your chance!


    ¡ª Run, Breeze! Only 1:07 left on the clock!


    ¡ª Yeah, if you''re running, there might be a chance.


    ¡ª Don''t run! Fight Rocket fair and square!


    "Run?" Max sneered at the chat. He walked toward the shelf and simultaneously picked up the two loots with his hands, "What''s that? I only know the wall run. Yeah, I sounded cringe, but. Right now, I don''t care about the bet or anything. This giant pisses me off."


    The notifications from the loot appeared in front of him. When he read what kind of items he got, his lips curled up into a grin.


    At the same time, Rocket returned to the room while dragging his body, which was covered in dust and debris. He was furious.


    Looking at the Infected, Max wasn''t afraid anymore, thanks to his new item. He raised his middle finger and taunted Rocket.


    "Come here, fat boy."


    Due to his advanced AI system, Rocket was able to understand a taunt from yers. His mouth parted wide until it was inhumanly impossible, and he let out a deafening roar.


    "GORAAAAAA!!!!"


    It was right at that moment Max threw something into that wide mouth. He had already calcted it. The Infected would roar or groan every time it was about to make a big move. And it was at that moment they were pretty vulnerable.


    A dark green grenade flew parabolic toward Rocket''s open mouth. When it was mid-air, the pin holding out its safety made a nging sound, releasing itself from the main body.


    Max hurriedly ran to the other corner and ducked.


    As if Rocket''s mouth was a goal for the grenade, it entered perfectly. And then¡­

 Chapter 75: Chapter 75 – Clearing the Police Station

    Click! BOOOMM!!


    ¡­ An explosion rang loudly, sending bits of flesh everywhere. The shockwave blew everything away, knocking the shelf down and destroying Rocket''s upper body.


    Max''s ears were ringing due to the deafening sound. He was in pain, but he was smiling in satisfaction.


    Pulling his body up, he saw the aftermath of the explosion and scoffed.


    "Hah! That''s how you kill Rocket in close range. Did you guys see my knife skill? Pretty cool, huh?"


    ¡ª MF! You killed him with a grenade and still looked arrogant!


    ¡ª Knife your dream! That''s a freaking grenade


    ¡ª How irritating. He''s so lucky when he needs it but unlucky when he ys in a breeze.


    ¡ª POG! GG


    ¡ª That grenade throw was beautiful


    Some viewersined about his finishing. But who cared about it? At least Max didn''t.


    "Kill is a kill. Don''tin about something trivial. You won''t be popr withdies." Max tried to poke fun at his viewers.


    And he got a response.


    ¡ª Said someone who is maidenless


    ¡ª You are also single


    ¡ª kekw, I am married already. Too bad!


    "Shut up. Let''s clear the other enemies and make shelter already. I bet the others are just normal zombies. It should be easy-peasy lemon squeezy."


    ¡ª What the heck was that?


    ¡ª Yikes¡­ cringe


    ¡ª Please, just stay as Breeze and don''t be cringe


    ¡ª I think he hit his head. AMBULANCE! CALL AN AMBULANCE!


    ¡ª Nee-naw nee-naw nee naw¨C Streetchhh!! Sorry, it seems that his head has been like this since the start!


    ¡ª Oh no, he''s entering a dangerous area! Call 911!


    ¡ª Sorry, we are not dealing with cringe crime! Call a firefighter instead!


    ¡ª It''s no use!


    Max felt embarrassed at once. His face turned slightly red after the chat made fun of it, and he gritted his teeth. Thankfully, the low light hid that fact, and he quickly changed the topic to run away from their teasing.


    ''I was just trying to entertain them. Those bastards!'' He grumbled in his mind.


    Even so, he didn''t hate them. No, he enjoyed this kind of interaction too, although he was the victim this time.


    While talking to the chat, Max began to scrutinize the area and took all the loot. He also killed the three zombies that ran away when Rocket appeared.


    As expected, Rocket was the only Infected and superior enemy in this building. The loot on the second floor wasn''t as bad as the third floor. He actually got another full mag, 30x 5.56mm bullets, and 3 Scraps, excluding a Molotov he got in the room where he fought Rocket earlier.


    After everything was done, he walked downstairs confidently, holding a knife and a handgun that he reloaded with a full mag.


    The bet he made earlier had ended in his favor. He sessfully survived for 5 minutes without hiding or running away. No one couldin or get mad as they were entertained. Thus, the viewers followed his Punch ount willingly.


    And now, the chat was waiting for Breeze vs many zombies on the first floor. Fighting more than ten zombies at once would be difficult even for skilled yers if they had no rifles like Max.


    "Hmm hmm¡­ One diamond~ Six diamonds~ I love diamonds~"


    However, for some reason, Max appeared to be fearless. He even sang a song that he made on a whim. His footsteps became the melody that apanied it.


    "BloodSuckers and FreakingBreeze~ Thank you for the support~ I really like diamonds! Shower me with them~ No one cares, no one cares. I will finish all missions easily¡­ Just like a breeze~!"


    ¡ª ¡­ Hasn''t this guy be more shameless since he defeated Rocket?


    ¡ª New skill obtained: Shameless!


    ¡ª Shameless has evolved! It''s now Max Level!


    ¡ª It''s Flexy''s fault! It''s because Breeze is paired with Flexy that he got infected with his shamelessness!


    ¡ª That''s it! I am bombing Flexy''s livestreamter!


    ¡ª Count me in!


    ¡ª Me three!


    "Don''t do that, guys. I feel bad for Flexy. Well, maybe not that bad. But don''t overdo it."


    ¡ª Roger!


    ¡ª So bully him but don''t hit him.


    ¡ª Instructions as clear as ice! But my ice is cloudy, lol


    Max stopped right before the destroyed door that led to therge hall on the first floor.


    It must be Rocked who destroyed it. Therge palm on the steel door on the floor was enough proof.


    Looking forward, Max could see many hungry eyes and loud groans in the room. There was no shlight in his hand. It was impossible to fight while biting it too, so he would fight in the dark like this.


    "My eyes are now used to the darkness. I can see pretty well." He muttered and looked at his hands. The outline was clear, and that was enough light for him to know his enemies'' position.


    "What about you guys? Is the night vision mode good enough? Or should I increase the brightness?"


    ¡ª Bright enough to see you die miserable being bitten by zombies


    ¡ª All good! I can see the surroundings without any problem


    ¡ª I trust the VR-integrated camera. It has no problem, and we can see as if it''s a day!


    ¡ª I forgot Breeze is a newbie. We can set the brightness personally, so just go ahead and begin the massacre.


    "Alright." He nodded and took a deep breath, bracing himself for the next battle. It wouldn''t be easy. "Let''s do this."


    Having all his preparations done, Max walked past the broken entrance and entered the room. At a nce, it was filled with zombies. There were at least 20, or even 30 of them. He wasn''t sure and only managed to pick up their numbers from their glowing eyes.


    Without hesitation, Max pointed his gun at them and began to pull the trigger a few times.


    Bang bang bang!


    Five bullets flew toward the zombies. Four of them hit right between their eyebrows, but one strayed from the original path and only hit one zombie''s shoulder, causing it to stumble down and pull the other zombies down.


    Seeing a good opportunity, Max grabbed the Molotov from his bag and threw it toward the few zombies on the floor, shooting the bottle when it was mid-air to increase the burning range.


    Bang!


    The fire spread immediately, covering half of the room. Zombies'' flesh and pus made them easier to burn. The room turned bright instantly, giving Max enough light to see clearly where the rest of the zombies were.


    "Hahahaha! BURN! BURRRNNN!!" Maxughed loudly as he lunged into the perfectly fine zombie, piercing the knife through its skull. "Eighteen more! It''s doable. Come here, rotting motherlicker!" He licked his lips and continued his rampage.


    He didn''t squander his handgun at all. The bullets flew around, killing the burned zombies without stopping. The sound of air getting cut by a sharp knife also rang every once in a while among the zombies'' groans.


    Click click!


    At some point, the mag was empty, and he couldn''t use his gun anymore. There were still around 8 zombies, and they were all marching toward him with their burned bodies.


    "Ah¡­ Fun is over."


    Just as he said that, Max immediately reloaded his gun with a skilled movement, changing the magazine to the one he had in his pocket. Only two seconds were needed to reload the handgun, and he calmly aimed at those iing zombies.


    "Goodbye." He said, pulling the trigger eight times and killing the remaining zombies. Smoke rose from the muzzle as he brought it back, blowing onto it softly, "And wee, my 9,600 diamonds."


    [Missionpleted!]


    [9,600 diamonds have been donated!]


    [Zombielord has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [Youngmaster has donated 300 diamonds!]


    [ppedMC has donated 300 diamonds!]


    [GG! That was a beautiful Molotov Work]


    ¡ª GG!


    ¡ª POG

 Chapter 76: Chapter 76 – Shelter Building [1]

    Walking out of the burning police station, Max had a happy expression. There was no loot on the first floor, which was a shame, as there was no other room besides therge one and the lobby.


    The items in his backpack were currently like this.


    Scraps: 15


    Antidote: 1


    99mm bullets: 0


    5.56mm bullets: 60 / 2 full mags


    1x Gloves


    1x shlight


    1x Handgun


    1x Knife


    1x Boot Knife


    It looked sad. There was no armory in that building. Max only found destroyed gun shelves, which were already looted clean.


    For a heavy loot area, as confirmed by Rocket''s appearance, the amount of loot in the building wasn''t a lot. It was too few.


    Either Max was really unlucky, or the game RNG was fucked up; no one knew. However, everyone had to admit that the viewers did enjoy unlucky streamers far more than a lucky one.


    They loved to see suffering!


    "In the end, I was left with only 15 Scraps. Well¡­ I need to count the Boot Knife, Gloves, and shlight as good loot from this building. All in all, that was a good test for my movement in this game. Are you impressed, guys?"


    ¡ª I had to admit, you''re pretty good


    ¡ª W Breeze! No cap! That fight with Rocket was amazing


    ¡ª Although you got injured and got hit many times, that was an amazing fight


    ¡ª Kyaa! He cooked those zombies! Shout my name, Chef Breeze!


    ¡ª I am impressed. Truly!


    ¡ª Truly impressed with your amazing luck (lol). No one can get Scraps that many, even in a heavy loot zone (lol)


    ¡ª lololol, true true


    "Let''s ignore my amazing loot for a second," Max chuckled wryly and looked around, "I need to find a ce to build a shelter and hopefully find the material along the way. The day will be over soon, and I certainly didn''t want to experience the night in my first time ying this game."


    There were two phases in V-Shelter Survival, day and night. It wasn''t such a simple concept where enemies'' behavior changed and became more aggressive.


    No, a lot of change came with night time on top of such things.


    The first and most important change was the loot. It would no longer shine, and reflected stars with night time arrived. That meant it would be harder to find and only had a small indicator when the yers stood right beside or before it.


    Secondly were the enemies. Some nocturnal enemies would appear, and they were pretty bad. Infected and zombies were pretty much tame at that moment, but this new enemy was faster and more troublesome than the two of thembined.


    And third¡­ yers'' hunger bar would decrease faster at night time.


    Based on the lore written in the introduction, sunlight could decrease the virus''s activity in the air when it was day, but it was unable to do it when night arrived. Thus, yers'' bodies needed to work harder tobat those viruses.


    Well, on top of all of that, the vision was also pretty limited at night, which made it more dangerous.


    "There is still 50 minutes before night arrives. Why does the developer make it an hour cycle instead of two or three?"


    ¡ª Isn''t it obvious? To f*ck the yers and force them to fight


    ¡ª It''s a survival game, for god''s sake. If they make the cycle change to every two or three hours, it will be a looting simtor


    ¡ª Two hours is too long. Heck! An hour is already long enough to loot two or three buildings. You even cleared a heavy loot zone in just 20 minutes, with just a knife!


    ¡ª I think 10 minutes cycle is good enough kekekeke


    "Well, that makes sense." Max nodded at the chat''s replies. "Let''s move then. Based on the surrounding area that I see from climbing the wall earlier, west seems to be a good choice. There is a building with ''Shop'' written on it and a space surrounded by fences near it. I will build my shelter there."


    After exining his goal, Max began to move to the west. His knife never left his right hand, and he put everything else in the backpack for the time being, including the shlight.


    ''The daytime is bright enough for me to see. Besides, there is no telling when I will need it. I need to save its battery.''


    Streets in the city area were pretty safepared to buildings where the loot usually was. Only one or two zombies could be spotted, but they weren''t as aggressive as the ones from before.


    That was why Max ignored them¡ªno need to fight enemies who were just chilling around, groaning forever without having a future. Saving the knife''s durability was more important before he could reach the shop.


    Still, he stopped a few times to get loot he spotted behind some bushes or just sitting at an abandoned bus stop, a regr spot for loot. As usual, it was a Scrap.


    Fortunately, he found 12x 99mm bullets in a crushed police car. At longst, his handgun wouldn''t be useless anymore. It gave him a sense of security.


    However, his luck with building materials and loot wasn''t that good either. He could only exchange his Scrap for them in the shop.


    Before long, he arrived at this destination. The two-story building was heavily guarded with lightning fences and turrets. Cameras were installed in all corners, giving anyone inside a clear view of the surroundings. There were signs of traps here and there.


    The sign ''Shop'' was lit in a neon light, attracting attention from all corners.


    When Max walked closer to the gate that had the thickest security and two turrets, the cameras pointed at him, and a voice rang from a speaker installed on the fence.


    "I see that you''re a living human. Are you here to trade something?"


    Looking at the camera, Max nodded and answered, "Yes. I have 16 Scraps."


    "Great. I will open the gate for 5 seconds only. Run inside after you hear beep."


    Beep!


    There was a clear sound from the speaker. Following that, the beep mentioned by the NPC could be heard, and the gate opened.


    Max immediately ran inside as instructed. He looked back as the gate was closed almost immediately, leaving no chance for anything to enter.


    Click!


    With a click, the building''s sturdy doors opened slowly with a stretching sound as if weing him.


    A hooded person stood behind a reinforced counter, behind thick ss. Only his mouth, which was curled into a sly smile, was visible. His face was hidden by the shadow of green mes on top of the torch behind him, the only source of light in the room.


    ¡ª There he is, the shady merchant!

 Chapter 77: Chapter 77 – Shelter Building [2]

    "Wee."


    A deep, clear voice rang from the figure. Based on it, Max guessed that it belonged to a man, even if his figure was not clear and ambiguous.


    "Customers, step inside, and let''s do the trade."


    ¡ª No matter how I see him, I can''t trust this merchant


    ¡ª How shady. This is why he''s called a shady merchant.


    ¡ª Howe all shop owners in this game have this getup? Are they connected somehow?!


    ¡ª They are an anonymous group and have many different people running shops. I bet their group is called SHADY with capitals, though


    ¡ª I really like this NPC! It gives me a mysterious vibe!


    Shady merchant. From how the shop owner looked, that name really fit and described it quite well.


    Max entered the building, and the merchant pulled the string hanging near his head. Some mechanisms worked. Gear turned loudly, closing the door and locking it safely.


    "Hehe, worry not. Just a little measure to keep the pests away when we are trading." The merchant chuckled weirdly and spread his arms, "So, what do you need? Weapons? Antidote? Herbs? Or building material?


    We have them all."


    Looking around, Max noticed nothing was disyed on the wall or behind the counter. But that might be a security measure the merchant took in case the visitor wanted to rob him or something.


    Intelligent NPC''s AI was way more advanced than a superior enemy. It actually was closer to real humans but not quite, as all its responses were already programmed, so it didn''t stray from its function and job.


    ''It''s as if I am talking to a real human, though. The green mes took my attention immediately, but I saw that he had a weapon hidden beneath his cape and probably some hidden turrets in the dark spot of this room. Well, it''s better not to mess with a merchant NPC.''


    "I want to get building materials for the level 1 Shelter."


    "Oh, materials, I see. Please, take a look at our list."


    Ding!


    A half-transparent red window with a list appeared in front of Max, from which he could choose. Once again, it made him realize that it was a game, even if the graphic was close to real life. Not everything was the same as IRL, including this system window.


    ''Maybe not that different, considering we use floating hologram screens now.'' He was slightly amused by his own thoughts but scrolled the list nheless.


    However, just as he found material for level 1 Shelter, he came to a stop.


    "It''s so expensive!" He eximed loudly, "Why does a material for level 1 Shelter cost 20 Scraps?! It''s just 5 woods and 15 nks! Are they rare materials?"


    ¡ª Not really¡­


    ¡ª You can find them easily, like¡­ really easy


    ¡ª Those are the mostmon loot items. Rather, Scrap has only a 15% chance of appearing, while woods and nks have a 50% chance of appearing in the loot.


    ¡ª Kekw, that''s why he''s a shady merchant


    ¡ª no one knows how he put the price


    ¡ª suffering from sess¡­ I think it''s better if you just find more loot


    "Tsk!" Max clicked his tongue and looked at the smiling merchant, "Can you lower the price, somehow?"


    "No can do, customer." The merchant chuckled eerily. "But you can always sell your items. Hehe, I am a merchant and not a street vendor. We are on a different level!"


    "Isn''t that the same?!" Max retorted in reflex due to how ridiculous this merchant was. He quickly realized that and coughed, "I mean, I have no items I can sell to you. There is only Scraps."


    The merchant lowered his head slightly. Even if his eyes were covered in the shadow of his hood, Max could feel that he was looking at his knife and gloves.


    "This?" He tried to ask while raising his gloved hand.


    "Indeed." The merchant nodded, and his smile widened. "I can pay 25 Scraps for that. Hehe, the metal on the back of the gloves is really important. That''s titanium, I believe. It''s certainly worth buying."


    He rubbed his hands together and leaned closer slightly, "So, how is it, dear customer? Are you buying? Or are you selling? Or could it be¡­ You want to have time to think about it?"


    Max chose the third option. He certainly needed that building material. The problem was his Scraps weren''t enough to buy aplete level 1 material.


    ''Should I sell the gloves?'' He wondered.


    There was actually a more important problem. And that was his hunger and thirst bar. Looking at it made Max grimace slightly.


    [Hunger: 72%


    Thirst: 67%]


    He needed to get food and water soon, or he would get a penalty for his movement getting slightly restricted.


    Where, though? Was looting even possible? If he entered a building and stumbled upon many enemies, those bars would be filled up pretty quickly.


    The answer was simple. This shop also sold food and water for Scraps.


    ''Yeah, I should just sell it. The gloves aren''t as useful as I thought it would be. I can just dodge all attacks and survive without any problem. Besides, I still have an antidote.''


    Sighing tiredly, Max decided on his course of action.


    "Fine, I''ll sell them."


    p!


    The merchant pped his hands andughed happily, "Hehe, thank you! It''s nice to have business with you."


    Max felt like he was being scammed right now and groaned. But he could do nothing, so he proceeded with the transaction.


    It was his only choice. The transaction was done easily.


    On top of the level 1 Shelter building materials, he also bought 5 breads and 3 bottles of water for 11 Scraps. The bread cost 1 Scrap only, but the water cost him 2 Scraps each, which was clearly more expensive than the food.


    In the end, he only had 10 Scraps in his inventory and was left with no defensive equipment.


    "The 5 woods and 15 nks are outside. Hehe, it''s nice to have business with you. Hehe, thank you!"


    The merchant saw Max off with his usual chuckle.


    Finding the material outside the shop was easy. It was tied with a sturdy rope just right near the entrance. Moving them away was also easy, although he needed both hands for it.


    He wondered how the merchant moved the materials while staying inside, but Max decided not to think too hard about it.


    ''This is a game. The material probably just spawned using a certain mechanic or something like that. Also¡­ My gloves¡­ I kinda miss it already.''


    He shrugged his shoulders,menting his decision. Soon, he shook his head and threw useless thoughts away.


    "Alright, let''s move to that empty space and build our shelter. After that, I think I will rest for the day."


    Max said as he exited the gate and began to walk toward the empty lot, which was just a hundred meters away from the shop.


    ¡ª Pfft! Yes!


    ¡ª lololol, building shelter is so easy


    ¡ª An hour stream like before? I thought you were better than this already, Breeze!


    ¡ª What a shame. I want to watch you suffer longer.


    ¡ª So quickly? It''s just around an hour since you started live streaming


    ¡ª That describes you pretty well ^^ Quickshot


    ¡ª Oh, the usual Breeze''s pace. I hope you can stream longer next time


    "I hope so, too. Well, after the Knight''s Journey program, I think I would be able to stream longer." Max responded to the chat. "And you guys didn''t even hide your real thoughts anymore, huh? Even so, I still love you guys. No homo."


    ¡ª I mean, it''s useless¡­


    ¡ª We also love watching you suffer¡­ Cough¨C I mean, struggling


    ¡ª We love you too, Breeze. And your suffering!


    "... I want to take back my words almost immediately now."


    After walking for a bit and joking with his viewers, he arrived at the ce where he wanted to build his shelter. He dropped all the material on the ground and punched his palm.


    "Alright, let''s get to work!"


    ¡ª Shelter-building time, baby!


    ¡ª Woohoo! Though he just needs to ce the materials ording to the blueprint he could bring up, building a shelter always excites me!


    ¡ª Level 1 shelter, acquired!


    "Yeah, me too!" Max eximed.


    Just as the viewers had said, building the shelter was pretty easy. Bring up the blueprint, ce the material, and it was done. It only took him around 10 minutes to build up the level 1 shelter while talking to the viewers.


    And¡­ He soon learned he needed to be more careful before making a decision.

 Chapter 78: Chapter 78 – Speechless

    In V-Shelter Survival''s lobby, which looked like an apocalyptic town, many people dressed roughly were walking around.


    Some people dressed in full tactical suits that looked cool, while some were dressed like thugs from post-apocalyptic movies with spikes on their shoulders. Nevertheless, they interacted happily while talking about V-Shelter Survival, a game they loved.


    Currently, the topic some of them talked about was a clip that appeared on the forum.


    [URGENT! SUICIDE! Someone is trying to fight Rocket with knives only! It''s Breeze!]


    No one knew who Breeze was in thismunity, as there were too many streamers to count. So, some bored visited the thread and leftments.


    ¡ª Ah, it isn''t that urgent! Many people have proved that fighting Rocket with only a knife is possible


    ¡ª I thought that it was really urgent, but a fanboy tried to promote his favorite streamer, huh? Knife-only Rocket is not impossible


    ¡ª Trash! Don''t post a clickbait title like this! If this was a year ago, then we would be impressed!


    Unlike Knight''s Journey, V-Shelter Survival was a year-old game. Many things had been tested before, and almost all contents were explored. Having some streamers doing challenges wasn''t rare either.


    That was why the reaction was underwhelming and really different from when Breeze soloed Trouser in Knight''s Journey. Amazing stuff tended to bemon when many people managed to do it.


    However¡­ the reaction started changing when the thread starter added some clips after the initial one.


    People prepared to trash talk and leave a toxicment were left speechless when they saw how Breeze dodged Rocket''s spinning attack, which was famous for itsrge range and effectiveness in a small corridor and room.


    No one guessed someone could avoid it without using any items! It was tested before and was deemed impossible even by professional gamers. That was why the clickbaity title turned into a real one with this one clip only.


    ¡ª ¡­ a knife is possible


    ©¸ I retract my words. This guy is a real deal. Check thetest clips!


    ©¸ I saw it! The way he moved was just inhuman! GG!


    ¡ª [AttachedVideo.mp4] I zoomed in, and his body was hit. But because it''s only a graze, the damage done by the attack is minimal, and he can survive that!


    ©¸ Thank you for the exnation!


    ©¸ So it''s actually not a one-hit kill without a defense item, but it also has a different damage range?


    ©¸ It is actually impossible. Look at his relieved face when he''snded. I bet that''s really satisfying.


    ¡ª This guy is godlike!


    The thread blew up at once with that one clip. It got many upvotes and rose in the forum, making it gain the attention of many yers. Breeze gained a new title in the forum without him knowing: Godlike!


    Of course, it referred to his movement. Though, no one doubted his skill anymore when many clips popped up again. The peak was when he fought 30 zombies in the lobby with only a handgun, with 20 ammo left, and a knife.


    And when the thread reached its highest traffic, someone who watched Breeze''s livestream left ament.


    ¡ª LOLOLOLOL. A shady merchant scammed the Godlike Breeze. He sold Gloves with titanium guards for 25 Scraps only! PS. It could be sold for 200 Scraps.


    It was a wake-up call for the yers, and it made them realize that even Godlike yers could be scammed.


    ***


    Always research the sea before you start to dive.


    Those words needed to be taken seriously by anyone involved in a dangerous activity or gaming. It meant to know about what you did before you seriously started so you wouldn''t make any mistake that made you regret it.


    Max knew that saying and faithfully followed it when he was parkouring. He always researched about location before he actually tried some dangerous and risky tricks.


    Even when streaming on Earth, he was always learning from the video-streaming tform before actually ying the game.


    But¡­ He was too confident in this world and made a mistake he couldn''t undo.


    "200¡­" He muttered in a defeated tone as his shoulders slumped down tiredly.


    He had just finished streaming and opened the forum to see people''s reactions and whether the newmunity talked about it or not when he found the truth behind his happy shopping in the shady merchant''s shop.


    "Why did I not notice it? My chat literally was holding theirughter." He asked himself, confused with what was in his mind back then, "Ah, it must be that. I was too tired and didn''t notice their chat. It''s moving so fast that I could only read some of them. That''s exactly it."


    Escaping from reality and ming others was the easiest way to handle this regret. That was exactly what he did.


    Max knew it was wrong. But just once¡­ he thought it would be fine if he med his chat just this one time. And because it was an honest newbie mistake, it didn''t take long for him to recover. No newbies would know that the merchant in V-Shelter Survival could scam the yers.


    "Well, no use crying over spilled milk. I must check my emails and messages before going for night exercise. Don''t want something important to be left unchecked until tomorrow morning, after all."


    Max learned from his mistake of not checking the email and almost missed Mr. Taka''s invitation. If that happened, he didn''t know how he should react. Maybe cry for his unluckiness?


    There was no important email this time besides the reminder that he should be in Biozone Entertainment''s HQ before 6 AM on 13th April. It was an automatic image that would be sent to him until the program in two days.


    "Yeah, yeah. I understand this one."


    Then, he checked his message from the smartwatch¡ªonly people who knew his numbers or contact. Back then, Flexy used the Lobby''s message function so he could contact him without anything.


    But this was in real life, and such a thing was impossible.


    There were two unread message notifications. When Max checked it, the first message was from his dear buddy, Flexy. It was also a reminder about tomorrow''s practice, thest one before the program.


    "Ah, right. We will stream the practice. I think I will hold off V-Shelter until I am free then."


    That couldn''t be helped. While it was fun, the program was more important. Most of his fans came from Knight''s Journey, too, so he couldn''t disappoint them.


    "I need to prepare myself for the dip in the viewers'' number after that."


    After replying to Flexy with a simple ''roger,'' he checked the second message. Surprisingly, it came from an unknown, anonymous contact.


    [!@#$%^: Fake! FAKE! You''re just a fake!]

 Chapter 79: Chapter 79 – Worry

    Max''s gaze froze at the unknown message for a second. But then, he took a screenshot of it and deleted it immediately, even the cache and every data rted to it, in case it tried to hack his smartwatch system.


    Not only that, he even restarted his smartwatch and its inte connection to make sure nothing was wrong. After it rebooted and he didn''t see the message from before, he sighed in relief and cursed out loud.


    "Damn, what was that? A terror message?"


    Not only was it surprising, but Max didn''t know how to react. It was the first time this happened to him.


    "Shit, what should I do? I am a novice in this kind of thing. Can he track my address from my message ount? If he can find my ount, then normally, it''s safe to think he has cracked my identity, too. But¡­ who the heck is he? What did he mean by fake?"


    Nothing made sense. What made whoever sent those messages? There was no way anyone knew that Max had transmigrated and had memories of his past. He was by no means fake. Max and Breeze were the same people.


    Then, the fake that this unknown person meant probably was rted to either streaming or the Knight''s Journey program.


    ''Ignoring it is¡­ bad idea, no? Let''s see¡­ I don''t want to bother him, but I have no other choice at this time.''


    Thinking so, Max immediately contacted Flexy once again. He was the only person he was close to who could help him. Maybe StoneSword and Lily could help him too, but Max didn''t want to bother them more than necessary.


    Besides, he trusted Flexy more than those two right now, as he was his new friend who had helped him get through hisck of money.


    ''If it''s him, then he probably wouldn''t think twice to help me. My debt to him just increased, huh?''


    [Breeze: Buddy, can you help me?]


    It was just a simple message, and he had just sent it. But a ringtone rang from the smartwatch''s speaker just a secondter, and a notification window popped up. Flexy called him without replying to his message.


    Max epted the call and was about to make a greeting first when Flexy''s concerned face showed up in front of him while shouting.


    [Video Call started]


    "Damn, you look so bad! What happened?" He asked worriedly.


    "Is it showing in my face?" Max asked, chuckling wryly. "My bad for calling you at this time, just before you are streaming. I just don''t know who to talk to about this."


    "What happened?" Flexy asked once more. This time, his tone was lower than before. "You just replied ''roger'' to me, and then you said you need help just a few minutester. You surprised me and made me jump from my chair, man¡­"


    "Well, actually¡­"


    Max recounted what happened after he ended his stream and sent the screenshot he took through the message.


    He even told Flexy about his suspicion regarding haters, or someone tried to sabotage him because he appeared in the program even when he was a practically unknown streamer with less than a week of experience.


    "That''s really bad! Good thing you contacted me as soon as you found out. Damn bastard!!"


    Flexy''s reaction was a bit more intense than Max initially thought. It was clear that his always-smiling friend was now angry.


    "Don''t worry, buddy. I will help you to look into it. It''s better to contact Mr. Taka if you think it''s rted to the program. We don''t want any scandal or drama a day before the program. He will understand the situation."


    "Alright." Max nodded, appreciating the advice given by his friend, "Thank you. I was really nking at such a situation. It never happened to me before."


    ''Not in my past life or this life.'' He added in his mind.


    Getting hacked was surprisingly a bit scary, even for Max. He wasn''t scared for himself but for people close to him.


    ''It will be bad if the hacker tries to visit Nina or something¡­ But well, after calming down, I don''t think she will be in danger as long as she stays in her restaurant.''


    "It''s not even a problem." Flexy grinned, rxing his sitting position. "I will tell you if I find something. Hehe, you don''t need to worry. But if you''re still worried about your address getting leaked, feel free to visit my ce. We have good security here."


    "Thanks for the offer, but I think I will stay here."


    "Fine. Just be careful. I will catch up with you soon. Lisa will contact you if we find the hacker and manage to catch him."


    "Thank you. I will send a message to Mr. Taka then."


    Flexy ended the call after reminding Max to be careful once again.


    Following that, Max contacted Mr. Taka and ryed this information. The marketing team leader asked if he had any proof or something that could be a lead, and he sent the screenshot that he took.


    [Mr. Taka: Thank you. I am d you reported this to us before something happened. I also think it might be other newbie streamers we didn''t invite. We will contact the others and ask them to be careful.]


    [Breeze: You''re wee, Mr. Taka. I hope it will be solved soon.]


    [Mr. Taka: We have a partnership contract until your appearance in the Biozone monthly segment. If there is any drama or scandal rting to you, it will hurt our image too. That''s why we will help you solve this problem. Please don''t worry.]


    While that sounded harsh, Max understood where Mr. Taka wasing from and was also worried. A smile appeared on his face as he typed his reply.


    [Breeze: Thank you.]


    No reply came from Mr. Taka after that. Max alsoid down on his bed, but he felt really restless. His mind was still on the hacker from before.


    "I should at least ask Nina to take care and not leave the restaurant for tonight." He muttered and sent a message.


    A reply from Nina came almost immediately.


    [Nina: Ok! You should be careful too! If you want to, feel free to stay in the restaurant with us. Dad will chop chop the hacker if he dares to find you!]


    It invited a chuckle from him.


    "Chop chop¡­ Does she want her dad to be a murderer?"


    He knew that Nina was joking, and that was why it was funny. Having someone like Chef Rush might also be good for his mental health.


    ''It''s just a hacker. Mr. Taka and Flexy will probably find them and the reason soon.''


    [Breeze: Thanks for worrying, Nina. But I will be fine. I will make sure to lock the door.]


    [Nina: Of course, you will! Still,e to our restaurant tomorrow so I can see your face or I will be worried! Besides, dad wants to see you again. We have a new menu that got popr with our new customers, so test it, he said.]


    That must be a sudden excuse to make him visit for breakfast. Max had no reason to refuse it.


    ''Truly, I am blessed in this life.'' He thought, once again realizing what he had. ''I have people caring for me.''


    [Breeze: Alright. See you tomorrow.]


    [Nina: Sleep tight!]

 Chapter 80: Chapter 80 – Settled!

    Well, even if people told him not to worry, without contact from Flexy, his secretary, Lisa, or even Mr. Taka, Max couldn''t sleep all night, causing him to be groggy and have dark rings around his eyes.


    But the hacker wasn''t the only reason why he couldn''t sleep.


    ''I ended up reading V-Shelter Survival''s beginner guide in the forum without sleeping.''


    After getting worried for an hour and watching Flexy streaming Knight''s Journey for a while, Max decided to research the game he was ying right now. V-Sheltermunity forum, or Shelter forum for short, was the perfect ce to research the game mechanics and tips.


    yers with spirits to make guides put together everything newbies need to know. The forum moderator also appreciated their work and actually pinned the post permanently.


    The amount of information in that one thread alone was massive due to how this game was designed and the freedom it provided.


    To put it simply, even after reading an entire night, Max only processed around 20 to 30% of the information from that thread.


    "They are really passionate¡­ It''s not a guide anymore but a Wikipedia page for the game! It should be called ''Complete Guide to the Game'' instead of ''Newbie must know this!'' How misleading."


    Anyway, Max wasn''t that worried about the hacker anymore and was more worried about getting scammed by the shady merchant. As promised, he took a quick shower and went to Nina''s restaurant to test another new menu.


    But that was just an excuse to make Maxe, which he was aware of.


    The restaurant was still closed, with only half of the door open. He entered through it and greeted Nina who was waiting for him.


    "Good morning."


    "Morning, Max! I am d you are okay."


    She chirped happily.


    "Dad is already waiting in the back. He suddenly wanted to make a new menu when a cute girl said she liked his spinach noodles yesterday and asked whether there was a blue noodle. Ah, she came here after she watched your stream. Hehe, thank you for doing what you did."


    "Blue noodles?" Max asked while his stomach scrunched when he heard that. It wasn''t out of anger, but out of fear of whether his digested organs would be fine or not.


    "Gulp¡­ I-I am looking forward to it." He said bitterly.


    "Hehehe." Nina giggled mischievously as she pulled Max''s hand, "I am d that I am not alone in this."


    ''So she wants us to suffer together! This girl is actually sly!''


    ***


    "Ugh¡­ That was the worst Rush Noodles I ever tasted. Umph!"


    Max regretted his decision.


    Horrible couldn''t describe the taste of the noodles he ate this morning. Even after a few hours had passed, sleeping all day, his stomach was still churning, and he felt slightly nauseous. Currently, he was in the toilet, vomiting the unprocessed noodles from his system.


    "Whoever requested blue noodles is a devil¡­ Hmph! Uweeek¡­ Fuck!"


    After a while, he finally felt better. However, his stomach emptied, and he cooked something to eat for lunch. He decided to make a full-protein menu with some sd on the side.


    While eating on a makeshift table he made on his bed, a message suddenly came.


    Ding!


    Curious, Max opened to see who it was. Another new name appeared on the list. But this time, it wasn''t unwee.


    "Lisa¡­ Flexy''s secretary, huh?" He muttered and opened the message. "If it''s from her, then it''s about that?"


    He referred to a hacker fromst night.


    ''They are working fast. And this message¡­''


    [Lisa: It''s done.]


    ''How simple.''


    No useless words or even reassurance. It seemed like they believed he would be fine even without them.


    ''I am curious, but I probably should just focus on the program for now. Maybe they purposely did not tell me the details so I could ignore this case and just focus on what I needed to do. Lisa is too good to be Flexy''s secretary. I wonder how much he paid her? I will ask himter.''


    He just replied with a simple thanks before continuing with his meal.


    Livestream with Flexy would start at 4 PM. There were plenty of chances to ask about it.


    Mr. Taka also messaged him not so long after, saying that he didn''t need to worry anymore as the hacker was apprehended. It was one of the worst crimes in this age, as all smartwatches stored personal information and maybe evenpany secrets that shouldn''t be leaked at all.


    Privacy was highly honored in this world, way more important than in his previous life. It was kind of surprising, but he loved how this world had aw that kept people''s identities safe, especially streamers who didn''t want their identities to be known.


    Everything was done, just like that, without any victim except the perpetrator. He was probably put in jail for a few years and asked to pay some money.


    Hearing that from Mr. Taka immediately put Max in a good mood, as some of the money paid by the hacker would go to his bank ount.


    [Breeze: Thank you very much, Mr. Taka! I really appreciate your help!]


    ''And the extrapensation money from a single message!''


    [Mr. Taka: You''re wee. I hope you can concentrate on the program now. See you tomorrow.]


    Connections were a pretty amazing power to have in the world. If he didn''t know those guys, then he probably needed to report to the police and go through some troublesome stuff.


    Also¡­ There was one more important thing left to wonder.


    ''I don''t think I should share this story with my viewers. It will only invite some other people to try it as if challenging them.''


    Max came to an easy conclusion. If no one knew, then this incident could be written off as non-existent. All parties had tight lips, so he didn''t need to be worried about it leaking out to outsiders.


    Putting that aside, it was nearly time to make fun¨C To have fun practicing with Flexy. Max nned to show his secret path after the livestream, too. That way, they would have time to put up a new strategy for tomorrow, and he nned to practice until midnight before resting.


    ''I don''t need to be worried about getting fatigued tomorrow. I have that medicine from the system that can prevent me from getting fatigued for 3 hours. Hehe, it''s really useful in times like this.''


    And so, it was time for practice!

 Chapter 81: Chapter 81 – Short Training with Flexy

    Max appeared in an exceptionally glimmering, strange golden castle and walked toward a person waving at him in a golden knight''s armor.


    "Yo, Breeze! You look better than before, hahaha!"


    "Thanks to you. I really appreciate your help."


    "Don''t mention it. We''re friends, and we help each other!" Flexyughed loudly and circled his arm around Max''s shoulder. "Also, while that was already taken care of, I do know his identity from the police report. Do you want to hear it?" His tone turned slightly serious.


    Did Max want to know? Yes, he did. He was really curious about him.


    However, the hacker was no longer important to him. The police had already put him in jail and given him punishment.


    "Tell me more about it after the program. We need to win this one first, and I don''t want to have anything more in my mind." Max answered his friend and grinned, "Hehe, I wonder what kind of new bonus Mr. Taka will give me if I win."


    Flexy blinked a few times in surprise before bursting intoughter. He smacked Max''s back, much to his dismay and pain.


    Max rubbed his back and sent a death re toward his friend. The other party probably didn''t know that he set his pain setting to 50% that of a real-world to move a bit better and felt the sensation of his whole body, just to feel alive.


    ''Damn¡­ Should I lower it?'' He seriously considered it. ''Nah, that won''t work. I am finally able to use my 5 senses. It will be a shame to just cut it off and feel no pain again. That will¡­ probably make me go crazy instead.''


    "True! Let''s not think about something as unimportant as his identity." Flexy grinned, "Well then, let''s do this. The livestream will start in 20 minutes. We will do it like usual, alright?"


    "Ah, about that." Max rose from his hunched position and looked at Flexy, "There is something I''d like to show you first before streaming. Shall we go to a Fort Siege first?"


    "Hmm?" Flexy seemed confused but nodded his head nevertheless. His grin widened, feeling that his friend had something in mind, "It sounds interesting."


    Interesting was kind of putting what Max would do down. It wasn''t just interesting but crazily interesting.


    "Holy shit!" Flexy cursed loudly as he reappeared in the co-op waiting room, facing Max with widened eyes. "That¡­ You were able to do that?!"


    Max raised his chin andughed confidently, "Hehehe. We will get that win with this, no?"


    "Yeah¡­ Yeah! Damn it. I thought you were pretty amazing at discovering a new passage that time, but a fool for showing it to me. To think you have something like this in mind¡­ No one but you could do something like that in a day."


    "Hmm, well¡­" He hummed in wonder.


    A certain girl''s face shed in his mind, someone who was able to replicate a wall run in just a day. Not only that, but she was also able to finish the Synchronization Test in under 18 minutes for her first run and achieved a whooping 97.6 SR.


    If it was her, Max thought she would be able to replicate what he had just shown to Flexy.


    "I just wanted to be sure that this path wasn''t leaked. Well, that was just my first try. I think I can do better than that."


    "Even faster than that?" Flexy stroked his chin in amusement, "We will bag the win then. Are you going to show it in the livestream?"


    "No." Max shook his head, "Let''s do the usual and just stream for an hour. My body isn''t exactly fit enough yet to handle more than 2 hours of intense ythrough. I think I need another B-Grade nutritional supplement before I can stream for 3 hours straight."


    The orange-haired streamer nodded in understanding. He knew Max''s body condition. Although it was better than before, it wasn''t exactly the best or optimal yet.


    Just the fact he could do 2 hours of intense game ythrough from his previous record, which was an hour and 30 minutes, was already an amazing improvement.


    "Let''s just do that. You also need to take the Sky Rail tonight, right?"


    "Yeah. I will stay in the Biozone hotel until tomorrow to make sure I am in top condition."


    Both of them reached an agreement and started the livestream. Their viewer count reached a new height as people were curious about the Flexy and Breeze pair for tomorrow''s program.


    The former managed to reach more than 35,000 viewers, almost breaking his record of 37,000 viewers in the past. While thetter managed to amass and break through the 5,000 viewers count, it kept increasing.


    In total, they had more than 40,000 viewers. No one cared about the people who watched both livestreams. What was important was that they contributed more than 10% to the total of concurrent viewers of Knight''s Journey that afternoon, which only hit 400K.


    Their first run was a bust, as the RNG for the first barbarian army attack didn''t really side with them. There were just too many archers much to their liking, raining down arrows and keeping them in the distance.


    Then, they continued to the second run. This time, it was much better with only 3 to 4 archers, a manageable number. The numbers of barbarians weren''t as muchpared to their first run in their first coboration.


    On top of all those factors, Max and Flexy had already trained together before and actually worked on their teamwork.


    "On your right!" Max shouted and threw a short sword he found near his feet at the barbarianing from Flexy''s blindspot, killing him at once.


    "Thanks!"


    Shouting back, Flexy blocked an arrow attack with a shield in his left hand and rushed toward the archer. He was fast and took the barbarian off guard.


    "See ya!"


    With a swift sh, he decapitated the archer and proceeded to the next one, ending the first wave of the army and continuing to the split section.


    Flexy went inside the fort while Max went to the roof to take the g. This time, they seeded in taking over the g and killing the boss, finishing in 49 minutes and 47 seconds and cing them in the 6th speedrun ranking.


    The viewers went wild with donations and chat. Even Flexy was excited and hugged Max tightly.


    As someone who would rather have a private space himself, Max felt ufortable with it and pushed his friend away.


    Nheless, he shared the happiness of getting into the top 10 speedrun ranking. Not that the happiness wouldst that long.


    They ended the stream on a happy note and continued training secretly without trying to put the result in the speedrun ranking.


    In a short exnation¡­ The result surprised both of them and boosted their confidence a few times more than before.


    After getting used to the path and having a few clean runs, Max got exhausted and couldn''t move the way he wanted to anymore. They decided to finish the training and rest.


    At night, Max bid goodbye to his apartment for a few days and went to New Eden City with the Sky Rail. When he arrived, everything was already prepared for him; he just needed to wait until tomorrow.


    And then¡­ the important day arrived.

 Chapter 82: Chapter 82 – Veteran and Newbie, Versus! [1]

    13th April 2045.


    It was a big day for Max and probably for a few more people. It was the day of the Knight''s Journey program. Six streamers were first gathered in a room with Mr. Taka and some production crew for a briefing before the program was live.


    They were put in a closed room with Mr. Taka and an attractive female standing beside him.


    "First of all, wee! And let me introduce you to our host today." Mr. Taka greeted everyone with a big smile on his face as a hologram screen shed behind him. He turned to the woman beside him and continued. "Miss Evelyn, please go ahead."


    "Thank you," Evelyn''s voice sounded like an angel. It was soothing and really pleasant to hear. "Hello! It''s nice to meet you. I am Evelyn Rees, and I will be today''s host. I hope for a pleasant cooperation with all the streamers here!"


    Max recognized her from his memories. She was an uing singer who was famous for her work in a few video games.


    ''And she''s the one who sang for Knight''s Journey ending song too, if I remember correctly. That''s why they invited her.''


    Not only was she pretty and had a good voice, but she also had the experience of being a host in the monthly game award before. Biozone Entertainment didn''t spare any penny in order to make this program seed.


    It seemed like the others also recognized her as they only nodded in understanding. MadLad somehow had a happy smile, contrasting with his usual frown and unhappy expression.


    ''Is he a fan?'' Max guessed.


    Flexy and StoneSword didn''t react differently, just like Max. They just recognized her and thought having such a good host was nice. Having someone good at their job would make the program easier.


    Furthermore, Evelyn was already famous for driving a good conversation without trying to dig into the streamers'' secrets, so she was well-liked by themunity.


    Lily also nodded softly, while RoninKnight just sat without doing anything.


    The briefing continued for a while. Mr. Taka took over the talk and exined the details and schedule. They also provided uniforms of dark brown pants and tactical-looking jackets for the participants.


    It was just like the usual program these veteran streamers often joined. But for Max, it was exciting, and he wanted to know more about it. He felt like he had regressed and returned to the first time he knew Parkour. It was the same feeling.


    ''It''s fun.''


    After the briefing was over, they changed into the new uniform provided and went to the live studio on the fifth floor, located deep inside the building. There, the make-up artists were already waiting for them.


    "My, they are giving us some fine specimens¨C I mean, some fine-looking young men to work with." One of the make-up artistsmented while holding her cheek. "Fufufu, this will be fun."


    At those words, Max had an urge to run, and so was Flexy. They instinctively knew this woman was bad news.


    Fortunately, that make-up artist was in charge of StoneSword, which relieved him from getting entangled.


    While the participants were getting ready in the back, Mr. Taka and Evelyn were rehearsing on the stage.


    "We will do the interviews first as nned and proceed to the reveal. After that, we will start the program." He said to Evelyn.


    She nodded while looking at the schedule given to her through the small screen of her smartwatch.


    "It''s indeed the most optimal choice. But, Mr. Taka. I believe you know the risk if the new Synchronization Test''s record holder doesn''t win, right? From my source, I found out Puppeteer will also do a watch party after he gets the news that one of the participants has broken his record."


    As a host, Evelyn had already been informed about the record holder. When she was informed of the identity of the record holder, she didn''t believe that a newbie who had just yed a game a week ago was the new record holder.


    When she watched the clip, she came to the realization that one''s skill wasn''t really rted to their ytime. Indeed, they could get better the longer they yed. However, it was true that one''s innate talent and IRL skill was also important.


    ''I am still worried about his inexperience, though. If he loses, then he will receive a bacsh from the viewers and Puppeteer''s fans. It''s inevitable. Can he deliver the expectations that everyone ced on him? Or will he break down under the pressure?'' She thought.


    "I am aware of the risk." Mr. Taka pushed his sses up, "But don''t worry. We are selling surprises. And besides, we can always make some excuses that this is a team effort instead of an individual one. No one willin even if the StoneSword and LilyPixel pair win, as they are the current record holder."


    A grin appeared on the marketing team leader''s face. He was confident that the individual named Breeze would surprise him and the audience once again.


    ''He achieved the top 6 in speedrun ranking with Flexy yesterday. That''s already amazing achievement.''


    Mr. Taka believed that a new world record of Fort Siege would be written today. Who would break the sub 48 minutes was still a mystery.


    "If you are aware, then I won''t say anything more." Evelyn smiled, swept her hand, and closed the screen, "I will check on my make-up again and prepare my line before we start. Please excuse me, Mr. Taka."


    "Ah, yes. Good luck to you."


    With that, Evelyn left to the back of the stage. Mr. Taka huffed while watching her.


    ''She just doesn''t get it.'' He thought, ''Or rather, it''s because she saw many failed that she became skeptical. Being a famous host who was invited to many programs seemed to be hard too.''


    The rise and fall of a streamer was as easy as changing seasons from spring to autumn. Flowers could bloom for a while, but they would wither soon if no one took care of them carefully.


    Understanding that, Mr. Taka usually also didn''t want to push his luck. But this time¡­ the factor that forced him to take that risk was too good to ignore.


    ''I hope you deliver our expectations, Breeze. Don''t crumble from the pressure.''


    If Breeze couldn''t deliver, then his promotion might be affected. That worried Mr. Taka a little bit.


    ''Well, let''s trust him. Even if he loses, as long as he shows something amazing, then that will be enough.''


    At that moment, all preparations were done.


    "Mr. Taka! The production crew is ready. We can go live on time!" The director raised his voice loudly.


    Turning toward him, Mr. Taka nodded.


    "Alright! Good job, everyone. Let''s hope this program will go as nned!"

 Chapter 83: Chapter 83 – Veteran and Newbie, Versus! [2]

    Big game programs, especially those held by a publisher, always had giveaways and redeem codes in exchange for rewards. It invited many people even before the program started, and they used the chat room tomunicate with each other.


    ¡ª Oooh! Can''t wait!


    ¡ª Three pairs with different ns and game styles. Who will win?!


    ¡ª Fort Siege speedrun program. Biozone Entertainment is really giving it their all, huh?


    ¡ª I believe StoneSword and LilyPixel will win. They are the current world record holder, after all


    ¡ª I am not sure whether they will break the world record here, but I believe StoneSword will win


    ¡ª Lillyyy!!! So cute! I am your fans!!


    ¡ª RoninKnight is also a good yer. Only Flexy is rather¡­ skilled. Of course, he''s better than me, but his skill is meh


    ¡ª I wonder who the new Synchronization Test record holder is. So curious!


    Unlike Max''s viewers, they were more neutral and weren''t as chaotic, although some of the chat were about Lily''s cuteness, as she was the only girl participant in this program.


    With the bait Biozone Entertainment threw in their announcement, namely the new record holder, everyone began to focus on that part.


    ¡ª I believe MadLad is the new record holder


    ¡ª LilyPixel is the new record holder, for sure! She''s really good. Just look at the current Fort Siege''s world video


    ¡ª LilyPixel''s movement is so smooth and skilled. It''s not strange if she can break Puppeteer''s record


    ¡ª Naaahhhh, you guys are delusional. It''s clear that Breeze is the new record holder


    ¡ª True true. The wall run man is the new record holder, for sure


    ¡ª What did you say?! MadLad can beat that guy blindfolded


    ¡ª Kekw. Keep your delusion. Breeze can split his head with his axe in less than a second!


    Fans began to fight each other, and the situation soon turned chaotic. No one backed away as they wanted to support their streamer''s side.


    Surprisingly, the worst of them all was Lily''s fans. Even if they were low in numberpared to Max and MadLad, they were enthusiastic about defending her and truly believed she was the new synchronization test record holder.


    Not only normal viewers but some newbie streamers began to appear in chat. Jealousy was apparent in their words.


    Some celebrations, words of encouragement, and curses began to fly one after another, nearing the start of the program.


    Currently, the viewer count has broken 200K. No one could control the chat anymore, not even with 10 moderators who tried their best to make the chat civil again.


    Only when the livestream started was the chat filled with ''Finally!'' or ''I''ve been waiting!''


    [Livestream Start!]


    Biozone Entertainment''s logo appeared on the screen with a thunderous song. The logo was a thick trunk, having many branches, surrounded by blue and green circles.


    Soon, it changed to the studio, with Evelyn sitting on a sofa across from the six participants. The veterans sat on the chairs on the higher part, while the newbies were sitting on the lower part, ording to their pairs.


    Max was sitting in the middle, right in front of Flexy.


    And as soon as the screen changed, Evelyn smiled beautifully and caught the viewers'' attention.


    "Hello, everyone! How are you? Haha, I bet you''ve been waiting for today''s program. Wee to Veteran and Newbie, Versus! We will see who will clear Fort Siege the fastest among these three pairs!"


    Her appearance, beautiful face, long ck hair, proper figure, and voice immediately captivated them. The fans who knew and followed Evelyn immediately made themselves known in the chat.


    ¡ª Kyaaa!! Evelyynn!!


    ¡ª Mommy! Notice me mommy!


    ¡ª Mommy Evelyn! I love you!!


    ¡ª Aaah! I can smell her through the screen!


    Max smiled wryly as he read the chat. The production crew specially put arge screen for the chat window, floating out of the camera so the participants could read them.


    ''There are so many SIMPS.'' He thought, and it made him curious, ''I wonder if that word is known in this world. Should I poprize it if it''s not known yet? Hehehe.'' He thought silly in the middle of the recording.


    Evelyn only chuckled at the chat. Was this meant by being a famous celebrity? She handled all the weird chats professionally without showing her disgust.


    "I am d everyone is looking forward to the program. Why don''t we ask the participants about how they feel?" She turned toward StoneSword first, who sat on the left side near the center.


    The camera panned and closed to StoneSword''s face. He smiled and answered.


    "I feel great. I think I will be able to do my best with LilyPixel''s help and break our own record."


    "Ooh! That''s such confidence." Evelyn beamed in a smile and turned to LilyPixel, "What''s yourment about it, LilyPixel?"


    Lily looked at Evelyn before turning to the camera and back to her. Her face was expressionless. She briefly thought about what to say and remarked.


    "I will do my best."


    "¡­" The host was speechless for a while, not expecting such a generic answer. She recovered soon and turned to Flexy. "W-Well, what about you, Flexy?"


    "Hahaha!" The orange-haired streamerughed with arge grin adorning his face. "This is an interesting program, and I quite like it. However! I shall take the crown with my buddy, Breeze! Right?"


    "Yeah." Max nodded confidently, matching his friend''s energy. "I am certain we will win today."


    ¡ª Hahaha! That''s our Breeze


    ¡ª Damn. He''s so confident, even in front of arge crowd


    [BloodSucker has donated 2,000 diamonds!]


    [Don''t be confident, Breeze! StoneSword, please show him where he stands! PS. I am Breeze''s fan, don''t ban me, please!]


    ¡ª There it is, BreezeSucker! He even donated 2,000 diamonds just to make his chat appearrger than the others!


    ¡ª How rich.


    "It seems that one of your fans is giving you some words of love." Evelyn giggled and looked at Max.


    "Haha, I am blessed to have a fan like him."


    There was no need to add more words. BloodSucker could be ignored for now. If there was one thing that was regrettable, it was the fact that the donations would be divided by 6 after Biozone Entertainment took 40% of it.


    ''He should''ve just donated to my stream.'' Max thought in his head.


    Overall, the reactions to his and Flexy''s introduction seemed nice. All the haters in the waiting room earlier couldn''t be seen as the chat moved fast, with viewers praising either his friendship with Flexy or his look.


    Somepared him to StoneSword, but manydies had fallen for just his look alone.


    Max could understand why. He sat between a cute girl and a rough-looking guy. So, his handsome features were more highlighted than usual.


    Evelyn continued to ask MadLad and RoninKnight questions. The former was so energetic and ended up shouting, making him perfectly fit his look. RoninKnight handled it quietly, as serene as ake. In short, he mumbled.


    After she finished asking the question, she pped her hands happily.


    "It seems that everyone is certain that they will win. Will we see a new world record for Fort Siege today?!"


    This question was directed to the viewers as she faced the camera. Answers came almost immediately.


    ¡ª Yes!


    ¡ª Breeze will easily break the world record!


    ¡ª Ah, world record. I am curious about who broke the synchronization test world record


    ¡ª Tell us! Don''t keep us in suspense!


    ¡ª lololol, no way we can break the world record easily! Especially in a program like this!


    Evelyn raised her eyebrows as if some of the chat became a cue. She acted as if she forgot about it and knocked her head softly.


    "Oh, right!" She eximed, as if forgetting something, "Talking about breaking a world record, we have yet to announce the yer who achieved 1st in synchronization test WR, no? I am such a klutz!"


    ¡ª Hehe, but you''re so cute


    ¡ª Klutz Evelyn, how precious!


    ¡ª This is why we love you!


    ¡ª Show us! SHOW US!!


    "Alright! Because the audience seems to be curious. Let us watch the footage of their synchronization tests!"

 Chapter 84: Chapter 84 – Veteran and Newbie, Versus! [3]

    Ba-dump!


    A loud beat rang as the screen split into four, showing the participants'' synchronization tests, including Flexy''s show-off.


    ¡ª As expected, it''s among the noobies!


    ¡ª BREEZE! GOD! PEAK GOAT! WOHOOO!


    ¡ª Just delete Flexy! We don''t need him! He can solo Fort Siege no problem!


    ¡ª Lla! Let''s start the video!


    Countdowns appeared on the footage, and it zoomed into Lily. The 350K viewers were watching curiously, and the chat stopped moving for a second.


    Mr. Taka and the production crew observed the traffic. They were grinning when they saw that the viewer'' count kept increasing. Not only that, but the concurrent viewers broke through 800K just right after they started the footage.


    After all, the watch party viewers were linked to the total.


    "Team Leader, this is¡­"


    "Yeah." Mr. Taka nodded at his subordinates, "It''s going really well."


    The footage changed a few times, showing all the participants'' amazing moments. However, everyone noticed that there were especially two streamers who were cut above the rest.


    ¡ª Damn! Breeze is passing thatser easily. He didn''t die!


    ¡ª Lily!! Uwooogghh her movement! Look at that!


    ¡ª It''s clear now who broke the record. It''s either Breeze or LilyPixel. Just look at them!


    ¡ª Crazy! How the heck are they moving like that? That Breeze is just inhuman!


    No one doubted their skill anymore. The earlier four footages now became only two, standing side by side, and were yed simultaneously.


    Seven minutes had passed, and it was clear who was faster among those two. Max had arrived at the tenth test while Lily was still on the ninth.


    ¡ª Lily!! Beat Breeze! I beg you! Please¡­ please beat him


    ¡ª Cry more, BloodSucker!


    ¡ª Go go Breeze go! ¨C BloodSucker


    Breeze''s fans, especially those who followed him from the start, went crazy when they realized he was about to win. They believed in him. From the start, they didn''t doubt that he told them the truth about breaking the record. Well¡­ at least some didn''t.


    Both of them struggled in thest tests, dying a few times from the traps. On the screen, Max''s movement was getting faster and faster each time he died, moving through the traps confidently without stopping.


    Gravity wasn''t even his enemy. He ran on the wall, jumping around, and even rolled to the ground to dodge anything. Lily''s movement was less wasteful. But she was clearly slower than Max.


    And after a few tries¡­ a drumroll rang loudly. Max had arrived at the end and pressed the button, finishing the run magnificently.


    Golden letters floated into the air.


    [Final time: 00:13:51.]


    [Final Time Worldwide Ranking: 1]


    [Breeze!]


    Seeing the text, the viewers went crazy.


    ¡ª WOAAAHHHH!!!!


    ¡ª GG!


    ¡ª POG BREEZE! The GOAT! He''s the f*cking GOAT!!


    ¡ª GG! Sub 14 minutes! GODDAMN!


    LilyPixel''s run was skipped, and only her result was shown. 17 minutes 24 seconds. It was a magnificent run from her. ording to the ranking, she was ced in the top 30 worldwide.


    ¡ª GG!


    ¡ª You''ve done well, Lily!


    ¡ª That was an amazing run! Unfortunately, the other participant is just a monster!


    ¡ª Yeah, he''s inhuman!


    "Hey, I am a human!" Max retorted after the chat, possibly his viewers, made fun of him. His expression was a sight to behold, and everyoneughed.


    Everyone didn''t move their gaze from their screen, though. As there was still one thing that was left to expose.


    ¡ª How high is his SR, I wonder?


    ¡ª Damn, this is making me nervous. Don''t tell me that he''s also Rank 1 and beat that person?


    ¡ª You mean GOD? Nah, that man is just on another level.


    ¡ª It makes me curious.


    "It seems everyone is curious about their SR result," Evelyn said at the perfect moment, and once again, the camera showed her beautiful face.


    "I need to ask you to be patient about that. We will share their SR together with the result of their run. Coincidentally, the Flexy and Breeze pair will gost, after the StoneSword and LilyPixel pair."


    She smiled mischievously, teasing the viewers, who couldn''t help but be curious about Max''s result already.


    Max looked at Evelyn and learned. He was amazed by how the professional handled things and thought that it might be useful in his streaming career in the future.


    ''Tease the viewers and don''t give them what they want until we get what we want. Our method is simr, but she''s using her charm well.'' He thought. ''Nah, that won''t work with me. It will look cringe.''


    The production crew waved around instructions on a hologram screen. They asked Evelyn to move to the next program as the capsules were already prepared, and everything was ready. Doctor Ardi was also on standby to check their vitals.


    Noticing the sign, Evelyn continued.


    "Now then, let''s get into the main segment! The first to have a run is the RoninKnight and MadLad pair. They will be given 2 chances to get their fastest run. Meanwhile, the remaining participants and I will give a livement! Best of luck to the first pair!"


    "Alright!!" MadLad jumped from his chair and raised his hands energetically. He winked at Evelyn, trying to show off, and turned to RoninKnight. "Let''s do this, Ronin!"


    "Let''s do our best," RoninKnight responded with a simple nod.


    The pair walked away toward the area where the VR capsules were prepared. Max watched them with a slight curiosity in his eyes. How well would they y? He didn''t know as he never watched them before.


    At that moment, he heard a really familiar sound.


    Ding!


    ''Oh?!'' His expression immediately brightened as his lips curled into a grin, confusing almost everyone noticing it.


    However, Max didn''t realize it, as his attention was focused on the window that only he could see.


    <Quest:


    - Surprise the World


    A viral moment is needed by a streamer. If your aim is to be the greatest of them all, prove it to the whole world.


    Set a magical record that no one would expect and etch your name in streaming history.


    Finish the Fort Siege battle in under 45 minutes.


    Progress: 0/1


    Reward: A secure living quarter


    Deadline: 2 Tries


    Failure toplete this mission will result in the system not giving a quest and limiting your synchronization rate to 95% for a month.>


    A seemingly impossible quest was given to him.


    ''45 minutes¡­''


    That time frame sounded impossible. The current world record was 48 minutes and 32 seconds. Even with his new path, he could possibly only cut 2 minutes at most.


    ''It''s a really hard quest.'' He frowned. ''But the reward is... the biggest so far. And the failure punishment sounds not too bad. I can still move simrly to before with 95% SR. Though 1 month without a quest will probably make me miss the system.''


    "What''s wrong, Breeze?" Flexy whispered from behind, concerned, "Are you nervous and need to go to the bathroom? Don''t worry. We will win this program and set a new world record. If we do it as well as yesterday, our victory is guaranteed." He sneered.


    "Heh, you''re right," Max responded, closing the window secretly by sweeping his hand.


    Indeed, he just needed to do as well as yesterday. Flexy was also there to do it with him.


    "Hey, Flexy. Let''s aim for sub 44 minutes."


    "That''s ridiculous." The orange-haired streamer raised his voice slightly, but his lips curled up in amusement, "But it sounds interesting. Alright, let''s aim for that, buddy."


    Both of them fist-bumped with a big grin on their faces. Unknown to them, the camera took that action, and some female viewers went crazy and posted something in a rather secretive forum.

 Chapter 85: Chapter 85 – Veteran and Newbie, Versus! [4]

    Entering the game, RoninKnight and MadLad appeared in the clearing. Both of them had different weapons: a shield and sword for the former and a greatsword for thetter.


    They agreed to start immediately and gave out the sign to the production crew. After receiving confirmation that it was already live, RoninKnight pressed the start button.


    [Fort Siege Start!]


    [3¡­2¡­1¡­]


    [GO!]


    "Oh! The RoninKnight and MadLad pair are moving at a fast speed! They are trying to face the barbarian army from the front! It''s different from the world record run, where they try to only deal with enemies that keep them from reaching the fort! How brave!"


    Evelynmented excitedly, raising her voice to match the atmosphere.


    On the screen, MadLad rushed forward with his greatsword. It looked heavy, but he dragged and swung it without any problem.


    Swoosh!


    "Hahaha! Come on! Come on!" MadLadughed crazily as he hacked the barbarians into two. He had no technique whatsoever, but his strength was praiseworthy.


    Unable to defend against the greatsword, the barbarian army was forced to back up. Seeing that, MadLad stopped and shouted.


    "Bro!"


    "On it."


    RoninKnight ran forward, passing MadLad on his way. He was quicker and could use his shield to defend against the iing arrows.


    Using this chance, MadLad chose to run toward the hill to climb onto the wall.


    "Oooh! He''s running. I see, so their n is to make a diversion and take the g after they manage to do it!" Evelyn analyzed quickly and turned to StoneSword, "As the world record holder, what''s yourment, StoneSword?"


    "That''s a good strategy." StoneSword nodded in approval.


    "MadLad is also using a greatsword, so his movement is quite limited. It''s good to make the barbarian army fear him first and then aggro them to RoninKnight, who has a shield. I believe after MadLad manages to climb up the wall, RoninKnight will enter the fort."


    "I see! That''s a deep analysis." She nodded in understanding.


    Just like what StoneSword had predicted, the pair did exactly that strategy. Max observed while humming in disapproval.


    "He could climb faster than that..." He unintentionally blurted out, getting everyone''s attention.


    "What do you mean by that, Breeze?" Evelyn asked, appearing innocent.


    ¡ª Yeah, what do you mean?!


    ¡ª Don''t be arrogant, newbie! MadLad already climbed as fast as he could!


    ¡ª He has a greatsword. Think about that too!


    The viewers didn''t seem to like what he blurted out too.


    Realizing that, he cursed in his mind, ''Shit, my mouth!''


    "I believe what yer MadLad did earlier was already quite fast. Can you exin why you said he could climb faster?"


    "Well¡­" Max scratched his cheek. He knew he should exin it so he wouldn''t appear to be so arrogant. "It''s like this. He climbed while putting his greatsword behind his back, right? I believe he will be able to climb faster if he throws his greatsword up first and then climb. There is no need to bring extra weight."


    It was just a simple solution that everyone should be able to think about. But there was a problem.


    "What if the enemy appears when he''s unarmed?" Evelyn asked once again.


    "What if the enemy appeared?" Max returned the question in confusion. Everyone was still looking at him. "Just kick the enemy or drag him down. Simple, no?"


    ¡ª ¡­


    ¡ª That''s right


    ¡ª Could it be MadLad is the stoopid one?


    ¡ª Yeah, that''s a simple strategy that even a noob knows. It''s just not realistic with their skill. But a skilled yer should be able to drag the enemy down


    ¡ª True, and their aggro is now focusing on RoninKnight


    Everyone didn''t think it was strange either. The essence of speedrun was to finish the instance as soon as possible.


    "Or he can just do a wall run!"


    Flexy suddenly added withughter.


    "Climbing like that is too slow. He can save a few seconds if he can run on the wall and pull himself faster. Right?" He winked at the camera, showing a perfect smile that was somehow irritating.


    ¡ª As if anyone can do something like that


    ¡ª Well, when we think about it again¡­ Breeze can do wall run and probably climb faster


    ¡ª That''s why he said MadLad is slow¡­ Damn, even a skilled yer is slow in his eyes


    ¡ª Godlike! No one will doubt him!


    ¡ª But Flexy is irritating! That smile is so annoying! Can I punch him? I can, right?


    ¡ª Gooo, MadLad!!


    "I see. That''s one way to take the speedrun!" Evelynmented and decided to change the subject.


    "Oh, look at them! It''s only 20 minutes, and they are now on the second part of the speedrun. MadLad is going to the southern wall while RoninKnight prepares to face Gargantua!"


    The atmosphere quickly returned to normal. They returned to cheer on the first pair.


    "Uoooghh!!" Shouting loudly, MadLad swung his greatsword and fought the barbarians above the wall. They were stronger individually than the army they fought on the ground, and he had a rather hard time facing them.


    However, he managed to breach their confinement and ran toward the tightrope section in the southern wall. Luckily for him, no other enemies were trying to stop him.


    "He got a pretty good RNG." StoneSword chirped in.


    Max agreed with him. In his run with Flexy, he would definitely meet at least 9 to 12 enemies on the wall. Meanwhile, MadLad had only encountered 5 so far, and that was after he was about to reach the southern wall.


    ''Some people say luck is a part of skill. I guess they meant something like this.''


    It sounded unfair, but it couldn''t be helped as the game was designed like it.


    Passing the tightrope was difficult for MadLad. He had a hard time doing so and moved ever so slowly, trying to bnce himself.


    Meanwhile, RoninKnight had arrived at the dining room where Gargantua was and fought him. Sparks flew by as their swords contacted each other.


    ng! Cling!


    "The fight has started, everyone! Look at the sparks that were sent flying when their swords shed. It looks so cool!" Evelyn added to the excitement with herment.


    RoninKnight appeared calm as he exchanged fiery blows with Gargantua, a barbarian twice his size. Their battle was intense and destroyed the long table inside.


    ng! ng!


    "Ugh!"


    "Hahaha! Knight, move faster!"


    Loud nging sounds from a sword hitting the shield, metal meeting metal, echoed loudly. Before long, RoninKnight managed to see an opening and thrust his sword.


    "Hah!" He shouted loudly.


    Pierce!


    The sword went through the armor, going straight into Gargantua''s heart. The giant vomited blood, and his body slowly fell.


    "Bas¡­tard."


    With that as thest word, the boss was felled. On top of the fort, MadLad was also able to take down the g and protect the area from the iing barbarians until the other knights arrived and put up Rami Kingdom''s g.


    "They did it!" Evelyn eximed excitedly.


    The celebration urred on the screen as they finished the run. RoninKnight looked up and saw MadLad raising his arms through the hole in the ceiling.


    Letters began to appear in front of them, showing the result.


    [Fort Siege Sessful!]


    [Final time: 00:50:25]


    They managed to enter the top 30 in the speedrun ranking with their time.


    "That''s amazing." Max pped his hands like the others, congratting them.


    As expected, ignoring their personalities, the streamers invited to this program are skilled.


    ''I wonder what kind of strategy StoneSword and LilyPixel will pullter.''


    Both RoninKnight and MadLad still had one more run before it was StoneSword''s turn. And Max''s turn woulde after that. But he couldn''t help but get excited.


    ''Aah... I want to y soon.'' He sighed.

 Chapter 86: Chapter 86 – StoneSword and LilyPixel Pair [1]

    RoninKnight and MadLad weren''t so lucky with their RNG on the second run. The enemy on the wall was way more than their first run, which slowed MadLad considerably.


    In the end, they finished the run with 52 minutes and 18 seconds in time. Their respective SR, 94.5% for RoninKnight and 95.3% for MadLad, was also disyed after the run was finished.


    It was still amazing, but both of them were dissatisfied with the result and returned to the main stage with sour expressions. MadLad even clicked his tongue and cursed in a low voice.


    ''Did he not realize that we''re in Biozone Entertainment''s program right now?'' Max wondered.


    He looked over at the production crew, and they shook their heads, clearly disliking MadLad after he cussed earlier.


    ''They probably need to censor that. Poor them.''


    "That was amazing, everyone! What do you think of their run?" Evelyn asked the viewers with a cheerful voice.


    ¡ª The RNG isn''t on their side


    ¡ª kekw, Iughed so hard when MadLad was trying his best and screaming loudly to breach through the barbarian army


    ¡ª It was meh, their first run was better


    ¡ª Good job for the yers!


    ¡ª That was amazing!


    Because this was the first pair, the viewers'' reaction was mostly positive, although someughed at MadLad''s unlucky second attempt.


    All in all, it was a sessful first attempt.


    ''The viewers are increasing nicely. This is pretty good. Let''s continue in this direction for a while.'' Evelyn thought as she watched the count.


    [Viewers: 647K]


    It was only in this stream and not the watch party big streamers did on their own channel.


    ¡ª Next is StoneSword and LilyPixel, no?


    ¡ª Kekeke, the boss is going second. Will he break his own record?


    ¡ª Lilyy!! Finally! Aaah, I want to see her in action! Lily¡­!


    ¡ª So handsome! My prince, go take the crown!


    Reading the chat, Evelyn smiled and turned to the pair that returned to their chairs.


    ''Let''s get moving. A short interview and then go to StoneSword and LilyPixel pair.'' She thought and put up a cheerful front. ''As much as I hate someone with a dirty mouth, I must do my job.''


    "That was amazing, RoninKnight and MadLad! How do you feel after finishing in the top 30?"


    "Happy." RoninKnight answered shortly with a nod.


    "Hahaha, we can do better. However, we were pretty unlucky with the second run, which made a mess. I had to admit if we got a good RNG, that would be easy!" MadLad puffed out his chest and grinned proudly, showing off.


    Max could only hold hisughter. That 50-minute run would probably pale inparison to StoneSword soon. But he couldn''t say it out loud.


    ''Lily is able to wall run, so climbing that wall will probably only take her a few secondspared to MadLad, who took more than 30 seconds. That''s a big time safe, and she might choose to ignore the enemies and go straight to the tightrope with her agility.'' He thought.


    Evelyn seemed to like MadLad''s confident personality and decided to focus on him instead of the quiet RoninKnight.


    The after-game interviewsted only a few minutes. But that left MadLad happy and put a smile on his face. He even smirked at Max and Lily.


    ''Yeah, this guy is stupid.''


    It was Max''s opinion after observing MadLad for a while.


    "Alright, let''s go to the second pair! StoneSword and LilyPixel, are you ready to create a new record?!"


    "I will y to the best of my ability." StoneSword answered as he stood up and held his wrist, "Of course, my aim is to break our own record and make sure no one can break it." He finished his sentence and turned to Max.


    "Oooh! That''s the spirit! What about you, LilyPixel?"


    "Un¡­ I will do my best. And I won''t lose." She raised her fists on her chests, pumping herself up. Her gesture looked cute and made the chat go crazy once more.


    ¡ª Aaahh! So cute!


    ¡ª Be my little sister! My house is big!


    ¡ª Hehehe, I want one Lily at home! I meant two! One for cuddle, one for disy!


    ¡ª She''s not a toy, guys!


    ¡ª Yes, she''s a doll!!


    Reading the chat, Lily''s expression morphed into disgust without hiding it. She tugged StoneSword''s sleeve and pulled him to the VR capsule, urging him to go fast so she couldn''t read the chat.


    Max noticed Lily nced at him with apetitive gaze before she disappeared into the capsule. He smirked and crossed his arms.


    Noticing his behavior, Evelyn also smirked and threw a question.


    "Now, should we expect something from this pair? Does anyone here have something interesting to say?" Her gazended on Max. She clearly wanted him to say something.


    Without getting disturbed by her obvious bait, Max said calmly.


    "With a good RNG, they probably will be able to break the record. LilyPixel once showed me something interesting, and I think she will use it in this run. We will see."


    ''He''s good with words.'' Evelyn nodded at him. ''And he keeps the suspense alive. Now I know why Mr. Taka takes a liking to him. The question is¡­ whether he will be able to deliver in his turnter.''


    "I see. So it''s like a secret weapon or trick? Hahaha, that''s really interesting!" She giggled yfully and looked at the screen.


    The production crew gave a cue that the new pair was ready.


    "Well then, everyone. This is the pair that you look forward to. Give a nice apuse for StoneSword and LilyPixel!!"


    ¡ª [emote:p] Woohoooo!!


    ¡ª [emote:ppp] Finally! It''s been a long time since I watched StoneSword speedrun! This will be epic!


    ¡ª Go, king! Take your crown, and don''t lose it!


    ¡ª Hyaaa! GO GO GO!!


    [KingLove has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [SwordStan has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Nocandoit has donated 20,000 diamonds!]


    [LilyCwaaann has donated 50,000 diamonds!]


    ¡­


    [justdoit has donated 300 diamonds!]


    StoneSword and Lily''s fans began to donate a ridiculous amount of money without a message. Everyone, even Flexy, was stunned when they saw such donations pouring in without paying attention.


    Gulp!


    An audible gulp even rang from MadLad. He was stunned seeing how many diamonds this stream collected. Everyone else''s attention was also grabbed by the donations train.


    However, Max''s attention was somewhere else. He didn''t care about the donations that weren''t directed at him personally. On the screen, StoneSword and Lily appeared in the clearing and moved immediately.


    Their RNG wasn''t that good. The first barbarian army was on a bigger scale than usual. For a normal yer, this was bad. Speedrunners usually would just reset if they got this RNG.


    But, the pairs couldn''t reset in this program and could only do whatever they could to finish as fast as possible.


    "Lily!" StoneSword shouted as he unsheathed two swords from his waist. He dual-wielded them and plunged into the middle of the enemy formation. "Just leave it to me."


    "Alright."


    Their cooperation was clearly better than the previous pair. Not to mention their trust.


    Without doubting his words, Lily ran toward the hill to climb the wall. Her movement was fast, and she dodged the iing arrows gracefully.


    On this battlefield, her figure looked like a dancer. She was beautiful and captivating, but no one could touch her from afar.


    In just a few seconds, she reached the highest part of the hill and jumped.


    "She jumped!" Evelynmented loudly as she was surprised by Lily''s movement.


    Lily''s feet touched the wall, and she began to run to the top. Everyone knew what this movement was called. Wall run! She could do a wall run that only Breeze had managed to pull off perfectly so far.


    "WOAAAH!"

 Chapter 87: Chapter 87 – StoneSword and LilyPixel Pair [2]

    Using the wall to jump, Lily grabbed the edge of the wall and somersaulted. Shended on her feet and began to run toward the southern wall without stopping.


    "Oooooh! She arrived at the top of the wall easily! And hernding is so beautiful. She pulled off Breeze''s famous movement, wall run!"


    ¡ª He''s doomed!


    ¡ª His path is taken lol. He got rekt by his own carelessness


    ¡ª It''s all Flexy''s fault for posting that clip! Pay him more lesson fee!


    ¡ª Breeze: All right, more lesson fee please


    ¡ª Kekeke, how will you win this, Breeze?


    ¡ª Flexy! You bastard! You make Breeze lose!


    ¡ª Yeah, add more lesson fees! 50,000 diamonds were too low!


    "How am I the one at fault?!" Flexy pointed at himself with a panicked expression as the chat kept ming him.


    "Yeah, it''s your fault." Max nodded repeatedly and agreed with the chat, which invited an even more amusing reaction.


    "No way¡­ Come on, aren''t we friends?"


    "Thank you for your patronage." He grinned at Flexy and put his thumb and index finger together.


    Everyoneughed at his reaction, including the production crew behind the camera.


    Unlike the light atmosphere in the studio, StoneSword and LilyPixel were concentrating. They arrived at the g and Gargantua''s dining room, respectively, and started the battle.


    Many barbarians appeared on the wall as soon as Lily took off the g. She held her rapier tightly and decided to jump onto the tightrope, which was still in the g area, and fought them one by one. Thrusts and shes were sent, defeating the barbarians one by one.


    "What a brilliant strategy. It''s rather risky because the g area only covers a bit of the tightrope. If she stepped further just a bit, the progress percentage would decrease!" Evelynmented with a lot of energy. "But LilyPixel seems to be fine! The progress is also filling slowly. Wonderful!"


    "That''s totally a risky move. She can destroy such a good run with a decent RNG if she makes a mistake!"


    Flexy added with his usual high spirit.


    "Not only that, she also limited her own movement. The benefit of dealing with the enemy one by one came with it, but I don''t think I will ever do that."


    "Indeed." This time, Max also agreed with Flexy''s reasoning. "Her movement bes too limited, and that can be fatal if she got attacked from both sides."


    He watched the run seriously and analyzed it. It wasing to an end soon.


    More than 30 minutes had passed since they started, and to reach 100% progress of taking over the g, one needed to stay in the area for around 20 minutes.


    Combined with all that happened and considering that the fort was extrarge, it was hard to estimate the fastest time possible.


    However, it was clear that the yer needed at least 20 minutes to clear the barbarian and reach their destination, adding another 20 minutes to take over the g if only one yer was in the area.


    The progress would be faster if the second yer was also inside the area. It boosted the speed to take over the g twice as fast, decreasing the time needed to only 10 minutes!


    That, however, came with the problem.


    The progress would stop at 99% before the boss was killed. It would only reach 100%, which would take another 30 seconds after Gargantua was killed.


    Even after killing Gargantua, climbing up to the top of the fort from the dining room would take a few minutes.


    So cooperation was a must to finish this run. Thus, the split strategy was popr and the most efficient.


    ''Theoretically, one can finish this run in 40 minutes and 30 seconds or even faster if the second yer takes the g together. With two people, taking over the g will only need 14 minutes instead of 20 minutes.'' Max thought.


    Around 45 minutes had passed since the run started. StoneSword finally managed to breach Gargantua''s defense and killed him by impaling his two swords into his skull. He managed to kill him just right when the g''s capture progressed to 99%!


    "Lily!!" He shouted loudly, giving a signal to his sister.


    ¡ª StoneSword killed Gargantua in minute 45! He''s faster than before!


    ¡ª Damn! Is this a world record?!


    ¡ª I AM HERE!


    ¡ª I WAS HERE!


    ¡ª Kyaaa! World record in the official channel!


    ¡ª I was here!


    ¡ª POG GG! StoneSword the Knight''s Journey GOAT


    The chat went crazy after they realized it would be another world record. But there was still one problem. Thest 30 seconds. Everything was depending on Lily now.


    On the roof, surrounded by enemies that now came from behind, Lily began to move closer to the top. She just needed to survive inside the area. That was all she needed!


    In thest moment, Lily moved like a dancer once again, attacking the barbarians like a fury of wind with her rapier. Her goal was to stay in the area and not get hit.


    ''A few more seconds.'' She thought. Sweat formed on her forehead, behind her head protector.


    She kept moving without stopping. Move and move. A thrust was sent every now and then toward the barbarians trying to strike her.


    "Left." She muttered and spun her body, piercing the barbarian''s neck and cutting his throat easily.


    She heard a voice from behind and jumped without hesitation. An axe passed by the ce where her legs were earlier.


    "There."


    With that word, she kicked the barbarian that tried to strike her with an axe, the hole that led to the dining room below.


    Thud!


    Ding ding ding!


    At the same time, the barbarian hit the ground; a loud chime rang in the world. That signified the end of the run, and the allied knights appeared from all corners as if they were teleported there.


    Hearing the bell, Lily pumped her fists and smiled. She was having fun.


    ''I did it.''


    Following the initial bell, colorful papers began to rain down from the sky. The two yers were teleported to a luxurious castle, standing on a red carpet in front of arge throne.


    A beautiful Princess in a white dress was standing before them, holding an exquisite sword with intricate design.


    It was a special end for those who broke the world record.


    "IT''S HERE!!"


    ¡ª IT''S HERE!


    ¡ª PRINCESSSS!!!


    ¡ª LARISSA!! Aahhh, Princess, how beautiful she is!


    ¡ª Wooooh, WORLD RECORD BABY!


    ¡ªI was here


    With Evelyn''s excited shout as the start, the chat began acting crazy. The Princess only appeared a few times since the game was released a month ago. Not to mention, it never appeared again after StoneSword and LilyPixel took the crown of the world record holder.


    "My brave knights, excellent work! Imend you and shall reward you with the title of the best knight for your triumphant takeover of Gntia Fort."


    The Princess moved the sword to StoneSword''s shoulder and then LilyPixel''s. Both of them didn''t move and only smiled, looking at the golden letters and numbers floating above the throne.


    [CONGRATULATIONS! NEW WORLD RECORD!]


    [Final time: 00:46:41]


    It was a hard record to beat.

 Chapter 88: Chapter 88 – Show Time [1]

    "Let''s end it here." StoneSword suddenly said to the camera with a serious expression, "We don''t need a second chance. It''s enough."


    He sounded pretty arrogant. Everyone thought so.


    ¡ª Tsk! No need for a second chance? How big is his ego?


    ¡ª Shut up. He broke his own record! Getting a better RNG than now is hard!


    ¡ª They must be tired. It''s better to end it here and let them rest!


    ¡ª How arrogant are you?! Look at Breeze breaking your record easily!


    ¡ª No need to be so arrogant, boy!


    ¡ª Where is the SR? Where is StoneSword and LilyPixel''s rate?!


    ¡ª Yeah, it hasn''t shown up yet!


    The host looked troubled. She looked at the production crew and asked for confirmation. Was it okay to end StoneSword and LilyPixel''s turn like this?


    The viewers were still at the peak of their excitement. They probably wanted to see more runs from the current pair.


    But StoneSword explicitly said that they didn''t need a second chance, which was enough.


    Mr. Taka thought about it for a while and gave Evelyn the okay. It was indeed enough.


    ''If they failed or got a bad RNG, then their record earlier would not have much impact. I don''t think they will be able to break their world record on the first try. Is it because of the new trick LilyPixel did? Wall run is more useful than I initially thought.''


    After getting an OK from the marketing team leader, Evelyn proceeded.


    "Very well! Both of you must be tired after concentrating really hard to get the world record! Please, join us on the stage again."


    "Thank you." StoneSword smiled and logged out. His character disappeared from the throne room, followed by Lily''s.


    ¡ª Disappointed


    ¡ª No second run?


    ¡ª As Evelyn said, they are tired, so don''tin! There is still another pair!


    ¡ª Breeze and Flexy is next, huh?


    As the chat was busy, StoneSword and Lily returned to the stage. The former looked fine, but thetter had sweat over her face. The crew gave her a towel that she used to wipe it immediately.


    Looking at her condition, the chat became weird once again.


    ¡ª Somehow¡­ she looked more beautiful


    ¡ª Don''t be weird


    ¡ª ¡­ Isn''t this PG 13?


    ¡ª Damn, I don''t know a cute girl getting drenched in sweat is so appealing


    ¡ª Stop it guys! You will get banned!


    [FYBUI is banned from the stream.]


    [SWEETvictory is banned from the stream.]


    [Heheheboi is banned from the stream.]


    The moderators banned many ounts from the livestream at once after sending weird messages, mainly about Lily. The chat was filled withughter, making fun of those who got banned.


    Thankfully, the pair that had just returned hadn''t read the chat yet, and Evelyn quickly changed the topic.


    "First of all, congrattions! Both of you broke your personal best and once again renewed your world record! Not to mention, it''s sub 47 minutes! 2 minutes faster than your previous record! How do you feel about it?"


    "We already did our best and got the best result. LilyPixel is already exhausted from concentrating hard on the game. I believe you understand why."


    "I understand," Evelyn nodded.


    "It''s because she has a high synchronization rate and is not used to a VR game yet, right? The study said people with synchronization rates higher than 95 often felt exhausted if they yed for a long time. Of course, it will disappear when the body gets used to it." She exined.


    ''So that''s why I get tired easily.'' Max discovered one of the mysteries he wanted to know since the first day. ''My synchronization rate is 98. Yeah¡­ Combined with my weak body, it''s no wonder I can only y for an hour or so at first. This is news for me.''


    ¡ª I see


    ¡ª So that''s why she got exhausted and StoneSword stopped the run


    ¡ª Understanding. Forgive me for not knowing and getting angry


    ¡ª I know that''s the case! But, how high is her synchronization rate to make her sweat like that?


    ¡ª Yeah, show us her synchronization rate!


    The chat pushed their opinion strongly and filled the chat window with ''Show us!''


    "It seems the chat is getting impatient to know your synchronization rate, Miss LilyPixel. Should we show them?"


    Lily nodded firmly and spoke in a soft voice, "Sure."


    "Hehehe, it''s the one that everyone is waiting for!" Evelyn pumped up the chat and spread her arms. "Let''s show her SR on the screen after three! One!!!"


    ¡ª Twoo!


    ¡ª Two!!!


    ¡ª 222222222222222222222222222


    ¡ª One and a half!


    "Two!"


    ¡ª And¡­


    ¡ª OPEN SESAME!


    "Three!"


    As soon as Evelyn shouted three, the screen changed and showed StoneSword and LilyPixel''s SR. Everyone already knew the former, 97.2%. Then, silver letters appeared, showing LilyPixel''s SR.


    97.6%! Top 15 worldwide!


    ¡ª Wooo!


    ¡ª That''s fire!


    ¡ª Top 15 worldwide¡­ How the heck!?


    ¡ª Damn she''s good!


    Everyone was getting rowdy over the reveal. There were many surprises going on in this livestream. First of all, Max''s feat of breaking the synchronization test record by a whole 2 minutes. Then, StoneSword and LilyPixel''s new world record.


    Added to this surprise, there was a total of exciting information gained just from this livestream alone! Everyone who watched the livestream wasn''t disappointed! No, they were really excited about what they watched!


    "Wow! That''s a pretty high number!" Evelyn pped her hands, followed by everyone else.


    Being the center of attention, Lily''s face turned slightly red from embarrassment.


    "It''s nothing much." She muttered.


    "Hehehe, you''re so cute too. Hey, what if you be my little sister? I can call you Lily, right?"


    "¡­ No." She answered firmly.


    "Guys! I was rejected!"


    Evelyn acted sad and wiped her non-existent tears, getting more reactions from the chat.


    ¡ª Poor Evelyn.


    ¡ª I am willing to be your brother!


    ¡ª Big sister! Take me to your home!


    "Hahaha, too bad. I only want LilyPixel as my little sister." Evelyn rejected the chat and stuck out her tongue.


    "Anyway, let''s move toward the next pair! Hehehe, did you guys know that the wall run technique LilyPixel used earlier was actually found by one of the yers in the next pair? Yes, it is Breeze! I asked this earlier, but how do you feel your technique is used to further strengthen the world record?"


    "How do I feel?"


    Max stroked his chin in wonder and nced at Lily. She looked back at him curiously, waiting for his answer. The towel around her neck was let loose, falling onto her chest.


    Smiling, he turned back to Evelyn.


    "I can''t say much besides that I am ttered. And I am proud to contribute slightly to their run. Hahaha."


    "Oh, does that mean that you''re not confident enough to win against them?"


    "I never said that," He grinned and stood up, "We just need to be faster, right? Isn''t that so, Flexy?"


    "Yeah!" Flexy jumped from his chair and stood beside Breeze. He suddenly raised his hand over his head and shouted, "It''s show time!"


    Max felt that he made a mistake calling for Flexy. He was embarrassed even though it wasn''t him who actually shouted something cringe.


    ''Please spare me¡­'' He sincerely prayed.


    On the other hand, Evelyn''s eyes sparkled. She found something more interesting than just a skill, and that was a skill to entertain the viewers.


    "Hoho! It seems that they are ready. Let us start the third pair''s run!"


    "Let''s go, my friend!"


    Pak!


    Flexy pped Max''s back and walked toward the VR capsule first.


    Sighing, he rubbed his back, which felt painful, and followed Flexy.


    ''Well, it''s time to surprise them and shut their mouths. I will get those new living quarters no matter what! First of all¡­''


    Stopping in the area where the camera couldn''t see, he pulled out a tube filled with green liquid and gulped it down in one go. He licked his lips and put the empty tube back into his pocket.


    ''It tastes like apple.''


    With this, he was ready.

 Chapter 89: Chapter 89 – Show Time [2]

    No one said anything about what he had just drunk. They only thought that he had just drunk a D-grade nutritional supplement because it had a simr color.


    "Hehe, how extravagant."


    Even Flexy didn''t suspect anything and only smirked at him.


    Max grinned back at him and climbed into his capsule.


    "I made sure to use all your money wisely."


    Both of themughed and entered the game. Their characters appeared in the clearing, with Max having two axes on his back and Flexy with his shield and sword.


    Because every character in the program turned basic, not even Flexy''s golden armor remained, making him look down.


    "My golden armor..." He muttered as he rubbed his chest area.


    "Concentrate, Flexy," Max called out as he looked at the camera.


    He could see a small screen showing the production crew above it. It was how theymunicated with each other.


    ''What the yers inside see and what''s shown on the screen is different.'' He thought.


    "Yeah, you''re right." Flexy nodded at him and recovered, "So, are we going with that strategy right off the bat?"


    "Yes."


    The strategy Flexy mentioned was what they tried after their training yesterday. Even when they only tried it once or twice, they managed to finish with a rather satisfactory time.


    "Let''s hope the RNG is on our side this time," Max added as he prepared himself, holding the two axes in his hands. "I am ready anytime.


    "True." Flexy nodded and prepared to rush. He looked at the camera and gave them a sign, "Let''s start!"


    [Fort Siege Start!]


    [3...2...1...]


    [GO!]


    As soon as the ''GO'' sign appeared, the pair moved. Max ran faster than Flexy and took the front. Many barbarians in the distance noticed him and rushed while yelling.


    "Oooh!"


    "Enemies! Kill them!"


    "INTRUDERS!!"


    Observing his enemies, Max was able to count their numbers and the weapons they had in just a moment. A frown formed on his face when he saw 10 archers among the enemies.


    "Flexy! We''re not that lucky. We have too many archers!"


    Hearing Max''s shout, Flexy also frowned.


    "Really?! Damn! Will we be fine?"


    "Let''s try it first! I am counting on you for that strategy."


    "Oh! Leave your back to me!"


    With that, Max threw his axe toward the nearest barbarian and began to fight. No, he began the massacre.


    On the stage, Evelyn was baffled by the pair''s choice. Not only her, but the other streamers were too.


    "What the heck is he doing?!" MadLad raised his voice loudly as he stared at the screen. "Why did both of them fight the barbarian army simultaneously?"


    Indeed. The usual strategy was for one of them to fight the army and kill Gargantua while the other took over the g.


    That was Max''s initial strategy, which he somehow leaked when he tried the Fort Siege with Flexy for the first time ever. Added with the wall run technique, and further proved by LilyPixel, that strategy was the fastest.


    So there was only one possibility why they didn''t use that strategy. It was that they gave up on winning.


    "Flexy and Breeze pair have somehow made an unexpected move. Are they giving up in this run?" Evelynmented with confusion. Not even she guessed that this happened.


    ''It''s disappointing.'' She sighed internally and looked at the production crew, specifically Mr. Taka. He was watching the screen with a frown. ''Mr. Taka will be unhappy with this result.''


    -- Huh?


    -- kekeke, they are giving up?


    -- Taking second ce is useless! Maybe they think like that and just wing it to have publicity


    -- But wait... Something is strange! They are smiling. And Breeze is killing them at a fast speed!


    -- Godlike Breeze! He massacred those archers easily!


    -- Yeah... And why does Flexy do that?!


    -- Indeed. Why is he gathering the dropped weapons?!


    As Max ran around to kill the archers near the entrance at a fast speed, Flexy dealt with the ones with close-range fighters and gathered the dropped weapons after putting his shield on his back. He had a high strength and could hold them without any problem with his free hand.


    The ones he gathered were mainly swords and axes. Spears with small and fragile handles were left out in the open, and he didn''t even touch them.


    ''Good, there are around 20 weapons here! They should be enough.'' He thought and raised his head.


    "Breeze! We got enough!"


    "Great! Let''s go!"


    Max swung his axe at thest archer when he heard Flexy''s voice. His axended on the enemy''s shoulder and butchered him down to his heart.


    Turning around, he looked at Flexy, who ran past the remaining barbarians to get to him. There was one trying to throw his axe at his friend, so Max quickly took a crude axe from the ground and threw it. It spun mid-air and stuck the barbarian right on its head. The axe split his skull and killed him in one go.


    "Oh shit!" Flexy cursed as he realized that he was saved, "Thank!"


    "No need to mention it." He smiled at him and turned around, "Let''s kill Gargantua. We spent a minute more than the usual strategy already. 5 minutes have passed since the start, and we can''t waste any more time."


    Max began to run inside the fort after saying that. His speed left Flexy perplexed as he tried to catch up.


    "Hey, slow down! I can''t run fast while holding them!"


    "Don''t worry! As long as you arrive a few seconds after me, we can kill Gargantua before 20 minutes!"


    "Fine! Ugh... you''re a ve driver!"


    The viewers who heard their conversation became more and more confused.


    -- Strategy?


    -- Could it be... They have something?


    -- A n that''s even faster than the world record?


    Noticing that Evelyn took this chance to boost the excitement further.


    "It seems Breeze has a n in mind. But what''s the use of those weapons? Are they for throwing?" She asked excitedly and turned to StoneSword, the most knowledgeable yer on the stage. "What do you think of his n, StoneSword? Do you have any idea?"


    StoneSword stared at the screen for a second. On it, Max and Flexy ran through the corridor before arriving at Gargantua''s dining room.


    Then, he turned to Evelyn and spoke, surprising everyone.


    "I don''t know."

 Chapter 90: Chapter 90 – Show Time [3]

    No one expected StoneSword to not know about something. He was someone who pioneered the Fort Siege speedrun and tested so many strategies before. Not to mention, he was the world record holder.


    "The dining room door will be closed after they enter and can''t be opened before Gargantua is killed. And even if they managed to kill him and open the door again, there was a barbarian army from the ground waiting for them. Breaking through probably needs more than 10 minutes.


    "That''s a waste of time already. We haven''t counted the time needed to reach the top of the fort and take over the g. Even if the progress is twice as fast with two people, they will need another 10 minutes, around 20 minutes added with travel time. They will only finish in 50 minutes in this case."


    StoneSword''s exnation was easy to understand. When the pair killed the Gargantua, 20 minutes should''ve passed since the start. Added to the 30 minutes he talked about, the total time needed to finish this course was 50 minutes or more.


    Of course, that was an ideal time. And everyone knew that no one could reach the ideal time without spending many hours grinding the same course every day.


    ''Breeze and Flexy should''ve been able to finish this run in under 48 minutes without any problem with my strategy. They are skilled enough for that. So why?'' He asked himself but arrived at no answer. ''So curious.''


    "I see! Does that mean they are really giving up?" Evelyn asked once again with a serious expression.


    "I doubt they gave up." Lily was the one who answered this time, "I mean, look. They are still smiling. And it seems they have an idea."


    -- They have arrived!


    -- Two yers versus Gargantua. This will not be an easy fight, but it is still easier than facing him alone


    -- True. Gargantua''s specialty is his hard defense. With two people, it will be easier to breach through it.


    -- Come on! Show us something, Breeze!


    -- Flexy! Don''t you disappoint us!


    -- WOOF WOOF! WOOOOFFFf!!!


    Max reached the dining room and entered with Flexy. His friend managed to follow him closely without getting left behind.


    At the end of the room, Gargantua raised his face and grabbed hisrge sword.


    "Who are-"


    But before he finished his sentence, a sword was flying toward him.


    ng!


    He managed to deflect it.


    A spark was sent flying together with a shing metal sound.


    Max spent no time hearing the boss'' sentence as he shouted at Flexy.


    "As nned!"


    "Alright!"


    Flexy answered and dropped all the weapons to the ground as if they were useless. He grabbed his shield and ran toward the Gargantua first without any fear in his eyes.


    "Look over here, big boy!" He shouted and attacked with his sword.


    ng!


    Gargantua managed to block it once again. His expression twisted in anger as he pushed forward.


    "Insolent fool!"


    "Oops!"


    Tang!


    Therge sword met with a towering shield. However, Flexy was sent back slightly due to the sheer power behind his swing.


    "As ridiculous as always," The orange-haired streamerughed dryly. Then, he smiled at the boss, "But you forget someone else."


    Swoosh!


    An axe suddenly appeared from behind Gargantua and hit his shoulder. It got embedded in his body but was unable to cut through his bone.


    "Aaargh!"


    Even so, it was enough for him to turn around and see Max with his hand extended after throwing the axe.


    "How dare you!"


    "Heh," Max smirked and tightened his grip around his remaining axe, "Look behind."


    Swish!


    Flexy''s sword made a wide arc and shed Gargantua''s back. Due to his armor, it didn''t hurt him as much, but it was enough to put the giant barbarian off bnce. His great sword didn''t be his strength now, but his weakness!


    "Breeze!"


    "On it!"


    Answering Flexy''s call, Max began his restless attack against the boss. Flexy also joined, and both pushed Gargantua rather easily. The nging of metals rang every now and then as sparks were sent flying.


    "Faster, Flexy! Are you this slow without your golden armor, ahahaha!" Maxughed like a madman as he kept swinging his axe.


    In the middle of the confrontation, he managed to recover his other axe from Gargantua''s shoulder and used it to cut his other shoulders.


    "Hahaha, aren''t you the one who got slower?! I have a shield, remember!? Watch out!"


    ng!


    Flexy jumped in front of Max and blocked Gargantua''s attack.


    "Kuh!"


    He was forced to get on his knee due to the force. While wounded, Gargantua''s ferocity didn''t even decrease a little bit. He was actually getting stronger. That was why most yers opted for a hit kill by aiming at his neck or heart when he lowered his guard.


    Thus, a shield or dual-wielding weapons were rmended to those trying to kill the boss in a speedrun, which took them around 20 minutes. That was the time frame when the boss changed his attack.


    However...


    "Got you."


    Max stepped on Flexy''s shoulder while raising both axes above his head. He brought them down without hesitation at Gargantua''s open neck, slicing it cleanly. The decapitated head rolled down to the floor with a red mosaic spurted out.


    -- Oooh! They killed Gargantua!


    -- Will they run out now?!


    -- Kyaa, breed me! I mean, hyaaa!!


    -- So handsome! Breeze is so cool! He''s running around and killing the boss easily!


    -- Flexy loses his golden armor but he doesn''t lose his shine!


    -- Damn! Their teamwork is no worse than that of StoneSword and LilyPixel!


    At this point in time, yers usually warned those on the roof or shouted happily. But not for them.


    "How much time do we spend here?!" Max immediately ran to the pile of weapons while Flexy flipped the long table and put it against the wall.


    "19 minutes! We have enough time for sub 45!" He shouted excitedly, stood before the table, and held his shield to cover his whole body, "I am ready anytime! Shoot them!"


    "On it!"


    Stopping beside the pile of weapons brought by Flexy earlier, Max took one in each hand and threw them. Before the weapons reached their targets, he took others from the pile and threw them in the same direction.


    Each weapon pierced the long table. The first one was just right above Flexy''s head, and the second one was a meter above it. Slowly but surely, all weapons were embedded in the long table and created something like adder toward the opening in the ceiling.


    The viewers went crazy when they realized what they were trying to do.


    -- That...


    -- Hey, this bastard is doing something ridiculous again


    -- Breeze, he always surprised us


    -- That''s adder, right?


    -- Is he trying to climb that?!


    -- That''s insane!

 Chapter 91: Chapter 91 – Show Time [4]

    "They are trying to climb that make-shiftdder!" Evelyn jumped from her chair after she realized what the pair was trying to do.


    She was wrong, after all.


    This wasn''t a throwing run, but a run that showed both creativitybined with Max''s inhuman movement that made this possible.


    ''Am I the one who''s in wrong here?'' She thought as she looked at the production crew.


    They were all smiling at this unexpected development. Whether the pair could beat the world record or not, this was interesting enough to be talked about in themunity for a few days and ignited most streamers to try to speedrun it.


    ''It seems that I am still too green. Mr. Taka won his bet in the end.''


    Back to the screen, Max began to move once again.


    "Flexy, shield."


    He ran toward his partner and jumped onto the shield, crouching on it to prepare for the next move.


    "Hahaha!" Laughing like a maniac, Flexy put his strength on his arms and pushed them with all of his strength at once. "Up you go!"


    Max wasunched up like a missile. He jumped over 5 meters high and skillfully grabbed one of the swords. He was already halfway to the top. Feeling it was enough to hold him, he hung on it with his legs and extended his arms.


    "Hehe, I hate this part." Flexy threw his shield and weapon away and grabbed Max''s hands.


    Swinging Flexy''s around, Max used the momentum to throw his friend up. Once he released his hands, he climbed up like a monkey.


    Flexy already trained this move. He skillfully grabbed the axe, which could support his weight, and stood on it. However, his feet slipped just before he could regain his bnce.


    ''Shit!'' He panicked as he tried to grab another weapon, but to no avail.


    -- Nooo!


    -- Is he going to ruin this run too, like before?!


    -- Not again, Flexy!!!


    -- DUMB FLEXY! DUMB FLEXY! DUMB FLEXY!


    -- WAIT GUYS! Breeze is cooking!!


    Just as thest chat said, Max was there to save the day. He managed to grab Flexy''s armor and caught him before he fully fell to the ground.


    "Be careful. We can''t lose any time here."


    "A-ahahaha, my bad."


    -- Nice save!


    -- BREEZE SAFE THE DAY!


    -- Dumb Flexy! GOAT Breeze!


    -- Hehehe, once he''s cooking, he can''t be stopped!


    -- [emote:ppp] what a beautiful bond...


    -- Breeze x Flexy = Breezy... What a good name


    -- Fleze sounds good too


    The chat was getting weird once again, mainly the female viewers. They were down bad.


    One thing that Max was probably grateful for right now was the fact he couldn''t see the chat and concentrate on the run. He pulled Flexy up and sat him on the highest part, at the end of the table. It was wobbling slightly but safe enough for two people to stay.


    "The rest is to go through the hole. Damn, no matter how much I saw it, the hole is far away." Flexy narrowed his eyes as he looked at the hole located near them, "How far is it? Around 3 meters?"


    "Yeah, around 3 meters," Max answered as he picked himself up and put one of his feet against the wall.


    This would be the hardest part of the run. If Max failed here, they would lose a few minutes and kiss the chance to break the world record goodbye.


    "Wish me luck."


    "Hehe, I know you won''t fail, buddy."


    Max concentrated deeply. All noises around him disappeared, and only his goal was left, a hole as big as a meter circling the g area.


    From the ceiling to the ground, it was around 10 meters. If he fell, his legs or bones would probably get fractured, and the run was done.


    ''There is only one chance.''


    No need to rush. This was a speedrun, but he had a few seconds to prepare himself. At least, that was what he wanted.


    -- Ba-dump!


    -- Badump! Badump!


    -- He sure took his time. It''s passing the 32-minute mark now.


    -- There is no need to hurry.


    -- But they do need to hurry! Someone said the g progressed twice faster; it''s still between 10 and 15, and they can''t be so sure.


    Indeed. The progress fluctuated depending on where the yers stood inside the area. If he or Flexy exited the g area, the progress would stop or slow down considerably.


    ''No need to be nervous.''


    Inhaling deeply, he was ready to jump. He could hear his heart beating faster. A bad idea was fun. That was what he always knew.


    "Hehe."


    A lowugh escaped his lips as he kicked the wall. His body flew in the air with a stretched arm with his hand like a w, aiming toward the rim of the roof.


    -- Badump!


    -- REACH ITT!!


    -- GOOO! FLYING BREEZE!


    -- He will fail! Definitely


    -- Nah, he''d win!


    And then...


    Grab!


    He managed to reach it and hung on it with one hand.


    "He grabbed it! Breeze sessfully grabbing the rim!" Evelyn''s voice invited a sigh of relief to everyone in the studio.


    RoninKnight snorted, "A new path opened, huh?"


    MadLad grounded his teeth in frustration. He didn''t believe that Max was able to do it.


    StoneSword and Lily smiled when they watched it. Theirpetitive spirit was reignited.


    ''I should''ve taken that second chance.'' StoneSwordmented. ''But well, maybe that''s no use. I should be grateful to be given a chance to get the sword record in this program. Breeze is a skilled guy, that''s for sure.''


    A big, satisfied smile appeared on Max''s face.


    "Fuck yeah!!" He shouted excitedly as he climbed up and took down the enemy''s g. Soon, the barbarians would storm the roof to get him.


    Before that, he got to the hole once again and extended his hand while hanging on his feet.


    "Jump, Flexy!"


    "Hehe, you did it!"


    Laughing in satisfaction, Flexy kicked the table. It couldn''t handle his weight and fell, causing a loud crashing noise.


    As for the man himself, he managed to grab Max''s hands, pulled above, andnded on the roof. His grin widened as he watched the barbarians'' army going toward them from two sides.


    Max handed one of his axes to his friend and stood back to back. The progress bar increased steadily, faster than when only one yer was inside the area.


    "Don''t ever step outside the area, even if it kills you," Max warned with a stern voice as he prepared to have another fight.


    "I will try my best."

 Chapter 92: Chapter 92 – It’s Over

    "This is crazy! Flexy is able to defend against the barbarians'' attack easily! He even snatched their weapons and returned Breeze''s axe to boost the efficiency further!"


    The stage was filled with excitement. Evelyn''s voice turned louder and louder as she realized this would be the second time the world record would be broken today.


    All the production crew was also taken by excitement. None of them moved their eyes away from the screen except for two people.


    "How are his vitals, Doctor Ardi?"


    "All green. It''s pretty amazing, considering he has 98% SR. They can continue this even to the second round without any problem, Mr. Taka."


    "That''s good." Mr. Taka nodded in satisfaction as he looked at the screen.


    Max decimated the enemies one by one. He jumped around inside the area swiftly, making his movement hard to predict. His job was to protect Flexy''s back and take down enemies that his friend couldn''t see by throwing weapons at them.


    The progress bar had reached 57%. At the same time, the timer also reached the 40-minute mark. As long as they were inside the area all the time, getting subs 45 wasn''t a dream.


    "Get closer to the center! Your legs are about to touch the boundaries!" Max shouted at Flexy and punched the barbarian.


    The enemy flinched a little, opening his defense. Using this chance, Max snatched the crude de and slit his neck, killing the barbarian easily. The corpse rolled down before turning into bits of data, disappearing from the roof.


    Following that, Max scanned the area and threw the sword at the barbarian, jumping at Flexy.


    Swoosh!


    It pierced his head cleanly and blew him away to the hole.


    -- Headshot!


    -- Phew! Triple kill!


    -- He''s rampaging! This Breeze knows no chill!


    "Give me a minute! There are too many enemies here!" Flexy answered. He gripped a greatsword tightly to defend against the fury of attack from the other side. "Get away from me!"


    His greatsword created an arc that left a silvery and red trail behind. Many barbarians were killed at once.


    In the middle of the confusion, Flexy jumped back and met Max again in the center.


    "Hey, is this just my imagination, or the enemies are way more than usual," Flexy asked as he kept defending himself from the barbarians'' attack.


    "It''s not just your imagination. Because no one is aggroing the enemies outside the door, they returned and climbed the wall to reach us!"


    Replying to Flexy''s whining, Max kicked the barbarians near him. It caused a chain reaction and pushed the ones behind them into the hole.


    "Just kick them or push them! There are too many of them to kill. Our goal is to stay inside the area and not massacre them!"


    "Got it!"


    Having a good understanding of the best strategy to survive, they discarded their weapons and began to punch and kick the enemies. Their armor was good enough to defend against the crude attack.


    Usually, that wouldn''t be the case. But the barbarians were also unable to attack at full strength without hitting their friends.


    "They are now discarding their weapons! How dare they?" Evelyn asked with a confused expression, "However, it seems that they are doing better. How is that?"


    "It''s because their enemies have no space to swing their weapons," StoneSword answered.


    "That means their attack is weaker than usual. And due to theirrge numbers, from what Breeze exined earlier, the best strategy is to push them and create a domino effect. Having weapons will just slow them down. It''s a brilliant strategy."


    "I see! That exins everything now!"


    "I just repeated what Breeze said. Well, I would never think of letting go of my weapons. It''s really risky in this kind of run. Maybe I would take the risk if I were at home and just livestream the speedrun." He shrugged his shoulders and huffed.


    -- They look struggling


    -- You can do it, Breeze!


    -- already 84% and the timer is 43:26!


    -- Can he do subs 45? Why is the progress slowed down?!


    -- The higher the progress, the slower it''s filled. Damn game mechanic! Lazy dev!!


    Max continued to defend and push the enemies. There was no need to kill them all, just dodging them. However, it was exhausting, and the time seemed to slow down for them.


    ''Tsk! Doing it alone isn''t this hard. The enemy doubled... No, tripled in size. I know this will happen, but this is still hard.''


    "Diee!!"


    A barbarian shouted and lunged forward at him, swinging his sword a wide arc. However, Max had already seen iting and ducked.


    Swoosh!


    The sword passed right above his head and missed the target. Grinning, Max used his hands as a pivot and kicked upward.


    "Ugh!"


    His feet made contact with the barbarians'' groin and sent him flying together with the others behind him. His nuts were bursting!


    "Ouch!" The men on stage instinctively closed their legs. They could feel the imaginary pain the barbarian felt.


    -- Ouch!


    -- A!


    -- Damn! My nuts!


    -- It''s gore content! Censor it, crew!


    -- Hahahahaha!


    It wasn''t over yet for them. The progress just reached 95%, and the timer just reached 44:20.


    ''Can we do it?'' He thought, ''No, we must do it!''


    Flexy''s mind began to wear out in the middle of the fierce battle. He wasn''t really used to this kind of chaos. More specifically, he wasn''t used to getting into this chaos without any weapons or shield.


    A barbarian sneaked up from his side and stabbed him with a sword.


    "Aah!"


    He screamed loudly, even though it wasn''t painful.


    "You!! Don''t underestimate me!"


    Grabbing the barbarian''s head, he swung him toward the crowd to push them back like bowling. While he was slow, he was confident in his strength. Dealing with the barbarians should''ve been no problem.


    Yes. It shouldn''t be a problem for Flexy. But he had gotten so used to Max''s support that he failed to notice another barbarian trying to attack him from the side.


    "Hyahaaa!!!"


    Noticing the loud noise that the barbarian made, Flexy''s eyes widened in surprise. He couldn''t avoid it without risking himself. His only choice was to get stabbed or jump toward the crowd of barbarians in a suicide attack.


    99% was shown in the progress bar, and 44:42 was shown in the timer.


    If he died, the run would end here. His mind was racing. The only way to dodge was to take that risky move. But if he did that...


    ''I might ruin the sub 45 run.''


    -- What''s he doing?! He will die!


    -- Dodge, Flexy!


    -- Just dodge, idiot!


    Max noticed Flexy''s predicament from afar but couldn''t help because he was too busy. The only thing he could do was to shout.


    "Jump!!"


    Hearing his friend''s voice, Flexy immediately moved into action. He threw himself toward the crowd of barbarians without hesitation and fell into the hole together with them. At hisst moment, before disappearing, he gave a thumb up to Max.


    44:54.


    Thest 1% was the longest. It was filled way before, and there were only a few seconds left. Max struggled to fight the remaining enemies alone. He just jumped around without even pushing, taking a lot of damage from the attacks he couldn''t dodge.


    And then, after a few seconds... The progress bar was filled up.


    Ding ding ding!


    Just like what happened in StoneSword and Lily''s run, colorful papers began to rain down from the sky. The enemies stopped.


    It was over.


    -- HE DID IT!!


    -- ANOTHER WORLD RECORD!


    -- I WAS HERE!


    -- POG BREEZE! GG


    -- GG!


    -- We can see Larissa again!! Uwooogghhh, Princesssssssss


    -- Two world records broken in a few hours!! GG


    -- Good job risking yourself, Flexy! You da best!


    -- HE''S FCKING GOAT. No, he''s the only GOAT!


    The question was...


    ''Did I do it?''


    Max didn''t know his record time before the Princess announced it.

 Chapter 93: Chapter 93 – Good Work

    "And that concludes the program! Thank you for staying until now! We managed to break a total of 3 world records! Congrattions to the Flexy and Breeze pair for winning the speedrun!"


    Everyone in the studio pped after Evelyn stopped talking. The streamers congratted the pair, excluding MadLad, who stormed out of the area immediately after the livestream ended.


    Afterward, Doctor Ardi and some nurses gave all six of them a check-up before they were allowed to return to their designated room in the Biozone Hotel. When everything was over, it was 3 PM already.


    Due to their special SR and their inexperience, Max and Lily were specially instructed to rest for the day, and their meals would be delivered. The former didn''t really need it due to the medicine he drank, but the Doctor still forced him to rest because he went for 2 runs instead of 1.


    "Haa..."


    Sighing tiredly, Max sprawled over his bed and looked at the ceiling. He extended his hand above and looked at the floating window before him.


    <Quest failed! Final time: 00:45:01>


    <See you in a month.>


    "It''s the worst..." He muttered as he covered his face with his arm.


    It was the final time of his first run. Flexy dropping himself made all his calctions missed. He thought he would have enough time, but no... It took a second more to finish the run.


    ''I also can''t me Flexy because we managed to break a world record. He looked so happy and apologized already. Also... everybody makes mistakes. It''s a normal thing.''


    Everything was pretty good until he failed the quest.


    They went for a second run afterward, much to Flexy''s worry about Max''s health, but the RNG wasn''t in their favor. It was worse than the first run. They finished in 47 minutes and 45 seconds, even with the new strategy.


    "Well, there goes my living quarters..." Max sighed once again and closed his eyes.


    It was a shame that he failed the quest but had done his best already. So, he had no regrets... Well, at least not as much.


    Opening his eyes again, he got off the bed and began to move his body. Usually, it would feel weak and stiff due to exhaustion.


    ''The medicine''s effect is good. I am not tired at all, even after gaming like that for two hours straight. It will be good if I get the same medicine again in the future.'' He thought as he exhaled deeply.


    ''Well, it won''t be possible for at least a month. I just need to stream as usual in the meantime.''


    ***


    That night, a dinner party was held to celebrate the program''s sess. Mr. Taka invited all streamers and the host for the day, Evelyn, to a fine dining on the roof of the Biozone Hotel.


    The restaurant was usually only avable for celebrities and rich people. It had a long waiting list as it was so popr.


    Max was lucky he was invited and had a chance to experience the restaurant.


    After the dinner, which wasposed of luxurious full-course food, the drinking party was held. Various liquors, including fine wine, were brought out.


    He also found out something new about him that night: he couldn''t seem to hold liquor. He tried one sip and immediately knew. If he took another one, he would either get drunk or straight up fainted. So he just took a juice, which was also Lily''s choice.


    Raising his ss and standing up, Mr. Taka smiled widely and announced.


    "Thank you for your hard work. I can proudly say that our program has achieved tremendous sess!"


    p p p!


    Everyone was pping at him.


    "I must say this is above our expectations. First of all, let me say thank you once again. Our initial goal was to promote Knight''s Journey as well as break the million concurrent views on the Punch streaming tform. However..."


    With a swipe of his hand, a screen appeared, showing two graphs. One was a game sale, and the other was views.


    Max looked at them and was amazed. Was it okay to disclose the data? Wasn''t it confidential?


    "Please keep this data a secret. It''s within the use." Mr. Taka smiled menacingly as he surveyed the table, "I will know who leaked the data because, presently, only selected views have seen this."


    ''Ah, so that''s the case.'' Max chuckled dryly. The threat worked wonderfully as everyone nodded their heads.


    "Anyway, please look at the graphs. Both of them increased steadily over the course of the livestream. The peak would be when StoneSword and LilyPixel broke their world record, followed by Flexy and Breeze''s new strategy.


    "Our sales increased by 350% in just a day, and the views..." He paused midway, and the screen zoomed in at the peak views.


    It showed 1.2 million views.


    "... We managed to reach our targets. No, we even break past them. It''s all thanks to Puppeteer''s watch party, which has more than 300K viewers. And the one who made that possible is Breeze." He looked at Max, and his smile widened, "You surprised me many times."


    "Hahaha, I just did my best." Max replied humbly and scratched his cheek, "And it''s also thanks to everyone''s work."


    "Hahaha, indeed! It''s thanks to everyone''s effort." Mr. Takaughed merrily. His cheek was dyed red, and he seemed drunk and in a good mood, "Alright. Let''s cheer! To celebrate our sess!"


    "Cheers!"


    Cling!


    The drinking party continued. MadLad got drunk and rambling about how great he actually was. For some reason, he decided to make Max his rival.


    "Just wait! I will definitely beat you!"


    That deration, however, sounded funny to him. It reminded him of BloodSucker, the one viewer who never learned from his past mistakes.


    Flexy also let himself lose and actually danced to entertain them. He was truly a mood setter, having an energetic energy and good humor to make everyoneugh.


    Nearing the end of the party, Mr. Taka suddenly whispered to Max.


    "Breeze, please follow me for a second. I''d like to discuss something regarding your extra reward."


    Hearing the word reward, Max immediately nodded. He excused himself and followed Mr. Taka to a private room located to the side of the party venue.

 Chapter 94: Chapter 94 – Tough Choices

    Sitting across from each other, Mr. Taka showed him two screens, which seemed to be the reward option.


    "Please choose one between the two of them. I will definitely respect your choice."


    Max wondered why the marketing team leader said that but nodded his head again nheless. He read the reward choice and was surprised.


    "Is this real? I meant... These rewards were too much for a newbie streamer. This isn''t a mistake, no?"


    Mr. Taka smiled softly.,


    "That''s how much I appreciate your contribution to this program. And I actually wanted you to choose your own reward but could only offer between these two. Hahaha, one of them is just a contract instead of an actual reward. But I did my best to make the best offer to you. How is it?"


    "Hmm, well..." Max felt conflicted.


    While it was true that his contribution might be the highest, considering he broke the synchronization test time record, he still didn''t think he deserved these rewards.


    ''The first reward is a mary reward, valued at $25,000. It''s a big amount of money for me.'' He thought as he read the description of the first screen. ''But the second one is tempting.''


    As Mr. Taka said earlier, it was a contract instead of an actual reward. But... It could also be called a reward for a newbie streamer with less than a month of experience in streaming and less than 10K viewers.


    ''It''s actually an invitation to be Biozone Entertainment''s affiliated streamer!''


    Screw the quest''s reward; Biozone Entertainment was more generous than it!


    It was a difficult choice for Max. On the one hand was instant money, while on the other was support from a big game publisherpany.


    Thinking about the long-term benefit, the second choice was probably the best. But Max made sure to read it carefully.


    ''The contract said I would be given full support and priority for Biozone Entertainment''s released game ads. Of course, the contract for those ads would be different when the time came. I needed to put the Biozone Entertainment logo in my stream and about me. It sounds good.''


    The support here was not limited to having his name posted on the affiliated streamer page but also helped if there was a scandal or drama involving him--for example, thest hacker incident.


    ''They will also help me find editors and a secretary. Their connections are really useful at times like that.''


    Max hummed in consideration.


    Looking at his state, Mr. Taka huffed and spoke.


    "You can think about it. If you''re in no hurry, I can give you time until the Biozone monthly segment at the end of the month. I hope you can give me a good answer before that."


    "Is that fine, Mr. Taka?" Max asked, a bit surprised by his consideration. He thought he needed to decide tonight.


    "Hahaha, it''s fine. I already talked to the Director about this, and he seemed to be pleased to support new streamerstely." Heughed merrily.


    Then, suddenly, he looked serious and leaned closer.


    "To tell you the truth, we will release many games in the summer. Some games will focus on movements; that''s all I can tell. After the Director saw your world record clip, he wanted to sign you as an affiliate streamer. Naturally, we will discuss the details if you choose that reward."


    It seemed to contradict the choice here. Max couldn''t understand why that would be a ''reward'' instead of giving him both the contract offer and the mary reward.


    "It''s to shut the other executive''s mouth." Mr. Taka continued after noticing Max''s confused expression.


    "We have this policy of only signing famous streamers with more than 20K average viewers. I am sorry, but this is the only way if you want to sign a contract in your current situation. Though I rmend you take the second reward." He smiled slyly.


    In short, it was an insider problem. He would be given both if only Max was in Flexy or RoninKnight''s position. They proved themselves and had a stable average viewers already. Not only that but they were also experienced enough and didn''t seem to stop streaming for a while.


    ''I don''t have that credibility yet, being a week-old streamer. I am just a babypared to them. And offering a contract to a baby is risky. Even I wouldn''t sign myself if I were in their position.''


    Max smiled back at Mr. Taka, understanding the situation.


    "I will think about it."


    "Very well. Hahaha, I hope we can work together again in the future."


    "Me too."


    Both of them shook hands and finished the discussion. They returned to the party venue, and Flexy grabbed Max.


    "Hey! What are you doing!"


    "Hahaha, in this situation, you should drink! Here!"


    "Release me- Hmph!"


    ''This fucker!''


    The orange-haired streamer forced a bottle into his mouth, and his consciousness ended at that moment.


    ***


    The next morning, Max realized that he was in his hotel room with his upper clothes torn off. There was no recollection of what happenedst night.


    Furthermore, his head was throbbing hard for some reason, making him feel lethargic and weak in the morning.


    "Ugh, fuck. What did Flexy make me drinkst night? I remember nothing after talking with Mr. Taka. And why am I half-naked? I didn''t do anything strange, right?"


    For now, he got off the bed and drank some water from the dispenser. It made him feel a bit better. Still, the headache remained, so he took a cold shower, hoping it would cure him.


    "Phew, that was better." He sighed in relief as he got dressed in a simple oversized white shirt and slim ck pants.


    His current room had a good balcony with a nice view of New Eden City. So he chose to rx there while waiting for his Sky Rail, which would arrive in two hours, at 10 AM.


    "The sunlight feels nice." He leaned back on the resting chair and put his legs above. It was rxing.


    ''Now, let''s see emails and messages. I doubt there is something important, but I need to do this frequently from now on. Who knows if there will be spam or hacker messages again?''


    Thinking so, he brought up his screen and checked his email first. There was an email from Biozone Entertainment notifying him that $5,000 had been sent into his bank ount. It was his appearance fee from this program.


    "Oh, this is nice. I got the maximum amount written in the contract." Heughed merrily.


    His bank grew again, having more than 20K dors in savings. With this, he didn''t need to worry about buying nutritional supplements or groceries for his everyday life.


    ''Maybe I also need to find a better apartment. Preferably, the one that costs under $3,000 to $5,000 a month.''


    Not that heined about his current apartment. But itcked the security that he wanted. And the ce was in a dangerous alley with little to no light at night.


    ''Well, let''s think about thatter. I will need to worry about hiring an editor first.''


    Continuing where he left off, he opened the private message this time. Surprisingly, there was one message from Lily. He was curious, so he opened it immediately.


    [Lily: Take responsibility for what you didst night.]


    When he read it, his jaw dropped and his body froze in surprise.

 Chapter 95: Chapter 95 – What Did I Do?!

    Bam bam bam!


    "Flexy! Open the damn door!"


    Tap tap tap!


    Max frantically knocked on Flexy''s room door and pressed the bell repeatedly after reading Lily''s message. Of course, it came after messaging Flexy. It wasn''t even read.


    He panicked and didn''t know what to do. That was why he went to find his friend, the main culprit behind everything and probably the only sober personst night.


    Before he could reply to the message, he wanted to know the truth first.


    "Flexy! Open the-"


    Click!


    Just before Max could finish his sentence and punch the door once again, it opened from inside, and a sleepy-looking Flexy with unkempt hair appeared. He was half-naked and rubbed his stomach.


    "Ugh... What''s going on? It''s still morning, buddy. Don''t make amotion... Yawn...-" He asked with azy tone and yawned.


    "What did I dost night?!" Max raised his voice in panic. His eyes trembled nervously while waiting for an answer.


    "Last night?" Flexy raised his eyebrows and scratched his head, "We drank?"


    "Yeah, that''s what I mean." He added, "What did I do while being drunkst night? Did I... Fuck. Just tell me what I did. I couldn''t remember anything!"


    "Ah!" Flexy grinned in realization. He was finally awake enough to process what Max had said, "You did act crazyst night, hahaha. After I gave you that drink, you suddenly pushed me away and did something I never expected you to do."


    "What the..."


    ''Something he never expected me to do?'' Max thoughts.


    Various possibilities shed in his mind as cold sweat poured from his back. What exactly was something that he would never do in a sober condition?


    The worst possibility appeared when he remembered Lily''s chat.


    [Lily: Take responsibility for what you didst night.]


    This made him even more nervous as he grabbed Flexy''s shoulder.


    "Tell me in detail. What the fuck did I do?" He asked with fear mixed in his voice.


    Watching Max''s condition, Flexyughed yfully.


    ''It seems that something is bothering him. I wonder what was it? To think he would be this panicked,'' He thought, ''Well, this seems fun. So let''s tease him a little more.''


    "I wonder what?" He responded, rolling his eyes to look away from Max. "I mean, I can''t exactly tell you the details in this ce. If this is heard by someone else, then it will be bad."


    "It will be bad...?" Max muttered, repeating Flexy''s words. His imagination began to run wild once again. "N-No, I would never do something like that. Just tell me what I did to Lily!"


    Putting the piece together, Flexy grinned. He finally understood why Max was panicking.


    ''It''s time to put my acting ss to good use! I know what happened, but I don''t need to tell him the details, no? That won''t be interesting.''


    His expression suddenly saddened as he looked straight at Max''s face.


    "I don''t know the details, but... in the middle of the party, you suddenly went with LilyPixel. StoneSword was already drunk and slept at that time, so he didn''t know about this either." He exined, "I meant... What the heck happened that made you panic like that?"


    Max slowly retracted his hands, feeling weak after hearing that exnation.


    "N-No, nothing happened." He lied. He knew that it was a bad one, and there was no way that Flexy believed him, "Thanks, though. I need to go right now. See you again."


    With that, he walked away and returned to his room, stumbling slightly because his mind was still preupied with Lily''s message and Flexy''s exnation.


    Flexy watched his friend''s figure disappear into his room before closing the door. Once he did that, he held his stomach andughed loudly.


    "Hahahaha! That was too funny. Damn, I never saw him panic like that! Not even when many barbarians surrounded him. Hahahaha!"


    Hisugh was so loud that it reverberated in the room. He felt bad for lying to his friend, but that was too funny. And the sense of guilt from watching Max look down from yesterday was gone after seeing his condition this morning.


    After a while, Flexy regained hisposure and went inside.


    "Pfft! Did he think that he pushed that girl down? What made him think like that, I wonder. His face was so pale, hahaha!"


    "Ugh... So loud." A new voice that appeared stopped Flexy''sughing. From the bed, the head of a beautiful woman with long dark hair appeared from under the nket, "Can you lower your voice, Marco? It''s still morning. And I was still tired from everything."


    Marco, usually known as Flexy, smiled wryly when he was reprimanded. He approached the bed and sat next to her.


    "Sorry, Lisa. But teasing Breeze was just too much fun. That guy actually thought he did the deed with Lilyst night."


    "Did he?" She asked as she took her sses from the cab on the side, "Well, I wouldn''t be surprised if he did. He has a handsome face and the skill that can charm young girls. Besides, they are the same age, right?"


    "Maybe," Flexy shrugged his shoulders, "But, yeah. They actually didn''t. Lily was just asking for advice at the party, and Breeze confidently said to leave it to him. She also said that he needed to keep his promise today and stream the new game with her."


    "And, where is the problem?" Lisa asked in a soft voice, unlike her usual stern and strict one. "Did you tell him something you shouldn''t?"


    "Hehehe, well..."


    Flexy scratched his cheek and told Lisa what happened earlier. His beautiful secretary''s face turned more sour and had guilt written on it after Flexy finished his story.


    "You''re really evil."


    "Hey, I am not! I just helped my new friend get a girl!"


    He retorted with an expression that said, ''What are you talking about?'' Then, he leaned closer to Lisa and whispered.


    "Besides, you love me this way, no?"


    Lisa stayed still for a second before her hand moved at a fast speed, grabbing a certain bulge between Flexy''s legs. A pained groan escaped his lips as he begged for help.


    "Don''t be overconfident, Flexy." She said with an evil smile that could freeze even hell, "It''s time to work. And fix the misunderstanding between them before it bes a scandal."


    "Ugghhh..."


    "Your answer?" She asked and pushed her sses up. They shone from the sunlight that passed the curtain.


    "Y-Yes, Ma''am."


    Hearing the obedient answer, Lisa smiled in satisfaction, "Good boy."

 Chapter 96: Chapter 96 – Returning to the Usual Daily Life

    [Flexy: Sorry, bud! I lied! Last night, Lily wanted you to teach and y V-Shelter Survival together once you return to your home! In short, she asked for a coboration stream tonight!]


    Max sighed in relief when he got Flexy''s message. It was a lifesaver. Thankfully, he was still confused and couldn''t decide what to do.


    ''That fucker. Not only did he make me drink, but he also lied to me!'' He gritted his teeth in frustration at his friend''s prank.


    But he also couldn''t get mad at him because he understood Flexy''s personality pretty well after practicing a few times with him. That orange-haired bastard only loved to have fun. Nothing would stop him when he found something interesting.


    However, that didn''t mean that he could do as he pleased. ''I will remember this.''


    Sighing, Max opened the message once again to reply to Lily. He finally got the gist of the situation and could give the perfect reply.


    ''I know that she''s not good with words, but she should type ''I am looking forward to the cob'' instead of asking me to take responsibility.''


    That was the start of the misunderstanding that almost stopped his heart. He thought that he had passed the limit and did something he would certainly regret while drunk.


    And how confident was his drunk self? To think he agreed to teach Lily about V-Shelter Survival while he was also a newbie.


    ''I must be dumb. No, the alcohol makes me dumb. Yes. I won''t drink any again, ever.''


    But he couldn''t back off. He could imagine her happy expression when he agreed to help her, just like when he allowed her to watch him at that park.


    [Breeze: I am looking forward to our stream together tonight. Let''s learn V-Shelter Survival together. Also, I am sorry for thete reply. My head still hurts fromst night''s drinking party.]


    His reply came an hourter than when he had read the message. He hoped she wasn''t angry because he ignored her.


    Thankfully, she didn''t seem angry.


    [Lily: No problem. Me too. Let''s meet at 7 PM tonight.]


    [Breeze: Roger that!]


    Max was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. It was indeed just a misunderstanding that was piled up with Lily''s strange message and Flexy''s prank.


    "Thank god..."


    ***


    An hourter, his Sky Rail arrived, and he returned home. He first stopped by the gym to exercise before going to Nina''s restaurant for an early dinner.


    In that ce, Nina asked him various questions regarding yesterday. She looked so excited that he won and wanted to celebrate it.


    His table would probably be filled with various foods if he didn''t stop her. Thankfully, that didn''t happen, and he only conversed with her. Still, that didn''t mean Nina gave up on congratting Max.


    Before he left, she gave him a special coupon. There was something written on that simple paper.


    "Hehehe, this is the only thing I can give you. Umm, if you need anything, just call me!" She eximed with a red face before running back into the kitchen.


    Reading the words on the coupon, Max smiled softly and put it into his pocket.


    ''Nina''s special cooking ticket! I will cook one dish for you in exchange for this coupon!'' He repeated what was written on it and smirked, ''That''s just like her. It''s not Nina if she doesn''t try to feed me or give me free food. I feel spoiled.''


    Entering his apartment, he immediately took a shower and prepared to stream. Tonight would be his first stream after the program, and he was excited to see the effect of it. Lily would jointer, as she was still busy, so he would be alone for a while.


    In his stream title, he wrote something like this.


    [Let''s continue shelter building! World Record Holder, Breeze! #Looting #V-Shelter_Survival #Chat #KnightJourneyProgram #WorldRecord]


    Yeah, he was going to make use of his world record to bring more viewers. There was nothing wrong with it, as it was not a clickbait.


    "Let''s do this."


    [V-Shelter Survivor Start!]


    [Livestream Start!]


    Max appeared in the ruined world once again, standing in front of a simple shelter made from wood. It was the level 1 shelter he had built before he logged out.


    The morning had arrived in the game, and the sky had brightened considerably.


    Standing in the clearing where he built his shelter, Max opened the chat window and Punch to watch his streaming screen. It yed the loading screen he got from the system but changed the clips from Knight''s Journey to his first V-Shelter Survival clips.


    ''I see, this is really useful. I don''t need to edit or ask people to edit it for me if the system updates it automatically.''


    The reward from the system wasn''t that simple, after all. It made Max wonder whether he needed an editor or not. Who knew if the system would reward him with auto clippers or auto editors in the future?


    Sadly, it wouldn''t give him a quest for another month.


    ''I only have the system for a week, and it asks for a month''s rest. What a shitty system!''


    Ignoring that, Max couldn''t hold back his grin when he saw his follower counts. The previous 3 digits had now turned into K, and only three numbers were left.


    [Followers: 127K]


    ''Holy! Is this real?'' He screamed in his mind and rubbed his eyes. Nothing changed even when he looked at it again.


    Not only was it crazy, but it was truly a surprise for even him. The effect of yesterday''s program was amazing. He had expected growth, but getting more than 100K viewers in a day was a pleasant surprise.


    Furthermore...


    [Viewers: 12.7K]


    The viewer count also increased, just as he had thought, along with the chat.


    -- I wonder how he livestream?


    -- I saw the VODs! I must say he''s insane!


    -- First timer here! What should I expect?


    -- A shameless streamer who loves to scam BloodSucker, and the viewers who love to scam him too!


    -- Hey! I am not scammed easily!


    -- Yeah yeah, true! BloodSucker is the smartest person here!


    ''The power of promotion is pretty nice.'' His smile widened as he put his hands on his hips. ''Well, it''s time to start the stream. I believe that''s not the peak yet.''


    Thinking so, he operated the stream option and changed the loading screen to the 3rd PoV camera floating in the air. He made sure that he could be seen with the level 1 shelter behind him.


    As soon as the screen changed, he waved his hand to the camera and greeted the viewers.


    "Hello, guys! Hahaha, this is your beloved Breeze. Wee to the new viewers. Don''t worry about the chat saying that I am shameless. I am truly the one and only humble streamer. Well, I am humble, but I have 2 world records more than you!" Heughed merrily.


    -- What a humble start


    -- Damn, I hope zombies eat him


    -- This guy''s shamelessness increased right after he returned


    -- For a maidenless, he''s quite a show-off


    "Hey, hey! I am not maidenless! Let''s just forget about that." Max retorted to the chat while feeling nostalgic.

 Chapter 97: Chapter 97 – I am Not a Coward!

    This was it. The chat that he liked to argue with. He somehow felt at ease that they didn''t even change at all with the new viewersing in.


    "Anyway, we will have a guestter. But before that, let''s find some loot and add a fence to boost the shelter defense."


    Max began to walk away from his shelter after announcing his goal. Meanwhile, the chat began to mock him.


    ¡ª A guest?


    ¡ª This guy has a guest?!


    ¡ª Meh, it''s probably Flexy.


    ¡ª Yeah, he only knows Flexy, that other shameless guy. Breezy pairsst forever!


    ¡ª Breezy!!


    "Nah, it''s not Flexy. Also, don''t pair me with that guy; it''s disgusting!"


    Max sighed as he looked at the camera. Why would they pair him with another guy? He was a normal man who liked girls!


    But they were viewers who typed in the stream chat. It wasmon knowledge that they were either crazy or weird or both.


    Deciding to ignore the chat, he continued.


    "It''s a girl. And she asked me to teach her about this game."


    ¡ª ¡­


    ¡ª Is there something wrong with my headset? I heard it''s a girl


    ¡ª Doubt. And teaching her? Hahaha, a newbie like you?


    ¡ª MAMA!! Breeze is inviting a girl to his room!!


    ¡ª Let him be, my boy. He''s an adult. I doubt it''s a real girl, though.


    ¡ª Hehehe, is it that waitress? If so, then I dig in


    ¡ª Are you sure she''s a girl? You''re not scammed, right?


    "It''s a real girl. And, no. It''s not that waitress girl."


    He sighed again as the chat didn''t believe him.


    "Look, I am not BloodSucker, alright? I won''t get scammed easily."


    ¡ª True.


    ¡ª Make senses


    ¡ª Why did you bring me up? Is it a bully? Are you bullying me?


    "It''s just your imagination."


    In contrast to the game''s eerie and dark air, the stream''s atmosphere was fun as usual.


    ***


    After walking in the other direction from where his spawn point was, Max entered the city area again and looked around. There were many buildings he could loot.


    ording to the guide he read in the forum, there were two types of buildings: low-tier loot area and high-tier loot area. Some high-tier loot areas had a chance to be heavy loot areas with more items than usual.


    The former usually was a residence building, such as a house or apartment. They were not worth exploring.


    Thetter was something like the police station that Max visited in his first gamey or other important buildings that seemingly had a storage or warehouse.


    Unfortunately, this area was filled with normal houses, seemingly residence areas, so he walked toward the edge of the city. It took him around 5 minutes before he found a hospital.


    The hospital wasn''t necessarily big in his definition. It only had three floors and arge yard filled with scraps and debris. Vines covered the cracked wall, and none of the windows was intact.


    "I hope I can find some guns or ammo inside. Well, considering it''s a hospital, maybe some herbs and antidotes?"


    ¡ª Abandoned hospital is full of herbs and antidotes. If you get Scraps from this building then¡­ Well, you''re lucky.


    ¡ª Your luck must be immense! You are loved by Scraps!


    ¡ª What is this about Scraps?


    ¡ª ^^ Let me fill in the new viewers. In his first stream, Breeze managed to get more than 15 Scraps in a heavy loot area. I was amazed by his luck


    ¡ª lololol, let''s see what you get, world record holder for getting as many Scraps as possible. Lolololol


    ¡ª Kekw


    Max was also worried about it. If he got Scraps in this abandoned hospital, then his luck must be heavenly. He would need to confront that shady merchant once again, who scammed him once already.


    "Well, let''s check inside first."


    Saying that, he took out his handgun from the backpack and held it in his left hand and a knife in his right hand.


    Because there was enough light to see, he didn''t take out the shlight as it would just hinder him.


    Unlike his first rodeo in the police station, he explored the lobby first with caution. He inspected any nook and cranny to find any loot but was unable to.


    "It seems like this building isn''t a heavy loot area. What a shame."


    He was slightly disappointed with it, but the chat thought otherwise.


    ¡ª What do you think the heavy loot area is? A market?


    ¡ª It''s called rare because it can''t be found easily!


    ¡ª Should I say it''s as expected from Breeze?


    Indeed, heavy loot area was rare. But was it wrong to expect every big building to be one?


    "Haa¡­ Let''s inspect the hallway and all the rooms. There are a lot of sses on the ground, so I need to be careful."


    The beginner clothes offered close to no defense. Even the shoes were just a pair of sneakers and not actuallybat boots that protected his feet.


    Foolishly, a certain someone sold his gloves to a shady merchant and got scammed. Even now, he still regretted that decision.


    Entering the main hallway, the area became slightly darker, but it was still bright enough to see without a shlight. Max walked carefully, avoiding the mushrooms, pieces of ss, and the bulging flesh that seemed to grow from the ground.


    It was glowing slightly, pulsating every second.


    "There are Blobbies everywhere."


    Based on what he read in the guide, the ce with that kind of glowing flesh called Blobby on the ground had zombies in the past. Those Blobbies were formed from the dead zombies'' flesh.


    ''It''s strange calling it dead zombies, as it''s an undead, but it is what it is.'' He thought as he continued inside.


    A few meters ahead, there was an open door. That would be Max''s first destination to find some loot.


    "Alright, guys. Do you think there is a zombie inside?" He asked the chat as he stopped a bit away from the door. "I just want you to know that I am not afraid of something like Rocket, Blobbies, or zombies. So don''t expect me to scream when I open the door."


    ¡ª Fear is irrelevant! Jumpscare knows no fear


    ¡ª Even the bravest man got jumpscared in this game. Don''t act tough, Breeze!


    ¡ª I hope you get a heart attack from inside that door.


    "Hahaha, no way."


    With a confident step, Max opened the door with his shoulder, ready for a jumpscare. The door was pushed open with a creak, revealing a dark room.


    The sunlight from the main entrance and the hallway chased away the darkness, allowing Max to see what was inside.


    Peeking inside, he first saw a creature with arge head and eight legs right in front of him, which almost stopped his heart.


    "FUUCCK!!"


    Bam!


    He immediately mmed the door shut without hesitation and breathed heavily.


    "What the heck was that?!"


    ¡ª Kekw


    ¡ª ''I won''t be surprised!''


    ¡ª ''Jumpscare won''t work on me!''


    ¡ª ''I am not afraid of anything!    .''


    ¡ª lol, he screamed like a little child. Nununu, don''t cry. Daddy is here with you


    ¡ª Child Breeze! Clipped! Hehehe


    ¡ª [Infected Crawler is spotted!] lololol, that bastard is scary. Everyone, without any exception, would be surprised by that.


    ¡ª That was nasty

 Chapter 98: Chapter 98 – The Guest Arrived

    ''That was one of the Infected?!''


    Due to how much the guide was, Max hadn''t finished them yet. He only read the important parts, such as shelter and defense building as well as what kind of loot was important. In short, he focused on survival tutorials.


    Enemies'' information was something he skipped when he read the guide, as he wanted some excitement about discovering something new.


    "A freaking huge head with 8 legs? Does he n to imitate a spider? Who the heck designed that Infected?"


    ¡ª The design team, obviously


    ¡ª A psycho


    ¡ª A genius


    ¡ª I like the design though. It''s¡­ innovative


    ¡ª Innovative your 4$$! That''s creepy!


    ¡ª But that fit this game''s design pretty well.


    Max wondered what he should do. From what he saw earlier, there was nothing inside. Mainly, it was because the Crawler grabbed his attention. Not only that, there were webs filling the room. Entering without proper tools and equipment might be bad.


    "The Infected seem to stay inside. Is Crawler the type tostay in his territory?"


    From the fact it didn''t chase after him, the creepy spider might be that type. In that case, it was easy.


    "Let''s ignore it and continue our exploration!" He eximed with a big smile as he walked away from the door, proceeding deeper into the hospital.


    ¡ª Chicken


    ¡ª Chicken Breeze


    ¡ª He''s running away, what a coward.


    ¡ª And you were about to teach a girl how to y this game, lololol


    "Dude, I am not running away. Since the start, my goal has been to look at this hospital and find herbs or antidotes. It''s called a tactical retreat, okay?"


    ¡ª Yeah yeah


    ¡ª Whatever


    ¡ª lololol, just be honest that you''re afraid of that spider


    The chat mocked him for not dealing with the Crawler, but Max ignored them. He thought there would be no benefit in killing that Infected besides wasting his bullets and stamina.


    The hospital exploration was going smoothly. He only met a few zombies that he could kill with a knife. But because this area wasn''t a heavy loot area, there were only 5 loots that he could find. 2 of them were herbs, and the rest was an antidote.


    "The devs are so stingy." He grumbled as he exited the hospital. "I hope they increase the loot chance."


    While passing by the first door, he made sure to be quiet so as not to rouse the Crawler. That Infected''s creepy appearance was still fresh in his mind.


    ¡ª I am surprised that your luck has be normal again


    ¡ª 2 herbs and 3 antidotes. That''s a good loot


    ¡ª No Scraps?! What a shame!


    [jdi12ui has donated 250 diamonds!]


    [First dono! I want to ask, but where is the guest that you talked about earlier?]


    ¡ª Oh right, the guest!


    ¡ª Who the heck is the guest?!


    With a donation chat popping up, the others remembered what Max said at the start of his stream.


    ''It''s almost 7 PM. Let''s try to message her when I arrive at the shelter.'' He thought and looked at the camera.


    "Be patient, guys. Let me ask her once I arrive at the shelter. Then you will know who the guest is even without me telling you."


    While walking, he took out bread and water, eating them to fill his hunger and thirst bars that were almost depleted. One loaf of bread filled 40% of the hunger, while each sip of water filled 20%. One water bottle had 5 sips inside, which meant it could fully refill the thirst bar.


    After finishing them, the bars were filled again, and Max felt slightly lighter. Night time was about to arrive as he had spent roughly 10 minutes finding a building to loot and 40 minutes exploring the hospital.


    "Let''s hurry back home. Who knows what kind of Infected will roam around the road at night?"


    ¡ª Creepy kinds


    ¡ª My favorite. There are sexy Infected at night!


    ¡ª Sexy but deadly, yeah. No matter what, don''t do night time unless you have a Rifle already.


    ¡ª Yeah! Find a warehouse next. There is a high chance of it having a Rifle inside.


    "Thanks for the tips, guys. Once my guest is here, I will bring her to find a warehouse. 2 heads are better than one, hahaha."


    Reaching his shelter took only 5 minutes, as he already knew the path. He immediately entered and went to the simple bed made from wood.


    Once he reached the bed, a notification appeared in front of him.


    [Sleep? Yes/No]


    It was a mechanism in this survival game to skip the night time and go straight into the morning. That was why building a shelter was an important task to do on the first night. Anyone who had yed a survival game before surely knew this importance.


    However, before Max slept, he asked Lily when she woulde. The reply arrived just a few seconds after that.


    [Lily: I can log in anytime. Just invite me.]


    "It''s sleep time, baby! Let''s greet our guest tomorrow morning!"


    With that, he pressed the ''Yes'' button, and his vision dimmed.


    ¡ª Zzz


    ¡ª Hussh, little baby. Sleep tight


    ¡ª Huehehe, I will crawl under his bed!


    ¡ª It''s time to find his por¨C I mean, time to sleep


    ¡ª Sleep, my soldier. Let us meet a girl tomorrow


    Floating images of a moon moving away and reced by a sun appeared, and he could see again after that.


    He got off the hard bed and stretched his arms.


    "The bed is so hard that I don''t want to sleep on it again. Let''s aim for level 2 shelter today."


    ¡ª With your luck? I guess that''s impossible


    ¡ª Kekeke, hard bed is good for back


    ¡ª Level 2 shelter sounds good.


    "Right?" Max raised his eyebrows, "But before that, let''s greet our guest! Give her a warm wee, alright? I will share my chat window with her!"


    ¡ª Finally!


    ¡ª Who could it be? I am excited!


    ¡ª Thump! Thump! A girl¡­


    ¡ª Haa¡­ Haa¡­ This is rare!


    Operating the screen, Max found the invitation menu. He had added Lily''s VR ount as friends back when they were in the program together. Not only her but also everyone else, including even MadLad.


    So inviting her was easy.


    "And sent." He grinned as a figure covered in blue light appeared beside him.


    ''That''s fast.'' He thought as he looked at her.


    The blue light slowly dissipated, revealing the girl''s figure covered in ckbat clothes, holding a long sniper rifle and a machete hung over her back inside her pink backpack.


    Her long ck hair was tied in a ponytail, and she wore a mask on her lower face.


    A pair of obsidian ck eyes looked around her surroundings before stopping at her target, Max. She nodded softly at him.


    "Hel¨C"


    Before she even finished his sentence, Max had already bowed deeply at her.


    "I am in your care, Master!"


    The girl, Lily, blinked repeatedly in confusion as the chat broke intoughter.


    ¡ª Teach her, he said


    ¡ª Isn''t it the other way around?


    ¡ª Holy hell, she is fully equipped!


    ¡ª LilyPixel is here!! Damn! His guest is the LilyPixel guys!!


    ¡ª They actually have a coboration a day after the program? Way to go, my son!


    ¡ª KEKW, imagine the embarrassment. "It''s a girl. And she asked me to teach her about this game." hahahahaha! Oh god, too funny!


    ¡ª "I AM IN YOUR CARE, MASTER!" He said. Lolol! Breeze, you have met your match!


    ''Shut up!'' Max shouted in his mind, trying to calm himself from embarrassment.

 Chapter 99: Chapter 99 – I Thought She Was a Newbie, But She’s a Master!

    Usually, someone would only ask to be taught something by someone with more knowledge or more experience than them.


    Max expected Lily to be a real newbie who had never yed V-Shelter Survival before. But he was so wrong about that.


    "What are you doing?" Lily asked in a confused tone as she looked at Max, still bowing his head.


    "I pay respect to the expert." Max answered with a straight tone as he raised his head, "Compared to a newbie like me, Master Lily has achieved great things in this game. Thus, it is natural that I bow in your presence!"


    "Stop that. You are acting strange right now," She said, frowning, "Like my brother." She added with a disgusted tone.


    "A-Ahaha¡­" He could only smile wryly as he knew about her rtionship with StoneSword. Rather, he knew her older brother''s excessive love, which made the situation awkward.


    ''Well, I did admit that I acted strangely.'' He thought. ''But the viewers love it.''


    In a normal situation, he wouldn''t act like that. He was just giving a little bit of aedic act to his viewers.


    "My bad," He smiled apologetically at Lily, "But I never thought that you were fully geared like this. You know¡­ I expected you to be a newbie in this game like me."


    "My older brother gave them to me." She answered with a stoic expression, "He said this is a gear rmended by a beginner. This is my first time ying this game."


    "Aah¡­"


    Max immediately understood what had happened just with that exnation.


    ¡ª StoneSword is her older brother, right? How protective!


    ¡ª Beginner equipment? More like end-game equipment!


    ¡ª What a loving brother¡­ Die, StoneSword!


    ¡ª I am totally not jealous. Totally not!


    ¡ª An overgeared newbie and the luckiest newbie. What abination!


    "Well, in that case, you know nothing about this game?" Max asked Lily with a calm voice. His embarrassment was gone almost immediately after knowing the truth behind Lily''s equipment.


    Lily nodded in confirmation.


    "I see." Max fully understood now. She wasn''t lying. "Then let me tell you the fundamental rules of this game and what you should be careful of."


    "Un."


    After getting another confirmation, Max exined how this game was with a short exnation.


    They needed to find loot, and zombies were their enemies.


    Also, he guessed that what Lily was equipped with right now was not all StoneSword gave, so he asked what was in her backpack inventory.


    When she listed what her brother gave her, Max wanted to teach that certain veteran streamer the meaning of the word ''holding back.''


    ''A superior sniper rifle with 120x 50 CAL bullets. That''s 60 full mags for her sniper. Then there is also a Machete, a superior kind of knife. Not only that, he also gave her a .44 Remington with 180x 0.44 bullets. Furthermore, she also had a thousand Scraps.''


    He shrugged his shoulders and sighed, ''Talk about being excessive!''


    Those were only the ones in her inventory, not including her defensive gear and all herbs and antidotes she had yet. Not even a yer who yed for more than 6 months had a gear better than her. It was all thanks to StoneSword''s server, which had arge warehouse.


    Finishing his exnation, Max asked Lily.


    "Do you understand all of that? We will go out and find an abandoned warehouse to level up the shelter to level 2. From what I know, we will need 20 woods and 60 nks."


    Level 2 shelter was not only big, but it also had a fence to protect the main building from outside attacks. That was why it needed 4 times the materials of the level 1 shelter.


    "Un, I understand. Should I leave my sniper here and only go out with my Remington? I can''t put the sniper inside my inventory. It''s too big."


    Unlike Scraps, which were counted as money and didn''t actually take space in the inventory, any weapons and rifles needed space. For example, her machete was visible because it was only half fit inside her backpack.


    The inventory system seemed strange, but that was what pushed yers to be creative and build a warehouse in their shelter.


    "Maybe that''s a good idea. We need speed and a lot of space if we want to bring the materials. They also won''t fit our inventory."


    "Alright. I will leave it on the bed."


    Saying so, Lily put her sniper on the bed and covered it with a dirty nket that came with it.


    She nodded, satisfied, and turned back to Max like a little puppy asking for a walk.


    "Let''s go."


    For some reason, Max could see a tail wagging behind her back. He blinked twice, and it was gone.


    ''Is it just my imagination?'' He thought as he exited the shelter together with Lily.


    ¡ª Somehow¡­


    ¡ª She''s so cute


    ¡ª So precious


    ¡ª Breeze! Protect her at all costs!


    ¡ª Yeah, don''t let her get hurt!


    "Shut up, guys. It''s not like she''s a little kid too." Max answered the viewers with a shrug of shoulders. "Besides, she''s also strong."


    [StoneSword has donated 2,500 diamonds!]


    [I believe she can''t see this. But make sure she''s not hurt and actually has fun too.]


    "Your wish is mymand, brother." He immediately changed as usual.


    ¡ª Damn, the brother is here!


    ¡ª It''s not strange as they must be acquainted through the program


    ¡ª lolol the power of money, the only thing Breeze is afraid of and can''t beat!


    ¡ª Capitalism wins!


    ¡ª I trust you. And don''t call me brother


    Lily peeked from the side and asked curiously, "Are you talking to the viewers?"


    "Yes." Max answered, "Come to think of it, I haven''t linked the chat window to your ount yet. Give me a moment. I will make you a moderator."


    Following that, Max tweaked his stream a little and connected Lily''s ount, making her a moderator. Her eyes widened a little bit as she pressed an invisible button. After that, a smile bloomed under her ck mask.


    "I can see it." She said, "There are many viewers."


    "Well, there are more than 10 thousand now." He replied as he scratched the back of his head.


    "And they are¡­ unique." She added as she looked at the chat window.


    ¡ª Hello, LilyPixel!


    ¡ª Hello hello!


    ¡ª I love youu!! Marry me!


    ¡ª Please take care of our boy. He has been maidenless for a long time


    ¡ª My boy has grown up. *Sob* This is pretty embarrassing, forgive me for crying


    "¡­ They are."


    Those were the only things Max could say. The walk was silent as Lily also never started any conversation first. Thankfully, they arrived at their destination soon.


    "There it is." Max stopped in his tracks and looked at arge warehouse surrounded by a tall fence. "We will loot this ce."


    "Hmm¡­" Lily hummed as she looked at the abandoned building. It had a creepy atmosphere oozing out from inside. "It''s creepy."

 Chapter 100: Chapter 100 – A Creepy Warehouse Exploration

    A pair of a boy dressed in shabby brown clothes and tactical pants and a girl inpletebat equipment, entered the dark, empty warehouse. Caution was clear in their eyes as they observed the surroundings.


    Unlike other buildings, this warehouse had arge room and two floors connected by metal stairs on both sides. The second floor was visible from the ground, as the floor was made from flimsy webs.


    Debris and boxes were put here and there, creating blind spots that made detecting enemies hard.


    "Be careful. The zombies are able to smell your scent and hear our voices. Believe me, getting chased by them is thest thing you want to experience."


    Max warned Lily as he walked in the front, holding a shlight in his left hand. He shone the light around the area in front of him.


    Lily stayed close to Max as she prepared her long-barreled Remington. She held them with both hands, as it was impossible to shoot with just one hand due to the recoil.


    Observing the area, Max noticed something strange. There were many shining stars here and there on the first floor, but their location was mostly above the stack of boxes.


    That meant one thing¡­ He was lucky enough to find another heavy loot area.


    "Lily," He called out to his partner and readied his knife, "This is a heavy loot area. There will definitely be a superior enemy; be careful."


    "Un, okay."


    Both of them walked inside the warehouse and began to grab the loot one by one. Max was the one who did most of the work while Lily looked around in guard, ready to defeat any enemy that showed up.


    [1x Scrap obtained!]


    [12x 9mm bullets obtained!]


    [1x nk obtained!]


    Strangely, though, no enemy showed up even after getting 3 loots and walking deeper into the warehouse. Max felt like they were walking right into the trap, while Lily was still oblivious as she didn''t understand the game yet.


    Not only him, but the viewers were also a little bit confused.


    ¡ª Somehow¡­


    ¡ª Yeah, nothing happened.


    ¡ª It''s a looting simtor!


    Indeed, it was like a looting simtor. In the end, Max got a total of 8 loots from the first floor.


    "3x nks, 2x Woods, 2x Scraps, and a full 99mm mags. It''s good loot."


    He put the nks and wood on the ground near the stairs to the second floor. Then, he looked at Lily.


    "Let''s leave them here first and go to the second floor. Because there is no enemy on the first floor, I became slightly anxious."


    There was no way a heavy loot area had no enemies guarding it. Most likely, they were waiting on the second floor, hiding inside some boxes, or it had an unbelievably strong enemy waiting for them.


    Not leaving any chance of getting surprise attacked, Max decided to go even slower while exploring the second floor. The floor was made from an old flimsy web, making walking on it slightly bouncy and scary. It creaked each time he took a step.


    Furthermore, the stack of boxes on the second floor reached the ceiling, which was only 2 meters away. It created many blind spots. Max wouldn''t even be surprised if it broke down anytime.


    "There is less loot than before," Lilymented as she looked around. "Where is the enemy?" She added, looking at Max.


    He shook his head as he kept proceeding slowly, "I don''t know. Let''s quickly find the loot and get the hell out of here."


    "Then, how about we split?" She suggested, "That will allow us to find loot faster."


    "Splitting ways, huh?" Max hummed at her suggestion. That was a good idea if they wanted to finish this fast and return to the shelter before night.


    Both of them were skillful enough to defend against themselves.


    ''She has good defensive equipment and many herbs, too. Even if she gets jumpscared, she won''t die easily.'' He thought.


    "That''s a good idea." He nodded at her, "I will take the right area while you take the left. Let''s meet up in this ce after getting all the loot."


    "Alright. See you."


    With that, they split up. Lily''s clothes were already equipped with a shlight on her shoulder, and she activated it. The lighting from it was way brighter than the tiny shlight in Max''s hand.


    Looking at it, he was speechless.


    ¡ª Smoll


    ¡ª Pfft¡­ Smoll energy


    ¡ª And smoll PP


    "Shut up¡­ Her gear is from the end game. By no means do I have a smoll energy. I am beeg, okay?" Heined to the chat and began to move.


    ¡ª I don''t believe it


    ¡ª It''s not convincing,ing from you


    ¡ª kekeke, don''t worry. I am smoll too


    Even though the creepy atmosphere was still there, he found almost no enemies. What he found was instead a corpse¡­ A decayed body of a zombie that was on the verge of death leaning against a stack of boxes.


    He immediately put an end to that pitiful zombie by crushing his head with his feet. A sshing sound like a watermelon getting destroyed rang.


    "Ugh, this makes me feel bad. Where are all the enemies?"


    Max looked around but found nothing but loot.


    It was another Scrap.


    Having had enough, he decided to call them out instead.


    "Heey!! Zombies!! Infected!! I am here! Come out, you cowards! Fight me like a man!


    Or just show up if you''re a woman!"


    ¡ª This bastard is crazy


    ¡ª Has darkness gotten to him already? His hand must be aching! He needs a bandage fast!


    ¡ª Blood! I can imagine him screaming for blood!


    ¡ª Still, what he did isn''t strange. Where are all the zombies?! Look! He got his 2nd Scraps from the second floor and his first wood!


    ¡ª Ah, he''s done. He has gone crazy!


    The zombies never showed up, no matter how much he screamed and made noises. He ended up absorbed in taking loot and returned to the meeting ce after finding another 3 nks and 2 woods.


    Lily was already there, standing still while looking at him with a strange gaze. She nodded and gave him a thumbs-up when he got close.


    "What?" He asked, confused by her sudden gesture.


    "I found 5 nks and 4 woods." She said, pointing at the pile on the side. "But I found no enemies."


    "I see. Good job, Lily." He unconsciously smiled at her, and she also looked happy. "Well, there is nothing more here. Let''s return."


    "Un. A shame we meet no enemies."


    Tidying the woods and the nks, they brought them down and gathered them in one ce with the other piles. Max volunteered to bring them all, as they were pretty heavy. Not only that, but he was the one ill-equippedpared to her.


    In case of emergency, Lily would be able to protect him.


    After everything was ready, they headed for the exit. They remembered the path, but Max immediately felt something was missing.


    "Hmm?" He hummed as he took a left turn. He looked at where the exit was supposed to be, but there was no lighting from that direction.


    Therge door was somehow closed. ording to his game knowledge, both in his past life and this one, he concluded it to be a forced event where they couldn''t leave before defeating an enemy.


    So, he immediately discarded the woods and nks in his hand and assumed abat-ready position.


    "Lily! There is an enemy!" He shouted at his partner and raised his handgun. His movement was quick.


    Hearing Max''s shout, Lily also raised her Remington. Two shlights illuminated the area, which had turned dark from theck of light from the outside.


    It was silent. There was no sound at all, not even the groaning of zombies that usually filled the area around the city.


    Bam! ng!


    Max shot one bullet toward the ceiling, and it created a loud sound.


    "Come out, you coward!" He shouted loudly. "I know you''re there!"


    As if taking that as a cue for its appearance, footsteps echoed inside the warehouse.

 Chapter 101: Chapter 101 – It’s Unfair!

    The footsteps were light and fast, circling around them. Both Max and Lily raised their guards immediately.


    ¡ª That sound¡­


    ¡ª Could it be?!


    ¡ª This¡­ This is bad, isn''t it? Not for Breeze, but for LilyPixel!


    It echoed louder and louder as if it was approaching them. The way it moved was as if it wasn''t even scared and considered them as mere prey.


    Crash! Bam! Thud!


    Various sounds of boxes and metal knocked over followed suit. A cloud of dust was kicked high in the air, allowing them to know where the enemy wasing from. It was from the direction of the exit, and both of them pointed their guns toward it.


    A few secondster, it made its appearance. Having a long, decayed body, its head was that of a human. From what Max could see, this enemy easily reached more than 10 meters long.


    Many tiny legs grew from him, like a centipede. Its eyes were bloodshot, shining in the darkness of the warehouse. His mouth opened from four sides, revealing rows of sharp teeth.


    Its hands weren''t that of a human but a sharp sickle that seemed to be able to cut anything.


    They shone their shlights against the new emerging enemies.


    "KSAAA!!"


    Bang!


    Just as the enemy hissed intimidatingly, Lily released a shot from her Remington and created a deafening sound. The recoil pushed her back and made her stumble, but the bullet flew straight toward its head at an unbelievable speed.


    It destroyed the centipede-like, Infected head and created arge hole in it. Its body slowly crumbled and fell into the ground in arge chunk.


    Thud thud thud!


    Max, who was prepared for arge and prolonged battle, stood there motionlessly. He slowly looked at Lily, who killed the Infected. A dark smoke rose from Remington''s muzzle.


    She blinked a few times and looked back at Max.


    "The enemy is so weak." She said expressionlessly.


    ''No, your weapon is just too strong!''


    ¡ª As expected from an overgeared newbie


    ¡ª Her ignorant expression is still cute


    ¡ª "Come out, you coward! I know you''re there!" *Bam!!* *Proceed to stand still and look at his partner*


    ¡ª Breeze has no time to shine again. How sad


    "Breeze?" Lily called out and tilted her head, "We can leave now, right? The night will arrive soon."


    "Ah, yeah." Max nodded and decided not to think about it too much, "Let''s bring the loot to the base and find more ces to rob¨C I mean to loot."


    "Alright."


    ¡ª Rob?


    ¡ª He thinks he''s robbing? This is no Thief Simtor!


    ¡ª Well, we were given some wholesome moments this time. Kekeke, how cute


    ¡ª Breeze''s strange expressions are all clipped. I will make aption of it!


    "Don''t do that!" He shouted at the chat. Veins popped up in his temple.


    Strange expressionsption? That was a disaster!


    Max hurriedly left the area and brought the loot with him. The sky had darkened considerably as he reached the shelter. He entered with Lily and put the woods and nks on the corner.


    "Phew¡­ That''s one building done."


    "Good job," Lily said, pulling her mask down. Her lips curled up into a smile. "That was pretty fun. It''s a shame that only one enemy showed up."


    "And you killed that enemy. In one shot." Max chuckled when he remembered the horror of that centipede-like Infected, only to be one shot by Remington.


    "Your weapon is too strong."


    "Un."


    She nodded and looked at the Remington in her hand.


    "I will keep it away if we y together again. It''s not fun." She added.


    "I understand how you feel. It''s boring having a strong cheat item at the start of a game."


    If the enemy was too strong, it would make yers easily give up and make the game not fun. But, if the enemy was also too weak, it would make the game boring.


    In a survival game like this, the funy in looting and building a base as well as surviving the enemies'' attack.


    As much as they were grotesque, creepy, and even bordering disgusting, those enemies were what made this game fun. Of course, there were some surprising and scary moments, but those were also fun.


    ¡ª We also want to see Breeze struggle


    ¡ª I thought they would be killed by Turret, but that was anticlimactic


    ¡ª Strong LilyPixel! You can just use that weapon, you know? It''s fun


    ¡ª Well yeah, the enemies gradually get stronger as days pass. Having a Remington in Day 2 is cheating


    ¡ª The loot will be better too. Remington usually only appears after 180 days. It''s a cheat item in the early game


    Even the chat agreed with Lily. No one said anything earlier because they didn''t expect it to turn out this way. No jumpscare and no struggling. The viewers were a bit disappointed in theck of action.


    ¡ª Still, watching them are fun hehehe


    ¡ª True! It''s so wholesome


    ¡ª Is Breezy going down? Will it be a Breeze x LilyPixel pair. Brexel?


    ¡ª I think Zexel sounds better!


    Naturally, there were also viewers who liked to pair their favorite streamers with the others. It was no longer surprising.


    "Are you going to y this game again tomorrow?" Lily asked curiously, looking up at Max''s face.


    "That''s the n," He responded, "I want to build my shelter to level 10. Well, I might stream different games in the near future, but I will keep ying this game. It''s fun."


    ''I need to answer Mr. Taka and test that new game he talks about if I take the contract. I haven''t decided yet what to do and need to consult with someone first.''


    Being a variety streamer, he could stream anything he wanted. The fact his viewers from the Knight''s Journey still followed him to this new game was enough to boost his confidence.


    Expecting a decrease in viewers when he hopped into a new game would also be natural. He had long known that only a few percent of viewers would watch him without caring what kind of content he livestreamed.


    "I see."


    Lily sounded a little happy at his answer. Her smile widened slightly.


    "Can we y together again tomorrow? Teach me about beginner equipment. I want to learn more, but... I can''t go online for a long time. I am not used to this yet, so I will y around in the Lobby to practice."


    Max understood what she was talking about. He had the same problem, though he brute forced it by making his bodypatible with his mind and could handle more strenuous activity.


    Having higher SR didn''t necessarily mean good either. It also took them practice to be good at the game.


    "Alright, see you tomorrow! I had fun ying with you too."


    "Un, see you tomorrow."


    After saying goodbye, Lily logged out from the game. Her character disappeared in a blue light.


    Sighing, he put his hands on his hips.


    "Well, that was a short y together." He said to the chat. "Should I y more, chat? I feel like I can continue a little bit longer."


    ¡ª Sure!


    ¡ª Make sure you get a level 2 shelter before she returns! That way you can have 2 beds!


    ¡ª Don''t ever let her log out while you sleep tomorrow! That''s just rude.


    ¡ª Oooh? Breeze is streaming for more than 2 hours. How rare


    [BloodSucker has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Heh! So, you are finally able to stream more. Fine, let''s do it like this! I bet you can''t finish this, Breeze!]


    [BloodSucker has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Build a level 2 shelter before the stream ends!]


    [Reward: 5,000 diamonds!]

 Chapter 102: Chapter 102 – Playing House is Fun, But There is a Limit

    ¡ª Here it is, BreezeSucker sudden mission!


    ¡ª He''s here to waste money again! Don''t be a tsundere and just donate to him.


    And another mission from Max''s longsting and loyal fans, BloodSucker. The reward was tantalizing, and refusing the mission was unnecessary.


    "Oho? You''re challenging me again, BloodSucker? Thank you in advance for the diamonds."


    Max grinned happily. Whether he was able to finish it or not depended on how long he could y without getting exhausted.


    "First, let''s sleep. Night has arrived, and I don''t want to explore it without any equipment."


    Saying so, he turned around and looked at his bed. Before he went and pressed the menu to sleep, he saw something bulging underneath the nket.


    At that moment, he remembered what was on the bed. He pulled the nket away and revealed arge sniper rifle that Lily left behind. She had forgotten to take it with her when she logged out.


    Would she mind if he borrowed it to finish BloodSucker''s mission?


    Ding!


    [Lily: I forgot the sniper. Feel free to use it until tomorrow. There are 5 ammos inside.]


    It seemed like he didn''t need to ask. An idea shed in his mind, and his grin widened as he looked at the camera.


    "Sorry, BloodSucker¡­ I might finish this mission easier than expected."


    ¡ª Nooo! That''s cheating! Don''t freaking use that!


    "You didn''t tell me what to use and what I can''t use." Max responded and shrugged his shoulders, "Everything is fair in a war. Especially when there is money involved!"


    ¡ª RIP BloodSucker


    ¡ª RIP money


    ¡ª Capitalism at its best, indeed


    "Hehehe."


    ***


    Bam!


    A loud sound resounded from the long barrel of a sniper rifle in Max''s hand. Therge bullet flew in the air and killed Turret, the centipede-like Infected, in one shot.


    The recoil pushed him back even though he crouched. And the shockwave created by the shot was enough to blow everything around him away.


    "Hell yeah!"


    Cling!


    The empty shell dropped to the ground as he pulled back the charging handle.


    "Damn! That''s really satisfying! 5 times running the warehouse with only a single enemy that only needs a shot by a 50 Cal bullet feels so damn good!"


    Thankfully, he read the guide. It said that the loot inside a building area would be reset every day. Unfortunately, though, it was no longer a heavy loot area, but the loot was still worth the danger.


    Max was on day 8 of his server and had finished his 7th run of the warehouse, including the one with Lily. In total, he managed to get 26 nks and 8 woods. Not only that, but he also found another two full mags of 9mm bullets and 10 Scraps.


    Overall, it was a good run for a loot zone with only Turret, a centipede-like Infected.


    "Hehe, don''t me me for using this. Though there are only 6 bullets, including the one in the chamber, I fired them all already."


    ¡ª IT''S CHEATING! YOU''RE CHEATING!


    ¡ª That''s¡­ underwhelming. But I guess that''s when you bring a Barret into a world under day 10


    ¡ª I hope you return to this ce and fight it again without OP weapon


    "That''s a matter of course," Max answered.


    He brought all his loot outside the warehouse and dragged them home. They were heavy, mainly because of the sniper rifle he also brought.


    "I will fight Turret with only a knife tomorrow. After this, I will focus on looting the area around my shelter to find more woods and nks. I need 4 more woods and 22 more nks. Well, if I have no time but have enough Scraps, I will probably visit the shady merchant."


    ¡ª And get scammed again? Hehehe


    ¡ª Wee. What kind of scam do you want today?


    ¡ª Hehe, customer. I have many scams that you can choose from. This is the choice


    ¡ª Only in this game did the merchant always scam the yers.


    "Yeah, I hate that merchant."


    He had to agree with his chat for the first time in his streaming career in this world. The merchant in V-Shelter Survival was too devious!


    Arriving at his shelter, Max put the loot in the pile on the corner. He now felt a little bit exhausted. His body felt a little heavier than before.


    ''Ah, I hit my limit. I can''t continue any longer without burdening my body.''


    He immediately understood it. It was the same feeling when he tested his limit before in Knight''s Journey.


    ''I''ve been ying for 4 hours now. It''s already 2 hours more than what I usually could handle, probably because the system limits my SR to 95%. That''s nice to know. So it''s not just a penalty but also a blessing. I can stream longer now.''


    He smiled.


    ''But I should stop here for today.''


    His vision went to the mission provided by BloodSucker. It was 5,000 diamonds, equivalent to $100. That was a lot of money, at least for him in the past.


    Right now, that was still a good amount of money, but nothing worth risking his health for. Once again, his first priority was his health and then streaming. The others came after that.


    ''Well, let''s give him augh for now. He will probably give me another mission in the future.''


    Sighing tiredly, Max massaged his shoulder with his hand. His movement was sluggish.


    "I said that I would check the area around here, but it seems impossible, guys. I am already exhausted." He said with a weak tone.


    ¡ª Huh?


    ¡ª Does that mean?


    ¡ª I WON THE BET?!


    The chat couldn''t believe what they had heard. Breeze backed off from BloodSucker''s mission.


    "Yeah, I will give you the win for now. As you know, my SR is 98.5%. That''s why I only streamed for less than 2 hours in the past. Today, I pushed myself to stream for 4 hours, so I hope you understand that I can''t continue any longer."


    Max operated his screen and pressed the ''Give Up'' button in the stream mission list. As soon as he did that, the announcement rang in his ear.


    Ding!


    [Mission failed!]


    ¡ª That''s true


    ¡ª We kinda forgot that you are ranked 2 in SR and the world record holder in the test¡­ Well, that was a good game, Breeze!


    ¡ª I-I won? H-He gave up on my mission?! Is this real? Is this a dream? F*CK YEAH!!


    ¡ª Breeze is kinda chill today


    ¡ª Naah, he''s chill because he was apanied with a cute girl. If LilyPixel didn''t meet him, he would be crazy


    ¡ª Guys, you said sting a sniper rifle was chill? Are you alright?


    ¡ª Yes, we are. He''s the BLOOD GOD. If he wanted to, he will kill that freaking centipede with barehands!


    ¡ª True true, he''s my god. Talking about blood, my right arm is aching again. I need to go


    ¡ª To shake something? Kekekeke, don''t do it too much!


    "Well, I am d you understand," Maxughed dryly after he read the chat. "Well then, see you in tomorrow''s stream! As usual, I will livestream at 6 PM!"


    ¡ª See you tomorrow!


    ¡ª That was fun


    ¡ª I will make a forum post real quick! There are many clips that I can show to those in V-Shelter Lobby


    ¡ª See you again!


    [ZombiesGod has donated 600 diamonds!]


    [Loveapocalypse has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [See you again tomorrow! I enjoyed the stream!]


    [ePiCshelteR has donated 100 diamonds!]


    [¡­]


    [¡­]


    [LovelyOtter has donated 300 diamonds!]


    [Another Breeze''s content. Blessing!]


    Alongside the goodbye, many donations poured in. He was blessed by having many good viewers.


    And then, Max ended the livestream.


    [Livestream ended!]

 Chapter 103: Chapter 103 – Fans and Haters

    [Synchronization Test WR holder, Breeze''s gamey! He''s cheating!]


    A title that surprised V-Shelter Survival''s yers, known as survivalists, appeared in the forum. Many clips were posted in the thread, with each either having a funny moment or a cool moment of Max ying the survival game.


    The focus of the other yers, however, was on how he defeated Turret with a Barret, a superior sniper rifle.


    ¡ª What is this? A famous person is ying our game?


    ©¸ It''s the one risingtely. I watched Biozone''s livestream yesterday, and he''s pretty skilled.


    ©¸ Why does the title say he''s cheating, then?


    ©¸ Hehe, just clickbait. I am just his fan (TS)


    ¡ª Damn, having a barret to loot a warehouse? The loot isn''t that much either. It''s a waste of ammo!


    ©¸ It''s indeed a waste


    ©¸ I agree. Does he think he''s a big shot wasting ammo like that? Each of those ammos is worth 25 Scraps in the shady merchant!


    ©¸ Breeze has just yed the game, it''s his second day. Besides, that sniper was lent by LilyPixel so it''s not his to begin with!


    ©¸ Ah, makes senses.


    ¡ª He''s ying like a newbie. Not worth watching!


    ©¸ At least that said newbies got 2 world records, lol. [clip.mp4] << look at this clip. He got 2 more than you kekeke


    ©¸ Kekw, haters be haters. No need to share your opinion!


    ©¸ He''s a newbie, idiot! He only yed games for 7 or 8 days!


    ©¸ If you want toment something, do research first


    ©¸ All of you are disgusting fans


    ©¸ Better than you!


    ¡ª His friend must be rich. To have something like that lying around


    ¡ª That girl is so cute! Tell me her handle name. She''s a streamer, right?


    ©¸ That''s LilyPixel, StoneSword''s sister


    ©¸ Agreed! That girl is so cute! Smash!


    ©¸ Be careful, that man is scary


    ¡ª A second heavy loot area in his 2nd y and he already camped, huh? This guy is a real one


    ©¸ Real what? It''s just a normal strategy


    ©¸ He''s lucky with the RNG and the fact he has a superior sniper rifle early on.


    ©¸ Dude, he said he would solo Turret with a knife only tomorrow. Let''s see if he''s a real one or a fake one


    ©¸ What are you guys talking about?


    ¡ª I doubt he can''t y well without that rifle. Even the clip against Rocket was just lucky!


    The thread was filled withments; some praised Max, while others didn''t even believe his gamey. People on the forum often had different opinions, and it was normal.


    Rather, the Knight''s Journey forum was a really strange ce. The haters could be counted easily. The forum''s age also had an influence on the yers'' behavior.


    Considering the Knighted Lobby was still filled with yers who were charismatic enough to explore the game without hating on someone else, having new content was a blessing for them. The story would be different soon with a batch of new yers.


    ¡ª I will watch his stream tomorrow. Knife only Turret? That will be fun to watch.


    ©¸ It''s been a while since someone did that


    ©¸ Lately the challenge has been boring. Just speedrun level 10 shelters here and there


    ©¸ Good thing we have a skilled newbie


    ¡ª Eh, I will set my rm tomorrow. I hope he doesn''t disappoint.


    Still, many new people got interested in Max thanks to this thread. It was just a night, but more than 100ments were already.


    After reading all of them, Max closed the hologram screen and raised his head, looking at a short-haired girl wearing an apron. It was Nina.


    Currently, she was cooking for him in the restaurant kitchen. As for the restaurant itself, it was closed for the day because Chef Rush caught a cold. He was too tired of getting too many customers in the past 3 days on top of his usual workout.


    "Hmm hmmm~ Lla~" Nina hummed happily as she added spices to the pot. Her appearance was like a fairy dancing in the kitchen hall.


    Scooping a little soup with adle into a small bowl, she tried it and beamed into a smile.


    "Hnn! This is good." Nina eximed and turned around. "Do you want to taste it, Max? Please tell me if it needs more salt or is just right." She scooped another soup and put it in a new bowl before handing it to Max.


    Taking the bowl, he took a sip of the soup and was surprised.


    "This is really great."


    The soup tasted better than even Chef Rush''s noodles.


    "There is nothing more toment, Nina. In my whole life of eating in this restaurant, this might be the best soup that I tasted."


    "R-Really? You don''t need to exaggerate it to make me happy." Her face turned slightly red from embarrassment. She pulled the apron up to hide it.


    "Did you ever hear me lying in this kitchen? I even confronted your dad three days ago!" Max eximed with a serious face. "That was scary, though. But I would never lie if it''s about food or money. That''s why Chef Rush trusts me to taste his dish before putting it on the menu."


    "W-Well¡­" Nina felt troubled and got more embarrassed as she heard Max, "Thank you? Also, just wait outside! I will bring the dish to you soon. I won''t be able to concentrate on cooking with you watching me from behind!"


    Max nodded and chuckled. "Hahaha, fine."


    He turned around and left the kitchen. But before he exited, he stopped and looked at Nina, noticing a happy smile on her face. She was happy to be praised for her cooking.


    ''Her dream is to continue this restaurant, after all. I am d she can smile happily again with just one stream. I might promote this ce again in the near future. Maybe I should invite some friends too.''


    Friends, in this case, were Flexy and Lily. StoneSword also shed in his mind, but he didn''t know whether he would ept his invitation.


    Max read the thread from earlier again as he waited in a corner, his usual table. He noticed two familiar namesmented on the thread. The second one had changed his name back to the previous one.


    ¡ª Cap! This bastard is so good that he ate all my money! He''s no newbie or a lucky one like you idiots think


    ¡ª As someone who followed Breeze from his first stream, I must say that he''s a really skilled newbie. His world record is proof of his amazing mechanics inside the VR game.


    "BloodSucker and FreakingNoob? Those guys are defending me from haters, huh? Honestly, why can''t they just be like this in the chat? They look normal."


    Also, he hadn''t noticed it before, but he had two unread messages. He put them on silent in the kitchen to avoid disturbing Nina.


    "Well, who is it?" He muttered curiously as he opened the message, hoping it wasn''t another hacker.


    [Flexy: Buddy! I saw the thread. How could you leave me behind? We will y V-Shelter together tonight! I won''t take no from you!]


    [StoneSword: Do you mind if I apany my sister tonight? Also, if I am allowed to, let us put each other''s link in the stream description. I believe it will help our channel grow further.]


    Reading those messages, Max''s jaw dropped.


    "What?"

 Chapter 104: Chapter 104 – Soloing Turret [1]

    "Thanks for waiting! Hehe, I did my best making this."


    Nina''s voice pulled Max out of his surprise. She finished at a perfect time.


    Noticing him spacing out earlier, she asked out of worry while putting two dishes on the table.


    "Is there something bothering you?"


    "Well, something like that."


    He smiled wryly as he scratched his cheek.


    "Two of my new friends, famous streamers that I met in that program, asked to y a game together tonight. I felt a bit conflicted whether to agree to their invitation or not."


    "Hmm?" Nina hummed, confused, "What''s the problem? You guys are just ying together."


    "That''s the problem."


    Max sighed tiredly.


    The problem wasn''t ying together itself, but who he would y with.


    "One of my friends likes having fun¡­ And he will do anything, even if it will kill him, to make everything interesting."


    ''I can imagine the chaos Flexy caused. He didn''t hesitate to lie to me because he had fun seeing me panicking. That damn bastard¡­''


    But that chaos would probably be well-liked by the viewers, boosting his likability.


    Also, there was his promise to solo Turret with a knife only.


    ''I might need to log in first, do the challenge, and then create a new world to y with them. That will be fun.''


    His lips curled up into a smile.


    ''Let''s make it a whole mess and drag StoneSword, Flexy, and LilyPixel into it.''


    Nina didn''t bother him and only smiled while watching. She was about to say something to make him feel better, but that wasn''t needed anymore.


    ''He has found the solution.'' She thought in his mind.


    She pped her hands and got Max''s attention.


    "Now, now, let''s think about thatter!" She chirped excitedly and took a spoon from her bowl. "For now, let''s eat before it gets cold. Hehe, I won''t forgive you if you leave even a single scoop of soup in the bowl. You know, chop chop?"


    "Ha-haha¡­ Alright. I have finished nning for tonight, so I will enjoy this soup that you made."


    "Good." She was satisfied with his answer.


    ***


    Max logged into his Lobby at 3 PM. He nned to deal with his challenge first and a coboration with those three people tonight after resting for a bit. That was the best idea he could think of without disappointing anyone.


    Setting up his stream, he was ready to go anytime. Naturally, he also changed the title.


    [Guire Stream! I have a sudden n tonight, so let''s kill Turret before that! #V-Shelter #Survival #KnifeChallenge]


    "Alright."


    [Livestream Starts!]


    The people who followed Max''s channel immediately got the notification of his livestream and gathered.


    [Viewers: 6720]


    It was indeed a bit lowpared tost night, with only half of the peak viewers. However, it was mostly because most people were still at work and didn''t expect him to stream at 3 PM.


    ¡ª What the? Why did he suddenly stream?


    ¡ª He got a sudden n? It''s not a date, right?


    ¡ª ¡­ Damn it! I swore to myself to get a girlfriend before maidenless Breeze!


    ¡ª Bastard! Don''t say that you have a date with LilyPixel tonight. Don''t say it!!!


    ¡ª *Sob* After I gave myself to you. How can you? BREEEZEEEEE!!!


    "Sorry, guys."


    After appearing in his shelter and putting the big-ass sniper rifle down, he looked at a camera with a sad look.


    "That''s the way it is. I got a date nned tonight." He continued while smirking, looking down on those people in chat.


    ¡ª Noooo!!!


    ¡ª GODDAMMIT!!!


    ¡ª My love¡­ You are the one that only showed for a moment. I appreciate this¡­


    ¡ª Who''s the unluck¨C the sacrifice that you are dating? And what kind of threat did you use?! SPILL IT!!


    ¡ª Guys¡­ Did you forget that this motherlicker is handsome? He can get any girl he want to


    ¡ª Yeah, I can offer myself to him too!


    ¡ª Wait, guys¡­ Are we sure that he''s dating a girl tonight? That''s the question!


    ¡ª Indeed. So, what''s the answer, Breeze?


    "Heh." Max sneered at the chat.


    He acted arrogantly and wiped his nose with his thumb. Then¡­ his smile fell from his face.


    "It''s with Flexy and StoneSword. Goddammit!" He answered with a sad tone and raised his voice at the end, "I want to y together with a girl, just the two of us. Why are they bothering us!! Why!!! God! Please answer me!!"


    Max slumped on the floor while wailing.


    ¡ª As expected


    ¡ª I am god, and I say you are fated to be maidenless


    ¡ª They are real ones. Real bros!


    ¡ª My boy, you got real friends


    ¡ª Good job, brother. You protected your sister from this monster!


    ¡ª Hmm hmm¡­ Approved. Bros before hoes.


    "Right, they are good friends. Flexy gave me 15K dors, and StoneSword brought me to fly in his private jets."


    ¡ª ¡­


    ¡ª That''s¡­


    ¡ª Dude, you should be more grateful for having them as friends!


    "Shut up! If they are really good friends, they won''t stop me from having fun! I mean, bothering me! They should give us space and support us!"


    ''Not that I mind.'' He added in his mind. ''But they give me a good topic; it''s a shame if I miss it.''


    He only yed along with the viewers while promoting tonight''s coboration. While pretending to be angry and disappointed, he set the atmosphere and told them he would y with Flexy and StoneSword tonight.


    It made it more interesting and made viewers curious about what would happen when the three of them met. On one hand, there was angry Max, who got his date ruined, and the others were the culprits behind his anger.


    "Damn it. I am so angry that I want to destroy something."


    Standing up, he took out his knife and boot knife, holding each in his hands, and stormed out of the shelter.


    "Fuck you, Turret! I will kill you and make you a centipede soup! I am not afraid of your big body even without the sniper!!"


    ¡ª Yeah! That''s the way!


    ¡ª Kill Turret! Imagine it having Flexy''s face while you''re at it!


    ¡ª Should I give you a mod to make Turret''s head a Flexy or StoneSword''s face? It''s called DeepFake


    ¡ª That Infected is doomed


    "That''s a good idea! I will imagine that and put scars on that smirking face."


    With that, he went to the warehouse where Turret spawned.

 Chapter 105: Chapter 105 – Soloing Turret [2]

    The trigger to make Turret appear in the warehouse in Max''s V-Shelter server was pretty easy.


    The first step, took all the loot inside the warehouse. In the second step, head to the entrance and see the closed door.


    And the third step was¡­


    Cling! Cling¨C! ng!


    Made amotion.


    Tatatatata!


    And you would hear a rattling sound of footsteps from afar as well as boxes getting thrown into the air and pushed down from afar. Arge cloud of dust kicked up into the air, hiding the hideous appearance of Turret''s centipede-like body.


    "It''s here!"


    Max prepared himself and bit the shlight. Without it, the darkness would blind him and make him unable to do anything.


    "I mwight not we abwel to talk. So, let mwe concentrate!"


    ¡ª "I might not be able to talk. So, let me concentrate!" He said


    ¡ª I only saw people do this desperate measure of biting the shlight in this livestream lol


    ¡ª Go go Breeze go!


    ¡ª Someone wanna create a mission? This is the perfect time to do it!


    ¡ª Heh! Leave it to me! I will use yesterday''s diamonds to make him suffer more!


    ¡ª There it is, BloodSucker!


    ¡ª Kyaaa! We know we can count on you!


    [BloodSucker has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Don''t use a shlight while fighting Turret!]


    [Reward: 5,000 diamonds!]


    ¡ª This guy is merciless!


    ¡ª Heh, I will add the reward so Breeze will bite it.


    ¡ª Me too


    ¡ª If you are a coward, then just give up the mission!


    Just as they said, they added the mission reward. More and more people joined, wishing Max would ept the mission and watch him suffer fighting Turret in the darkness.


    While there was still some light from the gap in the rooftop, it wasn''t enough to see all Turret''s legs.


    However, the chat made a mistake reeling him like that. He liked a challenge.


    Ptui! Thud!


    Max discarded the shlight to the ground. It rolled around before stopping when it hit the box on the side. Turret''s figure in the distance was covered in darkness almost immediately. Only its body lining and silhouette were slightly visible.


    "Fine!" He said, grinning wickedly. "I ept your challenge, BloodSucker! Also, thanks in advance for the 12,000 diamonds! This time, I will take that reward for sure!"


    With a fearless expression, he began to rush toward Turret even before it arrived at its designated spot. He jumped on top of the box and jumped right in front of the charging Turret.


    "Ksaaa!!!"


    Turret stopped suddenly and moved its upper body back due to the sudden stopping motion. No matter how smooth and good its AI was, a program was still a program.


    "Heh!" Max sneered, "Take this!"


    He attacked the Infected''s open head and thrust two knives right inside. Nasty green blood gushed out from the wound as he slit its mouth open, making Turret wail in pain.


    "Ngaaa!! Ksss! Ksssaaa!"


    It rampaged in ce, whipping around with its long body as its legs ttered loudly. It must''ve never expected its prey to suddenly attack. Boxes and containers were pushed back, making a clearing. The ground shook from the sheer weight of its body.


    Pulled by gravity, Max''s body fell freely to the ground. He twisted his body and rolled on the ground to smoothen his fall.


    Looking up, he saw Turret''s body trembling as it used its arm connected to the sickle hands to put its mouth together. The ttering sound stopped.


    "Sssss!" It kept hissing like a snake as it narrowed its eyes, focusing on Max.


    Suddenly, the ttering footsteps rang again. Turret had moved toward him. And its speed was nothing to scoff at!


    ''It''s fast!''


    Crash!


    Max was taken by surprise. He dodged by jumping to the side at thest moment before Turret crashed its body into the stack of steel containers behind him, knocking them down as if they were made from stic. The containers that were hit directly had a deep dent in them.


    ''Not only that, it''s also strong. If I get hit by that, maybe I will get ttened out without having a chance to fight.''


    The shadow from within the crashing location wriggled up. Turret had stood up once again, and it was angry.


    He was able to see his enemy''s figure a bit more clearly now. His eyes had gotten used to this darkness. However, his enemy had also calmed down and raised its sickles.


    Upon closer observation, a smoke rose from Turret''s mouth where the wound was. Slowly, it was closed, and the blood stopped leaking out.


    Max was unable to see it clearly, but it was different from the viewers. The camera had a night vision installed.


    ¡ª Hehe, even for Breeze, soloing Turret with a knife only will be hard!


    ¡ª He probably didn''t even notice that Turret has a regenerative cell from the virus infecting it. Poor Breeze


    ¡ª Everytime he met Turret, it always ended in one hit or one shot. The reason why it was feared was due to its big body and regenerative ability!


    ¡ª Poor Breeze. If only he can see, he might realize how to win against Turret with only a knife


    ¡ª But it''s more interesting this way. It''s all thanks to BloodSucker whose IQ is too high to make that kind of mission


    ¡ª Hehe, praise me more. I love to be praised


    ¡ª Don''t get blood into your head, dumb4ss! But thanks!


    ''Are they stupid? I can still read the chat! Thanks!'' Max thought as he noticed what they wrote in the chat. ''But... A regenerative ability, huh? That''s troublesome.''


    Indeed, he was oblivious to that fact. He thought he could deal with small damage and killed it over time because he didn''t have a good vision in this dark warehouse. However, Turret''s regenerative ability changed that.


    ''I can only kill it in one go. The question is¡­ how?''


    His weapon was a knife and a boot knife. From his previous attack, he knew that decapitating Turret in one swing was impossible. Its skin and flesh were too thick and strong. Not to mention, he doubted Turret would fall to the same attack again.


    ''I can only try.''


    In just a few seconds after Turret crashed, it managed to get back to its feet and hissed intimidatingly.


    "Kssssaaa!"


    It was ready to fight once again. The wound from before was fully healed.


    "Oh, it''s recovering already," Max eximed as he looked up at Turret''s head, which was 3 meters above the ground.


    It actually put it that high, so he couldn''t reach it.


    "You''re one smart centipede, aren''t you? Machine learning is so scary." He chuckled fearlessly as he got into a stance. "Come, big bug. I will rip your heart this time."

 Chapter 106: Chapter 106 – Soloing Turret [3]

    Max provoked it with a sneer.


    As if taking that as a clue, Turret lunged into him and swung its sickles.


    "Kssaaa!!"


    Its attack was swift and precise. Two sicklesing from different directions were aimed to decapitate his head.


    Because of that, it was easy to dodge even though Max could only see the shadow of the attack. He jumped with all of his strength. The sickles passed under him, and he used that chance to attack Turret''s head again.


    "Die!!"


    However, his attack didn''tnd this time.


    ng!


    Turret had predicted his move and blocked his attack with the sickle that he retracted quickly. A bright spark was created, illuminating the Infected''s face. Its mouth was open wide from four sides, revealing the sharp teeth. From the look of it, it was grinning.


    Realizing its expression, Max quickly looked at its right hand. The other sickle came from the side at lightning speed.


    "Shit!"


    It hit his side and sent him flying to the piles of boxes.


    Bam!


    ¡ª Holy! This AI can predict his move!


    ¡ª Is he okay? The screen didn''t show ''You Are Dead,'' so he must still be alive, right?


    ¡ª Breeze got hit! Clipped! Hehehe


    ¡ª Wake up, Breeze!


    From within the piles of boxes, Max staggered out, dragging his body. His body wasn''t as good as before. His clothes were torn, and his skin bruised, showing the damage done by the previous attack.


    "Ptui!" He spat out blood from his mouth and wiped it using his arm. "I didn''t see thating."


    To slightly recover, he decided to hide behind a box, took out an herb, and chewed on the green leaves without hesitation. His wounds were mended with a green light, and he returned to his peak condition.


    ¡ª There he is!


    ¡ª Damn, he was damaged badly from just one attack


    ¡ª I thought he died. He didn''t wear any defensive equipment, so how can he still stand?


    "Ah, I raised my boot knife to deflect the attack slightly. Though that resulted in my knife getting destroyed and sent me flying."


    He raised the knife in his left hand and dropped it. It only had its handle left. The knife disappeared with a mote of blue light mid-air.


    "That was careless of me. It won''t happen next time." He muttered.


    ¡ª ¡­


    ¡ª Did he just answer our question? In this situation?


    ¡ª This man is crazy


    ¡ª ^^ We''ve settled that in his second stream. He''s a crazy monster motherlicker who is also maidenless


    ¡ª Don''t forget that he has bros before hoes too


    ¡ª Kekeke, poor Breeze


    ''Those guys¡­'' He gritted his teeth in annoyance when he read the chat. ''Well, let''s ignore them for now. This centipede is stronger than I expected.''


    He looked at Turret, who was slithering around in the clearing, circling the perimeter to look for him. At that moment, he realized something.


    "Hmm?"


    ''Wait a minute.'' He thought as he kept observing Turret''s movement.


    The Infected didn''t seem to being after him even though it sent him flying easily.


    "Does it think I have died? Is that why it doesn''t approach and attack me?" He whispered in a pretty low voice.


    He stroked his chin and began to analyze Turret''s behavior from the start.


    Firstly, the Infected only showed up when he made a loud noise. And even when it showed up, it always appeared in the same ce, and that was the ce where themotion was made.


    If it moved, he wouldn''t be able to kill it in one hit using the heavy sniper rifle. He thought it was Turret''s programmed behavior, but it wasn''t. There was something else that made it unable to move.


    Secondly, his surprise attack at the start worked, but not for the second time. If there was something different, the first attack was aimed when Turret rushed toward themotion he made and had no time to stop.


    That brought up a question.


    ''Why? With his sickles, he can defend against my attack. Why did it work for the first time but not the second?''


    Max tried to remember the other differences and found one.


    ''Timing. All the sounds were covered by the loud rattling noises made from its legs. My voice was even covered by it. While on the second attack, I shouted before I could even deliver the attack, making it aware of my location.


    And thirdly, Turret didn''t attack him before he provoked it loudly. It only stood out from where it crashed before.


    Fourth¡­ The fact that Turret didn''te to him but chose to circle the area might not because it thought he had died. It was the opposite. Turret knew he was alive but was unable to find him.


    In all of those examples, there was one simr thing.


    ''Turret relies on the sound to find me or move. This Infected is blind! Talk about a superior enemy with ridiculous speed, strength, and regenerative ability. It actually also has a weakness, just like every other enemy in this game!''


    Max grinned and picked his body up. He now had a n formted in his mind. And with it, he was confident that he could defeat Turret with only a knife.


    ¡ª Oh? Look at his face. It seems that he hadn''t given up yet


    ¡ª That face¡­ I recognized it! The grin that sent a shiver down my spine¡­ Ugh¡­


    ¡ª Guys, shut up. It''s time for him to cook!


    ¡ª He got hit once and smirked. Is he a masochist?


    ¡ª There is a loose screw in his head


    ¡ª Repeating. Guys, shut up. Let him cook that centipede into a soup!!


    "Yeah."


    Max nodded as he read the chat. Even though it was the time to concentrate, he couldn''t help but be curious about what his viewers said to him. It turned out to be something weird, as usual.


    He had a n. Taking a destroyed piece of wooden box on his side, he threw it with all of his strength.


    A loud crash rang in the middle of the clearing when the wood hit the ground.


    Turret seemed to stop slithering after it heard the noise. Then, It rushed toward the location and swept its tail, blowing everything away. Crashing sounds echoed from all directions as the woods scattered.


    "Hiisssss!!"


    Following that, it hissed in annoyance, seemingly lost its prey once again.


    Looking at the Infected''s behavior, Max''s grin widened. It was just as he thought.


    ''This guy only relies on sounds as expected. In that case¡­''


    Shuffling through his backpack, he grabbed something and took it out.


    ¡ª A handgun?


    ¡ª Does he give up the challenge? It''s a knife only, right?


    ¡ª No, wait. Look at what he did! He took out the mag and pulled the bullets out one by one!


    Precisely. The n was simple.


    After getting 3 bullets out of the mags, he carefully held them so they wouldn''t make any noises. After that, he put the gun back in his backpack and finished his preparation.


    The n was simple.


    ''¡­ I just need to make a noise to distract Turret and kill it from behind silently. I hope the rattling sounds he made from his legs will cover my footsteps. I can only take this gamble.''


    With that in mind, he tossed one bullet into the air.

 Chapter 107: Chapter 107 – Soloing Turret [Final]

    Moving and spinning ever so slightly in the air, the bullet tossed by Max couldn''t handle the gravity pull anymore andnded on the ground.


    Cling cling¨C


    The clinging sound it created echoed loudly in the silent warehouse, gaining unwanted attention from the enemy nearby.


    "Ksaa!"


    Turret threw its body, rushing at a fast speed.


    However, the direction the Infected went to was opposite where he stood, toward where the bulletnded earlier.


    ''It''s working.'' Arge grin appeared on his face.


    ¡ª Breeze is using 200 IQ


    ¡ª 200 IQ moves! Technically, it still counts as a knife only as he doesn''t use the handgun!


    ¡ª Damn! Did he watch some tutorials before this?


    ¡ª I don''t think so. This crazy streamer has a good head and good instinct


    ¡ª He realized it without those. I didn''t think he read the guide about the enemies at all!


    ¡ª Kill it!!


    Using this chance, he rushed toward Turret. The rattling sound it made from its many legs covered the footsteps, making him undetected by the Infected.


    He only had one chance to attack. He needed to kill it in one sweep, or it would just regenerate.


    Turret stopped after swinging its sickles from both sides, just like when he attacked Max earlier. The attack pattern was obvious and would reset when it lost sight of its prey.


    ''This is my chance!''


    Max jumped with all his strength and aimed at Turret''s head, which was lowered near the floor due to its earlier attack. It looked around, trying to catch any sound of his location.


    However, it couldn''t find him because he was in the air right now. As much as he wanted to yell and give a dramatic effect as he killed the centipede-like Infected, he couldn''t risk getting his position known.


    As he got close to Turret''s head, he swung his knife at full power, aiming at the weak spot that was around its neck.


    Whoosh! ng!


    The knife cut through its neck easily, but got stopped by something hard right in the middle. The bone was too hard to get a clean cut!


    And thanks to the unfinished attack, Turret was now aware of his location. It twisted its neck, still with a knife lodging in it, and opened its mouth menacingly.


    "Ksaa!!"


    Without hesitation, it tried to bite him.


    "Fuck!" Max cursed loudly as heunched his body back to dodge. He used the knife to hang in the air as Turret raised its body.


    If he waste for a second, he might already be chewed with those sharp teeth.


    "I am not done yet!"


    While his position wasn''t favorable, there was still one thing he could do. It was a gamble, but he took it anyway, trusting his own ability.


    The answer was pretty simple: if the bone was too hard to be sliced in one go.


    "I just need to smash it."


    Max swung his body left and right, making Turret wail in pain and rampage more. It moved its body randomly, trying to shake him off.


    That only added to the momentum of his swings. When the time was correct, he let go of his knife and spun his body. He kicked the knife''s handle and smashed it, forcing it to cut through the hard bone.


    ng! Snap!


    The knife snapped in half, unable to handle the force with its already decreased durability. It disappeared with a blue light. But not before finishing its job.


    "Take that, centipede bastard! Hahaha!"


    Maxughed as he fell to the ground. He didn''t try to soften thending this time. Instead, he raised both hands with his middle fingers up at the severed head covered in nasty green blood that fell together on his side.


    It was clean.


    ¡ª Holy!!


    ¡ª He did it!!


    [Freaking Breeze has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [DAMN! He did it on the first try! ngl, I thought he would die.]


    [BugHater has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Good job. I hate centipede. My trauma¡­ Thank you.]


    [AmIevenAlive? has donated 600 diamonds!]


    [Am I alive?]


    [NICcecece has donated 100 diamonds!]


    [Wrrryyyyyyyy has donated 2,000 diamonds!]


    [Missionpleted!]


    [12,000 diamonds have been donated!]


    ¡ª Goddamn! That was clean! I have nothing to say. You deserve my 5,000 diamonds!


    ¡ª The kick¡­ The spinning kick!


    ¡ª I was here!


    The donations poured in as usual. Max reached the ground with a thud sound. He groaned painfully while picking his body up. His expression morphed into that of a satisfied one.


    "Thank you for the donations! Hahaha, I never thought I would beat it on the first try, too, though my knives are now gone. BugHater, I don''t hate centipedes, but you''re wee. And I don''t know whether you''re alive or not. Are you even alive?"


    Max thanked them one by one as he watched Turret''s body decay at a fast speed. The centipede-like body had wrinkles with each second passed as if a fast-forward button was pressed, skipping the normal aging process and going straight to dposition.


    Before long, only a trace of its body was left on the floor.


    "Well, that was done. How long did it take me to defeat it?"


    ¡ª Around 30 minutes since you made amotion? To be honest, you spent too much time hiding


    ¡ª You should be able to defeat it faster now that you know the trick


    ¡ª Around 26 minutes! That was an exciting fight. I wanted to try it immediately lol


    ¡ª If you are asking whether there is a speed run and you score the world record, the answer is there is none.


    "What a shame." He shook his head. "It can''t be helped. I guess I can''t leave my name in this game then."


    ¡ª This damned¡­


    ¡ª Does he think scoring a world record is easy?


    ¡ª For him? What do you think?


    ¡ª This is his 10th day streaming and he already has 2 world records. He''s like a Storm instead of a Breeze


    Reading thest chat, Max stopped on his track. Today was his 10th day of streaming?


    ''Wait, the program was 2 days ago, on April 13. And today is April 15.''


    Talking about 15, there was one thing every streamer had been waiting for.


    ''It''s my payday from Punch!''


    His mood was boosted immediately. It went through the roof and beyond as he skipped toward the bullet he had thrown away earlier, picking it up.


    ¡ª Hey, isn''t he strangely happy so suddenly?


    ¡ª Is there a doctor here? Breeze is skipping happily!


    ¡ª GHOST. HE''S POSSESSED BY A GHOST!


    ¡ª MAMA, IT''S A GHOST! Scary scary ghost! Go away!


    ¡ª Du dududu du dududu du dududu TAKEKOPUTAA!!


    "How rude." Max looked at the camera and sighed, "Can''t you see I am happy because I realized that today is my 10th day of streaming? We finally hit 2 digits in number. I shall call myself an expert streamer now."


    ¡ª That''s a lie


    ¡ª We all know that you''re lying. It''s because of payday, right?


    ¡ª It''s definitely because today is Punch payday.


    Max only smiled and chuckled at the chat''s guess. They were absolutely correct.


    "Anyway, I will get the shlight and the loot I put near the stairs earlier and return to the base before ending the stream. We will meet again at 6 PM tonight, guys. It''s nice to finish this challenge quickly."


    ¡ª Hehe, we look forward to your date with Flexy and StoneSword


    ¡ª A three-way date. Kukuku, I will prepare to clip everything.


    ¡ª Good luck with your date!


    Reading the teasing that filled the chat, Max grumbled in dissatisfaction.


    "Shut up¡­ I am straight. As straight as a skyscraper."


    ¡ª Yeah yeah, everyone said that


    ¡ª Don''t worry, it only hurts at first


    ¡ª The stronger you deny it, the more we believe that you''re not straight


    ¡ª Get a girlfriend to prove it, you maidenless Breeze!


    It was his own fault for getting along with their joke earlier. And now he reaped what he sowed.


    ''Hell¡­ I shouldn''t say they disturb my date earlier. I thought it would be interesting, but who knew they would act this way? Maybe I should get a girlfriend for real so they will stop teasing me about this.'' He thought.


    However, when he imagined what would happen if he truly had a girlfriend and the chat knew about it, he immediately changed his mind.


    The chat surely would use that to tease him further, like interrogating his girlfriend, if he had one, about him or something along that line. Of course, he could also imagine them hitting on her. It would be utter chaos.


    ''Yeah, if I have one, I will keep it a secret until they find out for themselves. There is no way I would tell them.'' Heughed bitterly.


    [Livestream ended!]

 Chapter 108: Chapter 108 – Interrogation

    "My little sister, do tell me something."


    "What is it?"


    "Do you like that man?"


    "¡­ Who?"


    "Let''s be honest with each other."


    Inside a luxurious living room, a handsome man with sharp eyes crossed his hands together, looking at the cute girl whoy down on a soft-looking couch, looking confused. He gestured to her to look at the hologram screen on his side, which yed a certain clip.


    The girl recognized the person in the video clip. It was someone she yed with yesterday and promised to y together again today, Breeze.


    In the clip, that boy was screaming with everything he had.


    "I want to y together with a girl, just the two of us. Why are they bothering us!! Why!!! God! Please answer me!!"


    It was just a few seconds of video clip, but she got the context from the chat window on the side. She knew that the girl Breeze mentioned was her. Slowly, she turned back to her brother and tilted her head.


    "And?" Her voice was t, without any emotion attached to it. "How does it concern you? Also, you''ve be annoyingtely."


    "Ugh¡­"


    The man, StoneSword, real name Peter Spencer, got hurt by his sister''s words. She was always like this in private, so he quickly recovered.


    "I wanted to say that we must understand our position too. Well, he''s a good guy, and I also like him. But you shouldn''t hurry if you truly like him, okay?"


    Lily looked at her brother with a surprise. She raised her body and covered her mouth, looking rather disgusted.


    "Brother¡­ Are you really saying that? What about sister Reba?"


    "Huh? No¨C I mean his personality! He''s humble and smart. Even though I only knew him briefly, I also knew he was kind. Well, at least he''s not arrogant and is likable."


    "I know. I was just joking." She giggled.


    "You¡­" StoneSword was slightly surprised. This one was new. Seeing his sister looking happy, his lips couldn''t help but curl up into a smile.


    "Well, listen. I want to know him better if you really aim for¡­ a rtionship with him. You know that I will support you if you''re really serious. You have my words as your brother."


    "I am not a child anymore, brother," Lily answered and left, returning to her room without giving a real answer.


    StoneSword only looked at her back without trying to stop her.


    ''Did I make a mistake? It doesn''t look like she is really into him. Is it Breeze''s one-sided affection for my sister?'' He thought.


    StoneSword was smart and was well-liked by his fans due to his soft-spoken and polite words. He looked like the perfect man that every female dreamed of. However, even this perfect man had a weakness.


    He was dense and couldn''t understand people''s feelings well besides his sister. That was why he was always careful with his words to avoid offending others.


    When she was gone, he opened his message and chatted with a certain someone that he previously didn''t get along with because of their contrasting personalities.


    However, this person was the best choice for something he was about to do.


    [StoneSword: Good afternoon. It''s sudden, but I have an interesting idea. Do you want to hear it? The idea is like this¡­]


    He proceeded to type in the rough idea he had in mind. After he finished, he pressed send.


    ''Now I just need to wait for the reply.''


    It didn''t take long for the reply to arrive. The other person agreed with his


    ***


    After Max ended his livestream, he checked his email with expectation. And when he saw a certain email, he beamed into a smile.


    "Yeah! It''s here!"


    The pay from Punch had arrived. He had gained a lot of donations in thest 10 days, so he expected to get more than $3,000 even after tax.


    "Let''s see." His hand moved toward the screen to open the email.


    But before he could do that, a message arrived.


    Ding!


    He immediately stopped and checked the message first. Having a look at the email could be der.


    [Flexy: Yo! Breeze, I watched the clip! Why didn''t you tell me about that, buddy? I heard you were mad that your date was disturbed. Let me apologize, okay? Even if I am like this, I am someone who will support his friend''s romance!]


    It was from the very first friend who made him troubled earlier.


    ''What is he nning?'' He thought as he gazed at the screen without moving.


    There was no way Flexy would apologize. Yes, Max couldn''t imagine that orange-haired go-for-lucky man messaging him and apologizing like this.


    ''If it''s Flexy I know, he wouldugh before apologizing, just like the misunderstanding incident.''


    Because it sounded suspicious, Max replied coldly.


    [Breeze: What are you nning now? And I was just joking to get the viewers'' reaction. I wasn''t mad at you or StoneSword.]


    [Flexy: Hehe, I know. I was also joking. I am here to talk to you about an interesting idea. What about if we prank StoneSword inside the game? Hehe, he came to me saying that he would also stream and asked for my link. That''s when I was thinking¡­ Let''s prank him!


    Good idea, right?]


    ''This guy is really devious and will do anything for fun.''


    Max also nned to trap both Flexy and StoneSword, creating chaos in the livestream. There was no target or anything. Just having fun.


    So, there was no reason to refuse Flexy''s invitation.


    ''I will pretend to be his ally and betray him at the most important moment.'' Heughed evilly and typed the reply.


    [Breeze: Sounds good. What''s in the n?]


    [Flexy: It will be hard to talk in a message. Login to VR, and I will invite you to my Lobby. We can talk there without being bothered by anyone else.]


    [Breeze: Alright. Wait a minute.]


    With that, Max closed the screen and looked at his VR capsule. There was still something in his mind that refused to go away even when he heard Flexy''s n.


    But he decided not to think much about it and logged into the VR. Surely, there would be no danger in that guy''s Lobby, right?


    Worst, he could always log out and run away.


    ''Well, let''s get this done fast. And I will look at the emailter to improve my mood.''


    Appearing on the vast grassy in, Max got an invite from Flexy as soon as hended. He looked at it for a second, took a deep breath to prepare for anything, and epted. He prepared to press a logout button if anything went wrong.


    The scenery around him crumbled into pieces. He expected to be greeted with a glimmering, grand golden castle just like Flexy''s waiting room in the Knight''s Journey. But no.


    The beautiful grass in turned into a gloomy brick room with candles on the wall as the source of lighting. It was damp and dirty.


    And for some reason, he was strapped in a chair, with his hands bound behind his back and a bright light faced against him. Two shadows could be seen sitting on the other side of the table with their hands near their chin.


    The window that he prepared to log out anytime was out of his reach. Also, he couldn''t activate the voicemand either because Flexy locked that feature for 30 minutes by activating a quiet mode. It was written on the menu.


    Suddenly, the light that was faced against him dimmed. The two people''s features were now clear. They were Flexy in a police uniform and StoneSword in a suit. The former turned to thetter and nodded.


    "Suspect Breeze is secured, detective StoneSword. You may begin your interrogation."


    At that moment, Max knew that Flexy had outsmarted his outsmarting. The orange-haired guy even had an annoying smirk on his face.


    "Breeze, I will have you answer my question. Don''t worry, I won''t bite and won''t do anything to you. It''s just a in curiosity." StoneSword asked seriously and narrowed his eyes, "Can you tell me more about this Date you talked about in your stream before?"


    ''Shit! I''ve been had!'' He screamed in his mind. ''Flexy, you bastard! Don''t think I will forget this!''


    "Heh! Sorry, but it''s more interesting in this side." The orange-haired streamer sneered, "It''s time for interrogation, buddy."

 Chapter 109: Chapter 109 – All is Well

    Max decided to y along because he noticed that they had a streaming icon above his head. It was small but was still visible.


    ''Ugh¡­ I used them to get more views, and now they are doing the same to me.'' He thought. ''It can''t be helped.''


    "Tell me if I am wrong, but isn''t it called a date when a man and woman do something together, just with the two of them?" He responded with a straight face, pretending to be oblivious. "Is it wrong if I call ying together a date?"


    "You''re not wrong." Flexy nodded repeatedly, "Going out with a girl and having fun together is a date."


    "I see, so you think ying together was a date," StoneSword added, nodding in understanding. His expression was as cold as a stone, and his gaze pierced him deeply.


    "Next question then. Why do you feel disappointed that we invited you to y?"


    "Right! I wanted to ask about that." Flexy shouted. He leaned forward and mmed the table with his hand.


    Bam!


    "Buddy! Why were you disappointed that we asked you to y together? Do you really want to have a date with LilyPixel that much? Are you that type? Hoes before bros?"


    "Mind your word, Flexy. My sister is not a hoe." StoneSword interrupted sharply.


    "My bad." Flexy unexpectedly backed down and smiled wryly. That expression soon turned into a frown that resembled a thug. "Are you choosing a girl before a bro, huh?! Tell me, buddy. Tell us what you really think!"


    Hearing Flexy''s question, Max''s expression fell. He had one thing shing in his mind.


    ''Woah, this guy is really annoying.''


    Did he consider this annoying guy his friend and actually depended on him a few times before? Knowing that fact made Max rethink his decision.


    ''I can''t say that I just went along with the viewers'' flow either... At least not this fast.'' He thought. ''Let''s add a more dramatic moment.''


    "Kuh!" He bit his lower lip and lowered his face. After a while, he raised his head and spoke with a bitter expression.


    "It''s not like I chose a girl before my bro. But, you know? My viewers teased me for being maidenless! I even missed the heroine in the Knight''s Journey. Is it wrong if I have a little bit of hope of being close to a girl?!"


    He finished by throwing his face away from both of them. His face looked sad, sorrow was clear in his expression.


    Naturally, it was all just an act. Even the viewers caught on to his act.


    ¡ª Woah, Breeze''s acting is top notch.


    ¡ª If I don''t watch this on Flexy''s channel, I would think this is serious


    ¡ª Even if I know this is scripted, this is really good


    StoneSword''s viewers had a simr reaction to Flexy''s. But some of them expressed their surprise that their favorite streamer did something like this. He was known as someone who didn''t go along with this kind of charade.


    What they didn''t know was¡­ StoneSword was actually asking Max seriously all this time to judge his reaction.


    ''So nothing is happening between them, and Breeze has no real affection toward my sister.'' He concluded with a nod.


    This was the first time he was able to guess someone''s feelings easily.


    ''He''s also unexpectedly simr to me in personality, although he still has thatedic element that makes him able to go along with Flexy.''


    Flexy added more and more strange questions to Max, forcing him to answer all of them. The previously serious atmosphere was ruined, and the room was filled withughter that burst out between some strange questions.


    If they weren''t stopped, they would continue like that until midnight.


    Sighing, StoneSword took that role to stop them.


    "Let''s end the interrogation here." He said, standing up. "It''s almost 6 PM, and Breeze still needs to set up his stream first. If we''rete, my sister will sulk and get angry."


    Max and Flexy stopped what they were doing and looked at StoneSword. That was so sudden, the former thought.


    Then, he looked at his friend and smirked.


    "You heard the boss. Unhand me, peasant!"


    "Tsk! You''re safe this time." Flexy clicked his tongue and released Max obediently. He took off the rope and threw it to the ground.


    After getting free, the first thing he did was to stretch his arms.


    "Man, that was awful. How could you tie my hands like that?" Heined, "I expected a remuneration! That was basically a kidnapping attempt! That left a trauma in me."


    "Heh! That was StoneSword''s idea, so ask him. I only provided the space he could use to interrogate you."


    "Don''t lie. That was clearly your idea."


    There was no way someone like StoneSword proposed this kind of¡­ script to Flexy. Or at least doing it without Flexy''s push.


    However¡­


    "My apologies. That was my curiosity getting over me. I was just a bit too protective toward my sister." StoneSword said sincerely and bowed at him, taking him by surprise.


    He certainly didn''t expect him to do that.


    ''He''s way too polite and sincere.''


    "I was just joking, StoneSword. I don''t really mind what happened earlier. Well, except for the fact that Flexy tied my hand. I knew that was his idea."


    "Hehe, you''re not wrong about that." Flexyughed stupidly and puffed his chest, "Anyway, that was fun and all. We found out that Breeze will be maidenless forever."


    "I hate you, Flexy."


    "I like you too, Breeze."


    Max groaned at his ridicule while Flexyughed happily. StoneSword also joined theugh, even though he sounded a bit reserved. Meanwhile, Flexy''s chat blew up.


    ¡ª As expected, Breezy


    ¡ª I-I must write this


    ¡ª NAAAHH, the girls are down bad. Flexy is trying to make Breeze maidenless


    ¡ª Please, girls. Don''t make Breeze embarrassed


    ¡ª Breeze''s fans here! For girls only, you can DM me and ess a secret forum!


    ¡ª ¡­ I have nothing to say.


    Oblivious to that, Max decided to ignore both of them and set his stream. He went to the corner and chuckled maniacally.


    ''Laugh while you can, Flexy. You won''t be able to soon.''


    Not only did he change the title of his stream, but he also added a description of the other''s streaming link. Finding their Punch ount was pretty easy, so he didn''t need to ask them. Surprisingly, their streamyout was pretty clean, and they added his Punch link to their description, too.


    ''Well, at least I don''t look like someone who was desperate for a girl earlier. All is well, and I also guard my image too. They think it''s all scripted while I was actually kidnapped without getting told anything.''


    The positive was he would probably get more viewers from their channels in the future. He just hoped that the ones who came to his channel would be sane individuals only.


    ''Okay, everything is set. I had also created a new server for us to y.''


    Max stood up from the corner and looked at both veteran streamers. It seemed like they were talking to their viewers while he was busy.


    "I am ready." He called out to them with a loud voice to get their attention, "I also prepared the server. I will message the server code and will be waiting inside."

 Chapter 110: Chapter 110 – Big Collaboration [1]

    "Hmm? We''re ying on a new server?" Flexy asked curiously as he turned to Max.


    Nodding, he replied, "Yes. I think that will be more fun. Also, I made a change in the setting that doesn''t allow any item from other servers to be transferred. So we will all have the same beginner equipment inside. Do you mind that?" He turned to StoneSword.


    "I don''t mind." StoneSword responded with a soft smile, "There is no status or anything in V-Shelter Survival. Besides, having no clue about the world and where the jumpscare is will make it more fun."


    "I also don''t mind. It won''t be interesting if we all have an overpowered weapon." Flexy agreed.


    Max''s smile widened after hearing their reply.


    ''Good, good.'' He thought.


    "If that''s the case, I will wait inside. See you there."


    [Livestream Starts!]


    With that, he started the stream and entered the game first.


    Appearing in a ruined city in all beginner gear, Max greeted his viewers first.


    "Hello, guys! Today, we will y V-Shelter Survival with a party. There will be 3 people joining, as you probably know. We''re ying on a new server with no shelter and only beginner equipment."


    His introduction sounded a bit forced, but the chat took it well.


    ¡ª We watched Flexy''s stream earlier!


    ¡ª lololol, you were really interrogated. That was so funny lmao


    ¡ª I don''t know whether I shouldugh or feel pity for your situation


    ¡ª So your soulmate is actually Flexy. Breezy forever! Haa¡­ Haa¡­ I like it


    "I don''t like that a little bit." Max heaved a sigh once again. This happened a lot already, and he got tired of it, "Please don''t mention that anymore, even as a joke. If you do that, I might press this red button with ''BAN'' written on it."


    ¡ª ¡­ Scary


    ¡ª He''s still on edge from getting interrogated! Better not touch him


    ¡ª Kekeke, it''s already spread in the secret forum. They are wild


    ¡ª Anyway, what are you nning? Surely, you won''t stay silent after getting such treatment.


    Reading one of the chats, Max''s eyes lit up.


    "Oh, about that. You can look forward to it. I will surely get revenge against them. Don''t tell any of them about this."


    ¡ª Roger


    ¡ª You got it, boss


    ¡ª It sounds fun, we won''t tell them


    ¡ª Our lips are sealed


    "Great."


    It didn''t need to be mentioned that Max totally didn''t believe them. He knew they would tell Flexy about it, but that was the catch.


    ''It will be more fun that way.''


    After waiting for a while, a person entered the server. The spawn point before the shelter was built was always the same in the area where the yer was randomly transported for the first time.


    Shortly after the blue figure appeared, another one followed suit. This time, the figure was shorter than the first one. Max was able to guess who they were based on their height.


    ''It''s StoneSword and Lily.''


    Just as he had guessed, StoneSword and Lily''s figures could be clearly seen wearing beginner clothes after the blue light disappeared.


    "Hello." Lily greeted him with a nod.


    "Hell." Max greeted back and smiled. Then, he turned to StoneSword. "Where is Flexy?"


    "He said he would change his Lobby''s respawn point first and will be here soon."


    Just as StoneSword finished speaking, another blue figure appeared on the side. The figure was Flexy, and he scratched the back of his head.


    "Hiyaa, am Ite? Hehehe, my Lobby is too big, so reaching my throne room is a bit of a chore. Thanks for waiting, though."


    There was no guilt in his tone, as if he had expected to bete since the start. No one minded that, although they lost the first 5 minutes just waiting for the others to arrive.


    Putting his hands on his hips, Flexy asked Max.


    "So, what should we do first, leader?"


    "Me?" Max pointed at himself, slightly confused. He looked at the others, and they stared at him as if it was obvious that he should lead them, "Aren''t StoneSword more qualified? I mean he has more experience ying this game than me."


    The equipment he lent Lily was proof enough that he yed for a long time.


    "Hmm? Me?" This time, StoneSword pointed at himself. "I thought Breeze would lead us. This is unexpected."


    "Yeah, this is really unexpected." Flexy nodded repeatedly. "How about Lily? Will sh¨C"


    "It''s impossible."


    Before Flexy could even finish, Lily cut him off first. She red at him disgustingly as she hid behind StoneSword.


    "Please don''t talk to me. Creep. Liar. Bald."


    "Huh?" The orange-haired streamer looked confused. What did he do?


    ''Why is she reacting like that?''


    Not even someone as energetic as him could ignore such ament. His brain was filled with possibilities of what he had done against her that elicited that hatred.


    Meanwhile, Max chuckled on the side. He knew why Lily reacted like that and acted cold against Flexy, even though he was mostly harmless and not bald.


    Why?


    Because he was the culprit.


    "Hehehe, that''s why you don''t lie to me. Don''t me me for lying to Lily about what you told me."


    ¡ª ¡­ This guy is evil


    ¡ª What the heck did you tell her?


    ¡ª Breeze, do you happen to have a ck heart?


    ¡ª I changed my view of him. He''s not smart and kind. He''s cunning! And good-looking! Damn it! I am falling!


    P.S. I am a girl


    ¡ª SAAFEEE!


    ¡ª His revenge is so petty, but it works so well against a well-liked person like Flexy


    ¡ª So, tell us what you told her!


    "I just messaged Lily about some personal things happening after the drinking party. That bastard lied to me, and I just told her about it."


    ¡ª ¡­ Drinking party


    ¡ª YOU?! Don''t tell me?!


    ¡ª You didn''t do it, right?!


    "Nah." He shook his head, "I said that I didn''t want to be maidenless, but I am not that desperate. Rather, I don''t think I would have a need to find a girlfriend right now."


    ''There are many things more important than that. I haven''t enjoyed my life enough and got used to this new lifestyle.''


    He watched Flexy desperately apologizing to Lily in the distance. She kept dodging him, using StoneSword as a shield.


    Having had enough, StoneSword stopped both of them. He asked Lily to forgive Flexy, which she did reluctantly.


    Everything was settled with that. Then, he turned to Max.


    "Breeze, are you sure that I should be the leader?" He asked.


    "Yes, you should be the one who leads us," Max answered with a light tone as if that was an obvious choice.


    "Hahaha, I still don''t know a lot about this game. So you''re the best choice. Rather, while you lead us, I hope you can also teach me more about this game and where I can find loot easily. You were the one who rmended this to me."


    StoneSword nodded. He knew that and nned to do it without being asked.


    "Very well. I won''t limit your movement or give any order, though. We are all ying a game here, so we should have fun."


    "You''re absolutely correct!" Flexy eximed energetically, "Now, what should we do first, leader?" His eyes were shining in excitement.


    ying a game and finishing the storyline was one way to have fun.


    However, there were also people who loved to roley and actually have fun doing something strange in the game. Flexy was one such person. And V-Shelter Survival was the perfect game for such a roley, as it had no clear quest or storyline.


    ''This situation is like surviving as a group in the apocalypse. And apocalypse means danger and betrayal.'' He secretly nced at the others in the group as StoneSword exined the objectives they should finish on the first day. ''Hehe, this will be fun.''


    He secretly joined the discussion and added some input to make things fun.


    Unknown to Flexy, Max had a sly smile on his face.

 Chapter 111: Chapter 111 – Big Collaboration [2]

    "With that in mind, let''s split up. I will go with Lily, while Breeze goes with Flexy. I think this is the best pair." StoneSword finished and pped his hands, "Alright, let''s move!"


    "Got it."


    After answering StoneSword, Max went to the designated ce mentioned by the veteran streamer with his friend, Flexy.


    "It seems like you''re stuck with me, buddy. Hahaha, that guy is protective of his sister, so I know he won''t let her stay alone with you."


    "I know about that, and it doesn''t matter," Max responded casually. Flexy''s words didn''t bother him at all.


    "Let''s focus on our part. We need to get weapons while they build the shelter. Our aim is a building with a red roof and blue walls."


    "Right." Flexy agreed, nodding. "He said there will be at least a handgun or a rifle in that building. Not only that, there might also be a grenade. After ying this game for a while and understanding the lore, the loot spawn can be roughly guessed."


    "Ah, right¡­ ording to StoneSword, that building was once owned by military personnel. That''s why the loot there usually is a handgun or a rifle."


    While V-Shelter Survival had almost no storyline, there were lores that made up this world, making it interesting for yers to explore them one by one. Why would this world be like this? How did the infection spread? What caused it?


    There were still many mysteries waiting to be revealed.


    They walked while talking about random things, joking around as if nothing had happened. None of them ever brought up the topic from before.


    After walking for a while, they finally found the building they were searching for¡ªa three-story blue house with a triangr red roof. The garden was filled with tall grass, a sign that no one took care of it.


    Just from the size alone, maybe it was better to call this ce a mansion instead of a house or a simple building.


    Flexy looked at Max and asked, "Who will enter first?"


    "Hahaha, isn''t it obvious?" Max answered and looked back at him. "I will let my best friend and the veteran streamer, Flexy, enter first. Don''t worry, I got your back."


    "What are you saying, buddy? In a zombie apocalypse game like this, being behind is dangerous. Let me guard your back while you enter first."


    "I can move faster and can help you at any time with my throwing skills. So me entering second is the best choice in this situation."


    No one wanted to enter the house first, so they made weird excuses to stay on the back. Both knew that whoever entered first would handle all the jumpscares this house had to offer them.


    Their faces were smiling, but inside their heads, they had a mental warfare.


    ¡ª How fiery¡­


    ¡ª Both of them scheming against each other and refusing to back down


    ¡ª This is a mental war! Go, Breeze! Kill Flexy inside this house!


    ¡ª We finally see something interesting rather than looting and fighting zombies. Kekeke, kill him!


    ¡ª Real friends will have fun in the game. And killing each other is fun!


    Sighing, Max proposed something.


    "Fine, let''s settle this with rock, paper, scissors. The one who won will decide whether the loser will enter first or second."


    "I am on." Flexy grinned and brought his hand behind his back.


    "On three." Max continued and brought his hand behind his back, hiding it further with his other hand.


    "One! Two¡­"


    The two of them spoke together as if they had a signal beforehand. Their hands moved at a fast speed, and their expressions were serious. This was a matter of life and death for them!


    When their hands were in the air, they shouted together for thest time.


    "Three!!"


    Their fate was sealed. Only luck decided who would take the lead in this exploration. Two hands, different choices. One was a scissor, while the other was paper.


    "Heh¡­" Max''s lips curled up into a wide grin. "Hahahaha! Take that! I won!"


    "Noooo!!!"


    Flexy held his head and slumped to the ground.


    "Goddammit!"


    "Hahaha! Too bad for you. Go ahead and enter the building first. I will protect you from behind."


    "Fine." Flexy rose to his feet and walked to the entrance first. He made a salute gesture and winked at him. "Protect me, buddy. I am not confident of protecting myself without a gun."


    Max followed behind shortly. He stayed a few meters behind Flexy and entered the mansion only after the orange-haired streamer.


    Silence descended between them as they moved slowly. The first room wasrge, with stairs connecting to the second and the third floor in front of the entrance. It deteriorated, with vines growing from the cracks. But it still looked safe enough to be used.


    As the one who was tasked to go first, Flexy unexpectedly chose to go to the second floor first. While walking upstairs, he exined his reasons to both his viewers and Max.


    "Hehe, because the owner of this ce is a former military person, I guessed the loot would probably be in the room in the bedroom. And based on what I know of this game, it''s always located on the second floor!"


    His exnation actually made sense. Even Max admitted that he also had the same guess.


    ''Almost all zombie movies back in my previous life are like that. The person from the military has an armory hidden in their room. Well, there is also a possibility in a living room, but we can check thatter.''


    Looking around, he noticed the second floor was nicer than the first one. The crack on the wall was fewer, and there was no Blobby. However, there was a trace of a spider web around the corner of the ceiling. That concerned him a little, but it was actually perfect for this n.


    ''Heh, go ahead, Flexy. It seems that you haven''t figured out the danger in this building yet. And he probably doesn''t know about my luck in this game either.''


    After walking to the other side of the second floor, they arrived in front of the only room with double doors.


    "It must be here," Flexy spoke confidently and turned to Max. "I really am counting on you to protect me, alright?"


    "Haha, don''t worry about it. Look, I have a knife with me." Max pointed at the knife he held in his right hand. He gestured at Flexy with his hand, "So just go ahead and enter the room."


    "I trust you. I really trust you!"


    "Of course. Leave your back to me!"


    Gulping, Flexy pushed the door open. A creaking sound rang, and the dust from inside was kicked out due to the wind that entered from the gap. It blinded Flexy for a second, but he kept moving forward.


    "Cough cough! Freaking dust!" He cursed loudly and blew the dust away with his hand. Only then was he able to open his eyes again. "Let''s se¨C"


    His words were cut off in the middle of the sentence. In front of him, arge head was hanging from the ceiling, looking at him with itsrge eyes. Eight human legs were connected to it; two of said legs held a spider web to hold its body up.


    It was Crawler, a creepy Infected that even Max avoided.


    Meeting it face to face, Flexy''s body froze and could not move. He could only turn his head around and see Max standing far away from him, outside the door.


    "Have a nice date." Max waved his hand to his friend and closed the door with a bam. Thest thing he saw was Crawler opening its mouth wide and holding Flexy''s head with its legs.


    Only a loud scream from a certain orange-haired streamer remained. But he ignored it and walked in a different direction, humming happily.


    "It seems that there is nothing in that room. Let''s check another room quickly and meet up with StoneSword and Lily."


    ¡ª Demon


    ¡ª Devil


    ¡ª lolololol, Flexy''s expression at the end was so funny!


    ¡ª Betrayal and blood! This is exactly why I love Breeze''s livestream!


    ¡ª ¡­ How heartless. He left Flexy with Crawled without batting an eyelid. From now on, we should be careful before provoking Breeze.


    ¡ª T-This noble me isn''t afraid of him


    At that moment, the chat knew how heartless Max could be when he was pushed to the corner. Still, the coboration was just starting a few minutes ago. There were plenty of opportunities to get back at each other in this livestream.


    Yes, plenty of opportunities.

 Chapter 112: Chapter 112 – The Start of Breezes Villain Arc

    There were some zombies in the mansion, but they were just normal ones and weren''t that much of a danger for Max. He quickly took all the loot and met with the others in the rendezvous spot.


    "We got some good loot. 2 handguns and 72x 9mm bullets. While my friend Flexy was unable to leave with me, he contributed a lot. Rest in peace, buddy. Your sacrifice will be remembered."


    ¡ª He killed Flexy already¡­


    ¡ª Breeze, you understand that he will revive on Day 2, right?


    ¡ª This guy is so amusing lolol


    ¡ª Every yer revived after the day changed. Right now, he probably follows you as a ghost


    ¡ª It''s not probably. I just checked Flexy''s stream, and he throws curses at Breeze while following him closely


    ¡ª Now he''s haunted lmao. Diee diee! I can hear Flexy saying that!


    Max was aware of that.


    yers who had died in a server that had other yers ying on it would revive when the day was over. In the case there was only one yer in the server, the day would be skipped, and the yer would respawn immediately.


    Their revival point was either in thest shelter they used to sleep in or the first spawn point if the shelter was destroyed.


    Because there was no shelter built yet, Flexy would naturally respawn in the first spawn point.


    "Guys, I can''t help but run. I am scared of spiders. And Crawler is so creepy that I don''t even want to get close. Did you see that giant head opening its mouth? I bet Flexy was eaten whole."


    ¡ª You don''t need to describe it.


    ¡ª That was gore, indeed


    ¡ª Someone clipped Flexy''s stream. You can watch itter.


    "Hahaha," Maxughed, "No thanks. I will let him keep the trauma by himself."


    He continued walking to the meeting spot, a tall building near the spawn point. On the way, he managed to find a few Scraps that he would hand to StoneSwordter, the one responsible for building the shelter.


    Arriving at the meeting point, he saw that StoneSword and Lily had been waiting for him. They looked at him while the former had a tired expression.


    "What happened to Flexy?" StoneSword asked Max as he stopped.


    "H-He''s¡­" Max had a hard time squeezing words from his throat. Not because he was sad, he tried his best to keep himself fromughing. "Crawler got him. I am scared of a spider, so I left him behind."


    "I see." StoneSword epted his exnation easily. "Let''s go build the shelter."


    "Alright. Oh, I got some Scraps with me. Please take it."


    With that, the three of them walked to the location where they had agreed to build a shelter, somewhere near running water or the shop.


    Meanwhile, following them was a slightly transparent figure. The three of them were unable to see him, but he was for sure able to see them. It was a ghost Flexy. He was in a state where he was waiting for revival.


    (That''s a lie! This liar! He waved his hand with a smile as he closed the door on me!)


    He shouted angrily, pointing his trembling finger at Max.


    (This guy!! To think he has the same n as me! If that''s how he does things, then I won''t hold back! Hehehe, just wait. I will definitely get back at him!)


    Flexy ran toward the other three, following them closely while casually throwing some funny faces in front of them. He couldn''t be touched, and so he was free to do as he pleased.


    Oblivious to what ghost Flexy did, everyone did their job. They had found the perfect ce near the shop to build their shelter. It was an abandoned park with some trees growing around them, which worked as a natural defense, and a working fountain in the middle.


    StoneSword exchanged the Scraps for extra material. Max and Lily were tasked to deal with the zombies in the area, which they finished easily. They didn''t need the handgun to kill the zombies roaming the woods.


    Thud!


    Thest zombie fell to the ground after getting stabbed right to its brain. Max swung his knife to clean it from the zombie''s blood and pus. He looked at the ground for a second before turning toward the girl standing to the side.


    "That''s thest one. Shall we go back now, Lily?"


    "Un. Brother should''ve finished the negotiation with the shady merchant soon." She answered with a nod.


    They walked back together, side by side, through the trees. Max remembered StoneSword''s exnation earlier, which was a bit surprising.


    "Ah, he''s haggling, right? I didn''t know you needed to offer your own price to the merchant if you wanted to sell something. I was scammed by him before."


    In real life, the term haggling was no longer used. All prices written in the item or anything was a fixed price. They also paid with digital money, which was the reason why the government made a rule of having only a fixed price for all products.


    It reduced scams and fluctuations in prices for the same item.


    That rule usually was also implemented in the game. All merchant NPCs already had their buy/sell price, which wouldn''t change no matter what.


    That was why people who yed this game for the first time would usually be scammed. The shady merchant''s AI was smart enough to fool people. He sold items above the market price and would buy one from the yers way under the real price.


    ''If I knew I should haggle for the price, I wouldn''t get scammed.''


    This information was given by StoneSword earlier. As long as the yer knew the price and what the merchant needed, they could even sell their items way above the standard market price.


    When they arrived at the designated location, they were greeted with a level 1 shelter with 4 beds. The beds were crafted separately for save points for each of them. Only one person could save their respawn point in one bed.


    StoneSword stood in front of the wooden structure, looking at them approaching him.


    "Good job. We managed to build the shelter on time before night time arrived. The merchant in this seed is not as cunning as the others. I managed to get all the materials without any problem."


    "This is honestly amazing." Max praised honestly.


    He didn''t think that he would be able to build a level 1 shelter with 4 beds and get 2 handguns if he did all of this alone. He was only lucky to get the expensive glove in his first run, which made him able to build his shelter.


    "So we should skip the night for day 1?"


    "Yes. We do have 2 handguns, but it''s too dangerous. We have 15 days before the enemies are getting stronger. We need to sleep and change our save point on day one. Starting tomorrow, we will focus on building shelter during the day and finding weapons at night. There is a chance of better loot at night.


    "Also, we need all the members we can have. So let''s revive Flexy."


    "Make sense." Max nodded.


    The n was made, and the day was over. They slept on different beds and cked out. Once they opened their eyes again, morning had arrived.


    StoneSword, as the leader of this party, spoke up first.


    "Well then, let''s meet up with Flexy and find some warehouse to loot. This time, we will go together." He looked at Max suspiciously as if he knew that he had purposely killed Flexy on day one.


    "Sure! That will be a great idea." Max answered calmly, and they went to the spawn point.


    ''Well, this is actually perfect. Hehe, sorry StoneSword. But I don''t n on ying seriously in this coboration. I''d rather have fun.''


    The chat caught on to what he had nned.


    ¡ª Do you think Breeze is nning something again?


    ¡ª Look at his expression. It''s as if he''s thinking, ''It will be fun to massacre them.''


    ¡ª No doubt. He''s nning something nasty


    ¡ª Sly Breeze. We''ve been given augh since earlier lolol. I love this


    ¡ª ''How should I kill Flexy next?'' That''s literally written in his face.


    ¡ª Well, this is also fine. Kekw. Let''s call this viin''s act hehehe


    ¡ª The start of revenge. Killing each other as friends!


    [FreakingNoob has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [It''s Breeze''s viin act! To be continued in the next chapter!]


    ¡ª What chapter?! It''s a livestream!


    And they absolutely loved it.


    ***


    Author''s Note:


    Merry Christmas! I wish you a wonderful christmas today!


    Hehe, I just want to say that there will be an extra release on 28th December. I have always appreciated your support so far and hope you will continue supporting me.


    Golden Tickets, Power Stones, Reviews, andments are appreciated. Even if I seldom reply, I always read yourments, and it makes me happy ^_^.


    Anyway, have a good day!

 Chapter 113: Chapter 113 – Who Said That I am Satisfied?

    "Yoo¡­ Look who showed up in front of me, huh?! You dare to face me after what you did? Tell them. Tell them the truth!"


    Flexy stood tall, facing Max. He had crossed his arms and repeatedly tapped his legs. His chin was raised and brought forward like a thug from a back alley.


    "The truth is sad, buddy. I really am scared of spiders. Sorry." Max replied with a miserable face and low tone.


    "Are you really sorry, huh?!" Flexy repeated and groaned intimidatingly. "That Crawler chewed my head, although it was censored and I can''t see anything after it bit me. But, it still left me trauma! Those teeth and saliva¡­ Ugh, it was so disgusting."


    His body trembled in fear and genuinely felt traumatic by the experience he had gone through. The death animation was cked out and censored so it wouldn''t risk a mental illness. But still, people could still imagine being chewed by arge head in their mind.


    "Dude, I am truly sorry."


    Max said and patted his friend''s shoulder. He looked regretful about what he did. Then, as Flexy calmed down and was about to say something, he grinned andughed.


    "But that was so funny. I would definitely do it again."


    Hearing that, Flexy pointed his hand at Max and shouted.


    "Death sentence! I will kill you! You are dead!"


    Flexy tried to grab him, but he dodged and began to run. The orange-haired streamer was shouting while chasing after him from behind.


    ¡ª This bastard really said it


    ¡ª Indeed, that was fun. I agree that we should do it again!


    ¡ª Kekekeke, trap Flexy more. I want to see him suffer


    ¡ª They are ying tags in the apocalypse city? Lolol, no one did that


    ¡ª These pairs are really amusing


    "Hehe, this server didn''t allow yers to kill each other. It''s in a peaceful mode!" Maxughed evilly as he ran away from Flexy''s chase.


    StoneSword sighed at the sight. He didn''t know what to say. Meanwhile, Lily looked at both of them, who began to wrestle each other with a gaze filled with envy.


    "It looks fun."


    "Really? I can''t understand what''s fun about that. They look like they are about to kill each other."


    Max had a knife in his hand and now was chasing after Flexy. Thetter''s equipment was all gone and dropped when he died, so he was barehanded. All he could do was run.


    "That''s unfair, you bastard!"


    "Hahaha, cry more! Whose fault is it to enter a room while being blinded by dust? I know it wasn''t me!"


    "Tsk! Fine! I forgive you! No bad blood among us."


    "That''s what you should do from the start."


    Both of them stopped what they did and shook hands as proof of reconciliation. Then, they returned to where StoneSword and Lily were.


    "It seems they are done," StoneSwordmented and heaved another sigh, "They are like kids."


    "Un, grown-up kid," Lily added. Her lips curled into a small smile. "But they had fun."


    "We did have fun." Max said as he stopped next to them, "Anyway, shall we continue, leader?"


    "Yes. We should find a warehouse fast." StoneSword agreed.


    Once again, the group moved to find loot and upgrade the shelter.


    ¡ª Nothing describes them perfectly other than that


    ¡ª It was kind of sad that Breeze kinda ignored us, but well, it was also fun this way


    ¡ª Rather, it was amazing he responded to our chat consistently before


    [apocalypsdy has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [I want to see Flexy get chewed by zombies next.]


    While Max didn''t reply to the chat, he still read them. They didn''t seem to mind how he acted right now.


    ''Well, I might not be able to find an opportunity to trap Flexy again with him on guard, so let''s just have as much fun as possible.''


    StoneSword was walking in front of them all, with Lily next to him and Flexy a bit behind. Max was at the end of the group, trusted by everyone because he moved pretty fast. But because of that, he could also do something that they would never expect.


    ''Let''s separate from them.'' He thought, grinning. ''That way, the opportunity to trap them will increase.''


    Since the start, Max has had no intention of ying nice after what StoneSword and Flexy have done to him. Revenge shall be served!


    So when they turned left to an intersection, he stayed behind and entered a back alley.


    ¡ª Huh?


    ¡ª What is he doing? Aren''t they going to a warehouse?


    ¡ª What are you doing, Breeze? Why did you suddenly separate yourself from them?


    ¡ª Are you nning something nasty?


    "Phew." He heaved a sigh and leaned against the wall, looking at the camera.


    "Hehe, do you think I would be satisfied just by trapping Flexy once when he tied me up in that little room and interrogated me? No, you were wrong! I still haven''t done anything to StoneSword and am not satisfied yet!"


    Blood for blood. Trauma for trauma.


    "Getting tied up is traumatic, you know?"


    ¡ª This guy isn''t right in the head


    ¡ª Agree


    ¡ª ¡­ Somehow he reminds me of that one character


    ¡ª Hehehe, go ahead. Create more chaos!!


    ¡ª Breeze, I might advise you to hold off on this n for now and join back with them


    "Hold off my n?"


    One of the chats caught his attention. Unlike the others, there was someone who actually told him to hold back first.


    "Tell me more about it."


    ¡ª What is that person saying? We wanted to see more chaos!


    ¡ª Yeah! Don''t stop him from being a viin in this coboration!


    ¡ª How dare you stop the Demon Lord from his revenge, Breeze? It''s execution!


    ¡ª Hear me out first, guys. So, I suggest you wait until nighttime. StoneSword said he wanted to find weapon loot, right? That''s when you can separate yourself from them and find a certain Infected. I am sure they won''t be able to do anything to it!


    ¡ª Wait! Do you mean that Infected?!


    ¡ª I thought he wanted to stop Breeze, but he proposed one nasty idea!


    ¡ª Yeah, that''s better! I was wrong about you, dude!


    ¡ª That Infected, huh?


    The chat suddenly changed direction, and everyone agreed with the idea. It made Max interested in this certain Infected.


    His lips curled up into an excited grin.


    "Interesting. Are you sure that it will be team wipe and fun?"


    [FunIsFun has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [That Infected is the nastiest in this game. It will work.]


    ¡ª I can guarantee it


    ¡ª I swear on Blood God''s name that I won''t even get close to this Infected! Night is dangerous!


    ¡ª This noble BloodSucker is also afraid of that one. Wait for my money and I will give you a mission to kill that Infected in the future!


    ¡ª Naaaahhh, I doubt Breeze will suck your money that way, BloodSucker.


    ¡ª That''s just impossible, BloodSucker. You will win the bet that way.


    If even the chat supported BloodSucker that much, Max was certain they were telling the truth. An Infected that everyone hated and avoided. What kind of enemy was it?


    "Tell me more about it." He said as he exited the alleyway and went to find the others. He read the chat''s exnation while doing so.


    The more he read, the more interesting it became.


    ''It would be fun if this works.'' He thought.


    At this moment, he wasn''t aware that he had been slightly infected by Flexy''s personality.

 Chapter 114: Chapter 114 – Night time

    After searching for a while, he found the group in front of the warehouse. They seemed to try to find him as well.


    "I will go along with your n this time, chat," Max muttered as he approached the others, apologizing for getting separated. He told them that he daydreamed and actually entered an alleyway by mistake.


    Everyone epted his excuses, but Flexy kept poking fun at him while they looted the warehouse.


    "Hehe, don''t get separated again. You can hold my hand if you want to."


    "Gross!"


    "Eh, I tried to be nice even though you left me behind. I guess you don''t want it."


    "Guys, keep looting. We need to move fast and upgrade our shelter to level 2 today." StoneSword reprimanded them from afar. Lily only giggled when she watched what Max and Flexy did.


    Their looting simtor continued. They defeated some zombies in their looting quest, but strangely, they didn''t even encounter any Infected. It seemed like their spawn rate was low in the first 15 days. But low didn''t mean impossible. Max''s world was filled with them, and he found 3 in just 2 days.


    ¡ª You just have a pretty lucky seed, finding 3 Infected in just 3 days


    ¡ª lolol, you also had 2 heavy loot areas in 2 days. Look at this seed. You haven''t found one yet


    ¡ª Your luck is out of the world. But with luck, danger also follows!


    ¡ª In short, you''re a go-to-lucky person! I don''t know whether I made sense or not!


    ¡ª Danger loves you


    The chat''s exnation made Max roll his eyes. What was luck, he wondered, if it was apanied by dangers far worse than usual.


    Looting the warehouse was easy. Unlike the one in Max''s server, this one was only filled with zombies. They dealt with the zombies easily, using only knives. Only Flexy had two handguns, mainly because he had lost all his items from dying on day 1.


    It was the heaven for woods and nks. Some Scraps could be obtained from this ce too. They quickly took them back to the shelter before finding other ces to raid.


    Max wondered why they didn''t just find Ruins and raid it. The answer came unexpectedly from Flexy.


    "Do you want to die? Ruins are filled with Infected. We won''t even step onto the second floor without proper defensive equipment, gas masks, and good weapons! There are many traps, unlike the open world."


    He said. Then, a smirk appeared on his face.


    "But if you want to die so badly, let''s find a Ruin! You will go first, of course."


    "Heh, even if I go first, I can dodge all the traps easily. I am worried that you might mess up and put us all in danger, so let''s not go to Ruins."


    Both of them were still in a situation where they bit each other''s back. But everyone knew it was just for content''s sake. They secretlymunicate with their expressions, giving each other instructions.


    Even if they only knew each other for a few days, their understanding of each other made it as if they had been friends for years.


    Other than a warehouse, they also split up to find some materials from an abandoned construction area. It was filled with debris, but ording to StoneSword, shelter materials could be found there.


    Lily only moved slightly and didn''t really make any big movements. She was already tired from ying for 2 hours due to her high SR.


    Everyone was worried, but she said she wanted to pass the night time before finishing. She was also a streamer and wanted to do this wholeheartedly.


    They managed to get enough material to upgrade the shelter to level 2 just before the night arrived. The gray sky turned ck. Birds chirped loudly, pping their wings away to find safe ces.


    A gust of wind passed through, bringing a foul smell of decayed flesh. Nothing was safe. As night time was when the undead and Infected rose and awoke.


    "Are you guys ready?"


    The leader of the party, StoneSword, asked the others as they stood in front of their now slightlyrger shelter. The others nodded their heads. Lily wasn''t too spirited because of her exhaustion.


    "Night time is dangerous. We may meet Infecteds anytime. There is no safe area except for the shelter. But some Infected can follow us back to the shelter unless we shake them off or kill them. They are the most annoying enemies in this game. If you meet them, shake them off first before returning."


    "Got it." Max acknowledged the instruction.


    ''Run away and don''t get the shelter involved.''


    That was basically what StoneSword told them.


    ''Infected that chase after yers, huh? So the one the chat told me about is one of them.'' He thought as he moved with the group.


    This time, Lily was next to him. He was trusted to keep her safe and matched her pace.


    But that was just an excuse. He knew that she was asked to watch over him. He wasn''t trusted anymore to watch their back after what he did to Flexy and the fact he disappeared once when they went to the warehouse.


    No street light or a shlight. This was the worst night time exploration ever. But they did this to find weapons and possibly also a shlight if they were lucky.


    Their pace was slower than when they went out at day time.


    "Please make as little sound as possible. Most Infected that are active at night can hear better. They wille for you if you make a loud noise." StoneSword warned by whispering. "And, Flexy. Don''t use the gun if possible."


    "Sure!" Flexy nodded in understanding. "There is also Breeze, who is good with knives. We can leave any enemies to him, right?" He turned around to find his friend.


    When he did that, he realized that only Lily remained.


    "Huh?" He let out a confused voice. "What the¡­ Where the hell is Breeze?"


    "What''s happened?" StoneSword asked and turned around. He looked at his sister and asked, "Where is Breeze?"


    Lily looked back at her brother and tilted her head. "He said he found some loot and hasn''t returned since then. It''s been 3 minutes."


    "Could it be that he separated himself from us?" Flexy asked. He had a bad feeling about this.


    "Or maybe he was just lost. There is no light and it''s easy to lose us," StoneSword responded.


    "No¡­ I think he hides from us purposely. I don''t believe that he got lost. Not again." Flexy looked around the area and shrugged his shoulders, "Breeze might have nned something. That guy must''ve wanted revenge for what we did to him! He''s so petty!"


    "But what is he nning?" StoneSword added, letting out a sigh, "Well, as long as he did nothing dangerous, we should just continue looting. If he dies, he will respawn on day 3."


    "Right. We just need to be more careful than before."


    "Un." Lily also agreed. "Let''s continue."


    Having said that, the three of them continued walking.


    In a location a bit away from them, Max pulled his head back and smiled. He had heard their conversation. His lips curled up into a smile.


    "It''s going ording to the n." He muttered.


    ¡ª Phase 1 sess


    ¡ª Now go to phase 2!


    ¡ª Still¡­ You''re so nasty nning something like this.


    ¡ª Are you nning to kill all of them? Including LilyPixel?


    ¡ª Truly, a viin. This arc will end soon with the biggest disaster


    ¡ª She will die a noble death.


    "You''re right, guys." He shrugged his shoulders, "Sacrifices are inevitable. I only hope she won''t get mad at me."


    He entered the back alley and began to move quietly, following the group while maintaining a reasonable distance so he wouldn''t be found out.


    "Let''s end this viin arc with a wicked epilogue."

 Chapter 115: Chapter 115 – Breeze’s Villain Arc Wicked End [1]

    The group proceeded to the middle of the city, where many big buildings, such as malls and skyscrapers, were located.


    The zombies were more active at night, and they were having trouble dealing with them.


    Max was also attacked by zombies when he followed them. He was about to get found out many times, so he had to change his strategy. Currently, he moved through the roof, jumping around and watching them from above like a hawk.


    "There are fewer zombies on the roof. I should''ve done this from the start." He whispered quietly. "However, StoneSword is insane. He killed all these zombies easily. I don''t think that I even mattered at all. They can survive the night easily."


    StoneSword decimated the zombies easily. His movement was fast and precise, only aiming at the zombie''s head. He flowed like water, and his strike was as hard as the hardest stone.


    "Maybe that''s why he used StoneSword instead of SwordMaster or SwordSaint as his handle name." He nodded in understanding.


    ¡ª Well, there is that. But both names have been taken


    ¡ª There are many people in this world and almost all of them have an ount. If you look at your ount, you will see tags! StoneSword said he wanted to have a single digit tag, so he chose that name


    ¡ª What do you expect? He had yed the game for a long time.


    ¡ª Rather, it''s amazing that Breeze can match his skill with his little experience


    ¡ª Brocolli¡­ Cabbage¡­ It''s only¡­ Garbage¡­


    ¡ª He''s not a former Knight''s Journey world record holder and a former professional gamer for nothing.


    "Hmm, former professional gamer, huh?"


    That was new for Max. But it wasn''t important at all. The group had moved again after dealing with the enemies blocking their way. They began to run toward a certain building.


    Standing up, Max looked at where they were going. Once he got a rough idea, he also began to move.


    "Well, it seems they are aiming for a mall, as we had expected. It makes things a bitplicated but easier at the same time. That Infected is also in the mall, right? I remember one of you guys said it before."


    ¡ª Yeah, it''s in the basement


    ¡ª They will definitely not go there, so you can move freely


    ¡ª There will be many zombies, but I trust you! You can do it!


    ¡ª Go go, Breeze! Fck Flexy in his 4ss!


    ¡ª That''s gay, bruh. But fck them still!


    ¡ª Yikes¡­ Boys¡­


    Max began to run at full speed after getting the chat confirmation. He moved through the roof of the destroyed building without even stopping for a while. He jumped through the gap, climbed the pipe, and even went through the destroyed windows.


    Naturally, the zombies inside the buildings were woken up, but he ignored them and just ran. He had to get to the mall before the group and finish his preparation because there would be no more buildings near the mall.


    There was a chance he would be seen if he took his sweet time. And if he was toote, the group probably would suspect something and leave quickly. StoneSword unexpectedly had a good instinct. And Flexy could smell danger, as he was used to making one.


    He managed to arrive before them by using a shortcut. He quickly entered the dark mall from behind and found the way to the basement.


    It didn''t need to be mentioned that the basement was also half-destroyed, with rubbles everywhere. Blobbies could be seen sticking on the floor, wall, and even in the ceiling. The good news was there was no spider web everywhere.


    "It''s like I am entering a haunted house. Is this game actually a horror instead of a survival one? Because I am a bit scared now."


    ¡ª There is a horror subgenre to this game


    ¡ª Can''t say anything. Those Infecteds are creepy. I understand why they made it, but creepy things are creepy


    ¡ª I believe that your female viewers are also thinking the same, Breeze. Hehe, yourst 10K viewers now reduced to 8K.


    ¡ª I love horror! But the monsters here are just disgusting


    "Well, I can''t force them to stay either."


    What they said was indeed correct. It made him a bit disappointed, but it was normal. His viewer count decreased to 8528 after thest stream. That just showed how much some of his audiences hated this game.


    ''I might change a game soon. But I will also keep streaming this game until I build level 10 shelter or finish the only storyline, discovering the original virus.'' He thought.


    ''Yeah, that might be the best choice. I can also open my server to my fans by changing it to amunity server.''


    He proceeded deeper into the basement, turning around a few times in an intersection, and went through a narrow path covered in rubble. All was for a prank; the final episode of his viin arc started by Flexy and StoneSword.


    A destroyed steel door was hanging on its frame at the deepest part of the basement, trying its best to look fine. A red light from the rm connected to an emergency sr-powered power supply lit the ''Storage Room'' sign covered in rust.


    This was the room Max tried to reach, where that Infected was sleeping in wait. The one that all his viewers avoided and feared. They also said that it was banned to meet this Infected in mostmunity servers due to how destructive it was.


    Its spawn point was always in the deepest part of the basement as if it was the final boss of V-Shelter Survival. However, it wasn''t. It was just a unique Infected.


    "Let''s see what this Infected that you guys feared so much looks like."


    Slowly, he walked past the half-destroyed metal door and entered the room. A red rm light was also inside, flickering every second, giving this room a horror atmosphere. Max didn''t like it here, but his target was located anywhere in this room.


    Bracing himself, he began to look around to see the sign of Infected. The creatures all had one simrity: there would be a head that served as its weak point as well as protect its brain. So anything, even if it looked like a trash bin, that had a head could be Infected.


    And he found it.


    "Is that it?" He asked the viewers hesitantly. Why not? What he saw wasn''t in the realm of this world anymore. It could as well be called an abomination.


    A meter-tall signpost stood under the flickering rm light. Its pipe was red, with Blobby grown on it. At the top of the pipe, four heads were growing. They all twisted and bloodied. Their mouths were open, whispering some iprehensible curses.


    ¡ª Yeah! That''s it!


    ¡ª That f*cker! I hope I don''t see it anymore!


    ¡ª Why does it exist? WHY?!!


    ¡ª The dev is definitely a sadist that they could think of this creature when they created this game


    ¡ª Signpost of Death. Any yer who had got its attention would die regardless of their equipment. Then, a catastrophic event will befall the server!


    ¡ª Approach it, and you will finish your viinous act in a wicked way!


    "That''s truly wicked, alright." Max sneered and approached the signpost of death.


    Even if it was called that, its official name was Screamer. And just as its name, what this Infected could do was only scream. It was that simple.


    However¡­


    When Max entered a 3-meter radius from Screamer, its four heads suddenly stopped whispering and snapped to his direction. Their eyes were wide open, revealing empty eye sockets filled with maggots.


    And just as Max stopped, they screamed.


    "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA."


    "BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB."


    "CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC."


    "DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD."


    Max couldn''t understand what happened next. When he realized it, he had entered the ghost state.


    He looked down to see what happened to him. His body was lying down with his head gone. The flesh and brain matter, which were censored with mosaic, were scattered around his severed neck. It probably burst open from hearing that voice earlier.


    (Seriously?) His dumbfounded voice sounded ethereal.


    The Screamer still continued screaming the alphabet one by one.


    "GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG"


    "HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"


    It was both annoying and loud. But more importantly, Max wondered why they screamed the alphabet.


    (Does the developer love alphabets? Is this their kink?)


    ¡ª It''s one of seven wonders in V-Shelter Survival


    ¡ª Just wait, you will see something surprising


    ¡ª It''s not called V-Shelter Survival because the V is Virus. This signpost is the reason why it''s called V!


    "TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT"


    "UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU"


    They suddenly stopped when they reached U. The four heads looked up and opened their mouths wide. Then¡­


    "V!"


    At that moment, the world shook as if the end had arrived.

 Chapter 116: Chapter 116 – Breeze’s Villain Arc Wicked End [2]

    A few minutes ago, just as Max arrived at the basement, the group of three entered the mall. On their way, they luckily found a shlight. It was left to Lily, and she gave her knife to Flexy because she couldn''t move as fast as before due to exhaustion.


    Everything went awry after Max separated, but they were optimistic about finding more loot in this mall.


    "Remember to look around carefully. The loot won''t have a star shining on them. But, thanks to that, the shape of the loot will be clearer, and you can know what you get before grabbing it. Let''s focus on getting weapons and grenades. If there are herbs and antidotes, we will also take them."


    StoneSword gave out instructions as the leader.


    "Let''s start with the destroyed first floor. There will be an Infected on the second and third floors, so we must arm ourselves first."


    "Alright! Hehe, let''s find those loots!" Flexy pumped the gloomy atmosphere up with his cheerful behavior.


    They first checked the first floor of the map, going together. Lily was on the watch duty with her shlight. She was asked to warn the others if there was a suspicious movement. A handgun was in her hand for self-defense.


    It was a bit boring for her. She just stood near the lobby and pointed her shlight here and there. There was no excitement at all.


    ''Why am I doing this? Just to get bored?'' She thought. ''Can''t we just¡­ fight the enemies and have fun? I should''ve followed Max¡­''


    She regretted his decision not to chase him even though she was suspicious about what he would do after disappearing on them. It made her curious.


    "Lily, let''s move."


    A voice brought her back to attention. StoneSword patted her shoulder and walked past with Flexy, who had a big smile.


    "That was a big loot. To think we found gloves in there is big. We can sell it for Scraps."


    "Indeed. We need to get some weapons next. A machete, a sword, or a rifle if possible."


    "You really do like sharp stuff, huh? Well, I will dab the rifle if we get one."


    Both of them were pretty calm in this situation. Lily looked at them and followed from behind, shining the path they took with the shlight in hand.


    As they were about to enter another area of the mall to find more loot, they suddenly heard it.


    "AAAAAAAAAAAAA"


    "BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB"


    "CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC"


    "DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD"


    A loud scream that echoed loudly from underground. Everyone who had yed V-Shelter Survival before was familiar with this scream. No one could ever mistake this unique alphabetical scream that could even shake one''s soul.


    "Shit!" Flexy cursed loudly as he looked down on the ground. His eyes widened in panic. "That guy really did it! I thought he wouldn''t know, but¡­ Damn!"


    "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"


    "FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF"


    "GGGGGGGGGGGG"


    Narrowing his eyes, StoneSword immediately made a decision.


    "Let''s move to the rooftop. It''s already toote to get out of this ce. We will have a better chance of survival if we stay on top and hide rather than storming out without a n. The horde that will arrive due to Screamer will be here soon."


    "Yeah, let''s go!"


    Both of them immediately ran toward the stopped elevator in the center of the mall. Lily also followed, much to her confusion.


    "What happened?" She asked as she tried to keep up with their pace. Normally, it would be really easy. But it was hard due to her bad condition.


    "It''s Screamer." StoneSword answered his sister''s question, "That particr Infected will scream if there is a yer near it, killing everyone around a 10-meter radius immediately. It''s the most dangerous Infected ording to the ranking in themunity forum."


    "Most dangerous? Why?"


    Lily couldn''t understand it. If the Infected ability was only to scream and kill everyone in a 10-meter radius, couldn''t the yers just defeat the Infected while maintaining their distance? A rifle or a sniper rifle would work great.


    ''I don''t understand.''


    Her confusion deepened. The way to defeat the Infected was so easy, yet why did people think it was the most dangerous Infected?


    But StoneSword''s exnation wasn''t over yet.


    "The scary part of Screamer isn''t that instant kill ability, but what came afterward."


    When he finished exining that, they had reached the third floor. Flexy went on first to find thedder leading to the roof, and he found it.


    "Over here!!"


    The brother and sister turned to Flexy, who waved his hand and pointed at a small room. Inside was a reddder.


    "Go ahead! The horde will be here soon!" The orange-haired streamer shouted with a hurried tone that was rare for him.


    "RRRRRRRRRR!!"


    "SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS"


    "TTTTTTTTTTTTT"


    "UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU"


    "Fast!! Move move move!!"


    The two of them passed by Flexy and entered. Following that, he mmed the door shut, locked it, and followed them as they climbed thedder.


    Their movement was fast and hurried. They had no time to spend idling around. The distance between the third floor and the roof wasn''t that far. Before the Screamer finished its scream, they managed to reach the roof and locked the hatch.


    Many destroyed venttion boxes were scattered around. There were only a few spaces where they could move.


    "VVVV!"


    StoneSword went to the edge of the roof and looked around. They were on time.


    Just as the Screamer finished saying V, it happened. The world was shaking from the zombies and Infected that approached the mall from all directions. A 20-meter tall Infected with an appearance like a hunched man leading the horde and was the main reason behind the earthquake.


    A cloud of dust was kicked in their wake. Nothing stopped them, not even the building. Rocket destroyed everything, and Turret swept everything with its tail. Not to mention, many kinds of Infected with strange appearances were alsoing.


    "It''s a catastrophe," Flexy muttered in horror as he watched the scene unfold in front of his eyes.


    Lily now also understood. Her eyes gleamed in excitement as she watched the horde of zombies and Infecteding closer. With their current equipment, they probably wouldn''t survive. However¡­


    ''This is exciting.''


    She still wanted to try. Now, she had a goal. And that was to survive.


    ''Thank you, Max. For making this game fun.''

 Chapter 117: Chapter 117 – Breeze’s Villain Arc Wicked End [Final]

    In the ghost state, Max could do something that a normal yer usually couldn''t do. That was getting closer to an Infected without getting attacked.


    As someone who started this horde, he thought it would be fun to have a front seat while watching StoneSword and Flexy get trampled over by the zombies and Infecteds. It was his viinous act, so he would act like an evil lord, even if that was cringeworthy.


    (Waahahaha! Die die die die! Going on the roof won''t save you, Flexy!!)


    He got too excited.


    ¡ª Go!! DIE DIE DIE!


    ¡ª It''s a massacre! Viin Breeze is on the move


    ¡ª Looking at him like this, his face really fit to be a viin


    ¡ª He has talent¡­ The actingpany need to see this!


    ¡ª Huahahaha! The Blood God has awakened! The seal in my right arm has loosened! It''s¡­ requiem!


    ¡ª It''s the sound of silence


    Standing on top of the hunched giant Infected''s head, Max spread his arms andughed maniacally. His lips were stretched from ear to ear, resembling a clown smile. His ethereal, ghostly state only made his figure more ominous.


    He was looking at the three people on the roof, who seemingly prepared themselves for theirst effort to survive.


    (Look at those trash! They are not looking great! Hahaha, has hope escaped your grasp? Go, my army! tten the mall and those men while you''re at it!)


    ¡ª He should y Viin''s Apocalypse next


    ¡ª Nothing beats a viin when they are about to win


    ¡ª They aren''t your army, they are enemies! Wake up, Breeze!


    ¡ª lolol. I choose you, Hunched Giant! Use trample!


    ¡ª People: "You and what army?" Breeze: "Heh, try me."


    Max sat down on the giant''s head, enjoying the moment. He tried hard not to fall, which was a bit difficult. The horde had reached the mall, and the zombies ran inside when they saw the group of three.


    There was no way out. Death was the only choice.


    Lily suddenly stepped forward at that moment, much to everyone''s surprise. She snatched a knife from Flexy, who was still perplexed by the situation.


    Following that, she walked to the edge without hesitation.


    "H-Hey! What are yo¨C"


    "Lil¨C"


    Before the orange-haired streamer or her brother could stop her, Lily jumped from the roof.


    ¡ª Wha!?


    ¡ª What the¡­


    ¡ª Did she just jump?!


    Max was also surprised that he jumped up, standing in attention. He watched Lily''s figure falling free to the ground, head first, without any sign of her doing anything.


    (What the heck is she doing?) His voice booming with a bit of distortion from the ghost state effect.


    It wasn''t ording to n. But what she did next was surprising. She screamed loudly.


    "Haaa!"


    Responding to her voice, Turret suddenly burst through the wall and appeared. Her eyes were focused, and she spun her body midair. Using the handgun, she shot 3 bullets straight to the Infected''s head.


    The hard skull stopped the bullets, but that was enough to hurt and distract it, making it wriggle uncontrobly and fall to the ground.


    Lily used Turret''s body to jump once more toward the hole created earlier, rolling on the ground of the second floor that was already filled with enemies.


    She was immediately attacked by them and tried her hardest to survive inside the mall alone.


    Turret fell into the ground, head first, and died.


    Watching what unfolded before his eyes, Max smiled.


    (Woah, that was sick!) Hemented. (That was pretty clean for an unnned move. She''s betting on Turret showing up to respond to her voice. And that roll¡­ Hmm, I would give her 50 points. If she protected her head with her hands, she would get 80 points.)


    ¡ª What are you, her teacher?


    ¡ª This guy made thismotion and had the time to judge others¡­


    ¡ª Well, thismotion is the end of his viin arc. Besides¡­


    ¡ª It will be over soon.


    ¡ª They have reached the mall!


    The horde, as they called it, had reached the mall. The Hunched Giant stopped a bit away and let the other normal zombies and Infected enter first. It actually stopped right in front of Flexy and StoneSword, making it as if they were looking at each other.


    The giant did nothing but stare, though. Max was a bit confused, but the answer came from the chat.


    ¡ª The giant won''t be able to attack when two people are looking at it. It''s a shy Infected.


    ¡ª A shy giant. It''s official name is Shy. Well, you know? Giants are shy


    ¡ª This freaking giant monster has a real weakness where it can''t attack when watched by two or more people!


    (What a joke!) Max shouted loudly on top of the hunched giant Infected.


    With a more than 20-meter-tall body and a scary-looking face, it couldn''t attack when being watched by people?


    It actually wasn''t hunched because of its bad posture and the two giant balls on its shoulder, but because it didn''t want its face to be seen.


    (What''s next? A really scary Infected in the form of a white furball? Or a mimic who can imitate a yer''s appearance and voice? Maybe even a walking trash can?)


    ¡ª That also exist in the forest area


    ¡ª Confirmed existence. Both of them


    ¡ª The developer in this game has brain damage for real for real


    ¡ª lmao, you guessed one of the rarest Infected perfectly. And yes, the developer is weird


    ¡ª Mimic is a real Infected. You can find them in a Ruin


    ¡ª Doing a solo in this game is like ying an RPG game in nightmare mode


    ¡ª The trash can is giving me nightmare. Those shiny legs are... damn it! Don''t make me remember it!


    Max wanted to curse now. Was it the developer''s fault, or did they just have such a wonderful idea out of nowhere?


    ''The games in this world have too many twists.''


    He looked at the situation once more. The zombies on the second floor had managed to defeat Lily. She couldn''t survive anymore when she used all the ammo in her handgun.


    At the same time, a Rocket appeared on the roof. It threw a venttion box toward the two guys standing nervously on the edge, still looking at the hunched giant.


    When they heard something big hurling in their direction, they had no choice but to turn around. That sealed their fate.


    The giant was able to move. Its eyes shone brightly in the dark. A heavy breath that was like a storm blew everything from its path away.


    It raised its hand high. Due to its size, its movement looked pretty slow, but it was actually fast. When it reached the highest point, it brought its hand down toward the roof where StoneSword and Flexy tried to survive against many enemies.


    They noticed the attack and looked up.


    "Goddammit!"


    "¡­"


    Flexy cursed loudly while StoneSword seemed to have epted his face. The hand hit them like a train wreck, crushing the mall in one go.


    On top of the hunched giant''s head, Max bowed to the camera with his hand on his chest and a bright smile. He was like an entertainer who had finished his masterpiece in front of a pretty important person.


    (And that''s the epilogue.) He said as his vision turned dark.


    The next thing he saw was surrounded by three people, with Flexy cracking his fingers in front of him. He was in the shelter, and day time had arrived.


    The orange-haired streamer looked at him with an unfriendly smile that represented all his emotions: anger, disappointment, disbelief, and happiness.


    "Yo." He said in a low tone, "Anyst word?"


    Max looked at his friend before turning to Lily. She smiled at him and nodded. She had plenty of fun already.


    Then, he turned to SwordStone. This man had no emotion at all.


    "I''ll leave the judgment to Flexy." He said.


    That settled it.


    Lastly, Max turned back to his friend and smiled.


    "That was fun¨C"


    That was hisst word before he got punched in the face and blown away to the ground. He never rose up again, closing his eyes as if he died from it.


    At longst, the viin was defeated.


    ¡ª What an ending!


    ¡ª p p p! That was an epic arc


    ¡ª That was satisfying ending


    ¡ª Good job!


    ¡ª Hehe, I will post this to the forum


    ¡ª GG!


    ¡ª [emote:pp!]


    [IHaveNoSon!!!!!! has donated 5,000 diamonds!]


    [Epicstor1t3ll3r has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Thanks for giving me inspiration!]


    [PuffyCheek has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [steamybun has donated 300 diamonds!]


    [Livestream ended!]

 Chapter 118: Chapter 118 – Consultation with Flexy

    "So that was Max''s livestream? He seems to be having fun with his friends¡­"


    A short-haired girl wearing chef clothes muttered in a low voice and let out a sigh. She leaned against the kitchen countertop, holding her face with her hands.


    "I am jealous¡­" She said those words without her noticing.


    The realization only hit her a secondter. Her eyes widened as she leaned down, pressing her reddened cheek with her hands.


    "What am I saying?" She asked herself, feeling embarrassed.


    Nina couldn''t really understand herselftely. Everything had changed considerably since ten days ago. The friend that she had always been with suddenly felt a little away since he started streaming.


    "I should be happy that he enjoyed his life now. He looked so gloomy before." She let out another sigh and cheered herself up.


    Games. That was probably what made them a bit away right now. Of course, their rtionship hadn''t changed even one bit, but Nina didn''t quite like that. She felt like she was left behind.


    Back then, she refused to y together because she had no time to. But Max also helped her and the restaurant a lot. Currently, Chef Rush has hired someone to be a waitress because neither can handle it alone anymore.


    That was why Nina had more time than before. Hence, she considered it.


    "Maybe I should try it¡­ game."


    And so, she sat in her Lobby, looking at Punchtube to find a game she might be able to y with her friends.


    ***


    After ending the stream, Max and the others talked for a while in Flexy''s Lobby. They med him for what he did and praised him for making the stream fun.


    StoneSword and Lily left first after saying goodbye. Thetter thanked Max before she logged out of VR.


    Thus, only two men were left in a luxurious room with walls made from gold. They sat on chairs across each other with a round table made from shiny marble.


    "Hahaha, that was really fun. I didn''t think you would do that, buddy."


    "It was just a spontaneous thought." Max replied, "I thought getting revenge for interrogating me would be fun. Everything turned out alright, and our viewers seemed to like it."


    "Oh, of course! I got many donations today, thanks to that. My viewers loved to see me getting squashed by that giant''s hand. And your female fans seem to enter my stream to curse me for tying you in that basement before we yed the game. Your fans are crazy."


    "Ah, so that''s where they go. I have 8K peak viewers todaypared to 12K back then. I thought some viewers were disgusted by the game graphic, but they are in your livestream? That must be hard."


    "Heh, you don''t need to mention it. But if you have already been in this business as long as I do, ignoring or ying with them are easy things to do!" Flexy boasted with a prideful expression.


    "Right." Max agreed with him.


    Dealing with viewers was not that hard, but they still needed to be careful not to offend someone or do something that could cause a bigger problem.


    In fact, even choosing the wrong game could decrease viewers, just like what Max experienced today. Not all viewers could handle watching a game with realistic blood or decayed flesh like V-Shelter Survival.


    Talking about games, Max remembered Mr. Taka''s offer that he had yet to answer.


    ''It might be the best time to ask Flexy. He''s experienced, and I can probably trust his decision.''


    "Say, Flexy." He called out to his friend with a serious expression, "Can I ask something important? I need your opinion on this because I don''t really know what I should do."


    "Hmm?" Flexy hummed and looked at him, "Is it streaming-rted? Or a romance-rted? Heh, anyway, do tell me. I will give you the best answer I can."


    "It''s streaming-rted," Max answered while trying to hold off his sigh.


    Why would he go to Flexy if he wanted romance-rted advice? He could handle that by himself! He didn''t need advice from someone like him.


    "To be honest, Mr. Taka offered me something before you forced me to drink. I nned to consult you after that, but you know¡­ a lot happened." He narrowed his eyes at the culprit behind that ''a lot happened'' that stopped him from bringing it up until now.


    "That must be hard." Flexy shook his head in condolence as if he didn''t understand that he was the main reason why that happened. "But at least now you get master Flexy, the veteran streamer! Ask me anything, junior."


    "Junior?!" Max didn''t really like how Flexy called him, but he wasn''t wrong. He was indeed a juniorpared to him. "Well, I am conflicted about two offers. Between 25 grands or a contract to be Biozone affiliated strea¨C"


    "Contract, a hundred percent." Flexy cut Max''s words off without hesitation; his expression was serious.


    "It would be crazy if you chose the money. I mean, if you need money desperately, I am willing to lend you some. But¡­ That contract is one in a lifetime, buddy. Biozone is famous for never giving a contract twice if you reject it, no matter how famous you are. You should ept it if it doesn''t inconvenience you."


    There was no hesitation in his voice. Flexy genuinely advised Max to take the contract. And he exined the reason.


    "An indie streamer can only go that far. You certainly understand how important it is to have backing. As proof, their whim pushes you forward to more than 10K viewers in just a few days. Not to mention, they are one of the two biggest publishers in the world. You will benefit a lot from their name even if they don''t pay you."


    "I see¡­" Max nodded, understanding the reason Flexy had just told him.


    There was a certain ''perk'' even if he wasn''t getting paid. Using a certain brand''s name would make one believable and prove him legit.


    "There is also the fact that Biozone Entertainment only has 24 affiliated streamers, including StoneSword and me,pared to other bigpanies with more than 100 affiliated streamers in their name. Not anyone can sign a contract with them, you know?" Flexy grinned proudly.


    ''So it''s like getting approved by them.'' He thought. ''That would be nice. The written contract is also favorable for me, not asking me to do much. I only needed to show up in their show or y the game they released. They didn''t stop me from ying another game too, though.''


    "Let me tell you onest thing, buddy." Flexy leaned forward and lowered his voice. "The full support they give the streamer also includes the chance to show up in their monthly segment. You can also choose free games each month, so you won''t need to pay."


    That was tempting.


    ''Free games.'' Max repeated in his mind.


    He had decided.


    ''Well, I am already leaning toward the contract to begin with. After hearing what Flexy said, it seems there will not be a lot of drawbacks in the contract for me.''


    If he wasn''t aiming for full-time streaming, that contract might be bad, considering that he needed to prioritize Biozone Entertainment''s shows and ads above anything else. But for Max, that was just an extra content he could pump out.


    ''They will also serve as my extra ie. The money from the ads must be a lot.''


    "Thanks, Flexy. I think I will take the contract."


    "Hahaha, anytime! Still, I am surprised they offered you one. I guess they aren''t blind, eh? Mr. Taka must''ve worked hard to convince the board directors. Signing up with a newbie like you is risky because you have no track record yet.


    You must thank Mr. Taka again if you meet him. He''s a nice guy."


    "I will." Max stood up from his chair and pressed the log-out button. Before disappearing, he continued, "That will be all. See you in the monthly segment."

 Chapter 119: Chapter 119 – Boy, Don’t Disappoint Me

    After logging out from VR, Max took a shower and did his night routine as usual. Then, with a nervous expression, he sat on the bed and looked at the email. It was a rather important moment for him.


    His heart was beating faster than ever, more than when he ended his viin arc earlier.


    Gulp!


    Taking a big gulp, he moved his trembling finger to open the email. And when it opened, his eyes widened.


    "Seriously?" He was dumbfounded, not believing what he saw. Refreshing the page, what was written on it was still the same.


    [Donations: $4,731


    Ads: $541]


    [Ie: $5,272]


    He triple-checked, and it wasn''t a dream. He even pinched his cheek.


    "Holy shit!" He shouted and jumped from the bed, raising his hands above his head. "I am freaking rich!!"


    Getting $5,000 in 10 days was massive. For Max, who had lived in poverty before, it was an achievement of his lifetime.


    "Yahooo!! It''s beef! Tomorrow''s meal is beef. I am going to get a steak!"


    The total money in his bank, including the payout from Punch, was 27 grands. That would be enough to rent a nice apartment for 6 months, which was usually the minimum amount of rent in Lime City.


    ''I will find a good apartment tomorrow. I can''t stay here forever, not like I can. Now that I have more than enough ie, the government will probably ask me to move. After all, I can only stay here because of the government''s support. Many people deserve this ce more than me.''


    Thinking back, he was lucky to be able to stay here. But that would be over soon.


    Still, there was one problem.


    ''I don''t know the nice ce around here. Should I bring someone with me?''


    He hummed in trouble. After a while, he decided to stop thinking and exercise before sleeping.


    ***


    The next morning, Max had breakfast in Nina''s restaurant. The waitress was unexpectedly new, a college girl who worked part-time. She didn''t recognize him and treated him like a normal customer, bringing him to an empty table.


    ''Huh¡­ It feels a little bit¡­ strange?'' He thought as he sat down. ''No, that should be the normal way a waitress wees a customer like me. Why did I think it was strange? Is it because I was too frequent in this ce?''


    It was after he heard a familiar voice that the strange feeling was gone.


    "Ah, Max! Morning!"


    Nina entered the restaurant from outside, holding some grocery bags in both hands. They looked heavy for a girl like her.


    "Morning." Max greeted her back and stood up, approaching her, "Let me help."


    "Ooh! Thank you! Hehe, you''re really kind. I guess many girls have fallen for you, no? Mr. Famous." She elbowed him yfully, giggling cutely.


    "I don''t think so. Did you know what my viewers call me? Maidenless Breeze. Can you imagine how I feel?"


    "Eh? Really?" She raised her voice, not believing what she had heard. "I don''t think you will be alone for long. For example, there was that Lily girl in your streamst night. She''s so cool! Not only that, she''s also beautiful and elegant.


    Don''t you think so?"


    "She''s indeed cool and beautiful." Max agreed with Nina''s words.


    Those words were best to describe Lily. There was no hidden meaning behind it.


    But for some reason, she immediately went quiet. Max couldn''t really understand her sudden change in mood. Guessing what others think wasn''t his specialty, so he stayed silent and walked.


    They entered the kitchen together. The waitress from before saw them and apologized to Max for mistaking him for a customer, but he didn''t really mind. She wasn''t wrong. He dide here to eat, and he just knew the owner a little bit, and he was like a family already.


    Chef Rush was already busy with his cleaver, chopping meats and vegetables. It was amazing that he could handle the restaurant without any assistance. His figure when he cooked was like a veteran military instructor, which was pretty scary.


    Having said that, it was amazing that Max was able to talk to him normally.


    "Chef Rush, where should I put the groceries?"


    "Just there, on the rack." Chef Rush answered without letting his cutting speed fall. He threw all the meat into the pan and closed it. "Also¡­ Nina, you''re off today. y with Max or something. Don''t bother to return home before he''s satisfied."


    "Wha-what do you mean, dad?!"


    After putting the groceries away, Nina shouted at his dad with a red face. She couldn''t believe what she heard, and neither was Max.


    "It''s just as I said. That boy gets a job, right? He won''t be able to stay in that shitty apartment any longer."


    Thud!


    The cleaver was stuck on a cutting board menacingly. Chef Rush turned to Nina and then to Max, who looked back at him nervously.


    A chill was sent through his spine as he remembered what she said after his stream in the restaurant back then. Chef Rush threatened a boy who tried to hit on her.


    ''Chop chop?'' He thought as cold sweat formed on his back.


    "You told me that boynded a nice job. That meant he couldn''t stay in that apartment any longer. He will be kicked out soon." He said, grabbing a chicken from the next counter and putting it on the cutting board.


    Taking the cleaver, Chef Rush immediately brought it down and split the chicken in half.


    Tak!


    "So take that boy to your uncle, Sam. He knows a good ce to live around here."


    "Ah!!" Nina pped her hands in realization. Her face reddened more from an embarrassment. How could she think something¡­ unsightly like that?


    ''Bad Nina!'' She scolded herself.


    "W-Well, what do you say, Max? Or are you still staying in your current apartment until the notice from the government arrives?"


    "I actually nned to look for some property today."


    "That''s perfect then." Nina eximed happily, "My uncle deals with real estate. He definitely will give you a discounted price if I introduce you to him!"


    That would indeed be perfect, Max thought. If he could get a good ce with a discounted price, there was nothing more that he could ask for.


    "Thank you. Should we go now?"


    "Sure!" Nina answered excitedly. But then, she froze when she realized what she had been wearing.


    It was just simple clothesposed of a navy blue shirt and white shorts that reached her knees. Without a doubt, it wasn''t something that she should use when going out with someone else.


    "On second thought, wait here. Let me change for a minute!"


    She turned around and ran to the second floor with a panicked face, leaving Max in the kitchen. He chuckled at the sight, thinking that it was pretty cute. No girls wanted to look bad in front of other people.


    Then he also looked at his clothes. Nothing was wrong with it¡ªa ck jacket with a blue ent and ck pants. Pretty simple, but it looked good on him.


    ''I guess I don''t need to change my clothes.''


    At that moment, Chef Rush called out to him.


    "Boy." His voice was heavy and sounded serious. A cleaver in his hand made him scarier, like a demon searching for a human sacrifice. "Don''t disappoint me."


    Max couldn''t really understand what Chef Rush said to him, but he could only nod in this situation. He could think of a few things but chose to keep it for himself. A few things were better left unsaid.


    ''God of RNG, I am praying to you. Please don''t add any chance of Chef Rush getting angry at me.'' He sincerely prayed.

 Chapter 120: Chapter 120 – Finding a Good Apartment

    Max and Nina walked side by side on the street walk at the center of Lime City. Many high-rise buildings stood, with hover cars running on the main street.


    The girl was now wearing beige clothes with knitted cardigans over them,plete with a checkered skirt reaching her knees. She wore a white barret over her head, making her look more cute than beautiful.


    Her face was slightly flushed, and she screamed internally.


    ''Why am I going all out with my clothing?!''


    Lately, Nina felt like she couldn''t understand herself anymore. She nced at Max, who looked around curiously and shook her head.


    ''Yeah, I know what''s going on. But why do I¡­ Can''t seem to get anything right like the usual?''


    "Nina, are you feeling sick?" Max asked worriedly when he saw Nina''s red face. "You don''t need to tag along if you don''t feel well. We can do this another day."


    Hearing that, Nina was unexpectedly able to calm herself. She smiled sheepishly and scratched her cheek.


    "Hehe, I am fine. It''s just rare that we walk together like this. I am just shy with all the attention we are grabbing."


    "Ah," He nodded slightly. Indeed, they were standing out in this city.


    Some people seemed to recognize him. They probably watched either his clips or videos about him.


    A synchronization test''s world record holder was bound to attract some attention, even from someone who wasn''t his viewer, especially since he also once appeared in the morning news. But the stares were too much even for that.


    The fact that they didn''t approach him carelessly was something he appreciated.


    "My bad. Are you ufortable with that? I should''ve worn a mask." He said.


    "N-No, it''s okay. I will get used to it soon."


    Looking at her, he knew that Nina was lying. He wasn''t that dense not to notice something strange with her, the one he knew the longest in this world from his memories. He just pretended to be oblivious so she wouldn''t be that embarrassed.


    ''Well, this is awkward,'' He thought, scratching the back of his head. ''I said in my stream that I wanted a girlfriend. Maybe that''s what made her act like this. I prefer if she acts normally, though.''


    The next few minutes of walk were filled with silence. No one said anything until they stopped at the crossroad, and Nina noticed the bulletin board ying a video.


    "Look, Max! That''s you, right?"


    The video titled ''New Synchronization Test World Record Time!'' showed Max''s appearance as he dodgedsers skillfully. It was already edited to make him look cooler. There was even a dodging sound effect, inciting excitement to those watching it.


    After watching that, he understood where those stares came from. This was the reason.


    "Haha¡­ Biozone really goes all out to promote their game." Heughed, "Anyway, let''s get moving, or we won''t finish what we should do until night. Surely, we don''t want to make your uncle wait."


    "Right. And Mr. Famous over here needs to work at night." She smiled at him, giggling yfully.


    The light had turned green, and people began to cross the road.


    Their destination was just across the street, a building with the hologram signboard ''Sam''s Real Estate'' put on the second floor. It was a multi-building, meaning many people used it for different offices on each floor.


    "Excuse me." Nina greeted the one inside after the door automatically opened when they approached. "Uncle Sam, are you inside?"


    Entering the office on the second floor, they saw a middle-aged man wearing a suit sitting behind a wooden desk. He had a round stomach, but his appearance was neat, without excessive jewelry.


    Upon seeing two youngsters entering his office, the man stood up and spread his arms wide, his lips curled up into arge smile.


    "Ooh, my niece! Long time no see! Come, sit, sit. I have heard it from your father. The boy over there needs a new apartment, eh?" He turned to Max and observed him.


    The middle-aged man, Sam''s eyes were narrowed like an eagle.


    After a while, he nodded approvingly and muttered, "Not bad."


    Max felt like a predator observing him. It was probably just his feelings, but he didn''t dare to speak first without waiting for Nina.


    They only sat on the chairs in front of the desk, just as Sam had told them to. A part of the desk opened at the middle-aged man''s gesture, and two cups of hot tea appeared.


    "Have a drink. You must be tired walking here." He said.


    Max nodded at him and took the tea, "Thank you for the hospitality."


    "Thank you." Nina held the cup with both hands and took a sip of the tea. Afterward, she smiled and continued. "Max is trying to find a new apartment. Can you help him, uncle?" She raised her chin cutely with her eyes open wide.


    Sam''s expression melted. He was just like any other uncle who loved his niece.


    "I see, I see." He said, turning to Max. "How much is your budget, boy? And tell me if you have any requirements for the ce."


    "I prefer somewhere near where I lived before, near the 6th block. My only requirement is that the room has a private kitchen, a shower room, and space for a light exercise. Also, if there is security for the apartment, that would be great. My budget is around $3,000 a month."


    ''That''s the most important.'' Max added in his mind.


    There was no need to specify that he needed a space for a VR capsule. Every apartment in the United Nations was already designed to have at least one VR capsule in the room, as it was the basic requirement all people had.


    "Hahaha, every property that we have always had at least 2 security guards." Samughed amusedly.


    He brought up a hologram screen from his smartwatch and scrolled to find some apartments matching Max''s requirements.


    "With $3,000 a month, a few options are actually avable in Lime City. However, because you specifically asked for the one near 6th block, only two options meet your requirements."


    With a flick of Sam''s finger, the screen turned into two and went toward Max. It showed the details of the apartment to him. Both looked nice and were still close to his current apartment. When he read the address, Max noticed something.


    ''One of them is near that park.'' He thought, a smile formed on his face.


    The first apartment was near the park with those nice pirs he nned to climb. The monthly rent was $2,950 a month, close to the budget he told him. The room was spacious and had everything he needed. It even had two bedrooms.


    The second apartment was a bit smaller, with a rent of $2,400 a month. It was located on the 7th block, near Nina''s restaurant. Just like the first, it also had a nice room. The difference was that it only had one bedroom.


    Both were already discounted, but Max didn''t know about it.


    "Feel free to save the data written inside. You can tour the apartment from your VR capsule. And if you have decided which one you choose, feel free to contact me again." Sam said. "Of course, if the choice is not to your liking, we can find other apartments."


    "Thank you. I will contact you soon."


    "Take your time," Sam replied with a business smile.

 Chapter 121: Chapter 121 – A Big Decision

    Leaving Sam''s office, Max let out a relieved sigh.


    Standing on his side, Nina giggled and looked at him.


    "Both apartments look nice. Do you think you will choose from one of them?"


    "I think so." Max answered, looking at her, "But we finished way earlier than I thought. I just need to see the apartmentter, so I have time. Do you want to grab lunch? It''s my treat."


    "On you? Really?"


    "As thanks for apanying me." Max smiled at her, "What do you think about steak?"


    Hearing Max''s suggestion, Nina''s face lit up in happiness.


    "Steak!" She eximed. Then, her face turned into worry, "Are you sure that we should eat steak? Isn''t it expensive?"


    "Hehehe," He grinned widely and put his thumb and index finger together. "I am rich now. I just got paid yesterday."


    "Oooh! I see! In that case, let''s get steak!"


    Nina nodded repeatedly in understanding, looking excited. She walked first without waiting for Max. After a few steps, she turned around and waved at him.


    "What are we waiting for? Let''s go!"


    Looking at her excited figure put a smile on his face. He followed her while putting his hands in his pocket.


    ***


    The steak was nice, although it took a good chunk of Max''s wallet. Even so, he was happy that Nina was also satisfied.


    After eating, they walked around the city for a little bit, talking about some random stuff. Of course, this time he wore a mask to cover his face. He didn''t want to get more attention than he deserved. The bulletin board really did give him some fame.


    Her attitude had returned to normal before long, and she became cheerful again. And when they returned home, Nina suddenly said something.


    "Actually, I also started ying games! I looked through a list of rmended gamesst night and found something fun. It''s called Bikes Are Girls. Do you know about it?"


    Max had heard about that. StoneSword also rmended that game to him before. He didn''t expect to hear it from Nina''s lips.


    "I know. It''s a race game, right?" He answered.


    "Hnn!" She confirmed with a nod, "You choose one bike and be a Bike Girl! Each girl has a different skill that they can use to race to the finish. The first one to finish is the winner. I watched some videos on Punchtubest night, and it made me want to y. So, I bought it!"


    "Hoo, that''s surprising. I thought you didn''t like ying games."


    In the past, Nina had rejected his invitation to y Knight''s Journey, saying she didn''t y any games and didn''t like it much. So, it was surprising that she suddenly bought one.


    "Hehe, I actually watched your streamst night." She said, giggling like a little kid. "You seemed to have fun with your friends, so¡­ I think I might give it a try. I now have time to rest and try games because dad hired someone to help the restaurant."


    ''Ah, so that''s why.'' Max now understood why she had acted strangely before he had taken her to eat steak. ''Girls areplicated.'' Hemented.


    "That''s great. Tell me if it''s any fun. Today will be myst day streaming V-Shelter Survival, and I will y another game soon. If Bikes Are Girls is a fun game, I might y that next. That way, we can also y together."


    "Sure! Let me try it first."


    They talked about new topics as they walked back. Nina was curious about Max''s journey to be a streamer and asked many questions. He happily answered all of them without hiding anything except for his system.


    After they arrived at the 6th block, Max escorted Nina back to the restaurant before heading to his apartment. There were many things he needed to do for the rest of the day before streaming.


    Firstly, he needed to inspect those two apartments.


    Entering his VR capsule, he entered the code for the apartment''s room tour to get the application that he could use to enter the VR space.


    "Hmm, 82z0mmj0GBKno6. That should be correct."


    A new application popped up on his screen after he inputted the code. It was called MyApartment, and there was only one room that he could enter thanks to the code. The room''s name was Happy Apartment Room 62, the one avable for rent.


    He chose it and dived into the VR world. The scenery changed from the sight inside his capsule into a cozy living room with a warm light. It was the room shown in that image before.


    "Hmm." Max hummed as he looked around. A nice view from the balcony and a spacious ce to exercise lightly.


    This might be the best ce he could get for under $3,000. No, it might be the only ce that was that cheap, even with this kind of interior.


    He looked around the room more, checking the shower and bedrooms. Just as Sam had said, there were two bedrooms. One was a master bedroom with arge bed and spacious area, and one was a guest room.


    After he was satisfied, he looked at the second one. If he wanted to exin it with words, itcked everything the first apartment had to offer.


    "The first one was too perfect." He said, huffing air from his nostril. "There might be a catch if I take that apartment, but it won''t be too bad, right? I have to trust Chef Rush for his rmendation."


    It was easy to decide, so he contacted Sam that he would like to see the property directly tomorrow. They made an appointment, and the call ended in just a few seconds.


    Then, he needed to deal with the other important matter that was left unattended for 3 days.


    Sitting on a chair in his grassy in Lobby, Max looked at his contact list. Only a few people were in it, showing how much interaction he had with people. It was¡­ too few that it looked pitiful.


    However, all the names written in this contact list were important. Both for him and other people, they were famous.


    He looked at a certain contact named Mr. Taka and pressed the call. He hoped he didn''t really bother him and was put in a voicemail because that would be awkward.


    Thankfully, the other party seemed to be free enough to ept his call. His face popped up on a small screen in front of him.


    "Hello, Breeze. Have you decided on your answer?" Mr. Taka asked with a friendly smile, not rushing or anything. He was like a kind uncle from the next door, even when his position in Biozone Entertainment was close to the top.


    Max appreciated how he acted in front of him. It didn''t make him nervous, and they actually always had a pleasant conversation.


    "Yes, Mr. Taka." He answered with a nod, straightening his sitting position. "I''d like to sign the contract."


    "That''s great!" Mr. Taka eximed, sounding excited after hearing Max''s decision.


    "I shall write the full contract soon. How about we talk about it more before signing it? I will do my best to give the best we can offer for a talent like you. Oh, don''t worry about thewyer too. We will take care of it. Or if you don''t like it, you can hire thewyer you trust."


    "I appreciate it, Mr. Taka. Thank you for your help. I will trust thewyer from Biozone Entertainment."


    That was the safe bet. The bigpany surely wouldn''t try to scam him, right? He also had talked about it with Flexy and knew what kind of support he should get. So he would be fine.


    "I see. I will contact you again tomorrow. Is 11 AM okay for you?" Mr. Taka asked.


    "That would be perfect."


    The call ended with that.


    From that moment, he somehow felt that his journey to be a big streamer had just gotten a new start.

 Chapter 122: Chapter 122 – Short Announcement Stream

    That night, Max live streamed like usual. He still yed V-Shelter Survival and aimed to upgrade his shelter to level 2 before the end of the stream.


    All his knives were destroyed, and he was forced to spend 20 Scraps to get a brand new one from the shady merchant. Because he already knew the trick, he wasn''t scammed this time.


    The stream went on like usual, looting and defeating zombies. He didn''t fight Turret this time because it was inefficient. He learned a lot from StoneSword, such as where to find Woods and nks.


    It only took him less than 3 days in-game time to gather all the material he needed to upgrade his shelter.


    There were a few minutes to wait until the shelter was finished upgrading, so he used this chance to talk to the viewers.


    "So, guys. My goal to get a level 2 shelter is finished. Hahaha, it''s perfect, no? The next day will be Day 11 in the game, meaning the enemies will get stronger, and better loot will appear. But that''s why I will stop here for now." He said, leaning against his unfinished shelter.


    ¡ª You benefited a lot from yesterday''s coboration.


    ¡ª It seems viin Breeze is no more. It''s a normal Breeze now


    ¡ª Good job! That was fast for a newbie. Though you aren''t lucky with your weapon loot


    ¡ª What are you going to do next?


    "Good question," He smiled at the camera, "I think I will try a new game next. But tomorrow, I will be a bit busy and will probably bete for the stream. I have to check a new apartment and n to hold the editor contest as there is enough content in my VODs already."


    Not only that, he also had enough money to pay his editor. This was the perfect time to deal with everything he needed to set up his Punchtube, especially since he was going to sign a contract with Biozone Entertainment soon.


    That way, he could get more viewers and more money. Maybe the sponsor would contact him soon after noticing his poprity. The only reason they hadn''t yet was because it wasn''t clear whether he would continue streaming.


    Once the contract with Biozone Entertainment was realized, that worry would be gone, as he would need to stream as the contract had stated.


    ''I am looking forward to it.''


    It was just a matter of time.


    ¡ª A new apartment, huh?!


    ¡ª So you still remember that contest. I thought you already had an editor, as your loading screen has changed a few times now


    ¡ª Editor contest, huh? I am interested.


    ¡ª Rich Breeze!


    ¡ª What''s the requirement to join the contest? Can we join for fun only?


    "Feel free to join. I will have rewards for the winner too. Of course, the judging is based on my preference, so it might be unfair. If you''re serious about bing my editor, I will also prepare a different hashtag for the title so I can judge it differently."


    Everyone would be interested in a reward. The reason for that was simple. It was a strategy he had seen back in his previous life.


    A Shudder streamer held such a contest and promoted his content. Because the tform where the participants uploaded was MeTube, the site''s algorithm helped spread his name even to someone who only watched videos.


    It was the perfect way to promote the Punchtube channel he nned to start soon.


    ''Let''s think of the reward as an investment for the future.''


    ¡ª It seems Breeze is serious about this


    ¡ª how humble! He deserves to call himself a humble streamer!


    ¡ª I will join for sure


    ¡ª Can I try? I am not really an editor, but I will try


    ¡ª Heh, a contest? This noble me will also join! Peasant, bow to this godly editor!


    Reading the chat, Max found something unexpected. BloodSucker said he would join the contest and called himself a godly editor.


    ''Well, he probably just roleyed as usual.'' He brushed it off and decided to continue with his news.


    "I will upload the official statement tomorrow on my Strike social media and on both Knight''s Journey and V-Sheltermunity forum. I will also try to be active on Striker, so follow me." He said. "The link will be put in the description tomorrow!"


    He chatted with the viewers a bit and exined more about his n for the contest. Some truly interested viewers asked a lot of questions, and he answered them smoothly. The details hadn''t been decided yet, so most of his answer was that they should wait until tomorrow.


    Finding a job at this age was hard. Bing a streamer was also not ideal for some people, especially those whocked confidence and couldn''t speak in front of many people. Being able to speak alone while only looking at the camera also needed dedication and courage.


    Continuing, he decided to spill some information about his n to make his V-Shelter server public. The viewers weren''t too excited about it because there was nothing there but the destruction caused by Screamer.


    Some said they would join the server, but that was it. The reaction wasckluster.


    ''Hmm, I should tell them about this one then.'' He thought.


    "The next game I y will be a multiyer one, the one where you can join me even without joining a server. If someone wants to beat me, thene! I ept all challenges! Especially from you, BloodSucker!"


    ¡ª Why me again?! This noble BloodSucker said nothing at all!


    ¡ª Hehe, beating Breeze. In what way?


    ¡ª Obviously beating him to a pulp


    ¡ª I want to see him suffer. What game is it? At least tell us the genre


    ¡ª I''d rather watch than y with you. My skill has issue


    ¡ª Just say you''re a noob. But Breeze will be a noob in the new game too!


    ¡ª It''s a chance to win against him guys! Don''t let him have the finalugh


    "Try your best. I have to remind you that I won''t hold back in any game."


    Having fun was nice, but that didn''t mean he would hold back. He called it having fun with all he got.


    After he was done making fun of his viewers, he stood up. The shelter had been upgraded and changed into a level 2 wooden building that looked bigger than before.


    "Well then, see you tomorrow! It''s a short stream, but I have fun! I hope you guys enjoyed it too."


    ¡ª Heh, indeed. As short as my pp


    ¡ª You don''t need toe out dude


    ¡ª Bye, Breeze!


    ¡ª See you in the new game! I will obliterate you kekeke


    ¡ª Multiyers. I will prepare to download whatever game that is!

 Chapter 123: Chapter 123 – The Catch Behind Cheap Price

    As soon as morning arrived, Max went out of his apartment to meet with Uncle Sam. Their meeting point was at the new apartment that he tried to rent.


    Uncle Sam was already waiting in a neat suit when he arrived at the designated location. The older man noticed him and smiled.


    "Good morning, boy. Ah, your name is Max, no? Hahaha, just call me Uncle Sam. You''re my niece''s close friend. I already thought of you as my nephew!"


    His friendly personality was a little bit too much for Max. He could onlyugh at that when Sam patted his back because he was taller than him.


    "Ah, hahaha, yes. Can we look at the room, Uncle Sam? If it''s possible to use it from today onward, that would be really great."


    "Sure, sure. You can use it immediately if you''re okay and we finalize the contract. A movingpany under me also offers a fast delivery service. Everything can be done in less than half a day." Sam exined, "Now, now. Let me take you to the room.


    Max nodded at him and followed.


    Finishing everything from buying to moving in half a day was truly amazing. Was there something like this in his previous life? He didn''t know as he never even got a chance to rent an apartment. The rest of his teen years was spent in the hospital.


    ''It''s good news that we can finish everything in half a day. I also just need my VR capsule and clothes to be moved here, so maybe we can finish it faster.''


    The apartment he was trying to rent was already fully furnished. The price he got for that was really cheap, so he prepared for any catch that Sam had for him. He didn''t believe he would get it that cheap just because of Nina.


    Arriving on the sixth floor, Sam stopped in front of door number 62.


    "Here is the room." He said, opening the door and allowing Max to enter first.


    The room was just like what he saw in the VR world, a one-on-one perfect replica. Even the way it ced the potted nt was the exact same.


    "How is it?" Sam asked as he stood next to him, "Every piece of furniture here is not new, but they are maintained in good condition. I believe they are still good for the next few years. Ah, but the bed is new. You don''t need to worry about it."


    "I see. Is it okay if I look at the balcony?"


    "Feel free to."


    Getting permission, Max opened the sliding ss in the living room and stepped outside. The balcony had a spacerge enough to fit a leaning chair and was decorated with many flowers.


    It offered a slightly unobscured view of the city, including the park he often visited when he jogged.


    After seeing the ce directly, Max was satisfied and finalized his decision. He returned to Sam and smiled.


    "I like this ce, Uncle Sam. How should we proceed next?"


    "That''s great! I have already prepared the contract. Hahaha, let''s sit down and finalize it."


    Following that, the contract process was going smoothly. There was no trap in the use either.


    "There is a minimum of 6 months'' rent, so that will be a $17,700 down payment, $18,000 including the fee for movingpany. After that, the monthly payment will be $3,000. Is that eptable, Max?" Sam repeated the use written on the hologram screen and looked at him seriously.


    "Yes. I understand everything perfectly."


    Once again, it was too cheap. While he understood perfectly that maybe it was cheaper than usual because of the used furniture, it still didn''t make any sense.


    "If you agree to what''s written in the contract, please sign and write your full name in this area." The older man pointed at an empty space below the contract use.


    Max looked at the contract once more, just to be careful, and signed it after he was sure of it. He also transferred $18,000 to Uncle Sam through the contract. That immediately brought his money down to $9,000.


    ''How sad. I spent a lot in just a day.'' Hemented.


    Both of them shook hands with a smile on their faces, feeling satisfied with the transaction.


    "Hahaha, it''s nice doing business with you." Sam said, "Cough, if you mention thepany name where you got this apartment from in your livestream, I will be really grateful." He added in a low voice.


    ''Ah, so it''s like that.'' Max immediately understood why he got such a cheap price.


    Abination of his recent fame, which put him on a billboard, and the fact he was close to Chef Rush and Nina helped. Uncle Sam helped him because of Chef Rush''s request, but he also knew Max''s poprity and decided to give him a more discounted price.


    ''There is no problem with that. Can I say that I got my first unofficial sponsor now?'' He chuckled as he retracted his hand. ''Well, there is no contract, so it''s not official. But I will repay his help by mentioning his ce.''


    "I will livestream in this apartment after I am free. I will mention Sam''s Real Estate because uncle has introduced me to such a nice ce. Hahaha, I am really grateful."


    "Hahaha! I think you will go along with my request like that. I now understand why Rush likes you. Hehe, also, can you give me your autograph? My daughter is your fan, you know? She won''t stop talking about how jealous she is of my niece to be able to meet you back then."


    "Hmm¡­ an autograph, is it?" He hummed.


    This was the first time this happened, so he was a bit troubled. However, he just thought of this as a practice and agreed readily.


    ''If an autograph is what he needs after he gives me this ce for cheap, then¡­''


    "Where should I sign it?"


    "You can do it here. Can you also add ''For Rachel'' on the bottom for me? Hehe, this will be my surprise for her." Uncle Sam asked as he took out a small board and a permanent marker.


    Those were popr items sold in the online market, an autograph board. In this age, where streamers were considered celebrities, having an autograph board with you every day was considered normal. No one knew where they would bump into their favorite streamer.


    "Alright."


    Max took the board and thought for a little. What kind of autograph should he give? After a second, he had an idea.


    ''A graffiti-styled autograph might be good.''


    His hand moved and gave the board a good line. He wrote ''Breeze'' in a graffiti style in one stroke with the inkpletely connected.


    Then, he added ''For Rachel'' on the bottom and #1 on the corner, signifying that it was his first autograph ever.


    "Here it is, Uncle Sam. Please tell your daughter that I appreciate her support."


    "Sure, sure." Uncle Samughed merrily as he took the board back.


    "The movingpany will arrive soon to pack and get your stuff. We will arrange everything so you just need to rx. Also, good luck in your career, Max. Oh, I won''t tell her your real name, so don''t worry about it. Hahaha!"


    "Thank you for everything."


    "It''s just a business." The older man grinned.

 Chapter 124: Chapter 124 – Officially Contracted

    What was the best method to exin his contest without boring the viewers?


    The answer was simple. Made it eitherposed of a few words or just made a video about it,plete with a subtitle. If it was just a light editing like that, he could use the automatic subtitles in an editing software without any problem.


    After Uncle Sam left, Max organized the room to how he fit. The wall near the sliding ss door was nice and had good wallpaper. It was a perfect background for an introduction video. He just needed to set a sofa and a small table next to it as decoration.


    Setting the mini camera, he looked at the footage from a hologram screen connected to his smartwatch and nodded, satisfied.


    "It looks great. As expected, this ce is probably designed for content creators."


    Neat decorations and simple interiors could be designed however the owner liked. It was the perfect ce for him, a content creator.


    ''I should look at the roofter. Who knows if it''s also the perfect ce for parkour?'' He was excited. It had been a long time since he did it, and his body was getting better now.


    ''I wasted my gym membership a little, but it can''t be helped. I am still too busy with streaming and stuff.''


    The ce was set, but that didn''t mean he would necessarily record it immediately. It was already 10 AM, and he had another appointment with Mr. Taka. They would meet in the VR world, in Biozone Entertainment''s Lobby.


    And he currently couldn''t do it from his home, as his VR capsule was moved to the new apartment.


    "I should go to the gym and use their VR capsule. While at it, I can consult Ava about my current condition to get a new training menu. I hope she''s not angry because I skipped so many diet ns and never contacted her¡­"


    ***


    Wednesday was a slow day in Gxy Gym. It was almost empty because it was a working hour. Max was able to secure a VR capsule for himself easily.


    Entering the VR world, he was waiting in Biozone Entertainment''s Lobby. Mr. Taka had already given him the code to enter, and they had decided to meet in an Amore Caf¨¦ near the spawn point.


    The Lobby was massive,plete with the one-on-one replication of the HQ and many other tall buildings, which were Biozone Entertainment''s branch. Many people worked in this ce from their homes.


    A caf¨¦ and a fancy bar were also built for the employees to meet their clients. Virtual reality made everything easier and cheaper, as if they had a free world they could create themselves. Of course, the cost of running a Lobby like this was also massive.


    Sitting on the corner, right under an ambient light, Max, who was dressed in a suit, was drinking a hot cocoa. He could taste its sweetness and bitterness, just like he was drinking in the real world. Biozone really put a lot of effort into creating this Lobby.


    ''I should''ve done this sooner. I can drink and eat as much as I want here, and it won''t affect my real body.'' He thought as he put the hot cocoa back on the table. ''Well, after meeting with Mr. Taka, I should get some exercise in the gym again. I shouldn''t ck off anymore.''


    The soft music apanying the ambiance light from the live orchestra performance by NPC gave this caf¨¦ a calming atmosphere.


    After waiting for a while, as the analog clock near the caf¨¦''s counter showed 11 o''clock, the door was opened, and a man with sses entered. He was Mr. Taka, and his expression brightened as he spotted Max in the corner.


    "Hello, Breeze. Hahaha, it''s been 3 days since west met. How are you?"


    "Haha, I''ve been well, Mr. Taka."


    Max stood up and shook hands with Mr. Taka before sitting back again after him. He smiled at his possibly new boss.


    "And maybe I am a little bit tired. I am not used to the stares I get after my face is shown on the billboard. I never thought Biozone Entertainment would advertise it that much."


    "Oh, has it already aired in your area?" Mr. Taka raised his eyebrows, interested in what Max told him.


    "The billboard really helped our promotion, especially since the model is the SR test world record holder this time, and our superiors are satisfied with the result. Thanks to that, I have good news. There was almost no bacsh when I brought up the matter of your contract again. Everyone approved."


    "Really?!"


    Max was worried that there might be a problem with his contractual process because he was a newbie. But apparently, he didn''t need to worry about that anymore.


    "Yes." Mr. Taka confirmed, "There will be some difference in your contractpared to the others for the first year. We can renew the contract after that after observing the result. It will be a support offer and a guarantee of an ads contract for our newly released game. Please, look at this."


    A hologram screen with a contract written in it appeared in front of Max. It was basically the same as Flexy had guessed already, and the benefits and prohibitions were also written.


    Max scanned the contract carefully and was satisfied with the use. He nodded and looked at Mr.Taka.


    "We can proceed to the signing, Mr. Taka. I am really satisfied with the terms and conditions."


    ''Especially since I would be given free games every time Biozone released a new one and can join the beta tester if I want to. Not to mention, I would also get a priority to be invited to any of their program and video segments. Though that priority is the lowest among 24 other streamers.''


    However, that means he would always be in the top 25 of the list that Biozone would invite. It gave him more leeway and chances to be invited.


    Not to mention that it was only a priority. If there was a program that suited him best, he would definitely be invited first. For example, to test the new games they would release in the summer that Mr. Taka mentioned that night.


    "That''s great!" Mr. Taka eximed excitedly¡ªa big smile formed on his face. "Please wait for a while. I will call thewyer to finish the contract procedure. He will arrive in a few minutes."


    "Please, take your time." Max chuckled in amusement at Mr. Taka''s hurried figure. It was as if the marketing team leader didn''t want someone else to snatch him.


    Thewyer arrived just a few minutes after he was contacted, and they proceeded to sign it. And just right after Max signed the contract and it was official, he was surprised by an announcement in his head.


    Ding!


    <The streamer has signed a contract with argepany!>


    <A congrattory reward has been sent to the streamer''s house. Work hard.>


    <A huge achievement! The penalty for the previous failure has been lifted.>


    <Greatest Streamer System is Online>


    Signing the contract might be the best decision Max had ever made since he got his past memory back.

 Chapter 125: Chapter 125 – Congratulatory Reward

    Greatest Steamer System. Max couldn''t really understand how it worked, but he knew it would reward him for his sess in finishing a quest. He didn''t think it could reward him outside the quest, either.


    Max stayed in the caf¨¦ after he saw Mr. Taka out. The marketing team leader was so busy because he was about to be promoted to manager for his achievement.


    After he was left alone, he looked at his system. Because there was no quest yet, he couldn''t even bring up the window, but there was already something clear that he could feel.


    ''My VR body has be lighter.'' He thought, clenching his fist under the table. ''The SR that got limited to 95% is now returning to normal. What a bummer, I can''t stream as long as before again then.''


    With his SR returning to normal, above 98%, his time inside the game would also be limited. He would get exhausted faster in return for an increment in his overall performance.


    Unexpectedly, the system had already updated his channel''s ''About Me'' and put Biozone Entertainment''s logo and link in it. The verification sign that he was the affiliated streamer would be given as soon as Mr. Taka finished the procedure.


    Also, he wouldn''t be surprised if his loading screen had also changed. There would definitely be a Biozone Entertainment logo in it now.


    And then that congrattory reward¡­


    ''I wonder what the system sent me.'' A smile formed on his face as he brought up the menu and logged out.


    ***


    When Max arrived at his new apartment after a gym session with his trainer, everything was already set nicely. A VR capsule was sitting beside therge bed in the master bedroom, and the stack of boxes filled with his clothes was put on its side.


    He had to admit that the movingpany in this world was efficient. They also just entered through the window using a drone instead of bringing everything up manually through the stairs.


    "And all of that is for $300 only. How cheap." He huffed in satisfaction and turned to his bed.


    On it was sitting a small box, wrapped nicely like a gift,plete with a red ribbon.


    "And that should be the system''s congrattory gift. It''s smaller than I expected." He said as he took the box and examined it.


    The box was just a little bit bigger than his palm, and it was light to the point he could lift it with one finger without any problem. What was inside, he wondered.


    ''I won''t know what''s inside unless I open it.''


    Opening the box, Max''s heart was beating faster in excitement. He slowly unwrapped the ribbon and opened the lid. The memory of him getting that liquid that allowed him not to get fatigued shed in his mind, immediately increasing his expectation of the reward from the system.


    When the lid waspletely open, he saw a golden ticket sitting on a soft, red cushion. The ticket had a leaf decoration on its surface and gleamed from the sunlight from the window.


    "A golden ticket?" Max muttered in confusion as he took the ticket.


    Upon closer inspection, there were words written on the back of the ticket.


    <A miracle ticket. Rip it and witness a miracle. PS. Only use it when you are forced to and can''t find any way out. 1 time use only.>


    The exnation was vague, but the name made him squint his eyes.


    ''A miracle ticket, huh?''


    If other people had given him this ticket, he might have shrugged it off and just thought of it as a way to make him feel good.


    However, this ticket was given by the system, which could magically put thetest VR capsule into his room without anyone noticing. He could not just brush it off as a simple ticket.


    ''I guess I will keep it inside the box and put it inside the closet for now.'' He thought.


    For a congrattory reward, this was more than enough. The best part was that his system was now back online and could give him more quests. That meant more rewards were waiting for him.


    His motivation was shot through the roof.


    ''It''s time to make a recruitment video.''


    Moving toward the living room, he set the camera and the wireless microphone. He connected both to his smartwatch like usual and tested a few seconds of recording before going to the real deal.


    The files would be saved in the cloud, which meant there was no need for arge memory device. It was all digital.


    Because he had often recorded his parkour vlog back in his previous life, he understood the basics of recording and how to talk in video. It wasn''t that much different from streaming, but he kept it simple and on point instead of joking around.


    It only needed him 3 shots to get a satisfying result. Then, he proceeded to edit and make the unique hashtag used for his contest.


    "Hmm, this is already good. #BreezeContest and #EditorBreeze. No one would use them."


    After everything was finished, he uploaded it to his Punchtube channel. It was the first video he ever uploaded.


    ***


    Inside the dark room, with only flickering light from a rare physical monitor, a man with an unkempt appearance and pale skin, which made him look like a vampire, was looking at a hologram screen anxiously. He was waiting for something that could appear any time.


    "When will he upload it?" He tapped his feet repeatedly as he drank tomato juice. It was his favorite.


    Just as he thought of that, there was a notification popping up on a small screen.


    Ding!


    [Breeze has uploaded a new video!]


    "It''s here!" The vampire-like man rose from his seat and went to the chair in front of the physical monitor. He used his hand to control the cursor and find the newly uploaded video.


    Finding it was easy, as it was the only video on Breeze Punchtube''s channel. He immediately yed the video. The background was in a simple living room, giving a cozy atmosphere. Breeze was sitting on a sofa, looking straight at the camera.


    "Wee to my Punchtube channel. I am Breeze."


    The sound came out from the speaker located on both sides of the monitor. It was louder and clearerpared to the virtual speaker in the smartwatch.


    "I won''t make itplicated. I will exin the rules of the video contest. The participant needs to use my VODs, which can be found in my Punch channel, and make a 5-minute long video. One participant can only upload up to 2 videos from my Knight''s Journey and V-Shelter VODs.


    "If I find someone who uploads more than 2 videos with the same tags, I will disqualify them immediately. I want to see the best you can do, not how fast you can edit a ''good'' video. The time limit will be 3 days.


    "Use #BreezeContest to join the contest and #EditorBreeze if you want to be my editor. Both can still win the award, which will be in the form of money. I will reward the first ce with $1,000 and the second with $500. There will be no third ce, and the judge will be me.


    "I will livestream the judging process in 3 days, and the contest will start once this video is uploaded. Good luck to the participants."


    The video ended with a ck screen.


    The vampire-looking man looked at the screen for a few seconds before leaning back onto his chair. He threw the empty carton box of tomato juice to the corner where many simr things piled up before massaging his forehead.


    His eyes were bloodshot, and his lips curled into a nasty smile.


    "Heh, apetition like this is child y." He muttered and straightened his sitting position.


    Opening the editing software on the physical monitor, he began to work immediately. It was an unusual way of editing, as most people preferred to do it in Virtual Reality using an easier program helped by AI.


    But he was still using a manual one. It was harder and took more time. However, this man believed that using this would give him the best result.


    "This noble me will win thispetition andugh directly at him! Hahahaha!"


    Driven by an impurepetitive thought, he spent no time sleeping and focused on making the greatest video ever.

 Chapter 126: Chapter 126 – Another New Game, Midnight Heist!

    In just a few hours after Max uploaded the announcement, many videos with #BreezeContest and #EditorBreeze began to pop up on Punchtube. Some already had a hundred thousand views, while some only had hundreds.


    "That''s a lot," Maxmented as he scrolled down the videos. His lips curled up into a smile. "I will get good content in 3 days. I should not watch them so my reaction will be genuine. For now¡­ Let''s find a multiyer game I can y."


    The first thing that came to mind was Bikes Are Girls, a racing game where the yer bes a bike girl and races the others. Contrary to its name, the bike here referred only to the name of the character''s skill, not an actual bike.


    ''But the yer will be a female character. This game''s target market is¡­ well, people who don''t mind about that or like it. It sounds fun, but some men don''t want to use female characters. While that''s not a problem for me, maybe I should not y it alone. I will wait for Nina to y this game first.''


    If possible, he wanted to find a game that he could y with his viewers. He had already prepared himself for a stream sniper and had enough confidence to win against them.


    He wanted something that he could enjoy and show his specialty this time, which meant something involving movement and not just pure action like Knight''s Journey or V-Shelter Survival.


    Because he was already an affiliated streamer of Biozone Entertainment, he tried to find a game they released. There was no prohibition of him ying games released by anotherpany, but it was just something he wanted to do.


    And because they had over a hundred games under their name, he could easily find what suited him.


    Midnight Heist. That was the game''s name.


    "Hoo?" Max got interested in the name and looked at its video introduction.


    Upbeat music yed as the camera spanned from above the sky, showing a city view filled with various neon lights. The POV closed in on a certain dance club, which was the source of the upbeat music.


    Inside the basement of said building, a group of four people were talking in a hushed manner. All of them were wearing fancy clothes. Their faces were covered in shadow, making their gender obscure.


    (Let''s do it tonight.)


    (Our target is 1 KM away. The time of the heist is¡­)


    (Midnight.)


    The scene suddenly changed into a police chase. The four people were wearing masks made from cardboard, a ski mask, a ghost mask, and one even wore a stocking to deform his head.


    They were running on the roof, jumping with inhuman agility. One person''s shoes glowed brightly, and he suddenly ran faster than the others. The others'' shoes began to glow too, and they caught up to the first person.


    A police officer followed them from behind. He held arge pistol that shot a beam. The ghost-masked person was hit, and his movement slowed down for a few seconds, allowing the police to catch up to him.


    He took out a glowing rope and threw it, but it missed. The masked person suddenly disappeared after his mask glowed, and he appeared a few meters ahead.


    The upbeat music turned into a cheerful one, and the video showed four people celebrating their victory while surrounding a bag filled with jewelry and gold. The game''s title, ''Midnight Heist,'' was put on the screen in an obvious manner, with colorful neon lights running on the edge.


    After watching the preview, Max had already decided this would be the next game he yed. It was a perfect one for him.


    "The matchmaking will have 8 people in each room, 4 as the thieves and 4 as the police." He read the description out loud while lying on his bed.


    "The thieves'' goal is to steal jewelry or an important item and run away without getting caught. And the police''s goal is to stop them. It''s so simple yet interesting."


    There was also the fact the thieves could use an ability originating from what they wore, such as the shoes and masks. It wasn''t just a normal taking and running game.


    ''I can also make use of my specialty here. The maps are designed with a lot of obstacles. I bet they serve to slow the thieves down and to hinder the police''s gun, but this ce is actually perfect for parkour use.''


    After watching another preview video, Max bought the game without hesitation. He would be able to y with his viewers in this game if they were lucky.


    The price was only $100, as it was arge multiyer game with a small map. It was designed to get money from the in-game costumes the yers bought and not really the game itself.


    Looking at the time, Max realized that it was already 7 PM. He was already an hourte, but that didn''t matter because he had announced it yesterday.


    However, as he already got the new game he wanted to y, he might as well start this livestream. The download only took a few minutes, and he entered Midnight Heist''s loading screen right after.


    Because it was an online game where he could match with other people, he appeared in the Lobby instead of straight up inside the game.


    His character had used his real face, and his clothes had changed into simple ck pants and a ck shirt with white sneakers. It was the Midnight Heist''s starting equipment.


    The Lobby looked like a midnight city, filled with colorful lights and fun buildings, such as dancing clubs and bars.


    Max gulped when he looked at them.


    ''No, I won''t drink any alcohol again, not even in VR. That damn bastard Flexy gave me trauma.'' He thought as he dismissed his n to get some beers or wine.


    Tobat that urge, he decided to just start streaming. He set the title to announce his new game and started it.


    [Livestream Starts!]


    The loading screen yed clips of him soloing Turret while waiting for the viewers toe. While that happened, Max moved to find a perfect ce to be shown in a stream, preferably something fancy.


    While doing that, he didn''t look at the chat that exploded after they saw Biozone Entertainment''s logo beside his channel''s name.


    ¡ª Midnight Heist? Breeze is doing something bad!


    ¡ª Holy moly guacamole! This dude has be Biozone''s affiliated streamer!


    ¡ª I just checked the website! He''s on the list number 25!


    ¡ª So that''s why he needs an editor. He''s officially a great streamer!


    ¡ª This is big news! Why didn''t he say anything about this?!


    [FreakingNoob has donated 5,000 diamonds!]


    [Congrattions on your contract! Can you tell us more about it? We are curious!]


    [BloodSucker has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Motherlicker! How can you keep this a secret? Tell us! Will this affect your contest?! This noble me joined, and it won''t be funny if you]


    Only when Max reached a nice bar and sat on the chair to read the chat did he realize that he hadn''t told his viewers yet. He thought that the verification icon would take time to appear.


    ''It seems that I still underestimate how fast anything gets processed in this world.'' He thought. ''Well, I will just tell them before ying the tutorial.''


    Having thought that, he changed the stream screen into a 3rd PoV camera and greeted the viewers.


    "Hello, guys! Hahaha, I have big news today! I have signed with Biozone Entertainment. Suppose you ask me how then the answer is clear. It''s because I am a humble streamer who has 2 world records."


    The chat immediately mocked and congratted him simultaneously right after he said that.

 Chapter 127: Chapter 127 – Police! Hands Up!

    The announcement of his affiliation with the Biozone didn''tst long. He assured his viewers that nothing would change and the stream would be a mix of game and IRL stream like usual.


    Max rested his head on his hands and squinted his eyes, his lips curled up into an evil grin.


    "Moving on, I will y a new game today. It''s called Midnight Heist. Hehe, I will steal a lot of money from those banks." He chuckled evilly at the camera.


    ¡ª Sneaky Breeze


    ¡ª Hehe, can you sneak into my room? The window is open!


    ¡ª Don''t do that! She has a tortu¨C Hmmm!! Hmph!!


    ¡ª I guess he''s gone. RIP


    ¡ª From capitalism to robbing banks. You really love money, huh?


    "Hehe, everyone loves money. Getting it from work is nice, but I want to try stealing it this time. Oh, don''t replicate this in the real world. You will get in trouble."


    He made sure to give a warning. So if anything happened, he wouldn''t get in trouble either.


    "Well, enough talking. Let''s get into the game! I need to finish the tutorial before a real matchmaking. I will finish this fast."


    With that, he started the tutorial. His body disappeared from where he sat and reappeared inside a facility. It looked simr to the synchronization test but more colorful and had some clothes prepared on the side.


    [Tutorial will start shortly. Please enter the green zone.]


    Max looked around and found the area lit by a green light. He approached it and stood right on top of it.


    [yer detected. Beginning tutorial.]


    [Move toward the objective.]


    A yellow arrow appeared in the air, pointing at a door. At the same time, the scenery turned into that of the middle of the street. The ceiling turned into a vast, starry sky, and colorful neon lights lighted the area.


    This was the first time Max found a tutorial that looked like a tutorial.


    "Well, this is new. Knight''s Journey tutorial almost killed me, and V-Shelter Survival just threw me into the middle of an apocalyptic city. I have prepared to be chased by the police once I start the tutorial, but I guess that won''t happen, eh?"


    ¡ª Both games you yed before are challenging and actually not for beginner


    ¡ª This is the proper game tutorial. You were just unlucky with your game choice


    ¡ª Not surprising. But most games have a tutorial like this one


    ¡ª Knight''s Journey and V-Shelter are just different! They are designed to kill the yers!


    "Those games are too cruel." He shrugged his shoulders and moved to the location the yellow arrow pointed at him.


    [Go to the designated area.]


    The yellow arrow disappeared and appeared on the roof of a building near him. From the look of it, the building was a jewelry store, the ce he was supposed to rob in this game.


    Looking around, he found stairs on the back leading to the roof. It was located in a conspicuous ce, glowing slightly as if it were asked to be found.


    "I think I need to go that way?" He asked with a dry chuckle.


    It was too easy!


    ''Well, it''s a tutorial. I doubt there will be stairs in the real map.''


    He walked upstairs slowly, not rushing in his steps. He wanted to look around as much as he possibly could. And just as he expected, this ce was truly perfect for parkour.


    The buildings were lined up perfectly, with only a 2-meter gap at most. With the unrestricted physical ability inside the VR, it was easy to jump over them.


    Not to mention, the venttion box and low fence allowed him to use them for some style or rolling, making them perfect if he wanted to do some vlog or POV footage.


    ''Yeah, I might show off a little and edit a parkour video myself if I have some good footage.''


    Midnight Heist was a perfect game for his content.


    Arriving at the location where the arrow pointed out, Max stood in front of an open hatch. He was made to think. Was the hatch supposed to be open?


    But once again, he brushed it off because it was a tutorial.


    [Enter the area and take the jewelry out.]


    The game system once again gave out an instruction. This time, he was able to see a path he needed to follow in the form of a glowing light.


    "¡­ It feels kinda strange." He said as he went down the hatch using thedder.


    When he was inside, he quickly was able to see his target encased behind a ss case at the end of the corridor.


    He walked calmly toward it without any repercussion or disturbtion. There were no people at all! The thief was actually walking in the middle of the street without anyone noticing.


    ¡ª Breeze''s brain is broken


    ¡ª He seems to be bored ying this tutorial


    ¡ª Yeah, thought so


    ¡ª Tutorial is for a newbie! A veteran needs no such thing! Just skip it.


    ¡ª He still needs to know how to use his costume ability, though. And you can''t skip this tutorial


    "That''s true. I still don''t understand how this game works besides running from the police." Max answered the chat as he stood in front of the ss case. "I just need to take it out, right?"


    Extending his hands, he took off the ss cover.


    Beep beep beep!


    The hallway suddenly turned red as soon as he did that, and the rm red loudly. Surprised, he grabbed the ne inside by instinct, putting it inside his pocket.


    Police officers suddenly appeared from the other side of the corridor,plete with their equipment and a beam handgun. It was an assault.


    "Police! Put your hands up and kneel on the ground!"


    "Police! Don''t move! Return the jewelry!"


    "Police! Look backward and push your chest against the wall!"


    "Police! Stand still!"


    The police began to shout loudly as they aimed at him.


    [Escape the police through the window!]


    The game system also gave another instruction as the world stopped. However, Max had something else to say before that.


    "Make out your damn mind! Should I move, or should I stay still?! And no need to shout police every goddamn time!" He retorted the NPC police''s instructions.


    ¡ª You should run


    ¡ª lolol, that''s what I thought


    ¡ª A contradictory order. Tsk tsk tsk, they aren''t professional


    ¡ª They are NPCs. What are you hoping for?!


    ¡ª Lazy AI


    Even the chat mocked the game''s automatic sentence generator.

 Chapter 128: Chapter 128 – Voice-Activated Command

    After doing that, he immediately vaulted over the open window and found himself on a ledge. He almost fell because he expected the footing would be vast, but thankfully, he managed to catch himself.


    The light guide extended over to the nearby roof, which was separated from the ledge over 3 meters away. Normal people would have difficulty reaching the other side.


    Thankfully, the game had prepared the solution for that.


    [Activate your shoes'' high jump ability with a keyword ''Shoes Jump'']


    "Oh, is it a voice-activatedmand?" Max raised his brows, intrigued by how the ability was activated. He thought he would need to press something to activate it, but it turned out to be more straightforward.


    ¡ª The other methods are either harder or make it stealthier, and that''s not fair for the police


    ¡ª The voice-activation program is used so the police can hear what the thieves said and prepare ordingly


    ¡ª It''s to bnce the game. The police''s weapons are visible and have tape to shut thieves'' mouths to stop them from activating their abilities.


    ¡ª Yes


    "I see."


    The chat''s exnation made sense. He grew curious about how the ability would affect him and how it would perform.


    "Let''s try it. Shoes Jump."


    As soon as he said that, his white sneaker glowed and, when he realized it, he was already in the air. It took him by surprise, but it didn''t take him long to adjust his body, and hended perfectly on the roof of the other building, which was lower than the ce he just robbed.


    There was no impact whatsoever that existed in reality. Maybe it was also part of the ability to make thending easier.


    He looked around in a bit of confusion and looked at his legs. The glow around the sneakers had dimmed.


    "What the¡­ Why did I jump automatically when I activated the ability? What the hell is this deficit technology? I haven''t moved my legs yet."


    ¡ª Well, it''s a voice-activatedmand


    ¡ª lolol, your surprised look is so funny


    ¡ª Holy, how can yound easily like that? You''re not human!


    ¡ª Many yers who never watched a Midnight Heist''s stream would fail on their first try. It''s surprising he managed to do it


    ¡ª What can I say, he''s Breeze


    ¡ª The 98% SR is shown here. His movement is insane!


    "I know that it''s a voice-activatedmand, but I thought it would allow me to jump whenever I want after I activate it." He exined. "Anyway, let''s finish this tutorial soon. I just need to go to that hover car and run."


    A hovercar in the distance had a glowing line over it, showing that it was his next goal. It was located right beside the stairs connected to the building he was on. He began to run toward it and entered the driver''s seat.


    Once he did that, he lost control of his character as it began to drive away from the crime scene. The police officers arrived just a few seconds after that, looked upset, and threw their guns to the ground.


    Inside the hovercar, Max''s characterughed evilly as he looked at the yield, a golden ne. A ck screen filled his screen with the words ''Sess,'' which appeared like fireworks in the middle.


    When the ck screen disappeared, he realized that he had returned to his seat in the bar earlier.


    [Tutorial is finished! You can now join the match with other yers. Enjoy the game!]


    The game''s announcement popped up in front of him.


    "I guess that''s the tutorial?"


    ¡ª Easy


    ¡ª That''s just a breeze


    ¡ª Nothing difficult


    "That''s right, it''s too easy." He said, "I am not satisfied. I will enter the first matchmaking now. That was such an underwhelming tutorial. I thought an entire police squad would chase me, but they didn''t even follow me once I got out of the window."


    The tutorial was disappointing, but at least he knew how to activate the costume''s ability and that it would immediately activate once he said the keyword.


    Being a cop would be simpler; he just needed to find the thieves and cuff them. That was why there was no tutorial to be a cop. And while they had no ability, their guns and equipment would solve almost everything they needed to catch the enemies.


    Before starting his first matchmaking, he gave his viewers a warning.


    "I won''t say anything if we ever meet, guys. But don''t just target me and y seriously. And I know some of you guys know where I am in the Lobby, but please refrain from finding me. Ah, feel free to greet me if we meet, though. But, for now, let''s have fun together in the game."


    There was no need to stop them from joining the matchmaking or talk to him. He yed a multiyer game exactly to y with his viewers. But if there was someone who would actively target or bother him¡­ Then, the story would be different.


    ¡ª Yeah! y fair


    ¡ª Stream sniper is the worst. Being a fan is good, but y fair!


    ¡ª Go go, Breeze! Steal the target and run from the cop!


    ¡ª What if he bes a cop? That would be hrious


    ¡ª Cop Breeze? He will catch the thieves in under a minute!


    ¡ª Let''s go matchmaking! I hope I am in the same room as him!


    "Hahaha, pray to the god of RNG if you want to be in the same room as me. Alright, I will now press y!"


    The screen in front of him, which showed Midnight Heist''s menu, turned into a stopwatch. It began to count from one, increasing every second, as the word ''Finding Match'' blinked slowly under it.


    After a few seconds, it disappeared and was reced with ''Match Found!''


    [Map: Beach]


    [Your role is as¡­ a Thief!]


    [Target: Sea Ring]


    He was transported to the map after three consecutive screens from the game system appeared in front of him.


    A gentle breeze hit his face, apanied by the scent of the sea. Soft sensation of standing on top of the sand could be felt as he opened his eyes.


    Looking around, he found three other people around him. They were all wearing the same outfits, the beginner ones. Including him, there was a girl and two boys. Just like him, they also looked at each other. And then¡­


    "Oh my god! Is this real? I am one team with Breeze!" The girl with long ck hair squealed excitedly as she covered her lower face with her hands. "Hyaa! I can''t believe this! I bought it impulsively, but I can y with Breeze now!


    I-It''s nice to meet you, I am LovelyOtter!"


    "Ah!"


    Hearing the name, Max nodded slightly. He recognized the name. It was one of his first viewers who helped him to control the chat through her donation. He didn''t expect LovelyOtter to be a girl, though.


    ¡ª Damn Otter!


    ¡ª She''s so lucky! Vice-leader, you''re unfair!


    ¡ª How lucky! I want to y too!


    The chat expressed their jealousy over LovelyOtter while the person in question looked at Breeze with a clouded gaze.


    As for Max himself, he decided not to look at the chat when he was inside the matchmaking so he could concentrate on the game. He would only reply to them when he was in the waiting Lobby. That was why he didn''t realize that LovelyOtter was called vice-leader by other female viewers.


    "Nice to meet you. Good luck, and let''s have fun."


    "Yes!"


    The other two boys knew that they were ying with a streamer. They also told Max their names, Potatohard125 and carmetwo.


    It was everyone''s first matchmaking, so no one knew what to do except to steal the target, Sea Ring, from the building they could see on top of the cliff, standing beautifully in front of the starry sky.


    As much as they wanted to talk about a n, they could only think of a rough one as they were waiting for the countdown to hit 0.


    LovelyOtter really was excited and just epted all the ns that Max proposed. The other two, either feeling pressured or not knowing what they needed to do, agreed with it too.


    "Let''s go!" Maxmanded.


    And when the countdown was over, they put on a pure white mask and followed him. He had be the thief leader in such a short time.


    ¡ª This is so exciting!


    ¡ª Beach map, huh? It''s one of the easiest to escape


    ¡ª Good luck, leader Breeze!


    ¡ª Vice-Leader Otter, good luck!

 Chapter 129: Chapter 129 – First Heist

    There was one rule that the thieves had to follow in this game. As much as possible, they should remain unseen and steal the target. Only then could they allow themselves to be seen and run to their escape vehicle.


    And how could they remain unseen while their clothes were all the same? The answer was by using the extra ability all thieves had: Disguise.


    They could disguise themselves as the NPC in the area and pretend to be one. This ability was also activated via a voicemand that they could see on the edge of their vision. All the thieves have already been disguised and blended with the NPC in the targeted area.


    The building they had to steal from held a party, and Sea Ring was one of the jewelry the host had in their office. To steal it stealthily, they needed a key that the host had and entered the office secretly.


    But there was one problem. The police yers would try to arrest the thieves, and they could do it even before they stole the target. They were limited to handcuffs, but that was still a hindrance nheless.


    "The police yers will be able to move in 5 seconds. We have 30 minutes to steal the Sea Ring after that. It''s a short time, but let''s do as nned."


    (Roger!)


    (Alright.)


    Max used the specialmunication between thieves while moving through the party indoors as a waiter. The others were disguised as guests and were in a different area than him.


    Because all the thieves were new to the game, he guessed the same case applied to the police. So even if he made a strange movement, he hoped the police wouldn''t catch him.


    Walking toward the second floor, Max suddenly noticed two lights in the indoor party room. They morphed into a security guard who looked oblivious and looked around curiously. At just a nce, he knew they were the enemy yers.


    "They are here. Be careful. They are wearing a white security guard uniform with a red cap. Two of them are in my sight."


    (Two of them are in my sight, in an outdoor area near the entrance. Otter out!)


    (Here is carmetwo. The backdoor area is clear. I will try to enter right now.)


    (Potato here. They are right behind me. I will distract them.)


    "Alright, I will steal the card to enter the office. My target is in sight. Secure a meeting location near the backdoor area, carmetwo."


    (Roger.)


    With that, everyone began to move to do their respective task. It was their first time ying this game, but they understood that cooperation was the key to winning. That was why they followed Max''s instructions.


    As for the police team¡­


    "Where are you, thieves?!"


    "Show yourself right this instant!"


    They were running around the area without any n. One of them grabbed an NPC because he seemed suspicious but got a penalty of freezing for 20 seconds instead because he actually took an act of violence against the innocent.


    ¡ª The thieves act professionally, but the security is¡­ meh


    ¡ª They are like childs


    ¡ª Look at them running around with a stupid face lol


    ¡ª No one know how to y the game and just wing it kekeke


    ¡ª It will be in easy win


    ''Indeed, this is an easy first match.'' A smirk crept into his face as he entered the VIP area of the party.


    As a waiter, he was able to enter with no problem. If you asked where the real waiter was¡­ Well, he had a good dream with three other guests in the bathroom with an out-of-order sign hanging onto it.


    The VIP area only had a few NPCs. If he made a suspicious move, one of them would definitely be alerted and press the rm button. That would spell the end of the thievery, forcing them to run away to get a draw and restart the game.


    Naturally, they would lose if all of them were caught.


    ''The host is the blonde man over there, huh?'' He looked at the man surrounded by a few guests in front of arge picture. ''Hmm, it will be a problem. I will follow him and find an opportunity to steal the card.''


    Max began to follow the host while bringing a tray in his hand. The NPC sometimes got close to him and initiated a conversation. He was a bit troubled but managed to smoothen it by imitating how the other waiter NPCs answered them.


    The observation was truly important in this game. And he wlessly did that.


    At some point, one of the police yers entered the VIP area. It increased Max''s heartbeat slightly, thinking he had been found. But¡­


    "It''s you!"


    The yer suddenly pushed the host to the ground and was about to cuff him. He didn''t know that the host was the only NPC that the thieves couldn''t disguise themselves as.


    ¡ª That''s idiot


    ¡ª what the heck


    ¡ª Did he push the host? Lolol, that was funny


    ¡ª Newbie police is really funny to look at


    ¡ª Haa¡­ Haa¡­ Imagine if Breeze was the one got pushed down


    ¡ª ¡­ This channel need a moderator to regte those down bad, for real


    As a result, that yer was taken away by the security NPCs and got a penalty of sitting in the security room for 5 minutes. Not only that, but the dissatisfied host began to retreat inside to the second floor of the building.


    It was the thieves'' chance. Max immediately changed his disguise into a man with a blue suit and followed the host. The change took 3 seconds, starting from his head and progressing to his toe. While he was at it, he contacted his teammate.


    "carmetwo, the target has entered the second floor. Do you think you can steal the key from him? I am following him right now."


    (I can see him. Let me try it.)


    "Great. Potato, can you secure the way out? Let''s take the helipad. And Otter¡­ Make somemotion outside to get the enemies'' attention. Push some NPC and make them fall to the ground. The police yers this time are dumb.


    They will arrest anyone acting suspicious."


    (Alright.)


    (Roger, Breeze! My pleasure!)


    Nobody took this game as a game. They were serious about ying their role as thieves.


    Just after he finished giving instructions, a hugemotion came from outside. Otter had already made her move.


    Hearing that, Max walked faster.


    As soon as he arrived on the second floor, he was able to see a masked person waiting for him near the office. That particr person was about to flee the scene, as being seen in the masked state by an NPC could raise the rm.


    However, before he could do that, Max stopped him.


    "It''s me, carmetwo." He called out, causing the other party to stop and look at him. "Do you get the key?"


    Realizing that it was his teammate, carmetwo nodded.


    "I got it." He said, showing Max a blue keycard, "The host went to the third floor while cursing loudly because of themotion started by Otter."


    "Great. Let''s get the ring and get the hell out of here."


    "Alright."


    Both of them went to the office and entered with the keycard. Looking around, Max was able to find their target quickly, as it was outlined with a red glow.


    Nodding to each other, carmetwo approached the Sea Ring, a ring purely made from blue jade, and took it from its case.


    At that moment, the rm rang loudly.


    Beep beep beep!


    [Intruder detected!]


    Max''s disguise was also automatically released, changing his body back into his thief clothes. He looked at carmetwo, and they made the same decision. He purposefully opened themunication between the thieves and gave out a single order.


    "Run to the helipad!"

 Chapter 130: Chapter 130 – Not Leaving Any Behind

    Reaching the helipad was easy for Max and carmetwo. They just needed to get out through the window and go to the back of the building using adder. Potatohard125 was already waiting inside a helicopter, waving his hand as it was ready to take off.


    "Hurry up!"


    Max ran faster and jumped into it, followed by carmetwo soon after. In the distance, a shrill sound of beams getting shots could be heard with a sh in the sky. Not only were they dumb, but the police yers also couldn''t aim properly.


    He began to think that they were just easy bots designed for a first game and not an actual yer due to how bad they were.


    Still, the thieves couldn''t stay here for too long.


    "We managed to secure the target, right?" Potato asked from the front seat, looking over to both of them.


    "It''s with carmetwo." Max answered, and the other person took the Sea Ring out from his pocket.


    "Then we can go now." Potato nodded, turning back.


    The yer was about to press the ''Take Off'' button, but Max stopped it by grabbing his hand.


    "Let''s wait for Otter." He said with a serious face.


    Shaking off his hand, Potato shouted.


    "She won''t make it! We need to leave before the police arrive!"


    "I won''t leave myrade behind! She will be here soon!"


    With a louder shout, Max shut Potato up. He had a serious expression as he looked over to the building.


    ¡ª How overly dramatic


    ¡ª It''s like watching a movie


    ¡ª You''re the best, Breeze!


    ¡ª Naturally, you leave no one behind! Not vice-leader!


    ¡ª Guys, I think he think differently from us


    In the distance, the beam was flying to the sky every second. The sound ''phew phew'' rang every time there was a sh.


    And then, a shadow of a person jumping over to the roof of the building could be seen. Her petite figure was moving around in an obscure movement, dodging all the beam by a hairbreadth.


    "Look, she''s there." carmetwo eximed loudly as he pointed at the roof.


    Potato, who was adamant about leaving earlier, turned around. He clenched his fist and shouted.


    "Run faster!!"


    "Wawawawa!" Otter, who was chased by the police, jumped down the building and rolled. She managed to find the fastest path to reach the helipad because she often watched and analyzed Max''s VODs.


    Before long, she managed to reach the helipad. However, the police yers who were chasing her had also appeared in the distance.


    "Stop right there!"


    "FREEZE!!"


    "Federal agent, raise your hands up!"


    They began shouting while shooting their beam gun. The muzzles had turned red, a sign of it getting overheated. But they didn''t care, as they were pressed in time. If they waited for their gun to cool down, then they wouldn''t be able to stop the thieves any longer.


    At the same time, the thieves also couldn''t wait any longer. There was still a 5-meter distance between Otter and the helicopter. But if they were waiting for her to jump into it, the police would have time to shoot them.


    So, Max made a decision.


    "Take off!" He ordered Potato, who was very willing to press the button even before he finished speaking.


    The jet engine began screaming as the helicopter lifted from the ground. Max didn''t expect it at all. He thought it would go slowly.


    ''Damn!'' He cursed in his mind.


    "Hold my legs!" He said to carmetwo, who looked relieved because they had taken off.


    The guy didn''t question anything and did exactly that while wondering what he had nned.


    Without hesitation, Max threw himself out the door. Half of his body was hanging out. His safetyy on carmetwo''s strength to hold him.


    "Otter, grab my hand!" He shouted toward the thief, who ran toward them. "Jump!"


    Trusting what he said, Otter jumped without hesitation.


    "Shoes Jump!"


    She activated the shoes'' ability. Her white sneakers glowed, and her body was thrown into the air. She stretched her hand, trying to grab his. And when she was at the highest point¡­ She did it.


    ¡ª Woaah!


    ¡ª Nice jump


    ¡ª Unfairr!! I want to touch his hand too!


    ¡ª Good Otter, you don''t fail us!


    ¡ª Nice co¨C assist!


    ¡ª Hey, that''s almost foul


    Max was able to grab her hand and pull her up. He returned to the helicopter after that and closed the door, allowing the helicopter to leave for good. Their masks were off, and everyone''s relieved expressions could be seen.


    "Phew, that was close." He wiped his non-existent sweat.


    "That''s right. Haha, I was almost left behind. Thank you, Breeze." Otterughed nervously as she scratched her cheek.


    "No worries, we help each other," Max said, looking at her.


    Ding!


    [Escape sessful!]


    At that moment, the game system announced their heist''s sess. Everyone went silent at once to listen to it.


    [Target secured.]


    [The MVP of this match: carmetwo.]


    [MVP bonus: +10% of the total end result.]


    [Heist result: Sea Ring. Value: 500 Dinar.]


    [Every member escaped. Bonus +50% Dinar has been given.]


    [750 Dinar has been received.]


    "I knew it!" Max shouted excitedly as his body was covered with a blue light. He turned to Otter onest time and smiled, "Thank god you survived. GG everyone."


    "GG!"


    "Good game."


    "Y-Yeah."


    Otter, knowing how greedy Max was, could only nod at him. Her happiness was reced with a wry smile.


    ¡ª Yeah, we knew it


    ¡ª He want that bonus money lol


    ¡ª As expected of Breeze, never disappoint us


    ¡ª A true thief to the heart


    ¡ª Vice-Leader, stay strong. We must follow our path!


    "Umm, I am d I am able to y with you." LovelyOtter eximed for thest time before her figure disappeared.


    The others followed suit, and Max was thest to be transported back to the Lobby.


    [All yers are returned to the Lobby.]


    As soon as he arrived, he had a donation message


    [LovelyOtter has donated 5,000 diamonds!]


    [Thank you for saving me! I was able to escape thanks to you believing in me.]


    Reading the donation from his viewer who had just yed with him, his lips curled up into a smile. He raised his thumb and index finger together.


    "Hehe, thank you." Heughed creepily, imitating how the shady merchant in V-Shelter talked, "Next time, the fee will be doubled."


    ¡ª How greedy


    ¡ª I like it


    ¡ª sh news: After getting scammed by a shady merchant, Breeze has be a greedy merchant!


    ¡ª His shamelessness is now through the roof


    ¡ª lmao lmao lmao

 Chapter 131: Chapter 131 – Secretly Handsome Lair and Lily’s Secret Job

    After Max''s first game ended, a certain secretive forum exploded. This forum''s name was ''Secretly Handsome Lair,'' and there were around a hundred members in total. Themunity was focused on one thing: finding a good-looking streamer they could match with one another.


    It was a smallmunity, but most of the members were active and knew each other. So when a thread was made, it always attracted attention, especially if the said thread was rted to a streamer all members followedtely.


    [I had yed with Breeze!]


    [If there is someone who has the clips, please do give me! Especially when I hold his hand at the end!]


    The bond between the members wasn''t just limited to fellowmunity members. No, it was deeper than that. They were like sisters born from different mothers.


    ¡ª (Leader) I got you, sister Otter [clip.mp4] [clip.mp4] [clip.mp4]


    ©¸ (Vice-Leader) Thank you, leader! You''re the best!


    ©¸ (Leader) No need to mention. It''s all thanks to you we discovered Breeze!


    ©¸ (Vice-Leader) Hehe, I just saw him ying and got interested. I was pretty frustrated back then after failing Knight''s Journey many times.


    ©¸ God bless your frustration, sister otter.


    ¡ª Huff huff¡­ He''s still so handsome. The way he gave the order to the others are also¡­ Perfection


    ©¸ Indeed! I agree


    ©¸ (Vice-Leader) I can hear his voice in my ears even now. I am a stan for him for life!


    ©¸ Hehe, I want to be given orders by him too


    ¡ª Congrattions! Here are some clips! [clip.mp4] [clip.mp4]


    ©¸ (Vice-Leader) Thank you, sister!


    ©¸ You''re wee!


    ¡ª I am d I joined thismunity. That was so precious


    ¡ª I want to y with him too. Is he still ying that game?


    ©¸ He''s still streaming. It''s his third game right now! He hadn''t lost even once and got a thief role in his second and third matchmaking too


    ©¸ Sister, give me the link to his stream! I am now interested in him more than the Breezy rtionship! I mean, I want to support him!


    ©¸ Sure thing! [embedded link]


    ¡ª (Leader) Getting excited is nice, but remember to keep thismunity a secret! Only a select few can join. Right now, I am trying to get LilyPixel to join. She will be a good information source for us! For both StoneSword and Breeze.


    ©¸ Good luck, leader!


    ©¸ (Vice-Leader) Ah, I am also following LilyPixel! I will donate some to get her attention!


    ©¸ Me too! She looks like a nice girl. Let''s invite her!


    ©¸ Hehe, I know she will be one of us soon


    ©¸ (Leader) o7 consider it done!


    ¡ª (Vice-Leader) Alright, everyone has given me a fair amount of clips! Like our rule, I will delete this thread now!


    ©¸ (Leader) Sure


    ©¸ Go ahead, I have screenshot everything!


    ©¸ Thank you, sister Otter! Have a nice day!


    ©¸ (Vice-Leader) Let''s meet in the next thread.


    Correction, sisters might be too shallow of a rtionship. They were like a hive with a shared mind. No one but the members knew what the others were thinking about.


    And thus, another thread in the ''Secretly Handsome Lair'' was gone, only known by the member for a few minutes. Only non-dangerous threads, such as handsome streamer ranking, remained in the forum.


    If one looked at it, StoneSword had the most votes and sat on top of the list. Then, Breeze followed suit, with a bracket (New) written beside his name. Homeboy Flexy was at rank 8. His easy-going personality was well-liked, but his loud mouth was hated at the same time.


    A girl wearing an otter one-sie was sitting on a riverbed, closing the one screen in front of her. The other one was still ying Breeze''s livestream.


    On the screen, he managed to snatch the target from the beach house easily and ran with his teammate using the hovercar on the side. Another sessful heist for him.


    He ended the stream right after he finished the third heist, saying that he was slightly exhausted from his business today. Everyone understood and bid him farewell in chat.


    Otter also donated another 200 diamonds to bid him farewell. It was just like a ritual that she did every time he ended the livestream.


    The screen changed to ck and disappeared right after.


    After watching that, she sighed in satisfaction and hugged her body.


    "Another fulfilling day." She eximed to herself. She enjoyed the sensation of lying on the grass, feeling a soft wind hitting her face.


    After a while, she raised her body and opened anothermunity forum.


    Unlike the Secretly Handsome Lair, thismunity forum wasn''t a private one. The name was Enjoying Breeze, a fan page created by Breeze''s fans all across the country.


    Around 4000 members were joining the forum, with around 20% active in the thread and chatting.


    Before returning to her business, LovelyOtter had onest job.


    "Hehe, it''s time to post the clips I got from my sisters earlier."


    That was bragging to the others.


    [Sucker! Only I get to y with Breeze today!]


    ***


    In a cute room filled with bunny plushies, Lilyy on her bed in her fluffy bunny onesie pajamas. The night was her rxing time, as her brother couldn''t bother her. He had a livestream tonight.


    And unlike her brother or Max, she didn''t stream everyday mainly because she had another job besides streaming. That was being a music producer.


    She wasn''t by any means famous enough to be known by the whole country, and she also used another name in her music. However, she enjoyed what she did. It was some sort of hobby that turned into a side job.


    "Hmm hmm~ La~ Lla~" She hummed a happy tune as she looked at the hologram screen in the air. "Nanana~ Hmm¡­ Like this? Nana~ Na~ Ah, it sounds better."


    A music tuning application was running on her smartwatch, assisting her to add guitar and drum sounds. She skillfully operated it as if she had done it many years already.


    No one but her brother knew this side job of hers, not even her parents. They didn''t care nor think too much of her. Only her brother, as an heir, was important. But that didn''t mean they hated or forced her to do something she didn''t want either. They were just¡­ indifferent.


    For others, that might be a sad truth. But for her, it was a blessing. At least she had a loving brother who stayed by her side.


    Shaking off useless thoughts, Lily raised her body, sat on the bed, and clicked the record button. She wanted to get this one done tonight, lest she couldn''t think of another song.


    "Hmm~ L~" The tune she hummed was more refined than before.


    Energetic music rang from the speaker.


    "Let''s enjoy this to the fullest~"


    "A tiny dream of mine, being with you."


    "Raise your hand! Let''s ovee this together!"


    "Shout your cheers. Let the breeze bring us together."


    "Don''t be afraid~ We are here with you. I am here with you."


    "All my life has been a series of turns."


    "I''ve been searching my whole life for you."


    "But with you~ There is nothing to be afraid of."


    "Because you¡­~ Can climb and jump through anything."


    "With you~ I am unstoppable~"


    "Oooh~"


    "I am unstoppable with you~"


    A smile appeared on her face as she imagined the lyrics she had just sung. The recording stopped, and she let her body fall to the bed. A soft giggle escaped her lips as her cheek reddened.


    Her hand reached the biggest bunny in the bed and hugged it tightly, burying her face into it.


    "Hehe."


    The music turned out good, and she saved it. However, there was no intention to release it.


    Not yet.

 Chapter 132: Chapter 132 – VR World Inadequacy

    Midnight Heist was fun. That was what Max honestly thought after he yed three gamesst night. In the morning, he exercised and ate some healthy meals. Ava had given him a new menu when he met her yesterday. And yes, she didn''t expect him to return after not contacting her for a few days.


    His day was filled with exercising and checking the progress of his contest. Unexpectedly, there were already 50 entries on the second day, with 6 of them using the hashtag to get the editor position.


    "It''s more than I thought." He muttered as he drank the energy drink on his new balcony. He liked the new spot because he could see the park from there.


    The day was spent resting and setting up his Strike ount. He also posted the link to his Punchtube video there. Even without the system''s help, setting up the ount was pretty easy.


    And when everything was done, he changed into cargo pants, a simple shirt, and exercise shoes. Today''s goal was simple: checking the apartment''s roof and creating some videos for his new Punchtube channel.


    To be safe, he messaged uncle Sam and asked for permission to go to the roof. Some apartments usually forbid the tenant to go on the roof because it was dangerous.


    But getting Uncle Sam''s permission was unexpectedly easy. He was allowed to go to the roof to shoot footage without any problem. The security guard held the key to the roof at the entrance, and Uncle Sam said he could get it just by mentioning his name.


    Without waiting for long, Max did exactly that. He got the keycard and went to the roof through a special elevator.


    The roof, just like the other buildings in the area, was spacious. He exited the elevator and looked around curiously.


    Some exhaust boxes andrge pipes stood around the surroundings, connecting to each other. The area was perfect for a parkour POV.


    He walked around to observe further while nning what he could do. The edge was surrounded by a low fence made of two metal pipes with a gap in between, leaving enough space for a human to stand on.


    ''I might be able to squeeze through the gap.''


    Unfortunately, the buildings around the apartment were taller. He also wasn''t sure whether he could jump to the stairs'' gap on the side. While it was possible, he didn''t want to get into trouble.


    Moving on, he noticed something incredible when circling the roof. A tall pole, with 20 cm diameter, stood tall near the corner of the building. It looked strong and sturdy.


    Max''s face brightened considerably as he looked at the pole. He approached the corner near the pole and leaned against the fence, looking at how high it was.


    ''It''s 8 floors high, so around 30 to 40 meters from the ground?'' He roughly calcted it. And after seeing how it looked, he nodded in satisfaction. ''It looks doable. I can do it, but let''s save that forter. I need to make a story behind my POV.''


    A good video needed a story. For example, themonly used story in parkour POV video in his past life was eitherte to school orte to work. Sometimes, people also made a parkour race against a train. That was impossible in this world, as Sky Rail was as fast as lightning.


    Because most people didn''t know what parkour was in this world, and almost no parkour POV video could be found on Punchtube, there were many options Max could choose from.


    "I have decided." He said to himself as he walked back to the elevator. "I will make an escape video."


    Coincidentally, it also matched with the game he was currently ying, Midnight Heist. It was perfect.


    For that, he needed to ask the security to y along with him.


    ***


    "So that''s what I n to make. May I ask for your assistance?"


    Returning to the security near the apartment''s entrance, Max asked the security for a cameo help. He exined what he needed help with, and they looked at each other after hearing his n, unsure of what to do.


    One of them, the oldest one whose hair started to turn gray, looked at him.


    "I''d love to help our tenant, but I am sorry. It''s impossible." He said, "It''s not that we don''t want to help, but the activity you described is dangerous. We won''t allow our tenant to do a dangerous stunt such as jumping around the roof."


    The other securities nodded at his words.


    As expected, that was the problem. Max had guessed it from the start.


    ''I understand where their worryes from.''


    Parkour was dangerous; he didn''t deny that. And the way he described it to the security earlier sounded as if he wanted to challenge horror on the roof with minimum security.


    Watching people jumping around from the second floor was already dangerous, not to mention a roof on the 8th floor of a building. One mistake and he could fall to the ground without any protection.


    ''I didn''t tell them about my n for thest stunt, but even this is not allowed, huh?''


    "Treasure your life, young man. There are many things you can enjoy. Look, you can do your stunt in VR. There is definitely a Lobby with a simr environment such as this one." The security said with a soft tone.


    He wasn''t angry at Max; he was only concerned.


    "I understand." Max couldn''t help but nod, "Here is the keycard I borrowed before. Thank you, sir."


    Taking the keycard from him, the security smiled, "You''re wee. Remember, don''t do anything dangerous."


    "I''ll keep it in mind."


    Max decided to return to his room while filled with disappointment.


    ''VR world is different from the real world.'' He thought.


    Entering his room, he looked at his VR capsule and caressed it.


    ''Bad ideas are fun. I said I would try to take care of my health, but I still want to do parkour. I want to feel the adrenaline rush that I can''t feel in the VR world.''


    While the VR world could be called perfect, it was still different from the real world, even for him, who had 98.5% SR. It justcked that sense of danger and adrenaline rush. Theck of fear in the VR world was not as fun as IRL.


    ''Well, it can''t be helped. I will have to find a way to obtain permission.''


    Maybe Mr. Taka could help? He thought that but decided not to bother him yet.


    ''Let''s just find a Lobby with a simr environment, just like the security told me. I should be satisfied with that. Or I could change my private Lobby to the perfect parkour ground for now.''


    Swiish!


    ''Yeah, that''s a good idea.''


    The VR capsule opened at hismand, and he climbed inside. And thus, he entered the VR world.


    ***


    Author''s Note:


    Merry Christmas! I wish you a wonderful christmas today!


    Hehe, I just want to say that there will be an extra release on 28th December. I have always appreciated your support so far and hope you will continue supporting me.


    Golden Tickets, Power Stones, Reviews, andments are appreciated. Even if I seldom reply, I always read yourments, and it makes me happy ^_^.


    Anyway, have a good day!

 Chapter 133: Chapter 133 – Fine, I’ll do it Myself!

    In the end, Max decided to spend $500 to change his Lobby as he saw fit. He only left a bit of grasnd, a chair and a table, and therge tree from the original lobby.


    Everything else was changed using custom decorations he bought from an online shop provided by a VR designer. There were various things, such as a low wall and even some interesting pirs he could buy.


    After three hours of designing his new Lobby, he finally got a satisfying result. Poles, pirs, pipes, railings, staircases, slides, walls, boxes, and waterways. It was designed to be the perfect parkour park that one could imagine.


    There was even an imitation of a yground near the center where the big tree was.


    The ground was also made with different altitudes in some areas. There was dirt and pavement; he even imitated the roof''s mossy condition in some parts.


    Looking at his work, Max nodded in satisfaction.


    "While there are some that can be perfected, I guess this is good enough."


    If one only looked at the number of obstacles, it had more variety than most parkour parks. The best part was that all the obstacles could be used as standalone or connected to each other.


    ''Let''s try to get some footage here. I still have around 8 hours before my livestream. I might be able to edit it myself before that too.''


    He began to stretch his body before turning on the recording with a 1st POV. It was the convenience of the VR world that he couldn''t get in the real world.


    "Let''s start, shall we?"


    ***


    A few hours had passed since then, and Max managed to finish everything in 7 hours. It was a miracle he managed to get good footage only with a few tries.


    Editing a POV video was all about a smooth transition. He only needed to cut and put the footage at the right moment, give the right transitional effect, and that was it. There was also a need for color grading, but that could be done easily with automatic color grading provided by the application.


    As a result, he finished an hour before his supposed livestream.


    ''Let''s schedule the video and have the premiere yed in my stream. That might get me a good reaction from the viewers.''


    A smile appeared on his face as he controlled the screen while sitting on his usual chair under the tree. It could be called the first step of spreading parkour fever in this world.


    ''If there are many people interested in joining me, we might be able to create amunity.''


    That would be fun.


    The video was uploaded and scheduled without any problem. Following that, he posted on his Strike ount, which now had 5,000 followers. The growth was pretty fast, considering he just created it this morning.


    ''Does someone share my link?'' He thought curiously, ''Either way, it''s good for me if my viewers and fans are really active.''


    They probably were happy that he also thought of hismunity and created the editing contest. In fact, his only post on his Strike ount, the link to thepetition video, has been shared more than a thousand times now.


    To be honest, he felt happy with that. His effort was appreciated by his viewers. There was nothing more than he could hope for.


    ''Let''s post this thumbnail with the premiere link and start streaming. It''s early, but it might not be too bad to chat with them before ying Midnight Heist at 6 PM. I should give fan service every now and then.''


    Without further ado, he changed the title and started the stream.


    [Let''s Talk and Steal Something Tonight! #MidnightHeist #Talk #NewVideo #Breeze]


    [Livestream Starts!]


    The small camera in the VR world hovered around the area. Real-time footage reced the usual loading screen of his stream as he controlled it to look around his new Lobby like a drone.


    [Viewers: 10,627]


    Ten thousand viewers who gathered after getting a notification were confused.


    ¡ª What is this ce?


    ¡ª Is this Breeze''s Lobby? It looks like it has just been through an apocalypse


    ¡ª There are different things lined up strangely. What is this ce?


    ¡ª Boxes! I love boxes! I can hide in boxes! I will be boxes! I AM A BOX!!


    ¡ª Look! Breeze is sitting under therge tree in the middle!


    ¡ª Damn, only that area is green. What is this?


    Max controlled the camera through the metal pipes, passing the gap wide enough that even a human could pass. He showed the surroundings and even followed the stairs that led to nothing but a tall wall.


    Everything looked strange from everyone''s perspective. Nothing made sense.


    Who would build a wall in their Lobby without finishing it as a building? Not to mention, it had stairs leading to the top! Even if they were VR assets, getting them wasn''t free.


    ¡ª Damn, it actually looks cool when we look at it


    ¡ª It''s like the industrial age. How did he make a Lobby like this?


    ¡ª This is actually nice! Ruins and industrial age. How great!


    After getting a good view of everything, the camera began to hover toward Max. He sat arrogantly with crossed legs. His hands were put together on hisp like a mighty young, sessful businessman.


    A smug smile was stered on his face as the camera stopped before him. The floating hologram screen that showed his livestream and Punchtube channel became a great addition to set up the mood.


    "Greetings, humans from the future." He greeted them with an artificially deeper tone. He used the sound-changing application to achieve it. "Wee to my world of fun. How do you like it? It''s wonderful, no? I call this Lobby ''Parkour''s Park.''"


    ¡ª Parkour''s Park?


    ¡ª Could it be¡­ This ce is built to do that strange movement?


    ¡ª Breeze! Show us some moves!


    ¡ª Damn! He even made his Lobby to train. What a mad


    ¡ª I just realized it! Those are obstacles to training your movement.


    ¡ª Wall, pipes,dder, stairs¡­ Damn, this ce is like next level


    ¡ª How can he build something like this? Where is the inspirationing from?


    "Inspiration?" Max repeated the chat''s question and pondered for a moment, "Well, the roof of the new apartment I got from Sam''s Real Estate is my inspiration. I was about to do parkour IRL, but the security didn''t allow me. So I thought, ''Fine, I''ll do it myself,'' and changed my Lobby as such."


    ¡ª Roof?


    ¡ª Parkour IRL?


    ¡ª Isn''t that dangerous?


    "It is dangerous." He acknowledged it, "I don''t rmend it unless you''re trained. But even then, there is still danger left."


    His exnation made sense, and the chat agreed. They expressed their amazement and praised him for his talent for making such a training ground. And most importantly, the majority of the viewers were curious about how he used the obstacles for parkour.


    ''Just as nned.'' His grin widened as he suddenly stood up from his chair.


    "I guess you are curious how it looks if I do parkour in this ce, right?"


    ¡ª Yeah!


    ¡ª Screw Midnight Heist, show us your Lobby. It''s so interesting!


    ¡ª Do it! Go double jump, triple jump, or wall run or anything!


    ¡ª Yeah yeah, show us your movement!


    "Hehe, I already guessed it."


    Snap!


    He snapped his finger and brought up the screen that showed his Punchtube channel. The video he scheduled for the premiere tonight only had 1 more minute before it was yed for the first time ever.


    The title of the video was: ''Breeze''s Parkour POV! Chased by security in an industrial zone!''


    "I have already recorded something for you guys. Let''s watch it together, shall we?"


    ¡ª WOOOOH!!


    ¡ª Damn!


    ¡ª POG POG POG POG!


    ¡ª This guy came prepared!


    ¡ª Way to go!!


    "Alright." He said as he pped his hands three times.


    The countdown for the premiere started. The screen had 10 showing on it, changing to 9 a secondter.


    Before long, it reached 0, and the video started with the sound of Max''s breathing heavily.


    "Huff¡­ Huff¡­ Shit! They are here!"

 Chapter 134: Chapter 134 – First Parkour Video

    ¡ª He''s breathing¡­


    ¡ª Of course he is! He''s a human!


    ¡ª Damn, that was loud. My momma thought I was watching an AV!


    ¡ª Animal video, right? And it''s VR, your momma can''t hear it!


    The video was in the first POV, only showing the scenery as well as Max''s gloved hand. This way, the viewers could enjoy the experience through screen or VR mode, allowing them to experience what was yed in real-time.


    Naturally, most viewers already switched to VR mode for a better experience. Only a few people watched in screen mode, mainly because they wanted to chat while watching.


    "Stop right there!"


    A voice came from behind Max. He turned around and saw another person in the distance with the exact same face as him, pointing his hand at him. What made that person different was the fact he wore a security uniform and a cap.


    ¡ª Oh?


    ¡ª Security Breeze?


    ¡ª This man has no friends so he took all the roles by himself?!


    ¡ª What a dedication


    ¡ª Poor Breeze, I am willing to be a security for you


    Yes, he took all the roles himself by shooting the same scene twice, from the 1st and 3rd POV, andbining both footage in one. Once again, with the video editing application at this age, it was pretty easy.


    Max, who was confronted by the security, cursed loudly.


    "Shit! He''s here!"


    It began from there. He started running toward the nearby boxes and jumped. His feet were nted on the edge of the tall box, and he rolled over it before meeting a dead end in the form of scaffolding that blocked his way.


    Looking around, he saw the security guard was going after him while he was brandishing a ck stick. It was bad!


    Without any other way, he began climbing the scaffolding before him.


    "Hey! You''re not allowed there!" The security Max shouted loudly, watching him from the ground.


    It led to an unfinished building, which had a few gaps here and there. He climbed like a monkey without stopping even once. At some point, he couldn''t grab the next pipe and had to jump.


    The video slowed down, showing Max extending his hand toward the opposite wall.


    ¡ª Grab it!


    ¡ª Take it!


    ¡ª You can do it


    ¡ª Calm down guys, he should be able to make it


    The dramatic, slowed video ended as Max grabbed the wall and pulled himself up. The screen suddenly changed when the wall filled his vision. He climbed up the wall and began running on a roof with a few levels.


    ¡ª Did it suddenly change ce?


    ¡ª The transition is so smooth!


    While running, Max looked behind. He watched the security guard appear from the metal staircase and chase after him.


    "Stop right there!"


    No one stopped when they were asked to! With that in mind, he ran faster. A fence stood before him, and he couldn''t go around because there were walls on both sides. Still, he didn''t lower his speed and actually ran faster.


    The viewers'' hearts palpated in excitement. They knew what he would do next. And their guess was correct.


    Nearing the fence, he suddenly jumped toward the wall and kicked it, boosting himself up. He jumped over the fence easily and rolled on the ground to soften thending. That led to another smooth transition as he was now in a Sky Rail station, running in the clean hallway with a flickering light.


    The ticketing counter wasn''t stopping him. He vaulted over the first railing, his fingers barely grazing the cool metal. The rhythmic beat of footsteps echoed behind him, a sign of the security guard still following him.


    With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he sprinted across the tform. The click-ck of the guard''s boot resonated with his fast pace, urging him to pass his limit.


    Heavy breathing became the only ambient noise, together with tense background music. He hurdled over the turns, ducked under low-hanging signs, and seamlessly went through the station''s twists and turns.


    And when he was at the end of the corridor, he leaped onto the railing of the stairs, his legs propelling him upward with a powerful strength.


    "You there! Stop right now!"


    "Haha, catch me if you can." He gave a middle finger to the guard before climbing the stairs outside.


    Once again, when his vision was filled with the metal stairs, he was transported in another location seamlessly. He was in an urban area this time, climbing down the stairs by jumping down the railing.


    Neon signs flickered below as hended on the sign and jumped down to the building''s roof. A daring rooftop-to-rooftop gap awaited him. The ground seemed so far away, giving him excitement to jump over to the other side.


    ncing back, he saw the security guard falter for a moment. He knew that this was his escape.


    He gathered his strength for the final leap. He soared through the air,nding on the opposite building with a controlled roll.


    This time, the guard couldn''t follow him anymore. He had no courage to chase after him through a long jump that could risk his life.


    With a quick salute, Max continued running and disappeared into the shadow of the roof. With a victorious escape, he continued to trace the urban pathway and took a drink from the nearby vending machine.


    ck!


    "Phew!"


    And with that, the video ended. The livestream screen changed back to show Max sitting on his chair.


    "How is it, my dear viewers? I have sessfully escaped the evil security guard that doesn''t allow me to do parkour. No one can stop Breeze from doing as he pleases."


    ¡ª Holy that was good!


    ¡ª It''s a movie level!


    ¡ª While there is ack of effect, it''s really good! The transition is also really smooth!


    ¡ª Damn! Just Damn!


    ¡ª How can you run like that? This is insane!


    ¡ª GG GG GG GG BREEZE THE GOAT!!!


    ¡ª I think I wet myself a little¡­


    ¡ª That was amazing!


    [BloodSucker has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [F*ck! Can we use this footage in the contest? No, let me use it for the contest!]


    "Hmm? You want to use this footage?"


    Reading the donation from BloodSucker, Max hummed. He didn''t think BloodSucker would join the contest. And the idea of using his new video for the contest also never shed in his mind.


    But¡­ that sounded interesting. He wanted to see how the people in this future world edit parkour''s footage.


    "I will share all the raw footage I saved in a public link after this stream. Feel free to use it in the contest."


    ¡ª I should''ve waited! I already uploaded 2 videos!


    ¡ª This isn''t fair, I also want to join with the new footage, but you announced it toote!


    ¡ª Can I upload 3? Can I?


    "Well, because this is my blunder, I will allow the one who has uploaded 2 videos to delete one and change it. Of course, I still limit it to 2 videos for every person. No exception will be made from this point onward." He said. "Feel free to use the Midnight Heist VODs too."


    ¡ª You''re the best!


    ¡ª Hyaa!


    ¡ª I love you Breeze!


    ¡ª The most humble streamer ever


    "Hehe, I am d you understand that I am the most humble streamer ever." He nodded in satisfaction, "But that is that. With the matter of video finished, let''s head to Midnight Heist! I hope I be a police officer this time."

 Chapter 135: Chapter 135 – Police for the First Time!

    Max appeared in Midnight Heist''s Lobby, in the bar hest logged out from. Because the bar was secluded, on the corner of the Lobby, it was devoid of people and loved by those finding sce and ying alone.


    "We''re back! Without waiting any further, let''s start matchmaking!"


    Because he had yed 3 times, the game had registered his skill level. Thus, it wasn''t hard for him to find a match.


    [Match Found.]


    [Map: Urban ¨C Midnight Club.]


    [Your role is as¡­ a Police!]


    [Target: Unknown. Protect the club from the thieves!]


    "Oh?" After looking at the message, a surprised sound escaped his lips. His prayer was answered.


    But he had no time to appreciate it as he had already been transferred into a velvet room. Three other yers were in the room, all dressed in a suit and sunsses.


    The police''s attire, unlike the thieves, was different ording to the map. For the beach map, it would be a security guard. And for the midnight club map, they would dress like a professional bodyguard with a proper dress code.


    Finding the new yers standing on the side, Max first greeted them.


    "Hello! Good luck and have fun."


    Many yers in VR games often talk to each other, ying seriously to get victory. However, there was an instance where they were either shy or just silent.


    And this time¡­ It seemed like he had three silent teammates. They only looked at him and nodded their heads without saying anything back.


    ''What the hell?'' He thought. It was so awkward that he only chuckled dryly.


    ¡ª He got silent lol


    ¡ª How unlucky


    ¡ª Being police and getting the silent treatment


    ¡ª Who the heck are they? Peanut96, noobieslol616, and thatdynum1men.


    ¡ª Find them! Burn them! Make them speak!


    ¡ª Ah, he finally got them. Those who don''t talk in Midnight Heist are usually trolls


    ¡ª lolol, the fourth match is silent. How unlucky


    Judging from the chat''s reaction, the silent people in the game didn''t seem to have a good reputation.


    ''I am troubled. There won''t be good content without talking to teammates.''


    Without a doubt, ying a game without talking would be boring. But Max was a streamer. Even if it was boring, he needed to make it interesting enough for his viewers to get engaged.


    "I guess they are shy. Hahaha." He said as he looked at the countdown in the air.


    The police would be teleported to the map 30 seconds after the thieves. It was to give them a fair advantage and time to disguise themselves. Besides, the target would also only reveal itself after the police were in ce.


    After waiting in silence, he was finally transported to the nightclub that became a venue. Neon light flickered from the disco ball hanging in the ceiling. The DJ yed dubstep music, and guests danced on the dance floor.


    Some were drinking on a velvet sofa, enjoying thepany of people. Naturally, their clothing was modest, and juices reced the alcohol because it was a game with a 15+ rating.


    This map was bigger than the beach map, meaning there were many ces to monitor. At the same time, the escape route was also farther, giving the police more chances to chase after the thieves.


    Looking around, he didn''t notice any other police yer beside him.


    "Hello, anyone hear me? Please respond." He used the policemunication line, just like the one that the thieves had. Even after waiting for a few seconds, no one replied to him. "It seems I am truly alone. How heartless are they¡­" He shrugged his shoulders weakly.


    ¡ª You can do it


    ¡ª Screw those people, you can win by yourself!


    ¡ª lolol why don''t you just cuff those yers?


    ¡ª Trolls confirmed


    ¡ª How can you find the thieves alone?


    ¡ª It''s hopeless. The probability of winning is 0%, just like my hope of finding a girlfriend


    "No, it''s not 0%," Max said as he began to move, observing his surroundings keenly. He only needed to find an individual that stood out from the others. "Who knows if the silent yers aren''t trolls but only shy? Look, LilyPixel also doesn''t speak much. And she''s a great yer."


    ¡ª Now he begins to refuse to see reality


    ¡ª Poor Breeze,e to Papa. You may cry on my chest


    ¡ª Reject humanity, turn to monke! They are monkey!


    ¡ª Trolls aren''t monkey but close enough


    ¡ª Are they green? And I think you mean Donkey


    ¡ª Don''t run away from reality! Snap back!


    "Don''t worry, guys. I have never counted on my teammates before." He casually said it as he strode down the hallway. Each time he passed a guest, he would poke their shoulder to see their reactions. "I have ns."


    The normal NPC would just ignore him and walk past. Those with fancy clothes would frown and look at him with disgust or anger. Their reactions were rtively different from each other, but they followed a certain pattern.


    And if the NPC didn''t follow such a pattern, it could be deduced that he was a yer.


    Poke.


    "Oh, sorry."


    The guest in glittering clothes suddenly apologized when Max touched his shoulder. He looked at said guest and smiled widely. Then, he took out his handcuff and pushed him to the ground, cuffing his arms behind his back.


    "Wha¨C"


    "You''re under arrest, Mr. Thief."


    Click!


    When the handcuff clicked, the guest''s appearance suddenly changed. He turned into a masked person wearing ck clothes and a violet vest. It was one of the thieves.


    "How?!" He raised his voice while looking over his shoulder.


    "Hehe, a secret." Max chuckled evilly as he stood up. There was no need to answer the thief''s question.


    And, to prevent the police yers from colluding with the enemy, he decided to threaten them a little bit as he continued his walk down the dance floor.


    "I apprehend a thief. Don''t do anything stupid; I will report you guys to Biozone Entertainment if you do. Just so you know, I am acquainted with the higher ups! I believe you don''t want to get banned."


    ¡ª Oh¡­


    ¡ª So shameless! It''s only been two days since he became an affiliated streamer, but he has used Biozone''s name already!


    ¡ª Breeze: So you''re a troll? Follow mymand or you will get banned!


    ¡ª Isn''t this dangerous? They can use this to spread a rumor


    ¡ª What danger? It''s their 4ss that get in danger!


    ¡ª We can just deny the usation. Breeze for life!


    "Right, there is no need to worry." He said, but inside, he was a bit worried.


    ''I won''t get in trouble, right? I only threatened them a little out of frustration, and that was just a joke.''


    Well, if he truly got into trouble and created a drama, thanks to this, that meant he had be a real streamer. A juicy drama was always part of a streamer''s life.

 Chapter 136: Chapter 136 – Better Man

    While continuing to find the thieves alone, Max received information from the chat.


    ¡ª We found it! Those three are actually trolls, and many people have reported them! The thread is buried in the forum, but I managed to find it


    ¡ª Damn, they are really trolls. I will report them


    ¡ª +1


    ¡ª +1


    ¡ª o7 good job,rade. I will report them.


    It was confirmed that his teammates weren''t just silent but actual trolls. He wanted toment to the RNG goddess. Was his rating from the three matchmakings too high? Trolls were usually only active in a mid to high-end MMR. Their goals were¡­ Well, having fun watching people lose.


    ''They are just crazy who can''tpete in higher-end MMR and decide to drag people down with them.'' He thought.


    There were some trolls who actually were skilled and only yed the game to have fun with strange and unconventional skill sets, but those people were rare. Winning this game might be¡­ impossible. The notification that appeared a secondter was the proof.


    [Target has been stolen!]


    [Prevent the thieves from escaping!]


    A beam gun appeared in his hand. It looked like the sci-fi version of the Remington in the V-Shelter Survival, with its muzzle that opened and cracked with electricity.


    Thieves had two escape routes after they stole their target. And they were located in an exactly opposite area.


    To prevent them from fully escaping, at least two police yers were needed.


    "That''s unfortunate." He muttered as he walked back to where he came from. The thief from earlier was gone; possibly one of his teammates had rescued him. "This sucks. Why can''t they just y normally?"


    He felt anger a little bit toward the trolls. He didn''t know where they were, and he didn''t care. What he cared about, however, was the fact that they ruined his fourth gamey.


    "How do I report them?"


    ¡ª You can open the menu and find their name. If you click it, the report button will pop up.


    ¡ª Just do it from the menu!


    ¡ª The button is red!


    "The button is red¡­ Yes, that''s really helpful." He chuckled as he opened the menu.


    His teammates'' names were written on it, and he reported them all. He was asked to write the reason, and he put ''Trolling'' inside the box.


    [Report sessful. Please wait for the feedback!]


    Just as he finished reporting, another notification rang.


    Ding!


    [Escape Sessful.]


    Max sighed in disappointment.


    [Target secured.]


    [The MVP of this match: mammamia613.]


    [MVP bonus: +10% of the total end result.]


    [Heist result: ck Diamond. Value: 750 Dinar.]


    [You have failed to apprehend the thieves, reward -75%]


    [100 Dinar has been received.]


    [Good game.]


    "¡­ Only 100. Haa¡­"


    With thosest words, he was transferred back to the Lobby. He had remembered those trolls'' faces. And because they had touched him, he wouldn''t let them go freely.


    "Let''s find those trolls." He said, standing up from his chair. "They should be in this Lobby, right? While I am kind, I am no pushover who would stay silent when someone messed with my game."


    ¡ª Just stop it, Breeze. It''s not worth it


    ¡ª Yeah, they are probably gone.


    ¡ª Let''s y more, ignore them


    ¡ª I have got their name. Peanut96, noobieslol616, and thatdynum1men. They are the trolls


    Reading the chat made him think twice. Was it worth it? No, it was totally worthless, just as they had said. He was a better man who could let a grudge go.


    "Fine," He stopped right in front of the bar and scratched his head, "I will start the matchmaking again. This time, I hope there won''t be any trolls."


    ¡ª That''s my man!


    ¡ª Fwee Fwee! Way to go


    ¡ª Hehehe, you don''t need to find them. They probably haven''t realized that they yed with a streamer yet.


    ¡ª When they realize it, they probably freak out. Ah, they also won''t be able to y for 30 minutes because Breeze reported them, no?


    ¡ª Guys, are you thinking what I am thinking?


    ¡ª Yup! Let''s start matchmaking with Breeze!


    A smile appeared on Max''s face. His chat was so supportive and actually made sense when the situation was right. He was grateful to them for stopping him. He felt like he would regret finding the trolls personally.


    ''I have reported them; it should be enough. It''s been a long time since I was that angry. Not even Flexy''s prank pushes me to the edge like this.''


    Maybe it was because he enjoyed the game more than he thought. That was why his anger got him when someone messed with the game.


    Turning back, he sat on his previous chair.


    "Those who want to y with me, ready to press the matchmaking together. Hehe, but y seriously, or I will report you to Biozone."


    ¡ª lolol, the usual Breeze returned.


    ¡ª the shameless one!


    ¡ª Let''s gooo!!


    ¡ª [emote: eviugh] HUAHAHAHA, BOW DOWN, MORTAL!


    ¡ª Nothing beats watching his shamelessness.


    Finding the matchmaking was still easy. It only took him a few seconds before he found another match.


    [Match Found.]


    [Map: Urban ¨C Bank.]


    [Your role is as¡­ a Thief!]


    [Target: Painting of Lady in White!]


    ¡ª GOOD LUCK!


    ¡ª GLHF!


    "A thief again, huh? Let''s do it then."


    His body was covered in blue light, and he was transported to the urban area, inside an alleyway with three other thieves.


    They had already changed their clothes and masks. One wore a pierrot mask and a clown costume, and the other wore brown monkey masks with dark clothes.


    "Hello!"


    "Hehe, hello hello!


    "Nice to meet you guys! Let''s have fun."


    When he heard them greeting each other, Max felt relieved. They weren''t silent or a troll¡­ Most probably.


    "Good luck, and have fun!" He greeted them with a smile behind his white mask.


    "Oh, a beginner? Have fun. Let''s win this game." The pierrot mask responded. Then, he turned to the others and continued, "I have a n for a Bank map. Will you listen to it?"


    "Sure." The #1 monkey mask answered.


    "I always y casually, but I can follow a n." The #2 monkey masks nodded.


    "I don''t mind either. Just give some instructions." Max responded.


    That wasn''t a problem as long as they won the game.


    "Thank you. So the n is like this¡­"


    ¡ª No sign of trolls.


    ¡ª He''s lucky this time


    ¡ª Look at the other thieves. They are looking down at Breeze!


    ¡ª Hehe, he''s the only one with beginner equipment and no mask ability. It''s natural


    ¡ª How dare they look down on our movement god. Show them what you made of


    ¡ª They don''t know Breeze? How sacrilegious!


    ¡ª I saw Breeze on the billboard and those guys didn''t recognize him? What kind of thing this is!


    ¡ª They are probably casual yers. It''s normal not to know a streamer or pro yer.


    ¡ª Anyway, the game has started!


    ¡ª And we just finished my business! Thanks to FreakingNoob and ssDoor foring with me!


    ¡ª No prob


    Those chats remained a mystery to Max because he was already concentrating on the game. Whatever that business was¡­ It was only known to a few individuals and a Midnight Heistmunity forum thread.


    [I found three people tied with the words ''I am a troll, report me!'' written on their chest. Is this legit? [embeddedimage.jpg]]


    ¡ª Legit, lol. They are trolling a streamer with 10K views, I guess his fans aren''t happy.


    ¡ª Ah, I know them. I was also trolled by them!


    ¡ª It''s legit, lol. They trolled Breeze, and so we tied them. Please report them so they will get banned!


    ©¸ How savage, I like it!


    ©¸ o7 you''re the man


    ©¸ o7 Reported!


    ©¸ salute to our soldier o7!


    ¡ª A shame that they aren''t stripped


    ¡ª Isn''t this kind of thing forbidden?


    ©¸ It is usually, but not for someone who got reported many times. They can still log out, but their avatar will remain. In short, it''s to humiliate them


    ©¸ They probably logged out already. And this only stays for 24H, a penalty for someone who got reported more than 50 times in a single day


    ©¸ I see, thanks for the insight!


    Only after Max finished his game and ended the stream did he find the thread. And he onlyughed after he looked at the screenshot.


    "Hahahaha!"


    The three trolls'' fate was decided just a few minutes after the thread blew up, making the forum aze with celebration.


    [THEY GOT BANNED! YAHOOOO!]


    ¡ª Nice!!


    ¡ª I knew it, Biozone is fast for a matter like this!


    ¡ª Hehehe, take that, Trolls! I am d Biozone take trolls seriously


    And peace returned... Or so Max hoped.

 Chapter 137: Chapter 137 – A Drama!

    Saturday, April 19th, 2045.


    Two days had passed since the troll incident that made Max get a little angry. And today, the thing that he feared before actually happened.


    A streamer called BearGuy0G, a variety streamer who often had ''Just Talk'' content with his 15K viewers and talked about news drama, suddenly brought it upst night.


    "Guys, I found this news in the Midnight Heistmunity. Biozone Entertainment''s new affiliated streamer, Breeze, got 3 guys banned because they don''t talk. It''s too much. I don''t understand why themunity supports him, as the three guys apparently just did a little bit of trolling."


    ¡ª That''s right


    ¡ª It sounds like an abuse of authority lol


    ¡ª lolol, how is he going to respond?


    ¡ª What did the three guys do to him? K1ll his mother?


    ¡ª This is too much. Getting people banned? Really? He''s too far!


    "Right? I think that he''s getting too arrogant. He just streamed for less than a month and got contracted by apany as big as Biozone. Not to mention, he looks young and inexperienced. Hehehe, if it was me, I would troll together with the three guys. Screw the game, hahaha!"


    This video was also uploaded to his Punchtube channel, which had more than 500K subscribers, with a clickbait title and a thumbnail that used Max''s face.


    [This newbie streamer has gone too far! He abused his position and got 3 guys banned from the game!]


    Because many people love juicy drama, this video that was uploaded this morning immediately blew up with more than 2 million views in a few hours.


    "Yes, please don''t worry about it. I still have my VOD in my Punch channel, and my viewers have sent some screenshots to my Strike. Thank you for the help, Mr. Taka."


    "Don''t worry, it''s part of the contract. Still, you don''t look so worried even though you got into your first scandal."


    "Hahaha, do I? Well, I am prepared to get involved in a drama since I became a streamer. Besides, this is also a chance to spread my name further. I will also try to take care of it on my part."


    "You''re not wrong. Be careful. Make sure to ask either Flexy or me before posting something. There might be a bacsh if you post anything recklessly regarding this drama."


    "I understand. Once more, thank you very much."


    "You''re wee."


    Ending the call, the hologram screen disappeared. Max rxed on his couch andy down on it.


    "Someone really did bring it up, huh?" He muttered as he looked at the ceiling.


    "Can''t say I didn''t expect this. Talking about drama is always liked by viewers, and this BearGuy0G is famous for doing that. However, it was slower than I expected. To think it took two days before someone actually made a video about it."


    Based on that fact, it was pretty slow. In his past life, he remembered that every drama would be discussed in less than 3 hours. Many videos regarding the same topic would pop up indefinitely.


    And the streamer in question was either falsely used and managed to defend themselves and grow or went down in a ditch.


    In this case, Max was the former. He only reported them in-game, and many yers whom those three guys had trolled joined the report wagon. It was their fault for making the game not fun for other yers.


    ''And I have proof that I only reported in-game. Still, these guys are really worried.''


    His notification was flooded by his friends'' worried messages. They didn''t send only one, but a lot of messages.


    [Flexy: Dude, you got into trouble, huh? How about I help?]


    [Flexy: Hey, answer me. Are you so depressed that you be the center of drama?]


    [Flexy: Fine, I will only say my stance in my stream. Don''t worry, I got your back! That BearGuy0G is nothingpared to me!]


    [StoneSword: Tell me if you need help. Don''t worry, this won''t affect your reputation much. Reporting troll yers is normal behavior. And Biozone Entertainment won''t me you for this. Rather, they will help you. I will give a word or two to my viewers to support you in the forum.]


    [LilyPixel: Are you okay? Do you needfort? I am worried.]


    [LilyPixel: My brother said he will help. Everything will be okay, don''t worry.]


    [Nina: Max, I saw a video about you! Who is that guy? How dare he make that kind of video about you? The audacity!]


    "Hahaha, it''s kinda good having friends who are worried about my well-being."


    He replied to them one by one, saying that he was doing okay and couldn''t respond earlier because he was talking to Mr. Taka. He also specifically told Nina that she shouldn''t be worried, which would only boost his poprity.


    After getting their reply back, he hummed and jumped off the couch. It was time to make breakfast.


    ''Today''s stream is about judging the video for the contest. I don''t know how BearGuy0G''s video would affect the chat, but I must be prepared to see one or two haters.''


    At times like this, loyal fans would be a great help. If he had his viewers'' contact, he could have offered them a moderator role to control the chat, which would be perfect.


    There were some candidates, but he wondered if they wanted to be one.


    ''Even if they agree, I still don''t know how to contact them.''


    After preparing breakfast, he put it in the fridge and decided to go exercise in the park. He would go to the gym in thete afternoon, as this was a cardio day and not weight lifting.


    A familiar face approached him from afar when he finished half of thep and decided to rest a little bit on a bench. She looked a bit worried and jogged once she saw him, her ponytail hair swaying following her movement.


    Stopping before him, Lily fixed her disheveled hair and greeted him.


    "Morning."


    "Good morning." Max replied to the greeting with a smile, "You''re also exercising today? I haven''t seen you in this cetely."


    "Un. I was busy with another job. Now I am free." She responded, looking at him. Noticing the sweat falling to his neck, she tilted her head slightly. "Are you done already?"


    "Half done." He stood up and stretched his body. "Do you want to run together?"


    Lily nodded repeatedly at his question, "Yes."


    There was no need for more conversation. They silently ran side by side. Max controlled his pace and matched Lily''s. He could go faster, but he doubted that she could match his max speed.


    When running, he decided to open a conversation.


    "Oh, right. I saw your final move at the V-Shelter. That was amazing."


    "Thanks¡­" She answered shyly, her cheek turned red.


    She wasn''t used to such a directpliment in real life because of her sheltered life. And no, thepliment from her brother didn''t count.


    "I used you as a reference."


    "Hahaha, I can see that. Feel free to learn what I showed in my livestream. If you need help, you can always contact me."


    "Un."


    The conversation died down once again. They continued to run after they finished their set. Then, they sat on the bench, side by side. For some reason, Lily sat a bit too close than usual and looked at Max intently.


    "Is there something in my face?"


    "No, but¡­ Are you okay? The video this morning¡­"


    "Oh, about that. I will give my response in my streamter. I have scheduled it for 10 AM because I need to review the video for my contest."


    "10 AM." Lily muttered and looked at her smartwatch. It was currently 9.30.


    She wanted to help him.


    Before she became a streamer, her brother warned her a few times to be careful not to be the center of a drama. It was dangerous and could affect her career in the long run.


    That advice came from StoneSword, who had just resolved the drama surrounding him at that time. The drama was about him being a yboy host. Her brother could resolve it easily by revealing his real identity and the fact that he already had a fiancee.


    As for the drama that involved Max this time, it was a bit tricky. ording to her brother, he probably needed third-party help to prove that he was innocent. That, or¡­ create a bigger drama.


    She knew nothing about thetter, but she was determined to help, especially since he had helped her quite a bit now. At least she could do something simple.


    ''I can attest his innocence. Max isn''t someone who would abuse his authority.'' She thought.


    Looking at him, she gathered her courage and leaned forward. Her face was close to him, taking him by surprise. And then, she asked.


    "Can Ie to your ce and join your stream again?"


    "Huh?"

 Chapter 138: Chapter 138 – Naahh, No way!

    "¡­ Come in."


    "Un¡­ Thank you."


    In the end, Max couldn''t refuse Lily barging into his new apartment. She was adamant about ''helping'' his situation and exining to his viewers that he wouldn''t do something like abusing his position.


    ''She has a nice intention, so it''s hard to stop her. Besides, watching videos by myself is boring. It''s nice to havepany.''


    Before going to his apartment earlier, Lily bought a new set of clothes and changed her sweaty exercise clothes. She was now wearing a navy blue oversized shirt that reached her knees and a baseball cap. Her hair was also let down. It was a simple outfit, but she still looked charming in it.


    "Have you eaten breakfast yet, Lily?"


    "No¡­ I was thinking of ordering a sd or something."


    "Then, that''s perfect."


    Max smiled as he walked to the kitchen that was connected to the living room.


    "Feel free to sit anywhere. I will prepare some breakfast and drink for both of us. We should eat before I start my stream. Besides¡­ I still needed to change my clothes afterward."


    "Thank you."


    He began to take out the breakfast he prepared earlier and made some tea for themselves. Preparing it was easy, as it was just a simple sd. He just added the caesar sauce he bought from the grocery store, and it was done.


    "Thanks for waiting."


    He put two bowls on the table and sat on the sofa next to Lily. They began to eat in silence. It was a bit sad. If only they didn''t need to take care of their calories, Max would''ve gone all out and prepared some good meals.


    After finishing eating, he went to his room to change his clothes. When he opened his closet, he saw the box where he saved the miracle ticket inside. This was the reason why he wasn''t worried at all, even if he became the center of the new drama.


    Based on its description, the miracle ticket was a way out to settle all his matters. However, he wouldn''t use it. It was a waste of such a good item. Also¡­


    <Quest:


    - Drama King?!


    Being involved or bing the center of attention because of a blunder is something normal for a streamer.


    It might be the fall or the growth spurt, depending on how you settle it. As a streamer, you should''ve found the way out yourself.


    Use this drama to progress and spread your streamer name without using a miracle ticket.


    Progress: 0/1


    Reward: 3x C-Grade nutritional supplement.


    Deadline: 1/3 days


    Failure toplete this mission will result in your streamer''s reputation. Bad rumors that will hinder your growth will spread in themunity. The system judges this is enough penalty.>


    He finally got another quest after a few days. There was no way he would waste this chance.


    ''The reward is good. The effect of the B-Grade nutritional supplement from before has been dismissed slightly. I should be able to stream longer with a C-Grade supplement.''


    By no means was the reward big, but it was what he needed the most to get used to his SR faster. The system really looked out for him.


    And because he got the quest yesterday when BearGuy0G talked about it in his stream, the deadline had advanced slightly. In short, he just had 2 days to settle this drama, or he would fail to prove himself. And the system didn''t seem to add more penalties this time.


    ''Well, I can only do my best.''


    Thinking so, he looked at the mirror. His appearance was neat and looked good. His hair was alsobed perfectly. Because this was his 3rd stream IRL, he wanted to look as good as possible. Not to mention, Lily would be there with him.


    ''At least I want to match her beautiful appearance. When my viewers see her appearance IRL, I bet they will make a fuss again.''


    After everything was ready, he returned to the living room. When he walked back, he could hear a soft tune in the air.


    "Hmm~ L~"


    A soft, melodic voice reached his ear. He thought it was¡­ beautiful. When he got into the living room, he saw Lily on the balcony, facing outside with a bright smile. Her face, lit by sunlight, looked like an angel.


    "L~ Hmm¡­ huh?"


    Noticing his figure, she stopped humming. She turned around and entered the living room, closing the sliding ss behind her.


    She looked at his appearance before nodding, "You look ready."


    Max was frozen for a while. He felt his heart beating a bit faster. It was¡­ something mysterious for him. But it was something familiar.


    ''What the¡­'' He screamed in his mind. Blood rushed into his head, making his face turn slightly red, and he hid it with his hand. ''Naaaah, dude¡­ Really? Am I such an easy guy?''


    He knew what happened. However, he couldn''t believe it.


    "Max?"


    Lily called out to him once again because he was spacing out.


    "Ah," That voice brought him back to reality, "My bad, I was spacing out. I am ready to stream now. There are around 100 videos that I must watch and judge. It may take a long time. So, don''t hesitate to tell me if you''re tired or want to go home. That''s perfectly fine."


    "No worries, I am free. I can apany you until midnight if the need arises."


    ''That''s not it¡­'' Max held back from sighing.


    It seemed like she misunderstood what he implied. Her face was brightly lit with expectation, like a kid excited to go on a school trip.


    ''She''s so pure. Does she not realize that she''s alone with a guy in his apartment? Not like I will do anything, but still¡­''


    If that was her stance, then he would just respect it. He sighed and went to move the sofas, preparing it to where he made his video a few days ago.


    Watching him pushing the couch, Lily decided to help. Thanks to that, the preparation was finished just a few minutes after 10 AM. He was a bitte, but it was understandable.


    Both of them sat side by side, separated by a small table. The camera was ready, and the wireless microphone was working. Furthermore, he had already set the clickbait title as usual.


    [Judging videos in the contest! Ask me anything! #JustChatting #VideoContest #EditorContest #Contest #BreezeContest #EditorBreeze]


    Yes, he purposely did not add any drama in the title or something to show that he didn''t care. But¡­ if the viewer brought it upter, he would talk about it.


    ''It''s a trick often used by streamers back then. Heh, I don''t care about drama because I do nothing. But if my silence makes you assume something bad, then I will talk. Or something along those lines.''


    He was prepared.


    "I will start the stream."


    "Alright. I am ready."

 Chapter 139: Chapter 139 – Organized Drama, Framing?!

    Once the stream started, the viewers started to pour in. Due to the drama, many people had been waiting for Max to start his stream.


    Thus, the viewers gathering in his stream and watching the loading screen have already broken more than 12K. This wasn''t the peak yet. Usually, it would still increase until he was an hour into his stream. Only then would it stabilize until he finished.


    "There are many people¡­"


    "It is. I don''t expect to get this much audience in a morning stream."


    BearGuy0G''s video influence was clearly shown. Some of those 12K viewers must be haters. It was also apparent in chat.


    ¡ª Yooo, is this the guy?


    ¡ª He''s streaming now? How can he report yers because he didn''t like them?


    ¡ª Guys, I think we''re being raided. Who the heck are they?


    ¡ª Exin why you reported them! It''s unfair!


    ¡ª This noble me is confused. What the heck is going on? I just finished uploading my contest piece!


    ¡ª Those guys are capping. Go away if you just want drama. There is nothing wrong with Breeze!


    [Ddddmaaa has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [I have watched BearGuy0G''s video. Is that video true?]


    Max looked at the chat and sighed. It brought too many curious people, more than what he liked.


    ''I can only exin it to them before starting. And maybe ban some buzzers.''


    He nced at Lily, worried at how she reacted to seeing the chat. And¡­ just as expected. She looked angry.


    "They don''t know anything. Ma¨C Breeze, what are you going to do to them?" She turned to him and asked.


    "Let''s change the screen, and I will do the intro. Ah, will you introduce yourself too? It''s your first appearance IRL, after all."


    "Un, I can do that."


    "Great. After that, I will briefly exin my stance about this drama and proceed to judge the video. The screens in front of us will be for us to see, and the two behind us will be for the viewers." He pointed at the four hologram screens floating around him as he exined.


    Signaling that she understood, Lily held her cheeks and grabbed them, moving them around with her hands before settling with a smile. That was a truly unique way to prepare herself, he thought.


    He also smiled friendly before changing the streaming stream to the camera.


    "Hello, guys! Hahaha, we are back to my stream! It''s a crowded morning. How are you? I hope you guys are fine because I am not. Thankfully, I have my friend with me to make me feel better." He looked at Lily, signaling that it was her turn to introduce herself.


    "Lily Spencer, the daughter of the Spencer family. I am¡­ Breeze''s friend."


    Max indeed asked her to introduce herself, but not her real name. He looked at her in disbelief, but she kept smiling as the chat moved in a different direction.


    ¡ª Spencer Family?


    ¡ª Holy sh¨C What the hell?!


    ¡ª Spencer, as in, that spencer? The one who owned Spencer Capsule Company?


    ¡ª What does this mean¡­


    ¡ª Dufus! She''s StoneSword''s sister, so of course, she''s also a Spencer! Did you forget the drama a year ago?


    ¡ª What does that mean here? That doesn''t change that guy''s involvement that resulted in 3 guys getting banned from ying games released by Biozone!


    ''Wait a minute.''


    Reading thest chat, Max came to a stop.


    ''They are banned from ying all games released by Biozone Entertainment?''


    He honestly didn''t know about this. He thought those guys were only banned from ying Midnight Heist. Even Mr. Taka informed him that way when he called earlier this morning.


    The three trolls were banned from Midnight Heist and given a warning, but they were not banned from ying the other games.


    From this chat alone, he suddenly understood what happened. This was organized to either frame him or get views from a rising streamer. The trolls were still trying to troll him even though they got banned from one game. This time, with the help of BearGuy0G.


    If it was truly like that, he couldn''t answer easily. He would drag this for as long as he could while waiting for an actual proof or statement from Biozone.


    "Ddddmma, thank you for the donation. What video? I haven''t watched any videos on Punchtubetely because of the contest. Well, I see many new people are here, so it''s no surprise. Wee. I will judge the videos uploaded for my contest now.


    Hehe, it will be a long stream, so bear with me."


    ¡ª Yeah, Breeze said he won''t watch or open Punchtube before today


    ¡ª Shut up, buzzers! Those guys aren''t banned from Biozone games, only Midnight Heist. Many people reported them for trolling!


    ¡ª Trolling is the worst, for real. It can even make one quit gaming. It''s good that the trolls are banned from one game¡­ No, I hope they get banned from ying VR games altogether!


    ¡ª Just watch, will you?!


    ¡ª That''s a lie. How can he be oblivious of the drama involving him? I don''t believe it


    ¡ª Do you think something that BearGuy0G uploaded is of any significance to Biozone? No


    ¡ª BearGuy0G from before has gone. Now he only uploaded drama, some of which are fabricated


    [BloodSucker has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [You guys are fools! Breeze has no need to report them directly. This noble me can report it himself and they will get banned! You dogs are barking at the wrong tree!]


    [FreakingNoob has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [I was the one who tied those trolls. From what I know in the forum, they only got banned in MidnightHeist and no other games. And yes, many yers in themunity reported them for trolling. We have proof.]


    [LovelyOtter has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [Breeze¡­ Fight! There is nothing going on, just go review the first video hehehe¡­]


    Pretending to be oblivious to BearGuy0G''s video was probably the only thing he could do now until someone brought it up again. He had no proof that the trolls weren''t banned in other games. His credibility with those strangers was absolutely 0.


    Thus¡­ he secretly sent a message to Mr. Taka, asking for confirmation that the three trolls were only banned from Midnight Heist and not other games.


    Thankfully, his viewers helped him fight the buzzers who believed BearGuy0G and the trolls.


    "Well, it seems like something I didn''t know happened. Those who know can link it to my Strike ount. For now, let''s get into the first video. Lily, which one do you want to watch first?"


    The hologram screen in front of Max widened and showed a variety of videos with #BreezeContest and #EditorBreeze in their titles. The thumbnail was also varied; some used V-Shelter, and some used Knight Journey.


    There was one who used his Midnight Heist''s footage. Apparently, Lily was interested in that and pointed at it.


    "What about that¡­ Umm, NightyThief? The one with 240K views."


    ¡ª NightyThief''s video? I watched it and it''s good! He can edit for real


    ¡ª Oh, I know this thief! He loves prop hunt and thief videos a lot. To think he will fan-edit Breeze''s content


    ¡ª #BreezeContest, so he only aimed for the contest and not the editor position


    ¡ª Let''s watch it. I also didn''t watch the videos for today!


    The haters'' chat was buried by his real viewers. They were impatient, waiting for the judging process and watching the videos together. It could even be called a watch party now.


    "So this guy is that good? Let''s watch the video. I have prepared my notes to judge and give him points!" He brought up a small hologram screen,plete with the keyboard, in front of him. "Without further ado, let''s y the video!"


    As soon as he said that, he pressed the y button. Suspenseful music rang from the speaker.


    Dum¡­ Dum dum dum!


    The screen faded in from ck, showing an urban bank from the sky. And then, it showed Max''s masked character looking at the bank in the distance.


    "A thief, huh? Let''s do this."


    ***


    Author''s Note:


    Hehehe, mass release time! 3 chapters more for today!

 Chapter 140: Chapter 140 – Judging Videos

    The screen froze, and Max''s character was outlined with bright light. A rope dragged a square sign from the side with Breeze written on it with a neon light.


    And then¡­


    Bam!


    "NightyThief present¡­ Midnight Heist!"


    A loud explosion rang, and the Midnight Heist''s logo, a ck mask in front of a white police badge, appeared in the middle of the screen, in front of a ck background.


    Following the ck screen was the figure of him running through the roof, jumping around, and leaping through the air. He seemed to enjoy it, and when he got close to the bank, his appearance changed to an unassuming guest.


    It was all one smooth operation, to the point that the viewers didn''t notice the scene had been cut.


    In an ordinary man''s appearance, Max smiled and walked at the same pace as the other NPCs. He brushed past the police but didn''t say or do anything. Walking and stopping was what the NPC did in Midnight Heist. Those who could do that were guaranteed never to get found out.


    Stopping at an inconspicuous ce, he put his hand on his ear and contacted the other thieves.


    "RabbitOne here. I''ve secured the key to the vault. It''s on the fourth windowsill on the third floor."


    (RabbitTwo, roger. Security has been turned off.)


    (RabbitThree on the way. I''ve secured the key and am on my way to the vault.)


    (RabbitFour here. No police on the west getaway point. One police officer is holding on the east.)


    Themunication was clear, and the scene changed. It showed RabbitTwo and RabbitThree, the two people with brown monkey masks, entering the vault and taking a painting from it. Once the painting was taken out of it, the rm red loudly.


    "RabbitTwo and Three has secured the painting. RabbitOne, please make an escape."


    After a close-up look, the screen changed to show Max once again. It was a panning shot from a high angle, showing a white-masked individual running out of the bank while two police with guns chased after him.


    "Already on it. I managed to get two police officers and am now going to the west getaway. They are shooting at me!"


    Voomp! Voomp!


    The police shot beams toward him, but he managed to dodge them by zigzagging. The speed of the beam wasn''t as fast as a real bullet. And even if he got hit, he would only slow down and not exactly die or get caught.


    "Stop right there!"


    "Stop your way!"


    The police shouted at once, still shooting their guns toward him.


    Smirking underneath his mask, he looked over his shoulders.


    "Nobody will stop when you tell them to!"


    His white mask glowed brightly, and then his speed suddenly increased. He leaped over the fence and easily climbed the roof through the stacking boxes. The police stopped for a little, perplexed by his movement, but then chased after him again.


    When they managed to get to the roof, they were suddenly greeted by two simr people running side by side. Their movements were mimicked perfectly to the point where they couldn''t be differentiated.


    "What the?!" One of the police said, but the others quickly shouted.


    "It''s a clown mask ability! Just shoot both of them!"


    "A-Alright!"


    Pulling the trigger, the police shot the two running men. The beam flew in the air and perfectlynded on their back. And then¡­


    Poof! Bang!


    The two masked men disappeared with a bright light and a loud sound, blinding them and making them deaf.


    When that happened, two people in monkey masks passed by them from the ground whileughing.


    "Hhehehehe."


    "That was easy, lololol."


    They met up with Max and the clown mask before entering a hovercar waiting for them. The camera panned out to the sky, showing the confused police officers.


    "Presented by¡­ NightyThief!"


    The video ended with that. It was all like a movie trailer, making one curious about the next story. No part of it was wasted with useless scenes. It was madepact and showed only the exciting point.


    While the video itself was only five minutes long, it was still really good.


    "That''s the first video. That looks like a movie trailer if I say it myself. The way he edited and outlined my character to introduce me is also good. I will give it 85 out of 100. A really solidpetition right from the start, huh?" Max said as he noted the channel name, title, and score.


    Then he looked at Lily.


    "What do you think about that video, Lily?"


    "Hmm, 76. He can delete a few effects, such as that outline. It''s distracting. The editing is also pretty simple, although the transition is good. So only 76 from me." She said.


    ¡ª How harsh!


    ¡ª lolol she only gave 76


    ¡ª It was a good video, but maybe she gave it a lower score because it''s the first


    ¡ª Harsh Lily! Like it. Please be harsh on me too!


    It sounded a bit harsh, but that was already a good score for the first video.


    Besides, Lily had seen many beautiful edits in thest two years of her career as a music producer. She naturallypared this fan edit to those and gave a slightly lower score than what it was worth.


    ''It''s a contest, right? Leave it to me. I will do it seriously.'' She thought as she looked at Max.


    As for Max himself, he only chuckled at her harsh scoring. In the end, only his opinion mattered, though he was grateful that she tried to help.


    ''She''s also not wrong with her score. But the contestant only has 3 days to edit, so this is good enough.''


    NightyThief''s video was worthy of uploading. That was what was important.


    "76, huh? Hahaha, you''re really strict at judging the video, Lily. But well, we can use that as a standard of this contest then. If it''s worse than the first video, I will also give it a lower score." He said.


    "Un, I will too." Lily added, "Does this person have a second video?"


    "Yes, every participant can upload up to two. Let''s watch his second video then."


    Saying so, he controlled the screen and watched NightyThief''s second video. It was another Midnight Heist, and the footage used was Max''s first gamey.


    Compared to the first video, itcked the tension and excitement. The editing was also simpler as if he had just uploaded this for views.


    In the end, Max gave it 73, while Lily gave it 61. No oneined because they also thought itcked something. And then, the judging process went uninterrupted as the haters'' chat was buried among the other viewers''.

 Chapter 141: Chapter 141 – Breeze’s Stance [1]

    Two hours had passed since they watched NightyThief''s video. Lunchtime had arrived, so they took a break first and ordered lunch.


    While waiting, Max recounted some of the videos he watched earlier.


    "I didn''t think that half of them were just funny videos, hahaha. But the others are pretty good, although no one beats NightyThief''s video for now."


    "Un, agreed. That''s why you stopped scoring them midway, right?"


    "It was just too much¡­" He shrugged his shoulders, "I should just mark whichever looks good. Though I must admit, you guys have a talent for editing. We will continue watching the others after lunch. Man, I am too hungry."


    With that, he changed the stream screen into aption of the videos he had just watched earlier and muted his microphone.


    ¡ª Hahaha, Iughed when I saw the video where you slipped. It was part of your Lobby footage


    ¡ª That was so funny lolol, I subscribed to that channel!


    ¡ª The way you failed in the footage is so funny. But how could you never fail at the games?


    ¡ª I must say that I was surprised. I thought you finished your parkour video in one go, and I thought it would take a few takes like that.


    ¡ª Breeze, who works hard, is nice. I don''t understand why people said he abused his position


    ¡ª For haters, look at his hard work! There is no way someone like him is abusing his position. It must''ve taken him a lot to get a contract! Don''t say he abused his position or got a contract through nepotism!


    ¡ª Tsk! Those guys never understand people who work hard and only love drama.


    And because the video was paused, the chat began to talk about the drama involving him again. It was even more intense than before because the viewers had reached more than 15K, surpassing the highest number ever for this channel.


    ''It''s begun.'' Max thought as he saw the chat. ''I will let them talk for now and pretend that I see the video while having lunch. Mr. Taka also has sent me the official statement that Midnight Heist''s ount ns to post.''


    [Mr. Taka: Only show this in your stream. We will post it at 1 PM in Midnight Heist''s ount. [file.txt]]


    That was what he sent. A simple message. But this would turn the situation 180 if released.


    "Max."


    Lily called out to him as he fell into deep thoughts. He turned toward her, and she continued.


    "Can we get noodles for lunch? I¡­ tried and took a liking to the restaurant where you stream before."


    "Do you mean Rush Noodle?" He asked.


    "Un. I went there with my brother a day after your stream. It was delicious." She said while sping her hands¡ªa happy smile on her face.


    "The waitress was also kind. I requested a new menu, blue noodles, and they tried it. It''s too bad that it wasn''t fit to enter the menu. ording to the waitress, it wasn''t up to standard."


    Hearing that, Max''s smile became strained. He found the culprit behind that strange request that made him vomit in his toilet and upset his stomach for a whole day.


    ''So she was the cute customer that requested that menu!''


    Knowing that didn''t change anything, but at least his curiosity was sated.


    "What do you want to eat? I will order it to be delivered."


    "The green one, with many scallions."


    "Spinach noodles? Are you actually going to eat that?"


    "It''s healthy." Lily said with a straight face, "And delicious."


    "Fine. I will get a pork chopbo then."


    He contacted Nina and told her that he had ordered those two foods and whether it was possible.


    The energetic girl told him it was not a problem and that she would deliver it to his apartment with a drone service. He thanked her and waited for it while talking with Lily about his n to confront the drama after lunch.


    "I will help to attest to your innocence too."


    "I appreciate it. If I am a bit troubled, I will count on you."


    Ding dong!


    As he talked, a bell rang from outside his balcony. Looking over, he saw a drone dropping a packet slowly on the table before leaving.


    "That must be our lunch."


    Just as he had expected, it was truly the lunch he ordered from Nina. They ate together, and that was when Max realized that Lily truly liked the spinach noodles that tasted like sadness. She had a bright expression as she slurped the noodles down her throat.


    ''I don''t understand why she likes it so much. It''s delicious, but not that good.''


    After eating, he tidied the ce and made it presentable again. He also had Lily clean her face, which got oil from eating messily, before restarting the stream. Everything took an hour, and the chat was still talking about the drama.


    ¡ª There is no official statement either. I don''t think this banned incident is fair!


    ¡ª Dude, they are trolls! I also reported them. I believe all the people in the Midnight Heist Lobby two days ago also reported them. It''s natural that they get banned!


    ¡ª Banned from one game is one, but BearGuy0G said they are also banned from all games released by Biozone


    ¡ª I don''t believe it. I saw the stream, and Breeze only reported them through an in-game feature


    ¡ª Just don''t talk about it. STOP!


    ¡ª STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP


    It was like a catfight. He smirked when he saw the chat and his viewers count. It stayed at 14K, even though he only showed a rey from earlier.


    ncing at Lily, he gestured that he would change the screen. She nodded and frowned as she opened a hologram screen featuring BearGuy0G''s video.


    It floated behind them, and could be seen from the camera.


    Everything was set, and he changed the screen.


    "Hello, guys. We''re back."


    Max''s voice was different from usual; there was a hint of disappointment and anger in it. He looked at the camera with a soft smile that hid that emotion.


    ¡ª Oh


    ¡ª Wee back!


    ¡ª That video, have you watched it?


    ¡ª Finally. What''s your stance on that drama, Breeze??


    ¡ª You can''t run anymore now!


    ¡ª Tell us, why are you abusing your authority?


    "Calm down." He said calmly, "And yes, I did watch it earlier with Lily. And to be honest, I haven''t heard such bullshit in my life. Nepotism? Abusing my authority? Heh, that was the funniest shit that I have heard since I started streaming."


    A smirk appeared on his face as he crossed his legs.


    "Let me say this. How can I do nepotism when I have no connection? I started my stream with a VR capsule provided by the government because I was poor. I have no parents, and my only friend is a waitress in her restaurant. I said this not to get your pity, okay?


    "And abusing my authority? Was it because I said I would report them to Biozone Entertainment directly? Dude, I don''t think you have enough humor. Go and touch the grass. That was obviously a joke, and I only reported them using the in-game feature. I also never told my viewers to report them."


    ¡ª That''s no way


    ¡ª Huh? Breeze was telling us his past?


    ¡ª What''s the rtion of that with abusing your authority? You can be poor and still abuse it!


    ¡ª I don''t think this is the poor man''s apartment


    ¡ª You know what? I don''t believe it. The one sitting beside him is Spencer!


    "So what if I am a daughter of the Spencer Family? I met Breeze in the park and asked him to teach me wall run."


    Lily sounded offended by thest chat.


    "And I have no rtionship with Biozone Entertainment. What I know about Breeze is that he''s kind. He won''t abuse anything. My brother once offered something bigger than a Biozone contract, and he refused. He loves streaming, and that''s what matters."


    Max was a little bit surprised by her statement. That never happened. StoneSword never offered him anything at all. But that was what he needed.


    "Calm down, Lily." He whispered. "Let me take care of this."


    "But, they¨C"


    "I have this, okay?" He interjected with a smile. Then, he looked at the camera and pointed at the screen showing BearGuy0G''s video, "What I said is, this video is bullshit. The trolls were also banned only in Midnight Heist because many people reported them. They weren''t banned in other games at all."


    ¡ª Look at them.


    ¡ª Maidenless Breeze? Damn! I said that he''s not maidenless anymore


    ¡ª *Whistle whistle* Damn guy! He secretly made a move!


    ¡ª What are you guys talking about?


    [BearGuy0G has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [You said I am talking bullshit? You have no proof to back up your statement while I have!]


    ¡ª Ooh! He appeared!


    ¡ª BearGuy, told him! This nepotism bastard!


    After a while, the video creator appeared. It was what Max had been waiting for.

 Chapter 142: Chapter 142 – Breeze’s Stance [2]

    In all other dramas, when BearGuy0G was called out, he would always appear in the chat to defend himself. It was his strategy to get more views by leeching of streamers'' poprity. And if he was greeted with a rude remark, then he would create a new video using that reaction.


    So, Max didn''t react too much to his provocation. Instead, he answered calmly.


    "Proof?" He smirked and opened another hologram screen, showing off the statement given by Mr. Taka. "I have it right here. Don''t say bullshit if you only have the statement from the trolls, you idiot."


    The statement had a copyrighted Biozone Entertainment logo, which couldn''t be shown without their approval. There was someone who tried to fake Biozone''s statement once, and that guy ended up in jail for 5 years for fraud.


    And so, almost everyone didn''t doubt the statements that he made. On top of that¡­


    [Biozone Entertainment Official has donated 10,000 diamonds.]


    [We do not condone any troll''s behavior. We have received more than 500 reports against MonsterMania, Grommy, SittingDuckk, and so we banned them from Midnight Heist. The official statement will be uploaded on our page shortly. And the one currently shown on the screen is authentic.]


    With Biozone Entertainment''s official ount backing up the im, no one could say anything anymore.


    Everyone was surprised, including Max. He didn''t expect to get help like this. But then¡­ Mr. Taka said that the Biozone would support him in any way possible if he got into trouble and wasn''t at fault.


    "Thank you for the confirmation, Biozone." He said, smiling slightly. "I believe this is enough proof already. I can''t convince everyone, but I have proved that I didn''t report it to Biozone and they are only banned in the Midnight Heist."


    ¡ª We believe you!


    ¡ª BearGuy, just stop. You only embarrass yourself!


    ¡ª Let''s continue with the video Breeze! I am curious about the winner!


    [BloodSucker has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Heh! This noble me has known it. Just watch my video next, it will be amazing! Start with the one with the number 1.]


    ¡ª Heh, we don''t doubt you.


    ¡ª ¡­ I will try to ask them again.


    "Yes, you should," Max replied to BearGuy0G, who appeared in chat again. Then, he smirked and stroked his chin. "And Sucker, are you that confident? Just because it''s yours, I will give you points. But I doubt you will get more than 80 points. My friend here is so harsh."


    Lily nodded at his words, "I am not biased."


    "Neither do I." He chuckled while trying to find BloodSucker''s video. That man was so confident and even requested to be judged next, so he had high expectations.


    After scrolling for a while, he finally found it. It used the #BreezeEditor hashtag, which means BloodSucker was applying for the editor position.


    "Oh, this is the first video with #BreezeEditor. I know you want to support me but to think that you also applied to be my editor is amazing. Tsundere BloodSucker."


    ¡ª Huh?


    ¡ª What does tsundere mean?


    ¡ª BloodSucker can''t be honest with his support. Is that called tsundere


    ¡ª What does that mean?


    ¡ª This noble me isn''t a tsundere! But what does that mean?


    "Tsundere?" Lily tilted her head cutely as she looked at Max.


    It seemed like no one knew what that meant in this world. They were confused and waited for his exnation.


    Raising his finger, he exined it.


    "That means he can''t be honest with his feelings. Like, for example. There is a girl who loves a guy, but she says she hates him and always punches him. Then, that girl would regret her decision alone, telling herself why she couldn''t be honest. That''s called tsundere."


    "I see¡­ So this BloodSucker is a tsundere?" Lily nodded in understanding.


    "Yes. That exins his act a lot."


    ¡ª True


    ¡ª That exins BloodSucker a lot


    ¡ª EXCUSE ME?! Who is BloodSucker?


    ¡ª Young uns¡­ Lemme tell you about a tale of someone who gave the highest donation to Breeze. It starts with¡­


    ¡ª One day¡­ I don''t know why¡­


    ¡ª Does it even matter? Just start this noble me''s video!


    "Hahaha, alright. It seems that you used my Knight''s Journey video for the first video. Let''s start with that."


    The video started with a tutorial, showing Max''s confused and surprised face when he watched the knight in front of him get killed by an arrow.


    "What¡­"


    A stupefied voice escaped his lips.


    All useless dialogue was cut off after that, and the screen changed.


    Max could be seen standing in the middle of the battlefield, with many weapons surrounding him. The confused look disappeared, leaving only confidence. The corpse of a giant man was beside him, with his blood still trickled down to the ground.


    "Sir Breeze!"


    "All hail, Sir Breeze! Trouser has died. Kill all barbarians!"


    "We will kill everyone!!"


    "Rami Kingdom, all hail!"


    Standing behind the troops, he exhaled a hot breath. His bloodied face, which came from the enemy, made him look like a hardened veteran. He picked a rusted sword from the ground and held it tightly. His muscles were showing underneath his armor.


    And then, he threw the sword. The camera followed it, with the effect of splitting wind. It had a much more impact when it pierced a barbarian''s head and blew him away.


    The camera panned back to Max, showing a grin. He already had another weapon in his hand, a short spear. The de was shiny, reflecting the harsh sunlight from above. When he threw it, a glint filled the camera. The next thing that happened was clear. The short spear pierced another barbarian''s head.


    It kept happening as the camera showed Max''s figure. He threw weapons without stopping. His figure reflected the visage of a god of war. Augh became the background sound. And then, he threw his axe.


    That became the next transition. The scenery changed as he could be seen running in a dense forest without sunlight. Wolves were chasing after him, barking and howling loudly as their hungry gazes focused on him.


    He climbed the tree without stopping.


    "See ya, hahahaha!"


    With a timely skip, it looked as if he immediately moved and didn''t spend time sitting on the tree. Soon, the screen was filled with light, and the scenery changed into a beautiful mountain pass showing a frontier town near the beach.


    A satisfied smile appeared on Max''s face as he walked toward the cliff''s edge and sat down, feeling the soft breeze and the swaying grass.


    The video ended with that. It was just a simple concept, but¡­ It had a story, unlike the other videos.


    "It''s amazing."


    "Un. It''s pretty amazing." Lily also praised it. "I give it 92." She continued, surprising everyone.


    ¡ª LET''S GOOOOO


    ¡ª SUCKER! SUCKER! SUCKER!


    ¡ª GODDAMN! You''re so good dude!


    ¡ª That was amazing. It summed up Breeze''s Knight''s Journey in just a few minutes!


    ¡ª Holy hell! I would love to watch a video like this again


    ¡ª This sucker is unexpectedly talented at video editing and scripting!


    [LovelyOtter has donated 300 diamonds!]


    [That was good! I almost cried.]


    [wudneiaos has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [This bloodsucker guy is good.]


    Everyone praised the sucker, who unexpectedly edited a good video. They had low expectations for him, mainly because of how he usually acted.


    But the result was amazing, the best out of everyone. If it waspared to the best before, NightyThief''s video, it was still high up. It was as ifparing the ground and a ceiling.


    And all the praise went into BloodSucker''s head as he made another donation.


    [BloodSucker has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Heh! Now you guys know about my greatness! Behold my editing skills, peasants! Now, enjoy my second video as well!]


    "Kuh, I need to praise your skill. I indeed have underestimated you." Max said, acting defeated. "Let''s see if your second video is better than your first one! But even so, you will only get one reward!"


    With newfound expectations after watching the amazing video, he started BloodSucker''s second video.

 Chapter 143: Chapter 143 – Not Finished Yet

    BloodSucker''s second video was¡­ funny. It took V-Shelter Survival, Max''s viin arc, as the main attraction.


    When Max trapped Flexy with Crawler, he even put devil horns and a moving tail as a part of editing, making it funnier. The viewers, as well as Max and Lily,ughed when they watched it. The editing style differed from the first video but was as entertaining.


    There were too many videos that didn''t seem to end.


    300 videos entered the contest, and around 66 videos applied for the editor position. Watching them all took time, even though most of them were only 3 minutes long. He couldn''t finish it in one day as he was already tired.


    Lily also looked tired and weary. She even took breaks many times, moved around the living room, and even hummed a few times to get rid of the boredom.


    Not only that, his viewer count also decreased to 11K. It showed that his content became more tedious and boring as time passed.


    So, when it was already 6 PM, he decided to stop.


    "It''s just too much! I only watched around half of the video. Guys, I don''t think I can finish my judging today, so I will announce the result in two days, on 21st April." He said.


    ¡ª True¡­


    ¡ª It''s your longest stream yet. Good job


    ¡ª Man, those videos are something. I think the most interesting ones are still NightyThief and BloodSucker. They are amazing


    ¡ª At the start, it''s interesting. But more and more simr videos appeared, and it became boring


    ¡ª Please, Breeze! Make a good decision! You can do it!


    ¡ª Good luck with watching the rest, hahaha!


    "Thank you, guys. I really need that." Heughed bitterly. "Anyway, it''s nice to stream this long. I will see you tomorrow!"


    "See you tomorrow," Lily added and waved her hand at the camera. Her lips tugged up into a relieved smile as everything was finally over.


    ¡ª Bye!


    ¡ª See you tomorrow!


    ¡ª Ah, tired Lily is also still cute


    ¡ª Breeze! See you tomorrow!


    ¡ª Cyaaa


    [Livestream ended!]


    "Fuu¡­ That was tiring. Are you okay, Lily? Do you need an eye freshener?"


    As soon as he ended the stream, Max exhaled his exhaustion and leaned against the soft sofa. Not only was his mind exhausted, but he was also tired from sitting for a long time.


    "I am fine. I was used to watching a hologram screen for a long time without resting. But¡­ I was a bit bored midway because the videos were all simr to each other."


    "Right¡­ Personally, I also thought there were only a few good ones."


    What theycked wasn''t a good editing application, hardware, or even skill but individuality. There was nothing catchy about their editing style, and it was as if they were using the sameyout and tutorial to make their videos.


    Copy-pasting might be the right word.


    He looked at Lily, who wiped her sweat using her sleeves, and asked.


    "Do you want to have dinner?"


    "I would like to, but I have a n at 8 PM." She replied with an apologetic face. "Sorry."


    "No, it''s okay." He smiled at her, hiding his disappointment. "At least, allow me to escort you home. Is it far from here?"


    "My brother will pick me up in a few minutes, so you also don''t need to escort me." She looked at her smartwatch and stood up. Then, she smiled at him. "I am grateful for just your thoughts. Still, in the end, I also couldn''t help much. Once again, I am sorry."


    "No, no, no. You helped a lot just by being here. I am d that you apany me in my stream."


    He wasn''t lying. For him, the only reason he kept his calm earlier was Lily. He controlled his emotions better because he didn''t want to show his bad side. And having someone when you were down felt better than being alone.


    Just as she said earlier, StoneSword was waiting for her outside the apartment in his hovercar. Max waved at him from the balcony and apanied her to the ground floor.


    The veteran streamer approached him as Lily entered the hovercar without hesitation.


    "I see that Biozone has made an official statement earlier."


    He said, his lips curled into a friendly smile.


    "But don''t lower your guard and make a new mistake for now. BearGuy0G is someone nasty who loves to create drama for viewers. I was once his target, and it was a pain to resolve it while maintaining my image."


    "I know. I will try to keep my image and not do anything stupid." Max nodded at StoneSword''s warning. He knew better than anyone that this drama hadn''t been resolved yet.


    ''My quest isn''t finished yet.'' He thought as he looked at the system screen.


    Reward: 3x C-Grade nutritional supplement.


    Deadline: 1/3 days


    ¡­>


    "That''s great. I am d you''re not like those streamers who underestimate drama. It can lead to one''s downfall, believe it or not. Once again, be careful. Feel free to ask for my help too if you need it."


    StoneSword patted his shoulder before walking to the hovercar where Lily had been waiting. The window was lowered down, and she waved her hand at him from inside.


    "See you."


    He waved back at her and watched the car leave. It disappeared in the intersection. Only then did he return to his apartment and continue watching the video from his contest. He wanted to finish it as soon as possible and settle the drama as fast as possible to get his reward.


    ***


    Inside a public Lobby called Night Life, four individuals using anonymous appearances sat on the corner of a club. They were all wearing the same clothes: a red hoodie and ck pants.


    Without a doubt, they were totally suspicious. But finding a group like them was normal in this public Lobby. Sometimes, people just want to whine and rant about something without getting their identity exposed. And sometimes, they were talking about ominous topics.


    "Biozone Entertainment has released a statement faster than I thought. And that guy''s viewers trust him a little bit too much."


    "Can''t you do something, OG? That bastard made everyone report us and stop our project."


    "It''s not even halfway done."


    The first and second guys said to the one with the biggest build among them.


    "I do have a n." The guy with a big build said, leaning forward. "But it''s a bit risky. It may ruin my reputation if this doesn''t work. And to be honest, I don''t know whether it would work or not."


    The three guys looked at each other before turning back to the one they called OG.


    "So you mean we need to pay more?"


    "I am d you''re such a quick thinker," OG smirked. "You want to put dirt in his reputation, no?"


    "Yeah, we do." The first guy answered, "But tell us what you have in mind first. We won''t pay unless you tell us."


    "Alright. I said that it was difficult, but that''s only because we have no material to ruin his reputation. But¡­" He paused a little, and his grin widened. "If we have none, we can just create it. Remember the girl with him?"


    "That LilyPixel? Or rather, her name is Lily Spencer, right?"


    "Yes, that girl." OG nodded, "We can use her to create a new drama, saying that he used her to threaten Biozone. But! Because the risk is too great, I want two times from before." He raised his fingers, creating a V shape.


    Once again, the anonymous guys looked at each other. The n they heard wasn''t really good, but it was better than nothing.


    They decided to ept OG''s proposition and continued with that.


    ***


    The next morning, Max saw that BearGuy0G''s channel suddenly uploaded a new video without streaming. And the title was probably the wildest one among his past videos.


    [Breeze and Lily Spencer. What''s their rtionship?! The Spencer daughter scandal and the banned guys'' response. IT''S SHOCKING!!!]

 Chapter 144: Chapter 144 – Legal Team

    The video''s thumbnail was taken from Breeze''s stream, showing him and Lily smiling at each other. BearGuy0G''s shocked face was put between them, with a chat bubble above his head that said, ''Are they nning to take me down?!''


    His reaction when he saw that video was simple. There was no anger or anything. It was a pity.


    "This guy is fucked."


    He tried to watch the video, but it was filled with nonsense. Even the so-called response couldn''t be called as such because it was only three guys babbling about how it was unfair for them to get banned while enjoying the game in their own way.


    Also, he dared to nder Lily, saying that she threatened Biozone Entertainment to make a fake statement. Spencer Family was known to be one of Biozone Entertainment''srgest shareholders, but that didn''t mean she had the authority to do that.


    As a result, Max decided to brand this video as a fool''sst resort.


    How dare he poke a sleeping lion? If before, StoneSword only offered help to him, then this time, he was certain that the veteran streamer would move not only to resolve the drama but also to crush BearGuy0G''s reputation.


    Not only was his family ndered, but BearGuy0G also targeted Lily out of all the people he could choose from.


    ''The fourth yer has been forced to the game. I don''t know whether this BearGuy is dumb or smart. He did get a million views from his new video in just a few hours, but it was thanks to a suicide move.''


    At first, Max wanted to make a rification video, but that didn''t seem to be needed anymore. Just a few minutes ago, he got a message from StoneSword and Lily.


    [StoneSword: I hope you leave this matter to me. Please be at ease. I trust you, and I will make sure BearGuy0G won''t make any videos concerning you anymore.]


    Sometimes, the world made everything easier. He was sure this was also one way for the world to help himplete the system''s quest. He felt blessed.


    [Breeze: I thank you for your help. If you need any kind of proof, I will dly send it through an email or this chat.]


    He replied politely, afraid to poke into something when StoneSword was still sensitive. Why did he do so? Because Lily''s message was a warning.


    [Lily: My brother is angry. He used our family''s resources to find proof of BearGuy0G''s collusion with the three banned guys.]


    That was enough to make him be careful with his words.


    [Breeze: Thanks for the warning, Lily. Please tell him good luck.]


    [Lily: Un, I will. Also, hang in there! >w<]


    Max smiled when he saw that message. He replied with a simple thanks before closing the messaging app.


    ''Now then¡­''


    The power of connection and friendship was truly great.


    ''To think that my quest was finished with that. Amazing.''


    He looked at the package on his bed and then at the floating screen.


    <Quest ispleted! Your reward will be sent to your address!>


    Just when he woke up, he found a box on his balcony. It surprised him, as he didn''t remember ordering anything. Then, the questpleted notification popped up. Only then did he find out about BearGuy0G''s new video.


    ''Come to think of it, StoneSword''s influence must be amazing. To think the quest waspleted just by having him take care of everything¡­ As expected, he''s on a different level. His family is extraordinary too.''


    It just needed a word from StoneSword, and the quest was finished. The system knew the drama would be resolved without him doing anything.


    ''Thanks to this, I have more time now. I can finish the rest of the videos and make a list of the winners.''


    ***


    The day passed peacefully for Max.


    However, a tense atmosphere could be felt in Biozone Entertainment''s Lobby. In the main building, StoneSword was seated across from a legal team leader, James Lock.


    This time, he wasn''t here as a streamer, StoneSword, but as Peter Spencer.


    Both reviewed a document filled with BearGuy0G''s fake video and information.


    "We can proceed with this. Punch certainly won''t stay silent if we report this man for spreading hate on their tform. And I believe public opinion will also shift in our favor when this news is published. Thank you. Please leave the rest to us."


    "I am counting on you," StoneSword said, smiling wickedly.


    "Hahaha, but I must say, this is unexpected. StoneSword¡­ Mr. Spencer, who I know, has never helped a streamer before. Is Breeze that good of a man? I was a bit skeptical when Mr. Taka spoke to me about getting a contract for him.


    I almost proposed terminating his contract, especially when I heard he got into trouble. But then, you contacted me and gave me this."


    Mr. James looked at the digital document he just received. A simr wicked smile was stered on his face. With his slit eyes, he looked like a snake who was ready to devour everything.


    "It''s only partly to help him." StoneSword stood up, preparing to leave. "The main reason is to protect my sister. Well, BearGuy0G has stepped on andmine this time. Let''s just think that way, Mr. James. Please excuse me."


    "Ah, yes. Have a good day, Mr. Spencer."


    He wasn''t lying.


    Last night, when they were riding back from Breeze''s apartment, Lily requested him to help her friend. She said she hated BearGuy for ndering him and felt sad she couldn''t help too much.


    But StoneSword didn''t do anything at that time. He knew that Breeze wanted to settle this himself, and he knew that the younger man would be able to do so with his capability. It didn''t seem to be that big of a problem.


    The story changed when BearGuy0G uploaded a new video that ndered both Lily and Spencer''s families. He was furious and used his connection to dig everything.


    In the end, he found out that BearGuy was paid to make such a video. A screen record showed four anonymous guys conversing in the public Lobby. Usually, doing so was illegal. But Spencer Capsule Company owned that public Lobby.


    So, StoneSword took the recording and saved it as proof. Of course, it wouldn''t be publicized and only be shown to Punch. He still knew that it was bad to open people''s privacy.


    ''I ended up doing a free favor.'' He thought as he exited the VR world.


    He climbed out of his VR capsule and tidied his hair before entering the spacious living room. They lived in a penthouse, so the scenery of Lime City was clear from the window.


    But StoneSword was already bored with that. He looked around for a second before his gaze stopped at his sister, who opened a song-mixing application while lying on a couch in her bunny onesie.


    Smiling softly, he called out to her.


    "Lily."


    She jerked her head up when she heard his voice, looking at him silently. She always refused to talk to him when she was pouting. And the reason behind it was because he refused to lend Breeze helpst night.


    However, he hoped that would be over now.


    "I have given many documents rting to Breeze''s drama to Biozone''s legal team. They will handle the rest and report it to Punch. From tomorrow onward, you can consider BearGuy0G gone."


    He looked at her reaction after he finished. Her lips curled up slightly.


    "Un. Good job, brother." She said.


    That was enough to make his day. Seeing his sister smile was rare, at least when he was at home.


    ''Well, that was worth it.''

 Chapter 145: Chapter 145 – The Situation Changed

    Two days had passed. It was now the 21st of April, the promised time to announce the editor contest winner.


    But before that, there was another big news today. It came from a Strike ount called Virtuoso, which was up-to-date and shared news about streamers. Unlike BearGuy0G, who only shared drama, the news in this ount was trusted and often proved to be authentic.


    His post, which appeared this morning, caused many people tough.


    [BearGuy0G''s Punch and Punchtube ount has been terminated due to the vition of ToS. He uploaded many controversial videos that can harm others'' reputations. Upon deeper investigation, almost all his videos are fake, and he was paid to make them by anonymous parties.]


    Many screenshots showing off BearGuy0G''s videos were included in the post. Thements were filled with BearGuy0G''s haters and some streamers who had be his victims.


    ¡ª Finally! I can''t stand this guy any longer. Justice served!


    ¡ª God, he finally got terminated. I have been reporting him to Punch many times now


    ©¸ Me too


    ©¸ I can''t believe they let this BearGuy stay for so long


    ¡ª He once made a video about myself, and that made me depressed for a long time. I am d there is someone who finally took a legal move and made a report to Punch, because I couldn''t do it. The information he spread about me was false! Once again, it was false!


    ©¸ My condolences


    ©¸ HandsomeDudeMicigan, please stream again! I miss you!


    ©¸ I will stream again soon. Reading this news has made me regain my passion. Whoever did this, I thank you


    ©¸ From what I know, it should be either Breeze or LilyPixel. BearGuy touched both of them in hisst video.


    ¡ª This guy has the guts to touch StoneSword''s sister and a streamer affiliated with Biozone and nder him lol. Who does he think he is?!


    ¡ª lololol, I heard he was paid to make those drama content. To think it''s true


    ¡ª The fact he used those streamers'' poprity to gain views just made me lose respect for him and my faith in humanity. But Breeze''s way of handling it made me respect him and regain my faith!


    Bad rumors had spread about BearGuy0G for a long time, and that was why no one actually defended him this time. Even the people who attacked Max in his stream three days ago were nowhere to be seen. They only enjoyed drama and didn''t want to get roped in.


    In short, they only followed BearGuy0G because he was usually in the position to win the argument. But when the situation changed like this¡­


    ¡ª I knew it! I didn''t believe that guy from the start.


    ¡ª Well, the Fake Drama King has now be the King of Drama. He was the drama himself!


    ¡ª No one believed this guy from the start lolol. His content was trash!


    ¡ª Too bad, another drama channel went from existence


    ¡ª The amount of disrespect in his video was unlike anything I''ve seen before. Utter trash came out of his mouth every time he opened it!


    They joined the others to attack BearGuy0G. No one had the courage to stand by their opinion and followed the strong horde.


    In another Strike ount that belonged to BearGuy0G, he made a longint in histest post.


    [This is unfair! @TeamPunch, my Punch channel with 1M followers and my Punchtube with 570K subscribers just got terminated. I''ve done nothing wrong and didn''t break ToS. Please help me get it back. I was falsely used!]


    ¡ª Falsely used? You''re a disgrace!


    ¡ª lolol, no one will believe you


    ¡ª Look, this guy is just a copycat of BunnyAlert. TRASH! TRASH! TRASH!


    ¡ª Let''s look back just 3 days and see what you post.


    ¡ª Banned from all games but actually only banned from one game. And the guys he defended are actually trolls. You deserve this termination!


    This post was shared many times, with peopleughing over it.


    [A fake drama news channel has been suspended! He deserves it!]


    [Hahaha, finally, this guy is gone. Fakest news channel ever!]


    [Fake Drama?! Many Punchers and Tubers who have been suffering from this guy, gather! Let''s celebrate together!]


    [BearGuy0G¡­ More like FakeBearKid!]


    As someone involved with BearGuy0G and talked about in thest video, Max also received some messages in hisst post concerning his streamingst night. However, unlike the hate that BearGuy got, he was actually receiving praise and an innocent question.


    ¡ª Thank you!


    ¡ª You''re the hero. I love you!


    ¡ª Thank you for throwing the trash away from the Punch tform.


    ¡ª What''s your stance on this?


    ¡ª Breeze, are you the one who did it? GOOD JOB!


    All of this happened at 5 AM, causing his notification to blow up. He woke up earlier than usual and decided to make a post about it.


    [I knew I was going to get asked about it, but I have nothing to do with BearGuy''s termination. I didn''t report him to Punch official or something. I don''t want my silence to leave room for assumption.]


    [P.S., I am busy watching many videos for my contest, as I am the only judge. So please spare me further questions until tonight''s stream! I will answer it then.]


    In a way, he was running away from questions by posing like this. But on the other hand, he also didn''t want to take credit for what StoneSword did. He didn''t know how he could make BearGuy0G''s channels get terminated, nor did he want to know.


    ''Ignorance is bliss in something like this. But well, I have an idea what he did.''


    More importantly, he had a message from that person.


    [StoneSword: Please keep my involvement a secret. If you are pushed to the shove, then just say that this incident was brought to light after Biozone Entertainment investigated the false news about the banned guys.]


    And that was the real reason why he made such a post. In short, just use Biozone Entertainment''s name as a shield.


    "Haa, it''s finally over."


    With BearGuy0G''s channel gone, he didn''t need to be that careful when streaming. In the past 3 days, he only streamed for a while, only two or three Midnight Heist games everyday. That was a bit boring, but he also couldn''t risk anything.


    "I don''t think it will be finished this fast without Biozone Entertainment''s support and StoneSword''s help. I should bring him and Mr. Taka something nice if we meet againter." He said, opening the balcony and leaning against the railing.


    The sun hadn''t risen yet, but he also couldn''t return to sleep again, or he would wake up toote. Some people could be seen running near the park. Seeing them, he decided to just exercise early and returned to his bedroom.


    He looked over the table at a box with 3 C-Grade nutritional supplements inside.


    ''Let''s drink one. The effect of the B-Grade supplement from before has already gone, even though it''s not a month yet. And I feel that my body can still grow; I hope this will help me grow faster. If I remember correctly, this will sustain my workout for 1-2 weeks, right?''


    He opened the box and looked at three tubes with blue liquid inside. He already knew that D-Grade had a green color and B-Grade had a green color, so it wasn''t surprising to see the blue liquid.


    Taking one of them, he drank them without hesitation and licked his lips. He was curious what it tasted like, and¡­ it was unexpectedly delicious.


    "It tastes like bubblegum." Hemented, putting the empty tube back into the box while wondering why they made it taste good.


    But that didn''t matter. He changed into his workout clothes and went outside to run, feeling fresh after officially winning the first real drama he got involved himself with.

 Chapter 146: Chapter 146 – Contest Winners Announcement

    [Livestream Starts!]


    At night, Max started the stream from his Lobby. He sat rxed under therge tree while preparing two videos that he thought deserved the reward. Among the hundreds, he found out a few that stood out from the others.


    "Hello, guys! Just as I mentioned a few days ago, I will announce the winner of the contest today!" He greeted the viewers excitedly and spread his arms, "Also, I will open Q&A again after I announce the winner. I posted the form link in my Strike. Do follow my social media ount to get news!"


    ¡ª Wooo finally!


    ¡ª Heh, it''s clear that I''d win the contest


    ¡ª Q&A again? I assume it''s because of the recent drama


    ¡ª I have so many questions! Such as what''s his n next!


    ¡ª He yed so many Midnight Heisttely, I wonder if he will move on soon


    ¡ª Has he yed 15 times already? I know Breeze is a casual yer, but will he try ranked matchmaking?


    He read the chat and chuckled. It seemed like almost everyone was curious about his next stream. And among 11K people who watched him, no one seemed to me him for BearGuy0G''s termination.


    ''Then I can proceed as nned.''


    "Hmm, the form is open right now, so you can already fill in your question. While you do that, I will show you 6 videos that have taken my interest! There will be two winners among them, the first and second prizes."


    He showed the screen with six videos ying side by side behind him. The viewers could clearly see the video and the uploader''s name.


    What he didn''t expect was that among the six of them, two applied for an editor position. The first was BloodSucker, and the other was an ount called SinSanSon. Both of them had different editing styles, but they also fit his requirements and style, so he was a bit torn.


    In the end, he decided to postpone it for a while.


    ''I will decide after talking to them in private. Even if they applied, they could change their minds after hearing the pay and my offer.''


    Yes, it still wasn''t clear whether one of them would agree to be his editor or not. He could only hope they would be satisfied with his offer.


    And when all six videos had finished, Max crossed his legs and smiled.


    "What do you think? In my opinion, they are cut above the rest. Of course, I am not saying the others are bad. But these six videos are just¡­ masterpieces from six different people!"


    While he actually wanted to put two BloodSucker''s videos in the list, he decided not to do that to avoid a bacsh. One video per person was enough. And so he chose the first video that featured the Knight''s Journey.


    Surprisingly, SinSanSon''s videos both featured his parkour footage. He edited them with a transitional style, where the video flowed endlessly from the start to the end. The transition was smoother than his crappy editing, and it actually made his video far better.


    And the viewers were able to see that.


    ¡ª That video on the top left is like Breeze''s but far better. It''s an enhanced version!


    ¡ª The videos are so good! I recognized BloodSucker and NightyThief, but the top left is also great!


    ¡ª Damn, those qualities are insane! NO COMPLAINT!


    ¡ª I joined the contest so I can say that my videos are trashpared to those six.


    ¡ª Breeze chose them carefully, I see. Even if I lost, I won''tin


    ¡ª GG


    ¡ª Nice try for other participants! Unfortunately, your opponent is the god of editing!


    ¡ª God editors descended for a small contest. When will we smol guys win?


    ¡ª Heh! Call me Count BloodSucker from now on!


    "Right? Trust my judgment, and I shall deliver." He said,ughing loudly.


    The work he put into watching those videos was immense. Thankfully, many participants copied styles from one another, so it was easy to find those who stood out among them. And after careful consideration, he settled on thosest six.


    And he had actually chosen the two best ones that he really liked. And those were¡­


    "Now!" He raised his voice.


    The screen that floated behind him dimmed and turned gray. The six videos were outlined in white color. It was done by stacking two hologram screens; the one in front had a gray background and white outline. It was a simple way to give an effect to a screen without doing any editing.


    And this simple preparation would show the two winners.


    With a snap of his fingers, the prepared video with a simple gray background was yed. The white outlines blinked at fast speed as if it was yed with fast-forward.


    "The winners are¡­!"


    ¡ª Ba-dump!


    ¡ª Ba-dump!


    ¡ª Hurry up! I am curious!


    ¡ª SUCKER! SUCKER! SUCKER!


    ¡ª Hurry! Show us! But it''s not like this noble me is curious! Don''t misunderstand!


    ¡ª I hope I win.


    While it was just a simple winner announcement, many were looking forward to it. Grinning, Max grabbed a bell he prepared beforehand. The video stopped, highlighting two videos on the top left and bottom right.


    The bottom right had the number 1, and it belonged to BloodSucker, while the top left had the number 2, and it belonged to SinSanSon.


    "Congrattions to the winner!" He shouted while ringing the bell.


    Ting ting ting ting ting!


    The sound rang loudly, almost drowning his voice.


    ¡ª GODDAMN, I WON! MOOOMMM, I AM THE NUMBER 2!! Your son won the contest!!


    ¡ª Congrattions, sucker! And SinSanSon too!


    ¡ª Tsk, he won. Congrats, I guess. And SinSanSon, good work!


    ¡ª Want some blood? The blood god has offered you to suck some, Bloodsucker


    ¡ª Huahahaha, it''s natural that I won! PRAISE ME MORE!!


    The chat began to congratte the winners in their own ways. BloodSucker and SinSanSon also appeared in the chat.


    "Hold on a minute, guys."


    But Max wasn''t done yet.


    "I said there would be two winners, but both had the #EditorBreeze hashtag. Don''t get me wrong, it''s not because they used that hashtag that I made them the winners. But, I know some people might not be satisfied, because I am too! So, I will reward the best video with the #BreezeContest hashtag."


    When he said that, the chat was surprised.


    ¡ª You don''t need to do that


    ¡ª No oneined about your decision! Both of them deserve the win.


    ¡ª It''s enough.


    ¡ª You don''t need to¡­ (But if you want to, feel free to. Cough, I am willing to take it)


    ¡ª SHAMELESS! Just give the reward to me hehehe


    ¡ª WHO ARE YOU?! Breeze loves money, but you spend money instead. Are you¡­ HIS CLONE?!


    ¡ª HELPPP BREEZE IS SPENDING MONEY!!!


    "Nah, guys. I have decided which video this reward will go to. And I am not shameless enough not to appreciate someone''s hard work." He narrowed his eyes inint.


    The chat was too much at using him, but they weren''t wrong. He indeed felt bad spending his money to add a reward, but he thought the third winner deserved it.


    Then, he brought the screen filled with video over to the front.


    "NightyThief video will be ced at number 3. I will give him $500 as a reward, the same as the number 2. For the winners, please contact my Strike as soon as possible."


    ¡ª NightyThief? Well, that guy also deserves it


    ¡ª To be honest, his video quality is simr to the second one. I guess it''s a good decision.


    ¡ª Good grief¡­ I won. I lost hope when I watched mypetitors'' videos, hahaha


    ¡ª Congrats, Nighty! Crawl under my bed tonight. Lemme enjoy your reward


    ¡ª CONGRATULATIONS for the winners!!


    ¡ª Damn guys, you are the best!


    "With that over, let''s continue to the Q&A section! Let''s see¡­"


    Max closed the question form and looked at the response. It had more than 1000 responses, but the AI had turned it into 32 unique questions. Answering them would take time, so he probably couldn''t y Midnight Heist tonight.


    "First question is¡­"


    Opening the first question, his eyes narrowed as he read it out loud.


    [Q1: What''s your rtionship with Lily Spencer?]


    It was a hard question right off the bat.


    For him, who had just realized something 3 days ago¡­ It was a hard question. In fact, he hesitated a little bit before giving an obvious answer.


    "We''re just friends."


    A small smile formed on his face. Hope and longing were clear in his expression.

 Chapter 147: Chapter 147 – Next Streaming Goal

    Thinking that his answer wasn''t interesting enough, he decided to borate.


    "As you might''ve known already, we met before a Knight''s Journey program and got to know each other better when we were bothpeting. From then on, we often contacted each other and had a coboration. Well, she''s also StoneSword''s little sister. And I am also friends with him. Hahaha."


    All he said was the truth.


    "And please let us not talk about that. I don''t want to make Lily ufortable with this kind of question."


    ''It bothers me too.'' He added in his mind. ''It''s so ufortable to be asked that constantly. A few times is fine, but when they bring it up every now and then, it bes suffocating and boring.''


    Humans were always curious about other people''s rtionships. It was normal. But he wanted to keep that part of his life private.


    "I will skip simr questions and will only answer the ones rted to streaming. I know you guys are curious, but there is nothing between us more than friends."


    ¡ª Understandable.


    ¡ª Yeah, let him enjoy it in private!


    ¡ª We know. We were just joking!


    ¡ª Friends, huh? More like friends you wanted to¡­ Let''s not continue


    ¡ª Keke, so he''s still maidenless


    ¡ª Next question!


    "Good idea. Let''s move on to the next question."


    Pressing next, he read the second question for the chat.


    [Q2: Will you y ranked matchmaking in Midnight Heist? There will be apetition soon for the Tier 2 yers.]


    "Midnight Heistpetition?" He asked in confusion when he read the question. He didn''t know about it. "Can someone exin it to me? Or send a link to thepetition page."


    ¡ª Cough, let me exin it to you! It''s an event held to celebrate Midnight Heist''s 2nd anniversary. They will put Tier 2 and Tier 1 yers. Ah, Tier is something that shows your skill level, you can increase your Tier from matchmaking, from 5 to 1¡­ Guys, continue! This freaking word limi


    ¡ª Sure, let me exin!


    ¡ª lol word limits


    ¡ª Continuing! The yers will be put in different teams topete in the onlinepetition. Each win will award them 1 point, and a loss will give them -1 point. Thepetition pushes your teamwork with strangers so it will be fair! WORDS LIMIT!!!!


    ¡ª lolol RIP


    ¡ª The reward for the participants will be a limited costume in Midnight Heist, and the one who umtes the highest point in 3 days will get a mary award.


    "MONEY!" He shouted when he read the word mary.


    His current mary situation wasn''t great. After everything, including the rewards he needed to give the winners, his money would only be around 7 grand. And with that, he needed to pay for gym membership next month, electricity, and other stuff.


    Besides, having a goal in streaming was nice. It could make his livestream more exciting and give the viewers something to look forward to, just like the time when he yed Knight''s Journey.


    ''I can boost my views again if I win thispetition. And¡­ I hope the system gives me another quest rted to this.''


    "Where can I see thispetition? Is it posted on the Midnight Heist''s website?"


    ¡ª The information is posted on the official website! Thepetition starts on 15th May, and every Tier 1 and Tier 2 yer can join!


    ¡ª Breeze, just give up on this one. Getting to Tier 2 is impossible, with only 3 weeks left


    ¡ª I don''t think that he will be able to get to Tier 2 with his ytime


    ¡ª Your opponents will be veterans who know tips and tricks to find thieves. It will be hard


    ¡ª Don''t listen to them, just do it!


    What the chat said wasn''t wrong. They were concerned if he tried to join and bite more than he could chew.


    Unlike Knight''s Journey and V-Shelter, Midnight Heist was a game that also used strategy and knowledge to win.


    How the NPCs moved. What the NPC would do next. How they acted in a certain situation.


    The veterans in Tier 1¡­ No, even those in Tier 2 usually knew and remembered such details. Fooling such a professional as someone who only had less than 100 hours of gamey would be impossible.


    Hard? Obviously. Maybe his chance to win would only be 1%.


    However¡­ That wouldn''t stop him.


    "I don''t know if I don''t try. For now, my aim is to reach Tier 2 before 15th May and join that tournament."


    ''I also have 2 C-Grade nutritional supplements. Those will greatly boost my ying time, so I can grind the ranked match longer than usual.'' He thought, stroking his chin.


    ''I guess it''s time to destroy my body, I guess. It''s a shame I don''t have that unlimited stamina that the system once gave me. But no use crying over it.''


    Facing a hard challenge only made him motivated. It might be impossible to fool and win against veteran gamers who spent all their time to be good at games. But Max could also learn. There was nothing impossible in this world.


    "I will check the detailster. Let''s move to the third question!"


    ¡ª Hahaha, you''re spirited


    ¡ª True, nothing is impossible. Just try


    ¡ª No one know the end result without trying


    ¡ª IMPOSSIBLE is an IMPOSSIBLE word in Breeze''s dictionary.


    ¡ª For someone who can run in the wall¡­ Well, nothing is impossible, I guess


    ¡ª Wise words! Surprise those cheeky gamers and show a streamer''s spirit!


    [Q3: What game will you y next?]


    "Based on my current goal, maybe I will grind the Midnight Heist ranked match for a while. Please bear with me!"


    [Q4: Will you exin how you feel after knowing BearGuy0G''s ount got terminated?]


    "Ah, about this. I actually don''t know much, as I wrote in my Strike post. What I know is that Biozone Entertainment and a few of my friends helped me. Punch probably found out his fake news and terminated him after that."


    In short, he had noments. Everyone knew that this friend was probably either StoneSword or Flexy, but they didn''t mention it as they were satisfied with his answer.


    Biozone Entertainment could also be the biggest factor in this problem, as BearGuy0G essentially put dirt on their reputation by saying that they were unfair.


    Having this kind of result was already expected when he didn''t know who he shouldn''t touch or what kind of thing he shouldn''t mention.


    The question became more random as it continued on until thest. Even thest question was so strange that Max couldn''t help butugh.


    [Q32: What did you do to be handsome?! Tell me the way besides stic surgery and genes!]


    "Hehe."


    A mockingugh escaped his mouth. He couldn''t expect he would get this question. Actually, he had already prepared a perfect answer. This was something he wanted to say to his viewers.


    "Maybe get reincarnated or transmigrated into a different body. Only then will you be able to get handsome!"


    ¡ª Reincarnated lol


    ¡ª In short, there is no chance!


    ¡ª Why did you answer with typical web novel tropes?! It''s just too much! Please spare me


    ¡ª Poor boy can''t get handsome in his life


    ¡ª Transmigrated? Am I watching a novel reading stream now?


    Inside, Max wanted to tell them that the chance to get reincarnated or transmigrated might be higher than they thought. As proof, he was currently here.


    ''Not that I will ever mention it to them.'' He thought and ended the stream after saying goodbye.

 Chapter 148: Chapter 148 – Best of Luck!

    Just right after he ended the stream, there were many people messaging him privately through his Strike ount.


    The notifications that came from that rang repeatedly and made him snap.


    "Damn it! Just stop it already!"


    He allowed his Strike direct message to open for a few hours while waiting for the winners to contact him, but this was too much. Was this the feeling of being famous? He couldn''t get used to it yet.


    In the end, he disabled the notification and used the search feature to find the winners'' names. Only one had contacted him, and that was SinSanSon.


    [SinSanSon: Hello¡­ I am SinSanSon, the one who has won number 2 in your contest with the #EditorBreeze hashtag.]


    From his message, it seemed like he was quite reserved and polite. Max smiled when he saw it.


    ''For once, I got normal people to talk with¡­ Well, save for Nina. She''s also quite normal.''


    It could be said that his friends were¡­ unique.


    Now, he had to deal with the winners.


    At first, he wanted only to get one editor. But after seeing both BloodSucker and SinSanSon''s edits, he wanted them to deal with different kinds of videos.


    BloodSucker was great at storytelling, which was perfect for game editing. On the other hand, SinSanSon''s editing style was simple but smooth, giving the viewers a good experience and engrossing them. He would be perfect for editing parkour footage.


    ''I will make a different offer. I hope they will agree to it. Thankfully, I have made two kinds of different offers already.''


    [Breeze: Hello. First of all, congrattions! Your video is really great, and I like it ^_^. I believe by using the #EditorBreeze hashtag, you want to apply for an editor position?]


    [SinSanSon: Yes! That would be wonderful! However, my apologies¡­ May I know the pay offer first?]


    SinSanSon''s question was reasonable, and he understood why he asked that. This was a kind of a job interview. It was reasonable to ask for the offer and the pay before one started.


    [Breeze: Please look at this. [AttachedFile] I have already written my offer and the job entailed inside. But if you have any requests or questions, feel free to tell me. Also, I will send your reward for winning second ce. Please give me your bank information.]


    [SinSanSon: I will look at it. Thank you. Here is my bank information: ********]


    That would take time.


    While waiting for SinSanSon, Max sent the $500 reward to his ount and looked at his message again to see whether BloodSucker or NightyThief had contacted him. And they did already.


    "Let''s see¡­ BloodSucker can wait. Let''s send NightyThief''s reward first."


    [NightyThief: Good evening. I am NightyThief¡­ I heard that I won the contest?]


    [Breeze: Yes! Congrattions. Please provide me with your bank information so I can send the reward.]


    [NightyThief: Sure! My bank information is ********. I didn''t think that I would win after watching mypetitors, hahaha.]


    After receiving the information, he transferred $500 to his bank ount. Then, he also praised him.


    [Breeze: Your editing is cool and great! It''s just that BloodSucker is trying too hard to win. Once again, congrattions. I have sent the reward.]


    [NightyThief: Thank you. I''ve received it. And yes, I doubt the winner even sleeps at all. If you need help with editing, feel free to contact me. I am a kind of frencer, hahaha.]


    [Breeze: I''ll remember it.]


    There was no further conversation after that. He also answered NightyThief''s offer out of politeness. He wouldn''t need to ask him for editing if either BloodSucker or SinSanSon agreed to make a contract with him.


    ''SinSanSon hasn''t replied yet.'' He thought, ''Let''s send the offer to BloodSucker.''


    Thinking so, he opened BloodSucker''s message.


    [BloodSucker: Evening! Good day to you, Breeze. Will I be your new editor? Heh! Fear not, for I will help you. But how much will I get paid?


    You see, my situation is a bit¡­ hard. So please offer me a job!]


    Unlike SinSanSon, BloodSucker was more direct and honest, fitting his personality rather well. Max liked this kind of person more than a reserved one. They would be easy to talk with, like a friend. Thus, both could have a pleasant work together.


    "Why did I kind of expect this already?" Heughed while typing for the reply.


    [Breeze: Bloody sucker¡­ If you want the job, then I can offer you. [AttachedFile] Take a look at this and tell me what you think.]


    [BloodSucker: Sure! I''ll get back to you in a minute after reading it.]


    He pinned the two conversations with his potential editors and closed his direct message again. He only allowed those two to DM him and activated his notifications to know when they replied.


    While he was at it, he decided to look at Midnight Heist''s official website to read about the tournament he had heard about from his viewers. Honestly, he was excited to join, especially since he knew that the police chase after the thief got the target would be exciting.


    The tournament information was put at the topmost of the website in a banner visible when one visited the site.


    Reading it, he realized there was nothing new from what he heard from the chat. The tournament was divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2. yers who had reached the required Tiers could join by registering through the website before 14th May.


    "That means I have 22 days¡­ Or maybe just 21 to be safe to reach at least Tier 2¡­" He mumbled while holding his chin, his eyes narrowed slightly. "It will be hard. Or not?"


    As someone who yed Midnight Heist casually without watching any videos of other yers, Max was ignorant about how hard it was to raise his Tier in a ranked match.


    He thought it might be easy, but considering the chat''s skepticism earlier¡­ He had to experience it himself to judge.


    The details of the tournament were also written below. He read it carefully so as not to miss anything.


    When he was midway through his reading, a notification rang. He got a new message in his Strike private message.


    Checking it, he found out that SinSanSon had given his reply.


    [SinSanSon: My apologies. But the conditions and the pay are not to my satisfaction. Is it possible to change the pay from $150 to $300 for each video, with a video a week? If it''s possible, then I hope we can work together.]


    Initially, Max only needed SinSanSon to edit his parkour video, which he nned to upload twice a month. He had offered $150 for 5 minutes of video editing for the first to the second month. Of course, he also said the price was negotiable because he only roughly knew the market.


    However¡­ it didn''t seem to satisfy SinSanSon from his reply. It wasn''t like he didn''t appreciate his work, but Max currently couldn''t really afford to pay above market because he also needed BloodSucker as his main editor.


    ''Flexy said he paid his editor $100-$200 for each video with simple editing without any effect back then. And if it includes various effects, it''s going to be $300-$1,000. The price SinSanSon asked for is too much.''


    In fact, he also offered BloodSucker $2,000 monthly pay with a minimum of 3 videos a week. His editing included many effects, and he could stretch the budget to $2,500 if the other party needed more.


    ''I guess I can''t work with SinSanSon.''


    [Breeze: My apologies, but I can''t stretch the pay for each video anymore. It''s a shame, but I hope we can work together next time. Best of luck!]


    [SinSanSon: Ah, it''s a shame, indeed. I wish you the best of luck in your venture, too.]

 Chapter 149: Chapter 149 – Ranked Match

    Max sighed after reading the reply and unpinned his chat with SinSanSon. Without a secondary editor, he could only count on BloodSucker.


    And it didn''t take long for his fan to reply.


    [BloodSucker: Can we do $3,000 a month? I will edit a video daily and have a special one once a week.]


    It seemed like the goddess was still smiling at him.


    [Breeze: Let''s talk about the details in a call.]


    He exchanged contact information and called him just right after. He also had to admit he was amazed when he first saw BloodSucker''s real face.


    If he had toment on it, then¡­


    "You really look like a vampire, and the image I have of you from your name."


    It came out as natural as breathing, and he only realized it when he already said it. He was worried that it would offend BloodSucker, but the other party''s reaction wasn''t what he expected.


    "Really?" The vampire-looking man had a wide smile on his face, looking happy at his passing remark. "Hahaha! You have good eyes! I know that you''re different from other people. Good, good. I do look like a vampire, huh?"


    His first impression was that he wasn''t any different from when he was chatting in the stream. The BloodSucker personality was clearly there.


    ''So he''s that kind of type.'' Max nodded in understanding, thinking of an illness many teenagers back in his past life caught at least once. ''I''ll y along as long as it doesn''t bother his workflow.''


    "Yeah, you really look like one." He said, "But let''s talk about work first. Are you sure you can edit the video alone daily?"


    "I can," BloodSucker answered almost immediately with a confident expression.


    "As long as my request is fulfilled. Don''t misunderstand. The previous offer of $2,000 with 3 videos a week is good enough for me. But I think I can do more; you need more publicity too. Adding $1,000 for more exposure will be worth it."


    More uploads equaled more exposure. That wasn''t wrong.


    Not only that, but the video would also be able to be mized, adding more revenues to his monthly pay. Adding the extra $1,000 would be worth it.


    Max already knew that and considered it. That was why he also tried to get SinSanSon to edit parkour footage.


    While the guy refused, there was good news. BloodSucker seemed to be more motivated than he initially expected.


    "Can you do a transitional edit for a weekly parkour footage?"


    At his question, BloodSucker grinned.


    "Who do you think I am? I will do it better than that 2nd ce guy."


    Max grinned back. He liked this guy''s confidence.


    Pointing at the screen, he eximed, "You''re hired."


    ***


    The next day, Max began his grind. It was Wednesday, but he had more than 7K viewers even though he live-streamed at 10 AM.


    He was sitting inside a bar at his usual spot in Midnight Heist''s Lobby.


    "Let''s begin a ranked matchmaking!" He said excitedly, "To open my Tier, it seems that I need to do 10 ranked matches. My goal for today is to open my Tier and hopefully reach Tier 4. There are only 3 weeks left until the tournament, so I will push myself to y for as long as possible."


    ¡ª GRINDING TIME!


    ¡ª WORK WORK WORK!


    ¡ª It''s time to put in effort, baby! Go get that win!


    ¡ª W Breeze. He''s determined to do this


    ¡ª Will you stream until night?


    "Yes, that''s the n."


    He nodded at the chat.


    "I will stream until 3 PM, then rest for a while. Then, I will continue at 6 PM until I reach my limit. I want to get used to using all my synchronization rates fast so I can stream longer. It''s insane how fast you get exhausted with 98% SR. I can only y for 1 hour at the start."


    Slowly but surely, his ytime increased. Even if it was a minute, it was a steady daily increment.


    ¡ª I only have 84% SR, so I can''t rte!


    ¡ª Seeing how much you sweat in the Knight''s Journey program is amazing. Even professional gamers don''t sweat that much


    ¡ª LilyPixel and Breeze are always covered in sweat whenever they are done ying lol


    ¡ª Don''t push yourself too much!


    "I won''t push myself too much." He smiled, "But enough talking! I will dive into this hell hole called a ranked match. From now on, I will be a true gamer! Don''t me me for cursing a lot."


    Not only would it be frustrating when he lost, but it would also stress him up. He understood that better than anyone because he had experienced it once in his past life.


    If not for the tournament, he probably would only y casually like usual. But circumstances forced him into this hell called ranked match.


    "My MMR is probably a bit higher than a normal newbie, so I expect to enter a Lobby with experienced people. Well, I hope they won''t be too hard on me."


    He changed the mode to a ranked game and searched for the match.


    [Searching for a match!]


    The corner of his lips tugged into an excited smile. His feet rapped against the floor. He wanted to y soon and win.


    Still, the first game probably wouldn''t be harder than a normal match where he was up against yers with a simr MMR stat as him.


    "For some reason, I am a bit nervous. Will I be looked down upon if I only have the basic costume?"


    ¡ª Hundred percent


    ¡ª No doubt about it


    ¡ª The other thieves will not trust you to steal the target without a good costume


    ¡ª Just hope you won''t be reported as trolls lololol


    ¡ª I think you better change your costume.


    "Change my costume?" Max asked while raising his eyebrows as if it was a stupid question. "While I understand that many people like to have a fancy costume with unique abilities, I think the basic two abilities from the mask and the shoes are good enough."


    The shoes allowed him to jump more than 3 meters high, and the mask doubled his speed for 5 seconds. The default costumes already provided all he needed. It would be stupid to change such good abilities.


    "Unless there is something that allows me to jump higher than the basic shoes, then I will change it. Running on the wall or an ability simr to that is useless. I can climb a 3-meter wall without using any ability."


    ¡ª We kinda forgot he invented wall run


    ¡ª I don''t forget, but he opened my eyes again


    ¡ª ¡­ You should show off your skill before the police can move. That way, you will be trusted by your teammates


    ¡ª It would be different if you had already spread your name in themunity, but this situation isn''t like that.


    ¡ª Kek, there are too many Midnight Heist''s streamers! The concurrent viewers right now is even 800K.


    ¡ª My post in Midnight Heist''s forum is drowned.


    Indeed, that was the problem. Max was only another streamer with 10K viewers who yed Midnight Heist; he was not a real professional or someone who dedicated himself to ying it.


    Even with his world record in the synchronization test and having a billboard with his face appeared in some cities, it didn''t guarantee all people would know him. He was just a no-name yer with no achievement in Midnight Heist¡­ Save for the drama a few days ago.


    But that didn''t stop him.


    "Well, I just need to spread my name from now on, right? Maybe reaching Tier 1 in 3 weeks will set a new record or something?"


    ¡ª Yeah, no


    ¡ª It isn''t impressive anymore. A pro yer called RatKing got Tier 1 in just a week. So¡­ Yeah.


    ¡ª Heh, everyone can get to Tier 1 every season reset in just a day. So it won''t be impressive


    ¡ª If you asked about getting to Tier 1 with default costumes and equipment, RatKing had also done that before.


    ¡ª And yeah¡­ This is a 2-year-old game. What do you expect?


    Max groaned. Every possible challenge had been finished. Getting to Tier 2 in 3 weeks didn''t seem as impressive as it sounded anymore after he read those.


    ''This is why I would prefer ying a new game. But I also want to join that tournament. At least my viewers are interested in me joining.''


    At that moment, a screen popped up in front of him with a sh.


    [Match Found.]


    [Map: Urban ¨C Museum (Ranked).]


    [Your role is as¡­ a Thief!]


    [Target: King''s Crown!]


    "Oh, well. I will just y as usual. Let''s do this!"

 Chapter 150: Chapter 150 – Start Anytime

    Ranked match was different from a normal one. Not only did it directly affect the matchmaking rate at a greater percentage, but the map and the yer were different.


    First of all, the map wasrger than a normal one, around 50%. The number of NPCs walking around the map also increased, making the police have a more difficult time finding the thieves among them.


    Then, there were the yers themselves. Unlike 4 vs 4, like in a normal match, there were 5 yers on each side to match the size of the map.


    Appearing outside arge museum with four other people, surrounded by a semi-invisible barrier, Max looked around curiously. It was daytime, and the sun was ring on top. He used his hand to cover his eyes to look at the grand museum with three floors in front of him.


    ''I heard about it, but the map is really bigger than the normal match. Though¡­ Those windowsills seem to be perfect for climbing.''


    Then, he looked at his teammates. Their costumes and appearance were¡­ already changed.Three of them opted to use a clown mask, something often used for its ability to make a clone simr to one''s teammates that could run around automatically.


    Thest one was a bit surprising. He wore a stocking mask. Its ability was simple, and that was creating a grappling hook made from a stretching stocking. They all had the same shoes, though. Blue sneakers with ck strips could allow them to glide and run on the wall for 7 seconds.


    Only Max wore the default costume, a white mask and white sneakers, which made him stand out and be the center of attention.


    "Default? Really?" The one with a stocking mask, a yer named ThhicSuprem, spoke with disdain. "Are you trolling, dude?"


    The other three clown-masked guys looked at him.


    Exining why he wore default costumes while waiting for the game to start would be helpful, but then¡­ He didn''t think they would believe him. So, he wouldpromise.


    "Please, don''t worry. I am not trolling; I am actually streaming right now. The default gear fits me best for a 5-second speed boost and the big leap. Assign me to whatever spot, and I will do my best to be helpful."


    At his word, one of the clown masks that wore a red suit suddenly asked.


    "Wait, are you the real Breeze? The one who does that insane movement video and wall run?"


    Max looked at the guy who asked him and nodded, noticing the name Mommo61 above his head. This guy seemed to recognize him.


    "That''s right."


    "I knew it!" Mommo61 eximed excitedly as he suddenly grabbed Max''s hand and shook it, "Dude, I am really helped with that movement video! What is it¡­ parkour? Yeah, my movement improved once I learned how you move in that video!"


    The energetic clown then released his hand and turned to others.


    "Guys, I can assure you this guy is no troll. He''s the most insane person I have ever seen. I think we should make him the one responsible for escaping. Trust me! He''s insane!"


    "I don''t mind." The second clown who was in a yellow hoodie, Namahade, said. "I will distract the police if you don''t mind. To be honest, I am not that good at running, but I am confident in my NPC act."


    "Then I will secure the West exit." The third clown-masked guy with a simple ck shirt, Cloned, chirped in.


    Seeing that the other guy didn''t really mind, ThhicSuprem sighed. "I will secure the target with Breeze and Mommo61. My grappling hook will help a lot with escaping."


    ¡ª Oh? They are pretty understanding


    ¡ª Another person helped by Breeze''s parkour video


    ¡ª Damn, to think there isn''t a problem in his first matchmaking is surprising


    ¡ª He was about to be called a troll lol. You should say thank you to that Mommo guy, Breeze!


    ¡ª What are you, his mother?


    The chat was right. He was pretty grateful that the others didn''t really doubt him.


    After a few seconds of strategizing, the semi-invisible barrier disappeared, and the team moved.


    Max followed Mommo61 to secure the escape route toward the West hovercar after they secured the target, while ThhicSuprem went straight toward the target through the back.


    He disguised himself as a guest in an orange shirt and ck pants, while Mommo61 disguised himself as ady in a red dress.


    "I will go to the second floor. I hope you luck on the first floor with Thhic, Breeze! Let''s escape together."


    "Yeah, good luck to you too."


    With that, he moved alone and pretended to be an NPC with a programmed movement. Entering the museum, he looked around to see how the NPC moved. He had 20 seconds before the police spawned in a random ce.


    On the first floor, paintings adorned the walls. Various jewelry encased in ss. Red ribbons circled around each article to keep the visitor''s hand from reaching over them.


    Their target, the King''s Crown, was located deep inside the center. That was where Max nned to go, but he would do that slowly so he would reach his destination once ThhicSuprem managed to get the target.


    While doing so, he would report the police movement.


    (The police will appear any second now. Everyone ready?) Mommo61''s voice could be heard through the smallmunication device hidden in his ear.


    (Thhic here. I am blending with the NPC and will get the target once the police leave the room in the center. I am counting on you to make a distraction, Namahade.)


    (Leave it to me. I am on the third floor and will take a fake target when the people on the first floor have no police in sight. We will get a 100 Dinar penalty, and the rm will ring immediately. So you need to take the target and run as soon as possible. Is that fine?)


    100 Dinar penalty¡­ Max usually wasn''t fine with a penalty. He wanted to get as much as possible, even if it was in-game money.


    But his goal right now was to ascend to Tier 2 as fast as possible and not umte money.


    "I am fine by it."


    (As long as we win.)


    (That would make stealing the target easier.)


    (Ah, then I will also use my mask ability on the second floor to assist Namahade. Breeze and Thhic¡­ We leave escaping to you guys.)


    The other also had the same train of thought. In a ranked match, as long as they won, then that was all that mattered.


    And just right after reaching the agreement, Max could see a police spawn near him. The blue light that appeared a few meters away turned into a man in a blue uniform and ck cap.


    He immediately walked away from that ce and entered the center room. He saw a guest walking around the King''s Crown encased in thick ss security in the middle and immediately knew that it was his teammate, ThSuprem.


    (I have no police near me.) Th reported. (I can take the real target anytime.)


    "I am also in location. We can start anytime."


    (Alright.) Namahade spoke through the inte.


    Then, a secondter, the rm red loudly from the third floor.


    Beep beep beep beep!


    [Intruder Detected!]

 Chapter 151: Chapter 151 – Insane Move! Building? It’s Easy!

    The rm in the museum map was divided into three areas: the first, second, and third. Each rm only affected a particr floor.


    So wh the rm from the third floor rang, it only affected that area and undid the disguise of every thief on the said floor.


    However, the guests panicked and ran out of the building wh any rms rang, causing amotion. Loud footsteps reverberated. The g shook due to many people running away at once.


    Max immediately got close to Thhic after suring there were no police and gestured for him to take the King''s Crown.


    "I''ll toss it to you, and we will escape through the backdoor," Thhic instructed as he put his hand on the ss case. "There will be a 5-meter tall building on the way that we need to climb to evade the police. Can you climb a rope?"


    What a stupid question. Could he climb a rope? That sounded like mocking, but it was based on a guine concern.


    If there was something to grab onto, he could climb it ev if the wall was steep. Besides, his shoes also allowed him to jump more than 3 meters high in one go.


    So, a 5-meter tall building was nothing.


    "Easy." He answered and stretched his legs, ready to run away.


    The police should''ve arrived on the third floor now. And themotion on the second floor signaled that Mommo6 had started to get the police''s atttion. They had no time to waste anymore.


    "I will take your word."


    As soon as Thhic said that, he took off the ss cover. The rm on the first floor rang, and their disguises were undone.


    The clown-masked guy grabbed the luxurious crown from inside and tossed it to Max, which he caught easily.


    To free his hands, he decided to put the crown on his head, which was a perfect fit, before running to the backdoor with Thhic, who saw him with a strange expression as if he couldn''t believe what he saw.


    ¡ª Holy


    ¡ª The audacity to wear the crown on his head is amazing


    ¡ª This is the first time the thief showed their loot¡­


    ¡ª Somehow it fits lol


    ¡ª HAHAHAHA fck. I can''t! Stop


    ¡ª King Breeze! Ha haaa¡­ Your loyal retainer will follow you


    ¡ª Good, let''s get outta here!


    ¡ª Yes! But why would you wear the crown, Your Majesty?!


    "It''s easier to carry this way," Maxmted,pleting the chat''s roley. He coincidtally saw it and decided to answer Thhic''s confused gaze at the same time.


    "Just run."


    Both of them said nothing more after that. The footsteps from behind signed that the police had begun their chase.


    Looking over his shoulder, he noticed 3 police officers aimed their guns toward them and began to shoot.


    Zap! Whoom!


    The beam flew toward them at a fast speed. Max easily dodged all of them by exiting the door. He kicked it close in an attempt to slow the police down a little.


    "Over here! Grappling Mask." Thhic shouted loudly, waving his hand as his mask glowed. A grappling hook appeared in his hand, and he shot it toward the roof of the building before him.


    Zoop! Cling!


    The hook was secured nicely, and he began to press the trigger once again to go up. Landing on the roof, Thhic shouted at Max.


    "Throw the crown! I will definitely escape."


    "No need to. And it won''t reach ev if I throw it!" He shouted back in reply, observing the building in front of him for a second.


    ¡ª Nah, what''s he trying to do?!


    ¡ª Is Breeze trolling now? He can use his shoes'' ability to jump and throw the crown to Thhic


    ¡ª This direction¡­ He''s cooking!


    ¡ª Let him cook, guys. LET HIM COOK! WE SAW THIS MANY TIMES ALREADY!!!


    ¡ª Heh, absurd thing is bound to happ wh he refuses to do something we tell him to


    ¡ª DO IT! YOU CAN DO IT!


    There were staircases on the left. It wasn''t as tall as the roof, and it was possible to climb it. Running in that direction while dodging all the beams, he decided on what he should do.


    "What in the world is he trying?" Thhic groaned in frustration. He didn''t expect Max to refuse to throw the crown.


    But¡­ What he saw next changed his mind.


    Max vaulted over the wall in a smooth motion and activated his shoes'' ability.


    "Shoes Jump! Yeet me up!"


    With a bright glow covering his sneakers, he was st jumping toward the staircases. From a nce, he wouldn''t make it. However, he stretched his hand and grabbed the railing before pulling himself up in one smooth movemt.


    Still, it didn''t d there. He quickly climbed on the railing and jumped to the roof, managing to grab the rim of the wall.


    "Holy!"


    Seeing that, Thhic immediately approached and helped to pull him up. "Damn, bro! That was insane!"


    ¡ª It is indeed insane!!!


    ¡ª Holy hell!


    ¡ª Hell is not holy! It should be¡­ HOLY MOLY!!


    ¡ª YIPEEEEEE, I somehow want to say that


    ¡ª Blud got surprised wh Breeze used % of his power


    ¡ª Nah, he only shows 5%


    [UrbanMonkey has donated ,00 diamonds!]


    [That movemt... Let me steal it!]


    "Hahaha, that''s not that hard." Maxughed as he patted his shirt, "Anyway, we have no time to lose. Let''s move to the west getaway."


    "Right." Thhic nodded in agreemt.


    Both of them activated another ability. He used his mask to increase his speed while the stocking-masked used his shoes to glide.


    The getaway hovercar could be se from afar. A clown-masked thief was waiting inside the hovercar already, waving his hand to get their atttion. The clown mask glowed simultaneously, and two figures resembling Max and Thhic began to run in a differt direction.


    While it was good for distraction, it wasn''t needed. Why? Because the police yers were gone from their sight. None of them expected such a distraction.


    It was Max''s first ranked matchmaking, so the emies wer''t that great yet. That was why they had fall to simple distraction tricks from the second and the third floor.


    Entering the hovercar, Cloned immediately started it, and the three of them escaped.


    [Escape sessful!]


    As the car ran, the game system announced their heist''s sess.


    [Target secured.]


    [The MVP of this match: Breeze.]


    [MVP bonus: +% of the total d result.]


    [Heist result: King''s Crown. Value: 700 Dinar.]


    [One random item was tak. Palty: -0 Dinar from a total reward.]


    [Two thieves were detained. Palty: -00 Dinar for Mommo6 and Namahade.]


    [670 Dinar has be received.]


    At that momt, two blue figures appeared on the back seat. They were the detained thieves who made this all possible.


    "Hell yeah, we won!" Mommo6 eximed loudly, "Good job, guys!"


    "Well yed." Cloned said.


    "That was great. My effort isn''t wasted." Namahade chirped in, "The police fell into our trap easier than I thought."


    "Hah¡­ You should see what this guy did earlier."


    ThhicSuprem looked at Max.


    "He''s insane. I needed a grappling hook to get over the building while he just jumped. And wh we wt down, I realized he was already on the g while I set my grappling hook to rope down. Deserved MVP. I don''t know someone who can move like that."


    ¡ª Now you know one


    ¡ª kekeke, follow his Punch


    ¡ª This blud is humbled quickly


    ¡ª Good, he know his ce


    ¡ª BOW DOWN TO THE KING!


    "Hahaha, it''s nothing." Max scratched his head and smiled under his mask. "Good game, guys. I hope we can y together again."

 Chapter 152: Chapter 152 – Ad Offer [1]

    In Biozone Entertainmt''s HQ, Mr. Taka had moved his office into a private one after being promoted to Marketing Team Manager.


    It was spacious, with a VR Capsule inside a small ss room in the corner of the office.


    Sitting behind a transpart desk made tirely from ss, Mr. Taka couldn''t help but sigh.


    "This is troublesome."


    Many hologram scres floated a the desk. Each of them contained either an important documt or schedule that he needed to attd.


    After bing a manager, the term rest seemed to be xistt. Work pilled up indefinitely. And wh he finished one, two new ones would arrive.


    Usually, it was only paperwork from the Team Leaders under him that he just needed to sign to make the documt official. But sometimes, there was also a matter where he needed to approve an evt and dorse brand offers.


    The marketing team wasn''t only responsible for marketing the games Biozone Entertainmt released but also the affiliate streamers under them. The work was simr to a streamer agcy but was a bit simpler because they only became a middleman betwe the sponsor and streamers.


    Due to the nature of the contract, where streamers and Biozone supported each other, it made it impossible for Biozone to ''force'' the streamer to ept the ad offers from the sponsor.


    Of course, if it was important ough, they could press the streamer to ept it. However, that had never happed before because they knew how important a rtionship with a great streamer was.


    If something came out from the streamer''s mouth, it was bound to spread everywhere. So, they were always careful wh dealing with them.


    That now had turned into a problem for Mr. Taka. His head was aching. No matter how he thought about it, it was just hard.


    "Who should I offer this to?"


    Sometimes, an ad offer only had the streamer show the sponsor product in their stream or mtion it once or twice. However, there was also usually a sponsor who asked for a streamer to do a ''job'' for them.


    And the problem he faced right now was this. An ad offer came from a big brand. The sponsor asked Biozone Entertainmt to introduce a streamer who could film their product in real life.


    Usually, it wouldn''t be a big problem. Shooting a product was pretty easy. The streamer just needed to have a little bit of experice in acting. Usually, it only ded with them saying a few words and having a photoshoot with the product in hand.


    However¡­


    "A short video? Who could do this? And the requiremt is a bit..."


    Looking at the offer in front of him, he let out a long, tired sigh. The requiremt writt on the offer from the sponsor was the problem.


    Firstly, the sponsor asked for a streamer with a handsome appearance and good body proportions. The product that would be advertised was a set of running shoes.


    More than half of the streamers affiliated with Biozone could be discarded from the male requiremt alone. And with the term handsomeing along, only four people fit the requiremt.


    "Flexy, StoneSword, HolyDad, and Breeze¡­ The first three are still busy with their ads for a week. That left with Breeze. But¡­"


    Mr. Taka didn''t know whether he would ept it or could do it. No, that wasn''t the problem here. The problemy in the sponsor.


    ''Would they mind if we sd a newbie? They are one of our most important clits for our affiliated streamers.''


    Letting out another sigh, he decided to look at how Breeze was doing. Because he followed all the streamers affiliated with Biozone, he knew the young man was streaming.


    On the scre, he saw a familiar game that he promoted back wh he had just started as a team leader, Midnight Heist. A wave of nostalgia hit him, thinking back at how hard it was to start at that time, just like now.


    And th, he watched Breeze move through the building easily, catching the thief who held arge painting easily. The police had no ability to run faster or jump high. But ev with that disadvantage, he was still able to catch him.


    At that sight, Mr. Taka smiled. He closed the stream and looked at Breeze''s Punchtube channel, which he heard became activetely.


    The video pinned on the top of the channel was parkour footage. It yed automatically for someone who hadn''t yet subscribed to the channel. Wh the marketing team Manager saw the snippet of the first seconds, which showed Breeze''s feet moving through obstacles, he mmed the table hard.


    Bam!


    "This is it! This will work!"


    With that, he began to work.


    ***


    [Escape failed!]


    [The MVP of this match: FishSauce]


    [¡­]


    [800 Dinar has be received.]


    ¡ª Damn! Another win?!


    ¡ª How many is it?


    ¡ª 7 Wins in a row! 5 hours have already passed since he started. He''s gott used to it now!


    ¡ª Holy Moly!


    ¡ª Naaah, this is strange. How can he run faster than the thieves?!


    ¡ª Thieves: Hold on, I am faster! Breeze: Heh, but I am faster!


    ¡ª No ability can beat a natural talt lol. No matter how much ability the thief used, Breeze still caught them!


    [Ggegujan has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Another win! Aim for  consecutive wins!]


    [Ttaebokkiii has donated 50 diamonds!]


    [Nothing stops Breeze wh he bes a storm!]


    "Thank you for the donations, Ggegujan and Ttaebokkiii. My aim isn''t  consecutive wins but winning every matchmaking. Hahaha. Imagine my team trolling after I say this, and th I lose. I would be really mad at that time."


    That wouldn''t be funny, he added in his mind. Having met a troll once was ough.


    His condition was pretty good today. Was it due to the fact he had just drank a C-Grade nutritional supplemt yesterday? But he wasn''t as exhausted as usual.


    ''I can probably do one more game before resting. Th, I will continue tonight and finish my cemt matches.'' He thought as he leaned against the chair. His hand moved to press the matchmaking, but he stopped midway wh he heard a bell.


    Ding!


    "Oh?" He slightly raised his voice in surprise.


    ¡ª What happed?


    ¡ª Did he just receive a message on stream? Why didn''t he put the notification off?


    ¡ª He suddly froze lol


    ¡ª Nah, he''s froz


    ¡ª Same stuff, dude. And it''s stopping movemt!


    There was a new message. And it wasn''t a usual one from his frid either.


    In the messaging application, he could set a few importance of a person with a section. Flexy, Nina, Lily, and Stonesword were put in a frid section. BloodSucker was put in the ''not important'' section.


    Neither section would give him a notification wh he was inside the game. Th, there was an ''important'' section that would notify him no matter what he did. And there was only one person in that section.


    ''It''s from Mr. Taka. Does he need something from me?''


    Curious, he wanted to read the message as soon as possible. He was indebted to the team leader, now manager, for giving him a big opportunity. So, if the other party needed him for something, he would try to help. But he probably shouldn''t op the message while streaming.


    "Sorry. I will change the scre for a while, guys. This is an important message." He said before changing the scre to his loading scre and muting his microphone.


    The message was pretty simple but made his heart palpitate.


    [Mr. Taka: My apologies for bothering your stream. But may we meet up right now? There is an urgt thing we should talk about.]


    "¡­ Urgt?"


    That word usually brought bad news.

 Chapter 153: Chapter 153 – Ad Offer [2]

    [Breeze: Yes, I can. Please wait a minute, Mr. Taka. I will d my stream.]


    [Mr. Taka: Hahaha, take your time. I will wait for you in the caf¨¦ where we met before.]


    [Breeze: Yes.]


    Following that, he changed his stream scre again and read the chat.


    ¡ª Did you go poop?


    ¡ª Nah, he''s pssing


    ¡ª lolol


    ¡ª Did something happ?


    ¡ª You don''t look pretty good.


    Looking at his face, the chat asked worriedly. His nervousness was shown at the word urgt. Thebination of it and his superior, technically, wasn''t good.


    It was a 3:30 PM. And he could use this time to meet Mr. Taka to rest and recover from exhaustion.


    "Hahah, I am fine. But I need to d the stream right now. There is an urgt matter that I need to stop the streaming right now. Maybe I will continue tonight or tomorrow."


    ¡ª so THERE IS a problem


    ¡ª hang in there!


    ¡ª You can settle the problem first.


    ¡ª Good luck!


    ¡ª I hope it''s nothing bad


    "Nah, it''s nothing bad."


    ''I hope,'' he added in his mind while praying siltly.


    [Livestream ded!]


    He ded the stream and logged out from Midnight Heist. Th, he wt to Biozone Entertainmt''s Lobby, which had already be recorded in his VR capsule. There was no need to ter the code anymore, as the system recognized him as an affiliated streamer.


    Arriving at the Lobby, he immediately tered the mtioned caf¨¦. Waiting for him in the corner was Mr. Taka, dressed nicely and neatly.


    "Breeze, over here." He called out to him while beckoning him to get closer. "Come, sit."


    "I am sorry that it took a while, Mr. Taka. I need to d the stream earlier." Max said as he sat down across from him.


    "No worries. Do you want to eat something? Ourpany has thetest artificial pte. It makes food taste really simr to the real world." Mr. Taka said, pointing at the tter in front of him. "We can talk over food.


    It''s nothing bad, so don''t make that nervous expression."


    "Ah¡­" He scratched the back of his head, "Well, I heard it''s urgt. Does it still show on my face? I thought I managed to hide it quite well."


    "Wh you meet many kinds of people, you will just know about it from the feelings." The marketing team manager chuckled, "Anyway, I have good news for you. Although, as I said in the message, it''s quite urgt."


    "Good news, is it?"


    Hearing that, he rxed immediately. At least it wasn''t something bad. The drama from before shed in his mind. Ev though he didn''t really care and used it to boost his poprity, getting used of doing something bad was still unpleasant.


    And the good news was exactly what he needed to forget about that.


    Mr. Taka ate some fries and smiled.


    "I got an ad offer for you if you''re interested."


    His eyes wided wh he heard that. Ad offer? Just a week after he signed the contract with Biozone, did he get an ad offer?


    Not only that, the one who told him was the marketing team manager directly, someone who shouldn''t have done something like this.


    Seeing his expression, Mr. Taka smirked.


    "We just don''t have a member responsible for making contact with you yet, so I am taking that job for a while. Also, this ad offer came from an important sponsor that trusted Biozone Entertainmt''s affiliated streamer for quite a long time. It would have a nice pay."


    This time, his ear moved slightly. Nice pay.


    His motivation shot through the roof. But he had a question.


    "If it''s an important sponsor, is it okay to leave it to me? Won''t the other affiliated streamers be a better choice?"


    Among the 5 affiliated streamers in Biozone Entertainmt, he was probably the youngest and most inexpericed one. Not only that, his average viewers were also the lowest. There was someone who had an average of 50K and K viewers who got affiliated with Biozone.


    While the offer had nice pay, and he was interested in it, he was afraid this would make the other affiliated streamers think badly of him.


    "Usually, that would be the case." Mr. Taka answered. "But this ad offer is a bit special, as I said. The clit not only wants to promote their product but also wants to make a short ad video. In short, they wanted an actor and not a usual streamer. Not only that, but the requiremt is¡­"


    Mr. Taka paused for a while and pushed up his sses.


    "They want a handsome person to shoot their film with. And we only have 4 candidates, including you." He said, "After looking at their schedule and possibility¡­ Only you are left."


    The way he said it was as if there was no other choice but to choose Max.


    Still, what did that matter? He was still chos in the d, which also showed that Mr. Taka still considered him to be a candidate. It would be worse if he wasn''t considered at all.


    From the marketing team leader''s tone earlier, he also seemed to realize what he was saying and felt slightly bad about putting him at the d of possibility.


    Again, Max was fine with it and smiled.


    "May I hear about the ad?"


    At his question, Mr. Taka smiled softly like an uncle who was proud of his nephew. Based on their age, it wasn''t an exaggeration if they looked like that from a stranger''s perspective.


    "Sure, sure. It''s a sneaker ad with a brand called NoFeet. They are a pretty bigpany and will release new running shoes. So they will need a short video to promote it. Their requiremt is to have a handsome streamer to do the video."


    "A handsome streamer¡­"


    That must be the reason why there were only 4 candidates left from 5. He smiled wryly.


    Though indirectly, that meant people still considered him handsome. Not that he realized it himself. Compared to his past life, his face indeed had improved.


    "Hahaha, yes. Many people praised your appearance before, right? So you fit the requiremt, at least that''s what I think."


    A dry chuckle escaped Max''s lips as he was praised oply. There was no one praising his appearance before, safe for the chat. And he knew most of them were trolls.


    "Anyway." Mr. Taka coughed into his mouth. "The n was to shoot a running advertisemt in the real world, just like normal. But that was scratched once I st yourtest Punchtube video to the sponsor. They are eager to have you shoot a simr video using their brand-new shoes."


    "Are you talking about my parkour video?" Max asked, eyes wided in surprise.


    If he didn''t hear it wrong, th Mr. Taka mtioned that the shot would be held IRL and not in the VR world.


    "Yes. They want to replicate that for their ads. Is it possible?" Mr. Taka asked with a worried tone, "I know it''s dangerous IRL. We can convince them to do it in the VR if you agre¨C"


    "Let''s do this ad, Mr. Taka. And IRL is good. Rather, that will be better."


    Max was getting excited. Parkour IRL? Where could he get hurt and bleed? Sign him up immediately. That was what he was waiting for.


    Mr. Taka was baffled at his excitemt.


    "Well¡­" The marketing team manager pushed his sses up, "I take that you agreed to be in the ad."

 Chapter 154: Chapter 154 – Deal!

    They talked about the details afterward, and Max was honestly satisfied with the offer.


    "The shooting will be held on April 9th at the Tag House in Paperful City. It''s 3 hour''s trip from Lime City with a Sky Rail. The final cut of pay you will receive is $7,000. It''s already taxed, so that''s a pure pay. Do you have any questions?"


    One day of work, and he would get 7 grand. That was too sweet.


    Not to mtion, he would be able to do parkour in real life.


    Tag House, as it was called, was a house for a tag. It was just a person chasing each other, but it was a sport that was recognized by the country and had a worldwidepetition with many thusiasts.


    It had many obstacles that could also be used for parkour. This might be the reason why parkour wasn''t well known. Ev if people could do it, the name of the game of tag was more famous, and probably no one would call it parkour.


    ''It''s kinda sad.'' He thought.


    Still, he didn''t mind. And he actually had a question for Mr. Taka.


    "April 9th¡­ Isn''t that so close to the monthly segmt recording, Mr. Taka?"


    "It''s, indeed. The monthly segmt will be livestreamed on thepany''s main Punch channel. We expect more than 00K viewers, and it''s being held on April 30th. I can only say¡­ good luck. It will be hard, but I hope you can manage." The marketing team managerughed, "Wee to streamer life."


    "Streamer life¡­" Max muttered, and a smile appeared on his life. "I guess it''s quite a busy life."


    "Hahahaha, yes."


    After the business talk was done, they conversed casually. Mr. Taka excused himself as he was still buried with work after saying that someone would apany him wh he wt to the shooting location because he still had no manager or a secretary.


    Max appreciated that and bid goodbye. He logged out from the VR. His body was drched in sweat, just like usual. Wh he looked at the clock, it was still 4:50. He still had time to rest.


    ''I will stream again at 7. That way, I can finish the rest of 3 matches and op my Tier before midnight.''


    He took a shower and had an early dinner because he had forgott lunch. Th, he spt time messaging his editor, BloodSucker.


    [Breeze: Blood, there will be an ad shooting for me on 9 and 30. I won''t be able to stream that day. Can you use the existing footage from Midnight Heist? Also, can you also edit my parkour footage and improve it?]


    His editing was good ough, but it was by no means a professional level. Compared to BloodSucker''s, it was like the editing of a person who had never touched any editing software before.


    [BloodSucker: What a demanding boss you are. And I already have your parkour editing in my cloud storage,plete with the thumbnail. Do you need it right now?]


    "Whoa¡­" Max eximed in pleasant surprise wh he read BloodSucker''s reply, "He''s really working efficitly. That $3,000 is well spt. Well, $4,000 with his reward. This is good."


    [Breeze: Yeah, that will be great. I will upload it and announce the editor''s name so everyone will know about it. And my superior? I will have him take a look to sd it to the sponsor too.]


    [BloodSucker: Fine. [AttachedVideo.mp3] Here you go. Just curious, but what''s the ad you''re talking about? You got one already? You don''t need to answer if it''s a secret.]


    [Breeze: It''s okay. I am asked to make a parkour video in real life using the sponsor''s product. It''s a shoepany called NoFeet.]


    [BloodSucker: IRL? Well, congrats. So that''s why you ded the stream today. Make sure to record that footage. And buy a better camera. This noble me''s editing will be ruined by that trash camera.


    The one you used sucks, trash. Buy a new one. The microphone too.]


    ''Is it that bad?'' Max thought.


    The currt camera he used could record a 4K with 60FPS. In his past life, such a camera was considered really good. But in this advanced technological world, where the camera could record an 8K resolution with 40FPS without any problem, it could also be considered trash.


    ''I guess it''s so bad.'' He muttered as he closed the hologram scre he used to browse the camera. ''The audio quality is bad too, far worse than my capsule. I guess I will buy them both.''


    [Breeze: Alright. I will record the parkour footage IRL if I am allowed to.]


    [BloodSucker: Ev if you ar''t allowed, sneak record it. It will be a good one. Not anyone can ter Tag House without permission.]


    Sneak it. What a man. If he wasn''t contracted to Biozone, th he would do that. But this was too risky.


    ''If I get found out, I will be reprimanded. This guy doesn''t think about the consequces.''


    He sighed and replied to BloodSucker for thest time before fixing his sitting position.


    ''But¡­ Did I mtion that the shooting will be in Tag House? How did he know about it?''


    He hummed curiously.


    ''Well, no use thinking about it. I better boot up my VR capsule and buy the camera before I forget.''


    Shopping in VR would allow him to see the result of the camera instead of just its specifications. He tered the biggest Mall that the United Nations had to offer.


    A variety of gadgetsy in front of his eyes. Wh he stepped in, he could see many people browsing the articles, apanied by an AI employee. In fact, an employee appeared on his side from blue ptagons wh he tered the store.


    "May I help you with something?" She asked politely with a smile.


    "Yes, can you show me an action camera? I prefer the one with a good video stabilizer and can record up to 8K FPS. Also, a wireless microphone that has a good sound quality simr to Spcer''stest VR capsule."


    "Certainly."


    After giving his requiremts, the AI employee raised her hands and showed two objects: a small circr camera and a clip-on microphone. The camera was the type that could be worn on the forehead and not the one that hovered in the air, like the camera he currtly had.


    "My apologies. An action camera is oft designed for a PoV point IRL, so it should be worn on the forehead and has no time to follow the user automatically. This camera is called Action Pro , and it''s the best action camera with an affordable price of $3,500. It can record up to 8K 40FPS."


    "The wireless microphone has a noise reduction function that can be set manually. It can pick up the smallest sound, like wind and running water. The price for this DJ Microphone is $,50. How would you like to proceed, customer?"


    The total would be $4,650.


    ''It''s too expsive!'' He screamed in his mind.


    However, this was also an investmt. It would be worth it.


    "I''ll buy them both." He said. "Please sd them to my address tomorrow."


    The employee''s smile broaded, "Thank you for your purchase! That would be $4,700 with the drone fee!"


    Max finished the transaction while holding back his tears. Money left in the bank: $,700.


    ''I am poor again.'' He sighed and contemted his fate as a streamer.


    Why did he like to be one? He wondered.

 Chapter 155: Chapter 155 – Tier Revealed!

    After shopping, Max took a nap and woke up at 7 to stream again. His goal was 3 matches tonight to finish his matchmaking.


    Because he would have 2 days less than his n to get to Tier 2, he needed to work harder or win every game from now on. It would be good if he was Tier 3 right from the start, but that might be hard. No one started at Tier 3 right after they finished their cement matches. At least no first-timer did.


    [Livestream Starts!]


    As soon as he started the stream, the viewers who were waiting for him to return immediately typed in the chat.


    ¡ª Oooh, he returned!


    ¡ª Finally! He''s an hourte from usual. I thought he wouldn''t stream today


    ¡ª Breeze, are you okay? Is the problem solved yet?


    ¡ª d to see you


    ¡ª Are you okay?


    [CreamySugar has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [d to see you stream again. Twice a day, a blessing!]


    [LovelyOtter has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [I am so worried about thest word you said before ending the stream. Is everything fine?]


    "Yo, guys! I am back! Thanks for the donation, CreamySugar and LovelyOtter. Yeah, I am fine. Someone from Biozone just contacted me to have a meeting. There is no trouble whatsoever as we only talk about something briefly."


    Calming the chat down was pretty easy as he showed his smile. There were various questions as to why he suddenly logged out, but he didn''t talk about it and only smirked.


    "You will know soon." He said. "Anyway, let''s get into the game. I will y 3 times this time and get to know my Tier. ying as a police is fine, but I want to be thieves again."


    ¡ª You being a police officer is cheating!


    ¡ª lololol, the police are faster than the thieves. "I AM SPEED!!!"


    ¡ª A petition to ban Breeze from being a police officer. Reason: he didn''t say "STOP!" and just showed up like a ghost


    ¡ª No one will want you to y the police anymore after thest game lmao


    ¡ª Go go, I am curious what Tier you get


    "I will get Tier 2 immediately." He grinned smugly and started the matchmaking.


    He found the match easily, and the map was the museum. This time, his role was as a thief, just like he hoped to.


    Fortunately, no one looked down on him at the game, and they could escape easily from the police, who apparently had a troll between them. The eighth cement match went easier than he thought, but it wasn''t as fun as the other seven.


    The ninth cement match was better. The map was a bigger beach house, and he became a police officer this time.


    "Hello!"


    "Hehe, let''s y together!"


    "H-Hello, let''s have fun."


    "I want to win, let''s goo!!"


    Two of his teammates were girls. It was rare to see them ying Midnight Heist. The male and female ratio that yed this game was around 7:3. Max hadn''t yet teamed up with one. Though it seemed like his enemy from previous rounds had two girls with them.


    "Good luck, and have fun."


    Just like usual, he wished his teammates good luck. But¡­ this time, the reaction was more varied for some reason.


    "Hehehe, good luck to you too! Ah, I am PeachyCute. Nice to meet you!"


    "Your name is Breeze? I am PrettyHoney! Nice to meet you!"


    The other two guys in the team were kind of ignored as the two girls got close to him. As a result, they were ring at him with a death stare. ncing at them, he couldn''t help but smile awkwardly.


    ''Don''t stare at me like that, dude. I did nothing at all.'' He stepped back all the way with his hands raised, trying his best not to touch them.


    Just like his two teammates, the chat also exploded in its own way.


    ¡ª Bishes! Get away from Breeze!


    ¡ª Note their names. We will drag them face into the mud! How dare they get close to him!


    ¡ª With a face that''s worse than a dishwasher they try to act cute in front of him?


    ¡ª Even Vice-Leader Otter holds herself back! They are dead! DEAD!


    ¡ª Naaah, Breeze is vited by girls. This is new


    ¡ª He''s so polite that he raises his hands.


    ¡ª No, he''s so repulsed to even touch them, I believe.


    They didn''t mock Breeze but the girls who dared to act flirty with him. Everyone in the chat already knew about his personality and that he was forever maidenless. There was no way he would act nicely to a girl!


    Another reason was that some of them already shipped him with another person. Though, that was a secret that he didn''t know.


    Thankfully, before the situation worsened and he was pushed to the wall, the game had started, and he was teleported away. He appeared on the second party floor with a guy teammate.


    "Phew¡­ I am safe." Max muttered.


    The guy seemed to hear him and narrowed his eyes.


    "Don''t y around, dude." He said, "Girls are temporary. Rank is forever. If you don''t take this seriously, I will report it."


    With that, the guy left. Max looked at him in confusion but then let out another sigh.


    "It''s hard to be popr¡­"


    ¡ª There he goes again, the humblebrag.


    ¡ª Usually I''d be pissed, but I will let him go this time


    ¡ª Popr amongdies¡­ If the girls before can be called one.


    "Guys, it''s not nice calling people ugly." He said, and that was what he truly believed. "But well, I am hated by two of my teammates because of those girls, so screw them. I will just y normall¨C"


    "Ah! There he is."


    "Hyaa! Let''s find the thieves together!"


    From the distance, two voices belonging to his teammates rang loudly upon seeing him. They raised their pitch to sound cute, but it became just annoying for him.


    "I retract my statement. Fck them! I want to y, dammit."


    Saying so, he jumped over the stairs and went to the first floor. It seemed like it was his fate to meet a troll when he enjoyed ying a game.


    ¡ª I think they are the trolls from the previous game


    ¡ª Unlucky¡­ A troll in a ranked match


    ¡ª I think they are more like ''annoying yers'' than trolls.


    ¡ª That''s not important.


    ¡ª He''s running away from them as if they are disgusting lol


    ¡ª I bet he''s gonna get into a drama again. However, it''s unimportant because they bother him, and he doesn''t do anything but run.


    The game continued with the girls trying to get to know Max. He did his best to catch the thieves with his other teammates, who finally understood the situation.


    In the end, they lost because the girls didn''t y seriously. They reported them, though Max felt bitter for losing his first cement match.


    He wanted to curse so badly, but he held himself back. He was a better man, he told himself.


    Then, his tenth game arrived. The map was an underground vault, and he became a thief.


    There was a girl on his team, but she didn''t act flirty like the two from earlier, which was something he appreciated. He found out that he couldn''t really handle flirty girls whose sense of private space was butchered from their brains.


    Unexpectedly, the teamwork was pretty solid. The girl wore a crow mask, allowing her to use an ability to glide in the air for a few seconds. And because the target was higher, she could easily escape to the getaway boat.


    Only two people, Max and the girl, escaped safely as the others sacrificed themselves to stop the police. They appeared on the boat after the sessful escape notification appeared.


    "Good job, everyone!"


    "Great job!"


    Max replied to them half-heartedly. He didn''t focus on his teammate anymore as he chose to read the message that appeared in front of him.


    ¡ª What''s your Tier?!


    ¡ª Is it Tier 5? Or Tier 4?


    ¡ª Could it be¡­ Tier 5?!


    ¡ª Tell us! Check your profile.


    [Escape sessful!]


    [Target secured.]


    [The MVP of this match: BirdieMoon.]


    [¡­]


    [680 Dinar has been received.]


    There was no notification about his Tier. He was returned to the bar he was in. Upon reading the chat, he realized that he needed to open the menu to know his Tier.


    And he did that. Written above the ranked match button was his Tier. It glowed brightly, changing the ''?'' mark with something else.


    When the light was gone, it was written clearly.


    [Tier¡­]

 Chapter 156: Chapter 156 – True Gamer

    [Tier 5]


    Surprised by his Tier, Max stayed silent for a few seconds.


    "Really?" He asked no one in particr.


    The grind would be worse. Under the Tier, there were 69/100 written inside a progression bar, which was the rate point he needed to increase his Tier. He could gain it by winning a ranked match or bing an SVP of the losing team.


    Of course, being an MVP would give him a lot of rate points. But in a ranked game, no one knew who the MVP was. Teamwork was more important than selfishness.


    Still¡­


    "I expected I would get Tier 4 from the get-go. But I only get 69/100 Tier 5, huh?"


    ¡ª I am also surprised. You always did well, but how could you only get Tier 5


    ¡ª Is Midnight Heist''s ranked system wed? You have 3 MVP from the 10 cement matches


    ¡ª Why would it be like this?


    ¡ª I think I know why. You always wear the default costume, and the system probably thinks you''re riding on a bus. Many streamers also experienced it before in a challenge.


    ¡ª The system mistook him for riding the bus because he never took the target item himself lolol


    It was nonsense. The system should''ve known better. Max wasn''t a newbie who was boosted but a real yer who yed alone.


    There should be another reason why he didn''t get to Tier 4 immediately.


    The question was¡­ Was it worth mulling over? Rather than finding out the reason, ying more games and increasing his Tier was better.


    However, he had to stop today.


    "I will begin my grind tomorrow. I hope I can reach Tier 3 before logging out. Or at least close to getting promoted to Tier 3."


    ¡ª Hahaha, good luck!


    ¡ª The enemies would only get harder and harder


    ¡ª Many hard-stuck veterans will be waiting for you in Tier 3


    ¡ª Kekeke, those low-struck in Tier 4 will wee you with their stinky veteran odor


    ¡ª HUahahaha, YOU WILL MEET ME! MEEE!!


    ¡ª I am also Tier 4. I hope to see you there!


    "Yeah, yeah. I wee you to y with me, but don''t troll or stream snipe."


    He made sure to give his viewers a warning. Thankfully, they were understanding. Unfortunately, not all of them were like that. Some still said they would purposely snipe his stream and press the match at the same time so they were in the same room.


    That was fine by itself, as it was not an active stream snipe. But that should be better left unsaid.


    "Anyway, I will end the stream today. There are many things I need to prepare for the end of the month."


    ¡ª Good job.


    ¡ª Good bye!


    [Jrnior has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Good bye, Breeze! That was fun]


    [noBanTop has donated 100 diamonds!]


    [¡­]


    [BloodSucker has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [You forgot to announce that stuff, so this noble me appeared. Watch Breeze''s Punchtubeter. New video uploaded!]


    Reading thest donation, Max realized his mistake.


    "Oh, right. The first video of my new editor will be uploaded after this. Please watch it!"


    Many viewers guessed who the editor''s identity was. It was pretty easy, after all, and the person in question didn''t deny any spections.


    Donations kept pouring in for a while.


    [BloodGod has donated 5,000 diamonds!]


    [I am looking forward to your suffering.]


    That was thest donation he read before he ended the stream.


    ***


    Suffering. That was the right word. The next few days were hell and heaven at the same time. It was the essential time for Max to grow as a streamer and a gamer.


    In one instance, he was getting angry at his teammate.


    "Why the fuck did he go through that door?! I told him there was a police officer and he mmed it open. Is he out of his mind?! Man, use your brain! Listen to your teammate!"


    The man ran by himself after taking the target. He didn''t listen to his advice and met the police on the way to escape.


    As a result, the target was secured and put into a safer vault. The thieves were unable to re-steal it under the five police officers'' watch. Naturally, they lost the match.


    The saving grace was that Max became SVP, and his RP wasn''t reduced. In fact, it increased by 1, making it 70.


    Following that unlucky match were three consecutive wins, boosting his RP to 97/100. Each match gave him +9 because he did pretty well, even though he didn''t score the MVP.


    Then, just as he got motivated to grind again and got promoted to Tier 4, he got a pretty frustrating match. His role was a police, and everyone did well in the beginning.


    And the situation was as following. The thieves managed to steal the target, and there were three police officers near the area where the rm rang. Max guarded the west getaway while the other officer guarded the east.


    By now, he was already used to the strategy to stop the thief and thought that other yers who yed longer than him might even be the master of it. But¡­ He was wrong.


    The three officers had a simple job: to catch the distraction and leave one or two thieves so the getaway guard could catch the enemy himself. However, none of the enemy was caught, and five thieves rushed in his direction.


    "Holy hell!"


    Without any other choice, he tried his best to catch them. But it was impossible. He only managed to secure two out of the five thieves, and the others escaped.


    Again, he became SVP and got +2 RP after catching two thieves. It should''ve been the match where he got promoted to Tier 4. He didn''t need the MVP, only a single win.


    When he was in the lobby, he raged.


    "Why can''t they do such a simple job?! I can even catch 2 thieves by myself without using fancy traps. They just need to shoot them! Just pull the trigger and cuff them! Hell, my baton is enough to get 2 thieves! How the hell?!


    That was so unlucky."


    Facing his outburst, his viewers onlyughed.


    ¡ª He''s the true gamer


    ¡ª Breeze has grown into a real gamer lol


    ¡ª Just a month to see him rage like this. Precious


    ¡ª True gamer is born. Oh, fate. Rage = true gamer!


    ¡ª Truly


    ¡ª As the BloodGod said¡­ suffering.


    "Shut it. I will y again. If I don''t get to Tier 3 before 28, then I will tell you my embarrassing secret."


    ¡ª BET!


    ¡ª Embarrassing secret?! Do it!


    ¡ª I clipped this and uploaded it to the fanspage!


    ¡ª Finally we will have ckmail¨C something embarrassing!


    ¡ª HEHEHE, is it about peeing in the ssroom?


    Everyone had gotten excited. Though, not for Max.


    The only thing that made him happy was when he saw Tier 5 changed into Tier 4 after winning his next game. But the grind continued.


    The promised day arrived without him noticing.


    It was now April 28th, and Max wasn''t Tier 3 yet. His current RP was 65, and it was close to 100, which was where he could get promoted to Tier 3. The journey was rough; even leaving the bed felt like a chore today.


    His body felt sluggish as if he was underwater and got dragged down by something unknown. Dizziness ran through his head, making him see the world spinning around him.


    When he raised his body, he immediately felt something pulling him from behind, and he fell back to his back.


    "Oh." A realization came. He looked at the ceiling with a feeling of dread. "Fuck no¡­ I got sick?"

 Chapter 120 - 120 – Finding a Good Apartment

    Max and Nina walked side by side on the street walk at the center of Lime City. Many high-rise buildings stood, with hover cars running on the main street.


    The girl was now wearing beige clothes with knitted cardigans over them,plete with a checkered skirt reaching her knees. She wore a white barret over her head, making her look more cute than beautiful.


    Her face was slightly flushed, and she screamed internally.


    ''Why am I going all out with my clothing?!''


    Lately, Nina felt like she couldn''t understand herself anymore. She nced at Max, who looked around curiously and shook her head.


    ''Yeah, I know what''s going on. But why do I¡­ Can''t seem to get anything right like the usual?''


    "Nina, are you feeling sick?" Max asked worriedly when he saw Nina''s red face. "You don''t need to tag along if you don''t feel well. We can do this another day."


    Hearing that, Nina was unexpectedly able to calm herself. She smiled sheepishly and scratched her cheek.


    "Hehe, I am fine. It''s just rare that we walk together like this. I am just shy with all the attention we are grabbing."


    "Ah," He nodded slightly. Indeed, they were standing out in this city.


    Some people seemed to recognize him. They probably watched either his clips or videos about him.


    A synchronization test''s world record holder was bound to attract some attention, even from someone who wasn''t his viewer, especially since he also once appeared in the morning news. But the stares were too much even for that.


    The fact that they didn''t approach him carelessly was something he appreciated.


    "My bad. Are you ufortable with that? I should''ve worn a mask." He said.


    "N-No, it''s okay. I will get used to it soon."


    Looking at her, he knew that Nina was lying. He wasn''t that dense not to notice something strange with her, the one he knew the longest in this world from his memories. He just pretended to be oblivious so she wouldn''t be that embarrassed.


    ''Well, this is awkward,'' He thought, scratching the back of his head. ''I said in my stream that I wanted a girlfriend. Maybe that''s what made her act like this. I prefer if she acts normally, though.''


    The next few minutes of walk were filled with silence. No one said anything until they stopped at the crossroad, and Nina noticed the bulletin board ying a video.


    "Look, Max! That''s you, right?"


    The video titled ''New Synchronization Test World Record Time!'' showed Max''s appearance as he dodgedsers skillfully. It was already edited to make him look cooler. There was even a dodging sound effect, inciting excitement to those watching it.


    After watching that, he understood where those stares came from. This was the reason.


    "Haha¡­ Biozone really goes all out to promote their game." Heughed, "Anyway, let''s get moving, or we won''t finish what we should do until night. Surely, we don''t want to make your uncle wait."


    "Right. And Mr. Famous over here needs to work at night." She smiled at him, giggling yfully.


    The light had turned green, and people began to cross the road.


    Their destination was just across the street, a building with the hologram signboard ''Sam''s Real Estate'' put on the second floor. It was a multi-building, meaning many people used it for different offices on each floor.


    "Excuse me." Nina greeted the one inside after the door automatically opened when they approached. "Uncle Sam, are you inside?"


    Entering the office on the second floor, they saw a middle-aged man wearing a suit sitting behind a wooden desk. He had a round stomach, but his appearance was neat, without excessive jewelry.


    Upon seeing two youngsters entering his office, the man stood up and spread his arms wide, his lips curled up into arge smile.


    "Ooh, my niece! Long time no see! Come, sit, sit. I have heard it from your father. The boy over there needs a new apartment, eh?" He turned to Max and observed him.


    The middle-aged man, Sam''s eyes were narrowed like an eagle.


    After a while, he nodded approvingly and muttered, "Not bad."


    Max felt like a predator observing him. It was probably just his feelings, but he didn''t dare to speak first without waiting for Nina.


    They only sat on the chairs in front of the desk, just as Sam had told them to. A part of the desk opened at the middle-aged man''s gesture, and two cups of hot tea appeared.


    "Have a drink. You must be tired walking here." He said.


    Max nodded at him and took the tea, "Thank you for the hospitality."


    "Thank you." Nina held the cup with both hands and took a sip of the tea. Afterward, she smiled and continued. "Max is trying to find a new apartment. Can you help him, uncle?" She raised her chin cutely with her eyes open wide.


    Sam''s expression melted. He was just like any other uncle who loved his niece.


    "I see, I see." He said, turning to Max. "How much is your budget, boy? And tell me if you have any requirements for the ce."


    "I prefer somewhere near where I lived before, near the 6th block. My only requirement is that the room has a private kitchen, a shower room, and space for a light exercise. Also, if there is security for the apartment, that would be great. My budget is around $3,000 a month."


    ''That''s the most important.'' Max added in his mind.


    There was no need to specify that he needed a space for a VR capsule. Every apartment in the United Nations was already designed to have at least one VR capsule in the room, as it was the basic requirement all people had.


    "Hahaha, every property that we have always had at least 2 security guards." Samughed amusedly.


    He brought up a hologram screen from his smartwatch and scrolled to find some apartments matching Max''s requirements.


    "With $3,000 a month, a few options are actually avable in Lime City. However, because you specifically asked for the one near 6th block, only two options meet your requirements."


    With a flick of Sam''s finger, the screen turned into two and went toward Max. It showed the details of the apartment to him. Both looked nice and were still close to his current apartment. When he read the address, Max noticed something.


    ''One of them is near that park.'' He thought, a smile formed on his face.


    The first apartment was near the park with those nice pirs he nned to climb. The monthly rent was $2,950 a month, close to the budget he told him. The room was spacious and had everything he needed. It even had two bedrooms.


    The second apartment was a bit smaller, with a rent of $2,400 a month. It was located on the 7th block, near Nina''s restaurant. Just like the first, it also had a nice room. The difference was that it only had one bedroom.


    Both were already discounted, but Max didn''t know about it.


    "Feel free to save the data written inside. You can tour the apartment from your VR capsule. And if you have decided which one you choose, feel free to contact me again." Sam said. "Of course, if the choice is not to your liking, we can find other apartments."


    "Thank you. I will contact you soon."


    "Take your time," Sam replied with a business smile.

 Chapter 157: Chapter 157 – Getting Sick

    It was the worst. His body trembled uncontrobly, scared. If there was something that scared him the most in this world, that was getting sick.


    "No¡­" His voice became so weak that it lost its usual tone. "Hell no."


    Thest memory of being unable to move freely and bound to that machine filled with cables shed in his mind. He was scared. Scared that the freedom he regained would be gone in just a month.


    Naturally, his mind knew that it was probably just exhaustion and cold. But the traumatic experience was still traumatic. He couldn''t help but think of the worst.


    "Damn¡­" He tried to push his body again. This time, he managed to sit down and operate his smartwatch, bringing up a contact list. "I need help¡­ I can''t stay alone like this, or it will only get worse."


    There were only so many that he could contact, and he wasn''t particrly close enough to them to ask for help. In this situation, he could only count on one person. It was embarrassing, but he didn''t think he would survive alone. His mind was in disarray, and he always thought of the worst, even now.


    Pressing a familiar name that he always kept in contact with, even when he moved away from his apartment, the screen changed into a call.


    Soon, the face of a cheerful girl with short brown hair appeared.


    [Video Call started]


    "Morni¨C What happened? Why are you crying, Max?"


    As soon as she saw his state, she began to raise her voice worriedly.


    ''Crying?'' He thought, running his hand over his face. He didn''t realize it himself, but apparently, he cried out of fear. ''Hahaha, how uncool.''


    A chuckle escaped his lips.


    "There is nothing wrong." He replied with a hoarse voice, "I just got sick and can''t even move. Sorry, Nina, but¡­"


    "Ah, say no more! Get in your bed again, and I will go there! Don''t move, okay? Uuh, yourplexion looks really bad."


    It could be seen on the screen that the girl began to run around her room to change her clothes. Soon, she returned with a different appearance; a neat and cute girl appeared.


    "Should I bring you breakfast also? It will take a while, but¡­"


    "Yeah." Max nodded at her, "Thank you."


    "Hnn, no need to mention it! I will be there in a few minutes!"


    The screen disappeared.


    Following her advice, Max returned to bed quietly. At times like this, he relieved his experience since he was in this world. Streaming was fun, and he quite enjoyed it.


    Putting his arm above his eyes, he tried not to think about anything. Because of that, he drifted to sleep without him noticing it.


    ***


    Nina arrived at Max''s apartment just a few minutes after the call ended. She brought a hot meal that could energize a sick person with her and various medicines.


    Before she scanned him using an application to know his sickness, she couldn''t be sure what kind of medicine he needed, so she brought them all.


    The security near the entrance recognized her. When she asked them whether it was possible to borrow the key to Max''s ce, they gave it to her after some questioning.


    "Hahaha, take care of your boyfriend." One of the middle-aged security guards who had stopped Max from parkouring in the pastughed.


    "B-Boyfriend?" Nina got flustered. It wasn''t rare for them to get mistaken as a couple, buttely, she was always embarrassed when someone called them that.


    She quickly resolved the misunderstanding and went to his room on the sixth floor. She used the keycard from the guard to open the door slowly.


    "Max?" She called out to her friend, but there was no reply.


    Entering, she closed the door and went to the bedroom, where he wasst seen in the video call, after putting the meal on the table.


    There, she saw him falling asleep once again. The trace of tears on his cheek had dried out, but his expression wasn''t that good. And he was apparently having a nightmare.


    "Ugh¡­ No¡­ No. I¡­ don''t want¡­ alone¡­"


    Nina immediately put her belongings down and approached him. She climbed up the bed and stroked his hair. It felt soft, probably because he took care of himself a lot.


    "It''s okay, Max. I am here."


    Most probably feeling her touch, his breathing stabilized, and he wasn''t throwing around anymore. New tears trickled down from his eyes. She immediately wiped them out with a handkerchief.


    She was confused as to why he acted like this, but she also understood. He was always alone, even before she met him. The only person talking to him was her and Chef Rush, her father.


    "You''re not alone anymore, don''t you? There are many friends ying games with you now. I also began ying games and enjoyed it."


    At first, she was worried that his streaming didn''t work out. But that was an unfounded one. He managed to charm many people and make them stay to watch him. His content wasn''t so unique, but it was still different from many streamers, especially his movement called parkour.


    "Though you also made many girls fall in love¡­ Well, I won''t lose, though. The secret leader of your female fans will always stay by your side. Fufufu." A yful giggle escaped her lips as she backed away. "Still, you''re burning up. Let''s fix you real quick."


    Operating her smartwatch, she opened a health scan application and pushed the cold metal against his forehead. The signal spread by the smartwatch scanned Max''s body and got all the data needed to know what was wrong.


    After a few seconds, the result showed up.


    [37 degrees Celsius. Cause: exhaustion. Treatment: Drink a D-Grade nutritional supplement and cold medicine.]


    "Ah, you''re too exhausted. As expected, someone should look after you all the time. This is why dad always calls you in the morning to make sure you eat something healthy."


    Grumbling, Nina took the medicine she brought from her bag. She also found a C-Grade nutritional supplement on the table near the bed and decided to make him drink it when he woke up. This would work better than the D-Grade one.


    For now¡­ she let him sleep while she sat next to him, reading a novel she had taken a liking totely. It was a romance novel.


    Taking another look at Max, she whispered quietly.


    "You''ve worked hard. That''s why I love you."

 Chapter 158: Chapter 158 – Recovered

    Max woke up to the rustling sound he heard.


    He opened his eyes with difficulty and saw Nina in the room.


    "Ugh¡­ Nina?" He asked.


    The girl turned around and beamed into a smile when she saw him waking up.


    "Ah, you woke up!" She eximed, closing the screen floating in front of her and standing up. "How do you feel?"


    "The worst¡­" He smiled and chuckled dryly, "My throat feels like burning."


    "You have a cold, so that''s normal." She said, "Wait a minute, okay. I will reheat the meal I brought for you. In the meantime, drink your nutritional supplement. That will make you feel better."


    Saying so, she turned around and went to the door. Watching her back made him smile. For some reason, he didn''t feel scared of his sickness anymore.


    Following what she said, he drank a C-Grade nutritional supplement beside his bed. He didn''t know that it also could make him feel better. His mind also became clearer. The fogginess he felt from before was gone.


    Was he that exhausted? Probably. Lately, he yed more than 6 hours every day and only rested for a few hours before continuing his grind.


    ''I shouldn''t have pushed myself.'' He thought as he put down the empty tube. He could immediately feel the change. Warmth spread around his body, and he felt a little bit better. ''As expected from something that cost $2,000 a tube.''


    Due to the cost, Nina most probably wouldn''t ask him to drink one if he didn''t have it in stock. Thankfully, he still had 2 from the system reward a few days ago. And today was perfect to drink it again, as more than a week had passed since then.


    ''Maybe that''s why I got sick? I should remember to stock nutritional supplements. It''s costly, but that will allow me to y a lot.''


    Before long, he heard footsteps approaching from outside. The door was opened, and Nina appeared while holding a tray with pipping hot risotto in a bowl.


    "Have a breakfast, Max. It''s a simple meal, but it will fill you up enough so you can drink the medicine."


    "Thanks."


    Max took the bowl and began eating. Meanwhile, Nina watched him from the side and prepared the medicine he needed.


    After everything was done, the girl stood up and took the dishes to the kitchen.


    "Just sleep again after this. I need to go soon because the restaurant will need help soon during the lunch rush."


    "Yeah." He replied and tucked his body into the nket. "Nina¡­ Thanks. I don''t know what I should do without you."


    Hearing his words, she stopped right before the door.


    "Wha?" Her face was reddened.


    She turned around toin but saw his eyes were already closed.He was already sleeping.


    "Uggh¡­ Idiot. Big dummy."


    Without a choice, she left the bedroom quietly.


    ***


    Max only woke up again when the clock showed 2 PM. He felt way better than this morning.


    "The medicine is working wonderfully." He eximed pleasantly.


    Not only was the technology more advanced than his past world, but medicine also had a great improvement. To think he would be cured in just a few hours was a miracle.


    If only there was such advanced technology and medicine in his past world¡­ Hemented for a second but shook his head to forget about it. There was no need to dwell on it.


    He had a few new messages. The first one was from Nina.


    [Nina: Don''t forget to eat! I put your lunch in the fridge. Reheat it and drink the medicine again! I know you will be cured, but just drink it for the sake of it!]


    ''What is she? My mother?'' He chuckled and replied to her.


    [Breeze: Sure. Thanks, Nina. I will invite you to a nice ce next week.]


    [Nina: Really? That''s a promise! Take me to an aquarium, then. Hehe, I heard there is a new one open in Lime City.]


    ''An aquarium?''


    To think there was a new physical one open in the real world. In the VR world, people could swim in an open sea to see the fish directly, so the aquarium was usually empty and only used to protect the fish.


    Of course, there were some people who enjoyed visiting it in the real world more than the VR world¡ªnamely¡­ couples.


    ''Did she just ask me on a date?'' He read between the lines. That must be it.


    It made him happy but also troubled him at the same time. Right now, he wasn''t sure about his own emotions, especially since that day when he heard Lily singing.


    But¡­ There was nothing wrong with epting Nina''s invitation. They had been friends for a long time.


    [Breeze: Sounds good.]


    [Nina: Great! I can''t wait for next week.]


    After replying to the message, he looked at the other one. It was from BloodSucker. His editor said that new videos were done and sent to him.


    [Breeze: Nice. I will schedule them for the next 3 days.]


    [BloodSucker: You better do. And don''t forget to record in Tag House and ask for footage from the sponsor. They will probably give it to you if you ask. It''s a free promotion, after all.]


    [Breeze: Thanks for reminding me. I will do that.]


    Tomorrow was the day. His first ad shoot with NoFeet. He was pretty nervous but excited at the same time. How would it go, he wondered.


    ''I guess I will pack my equipment.''


    The one thing he shouldn''t forget to bring was his action camera and new wireless microphone. Whether he was allowed to record the shooting process or not, he would definitely had to livestream something that day.


    Talking about his livestream, he remembered that he had a bet with his viewers.


    ''Damn, I almost forgot. But I lost the bet, no?''


    The Sky Rail he needed to catch would depart to Paperful City in a few hours. That was why he nned to grind in the morning to get to Tier 3. But that seemed to be impossible now.


    ''I guess I will need to tell them about the embarrassing secret when I arrive in Paperful City if I don''t manage to get to Tier 3 before midnight.''

 Chapter 159: Chapter 159 – Paperful City

    Max decided to make an announcement in his Strike that he would stream at 9 PM tonight. He hoped the hotel he stayed at had a good VR Capsule, preferably the newest type.


    When he finished his preparation and cleaned himself, he departed to Paperful City in Sky Rail.


    Paperful City was one of the rare cities in the United Nations, with almost no skyscrapers in sight. The city was filled with various parks. Sports parks, leisure parks, dog parks, and even skate parks.


    At night, many beautiful lights decorated the city. Some were put around the trees, and some were floating by the drone. It looked as if stars had descended on the city.


    Many paper decorations could be seen here and there. They were colorful and added to the aesthetic of the city, giving it a unique look.


    Max looked at the scenery from within the Sky Rail. He didn''t expect this city to be beautiful. He actually expected it to be filled with skyscrapers like the other cities with advanced technology. But the reality broke his expectations.


    The houses looked almost simr to each other, with roofs with low railings surrounded by ledges extending to sloped tiles. Jumping around them while lit by drone lights might produce beautiful footage.


    He wanted to try it and explore this city.


    ''Let''s do that after shooting the ad.''


    After getting to the other side of the city, where lights were dimmer than in the center, the Sky Rail finally stopped. Max had arrived at his destination.


    Taking his backpack, he exited the Sky Rail and went out of the station. Just when he exited the ticketing gate, he saw a man in a suit standing with arge hologram screen spelling ''Breeze'' written in it. He had ck hair that was slicked back nicely.


    On his cor was a pin with Biozone Entertainment''s logo. He must be the one who would apany him, as Mr. Taka mentioned before.


    "Good evening." Max greeted the man in the suit with a friendly smile, "Are you Biozone Entertainment''s employee?"


    Hearing his question, the man nodded and smiled professionally.


    "That''s correct. My name is Michael Lamb, and I will be your temporary manager while we''re shooting the ad. I will also be your driver in the meantime until we finish shooting the ad. It''s nice to meet you, Breeze. Please just call me Michael."


    "It''s nice to meet you too, Michael."


    Both of them shook hands, and Michael exined his schedule for tonight as they walked to the parking lot.


    "We will meet with the sponsor''s representative after this in the hotel where you will stay tonight. She''s pretty interested in talking to you about tomorrow''s shooting n and will exin the idea and concept she has in mind."


    "Ah, that would be helpful."


    While Mr. Taka said the sponsor wanted to replicate his parkour video, there needed to be a concept and a story so the viewers would be engaged.


    For example, his first parkour video was about him getting chased by security. BloodSucker further edited it, and the storytelling and transition became way better. In fact, it gained more views than the first version. The story was what made the viewers love the video.


    "After talking to the sponsor, you are free to do whatever you want. However, we will begin the shoot early tomorrow." Michael exined.


    He stopped when they reached a blue hovercar and opened the door for Max.


    As they entered, Michael looked over the mirror.


    "So, we''d appreciate it if you took care of your health and rested without ying any games. Yourplexion isn''t as good as the one I saw in the picture. Are you sick? If yes, please rest and don''t y VR tonight so you can give your best tomorrow."


    How did he know? Max wondered. Was Michael a doctor? Or was his expression really that easy to see through?


    He smiled wryly. His n to get to Tier 3 tonight seemed to be canceled.


    ''There is no choice. I don''t think that I am still unwell. But if other people can still see it from my expression, then I probably am still not fit enough. I guess I will rest from VR for today.''


    "Very well." He answered Michael, "So, are we going straight to the hotel right now?"


    "Yes, the sponsor was waiting for your arrival. Unfortunately, we have no time to prepare. Please just answer her question with honey in your mouth. We can''t afford to offend her. But, if it''s concerning safety, please be honest with her. We will handle the rest."


    In short, suck her up so she pays more to Biozone and Max. If it was too dangerous, put somemon sense into her head. He got that message very clearly.


    Their ride to the hotel was pretty calm. Max enjoyed the scenery outside, which was pretty much filled with trees and a beautiful light show while wondering what kind of person he would meetter.


    ''Because it is one of NoFeet''s board directors, she is probably a middle-aged woman, no? I should show my politeness and give a nice first impression.''


    The hotel they arrived at was smaller than the Biozone Hotel in New Eden City. However, it wasn''t lost in terms of luxuriousness and service.


    Max was greeted by beautiful staff. Because he had no belongings, the male staff had no job to do but to park the hovercar in the basement.


    Looking around, he was mesmerized by the hotel decorations thatbine nature and technology. The color scheme was green, giving it a fresh feeling. The nice smell that came from the caf¨¦ connected to the lobby invited him toe closer and have a meal.


    Unfortunately, he couldn''t afford to stop.


    "Breeze, the sponsor, has been waiting in the meeting room. We should meet her first. Once again, please only answer the question directed to you and the safety concern, as you''re the actor and probably knew better about it than us. For the rest, please leave it to me."


    "I understand."


    The mentioned meeting room was on the highest floor of the hotel, which was the 10th floor. It was a small hotel, but there was a reason behind that. There was a rule in the city that the building could only reach a certain height to keep the drone light show visible everywhere.


    When they arrived, Michael opened the door for him. He was expecting to see ady in her 40s waiting for him inside with her secretary or manager. However, the one who greeted him wasn''t the kind of person he expected.


    "Wee, Breeze!"


    It was indeed a middle-aged woman in a suit, but her energetic self was pretty surprising. It took him off guard, and she approached closely, observing him like a predator.


    "Fufufu, you''re also more handsome than the one in the photo. Perfect. I hope we can shoot the perfect ad tomorrow with you." She backed away and smiled slyly.


    "You remind me a bit of my son. Hahaha, it''s apliment, so please don''t worry. But, it will be gettingte soon. Let''s talk about the ad."


    "Ah, yes."


    That was the only thing he could say in this situation.

 Chapter 160: Chapter 160 – Ad Concept

    They were seated around a long table, sitting across from each other. Max sat beside Michael while the sponsor sat alone with a man in a suit standing behind her. It seemed like he was her assistant.


    After they were all seated, the sponsor introduced herself.


    "Once again, it''s nice to meet the gentleman from Biozone Entertainment and Breeze. My name is Talia rk, the board director and marketing director of NoFeet, and behind me is my assistant, Patrick Harris."


    "It''s nice to meet you." The assistant greeted them with his hand on his chest.


    The sponsor, Talia, looked at Max with a smile.


    "Without further ado, let''s talk about the idea of the ad shooting. We are interested after watching your video called parkour. The concept is unique, getting chased by security while running in 1st PoV. We''re thinking of replicating it while changing the concept slightly. What do you think."


    Max listened quietly and nodded. So, they indeed knew the importance of the story in an ad and a video. He didn''t need to exin it to them.


    "I think that''s a good idea." He said, smiling at the middle-aged woman. "May I know what kind of concept we have in mind?"


    "Of course, dear. Our new product is called Funzy. It''s a running shoe with a unique design that''s trendy in design andfortable to use." Talia exined, showing a hologram screen with the shoe design turning around slowly on the screen.


    The shoes were unique, indeed. It had a thick sole and a bulky design. When Maxid his eyes on it, he had one thought.


    ''This will be hard.''


    Those weren''t shoes that were suited for parkour use at all. First of all, it definitely had almost no grip because of the smooth surface of the soles. It might have had a good cushion from the thick sole, but it probably wasn''t flexible at all.


    Unknown to Max''s feelings and dismay, Talia continued.


    "The designer of these shoes called this innovative and unique. We tested it in a running simtion, and it''s light andfortable. Compared to other running shoes, we are confident we can up them to a level. It embodies style,fort, and the future of footwear."


    The exnation seemed finished as the woman looked at Max and Michael with sparkly eyes, waiting for them to react.


    As no question was asked, Max kept silent and left everything to Michael. The suited man also knew it was his job and responded immediately.


    "That''s amazing. The design is indeed unique, and I would certainly be interested in buying these shoes."


    "Right?"


    Talia''s face sparkled. Her business smile widened from ear to ear. She honestly thought the shoe design was great.


    "Our target buyers are teenagers and young adults. We believe the style would suit them. And so, after knowing the shoes, let''s talk about the video concept we have in mind."


    Another screen popped up above the table. It was a two-way screen, so both sides could see it. Written on the screen was the video idea that NoFeet had in mind.


    "We hired Director Hugo to shoot our ad this time. As you know, he''s famous for creating sports movies and ads, so we can trust him." She smiled proudly, showing off NoFeet Company''s financial and connection power.


    Max only smiled and showed an amazed face, even though he wasn''t amazed at all. He didn''t really care about that. He only wanted to know what his job was and the concept.


    "We have shared this concept of ''ying with friends'' with him, and he said it''s a good idea. However, when we showed him your parkour video, he said he needed to talk with you before thinking of the whole video idea. Also, due to the location of the shooting, he said we needed to change the concept slightly."


    ''I agree with the director.'' He thought but didn''t say it out loud. ''ying with friends can be shot in the yground or streets. We are in a Tag House, so it''s better if the concept is training with friends. The location is perfect for that.''


    He looked at Talia. She stayed silent and waited for his opinion. Michael also didn''t say anything this time, as it was rted to the video and not thepany.


    "As the chosen actor, I will do my best to deliver. If talking to the Director will allow us to get the best result, then I don''t mind."


    The important thing was that he could do parkour in real life and get paid. No matter what the concept was, he would deliver his best. After all, 27 grands was a lot of money!


    "That''s great. You''re a good young man." Taliaughed; her expression suddenly changed into an amused one.


    Once again, Max was caught off guard and looked confused. Why did she suddenlyugh? This woman was strange.


    Noticing his gaze, Taliaposed herself.


    "My apologies. Usually, a streamer is arrogant and wants everything to go their way. They usually refuse directly if they aren''t satisfied with the conditions and the product. That''s a shame, and 5 streamers have refused us after they saw the shoes design. But you¡­ You''re different."


    "Thank you very much?" Max said, feeling himselfplimented. But was that really apliment? He was not sure.


    "You''re wee." The middle-aged woman said.


    At that moment, the assistant leaned closer to her ears after ncing at his smartwatch.


    "Mrs. rk. It''s time." Patrick whispered.


    "Oh, it''s already thatte?" She whispered back, ncing at her assistant.


    She turned back to Max and Michael, closing all the floating screens.


    "My apologies. I have another meeting with the other shareholders after this. For the details, please talk with Director Hugo tomorrow. I trust his decision and skills." She said, standing up.


    Max and Michael also stood up after her.


    "Well then, have a nice day, gentlemen."


    With that, Talia left the room with her assistant in tow. When they left, Max turned to Michael.

 Chapter 161: Chapter 161 – Revealing Embarrassing Secret

    Max left the hotel after the meeting. He told Michael that he''d like to do a vlog stream, and the suited man allowed it as long as he didn''t say anything about the ads until the short video was released. He was also warned not to get into trouble with locals or security.


    Understanding those warnings, he wore a jacket because the air in Paperful City was a bit colder than Lime City, even though it was spring. This city was located in elevation higher than most cities in the United Nations, and that was the reason behind the cold.


    Even so, this was a beautiful city that one wanted to visit. Having a vacation in this ce, which had mountain ranges in the distance, probably was one of the best ns someone ever had. That was if they had not chosen VR over IRL beauty.


    Setting his stream and connecting it to his new camera, he started it immediately.


    [Livestream Starts!]


    [Outdoor IRL stream! I am in Paperful City. Revealing an embarrassing secret! #IRL_Stream #IRL #JustChat #LosingBet]


    ¡ª What?


    ¡ª He give up reaching Tier 3 tonight?


    ¡ª Damn! An embarrassing secret was revealed!


    ¡ª You''re in Paperful City right now? How nice! Show us the drone light show


    ¡ª Dammit, so he''s on a vacation. I wondered why he didn''t stream this morning


    ¡ª Good riddance. The city is so beautiful


    ¡ª Breeze! Show yourself and tell us your embarrassing secret


    ¡ª Why didn''t you stream Midnight Heist today?


    Various questions appeared in the chat at once when the stream was on. Max still held the action camera before letting it go, setting it to show his face in the stream as he walked aimlessly. The camera followed suit, hovering ever so slightly in the air.


    He smiled at it and greeted his viewers first.


    "Good evening! Hahaha, there are various reasons. Yes, I am in Paperful City and will walk around tonight. Why didn''t I stream this morning? It''s because, unfortunately, I need to prepare for this trip. And I am here not for vacation but for business.


    Still, I thought streaming would be nice, so I did it!"


    All questions were answered at once. He skillfully led the conversation away so the chat didn''t ask what business he had in Paperful City tonight by facing the camera toward the sky.


    His face filled half of the screen, but the camera lens could still beautifully capture the light show in the sky. Currently, the drones were moving and creating something like waves.


    "Look at that. The drones are dancing in the sky. It looks beautiful, isn''t it? I wonder how they control the drones to make it so precise."


    The lights in the sky changed into a green one. Some drones rose, and some got closer to the ground. When they were done, a certain character that looked simr to a rabbit wearing a butterfly tie could be seen.


    Following that, it changed into a red cat with a blue hat. It looked pretty cute, and the viewers seemed to recognize the character.


    ¡ª Ooh! Cat Hat! How cute


    ¡ª What the¡­? Grass Rabbit and Cat Hat just showed up


    ¡ª A nerd spent his saving money lol


    ¡ª That was rare. Who requested that character?


    ¡ª Someone actually paid to make them lol


    "Where do theye from? Also, you can pay money to make an image in the sky with those drones?" Max asked the chat.


    ¡ª Yes


    ¡ª The characters came from an old show called Landy in Fantasy Land!


    ¡ª It''s expensive, but you can request up to 3 characters to be shown in the air for 10 seconds each


    ¡ª It''s $250 for 10 seconds. Pretty expensive. I would spend that money for a meal


    That was pretty cool. That meant there was a drone operator somewhere in the city that programmed them.


    ¡ª But for letters, it''s only $20 for 10 seconds. It''s cheaper without a character as it uses less drones


    ¡ª Yeah, character is more expensive; you can also do letters.


    ¡ª Breeze, keep the camera steady, and look behind you. I have a surprise


    Reading the chat, Max wondered why one viewer said to look behind. He did so nheless, for a fan service, and he saw something surprising.


    At the right moment, the drone moved once again. Their lights changed to white, and they made letters. Starting from B, they proceeded to create R, E, E, Z, and E.


    "Breeze¡­" He muttered when he watched the light show.


    Many drones moved around the letters, giving them glowing effects. They disappeared after 10 seconds and imitated aurora borealis.


    "My name?" He eximed. "Did you guys do this?"


    [skeletonScawy has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [I did it! Beautiful, right?]


    ¡ª Someone just spent $120 for 10 seconds lol


    ¡ª Rich! Skeleton rich!


    ¡ª That was so good! But it is embarrassing and expensive at the same time!


    ¡ª Someone can spend money like that, eh?


    ¡ª I won''t lose! Look back, Breeze!


    Starting from that, some sort ofpetition was ignited between the chat. The drone that had be aurora borealis earlier moved once again. They clustered together to show a masked face¡ªthe words Breeze could be seen under the masked character.


    It was his Midnight Heist''s thief character, an unassuming white-masked man.


    "Guys¡­ Thank you for the donation, skeleton. But you don''t need to do that... Also, who paid and asked for my Midnight Heist''s character?"


    [SecretLeader has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [I did it this time! Hehehe!]


    ¡ª Damn! A character and 6 letters!


    ¡ª Rich! Rich!


    ¡ª 250 + 120, and that''s $370 gone!


    ¡ª Midnight Heist''s character huh?


    ¡ª I want to do one next!


    After 10 seconds, the character changed into a real human, resembling a knight in full metal te armor. The letters Breeze were still written under the character.


    ¡ª Goddamn! It''s a big character


    ¡ª That must''ve cost $500 or so.


    ¡ª The knight is spinning! It''s shown to the whole city!


    [LovelyOtter has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Leader, I won''t lose hehe. Knight Breeze is the best Breeze!]


    ¡ª Pretty good


    ¡ª Otter! You''re so good!


    Max held off his sigh as someone who was given this wonderful gift. Why didn''t they just donate the money they used for the light show directly to him? That would''ve been better!


    But then, the characters in the air changed again. This time, it formed many small letters in a box, saying, ''Secret?''


    No one would be confused about what that meant, but based on what was shown in the sky a few times before, he could connect this with his streaming. His viewers wanted to know his secret.


    "Fine. To think you guys would do this to me..." He said, letting out a long sigh. Once again, they could''ve just asked directly in chat or through donations!


    ''I don''t know why they love to spend money on useless stuff like that.''


    So far, Max never wasted any of his money, so he couldn''t understand them. Maybe in the future when his situation was better, he would be simr to them. But still, he couldn''t see the future where he spent money to create a custom 10-second light show.


    ''Let''s get it done.''


    "My secret is¡­"


    That night, many peopleughed, got sad, mocked him, and showed care until they were satisfied. Not only that, a few threads about it came up in his fan forum.


    [Breeze, a grown-up who is afraid and cries when he''s sick! Mommy, where are you?!]

 Chapter 162: Chapter 162 – Shooting Ad [1]

    Early in the morning, Max woke up. The sun hadn''t risen yet, but today''s shoot would start early. He needed to talk with the director regarding the shooting before it started.


    And once he woke up, he was greeted with a pleasant surprise.


    <New Quest!>


    He didn''t know why, but the system generated a new quest at the most surprising time. This time, it was when he was sleeping, so he only noticed it when he woke up.


    And this time, the quest seemed to be rted to shooting the ads. On top of that¡­


    <Quest:


    - Handsome Actor


    Are you famous? The answer is yes!


    A streamer is not just a streamer in this age! You are a star! A star is bound to attract attention, unwanted and wanted one. You are shining brightly and different from normal people!


    This is your chance! Use this to spread your name to normal people. Get fans to spread your new ad to everyone in the world!


    Be a celebrity. Get recognized by 1000 people outside of your streaming circle and get a hundred thousand likes for your ad video on Punchtube.


    Progress 1: 0/1000


    Progress 2: 0/100,000


    Reward: 1x A-Grade nutritional supplement + Secret Reward.


    Deadline: 0/30 days (Counting after the ad is released)


    Failure toplete this mission will result in the deletion of your Lobby''s items. You are a failure and don''t need parkour equipment if you can''t even get a hundred thousand likes!>


    <Quest:


    - I Can Do it Better!


    Ads video? Meh, you are a streamer! Your job is to stream and shoot videos!


    Prove that you are better than a professional by getting your original version more likes than your first ad video!


    Progress 1: 0/0


    Reward: Secret Reward.


    Deadline: 0/30 days (Counting after the ad is released)


    This is a bonus Quest. Failure will result in nothing!>


    He unexpectedly got 2 quests at once: the usual one and a bonus quest.


    A smile adorned his face. His motivation to shoot the ad video was higher than ever.


    ''Let''s meet this Director Hugo. I hope he is willing to listen to others.''


    And so he prepared himself to go to the shooting location with Michael.


    ***


    "You will follow this script. And I won''t ept any question."


    The one who said that was a bearded man wearing a cap and loose shirt. He sat on a chair in arge room with many obstacles for a tag without care and pointed at the screen before him.


    "Just do the normal routine. I have analyzed your video, and this will be good. You can do it or not?"


    Max tried his best to control his emotions. The arrogance the director showed him was out of this ce. He didn''t even look at him when talking, brushing him off as someone insignificant.


    ''What is this?'' He thought. ''Can he even work with that attitude?''


    Last night, he looked at Director Hugo. As the sponsor said, the man seemed to have worked with big sports brands before and created many good ads and even sports movies. He had seen many big actors and athletes.


    A streamer with only 10K views like him looked smallpared to them. Maybe that was where the arrogance came from.


    But Max disliked that.


    ''Fine. So be it if he doesn''t want to work together and just wants me to act. I will also be professional and just follow the script. I am not someone petty enough to get angry at this famous director.''


    He just needed to shut him up with his skill.


    "I can do it, Director Hugo."


    "Download the script and memorize it then. You have an hour."


    "Alright. Can I also use the Tag House to record something after we''re done shootingter?"


    "Do as you please." thank-you-for-using-MvLeMpYr


    With that, Max downloaded the script given by the director and retreated with Michael. On the way, the suited man whispered.


    "Please don''t mind it too much, Breeze. Director Hugo is famous for his high temperament and pride. It will only affect your career as a streamer if you get angry at him. A word from him and many sports brands will think twice and thrice before offering you sponsorship in the future."


    "I understand that, Michael."


    That actually didn''t concern him at all. His main job was as a streamer, and he didn''t really care much about the ads offered. This ad was just for extra money because he was pretty poor right now.


    The other reason for epting this ad shoot was Mr. Taka''s request and the fact he was allowed to do parkour IRL. He probably would refuse to shoot the ads if only one of those two reasons were missing.


    ''Let''s just do my best for now.''


    Thinking that, he went to the room prepared for him for makeup and clothes. The script given was simple.


    A young man was exercising, and then he was asked by a friend to y tag. There would be an actor beside him who would y that friend part, but he was just an extra who appeared for only a few seconds.


    After that friend was gone, he would train in Tag House alone, showing off movement and changing his shoes. Once he did that, his movement was supposed to be better. He was faster, more precise, and would show no effort to do the movement he struggled with before.


    The concept was more interesting than the sponsor ying with a friend. It was abination of ying and training to get better than the said friend.


    ''This is good.''


    Even if Director Hugo was rude, Max had to admit he had a bright mind and was talented. This concept was simr to the one he had in mind, and he was already experienced in making simr videos many times with his past friends.


    Michael nced at the script from behind with a worried look.


    "Is it hard?" The temporary manager asked.


    "Yes," Max confirmed without hiding what he thought, "But this is good. I will do it."


    An hour. He definitely would be able to memorize the scripts that only had a few sentences at that time. In the meantime, he also received makeup and preparation for an actor.

 Chapter 163: Chapter 163 – Shooting Ad [2]

    An hour had passed since Max was given the script.


    Director Hugo was pacing around the shooting area, supervising the preparations made by the shooting team under him. The team was professional, so he only needed to check their work¡ªlighting, sounds, cameras. Everything was in ce and ready to go.


    But there was one problem.


    ''A fucking streamer. Why don''t they just hire an athlete or an actor, but a streamer?''


    Almost all of them were half-assed stuff. Because of their affiliation and work, they thought everything was a joke, and only one in ten thousand did something seriously. Ads? They would do it within their capability and never tried. Acting? They were bad at it.


    Jokesters were probably apt to describe them.


    ''At least this one is polite and can control his emotions. But if he makes a mistake or whines just a little bit¡­ I will cut him off. No matter what they say, an athlete or professional actor is better. His video was good, but that probably took him many days to make.''


    Just like Max, Director Hugo wanted to judge his skill first. His trust in streamers had gone since an incident in the distant past that made him famous for being short-tempered.


    Sitting on his tall chair, the director waited for everyone to be ready. The second actor, a newbie from a certain agency his friend had, was ready on the spot. He had been briefed and given his scriptst night.


    And just a few secondster, Max appeared from the waiting room wearing the clothes prepared for the shooting. His thin makeup further enhanced his handsome features. The white clothes with the blue lining he wore seemed to fit perfectly to his body.


    However, the star of this shoot, the new running shoes from NoFeet, hadn''t been used yet. He still used a normal white sneaker that was released a year ago by the same brand.


    Looking at his serious expression, Director Hugo nodded softly before focusing on his crew.


    "Prepare for the shooting! We will do the first part and finish it before 9! Brian, get ready for your shoot with Breeze. Move right now!"


    Max noticed the busy movement in the room and walked toward Director Hugo. The bearded man''s serious face was a bit scary.


    "Director, what should I do? Because I am a newbie, I will follow your instructions." He asked politely, trying to sound friendly.


    "Go there and move. Get some warm-up or something. You remember the script?"


    "I do." He nodded at the unfriendly question from the director. "I memorize them all."


    "At least your head is useful, it seems. Don''t mess up, hear me? We are short in time."


    Max followed his instructions and motioned for Michael to wait for him on the side. He had found out about Director Hugo''s personality from their brief chat.


    ''He''s someone who can only be convinced with actions. Probably, some streamers or young actors have disappointed him in the past. But looking at the second actor, the former is most likely the case.''


    Then, he needed to deliver just as he nned before.


    "Hello, nice to meet you. I am Breeze, a streamer affiliated with Biozone Entertainment." He greeted the second actor, who wore simr clothes but the opposite color, and extended his hand.


    The young actor smiled upon seeing him.


    "Ah, it''s nice to meet you. My name is Brian. Hahaha, I am affiliated with Rainbow Deer Agency and a tag game newbie athlete. Let''s work hard together."


    They shook hands with each other. Following that, Max chatted with Brian while waiting for the preparation to finish. He also did a little stretch so he wouldn''t be injured when getting serious in the ad nningter.


    After a while, the director called loudly.


    "It''s ready! The first scene, arriving at Tag House! Both actors, ready."


    "I think that''s our cue," Max said to Brian, who followed his stretching routine. The actor seemed to be kind and friendly.


    "You''re right. Hahaha, let''s do our best. Also, should I go a bit slower in the scene? Even though I am a newbie, I participated in a tag game before."


    "There is no need for that. Please give your best so we can get good footage. I believe I can manage to match your speed."


    "If that''s what you want, then sure," Brian answered with a smile.


    Both of them were prepared in their locations. Many bulky cameras were pointed at them from many angles to make sure they captured perfect images.


    Max was slightly nervous, but that was gone when he concentrated. For him, those cameras were non-existent. Only iron bars,dders, scaffolding, and other obstacles wereid bare. This was his yground.


    A person on the side gave a sign with a hologram screen. It counted down from 3. When it reached 0, Brian suddenly spoke.


    "Come on! Let''s go!"


    The actor was like a different person, waving at Max with a smile. Remembering the script, he also smiled and stepped into the light.


    "Wait for me!"


    In this ad, the story was about two young men, one normal and one skilled in tag games. Both of them often yed together, chasing after one another.


    Brian acted as the friend who was pretty skilled in the tag game. And the first scene was about Max chasing after him.


    Running toward the corner of the Tag House, Brian put up a mocking expression.


    "Come and get me!"


    At the provocative word, Max leaped forward. He did remember the script, and he was supposed to lose here. But his body moved freely. He jumped through the gaps of the iron bars and reached Brian easily.


    The cameramen and Director Hugo, who were used to watching tag game, were pretty surprised. That move was so risky and dangerous.


    However, their surprise went unnoticed by Max. He extended his hand and was about to catch Brian. At that moment¡­


    "Cut!!"


    Director Hugo came back to his senses and shouted.


    Max immediately stopped and looked back. Brian, who was frozen in surprise and ducked instinctively, also looked at Director Hugo.


    The bearded man pointed his hand to both of them.


    "That''s not in the script, idiots! Redo it! And you, Breeze. Don''t move so fast before you wear the sponsored shoes. Hold yourself back a little bit!"


    "Ah, yeah." Max scratched the back of his head, chuckling dryly, "My apologies, Director."


    "Tsk! Go back to your position. We will start shooting the first scene again."


    Turning to Brian, Max apologized in a low voice. The young actor smiled bitterly and said that he didn''t mind.


    Meanwhile, Director Hugo hid his mouth curled up slightly into a smile behind his hand.


    ''It seems like this streamer is not half bad. I will work him to the bones.''


    He secretly made a bit of arrangement to the script and changed the ending. His hands moved pretty quickly. At first, he thought the streamer wouldn''t be able to move as well as in the VR world. But he was wrong.


    Even in IRL, the young man managed to make one of the hardest moves in the Tag Game without any problem. It looked so easy that Director Hugo thought he was a professional athlete. And that expression¡­ He looked genuinely excited about chasing Brian.


    ''I can use the ending I have in mind then. Are my eyes now clouded?'' He asked himself, but he soon shook his head. ''No, I don''t think so. That young man, Breeze, is just one in the ten thousand.''


    Closing the screen, he looked at the two young men in the distance. They were waiting for his signal.


    "First scene, take 2. Start!"

 Chapter 164: Chapter 164 – Shooting Done

    The second take was smoother than before because Max already had an idea of how much speed he needed to move. He matched Brian''s and was always two steps slower than the young actor.


    Holding back was the right choice. While he or his acting partner still made some mistakes, it didn''t take long until Director Hugo was satisfied with the result and moved to the second scene.


    The scene was about Max looking at Brian training before fading in. The friend left the Tag House and left him because he had training in the VR world.


    It was an easy scene, and both of them only needed 3 takes to finish it. And after that was Max''s solo scene. Brian had no more role, so he and his manager left the shooting area.


    "We''re going for a 30-minute break!" Director Hugo announced loudly, "Breeze,e here. There is something we need to talk about. Mark too,e here!"


    Having been called, Max approached Director Hugo. The man called Mark, who wore a cap, also approached. He was the main cameraman and the one responsible for directing the others in the director''s ce.


    When they got close, the director suddenly opened two screens in front of them.


    "I am changing the third andst scene. Read them."


    That was what he said before closing his eyes. The bearded man didn''t seem to be willing to listen to anything.


    "Haa¡­ You''re always like this, director." The cameraman, Mark, sighed and downloaded the new script.


    Then, he looked at Max.


    "Breeze, is it? Can you remember the new script while resting? Please do forgive our director. He probably saw potential in you and changed the script. The new one is probably the better script. Ask me anything if you don''t understand something."


    "Hahaha¡­ Thank you." Maxughed dryly and downloaded the new script.


    He nced at the director for a second. The bearded man looked as if he was sleeping and would get angry if he was disturbed.


    So, he quietly went to his resting area where Michael had been waiting while holding a bottle of energy drink and a towel.


    "Are there any problems?" The temporary manager asked as he handed the towel to him.


    Taking the towel, Max patted his face to wipe the sweat dripping down.


    "There is no problem. But Director Hugo suddenly gave me a new script to memorize. ording to the cameraman called Mark, he seemed to have changed his view of me. That''s why he rewrote the script."


    "Ah, I''ve heard the rumor. Director Hugo liked to change the script to fit the actor. He always did this if he thought something wascking." Michael said, "But that also means that he likes you. Isn''t that good?"


    "Likes? You mean acknowledge." Max chuckled, looking at the script. "But yeah, this one is better. He seemed to consider what I did at my first mistake and changed it to be more intense. I like it. Fewer messages and more action."


    Thest action was supposed to show his praise for the shoes that increased his skill. Then, he would shout something embarrassing to end the scene and jump from the air.


    But this was different. Thest scene was changed, with him happily clearing the obstacles and running out of the Tag House. The difference was simple, but that changed almost everything, including his personality.


    ''From insecure to a master. It''s exaggerating the shoes'' capability, but I guess I can ept this.''


    Thinking so, he turned to Michael, who operated a screen next to him.


    "Michael, where are the shoes I need to wear for thest shoot?"


    "Hmm? It''s over there." Michael answered, looking at the box behind the chair. "Do you want to try it?"


    "Yeah." He nodded, and his grin widened. "I am allowed to use the Tag House to record footage for my channel, so I thought I should try the obstacles before the third andst scene. I am supposed to be sweaty, and that''s the perfect way to work on sweat."


    He opened the box and found a pair of white shoes with blue lining lying inside. It had a thick sole, just like the one he saw in the design. His eyes squinted slightly at the bad design, but he changed his shoes nheless to get used to it.


    When he wore it, it was unexpectedlyfortable. He tried to move around slightly and jumped, but there was no difference from his previous shoes, save for the hard soles and the cushion that was so soft that it bounced slightly.


    ''I need to be careful when wearing it.''


    Following that, he set his action camera to imitate his point of view and walked to the obstacles under everyone''s gaze. He ignored them and stretched his arms, standing in front of a scaffolding-like structure. An excited grin was stered over his face.


    Inhaling a long breath, he grabbed the red iron bar in front of him. Then, he suddenly climbed the structure and arrived at the top in just a few seconds. His movement was smooth and skillful.


    He jumped to another obstacle and hung on a metal bar before muscling up, crouching like a hawk on the metal bar. His vantage vision was filled with all the obstacles and, unfortunately, the cameras on the side. But he trusted BloodSucker to edit them all, so there shouldn''t be a problem.


    So he just concentrated on his part, the parkour, and enjoyed it. Running across the ground, he vaulted over the obstacle and rolled.


    Then, he looked for another obstacle to climb and followed a certain routine while asionally looking back for the sake of the concept he had in mind.


    ''It''s fun!''


    On the side, the main cameraman, Mark, saw what Max did and was amazed. He instinctively took the camera and pointed it at him, who ran across the obstacle and jumped around to clear them easily. He took some kind of path, and sometimes, he looked back as if he was chased by something. chapter-source-MvLeMpYr


    His run was not without any goal.


    When Mark was mesmerized and could see the illusion of Max being chased by someone, he felt a touch on his shoulder.


    "What is he doing?"


    A rough voice belonging to Director Hugo rang. The bearded man suddenly stood beside the camera and looked at the streamer running across the obstacles like a free bird.


    "My apologies, director. But I thought it would be a waste not to record this." Mark quickly made an excuse and prepared to get yelled at.


    However, unexpectedly, Director Hugo didn''t do that.


    "No, it''s okay. Keep recording. That boy asked whether he could record his part for a personal video, so give this record to himter. I will allow it."


    "Is that okay, sir?"


    "Yeah. It will also serve as a free promotion for the brand. Look at him. He properly wore the shoes because he knew about that, too. Just stop him right before we continue shooting. Also, we can use this footage if there is something missing.


    Just keep recording."


    "Yes, sir."


    With that, Director Hugo patted Mark''s shoulder again and returned to his seat. He looked at the streamer he looked down at for once and smirked.


    ''This will be a good ad video.''

 Chapter 165: Chapter 165 – Getting A Suggestion

    "That''s a wrap!"


    At 1 PM, the shooting was finally over. There were many things Director Hugo changed as the shooting was in progress, and it made the shooting go longer than nned.


    Max was more exhausted than he initially thought, mainly because of the bouncy shoes, but he got some good footage that was enough for his video.


    Not only that, but the main cameraman also, beyond his expectations, recorded his session and gave him the recording through email.


    Combined with his first PoV and the concept he nned, this video might even get more likes than the ads. At least, that was what he hoped for.


    Director Hugo also gave him permission to upload his own video on his channel as long as he mentioned the sponsor, NoFeet, because they were the ones who made his video possible.


    Without their offer, he probably couldn''t have used Tag House and would not have gotten professional aid in recording.


    He didn''t mind that mainly because he was also paid. Posting a sponsored video was also something he wanted to do. It showed the other potentialpanies and brands that he would. Thus, it increased the potential of him getting an ad offer.


    ''Either way, it''s profitable for me.'' He thought as he looked outside the window of the hovercar.


    Currently, Max and Michael were on their way to New Eden City. The temporary manager was the one who drove, and he sat in the passenger seat to rest.


    Tomorrow was the Biozone Monthly Segment livestream, where he became a guest with Flexy. Michael proposed the idea to arrive at the New Eden City and rest in the Biozone hotel instead of arriving at thest moment.


    Because Max was already satisfied with the footage he got, he agreed to it, and now they were here. He looked at his temporary manager and decided to ask something he was curious about.


    "Say, Michael. Do you know when they air the ad we shot earlier?"


    No one told him about that, and he forgot to ask Director Hugo because he had a lot of fun doing parkour and shooting earlier.


    "ording to the file I received, they will release the ad on May 15th. They will include the shoes in the summer collection in early June, so I believe that''s a reasonable choice on their part."


    "May 15th, hmm?" Max hummed in interest.


    MVLeMpYr-your-novel-source


    "Yes."


    It was such a coincidence. It was also the day when the Midnight Heist''s tournament started. That meant he probably wouldn''t be able to see the premiere of the ads.


    ''Well, it will probably also be put in billboard and Punchtube ads instead of a regr video. My video might get more likes than the actual ad.''


    But this time frame also gave him enough time for editing. He hoped BloodSucker would be able to top the professional editing and give a better result.


    ''I will contact himter when I arrive at the hotel. For now, let''s contact that guy first. I wonder if he has arrived in New Eden City.''


    The conversation with Michael died down because there was nothing more to talk about. So, Max opened his messaging application to contact his friend, Flexy. They had contacted each other through messages, but it had been a few days since they met directly.


    [Breeze: Yo, buddy. Are you in New Eden City yet? I am on my way there from Paperful City.]


    A few secondster, the reply came from the other side.


    [Flexy: Dude, I lived in New Eden City. There is no need for me to hurry. But why are you in Paperful City? You never told your viewers or posted about it in Strike. Heck, you didn''t tell me, your best friend!]


    [Breeze: About that, I actually shot an ad offered by Biozone. I was thest and only person avable because of the other candidates, namely StoneSword, HolyDad, and Flexy.]


    He added a bit of sarcasm at the end of the sentence. Of course, he actually was grateful that they were busy. Thanks to that, Mr. Taka gave him the job instead, which would help his financial situation a lot.


    [Flexy: Ads? Is it NoFeet? I just said I was busy, but that''s just because the job didn''t suit me, so I refused. The others must think the same. IRL video shoot isn''t worth the pay. Still, that''s good for you.


    This will show your capability and responsibility. Ad offers will rain down in yourp soon.]


    It wasn''t worth it?


    Reading the reply, Max couldn''t help but smile bitterly. The sense of money of big streamers was different. No, maybe it was better to call it Flexy''s sense of money.


    IRL shoot was really inefficient and took a lot of effort. The streamer needed to take a break from their streaming activity and their n.


    So, taking the job was risky. Most streamers avoided taking such an offer unless they had satisfying pay or a chance to promote their personal brand.


    But, for a newbie streamer, any ad offer was still precious. The first was the hardest to get, so one needed to take it if there was a chance, no matter whether it was a normal shoutout or even filming a short video.


    [Breeze: You think so too? I also got good footage for my parkour video. I n to upload it and mention the video''s sponsor. How long do you think I should mention the sponsor for? Is 5 seconds enough?]


    [Flexy: Dude, you also made a video from that? Did they pay you anything?]


    [Breeze: For the video? No. But just as you said earlier, I wanted to promote my channel and show that I am epting sponsorship. They gave me footage taken from a professional camera and allowed me to use the Tag House. Did I make a mistake in my judgment?]


    [Flexy: Personally, I wouldn''t shout out their brand in my video if I get no extra pay. However, taking a loss this time might be good for you. As you said, you need this to ry to the world that you are epting sponsorship. NoFeet is also a big brand, which will work wonders for your future.]


    [Breeze: I see. Thanks for telling me, buddy. So I didn''t make a mistake.]


    [Flexy: You don''t. Actually, you are quite lucky. I needed 3 months beforending my first ad offer, and that was also a food chain with only 5 grand pay! But you¡­ It took only a month, and you got arge brand deal with 27 grand pay. Damn it! I am envious!]


    [Breeze: Hahaha, I am just that amazing! Anyway, I am going to sleep until I reach New Eden City. See you there.]


    [Flexy: Sure. Let''s meet and y together tonight. I will reserve a restaurant for us.]


    After reading thest reply, Max closed the messaging application and looked at Michael.


    "Michael, I am going to rest. Please wake me up when we are about to arrive." He said.


    The temporary manager looked at the mirror and nodded, "Very well. Have a nice rest."


    Getting a reply, he closed his eyes and hoped they would arrive safely without getting into any ident.

 Chapter 166: Chapter 166 – Nothing Can Stop Me!

    "Breeze, we have arrived."


    "Ugh¡­ Already?"


    Max groggily opened his eyes and looked at Michael, standing outside the car.


    "What time is it?"


    "It''s 4:30. We are on the road for 3 hours."


    "That long?" He asked, rubbing his eyes and stepping out of the car.


    In front of him was the Biozone Hotel, a familiar structure where he stayed before. Before going in, he took his backpack from the car.


    At that moment, Michael suddenly spoke again.


    "This is where we separate, Breeze. I wish you good luck with the monthly segment streaming. The receptionist will guide you to your room. They have been briefed."


    At the end of the day, Michael was just a temporary manager assigned to him to monitor and help with the activity of shooting the NoFeet ad. It was natural for the guy to return to his real duty after it was over.


    "Thank you for everything, Michael." He said to the suited man, "Good luck with your job too."


    "Hahaha, thanks. May we meet again in the future."


    Max watched as Michael climbed into the hovercar and took off. After a while, he turned around and entered the hotel.


    Having a manager was nice, he learned. He just needed to leave every menial work to him.


    Entering the hotel, he looked around and was immediately greeted by an energetic and irritating smile.


    "Buddy!"


    An orange-haired man stood up from his chair and spread his arms wide. The woman with sses behind him looked troubled but still followed the man approaching him.


    "Yo, Flexy." He greeted his friend back, and they high-fived. "How is your orange ass doing?"


    "Hahaha, doing good. I see you''re more shameless than before, huh?"


    "Isn''t humility useless between friends?"


    "That''s right. Hahaha."


    Both of themughed and shared the same brain cell as they walked to the caf¨¦ area of the hotel, where everything was free. There was no need to rush checking in. The data had already been input, and Max could enter his room anytime.


    They shared the story of thest few days and what they didtely. Apparently, this orange-haired streamer had been doing a challenge just like Max for thest few days.


    "I yed this FPS Survival game called Roach. There will be apetition against pro gamers at the end of May, and I am aiming for a win. What about you?" Flexy asked as he smiled yfully.


    "I am grinding Midnight Heist now. I got to get to Tier 2 before May 15th to enter a tournament. I did this challenge for fun at first, but now I am too invested to back away."


    "Midnight Heist? Good luck, dude. That game is famous for the trolls. I tried to y ranked games for a while two years ago, but I just can''t. That was my biggest mistake, trying ranked games in a game full of trolls."


    "Trolls¡­ Hahaha, well, I learned it the hard way."


    "Oh, the dramast time? How is it going? Is it settled?"


    "It is."


    Max recounted how he got StoneSword''s assistance to settle the drama and that he got boosted viewers after that. His Punch channel had also reached 350K followers, although there were only a constant 10K viewers.


    While he exined that, he suddenly became curious.


    "How much are your followers, Flexy?"


    "Me? Let me check."


    Saying so, he opened a hologram screen and opened his Punch channel. A wide grin was stered on his face as he showed it to Max.


    "Look and behold, peasant!


    The number on the screen kept increasing every second. Max looked at it and was amazed.


    ''One, two, three¡­''


    He counted the numbers in his mind because he didn''t believe it, and when he finished¡­


    "3.5 million followers? Holy shit!"


    In this world where people couldn''t create a second ount as it was bound to their biometric, having more than 3.5 million followers meant literally. It was all unique and real people.


    "Flexy, you''re really a veteran streamer, huh?"


    "Heh, now you just realized it? Bow down, mortal! You only have a tenth of my power!"


    Maxughed and joked around with his friend. They talked about various things and went to a dinner restaurant.


    Flexy''s secretary, Lisa, also followed. He found out that his friend dated the beautiful secretary as they didn''t even hide their closeness to each other.


    Naturally, Max didn''t say anything about it. At dinner, they were talking about tomorrow''s event.


    ording to Flexy, the monthly segment was simr to radio podcasts. They would be interviewed in a yful manner, and the host would try to fish an interesting story out of them.


    Sometimes, they would also bring up something that could make them angry, but it depended on the host.


    Max understood how it worked. He shouldn''t answer those questions too seriously but shouldn''t lower his guard. He needed to treat it like an interview but in a carefree manner.


    Biozone Entertainment had also announced the guests, Flexy and Breeze, on their Strike ount. Many people should''ve heard it by now. Their photos that were taken from the Knight''s Journey program were put on the announcement banner.


    After eating dinner, Flexy returned to his home with Lisa while he went to check in his room. There was already a capsule inside, and he got a middle floor this time, arge room with a lounge. Even with 5 people here, it wouldn''t feel cramped.


    When he entered the room, he immediately threw his backpack on the bed and opened the capsule.


    "Let''s continue the grind."


    Even with an important event waiting for him tomorrow, it didn''t stop him from reaching Tier 3 tonight. He just needed 35 RP, meaning he just needed to either win 4 games or win 3 games and be SVP 1 time.


    Entering his Lobby, which had been turned into a parkour park, he set up his livestream and started it. The loading screen was yed as he waited for his viewers to arrive.


    It was 8 PM, a bitte from his usual stream. However, many viewers still joined the stream, even with the sudden notice.


    [Viewers: 7,920]


    While it wasn''t over 10K like usual, it was still many. The chat moved pretty quickly.


    ¡ª BREEZE!


    ¡ª We saw the post!


    ¡ª Damn, you will appear in tomorrow''s Biozone Monthly Segment? Is that why you went to Paperful City yesterday?


    ¡ª I will watch it tomorrow for sure


    ¡ª Flexy and Breeze¡­ Is it rted to the Knight''s Journey program two weeks ago?


    They had waited for him to turn on the stream to ask this. Surprised by the chat''s intensity, Max rubbed his chin.


    ''Maybe I should tease them a little before starting Midnight Heist.''


    After deciding that, he changed the stream screen. He grinned at the camera and greeted them.


    "Good evening, guys. Hahaha, it seems everyone is curious about the Biozone monthly segment. If you''re so curious, then watch tomorrow''s Biozone Monthly Segment at 7 PM! Only on the Biozone Entertainment Channel!"


    ¡ª Marketing 200 IQ


    MVLeMpYr-unofficial-chapter


    ¡ª True, he has nothing to say


    ¡ª Tomorrow is podcasts. Every question will be answered there


    ¡ª Damn, he juked us!


    ¡ª ssic Breeze, profit above everything.


    "Hehe, you know me, guys. But I will be happy if you watch tomorrow''s monthly segment. It''s just a rumor I heard, but it seems there is an announcement about something from Biozone. What that something is, I have no clue."


    Of course, he lied.

 Chapter 167: Chapter 167 – Finally, Tier 3 Achieved!

    Max knew Biozone Entertainment would announce a new game or program at every monthly segment. It was like their ritual already, and the chat also knew about it.


    However, what they didn''t know was that Max actually had an idea of what tomorrow''s announcement was. If what Mr. Taka told him before he signed his contract was true, then there would be many new games released this summer.


    ''I think I won''t get into trouble with this, right? I just want to bring an audience to tomorrow''s monthly segment.''


    ¡ª Announcement, heh?


    ¡ª Coming from an affiliated streamer, it seems we can look forward to this announcement


    ¡ª I hope they release new games. Q3 will arrive soon.


    ¡ª Q3 means summers, right? There will also be summer sales in June if they continue what they were doingst year.


    ¡ª IT''S TIME FOR BIG DISCOUNT BABY!!!


    ¡ª 50% UWWOOOOOGH! DISCOUNT! Summer sale is the best sale for gamers!


    Max waited until the chat''smotion died down before starting Midnight Heist. The familiar bar spread into his vision.


    MVLeMpYr-hosted


    "Let''s do this."


    And so, the grinding began.


    ***


    As it was called, a grind was a grind. Max had yed a few times in Tier 4 ranked, and he began to feel mentally exhausted.


    ¡ª How many was it?


    ¡ª 3 Lose in a row after 2 wins. He''s 91/100, only a win short from reaching Tier 3 now.


    ¡ª It''s midnight already, but there is no sign of him stopping here


    ¡ª Look at Breeze, he hasn''t raised his head since hisst game. It''s been 3 minutes since then.


    ¡ª My condnce, but this is so funny lolol. He usually take care of monsters easily, but online game is truly hell for him


    ¡ª Wee to an online game world, Breeze. NOW YOU FEEL HELL, WHAT DO YOU THINK?!


    "What do I think?" Max repeated the chat question and let out a long sigh.


    "It''s the worst. Why the heck is my teammate not serious? And guys, take it easy on me. I know some of you were my enemies in thest game, but how could you steal the target so fast?! Give me time to whip my teammates!"


    His viewers were pretty skilled. Some of them queued up with him to y together, but most ended up being on the other side and bing enemies. That was one of the reasons why he suffered continuous losses in the past few games.


    The other reason was just the usual: a useless teammate who yed casually in a ranked game.


    "I mean¡­ If they want to y around, they can do normal matchmaking! I am serious about reaching Tier 2 and entering the tournament, for the god of RNG''s sake!"


    Letting out another sigh, he looked at the floating camera in front of him.


    "Guys, let''s have another deal. Please don''t queue for the next game and let me win, okay? Just this one. We will y together in Tier 3 if that''s what you want."


    ¡ª I am pretty tired so I would just watch


    ¡ª Stop it guys. Let him reach Tier 3


    ¡ª Sounds good


    ¡ª NT NT, do your best in your next match


    ¡ª How about we join and throw so you can advance to Tier 3 easily?


    "Nah, don''t do that." He immediately stopped his viewers and pressed the matchmaking button. "I don''t like ying unfairly. I will win by myself."


    [Match Found.]


    A few seconds after he pressed the matchmaking, he found the ranked match. Countdown appeared on the screen as his body was covered in a blue light, he was in the process of being teleported.


    [Map: Beach (Ranked)]


    [Your role is as¡­ a Thief!]


    [Target: Sea Ring]


    Unexpectedly, the map and the target were identical to his first game. Only¡­ It was the ranked version, so the beach house was bigger and more secure than a normal match.


    His teammates appeared one by one around him. They were wearing various clothes, seemingly luxurious. Just as usual, he only wore the default clothing and immediately became the center of attention.


    Greeting them would lower their suspicion. But when he was about to say something, a man in an ape mask suddenly eximed.


    "Ah! Your name is Breeze! Could it be that you''re the new world record holder for the synchronization test? I saw you on the billboard, dude! Or are you a different Breeze?"


    It seemed like he recognized him. When he looked at the ape-masked man''s name, it said EgiRice. It would help him to exin better.


    "Yes, I am that Breeze." Max nodded, confirming the man''s words. "May I ask you to trust me and follow my n? We will definitely win this game."


    "I don''t mind," EgiRice answered immediately, pointing at one of the two girls in the team. "This girl has a mask that allows her to be invisible for a few seconds. This map needs a key from the host, right? She can steal it for him and give you the target."


    The girl with the nickname ChubbyCutie looked rather surprised and shot a look at EgiRice.


    "Can we trust him?"


    "If we can''t trust him, then who else? I saw his world record many times and learned a lot. However, I still can''t replicate his movement and still need these shoes to climb walls. If it''s him, reaching the third floor surely isn''t a problem at all!"


    "Well¡­" ChubbyCutie hesitated a little, ncing at Max. "If you say so."


    They seemed to know each other. It wasn''t strange as they could form a party of 2 and get matched with people in a party of 3 or another party of 2 added with a random person.


    This situation was thetter. The other two seemed to be a couple, and they nodded at each other.


    "We will also trust you. Please tell us the n."


    "Thanks for trusting us. As ChubbyCutie has an invisible mask¡­"


    Max proceeded to ry his n like usual, and they moved once the barrier around them disappeared. It was smooth sailing. Every time something happened, the chat made amotion.


    ¡ª Damn! That girl can steal!


    ¡ª That''s why the invisible mask is broken


    ChubbyCutie managed to steal the key from the party house in under 3 minutes after the game started. She handed Max the key, which he used to enter the office with SeaRing.


    Without hesitation, he opened the ss case and triggered the rm.


    "Please distract their attention," Max said to EgiRice before running out without waiting for his answer with the SeaRing.


    The police yers burst into the room at once. There were four of them, meaning only one was on the loose.


    Facing them, EgiRice activated his ape mask ability.


    "ROAAARRRR!!"


    A loud roar escaped his mask mouth as it parted widely. The police officers were frozen in their ce, stunned by the roar. The effect, however, onlysted for 3 seconds, so it wasn''t that great of an abilitypared to the others.


    But for Max, 3 seconds were enough to widen their gap.


    ''I win!'' He thought as he jumped down to the second floor with a dive roll. Following that, he vaulted over the railing andnded on the first floor easily.


    In just 3 seconds, he had lost the four police officers on the third floor. And he did all that without using any ability.


    "CRAZY!" EgiRice shouted loudly from the third floor as he and ChubbyCutie got caught by the police.


    ¡ª IT''S INDEED CRAZY!


    ¡ª HE''S ON FIRE


    ¡ª Wooooooo! JUMP JUMP JUMP! His movement is smoother than before!


    ¡ª Go Breeze! Take that win!


    Running across the street, he met with thest police who didn''t join the rush on the third floor. A gun was pointed right at his face from a close distance, and without hesitation, the police pulled the trigger.


    The beam flew right toward him. There was no way to avoid it from this distance. However... That was for a normal person. It didn''t apply to Breeze, whose reflex was simr to a superhuman, thanks to his high SR.


    "Speed Mask."


    Max activated his mask ability and gained speed twice as fast as before. He jumped to the left, kicking the wall to pass the police, and continued on his way after making a clean shoulder roll. Following that, he was faced with a cliff, which wasn''t any problem either.


    "Jump Shoes."


    Using the ability of the shoes that nullified any fall damage, Max soared in the air. His teammates were trying their best to stop the police, and the other party also tried to catch them instead of rushing toward Max because they wanted the bonus from catching the thieves.


    That was their mistake. They shouldn''t have rushed into the room together and should''ve secured the thieves'' exit instead.


    The area where Maxnded was the street right next to the escape hovercar. He immediately entered and pressed the escape button without hesitation. The car started, and it ran off into the distance, leaving the beach house.


    Inside the car, he trembled in excitement as he threw his arms above.


    "I DID IT!" He shouted loudly, arge smile formed under his mask, "Wooohoo, Tier 3! I finally reached it!"


    ¡ª Congrattions!


    ¡ª HE DID IT!


    ¡ª I WAS HERE


    ¡ª I was here


    ¡ª Hello, Punchtube!


    ¡ª We only need to grind to Tier 2 now


    ¡ª No one stops him! He did it!


    ¡ª Heh, he can do it if he tries


    [LovelyOtter has donated 333 diamonds!]


    [Tier 3! Congrattions!]


    [BloodSucker has donated 3,333 diamonds!]


    [Heh, it seems I have something to edit now. Leave it to this noble me to make you looks more pathetic than you are right now!]


    [¡­]


    [¡­]


    [ChopChopLeader has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Congrattions! Hehe, I am happy to see you seed!]


    Many donations poured in as Max managed to achieve his goal. However, his excitement didn''t die down yet.


    He thanked his teammates, who got teleported after the game ended. Then, when he was transferred into the Lobby, he immediately looked at his Tier above the match button.


    The number 4 glowed brightly before it shattered into pieces.


    Then, the scattered bits gathered together and created a bronze 3, standing on fire beside the words ''Tier.'' It was the proof that he had reached Tier 3, something insignificant for the others but an achievement for him in the truest sense.


    "Aaaah! Thank god! I did it!"

 Chapter 168: Chapter 168 – Lovers’ Spat?

    Wednesday, April 30th.


    Early in the morning, Max rose from his hotel bed and did his morning routine. The ck lining was clear around his eyes, indicating hecked sleep.


    "Ugh, I shouldn''t have continued grinding." He groaned in pain as he felt pain rushing into his head, "That was a bad idea. I should be satisfied just by getting to Tier 3."


    He looked at his reflection in the mirror and squinted his eyes. Hisplexion looked bad. There was nothing he could do but hide them with makeupter in the livestream.


    pping his cheeks to wake himself up fully, he went to the main room and changed his clothes to a work-out one.


    ''Let''s exercise for now.''


    ***


    New Eden City was filled with skyscrapers and buildings often used for apany''s main office in the real world.


    Only apany of a certain size could build an IRL office, while a smallpany usually only worked at home and in the VR world because they had cheaper operational costs. Naturally, factories were still built in the real world with human interference.


    Thanks to that, even with many skyscrapers, there were still ces to build sports parks,plete with exercise equipment. While the equipment wasn''t as good as a gym, it was still enough for a light morning exercise.


    Running around the park filled with people who cared about their health like him. Sweat poured down his forehead. He sat on the bench and drank a sports drink he bought from the vending machine.


    "Aah, that hit the spot. This sports drink is the best." He looked at the can in his hand and sipped another mouthful of liquid.


    People in the park were focusing on their exercise. Some of them were streaming. It was apparent from the drone and camera following them closely.


    ''I wonder how many viewers they got.'' He thought as he watched them.


    He didn''t look down on them, but he was purely curious. A sports section in Punch had more than 800K viewers in this early morning.


    Max was pleasantly surprised with the content after checking it.


    ''This is something¡­'' He thought.


    Most streamers were gyms, but there were individuals who taught yoga, how to run, martial arts, basketball, and even tag games.


    The content was mostly various, and the most popr streamer seemed to be YogaLady, whose thumbnail showed a beautiful girl in a bike spat and sports bra doing yoga in a beautiful mountain tree house.


    She had a total of 67K viewers, which was close to a nice number.


    Seeing it, Max couldn''t help but think.


    ''Those people are the same. No matter if it''s my past world or this one, they still flock to watch a girl with skimpy clothes doing risky movements. I bet they hope that her clothes will miraculously fall off.''


    your-MVLeMpYr-source


    Even without looking at the chat, he could guess what those viewers thought. In fact, his guess was on point when he checked the stream.


    ¡ª Just a little bit more!


    ¡ª Can you show me a little?


    ¡ª You''re beautiful, girls¡­


    Just a nce at the chat made him close the stream almost immediately. Hemented and amazed at how people could be so degenerate in a livestream chat.


    ''Well, it''s time to return. There is no point lingering here any longer.''


    ***


    Returning to the hotel, Max found Flexy sitting around the empty caf¨¦ when he was about to get breakfast. His friend had already dressed neatly, with an orange suit and white innerwear.


    Lisa was sitting across from him, and they seemed to converse about something important.


    "Like I said, please take care of this seriously. Your growth has been staletely. Thest time we reached 25K viewers was when we coborated with Breeze. This is a chance to gain new viewers and followers."


    "I got it, Lisa. My question is, what should I spill in the monthly segment? Should I talk about my participation in the Roachpetition?"


    "That''s a good idea, but a bit weak. Breeze has also participated in Midnight Heist''s tournament, so the two simr topics will sh, making it not that interesting even though the dates are different. Why don''t you pick another topic?"


    "Hmm, what topic should I bring up?" Flexy muttered while grinning. His gaze moved toward Max. "What do you think, buddy?"


    When their eyes met, Max suddenly shuddered. The bowl in his hands almost fell.


    "What do I think?" He asked as he sat around the table near them. "I don''t know. I have no idea what to talk about in the podcasts, either. I only n to answer the questions they ask me with a joke."


    "Oh, you understand the ropes I told you yesterday." The orange-haired streamer eximed in surprise.


    Flexy turned to his secretary and winked.


    "There you have it, Lisa. We will just joke around with the host. Announcing something in such a ce isn''t perfectly a good idea. I will charm them with my personality!"


    Lisa looked back at her boss sh boyfriend with a disgusted expression, "Your trash personality that can only yap loudly without any meaning behind it? Do you think the viewers will be interested in that? No, will anyone be interested in that?"


    "At least I know one person who is interested in me." He said with a sweet voice, leaning forward.


    "Don''t try something." The secretary said, pushing Flexy''s face with her hand.


    "Come on, there is no one here."


    "Cough cough cough."


    Unable to witness such a flirty sight of his friend and his girlfriend, Max coughed loudly and stared at them.


    "Excuse me, mister. But I am trying to eat here. Will you flirt in your own room?"


    "Good idea."


    Flexy, being the man he is, smiled at Max and stood up.


    "Let''s go to the room, Honey."


    "¡­"


    Lisa sat silently; her expression worsened. She even stared at Max hard with a death stare, silentlyining at him for giving Flexy an idea.


    However, Max didn''t flinch. He ignored it and enjoyed his food. The atmosphere was calm and silent, save for the fact his friend began to scream because the secretary couldn''t handle embarrassment and began to pull his ear.


    While they were still doing their lovers'' spat, Max returned to his room to take a shower and change his clothes. Then, he met up with Flexy and Lisa, who got along again for some reason and went to Biozone Entertainment HQ for tonight''s preparation.


    He noticed a slight redness around Lisa''s ear when he met up with them. Also, her strict expression was broken with a small smile that disappeared immediately when she saw him.


    At that moment, he realized.


    ''Ah, Flexy bribed her with something.''

 Chapter 169: Chapter 169 – Production Team Leader

    Once they arrived at Biozone Entertainment''s main building, they were immediately asked to meet the production team leader who was responsible for the monthly segment.


    A staff member guided them to a meeting room. Lisa didn''te with them this time as she needed to finish another job. discover-MVLeMpYr-novels


    A man with a goatee was already waiting for their arrival in that room. When he saw them entering, a smile bloomed on his face.


    "Oooh! Hello, Flexy! Hahaha, it''s been a long time since we met. It seems that you''re already a big streamer, huh? I still remember our first meeting 2 years ago when we shot your ad together. But look at you now."


    "Johnson! Hahaha, that was embarrassing. So it''s already been two years? And you are promoted from a cameraman to a production team leader, huh? Congrattions."


    "I am pretty lucky." The goatee man answered with a chuckle. Then, he turned to Breeze and extended his hand, "Hello, I believe this is our first meeting. Name is Johnson. Feel free to call me Johny if you want to. It''s nice to meet you."


    "Likewise. My name is Breeze. It''s nice to meet you." He shook Johnson''s hand with a friendly smile.


    "Quite a polite boy, different from those who worked with metely. Tsk tsk tsk, if only they are just like the two of you¡­"


    Johnson shook his head and clicked his tongue many times.


    "They didn''t even shake my hand just because of my untidy appearance. They don''t understand art and politeness, that''s why they aren''t as sessful as you guys."


    It seemed like some streamers were rude to him. Max couldn''t help but doubt what he said. Were streamers really acting rude to other people?


    When he remembered it again, there was some news about influencers who tried to get free stuff just because they had many followers, like eating in a restaurant and paying for it by ''posting'' it on their social media.


    They also said the restaurant should be grateful because they promoted it if that wasn''t enough. If that wasn''t enough, some also acted arrogant just because they were slightly ''famous.''


    Most of them caught a strange illness called star syndrome, which made them forget aboutmon sense. It was a sad sight.


    ''Yeah, I can imagine it. That''s why Director Hugo acted that way when we first met. Though he became more friendly as time passed.''


    After the introduction was over, they sat around a table, and Johnson exined the preparation and how the schedule of the monthly segment.


    ording to the production team leader, they would invite Evelyn Rees for the monthly segment. The viewers also had positive views of her and liked her presence.


    Not only that, but she recently got a boost in poprity thanks to hosting the Knight''s Journey program, so she was the perfect choice to host the monthly segment.


    Both of them had no problem with the host. Rather, Max was relieved that the host was someone he had met before and famous for not digging a streamer''s secret. Still, this was a podcast, and things would be different, so he wouldn''t lower his guard.


    Also, there was a silver lining in this time''s monthly segment. It would be held in a VR world.


    "We will announce 3 new games that will be released in Q3. Can both of you be the first tester for one of the games?"


    "Is it the one that Mr. Taka mentioned before? He said this new game focuses on movement." Max asked curiously.


    "So he already told you about it." Johnson nodded, "You''re right. The marketing team thought it would be best to ask both of you to alpha-test that game. It''s based on Tag Game IRL and has a lot of customized obstacles."


    ''Customized obstacles? That sounds interesting.'' He thought as he listened to Johnson''s exnation about the test game. ''If the yer can create obstacles themselves, this game might be perfect to practice and learn movement.''


    His curiosity peaked. Unfortunately, Johnson didn''t know the details of the game as he was only responsible for production, like recording and livestreaming. The detail was apparently kept a secret to be a surprise to get their honest reaction.


    After the exnation was done, Johnson asked them to visit the VR room prepared for them before 6 PM for rehearsal.


    Johnson left afterward, as he had to supervise his team, leaving both Max and Flexy alone in the meeting room.


    "What do you think? Will you alpha-test that game?" The orange-haired streamer asked, "To be honest, we aren''t responsible for it. They probably have recorded gamey if we refuse to test it."


    "I am thinking of epting it," Max responded immediately, leaning back on the chair.


    "Mr. Taka had teased me about this game when he offered me the affiliation contract. And actually, one of the reasons why I decided to sign is because I am interested in this movement game. So, well¡­ I would test it. What about you?"


    "Me?" Flexy raised his eyebrows, "If you test it, then I would too. I don''t want to be left alone, dude."


    "Hahaha, you''re right." Heughed together with his friend.


    Then, he rapped his hands against the armrest.


    "The fact the yers can make an obstacle, and probably the map, is interesting. Is there any game simr to it?"


    "There is one." His friend answered, opening a screen. He used the virtual keyboard to type something before sharing the screen with him. "Look at this."


    On the screen, a game named ''Tag Map'' was shown. A preview video that showed the game was yed as soon as Flexy pressed it.


    A familiar ce appeared in the video. Max recognized the design. It was simr to the Tag House, where he shot the ad yesterday.


    The scene of a man running around the obstacle, jumping over, and creating obstacles appeared on the video. When Max watched it, one thing to describe it shed in his mind.


    "It looks boring." He said.


    Flexy, who heard that, burst intoughter.


    "Right?! Just being alone in that space looks boring. The obstacle creation is also not that creative. We can create one in our own Lobby, just like what you did." The orange-haired streamer exined, "Still, there is a silver lining. This game is perfect for professional athletes to train. But, I won''t call it popr."


    "I see¡­" Max muttered. He realized why Flexy looked a bit adamant when he heard about Biozone Entertainment''s new game. "Do you think the new game will fail?"


    Smiling gently, the energetic guy only looked at him without saying anything.


    ''Silent, huh? He doesn''t want to say anything about this game.''


    Just as he said, they could do it in a Lobby if it was just an obstacle-making game. They could also train in it without buying a new game. Biozone Entertainment surely also noticed it. But why would they publish such a game? It was too risky.


    ''It''s no use thinking about it. I am neither a marketing specialist nor someone who can guess a trend. I am only a yer, a gamer, and a streamer. My job is to have fun without thinking about somethingplicated.''


    Max looked at the ceiling and heaved a sigh.


    ''If this game is good, I will y it. It''s that simple. Maybe that''s what Flexy tried to tell me. Damn, this guy loves to y around and see people suffer for his amusement.''

 Chapter 170: Chapter 170 – Biozone Monthly Segment [1]

    At 6 PM, Max and Flexy dived into the VR world from the VR room in the Biozone HQ. They appeared in what seemed like arge stadium. In the center,fortable chairs were on top of a slightly raised tform that allowed all sides to see them.


    Many hologram screens were floating around, ying many clips from the game Biozone Entertainment published. Their biggest screen showed the most popr VRMMORPG game they released a year ago, Horizon Online, boasting over 50 million yers worldwide.


    Even Max had heard and followed the game at a certain time. The person with the highest SR, whom his viewer called GOD, also yed this game. Just like him, GOD was a rising star who suddenly appeared when this game was released.


    ''I won''t doubt anything even if they say he''s also transmigrated like me.'' He thought as he looked around the stadium in wonder.


    The production team was already around. They were busy preparing camera angles, audio, music, and even the light show to make the monthly segment more interesting.


    Johnson was talking with Evelyn, who was dressed in a beautiful blue dress. Both of them noticed them as they appeared, and the beautiful host sh singer smiled at them.


    "Good evening, gentlemen. Fufufu, we met again in such a short time. I hope we have a pleasant coboration again, Breeze, Flexy."


    "Hahaha, of course. It''s an honor to meet a star like you twice a month, Miss Evelyn." Flexy responded with a yful tone and a wink. "I hope we have a pleasant time together."


    "Likewise, Miss Evelyn. Please be easy on me with the questionster." Max added, smiling softly at the star.


    "Fufufu, you''re such a flirt, Flexy. And Breeze is just as pure as I remembered." Evelyn giggled cutely at them.


    At that moment, Johnson coughed and looked at both streamers as if they were a bother.


    Noticing it, the beautiful girl let out a small voice and waved her hands.


    "Let''s have a lot of talkter. The production crew team leader is still briefing me on something because I am prettyte."


    "Indeed." Johnson nodded, agreeing with Evelyn. "Both of you, please go and wait in the waiting room. We will reveal your presence when the guests fill the stadium. Before that, it''s Miss Rees'' stage."


    "I guess we''re not needed here, huh?" Flexy heaved a sigh and put his hands on his hips. "Very well. See youter, Miss Evelyn."


    With a teasing smile, he waved his hand and turned around. Max smiled apologetically to both of them before following his friend.


    The so-called waiting room was connected to the hallway into the stadium''s inner sanctum.


    While they were waiting and chatting like usual, the stadium became rowdy. The production staff used an invisible avatar, and only the people in the stadium''s center could see them. From outside views, they could only see Evelyn sitting with her legs together on a soft sofa on a raised tform.


    Johnson gave instructions to his team as he operated a hologram screen. His job was to ensure everything went well and give directions on when to change the camera angle or the screen.


    "Everything is ready?" He asked his team through awork that connected all of them. This was one of the advantages of streaming in VR.


    "It''s ready."


    "We are opening the invites to the random 50,000 spectators. Code shared in Biozone Strike ount."


    "Spectators started to enter. It''s already more than 2,000 people now."


    "We will reach a max capacity in a minute at this rate. Cameras are ready."


    "Sounds are ready. We can start the livestream anytime."


    find-more-stories-on-NovelFire


    "Good."


    Hearing the reports from his team, Johnson nodded in satisfaction. Biozone Monthly Segment was an important monthly program, probably more than anything rted to the livestream of the Biozone official channel. So, everything needed to be perfect.


    Looking around the stadium, the previously empty spectator seats were now filled with people. Not even one spot was empty. In total, around 50 thousand lucky spectators were attending this livestream directly.


    "Counting down."


    A loud voice came from the speaker, alerting Evelyn, who sat on the tform. She nodded softly, saying that she was ready. The stream had started, and more than 200K viewers were watching the loading screen that showed many showcased games.


    "3, 2, 1¡­ READY!"


    After the countdown was finished, the screen panned down from the top of the stadium, showing all spectators and a light show, before stopping in front of the raised tform. Evelyn''s beautiful face was clear.


    "Hello, everyone! Wee to the Biozone Monthly Segment! Here we are again with me, Evelyn Rees! Fufufu, I hope everyone is not bored seeing me."


    ¡ª MOMMY!!!


    ¡ª Hyaaa Evelyn Mommy! Call my name! Please call my name!


    ¡ª She''s as beautiful as ever


    ¡ª Aaah! As expected, she''s the host!


    ¡ª Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!


    The chat moved so fast that not even the staff could read them. It also had the 30-second cooldowns, but it didn''t die down even after they were waiting.


    "Wow, the chat is so fast," Evelynmented. "It will be hard to read one by one, so forgive me if I can''t catch any, okay?" She winked and smiled beautifully.


    ¡ª It''s okay!


    ¡ª Dude calm down! We need her to see our name!


    ¡ª I want to donate, but it''s disabled! Why! Give this to Eve! TAKE MY MONEY PLEASE!


    ¡ª Official channel won''t ept donations. Don''t you know that?


    ¡ª MY MONEY! I thought she would ept it! Nooooo


    ¡ª WHERE IS BREEZE? WHERE IS HIM?!


    ¡ª Flexy! Uncover all his secrets please! I want to ckmail him!


    ¡ª So beautiful! BREEZY PAIR! I can see them again after so long!


    Evelyn did her best to keep her smile. As a professional, controlling her emotions was pretty easy.


    However, the chat still surprised and rendered her speechless. She could read them now because the production crew slowed down the chat on another screen that was only visible to her.


    Not only that, but the viewers at the stadium also shouted loudly. Their volume was limited thanks to a certain program. But if this was IRL, then Evelyn would surely be unable to hear anything but their voice. That was how loud they were.


    "Well, well, it seems the viewers at home or chat can''t wait for the guests. Why don''t we call for them together? Please give apuse for our guests, Flexy and Breeze!"

 Chapter 171: Chapter 171 – Biozone Monthly Segment [2]

    With that introduction, Evelyn turned to the path lit by spotlights. All attention was focused on that, and then¡­ They appeared from the hallway.


    Flexy, dressed in an orange suit and pants, waved his hands excitedly to the viewers. He had a confident expression and a friendly smile. The glitter in his clothes reflected the spotlight, and he looked like a disco ball in the middle of the stadium.


    "Hello, guys! Hahahaha, thank you for the wee!" He said in a normal voice, but everyone could hear him due to the sound system prepared by the production crew. His confidence was over the roof and there was no sign of nervousness in his action.


    Meanwhile, Max walked normally with a soft smile. His clothes were a simple ck jacket with a blue ent and ck pants. There was nothing fancy, and he looked like a regr boy in an outing.


    He tried his best to look calm. It was his second time appearing in front of arge crowd. Butpared to the first time in Knight''s Journey program, a real crowd was watching him directly and calling his name here.


    "Breezee!!"


    "Kyaaaa, that''s Breeze in virtual flesh!!"


    "He''s so handsome! More handsome than his video."


    "Don''t you think he bes more charming? What actually happened?"


    "So chill. I like it! I will call it Breeze''s style!"


    ¡ª Goddamn, he looks neat.


    ¡ª Compared to Flexy, he''s friendly-looking. Is it because of his clothes?


    -official


    ¡ª Evelyn and Flexy: Dressed formally. Breeze: I am going to my friend''s house type of clothing


    ¡ª Hahaha, he just wears a jacket like usual. Does he think he''s going to a friend''s house?


    ¡ª Even so, it''s frustrating that those clothes suit him to a T, making him look more handsome!


    Hearing the shout and reading the slowed-down chat, Max frowned slightly.


    ''Have I made a mistake with my clothing? They said anything is good as long as it''s appropriate.'' He thought, looking at his own body.


    ''It''s not my fault. Besides, I only have these clothes for my VR avatar besides the suit for roley! They should''ve prepared one for me if there is a dress code!''


    Grinding his teeth, he nced at his friend to shift the me. This so-called expert and big streamer also didn''t say anything at all.


    He climbed the staircase and sat on the sofa beside Flexy, facing Evelyn across from him.


    "Hello, guys. As a starter, I will ask a light question. Fufufu, it''s been a few days since west met, but it seems that someone has grown a lot since that time. And your clothes are quite unique on an asion like this, Breeze. What makes you choose that?"


    She looked at him with a friendly smile.


    However, her gaze said something different. It bore through him as if she could tell whether he was lying or not.


    And Max, who was caught off guard by the question that somehow was aimed at him, responded reflexively.


    "I got no other clothes¡­ So I have no choice but to wear my usual one."


    Everyone was speechless at that answer. No one expected him to give her that answer. He could''ve said he preferred these clothes or that this was how he presented himself.


    But¡­ They never thought that a streamer with an average of 10K viewers said he had no other clothes like a poor person. Not only that¡­


    "Even so¡­" Max paused. He nced at his friend and smirked, "I think my ''default'' clothes still look better than my friend over here."


    "Huh? What do you mean, buddy?" Flexy was surprised because he was suddenly dragged into this. "Look at me, proper and handsome. What are you saying? You look better in your rag jacket?!"


    Max looked at Flexy and huffed.


    "At least I am not reflecting the neon light and blind people''s eyes."


    ¡ª lolol


    ¡ª He speaks fact


    ¡ª Just a beginning and there is already a goodugh lol


    ¡ª Based Breeze. At least he''s not blinding lol


    ¡ª Turn off the light, please! My eyes got blinded by Flexy''s clothes!


    "G-Guys¡­"


    Having the chat against him, Flexy looked dejected and lowered his head.


    Evelyn immediately followed suit.


    "Don''t worry, Flexy. I prepared something in a case like this!"


    She took out sunsses from her VR inventory and wore them.


    "Now I can see you with no problem. It''s no longer blinding!" She eximed happily, only to add the pain to Flexy''s feeling.


    The funny conversation continued, with the topic resolving Flexy''s bright clothes that reflected the spotlights. Many viewers from the spectator area alsoughed. It was a great start for the monthly segment.


    Because many people told him that it was blinding, Flexy decided to change the color of his clothes from bright orange to matte orange. It was still orange, but it was no longer blinding.


    "Are you satisfied now? Can we continue the question?" He desperately begged.


    "Fufufu, you''re right." Evelyn took off her sunsses and smiled, "Let''s continue the question. We will not talk about Flexy''s blinding clothes again."


    Many viewers expressed their disappointment, but some were d they left behind that topic. Evelyn continued her questions, this time about their streaming activities.


    As the more senior of the two, Flexy was supposed to answer first. But for some reason, he asked Max to answer the question before him.


    "What did I do in my streamtely?" He asked, a mocking smile appeared on his face. "Suffering. That''s one word I can say to answer that question."


    "Suffering?" Evelyn asked curiously. "What kind of suffering have you experienced?"


    "Hehehe¡­" An evilugh escaped Max''s lips as he hunched forward, "Do you want to know? I can share it here. Oh, please do let me share it. It''s something that¨C"


    "That''s such a wonderful answer, Breeze." The host quickly cut off Max before he could ramble about his suffering.


    Having been cut off, Max wasn''t angry or anything. Since the start, he and Flexy nned to troll and have fun in this podcast.


    "What about you, Flexy?"


    So, when Evelyn turned to the orange-haired streamer and asked the same question, he answered jokingly.


    "I eradicated small bugs," Flexy said, narrowing his eyes and balling his fist as if he had done something hard.


    "Those bugs are so persistent that I must use a thick chemical and explosive to destroy them. Not only that, but I also need ray guns and heat hammers to crush them. It''s a really dangerous stream, but I enjoyed it. I will eradicate all the roaches and win the next tournament! Damned roaches!"


    "I-I see¡­" Once again, it rendered Evelyn speechless.


    ¡ª Poor Evelyn


    ¡ª When Breeze and Flexy are together, they be a troll


    ¡ª What did he do to our Breeze? He has be a jokester now


    ¡ª Isn''t he always like that?


    ¡ª That''s called friendship dude. You just can''t be serious when you''re with your friend


    ¡ª True true, the boys band together.


    The duoughed and then exined what they actually did in their stream, which was preparing for each tournament for the game of their choice: Midnight Heist and Roach.


    Evelyn shuddered when she heard the game Flexy yed, most certainly because of disgust toward the tiny monster. However, the podcast continued with jokes, and the host had no chance to ask about their secrets because they were always joking around.

 Chapter 172: Chapter 172 – New Release Announcement

    After many questions and jokes, an hour and a half passed.


    The viewers were entertained, and no secrets were spilled over the podcast as Evelyn didn''t ask any sensitive questions in caution that Breeze and Flexy would just throw the question back with the joke. They were skilled at shifting the flow of conversation.


    The production crew signed that they should finish the podcast soon, so the host shifted the conversation to the next topic.


    "Talking about games reminds me of something. Actually, Biozone Entertainment has nned to release 3 games in Q3, and we already have the list and the teaser! Let''s watch it together!" Evelyn said excitedly as she put her finger in front of her lips.


    "New game?!" Flexy eximed with the same excitement."What are they, I wonder. I hope they are an FPS game."


    "Hehehe, will it be an FPS game, though?" Evelyn asked mysteriously, shifting her gaze to Max. "Any guess from you, Breeze? Or rather, what kind of game you hoped would be released next?"


    "Me?" Max stroked his chin and grinned, "I guess I want to go crazy and get some sacrifice from the Blood God. Right, guys? It''s been a long time since we''ve been on a killing spree!" He said to the viewers.


    His fans who were in the stadium shouted loudly. They knew the reference of what he talked about.


    "Blood God!"


    "Where is that Blood God follower?!"


    "He needs to make a tribute! Call the Archbishop!"


    No matter how much they called, no one in the stadium answered. That was until a certain chat appeared.


    ¡ª My right hand tingles¡­ I heard the call from my kin!


    "Oh, the blood god is here," Max eximed casually, but it invited many reactions from the viewers and Evelyn.


    "O-Oh, so fighting game?" The host asked with uncertainty, her lips twitched.


    Nodding, he confirmed it, "Indeed. A game where we are stronger than mostmon enemies and can capture their castle and territory!"


    What he described was a game often called Musou game back in his past life.


    It might have existed here, but he hadn''t researched it too deeply yet, so he didn''t know. He only gave Evelyn an amusing answer and invited the viewers'' reaction by using one of his unique fans.


    NovelFire-the-story-tform


    However, Evelyn''s reaction betrayed his expectations. Her eyes widened as if she couldn''t believe his answer.


    "Woah? How can you guess that so urately?" She said, a clear surprise written on her expression.


    She heard that the streamer wasn''t told about the new game, but how could he answer it correctly?


    "Huh?" Max was also confused. His random answer was correct? He never expected that. "One of the games released is a fighting game like that?" He asked.


    "Indeed! I guess you have researched it beforehand," She answered positively, giggling cutely. "Well, because you already guessed it correctly, let''s show the game trailer without further ado. Production team, please!"


    As soon as she said that, every light in the stadium was turned off with a click. Darkness engulfed the VR world, but that didn''tst long as a screen appeared with a sh, circling up in the air. Everyone in the stadium could see, and the stream screen had changed into a game trailer ovey.


    "Presenting!" A booming voice with high bass started the game trailer. "Biozone Entertainment''s newly released game!"


    Words that matched the voice appeared in a fiery manner. The fire burned with an intensity that matched the voice and the background.


    Battlefield of the old, filled with armies rushing against each other, appeared. The barrennd was filled with blood, corpses, and rusted weapons. Many normal people on horses tried to push each other back.


    However, there were a few individuals that stood out from the others. One swept from their weapon created arge gust of wind. Earth was gouged, and men were felled.


    A grin appeared on that man''s face as he dashed forward toward the center of the army, where someone who looked like a king sat on top of a tform carried by humans. Raising his golden sword, the said King summoned a rain of swords toward his enemy.


    "Battle of power!" The voice from earlier rang once again, and the scene changed.


    Many soldiers had fallen. Only a few still stood with their King and Hero. Three people, standing out more than the others due to the ming aura surrounding their bodies, looked at each other. They were from different sides, and no one was an ally.


    "Battle of strategy!"


    Those three people moved. They met at the center. One swung his halberd. The other thrust hisnce. And thest one swung his sword.


    Fire, ice, and metal formed around their weapon. When they shed, a strong shockwave sent everything flying without exception.


    Dust, corpses, weapons. A tornado was formed with them as the center, raging on the battlefield like tyrants.


    Then, the screen became white, and the game''s title appeared in the middle of the screen with a boom.


    "CONQUEROR: TYRANT''S RULE!"


    Following that, the stream changed to show the host and the streamers and the light was turned on again. Max blinked his eyes in interest. The game looked interesting, mainly because of the strange ability and therge-scale battle.


    Flexy''s reaction was milder. The orange-haired streamer wasn''t that impressive with the earlier preview.


    ''A B-ss game.'' He thought.


    No details about the gamey were given yet¡ªthe system, the matchmaking, whether it was offline or online. Information was still left in the dark as if the game''s creators didn''t know what to do or n to release it yet.


    However, no matter how the game looked, the host''s job was to praise and talk about it excitedly.


    "Whoa! That''s an amazing trailer! The battle, the effect! It looks exciting! There is also a female character with ance. I totally want to try this game!" She imed.


    "What are your opinions, gamers? Are you interested in ying this game? Do leave yourment on the Biozone Strike ount!"


    With a sweep of her hand, she opened a screen that showed Biozone Entertainment''s post in Strike. It was just posted a few seconds ago, just after the game''s trailer finished, together with the full video.


    "We are waiting for yourment." She finished.


    Then, she turned to both Max and Flexy and asked their opinions. There was no specialmentary because Flexy thought the game was nothing special except therge-scale battle, and Max had seen a Musou-type game before in his past life.


    The reaction was rather weak, but many gamers who loved fighting games andrge-scale battles were excited. They wanted to try the game. It would be better if it could be yed online and over a few days long for each game. It was designed for hardcore strategic and battle gamers.


    Continuing that was the introduction of the movement game.


    "Fufufu, let''s get to the next one. This time, there is a special show." Evelyn grinned and stood up. "The base game for the second one is ready! So we can show the gamey directly by ying it directly! Our guests have agreed to test it. And, of course, I will join too!"


    At that announcement, the crowd got excited. Evelyn''s fans made the loudest noise. They were d they could get a spot to watch her y a game directly!


    What kind of game would they show? Many wondered.

 Chapter 173: Chapter 173 – Floor Is Lava [1]

    All preparations were finished beforehand. The base game they talked about had already been installed in their VR capsules.


    One game named Floor Is Lava (temporary) was in the library. There was no other game besides that, as the VR capsule was only used for entering this Lobby and specialized for the Biozone Monthly Segment.


    The three of them entered the game. Max appeared first, as he was the first to press y. He appeared on top of a volcanic mountain, on a tform that was safe from theva on the ground. The tforms extended to the mountain''s base, with stairs and moving obstacles on the way.


    While it was night, the fire that spewed out from left and right of the tform lit the area.


    The path reminded him of a mountain bike trail. At the same time, it also excited him because it was simr to the world''srgest parkour course in Tianmen Mountain, China, in his past life.


    ''It''s really simr, save the moving obstacles. But¡­ Are the yers supposed to run together on one tform?''


    As he thought that, Flexy and Evelyn appeared beside him. They wore simr clothing as he wore when he entered this game: a ck bodysuit with glowing lines around their bodies, gloves, and shoes. The colors of the lines were different. It was blue for him, orange for Flexy, and white for Evelyn.


    "Oooh!"


    When they were fully immersed and regained their sight, Evelyn eximed in surprise.


    "We''re on a volcanic mountain! Woah, theva is spewing out from the ground. It''s scary but beautiful!"


    ¡ª This is still a test game?


    ¡ª Holy shi, the scenery is pretty cool!


    ¡ª For an alpha stage game, this is beautiful


    ¡ª The developer isn''t ying around in this game!


    ¡ª I will put this game on a wishlist! But the name sucks!


    ¡ª Floor Is Lava lol, it''s not creative at all


    The chat expressed their amazement over the game''s quality and their disappointment for the game''s name.


    Max had to agree with them. The name was just not creative!


    Still, the game itself had potential. He looked at Evelyn and asked.


    "Miss Evelyn, can you please exin the rules of this game to us? Right now, I am pretty clueless."


    "Of course! That''s my job here." She answered energetically, looking at the camera. "This game is based on a movement game. First of all is the winning condition, which is pretty simple. Whoever reaches the base first wins the game. Also, there is a special rule that this game has on top of how to win."


    Evelyn paused slightly to get the viewers'' attention. Then, she continued.


    "The participants¡­ Or rather, the yers could do anything as long as they reach the finish. Meaning, you can push yourpetitors!"


    That got Max''s full attention. He looked at Evelyn, who smiled widely, with wide eyes.


    ''Can we push ourpetitors down?'' He thought as he looked at Flexy. His friend also looked back at him with a grin.


    Without them speaking to each other, both had the same idea sh in their minds.


    Grinning back, he raised his chin slightly to provoke Flexy.


    ''You''re on!'' He shouted in his mind.


    Meanwhile, Evelyn still continued exining the game rules that were written on the small screen in her hand.


    "There would be many ''buffs'' that appeared along the course in the form of a glowing ball. If the yer touches them, they will get whatever buff it is. A red ball is an extra strength. You can push your opponent harder after getting this buff. A green ball is extra speed. And a blue ball is a shield!


    "This shield allows you to block your opponent''s push one time. There is also a yellow ball. If you touch this ball, a bolt of lightning will strike a random yer. There is a chance you will get struck yourself, so be careful!"


    In short, the balls could change the game''s course. The buff would be important in this game, especially the green ball. Then, the yellow ball was an enigma. Unless one was desperate or a troll, no one should touch the ball. The random chance was just too risky to take.


    ''Well, it will be fun to see who gets struck by lightning.''


    Flexy approached him as he thought that. The orange-haired streamer had arge grin on his face as he stopped next to him.


    "What do you think? You want to make it fun by turning this into a race with a bet in line?" He asked.


    Hearing the challenge from his bet, Max raised his brows.


    "What''s the bet?"


    Not once would he skip on the challenge unless it was one that didn''t make any sense. Besides, he was confident he had the advantage here. It was a fool of Flexy for challenging him while knowing the fact he couldn''t beat him.


    powered-by-NovelFire


    Still, hearing his friend''s confidence, Max didn''t lower his guard and took it seriously.


    "It''s better to be nothing hard and just for fun," Flexy responded, raising his index finger. "How about the loser acting like a cat and can only meow for the rest of the podcast?" He proposed.


    That was stupid. Or so he wanted to say before someone suddenly shouted.


    "That''s a great idea!"


    Evelyn chirped in between them with sparkling eyes. As a professional host, it was natural for her to pay attention to her surroundings. And when she heard about something interesting, she had to make it more exciting. It was her job.


    "A bet between the streamers. The loser will act like a cat for the rest of the podcast. How do you like it, everyone? Do you think it is interesting? I also have cat ears for essories in my inventory!"


    ¡ª I want to see them in cat ears!


    ¡ª Breeze cat? How precious!


    ¡ª I said why not?


    ¡ª Hahaha, Flexy will meow all the time now!


    ¡ª Knowing Flexy and Breeze, I''d say thetter will win this one.


    ¡ª Your arrogance will bite you back, Flexy!


    Reading the chat from the corner of his eyes, Max knew that he couldn''t refuse this. Everyone looked excited to see this bet.


    Besides, it was on the line of what they nned to do at the start¡ªhaving fun in the podcast. However¡­ He wouldn''t want to go down by himself.


    "Fine. We will do the race and the bet." He answered with a confident smile. Then, he turned to Evelyn. "Also...I believe Miss Evelyn will also join this challenge. As you said before, you''re also joining this game, right?"


    "Eh?"


    "That''s a matter of course." Flexy nodded, turning to the beautiful host. "And, of course, the loser will act like a cat. That will include you too, Miss Evelyn."


    "Huh? W-Wait, I can''t do that. I am the host¨C"


    "What do you think, everyone?" Max interrupted her and asked the chat and the viewers in the stadium. "Do you want to watch Miss Evelyn join our little bet?"


    ¡ª Mommy Evelyn in cat ears?!!


    ¡ª BREEZE, YOU DA MAN!


    ¡ª HE''S THE MAN!


    ¡ª My respect for you grows, Breeze... I will donate 50,000 diamonds if you are able to make Mommy Evelyn lose.


    ¡ª CAT Evelyn¡­ I can''t. I want to see it!


    ¡ª JOIN JOIN JOIN!


    ¡ª JOIN!


    ¡ª You must join, Evelyn!


    ¡ª Yes, she can join!


    The chat began to chant ''join'' at the same time. They apparently wouldn''t take no.


    Max looked at the beautiful host and smirked. "Heh."


    Evelyn grounded her teeth. To think that someone like her would fall into such a trap. She wanted to make this interesting, but she got roped into it.


    Right now, the two streamers in front of her looked likeughing monsters. Their figures literally screamed that they were her nemesis. She felt like she could see devil horns on their heads.


    She looked at the screen that showed the production crew asking for help. But Johnson only raised his thumb, allowing her to join the bet. He conjured a hologram screen with words, ''Good going. The viewers love it,'' in front of him.


    ''Both of them must''ve had nned this!'' She screamed in her mind after realizing no one could help her. ''I will ask for extra pay. Ugh¡­ To think that I would be trapped¡­ It''s not like me at all.''


    Of course, she didn''t know that Max only wanted to pull her in because he didn''t want to take a risk against the crafty Flexy. Besides, he didn''t want to let her go after she proceeded with the bet without waiting for his answer first.


    ''This is going good.'' He chuckled evilly. ''I can 100% guarantee my win now.''

 Chapter 174: Chapter 174 – Floor Is Lava [2]

    As Evelyn was dragged to the bet, she lined up together with Max and Flexy to prepare for the run. In the meantime, when she was still busy, an AI presenter would take care of her job to start the game.


    A female 2.5D character floated in the air cutely. Her twin-tailed pink hair followed each of her movements. Her name was apparently Eve, as she was one of the earliest AI presenters born in the VR world.


    When Max saw her, there was a kind of familiarity he felt. He realized whom he associated her with only after he heard her slightly distorted voice.


    ''She looks simr to a certain digital diva from my past life.''


    [Everyone! Let''s count together for them to start!]


    A box with three circles appeared in her hand. It wasrge and simr to a traffic light.


    "Good luck and have fun, Miss Evelyn. You too, Flexy." Max hoped for their luck just like how he usually did when starting the game. It was a habit he brought from his past life.


    Flexy grinned in response.


    "You too, buddy. Don''t me me if you lose. Hahahaha."


    "Why am I here¡­?" Evelyn asked and slumped her shoulders, dejected. But then, her expression brightened as she squeezed her cheeks hard. "No, I will do my best. I won''t lose even if my opponents are hardcore gamers!" She eximed.


    That exmation got the viewers'' sympathy.


    ¡ª Do your best, Evelyn!


    ¡ª Evelyn! Evelyn! Evelyn!


    ¡ª I want you to do your best!


    ¡ª You can do it! Lose with grace!


    ¡ª Just do your best and lose! I want to see cat Evelyn!


    ¡ª Everyone is really true to their desire. Not that I don''t. CAT Evelyn is just too tempting! Please lose!


    However, those sympathies were short-lived as their true inner desire leaked out. The beautiful host became dejected again after she read those chats.


    "Don''t mind them, Miss Evelyn. Viewers often hope for you to fail when they want to see you fail. What you can do is to prove them wrong." Max said to her, smiling softly.


    Evelyn didn''t think that he would encourage her. She thought that he was the devil who roped her into this mess. Her opinion about him increased a little bit. But then¡­


    "Well, that''s the case if you are against other people. Right now¡­ Just do your best to struggle." He continued with a grin.


    "Devil!" She shouted loudly in protest.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Theughter rang on the topmost tform as the AI presenter counted down.


    [3! 2!]


    The traffic light began to light up from the top. Red light appeared on the first two of the three circles.


    [1!]


    When she reached one, the light filled all the circles. And then¡­ they turned green at the same time.


    "[GO!]"


    Max immediately rushed forward when he heard the ''go.'' He jumped down the tform onto the first obstacle, a static railing he needed to vault over. Without decreasing his speed, he used his hand as a pivot and jumped over it. It was a parkour technique called speed vault.


    Following that was a slope. He let gravity take over and slid down while looking back. Following right behind him was Flexy, and he also saw Evelyn struggle a little bit to jump over the first railing further back.


    "Hahaha, this is easy! Don''t let your guard down, or I will push you off the tform, buddy!" The orange-haired streamerughed evilly as he tried to get close to him.


    "You''re just talking big, Flexy. Try to touch me first before saying that."


    read more at mvle_mp,y,r


    Returning his attention to the front, Max arrived at the second obstacle. It was a moving block. Each block was two meters tall, and they were moving left and right, trying to push the yers down the tform.


    He hesitated a little, thinking how to proceed on this obstacle. During that short moment, Flexy passed him and gestured with his hand.


    "Passing through!"


    The orange-haired streamer dived into the moving block and squeezed through the middle. Whenever he was pushed, he tried his best to hold on to the block and managed to go slowly to the other side.


    Watching his friend struggling, Max realized he couldn''t do the same thing. So, he stepped back to gain more momentum before running toward the first block. When he got close, he immediately jumped and climbed up the box.


    It was hard to stay on top because it was constantly moving. However, it wasn''t a problem if he also moved constantly without stopping. And that was what he did.


    He jumped over to the next block and the next one without stopping, keeping his momentum alive. It was as if he was taking a big stride on the ground. Even the moving block wasn''t a problem if he only touched the surface for less than a second.


    In an instant, he passed Flexy and mocked him with the same gesture.


    "Passing through!"


    "Aah! You son of a¨C Wah!"


    A block pushed Flexy down the tform when he was caught off guard by Max. His figure was like a rag doll as he plunged into the hotva and disappeared in many orange triangles.


    Those triangles then rose to the air beforeing together at the start of the second obstacle, turning into Flexy.


    ''So that''s what happens if you fall.'' Max thought as he watched his friend rage at the start of the second obstacle.


    Evelyn also reached the second one, and now both of thempeted with each other, trying to squeeze through the block while hindering their opponent''s movement.


    Meanwhile, Max''s journey was smooth sailing. He jumped down the block and passed what seemed like a checkpoint before arriving at a thin ledge.


    In the middle of a thin ledge, a green ball hovered around. Due to its size and the fact it had a reflecting surface and strange lights around it, calling it orb might be better.


    "Is that the buff thing? Green is speed, right?" Max asked no one in particr, but he knew that more than 500K people heard his voice.


    He moved through the thin ledge, walking casually because he didn''t really want to hurry in this ce. Slipping down to the ming ground under him would be a disaster.


    ¡ª So that''s the buff?


    ¡ª Breeze is walking casually lol.


    ¡ª Interesting. Buff Ball? That sounds strange¡­


    ¡ª For my sanity sake, I will call it orb lol


    ¡ª How will the buff affect Breeze, I wonder?


    ¡ª The others are still struggling with the second obstacle, and here he is walking casually as if he''s in the park lololol


    ¡ª Take the buff and run at full speed, Breeze!


    The chat urged him to take the buff and try his new speed. But Max wasn''t in a hurry.


    Whether he wanted it or not, he would take the buff as it hovered in the middle of the way. When he got close to the floating orb, he stood still and bnced his body before touching it.


    The orb disappeared and turned into a light that covered his body,yering him with a green light when his finger made contact.


    There was no change in his body, not one that he could feel immediately, at least. However, when he took a step forward, he instinctively felt that taking the buff in this third obstacle was a mistake.

 Chapter 175: Chapter 175 – Betrayal Shall Be Met With Punishment!

    Max was about to lose his bnce with just a step. He didn''t think his ''foot'' would move faster, even when he moved at the same pace as before.


    "Woah!"


    Thankfully, he could regain his bnce almost immediately, so he didn''t fall. His training in parkour was really used at times like this.


    ¡ª Huh? What happened?


    ¡ª Did he just make a mistake?


    ¡ª Why did he stumble?


    ¡ª Could it be, the buff? He''s not used to it.


    ¡ª Breeze got f*cked by the buff? Lolol


    ¡ª So it''s not a buff but a nerf for him!


    Because he could see the chat got confused, he decided to exin it a little.


    "The buff makes my body move faster than Imanded. It''s like moving in a 1.5x fast-forward video, if you understand what I mean." He exined, "Not exactly something I like, especially when moving on a thin ledge like this."


    While he wanted to focus on the game, he felt like he needed to exin this. No matter what the situation was, he was a guest streamer in the Biozone Monthly Segment, and this game was the one that would be released in the future.


    Giving some understanding of the game to the viewers was a part of the job in exchange for the free promotion to more than 500K people he gained. After getting a general understanding of what happened, the viewers expressed their opinions in chat.


    Max continued moving on the thin ledge even slower than before. From what he counted, the buff expired in 10 seconds after he touched the orb. Only then did he move normally.


    However, Flexy and Evelyn had caught up to him. They seemed to work together to pass the second obstacle. Even now, they still work together to gain bnce.


    "Wait for us, Breeze! Let me push you off the tform once!" Flexy shouted loudly from behind.


    Without looking over, Max responded with a simrly loud voice.


    "I refuse! Who is insane enough to stop and get pushed off the tform deliberately? Definitely not me!"


    "Goddamn!"


    Trailing behind the streamer, Evelyn smiled bitterly. Hope had been drained from her face. She had epted the fate of acting like a cat for the rest of the podcast.


    ''I can''t win against them¡­ But at least¡­'' She looked at Flexy''s back. He was so close to her. ''At least I want to make him struggle.''


    Extending her hands, Evelyn grabbed Flexy''s back.


    "Forgive me." She whispered before pushing him to the side.


    "Eh?" Unable to understand what happened, all Flexy could do was stare at Evelyn''s face.


    He fell into theva for the second time and reappeared at the start of the third obstacle. He could see the beautiful host''s back, which kept moving away from him. Apetitive spirit burned inside him as it quickly reced his anger.


    "Fine by me! If that''s how you want to y, then let''s y!" He ran toward the thin ledge without care.


    In no time, he caught up with Evelyn and gently pushed her to the side.


    "Aaaah!" The host screamed loudly as she fell into ava.


    Flexy watched her avatar disappear whileughing like a maniac.


    "Hahahaha! Take that! Betrayal shall be met with punishment!"


    ***


    While all of that happened, Max had managed to reach the end of the thin ledge. He felt like he could hear Flexy''s strangeugh, but he brushed it off, thinking it was probably just his imagination. find more stories on mv|lempyr


    "Now then¡­" He turned to the path he needed to take. There was a tall wall with three wooden doors that seemed like force could break them.


    Using his knowledge andmon sense, it was easy to guess that only one of them could actually be broken through. It was the kind of obstacle that was designed to slow down the yer in the first ce.


    And then, before the doors, a red orb hovered slowly in the air. It moved in a way that caught people''s attention whether they wanted to or not. The question was¡­ Would it be worth it to take the buff?


    The speed buff caused him to feel strange. So he hesitated a little.


    ¡ª Take it and bulldoze through every door!


    ¡ª Just do it! YOU CAN DO IT!


    ¡ª Is it choosing from one of the three, or does everything have the same breakpoint?


    ¡ª I think it''s about choosing, only one of the three can be broken


    "Red is strength buff. It''s probably useful in this obstacle. There should not be a problem taking it."


    After deciding, he decided to take the buff. This time, ayer of red light covered his body. There was no change in the feeling, just like earlier. When he moved, there was no difort either.


    ''It''s as if nothing had changed.'' He thought as he walked to the first door. ''Well, let''s try it.''


    Because he didn''t know how much power was needed to break through the door, he decided to just punch it. The door broke apart into splinters when his fist touched it.


    "Huh?" He was pretty surprised. "Did I find the right door on the first try?"


    ¡ª He''s a superhuman


    ¡ª Lol, he destroyed the door and paused because he didn''t think he got the right one.


    ¡ª He''s funny


    ¡ª I think he should move now. Flexy is getting closer!


    The chat was right. Max needed to move now.


    He immediately ran at full speed toward the next wall. This time, there were four doors instead of three. He just randomly picked the second one and tackled it.


    "Take this!" He shouted to add energy and excitement.


    Surprisingly, he destroyed the second door easily too. It broke apart, and he passed through without any problem.


    Moving on, thest obstacle was five doors. There was a finish line just right behind that. However, he slowed down more than before because of whaty in front of the wall.


    "Are you kidding me?" He said in disbelief. How could he not? Whaty in front of him was just absurdness. "What the heck should I do in this case?!"


    Spread in his path was yellow orbs. They filled the space, whether it was the ground or the air. If he jumped, he would definitely hit one and trigger a punishment. If it needed to be exined in a simple sentence, it was as if he had just entered andmine zone with nowhere to pass.


    "Developer! This is too much!"


    Without any other choice, as there was an important bet in the line, Max increased his speed. He only hoped that the lightning punishment wouldn''t befall anyone immediately. However, such a thought was naive of him.


    Just when he touched the first yellow orb, a thunderous sound rang from behind.


    BAM!


    A yellow lightning struck Flexy, who had just finished the third obstacle. An electric current ran through his charred body, slowing his movement.


    And when Max touched another yellow orb, another lightning struck with a loud crackle. This time, he was the target. It came suddenly from the sky without any prior notice. But, for some reason, it struck where he stood before and magically escaped it.


    At that moment, he realized. The lightning targeted a yer''s location and only struck in that designated spot. It wasn''t a sure-hit punishment.


    Grinning, Max increased his speed further as heughed loudly.


    "Hahahahaha! Get rekt, Flexy!"


    A thunderous chorus apanied his evilugh. The redyer around him dimmed considerably. It was around 20 seconds since he got the strength buff. It seemed like this buff was longer than the speed one.


    Still, that was enough. Max just had to get lucky again and choose the correct door. If he was wrong, then he would be damned.


    "It''s the middle!" He chose while moving at a high speed and triggering the yellow orbs repeatedly. By now, Flexy and Evelyn must''ve turned into a char already.


    And then¡­ he reached thest door and tackled it.

 Chapter 176: Chapter 176 – Catvelyn

    Max''s luck was pretty good today. Rather, he was pretty lucky in anything but a ranked matchmaking since he regained his past memories.


    Even now, he managed to breach through thest door in just one try. The redyer around his body disappeared once he passed thest wall. However, that wasn''t a problem, as the finish was within reach.


    "Yahoo!" He jumped into the finish line while throwing his hands up.


    ¡ª It''s no surprise


    ¡ª Yahoo!


    ¡ª It seems he''s pretty happy because he didn''t need to act like a cat


    ¡ª I would be happy too lolol


    ¡ª Congrats for the first ce, Breeze!


    Once he passed through the ck and white checkered line, he was teleported to a floating tform above where he could see the entire race obstacle and the yers.


    The chat congratted him. Also¡­


    ¡ª Flexy! We trust you! Win this game!


    ¡ª Don''t lose, Flexy!


    ¡ª We believe in you, dude! Beat Evelyn!


    ¡ª Evelyn, please lose! I beg you, please trip down!


    ¡­ For obvious reasons, they cheered for Flexy. While their desire was questionable, it was pretty surprising to see that the orange-haired streamer wasn''t clowned by the chat.


    Max understood it too, so he watched intensely as both of them arrived at thest obstacle. Flexy ran faster than Evelyn, most certainly because he had a good posture and running technique.


    It was just a straight path ahead. Whoever was faster would win. Both of them did their best until they reached thest one.


    Max left a path with no yellow orbs. Any intelligent people, both of them would definitely choose that. However, as a joker, Flexy did it with a twist.


    "Touch!" He said as he touched a yellow orb on his right.


    At that moment, lightning struck from above. The target was¡­ Evelyn.


    "Noo!"


    Bam!


    Having been charred and had an electric current run through her body, she was unable to move and flopped to the ground. Flexy used this chance to pass through the fifth door. He stopped before the finish line and turned back.


    "Heh, I win."


    With that, he stepped past the checkered lines, and the game was finished.


    ¡ª WOOOO


    ¡ª FLEXYY!!!


    ¡ª YOU DID IT!


    ¡ª Catvelyn! Catvelyn!


    ¡ª Nyaaaa!


    ¡ª Flexy did a good job


    ¡ª I will donate to himter hehehe


    The viewers were excited about it. The three of them were teleported back to the raised tform in the center of the stadium.


    Two guys were smiling, facing a beautiful woman who hid her face with her hands.


    "Should I really do this?" She asked, ncing at the production crew.


    The livestream screen hadn''t changed; it was still showing a celebration inside the game. However, the viewers inside the stadium could clearly see Evelyn''s embarrassed face because she didn''t want to act like a cat.


    And that invited a chant.


    "Catvelyn! Catvelyn!"


    "Wear the cat ears and meow, Evelyn!"


    "Catvelyn! Catvelyn! Let''s gooo!"


    Following the crowd, Max began to p his hands.


    "Catvelyn! Catvelyn!"


    "Hehe, it''s time for the loser to wear the cat ears!" Flexy added with augh.


    There was no other choice but to follow the bet. Evelyn raised her head and sighed. A pair of ck cat ears appeared on her head with a blue sh. Then¡­ She posed by raising her hands around her chest.


    At this moment, the camera had changed to the stage. Viewers at home were surprised when they saw Evelyn''s pose.


    "Meow."


    A cute voice escaped her lips. Once she said that, the crowd went crazy once again.


    "Uwooooh."


    "Catvelyn! Catvelyn!"


    "CLIP IT CLIP IT!"


    Not only that, but the chat also moved faster.


    ¡ª THAT WAS SO CUTE!


    ¡ª CLIP IT, HEY! CLIP THAT!


    ¡ª My ears are blessed. Ah, I will make this my rm.


    ¡ª She''s an angel. Cat angel!


    Evelyn''s face turned beet red. In all her experience of being a host, this was the first time she felt so humiliated. The case would be different if she willingly joined and lost. However, in this case, she was forced to participate by the trolling duo.


    ''Huhu¡­ Why do I need to do this?'' She wept inside, but not showing any strange expression outside.


    No matter what, she was a professional and needed to continue her job¡­ By meowing.


    "Meow meow meooow! Meoooow!" She said as she looked at Max, hoping that he would notice what she wanted to say.


    ''Please, continue the podcast!'' It was what she wanted to convey.


    Max also noticed that. He smiled softly at her and responded.


    "Should we continue the chat, Miss Evelyn? Ah, our betsts until the end of the podcast. So please keep meowing." He said, "Please don''t worry, though. I am a professional cat trantor. I will get what you mean."


    "Meaw!" Evelyn meowed like before, her face was still red from embarrassment. However, to look better in the camera, she still added a hand movement, which made her look cute.


    "I guess that''s a yes." He nodded after getting a reply. "Now then, it''s sudden, but I will take care of the host role because our Miss Evelyn is now a cat. Production team, there is no problem, right?" He looked at the production crew with invisible avatars.


    Johnson lit the green light, which meant that it was okay to proceed. There was only thest game introduction left and the closing. Leaving it to Max and Flexy, a funny duo, wouldn''t be a problem at all.


    "Good, good." Max nodded, trying his best to look like a professional host. He crossed his legs and changed his clothes to that of a suit. It was time to act.


    Looking at Flexy, he asked a question. Experience adventures on m _v _lempy _r.


    "Mr. Flexy, what do you think about the third game? I''ve guessed the first game correctly, so you better have it correct too!"


    "Hmm, make sense." Flexy nodded with a serious face. "I will guess that it''s a collection game! Where yers collect some items to bring back to the base. Or it could also be a fantasy MMORPG game with magic as the main theme."


    "Hoo¡­ That''s interesting." Max said, turning to Evelyn. "Is that guess correct, Miss Evelyn?"


    Everyone was waiting for her to respond. Some were curious, while some were waiting to have an addition to their ''Catvelyn''s Collection''.


    And she responded in a low voice, sounding shy.


    "Myaa¡­"


    That would mean, ''no.'' Max nodded repeatedly and turned to Flexy. He shrugged his shoulders.


    "Apparently, you''re incorrect. As a punishment, you will act like a dog for the rest of the podcast!"


    "Excuse me?" Flexy asked, eyes widened in surprise. "We never talked about punishment!"


    "We don''t, indeed. But you disappoint me, my buddy. I got it correct while you got it wrong." He shook his head in disappointment. "It''s normal if you take a punishment, right? Just like Miss Evelyn, you can act like a dog for the rest of the podcast."


    "Ugh¡­"


    The orange-haired streamer had nothing to say. This would indeed make things interesting. But¡­


    "Why a dog and not a cat?"


    At his question, Max shrugged his shoulders.


    "Just because."


    There was no need to tell his friend that he looked like a golden retriever, both in appearance and personality. That would make him cocky.


    Besides, looking at him suffer like this was fun.


    ''Hehe, I won.'' Max thought. He smirked as he nced at Flexy, who put on an orange dog''s ears.


    ''You might try to outsmart me. Unfortunately, I have seen that and use your outsmarting to outsmart you.''


    The podcast continued, with only Max speaking a humannguage. A meow and a bark were the only response he got, but he miraculously always got what they were trying to say.


    After the third game preview, which turned out to be a slice of life sandbox game, ended, many viewers began to call Max the animal trantor.

 Chapter 177: Chapter 177 – Revenge is Always Sweet

    "Good job, everyone! That was a huge sess!"


    After the monthly segment was over, Johnson gathered all rted personnel in arge hall at Biozone Hotel for a party.


    "Even though an unexpected thing happened, I am d that everything went well. I extend my deepest thank you to today''s host, Evelyn Rees. Please give her apuse!"


    He gestured his hand toward a beautifuldy in a white dress. She waved her hand shyly, getting all the apuse.


    "Thank you very much. But I only did my job and nothing more than that. It also went great because our guests today are such great speakers."


    "I do agree with that." The production team leader nodded in agreement. "That''s why, please give them apuse. Our guests for tonight! Breeze and Flexy."


    Everyone''s attention turned to two young men in the corner, standing around the table. Max showed a friendly smile as he thanked them.


    exclusive content mv-lempyr


    And Flexy, with a red cheek after getting what he deserved from his secretary who stood next to him, smiled wryly.


    Lisa forced both of them to apologize to Evelyn for getting her embarrassed on the stage. That was why their rtionship with the host wasn''t strained. Besides, ording to Evelyn, she got many job offers just after the monthly segment was finished, thanks to that. It was slightly humiliating but worth it.


    The only one who got no repercussions for what he did was Max. He didn''t act like a cat or dog and wasn''t pped by his girlfriend or a secretary because he had none. In short, it was an extra win for him.


    ''I am d that I am single.'' He thought after seeing Flexy pped by Lisa when he exited the capsule.


    Ignoring his inner problem, Johnson continued to greet and thank everyone who worked hard for tonight''s monthly segment. Tomorrow would be a new month, and he also hoped everyone would work hard for the next monthly segment.


    Meanwhile, Max enjoyed the dishid on the table next to him. Eating dishes cooked by a high-ss chef was rare, so he''d like to make his time worth it. And that was by enjoying the meat and seafood.


    Just as he enjoyed arge lobster on his te, he felt someone poked on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Evelyn.


    "May I help you with something?" He asked politely, mainly because he was younger and a juniorpared to her.


    "Fufufu, yes." The beautiful host sh singer responded with a giggle, "I do need your help with something."


    When he heard that, there was something on the back of his mind that said he should escape right now or he would regret it. He immediately looked around. If he would regret this, he nned to get Flexy''s attention to drag him into this.


    However, the orange-haired streamer had left with his secretary to nowhere. He was gone. It seemed like Lisa''s instinct was far sharper than his. She probably felt trouble had arrived and dragged her boss away.


    ''Damn¡­'' A wry smile appeared on his face. He put the te he held on the table and looked at Evelyn. ''I have no choice.''


    "What kind of help does this humble me have to offer to you, oh, beautifuldy?" He bowed slightly, imitating a butler from a medieval movie he watched when he was in a hospital.


    "You''re really a good speaker, Breeze," Evelyn said, a small smile forming on her face. "Really good, to the point I thought your main job is being a host like me. Or maybe all streamers are such good talkers like you?"


    "Thetter might be more likely to be the case, mdy. How can I be such a good talker? No, my viewers even mock me by calling me a true gamer."


    Which meant someone who would rage when his teammates were doing bad. There was no need to exin that to Evelyn.


    "I don''t quite understand that, but you can start to talk normally, or I will think that you''re mocking me right now."


    "Sorry. I suddenly spoke like that because I felt something wasing for me." He scratched his head and smiled wryly, "But that''s just my imagination, right? There is no way that Miss Evelyn would do something bad to me."


    "Fufufu, yes. It''s just your imagination." She giggled yfully.


    Still, Max felt something ominous about that. It was simr to when Nina would force him to do something he was reluctant to do, testing Chef Rush''s strange dish. That was the kind of expression Evelyn had right now.


    "But first, please don''t add Miss to my name. Just Evelyn is enough, Breeze. Having a miss added to my name makes me feel like we''re still too distant. I don''t like that, you know?"


    "Well, it''s not like I don''t understand. I certainly don''t want to be called Mr. Breeze too. It indeed makes me feel old."


    "Right? I am d you understand." Evelyn nodded, "Now, about the help I needed, it''s actually pretty simple. It won''t harm you. Please don''t be so cautious. Rather, I think it will help you increase your fans."


    Increase his fans?


    His face paled when he heard it.


    "You don''t!" He raised his voice, stepping back to avoid her.


    But he was unable to. Evelyn grabbed his hand.


    "Fufufu, I am. Let''s make a short video together, Breeze." She said in the sweetest voice.


    ***


    Lily was bored. She had just watched the Biozone Monthly Segment and now had nothing to do. Indeed, the 2 hours livestream had left much to be desired from this girl. Not because she wanted to be there with her friend but because of something else.


    ''I can''t see him meowing¡­'' She thought, rolling around her bed while hugging arge bunny plush. ''What a shame. He would look cute doing it.''


    She only wanted a simple thing, but what she got was only a dog Flexy and Catvelyn. When she thought about Max ying around tranting Evelyn''s meows, she felt a pang in her heart, and a pout formed on her face.


    And just now, there was a video that showed up in Strike. She somehow got a notification from Max''s Strike ount. When she clicked the notification, she noticed it had a short video attached to the status.


    [I was forced into it!]


    It showed the previous host, Evelyn, and him standing side by side. For some reason, Max was wearing ck cat ears and had a slightly embarrassed expression.


    "Now, Breeze. It''s revenge!" The beautiful host said as she kept smiling at the camera.


    With that word, his expression worsened. He certainly didn''t want to be in this video, Lily realized. However, he still did what the host asked him to.


    "Meow." A soft voice escaped his lips, full of feelings of humiliation and embarrassment.


    Lily stopped the video and repeated the part where he meowed. She got what she wanted¡ªa cute Max meowing clip. However, she didn''t feel satisfied. Instead, the pang in her heart hurt more.


    ''Even I can be that cute. No, I am cuter than her.'' She thought. ''He just needs to ask if he wants me to wear cat ears and we can do it together. Why is he with that woman?''


    In terms of confidence, nobody would beat Lily. She was good at everything, whether it was academic, athletic, or even art.


    Andtely, she was confused by something. For some reason, she couldn''t help but think about Max. It had been a few days since they met. Thest time was when they reviewed videos together.


    Since then, she would always think of him every night, without a doubt. Whenever they exchanged messages, she wanted to meet him. She knew he was busy, and so she was. Their schedules didn''t match for thest few days.


    ''Why do I feel like this, I wonder?''


    An innocent girl. That was Lily.


    Kept inside the house until adulthood left her to be ignorant of the warm feeling she felt inside her heart whenever she thought about him.


    However, she had someone she trusted to ask about this kind of question.


    Looking at the ceiling, she brought up a messaging app. She scrolled to find the name of someone she trusted at times like this, her upperssman when she was in high school. They often got together due to the nature of her job. In fact, her love of bunnies also originated from that said friend.


    This was the only idea she had in mind. If she couldn''t find the answer herself, she would ask someone who probably knew about it.


    [Lily: Ferin, I have a question.]

 Chapter 178: Chapter 178 – A Date Invitation?

    Lily''s friend''s reply arried just a few seconds after she sent the message.


    [Ferin: What is it? What is it? Our little Lily contacted me first. How rare.]


    [Lily: I don''t have anyone else to ask. I feel strange whenever I think about my friend. It''s warm inside. What is this? Do you know something?]


    [Ferin: Warm feeling? Ah, so a flower has bloomed for our cute Lily''s heart. Hehehe, congrattions.]


    Reading the message, Lily raised her eyebrows.


    "Flower?" She muttered.


    [Lily: What do you mean by flower?]


    [Ferin: How precious. Well, how about we meet this weekend? I have time off from my job and the game. Let''s talk about it there! Also, bring that friend you talk about. Hehehe, At said he is curious about this too.]


    It was a sudden invitation. But Lily had no reason to refuse. She had not met with her friend for a long time already because she was busy. Not only that, they lived in a different city. She was in the New Eden City while she was in the Lime City. The only problem was about Max.


    ''Maybe he''s free? I will ask himter.''


    [Lily: I will ask him. So this Saturday at the usual ce?]


    [Ferin: Yes! See you there!]


    In the end, her question was left unanswered. She clicked Max''s name and hesitated before inviting him.


    "How should I invite him?"


    She hummed, a bit troubled. Then, she remembered her friend''s words in the past. To invite a friend of the opposite sex, there was one sentence that would always work.


    "Un, let''s try it."


    After deciding, she typed in her virtual keyboard and sent it without hesitation.


    [Lily: Let''s have a date in New Eden City on Saturday.]


    She was pretty satisfied with that message and smiled. Now, she only had to wait.


    ***


    After returning from the party, which turned into his public humiliation after Evelyn caught him, Max decided to rx in the caf¨¦. He finally would return to Lime City tomorrow after being in another city for two days.


    Before that, he''d like to punch Flexy''s face at least once for running away without him. He should''ve brought him out of the party venue if he noticed Evelyn tried to do something bad.


    Instead, Flexy didn''t say anything and left. Also, his friend sent a message after the embarrassing short video was posted on his Strike ount.


    [Flexy: Meow~ You look good myaw~]


    A vein popped up on Max''s forehead when he read that message while sitting in the hotel caf¨¦.


    ''How dare this bastard make fun of me?''


    No matter how indebted he was to Flexy, there was still a limit to his patience.


    [Breeze: Shut up, wan. I have downloaded it and will ask my editor to put your face in a dog''s body.] Latest updates from m _vlempyr.


    [Flexy: How dare you!]


    [Breeze: Heh, I dare! You freaking left me alone, knowing that Evelyn ising for blood!]


    [Flexy: That was Lisa''s fault. She dragged me away, saying that I shouldn''t get close to trouble!]


    [Breeze: Yeah, yeah. It''s Lisa''s fault, alright. I took a screenshot of this chat already and sent it to her.]


    [Flexy: Huh? No, please don''t. I will die. Buddy, you won''t send it to her, right? Look, I deleted it. I will make up for you, okay?]


    [Breeze: Did you say something?]


    After sending that message, Max smirked and didn''t reply anymore. The orange-haired streamer still replied, spamming ''please don''t send it'' many times. He ignored it whileughing internally.


    ''Get rekt by your own girlfriend, motherfucker. How dare you show off in front of me on top of making me bait for Evelyn.''


    He mentioned that he was d to be single, but that was not his fully honest opinion. As a man, he still wanted to have a cute and loving girlfriend. It was just an instinct. He would prefer someone who understood his activity and didn''t bother him with his streaming work.


    ''A girl like that is rare.''


    Flexy''s spamming had stopped after he ignored him for quite some time. No noise bothered him now, and he could enjoy his iced cocoa in peace while messaging his editor.


    [Breeze: [AttachedVideo.mp4] [AttachedVideo2.mp4] [AttachedVideo3.mp4] [AttachedFile.txt] I got the stuff you need. I am counting on you to edit it while following the script, Sucker.]


    Those were the parkour videos Max took in Tag House yesterday. Director Hugo also unexpectedly sent footage of him doing parkour in his rest hour, which was taken by one of his cameramen. He didn''t know about it but was still grateful for it.


    [BloodSucker: Finally. And you also prepared the script? I will try to see what I can do with it. I might change a few things if it looks bad or absurd.]


    The reply came faster than what Max had expected.


    ''Does this guy have no life?'' He thought. ''Well, probably.''


    Max had no problem with changing the script slightly. He needed it to be as good as possible, and he believed BloodSucker had the ability to do that.


    ''I need to finish my two quests. My hope rests on you, sucker.''


    [Breeze: As long as it keeps the original and the main theme, then it won''t be a problem. Please make it the best. I want it to have more likes than the official ad video. I can give you a bonus if I am satisfied with it.]


    [BloodSucker: You''re asking for a tall order.]


    [Breeze: Don''t say that. You always gave me a tall order in the stream mission too, and I finished them all. I am counting on you.]


    [BloodSucker: This and that are different! But I guess I can try. Don''t me me if the script is changed by more than 50%]


    [Breeze: Fine by me.]


    With this, everything he needed to do today was finished. He could continue his Midnight Heist grind while streaming, or so was his n before he remembered Nina''s advice not to push himself.


    ''Hahaha, I don''t want to get sick anymore. I guess I would just rest.''


    Max gulped his drink in one go and exited the caf¨¦ to return to his room. He used the elevator and pressed the floor to his room.


    The elevator was moving fast. Reaching the floor where his room was would only take a few seconds.


    However, it suddenly felt a lot longer after he got a certain message.


    Ding!


    Curious of who messaged him, Max opened it and suddenly froze.


    [Lily: Let''s have a date in New Eden City on Saturday.]


    "Hah?" A stupid voice escaped his lips.

 Chapter 179: Chapter 179 – Date [1]

    Date.


    A date was an appointent to meet someone or go out with them, especially with whom you are having, or may soon have, a romantic rtionship.


    It was the definition of date that Max found on the inte. No matter how he looked at it, the term date in his past and this world was the same.


    He couldn''t believe he got an invitation from a girl. Not to mention that said girl was Lily. But knowing her, there might be some misunderstanding in her words. So he had to ask.


    [Breeze: A date? With me?]


    [Lily: Yes. Are you free?]


    [Breeze: I am, but¡­ Are you really inviting me to a date and not just an outing?]


    While it appeared to be uncool, he had to ensure there was no misunderstanding. His face was getting hot from expectation and embarrassment. He didn''t even realize he was already inside his room as he stared intently at the screen.


    And after a few seconds, the reply arrived again. |


    [Lily: I am sure. I know what a date is, Max. Don''t look down on me ???]


    ''She''s pouting.'' He thought as he imagined it in his mind. Somehow, the image came clean into his mind, and he could see her cheek bloated. ''I want to see it directly.''


    At that moment, he unconsciously chuckled. All his exhaustion was somehow gone.


    Now he was thinking. Going on a date with Lily might be¡­ nice. Once again, his face felt hot when he thought of it. He was pushing this away for a while, but he should be honest with himself.


    [Breeze: I am not looking down on you. It''s just¡­ I can''t believe you asked me out on a date. And I am free that day. In fact, let''s go. I am looking forward to it.]


    [Lily: Good. I am looking forward to it too <3]


    It was bad. Max was really looking forward to it too.


    His heart was beating faster out of excitement. And¡­ He couldn''t help but want to shout.


    "Wohoo!!"


    Three days.


    That would be enough time for him to calm down and prepare himself.


    ''I need a fresh cut. Let''s do it afternding in Lime City tomorrow.'' He thought.


    Due to excitement, he couldn''t sleep that night and ended up grinding Midnight Heist while streaming without even talking, which confused his viewers. Even so, he still won a few matches while losing some.


    ***


    Those three days passed pretty quickly. It was filled with Midnight Heist grind and streaming. There was no further message from Lily until thest minute, asking to go to the New Eden City together with a Sky Rail.


    They decided to meet up in the station. When Max got there, dressed nicely in the new clothes he bought, Lily was already standing near the entrance, attracting attention from the surroundings.


    She was dressed in a white turtleneck, with loose sleeves that reached her elbow, tucked into tight ck pants. A dark blue jacket was draped around her shoulders, and a ck cap adorned her head to shield her face from sunlight.


    When she saw him walking toward her, a smile formed on her cold expression.


    "Max!" She shouted at him and waved her hand excitedly, like a little child.


    Max smiled and waved back at her. He stopped before her and scratched his cheek apologetically.


    "Sorry, did you wait for a long time?"


    "Hnn, only around 5 minutes." She responded, "The Sky Rail hasn''t departed yet, so we''ll be fine."


    "That''s¡­ good news."


    The conversation wasn''t really connected. She misunderstood his words and thought he was worried that the Sky Rail had departed already.


    Both of them said nothing afterward. However, it didn''t really feel awkward because Lily wasn''t a talker to begin with. They bought a New Eden City ticket and waited a few minutes for Sky Rail to arrive.


    While waiting, Max nced at her. She yawned cutely, seemingly still sleepy as it was still 6 AM. That gesture was pretty cute, but he also had something else in mind.


    ''Until now, I still don''t understand why she suddenly asked me on a date. Is she also interested in me?''


    Lily noticed Max was staring at her and tilted her head.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing." He replied casually, "I am just wondering why you suddenly invited me on a date. I mean¡­ I am happy about it, but I am just curious, you know?"


    Hearing him, she nodded in understanding.


    "I just want to go out with you." She replied, smiling softly. "For some reason, it made me happy. It also made me happy when you said that you are happy going out with me."


    If his face was warm before, now it was burned. No matter how he read her sentence, what she tried to imply was clear.


    ''Does that mean she¨C''


    "Oh, it''s here."


    The Sky Rail arrived when he was about to have a strange mind. The door was opened right in front of him with a swift woosh.


    Lily tugged his sleeve and urged him.


    "Let''s enter."


    It calmed his mind once again and kept him from thinking strange stuff. For now, he''d like to enjoy his date.


    ''Don''t be hasty, Max. You don''t want to fuck this up.'' He reminded himself as he put on a smile.


    "Yeah, let''s enter."


    ***


    When one enjoyed their time, even a trip was pretty fun. Max conversed with Lily to further close their distance. Because they had only known each other for at least a month, they had a lot of things they didn''t know about each other. That became their main topic of conversation.


    "So, LilyPixel is just my streaming ount that I made for fun. I have another job, and that''s making music. I have around a million subscribers in my PunchTube ount for only uploading my music."


    "That''s amazing!"


    A million subscribers wasn''t low. Max was honestly surprised by it and once again realized that he might have the lowest number of followers and subscribers among his friends. But that only motivated him.


    Lily showed him her PunchTube ount and the left side of an earphone. She wore the other side, and she yed the music that she was most confident with.


    A soft piano melody tickled his ear. Following that was a voice from someone he knew very well, someone whose face was so close to his right now.


    The high tone caught him off guard. Although the lyrics were pretty simple, the song was too good. He ended up enjoying it halfway, and his focus shifted. The sweet scent of Lily beside him didn''t bother him anymore. Instead, it became like it was a natural thing.

 Chapter 180: Chapter 180 – Date? [2]

    Max should''ve known. Lily was a bit too innocent for someone their ages. While she did know what a date was, she didn''t know that a date was supposed to only be done with two people without any addition.


    "Yahoo!"


    However, they were currently here, sitting on a caf¨¦ terrace with two other people. They seemed to be a couple: an incredibly beautiful girl with tinum hair and a slightly handsome man with blond hair. Both of them wore simr white jackets and sat at the same table as them.


    ''Maybe we can still call it a double date, but¡­ It''s still disappointing.'' He thought.


    The woman noticed his expression and grinned.


    "Hahaha, sorry! Our little Lily has given you too much hope, it seems." She said yfully while raising her hand apologetically. "She''s a bit too innocent, you know?"


    The person in question looked confused and tilted her head. Seeing such a cute gesture, Max also couldn''t get angry and express his dissatisfaction. He had already known about it since the incident after the party.


    "It''s fine. I am also aware of it."


    "You''re a good man." She said, turning to Lily. "You shouldn''t waste his kindness, Lily. He even came with you here just to meet us because you have a question for me."


    "Un, I don''t." Lily nodded, "And I am not as innocent as you think, Ferin. I know a lot."


    "That''s what you said." The tinum-haired woman, Ferin, giggled at Lily''s words. She nced at Max and pped her hands. "Anyway, now that we''re here. How about a little introduction? My name is Ferin, Lily''s best friend. It''s nice to meet you, Breeze!"


    "And I am As." The man beside her, possibly her boyfriend, added with a soft smile. "Nice to meet you.


    When he heard that, Max nodded slightly. He wasn''t confused about how she knew his tag name. She probably saw his face on the billboard or news or something.


    And the name As sounded a bit familiar to him.


    ''Where have I heard of him?''


    No matter how he jogged his memories, he couldn''t remember where he heard the name As. It was amon name in this world, so he shrugged it off.


    "Likewise. My name is Max Charles. Please feel free to call me Max."


    "Hee, are you sure you can reveal your name like that? Aren''t you a streamer?" Ferin hummed curiously. always on m|vl|e|mp|y|r


    Responding to that, Max only smiled.


    "I believe you won''t share it with others." He turned to Lily and asked, "I can trust them, right?"


    "Un¡­ Maybe?" Lily answered, looking a bit unsure.


    That¡­ was a problem. He looked at her in disbelief. And then she suddenly giggled.


    "Just kidding. Ferin can be trusted. If she spreads your name, we can spread scandal about her to affect her modeling job."


    "Now that''s not nice, Lily!" Ferin pouted at Lily''s words.


    As was chuckling, amused by the exchange.


    "She has learned a few things from Max since ourst meeting, it seems."


    "She does!" The tinum-haired girl eximed, resting her head on the blond man''s shoulders, "What should I do, At? Now, our cute Lily has been corrupted. She''s not as innocent anymore, and she now teases me."


    "Ferin¡­ Are you taking me for a child?" Lily''s voice was chilling as she red at her friends.


    However, Ferin was still joking around and looked scared.


    "Oh no! She''s ring at me now!"


    "Ferin!"


    Lily jumped at her friend and hit her with a yful fist.


    Looking at both of them, Max couldn''t help but think that they had a good rtionship with each other. They were truly friends.


    Both of them whispered something together, then nced at him before nodding.


    Ferin, with a smile on her face, said something.


    "Both of you enjoy your boys'' time together for a while. We, the girls, have something to do a little bit."


    "Max, sorry. I need to go with Ferin for a while. It''s¡­ Umm¨C" Lily had trouble saying it outright.


    Reading between the lines, Max guessed they probably needed to go pick some flowers in the back. So, he nodded and saw them go inside the caf¨¦ together while giggling and whispering.


    Now left alone with As, he didn''t know what to do. The man looked rather kind, as he always kept that friendly smile.


    ''Well, let''s just drink my iced cocoa while waiting.'' He thought.


    At that moment, he suddenly spoke.


    "Are you curious about what they are talking about?"


    "Huh?" Max raised his voice slightly as he didn''t quite catch what As said. He stopped drinking and raised his head. "Excuse me?"


    "I said, are you curious about what they are talking about together? You know¡­ When girls go to the toilet together, they talk about something, right? Like about love interests or something. At least, that''s what Ferin told me."


    Such information was unnecessarily informative. And talk about something¡­ That reminded Max.


    "Is it Lily that asked to meet with¡­ Umm, Miss Ferin?" He asked cautiously.


    While he tended to act like an adult, Max was still a 19-year-old boy. Being polite to the other party was something natural for him if they indeed deserved it.


    "You don''t need to add a Miss to her name," As said,ughing.


    "But, yes. Probably, they are the loneliest girls. I heard that they only had one friend, and that''s themselves for each other. Due to their poprity and looks, they need to be careful around other people. Ferin is a famous model. Her poprity often draws unnecessary problems."


    Max understood that very well. That was why he also hesitated when he nned to get close to Lily.


    ''She''s a Spencer family member, one of the wealthiest families in the world.''


    Compared to her, he was just an orphan who got lucky in streaming. Still, that didn''t mean that he didn''t want to get close to her. Ignoring her family, the person herself didn''t seem to mind getting close to him.


    "Well, I think you''ll be fine. It looks like Lily is also interested in you."


    As chirped as if he was able to read his mind, making him raise his head to look at him. The blond-haired man only smiled.


    "Have other people said that you''re too easy to read?"


    Hearing that, Max scratched his cheek.


    "It''s too often." He said, "I thought that my poker face was already perfect. I even watched a tutorial on how to keep my expression straight."


    "Whoever told you that must be someone so dense and has a head as hard as a rock. Because among people I have ever met, your expression is one of the easiest to guess."


    "Truly. I can''t say any other words."


    Both of them got along pretty well and talked about various games. Max found out that As was also ying a game with Ferin. He said it was Horizon Online, the biggest MMORPG game currently yable in the world.


    Meanwhile, the girls had also finished their conversation in the caf¨¦''s bathroom.


    "It''s love, Lily. You have fallen in love with him!" Ferin dered with confidence, causing the innocent girl to blush.


    Lily''s face was beet red as she held her cheeks, preventing them from melting from the embarrassment brought by realization.


    "I¡­ love Max?" She muttered in a low voice.

 Chapter 181: Chapter 181 – Arcade Game

    After a while, Lily and Ferin returned from the caf¨¦ and rejoined them.


    Max noticed something strange with Lily. She asionally nced at him, and her face would flush red before turning away.


    The couple suddenly left them alone, with Ferin dragging As away after saying that she had to join a game event this afternoon. Of course, that happened after they exchanged contact information with each other.


    Now, only both of them had left, and it was awkward because Lily had kept her silence. At times like this, Max felt like he should take the lead. An idea shed in his mind.


    "Lily." He called out, and the girl looked at her with a shy expression.


    "Yes?"


    "How about we go and y an IRL game? I remember that there is an arcade center in this city. There are various games there that we can y together. There is also a w game where we can get some plushies."


    "w games!" Lily eximed, her expression suddenly brightening as she nodded repeatedly.


    She grabbed Max''s hand, took him by surprise, and said.


    "Let''s go!"


    Being pulled by hand, Max just followed her obediently with a smile. At least she looked fine again.


    ***


    Arcade games. It was something that was big among people in the past. Many people would visit the arcade after returning from school to have fun with friends.


    In this VR age, the arcade wasn''t really something big. It could be reced inside the VR world with a VR machine. Why would people y an arcade in real life when they could enjoy the same thing in VR?


    Many people also y games in VR using a keyboard and mouse, an old technology. They didn''t need to buy any hardware as all of them could be projected and coded by the VR world, just like normal obstacles.


    However, there were still exceptions. Some avid fans of retro games were still trying to revive the arcade. They created a ce where friends and couples could enjoy having fun ying games together in real life.


    And thus, the arcade named ''Old Timez'' was born in New Eden City, the United Nations'' capital.


    "We''ve arrived."


    Max and Lily arrived at one such arcade and entered. They quickly exchange a ying card by paying $50. It could be used to y 50 games, as each game needed $1 to be booted up.


    "What should we y first?" Max asked as he looked around. This ce reminded him of his past world. He often visited the arcade after he returned from making a parkour video in the past.


    Dim lighting with only blue and purple neon light. It made the bright light from the games pop up.


    Looking around curiously, Lily found one machine that she was interested in. It was filled with various plushies, from a cat to even a bunny. She particrly liked the ck bunny with blue eyes because it reminded her of Max.


    Pointing at the machine, she said.


    "I want to try that."


    Following her hand, Max looked at the w machine. He nodded at her.


    "Alright, w machine, is it? It''s such a ssic to choose this one."


    ''And this is also a game that couples often y together to get the plushie,'' he added in his mind without showing it outside.


    That wasn''t important, though. He was only worried that his skill with a retro game dulled and made him unable to get the plush he wanted.


    Approaching the machine, he inserted the card in the slot and concentrated on the plushies.


    "Which one do you want?" He asked Lily, who leaned forward just like him. New releases from NovelFirempy _r.


    "That one," She said as she looked at a certain plushie. "I want that bunny."


    Having seen the target, Max grinned.


    "Alright."


    With skillful coordination, he moved the stick in the machine to control the w. There was one trick that he learned when ying a w machine.


    ''Be a machine¡­''


    His eyes narrowed like an eagle. His concentration peaked.


    The w inside the ss-encased machine moved ever so slightly following themand he inputted through the stick.


    "There!"


    After he was sure that it would get the bunny, he pressed the button to lower the w. It lowered slowly and caught the ck bunny.


    "Yes!" Lily eximed happily when she saw the w machine take the bunny.


    However, there was one thing she didn''t know.


    "Not yet."


    w machine was evil. The w was so weak that the bunny fell to the pile of plushies again.


    "Ah¡­ Max¡­" She sounded sad when they failed. Looking at him, she pleaded with slightly teary eyes, "Can we try again?"


    "Of course. This kind of game needs a few tries before we seed. Look at the bunny''s location. It''s now in the middle instead of at the edge. We slowly move them to the reward box and push it so it drops there."


    Following that, he continued to try to get the bunny. The second try wasn''t lucky, but it put the bunny closer to the hole.


    After the fifth try, when the bunny was hanging on the edge, Max controlled the w to push it from inside. With precision, it fell into the rewarding hole and yed catchy music.


    "Congrattions! Congrattions!"


    Max crouched and got the ck bunny from the reward box, handing it over to Lily.


    "Here, for you."


    With a bright expression, Lily took the bunny and clutched it in her arms. Her lips curled into a big smile, showing the most beautiful expression ever.


    "Thank you, Max. I like it."


    "You''re wee." He said, scratching his cheek, "Shall we y something else?"


    "Un, you choose next."


    "Hmm, me choosing?" He muttered and looked around. He found a hockey table without people ying it and smiled. "How about we y that one? It''s a simple game where you try to enter the puck in your opponent''s goal."


    Looking toward the hockey table, Lily showed an interested expression. Just like Max, she also liked challenges. Aplishing something gave her a sense of euphoria.


    "Sure. The rule is simple. I''d win this one."


    "Hehe, don''t underestimate me. I am a good hockey yer."


    Both of them spent their time in the arcade, ying various games together andpeting in some. The time spent having fun couldn''t be felt. The awkward situation from earlier was also gone, and now they returned to their usual selves after some time.


    When the sun was about to set, they returned to Lime City by SkyRail. They were pretty exhausted after walking around the arcade without resting.


    Once they sat on their designated seat, Lily fell asleep immediately. Her head fell on Max''s shoulder, and her hand on top of his. However, Max didn''t realize that as he had also fallen asleep.


    Their journey home was uneventful, but people who saw their sleeping figure got their fill of sugar for the day. And¡­ a thread appeared on Enjoying Breeze''smunity.


    [Look at what I found! Breeze is sleeping together with LilyPixel on the SkyRail! They look so good together! [AttachedImage.jpg]]


    Only a few people had seen this thread, as it was deleted immediately to keep Max''s private life separated from the streaming one. While sharing pictures they took in public wasn''t illegal, the fans knew better how to keep their streamer safe.


    So, he didn''t know that his fans saw him until they teased him in his livestream that night. And it was hell to resolve the misunderstanding and kept it from spreading.

 Chapter 182: Chapter 182 – Stressed

    Returning from the date, Max made sure that Lily returned to her home safely. When he got to her apartment, he couldn''t help but be surprised by its sheer size. Not only that, she said that she and her brother lived in the penthouse, and the top floor was all for their use.


    In fact, when he looked up, he could see StoneSword standing behind the ss while looking down. The man nodded his head in approval before turning around.


    ''I won''t be surprised if she said that this apartment is theirs.'' He thought internally while smiling wryly.


    After saying goodbye, Max walked to his apartment, which was around 20 minutes away from there. Once he arrived back home, he immediately booted his VR capsule and livestreamed his grind, just like usual.


    That night, he somehow got a good RNG and teammates, so he won all 5 matches he participated in, pushing his RP to 75/100. Just a little bit more, and he would be qualified to enter the tournament.


    And a few days had passed since then. It was now Wednesday, May 7th. Looking at his progress with Midnight Heist, he was supposed to reach Tier 2 by now. However, reality said otherwise.


    The good news was that the 27 grand from the ad contract had already been sent into his bank ount. But the bad news was that he hadn''t reached Tier 2 yet.


    "Why did I get such bad RNG so suddenly?!" Heined to his viewers as he looked at his RP.


    It decreased from 75 to 47 in just 4 days. His gamey was already smooth, and there were fewer trollspared to Tier 4 ranked games, but climbing to Tier 2 was harder than he thought.


    "Is it a motivation issue? Guys, what do you think? Should I just take a break first to reset the RNG? I really want to release my stress against something right now."


    ¡ª Why not?


    ¡ª There is still a week before the tournament, you should be fine


    ¡ª Fine? Don''t you see his bad RNG?


    ¡ª If you get teammates like 4 days ago, you would reach Tier 2 in no time


    ¡ª Just y another game if you''re frustrated!


    ¡ª Any ranked game really tests one''s patience. Just y another game, Breeze. It''s probably just a day or two.


    ¡ª We''re also tired of watching the same content every day. For god''s sake, you can grind offstream and give us another content!!


    Not only him, but the viewers also felt frustrated. Max was a variety streamer, and he shouldn''t forget about that. However, in thesest two weeks, he only streamed about Midnight Heist and nothing else.


    In fact, his viewers were now stuck at 8K instead of the usual 10K to 12K.


    It was time to move on and only stream the game again for the tournament. That would be the best choice to retain his viewers'' attention.


    "Changing the game, huh? That''s a good idea." He easily agreed with his viewers and moved back to his own Lobby, leaving the familiar bar of the Midnight Heist''s Lobby.


    Appearing in his own parkour park, he sat on the chair under the tree and looked at his streaming screen. It was only an hour since he started streaming. And because he was already used to it, he could go for another 3 to 4 hours without worries.


    But¡­ There was a problem. He rapped his fingers against the armrest and wondered.


    "I did say that I want to y something new. But, what should I y?"


    He opened the list of games published by Biozone Entertainment. But because it was too many, and the genre was too diverse, he had a problem deciding which game he should y next.


    ¡ª Breeze, why don''t you y something light?


    ¡ª You have yed V-Shelter Survival and Knight''s Journey before, why not something simr?


    ¡ª I''d like to watch you y Knight''s Journey. Let''s do it again!


    ¡ª I rmend the game released 2 months ago! Conrad''s Defense or Mercenary Quest! Both are good games.


    When he was searching, he read thest chat and stopped.


    "Conrad''s Defense and Mercenary Quest." He muttered.


    Both games were in the choice of reward from his first quest. There was no need to exin them anymore, as both were simr to Knight''s Journey in terms of gamey.


    However, Conrad''s Defense focused on a city defense instead of an adventure. From what he read in the forum in his free time, yers seemed to have found the strategy to defend the city up to the 25th wave in thest month.


    It was a strategic game. The game was about creating a defense around a fort, and the yers could watch when the monster wave arrived while praying that his defense was good enough. When the defense seeded, yers would feel great aplishment. But if they failed¡­


    ''The stress will pile up and I need to rack my brain. I won''t y this game if I want to rest.''


    But the other one sounded fun. Mercenary Quest, $250 in the market. It was an open-world game with freedom and a storyline to follow. yers would be mercenaries, a superhuman who could bend steel with their hand or hold their breath for more than 10 minutes.


    For a rxation game, this would be perfect. Max could channel his inner stress by killing monsters posted on the quest board, and viewers could enjoy the storyline too.


    And unlike Knight''s Journey, this game''s opponent wasn''t fellow humans but monsters. Arge monster that a normal human, called Scout, couldn''t fight.


    "I think I have decided which one to y." He said to the viewers, grinning widely.


    ¡ª Oh? Is it between those two games?


    ¡ª Are you going to use your 200 IQ to try and finish Conrad''s Defense?


    ¡ª Damn! Which one will he choose? I am curious


    ¡ª y Mercenary Quest, Breeze! It''s fun! Offer more blood to Blood God!


    ¡ª I''ve been summoned by God¡­ He needs sacrifice. My right arm has been screaming loudly!! FINALLY!!


    ¡ª Ah, he''s back. Could BloodSucker be back too?


    ¡ª ¡­ I died¡­ Don''t bother me¡­ This noble me has been given an impossible task.


    "You can do it, Sucker. I trust you."


    Finding BloodSucker in the chat has been raretely because of the task he had given him. Apparently, BloodSucker wanted to give his best and even create a special effect and perfect 3D movement for the second character personally. He was working beyond his pay.


    ¡ª It seems that BloodSucker is now Breeze''s ve.


    ¡ª After bing his secondary pocket, now he''s a ve?


    ¡ª Poor sucker. Rest in peace, brother


    ¡ª Blood God won''t forget your sacrifice.


    ¡ª So, back to the point¡­ What game will you y?


    "Right, let''s go back to the topic. Because Conrad''s Defense would only make me angrier, I wouldn''t choose it. Rather, I will follow my instinct and go crazy in the Mercenary Quest. The opponent is a monster, right? They would be a perfect sandbag for my stress relief!"


    Without hesitation, he searched Mercenary Quest and bought the game. The download process immediately started, and it only needed two minutes to install the whole game.


    When it finished, he changed his stream title and immediately booted it up. Enjoy reading at m-vle-.


    [Screw stress! I am going to be a mercenary and hunt monsters! Free for All versus Monsters #MercenaryQuest #StressFree #MidnightHeistSuck #IAMFREE!]


    "Prepare yourself, monster! I will kill you all! Hahahaha!" His body was engulfed with a blue light and teleported away as evilughter escaped his lips.

 Chapter 183: Chapter 183 – Mercenary Quest

    Max appeared on a steam train. Loud noises of the engine reached his ear as ck smoke rose from the funnel at the frontmost of the train.


    It was the type of transport train, as the corpse of a monster resembling arge ox with a rock body was tied at the end of the train. Many people holding weaponsrger than their bodies stood around a table, drinking merrily over their sessful raid.


    Looking at himself, he also found out he had arge sword slung over his shoulder. The reflection from the ss next to him told him that his character used his Lobby''s avatar as a base, and he was draped in animal fur and leather clothes. It looked thick and strong.


    ''This is amazing.''


    Max balled his fist, which was covered with leather gloves.


    "Damn, I look cool!" He eximed with a grin on his face.


    ¡ª Mercenary Breeze! He looks cool


    ¡ª Goddamnit, whether he''s in a suit, in a jacket, or even armor, he somehow makes them look good


    ¡ª The long sword on his back looks great


    ¡ª ******* Breeze!


    ¡ª lol got censored. I bet he''s about to say kiska$$ or bada$$


    ¡ª Damn, man! That looks great!


    ¡ª kyaa Breeze! Hug me in that armor!


    Everyone agreed with it. Whether they were men or women, all of them agreed that Max looked cool in the armor.


    However, Max could only enjoy it for a second as the game had started.


    "Everyone, please gather!"


    A man with a rough face raised his voice as he leaned against the table. His hair reached his shoulders, and the w scar on his bare body made him look scarier. He quickly scanned the room with his sharp eyes, and the other mercenaries closed the table immediately.


    ¡ª Caesar!


    ¡ª That''s Caesar bro! Yooo! He looks as fierce as ever!


    ¡ª The fiercest mercenary ever!


    ¡ª Forget Hutch, I want to be bred by Caesar!!


    ¡ª Lol, this guy is still here. I thought he was gone after breeding Hutch!


    ¡ª People are¡­ people¡­ They are strange¡­


    ¡ª I lost faith in humanity. I want a monster GF instead


    ''You guys are the crazy ones.'' Max retorted in his mind after reading the chat.


    Then, he shifted the focus to therge man called Caesar as the exnation was about to start. It was the first cutscene, but it seemed like he was still able to move his character, unlike the cutscene in Knight''s Journey.


    "We will arrive in Paradise Ind soon. I believe you guys remember our quest. ss 1 Mercenaries will hunt 3 Large-ss monsters. ss 2 Mercenaries will hunt 20 Medium-ss monsters. And you, newbie!"


    Caesar looked at Max and raised his voice. His gaze was as sharp as a hawk, and a strange pressure emanated from thatrge body.


    "Yes."


    Max instinctively responded when therge man called out to him. To be honest, it was a bit intimidating.


    "You¡­" The giant pointed at him, "Hunt a Small-ss monster. That will be your test to join us, Stronghold Mercenary Band! If you fail, we definitely won''t ept you. So make sure to hunt your target!"


    "I understand!"


    [Ding!]


    [Tutorial!]


    [Hunt 1x Small-ss monster in Paradise Ind.]


    [Progress: 0/1]


    As soon as the notification rang in his ear and the panel appeared in front of him, the scenery around him changed. He was now standing on an ind filled with dense vegetation. The leaves were asrge as a roof, and the trunk could be evenrger than 2 meters.


    Strange fruits hanging on the branches.


    A single mountain stood tall in the middle, piercing the cloud with its ragged peak. The rocky slope made it look like it was impossible to climb, and clouds hid the highest peak.


    Surrounding it were many smaller mountains. Unlike the one in the middle, they were covered in various vegetation in strange colors: blue, purple, and green. One of the mountain was covered in bright, redva. ck cloud rose from the highest point of that mountain.


    In the sky,rge birds and monsters that looked simr to Pterosaurs flew around. They sometimes dived down to the surface of the sea and caught somerge fish in the mouth. They looked pretty small from the ground, probably only around a meter in size.


    This was Paradise Ind, the ce where monsters could roam freely.


    ¡ª It''s beautiful


    ¡ª Something beautiful is usually deadly .


    ¡ª Look at those trees. They could be taller than the skyscraper in real life!


    ¡ª The vines looks perfect to be used for swings


    ¡ª Jungle¡­ Will Breeze turn into a jungle boy now?


    ¡ª I can''t wait to see what kind of shiet Breeze will do to the freakin monsters now


    Just like the chat, Max was also blown away by the views. However, his enjoyment onlysted a few seconds.


    A soaring pain hit his shoulder as he felt something pushed him from behind. When he looked back, he noticed Caesar''s hand was extended at him. That was what caused the pain.


    ''Goddamn, just a little push felt like I was being hit by a ball that flew 200KM/H.''


    He looked at Caesar inint, but the NPC ignored him and pointed in a certain direction to the other side of the mountain on the right.


    "Your target, Garrador, is there. You will find a tiny monster that looks like a goose. I am sure your rotten brain won''t mistake it once you see it. Heh."


    The giant smirked, patting him on the shoulder. This time, he felt as if arge sack was put on top of his body, and it almost caused him to stumble.


    Seeing him in trouble, Caesar waved that hand while walking away.


    "Good luck, newbie. Don''t die on your first hunt."


    Max kept standing still and watched as the giant broke into a run. The ground under him cracked, and a sonic thud resounded in the surroundings. In just a few seconds, he was already gone from Max''s sight, entering the dense vegetation.


    He was too stupefied to move. But then, he remembered that he had a game quest already.


    "Alright." He pumped himself up and grinned at the camera. "Shall we find this Garrador and kill it? Because it looks like a goose, it won''t be scary at all, no?"


    ¡ª Yeah¡­ pfft


    ¡ª Goose, Caesar said


    ¡ª Did you see when he broke into the run? The ground was cracked, dude!


    ¡ª Caesar was inhuman. Calling Garrador tiny, lol


    ¡ª I wonder how Breeze will react when he sees Garrador


    ¡ª It seems Breeze didn''t watch any Mercenary Quest''s gamey yet. This would be funny.


    Oblivious to some of the chat, Max proceeded to his destination pointed out by Caesar. His heart was beating in excitement.


    After a long time grinding Midnight Heist, he could finally feel the thrill of a game again. He took a peek at the chat after the train behind him was out of sight, and they also seemed to look forward to it, especially since he was a hundred percent oblivious to this game.


    It reminded him of his first stream in Knight''s Journey, where he enjoyed the exploration of the unknown.


    ''A new game after a long time, and a monster hunting on top of that. This would be exciting.''

 Chapter 184: Chapter 184 – First Hunt: Garrador

    If one heard the monster ssification in this game that went from Small-ss to Colossal-ss, they must''ve thought.


    ''The Small-ss monster is probably around the size of a boar or a tiger at max. It will be easy.''


    Max initially also thought like that and marched through the beach to the area pointed out by Caesar. After walking for a while, he found a smallke near the clearing, just a little bit into the dense vegetation.


    There, the goose monster called Garrador happily swam. Whenever a fish came close, it would open its beak and eat it. At first, he was confused as to why a goose monster ate a fish and not vegetation, but he ignored it because it was a game.


    When he asked if the monster was truly Garrador, as written above its head by a tutorial helper, their answers were positive.


    ¡ª That''s Garrador, alright


    ¡ª There is nothing wrong with the tutorial help. What''s written on top of its head was correct. It''s Garrador.


    ¡ª Look at his nk face. He even asked us something that the system had confirmed


    ¡ª lololol, clipped. Stupefied Breeze has been captured!


    ¡ª Why did you ask us that obvious question? It''s Garrador, alright.


    ¡ª So small. Look at that Garrador; so cute. Its wings are made from metal, and its white, hard feathers can reflect a normal attack. Its beak can break through armor¨C


    ¡ª The word limit has been reached; I shall continue. The small eyes that looked innocent, and its small size. It''s Garrador 100%.


    "Hah? Small size?" Max couldn''t help but retort to the chat as he pointed at the goose monster in the middle of theke. "That monster is 3 times bigger than Caesar, that giant! And it''s Small-ss?!"


    While it wasn''t clear at the start because it swam on theke, Garrador was more than 6 meters big. Max couldn''t understand how this monster was ssified as a Small-ss. If this ssification was correct, then what about Large-ss? Colossal-ss? Were they bigger than a mountain?


    Surprising? Yes. But that didn''t stop him.


    "Anyway, let''s try to get close to it first."


    Stepping out from the bush he used to hide, Max approached theke with his right hand holding onto his sword''s handle. Now he understood why his sword was bigger than his body. It was because a smaller de would do nothing against such monstrosity.


    Garrador seemed to notice him, turning its long neck toward him.


    "Honk!" It honked loudly and swam to the edge. Arge fish with a fin that looked like a sword was still in its beak.


    When it reached thend, it gulped down the fish in one go and then spread its wings.


    "Hooooonkk!!"


    Its voice was so loud that Max stopped on his track to cover his ears. Because they were so close now, he noticed how absurd its size was. He stood up straight, but he didn''t even reach his body. Reaching the head would be¡­ impossible unless Garrador hunched slightly.


    [Target spotted.]


    [Tutorial! Hunt Garrador.]


    [Reward: 50 Gills, 5x health potions]


    The game''s quest was renewed, once again confirming that this giant goose was indeed his target.


    "Damn it, I did say I wanted to hunt a monster, but not an actual one like this," Maxined slightly as he unsheathed his sword.


    It took him a little bit of effort because he wasn''t used to it. Thankfully, Garrador only watched him and didn''t attack. And when he was finally able to draw his sword from its sheath, the edge of his lips curled up into an excited grin.


    "Isn''t this the best?! Let''s try to kill it without dying once."


    ¡ª That''s impossible


    ¡ª But it''s Breeze, it should be possible


    ¡ª Goose? Big? Heh, it''s still nothing but a goose!!


    ¡ª Don''t underestimate them, you fool! Geese are really vicious animals!


    ¡ª Shut up, guys. It''s begun!


    With unsheathing the sword as a signal, Garrador''s eyes shed an eerie light, and it began to rush toward Max with its wings spread intimidatingly. In contrast to its huge body, it was pretty fast.


    "¡­!"


    Max was taken by surprise and jumped to the side to dodge Garrador''s rush. He rolled on the ground and picked himself up, all while holding hisrge sword with both hands.


    "What''s with that speed? It''s crazy!" He eximed in surprise, looking at the monster that crashed against arge tree.


    Leaves fell onto its body, but it shook it off as it turned around. From its stance, it prepared to rush at him again. Based on his observation before, he only had two seconds to move and hit it.


    Knowing he had no time, he rushed toward Garrador. He was taken by surprise because he was way faster than usual, even while holding arge sword. It also wasn''t as heavy as he thought.


    ''Maybe it''s the buff that came with the character.''


    If that was the case, then he just needed to fight as usual. He also didn''t need to fear thisrge goose that looked so intimidating to the point it could send children away.


    Getting a newfound courage, Max jumped with all of his strength. He leaped in the air, easily higher than he had ever been, right toward the Garrador''s head.


    "I will turn you into chicken soup!" He shouted as he brought the sword down, aiming at the monster''s head.


    NovelFire,mp|y|r hosted


    However, Max was na?ve. He didn''t know how monsters in this game worked.


    "Honk!"


    Garrador had an advanced AI, unlike monsters in a normal game. It swung its wing and pped him away before the sword could reach its head.


    As a result, he was blown away into the forest, breaking many tree branches, and rolled many times before he finally stopped when his body crashed against arge boulder. Cracks were formed on it, and many bones in his body were destroyed.


    Because he only put 50% pain reduction in his capsule, the damage was pretty painful. It reminded him of the time when he was in that incident.


    But he knew that his real body was fine, so he wasn''t scared. What got damaged was only his avatar. And this pain only made him feel alive, so he could only do his best to resist it.


    Still¡­ the damage was too great. Just one attack rendered him unable to move. Blood covered his face and body. The sword was gone, it probably fell when he rolled on the ground.


    Looking in front of him, the trail he created from being blown away was clear. The ground etched the proof of his wound.


    "Hahaha¡­ Goddammit."


    The game''s character couldn''t handle the damage anymore, and his HP was fully depleted from the bleeding. At that moment, he saw a red message in front of him.


    [You have died.]


    When that message appeared, and his body was engulfed in blue light, the chat broke into a frenzy.


    ¡ª He got b1tch pped and died. RIP


    ¡ª Cause of death: betch p


    ¡ª Naaah, Garrador''s special move is just too scary


    ¡ª The monster bish p, so scary


    ¡ª Heh, killer p. Its wing is deadly.


    ¡ª That''s why you should


    They seemed to have a trauma about it. The attack reminded them too close to home. Probably some trace of their ex-girlfriend or lover could be seen in that p.


    When Max respawned, he returned to the base area near the beach, just right in front of the steam train. His equipment returned, and his sword was in its sheath.


    Standing up from his sleeping position, he looked in the direction where Garrador was and dered.


    "I will make a fried wing from that monster. Just wait for it."

 Chapter 185: Chapter 185 – One Fried Wing Incoming!

    No matter how hard a game was, the developer wouldn''t make it impossible to beat. And from what he experienced earlier, Max found out about a few things.


    First of all, his job was hunting monsters and not fighting monsters. Indeed, a part of hunting involved fighting and killing, but that wasn''t the point.


    Garrador was strong. It could kill him with just a p of its wing. Furthermore, it was also fast. Facing it head-on was possibly¡­ impossible.


    "Let''s do it again!"


    Max stepped out of the bush after looking at Garrador, who lingered around theke''s area. This time, it didn''t swim anymore.


    The damage done from the first round earlier also still remained. The game tried to make it look as real as possible. Even a yer''s death wouldn''t reset the environment to how it looked before.


    That gave Max a limited possibility. He had a n in mind, but it required him to use the environment around him. If they didn''t respawn, then he only had one or two tries. If those didn''t work, then he needed to formte a new n.


    But that wasn''t important. He was confident that he could beat Garrador this time.


    Unsheathing his sword, he walked to a certain location and shouted loudly.


    "Hey, you fucking goose! I will fry your wing for sure, soe here!"


    His strategy was simple. First, taunt it.


    "Honk!" Garrador spread its wings and rushed at him once it noticed him.


    Just like before, it was fast. Dust was blown back with each step it took with its feet. Its eyes focused on its hunter, who turned into prey. It underestimated him after killing him once. For the monster, he was just walking meat.


    ''As expected. Its AI is so advanced that it can recognize hunters and prey. Right now, I am his prey.''


    A smirk crept onto his face as he dodged the monster''s rush. He rolled twice on the ground and leaped toward Garrador, following it from behind as it kept rushing toward therge tree. It was the second part of his n.


    "This freaking goose can''t turn around due to itsrge wings!"


    Bam!


    The tree hit by Garrador''s rush shook loudly.


    Swoosh!


    At that moment, Max''s sword sliced through the air, aiming for Garrador''s vulnerable wing.


    "It''s fried wing time!"


    Getting caught off guard, the goose monster roared in pain as the de made contact and severed it. Blood spurted from the wounded area, dyeing the grass and even his body red. His strategic move had paid off.


    ¡ª He''s so obsessed with fried wings lol


    ¡ª GIVE ME SOME!


    ¡ª Garrador''s Wing¡­ sounds like a good restaurant chain


    ¡ª Hehe, he got his revenge!


    ¡ª Slice through! BLOOD!


    ¡ª Blood God is happy with your sacrifice. He shall partake in the fried wing''s banquet


    ¡ª Look out!


    Garrador, though wounded, wasn''t ready to admit defeat yet. The monster was persistent, and it was now mad. It trashed wildly, trying to get away from Max. Dirt was sent flying together with the rocks.


    Dodging its frenzied movements, Max teased the monster as he jumped away from it.


    "Oops. That was dangerous. You probably should wash your feet because it''s getting dirty with your dung, chicken."


    "Hooonnk!"


    ¡ª Dodge it, Breeze!


    ¡ª Don''t act crazy! Angry Garrador is a dangerous Garrador!


    ¡ª DON''T PROVOKE A GOOSE WHEN THEY ARE ANGRY


    ¡ª You will be chased, gone


    "Nah, guys. Just watch."


    With a slowed-down rush, Garrador charged again, but Max, confident in hisbat skills, didn''t dodge. Instead, he sheathed his sword and sprinted toward a nearby tree. The monster followed, its beak menacingly open, showing rows of sharp teeth covered in blood.


    That was a mistake. No matter how advanced a monster AI was, in the end, it still couldn''t think like a human.


    Seizing the opportunity, he used the tree to jump higher than before. He flipped in mid-air and slid his sword out of its sheath. A metallic sound echoed as he brandished it in his hands.


    "I call this: Filet Cut!"


    With a powerful swing, he severed thest wing of Garrador, leaving the goose monster in agonized cries. Without its dangerous wings, there was nothing to fear of this monster.


    So when Maxnded, he wasted no time, immediatelyunching another attack. The sword felt heavy in his hand as he aimed to kill the monster in one go.


    "Chest!"


    He split open the monster''s chest, causing another spray of blood. The monster, severely wounded, moved its head, aiming to devour him. This was the moment he was waiting for.


    "And now, head!"


    With Garrador''s head now within his reach, he lunged forward and thrust his sword. No matter this creature''s size, its vulnerability likely remained the same as other creatures¡ªthe brain.


    The sword pierced the skull through its open mouth, delivering a fatal blow. The goose monster''s once-menacing form was now a mess, convulsed in its final moment.


    Max moved away before Garrador''s body crushed him under its weight. He stood victorious, sheathing his sword back.


    [Tutorial Complete!]


    [Reward: 50 Gills, 5 health potions]


    [Congrattions, mercenary. You may return to the base and end the quest.]


    The message assured him. Garrador had been in. It was dead.


    "Phew¡­" Exhaling a relieved sigh, he put his bloodied hands on his hips, "That was a nice workout. This monster finally died. Can I turn him into a fried dish now?" He asked the viewers.


    ¡ª lolol, you''re serious?


    ¡ª I didn''t know that he was serious about turning Garrador into a fried dish.


    ¡ª While it isn''t impossible, you can only do it in the city. Also¡­ A tutorial monster won''t give you any material, so you can''t turn it into any dish.


    ¡ª In short, you work without pay in tutorials, save for 50 Gills and 5 health potions.


    "What?" Max raised his voice in surprise as he read the chat. He did all of that for¡­ only the quest''s reward?


    "What kind of fucked up system is this?"


    ¡ª This guy forgot he''s on a mercenary quest lol


    ¡ª You''re mercenary. If you want a monster''s material, you must hunt it yourself without taking a quest.


    ¡ª Garrador is part of a client''s request, so you won''t get any of its material


    ¡ª Don''t take any material. Caesar will kill you if you do that.


    "¡­ It''s nonsense."


    Hunt and get money from the quest. Max understood how it worked now.


    "And what should I do with this carcass?" He asked once again, turning to Garrador''s carcass behind him. "Don''t tell me I need to bring this to the base alone."


    ¡ª Indeed


    ¡ª Hahahaha, it''s how it is. Realism, remember?


    ¡ª Your character is superhuman, it should be easy


    ¡ª Good luck at moving the monster''s carcass, Breeze. This is the most annoying part of this game


    ¡ª If you''re in a city already, you can hire someone to move your material. But in the tutorial, you will have to move them yourselves.


    ¡ª The base is just a few hundred meters away, it should be easy


    ¡ª WORK, NEWBIE! DON''T SLACK OFF AND BRING THE MATERIAL TO THE BASE! ¨C Caesar, probably


    The chat was moving so fast when he asked that question. Most of themughed, confirmed, and there was one that made him irritated.


    [BloodSucker has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Hahaha! Bring the materials to the base and offer it to this noble me, ve!]


    This donation made Max narrow his eyes at the camera.


    "Alright, BloodSucker''s pay for this month will be cut by 10%."


    He felt like there was someone who cried ''No'' in the chat, but that must be his imagination.

 Chapter 186: Chapter 186 – Live Like Caesar!

    Moving the carcass was¡­ painful. He took out arge rope in his inventory, which he found when the viewers told him, and tied all the carcasses to pull back to the base.


    Tying it was the hardest challenge. Moving therge monster to the base was another, especially since he dissected its wings and cut its gut.


    "It would''ve been better if I only took the important part. Why can''t I do that?" Maxined while dragging the monster''s remains behind him. "Ah, yeah. Client''s request, right? I won''t take any material collecting quests when this tutorial is finished."


    ¡ª You can hire a helper lol


    ¡ª Don''t forget that you aren''t alone in this game


    ¡ª There are indeed various quests, but this is the easiest and most direct one.


    "Hah." Max huffed as he threw the rope to the ground.


    After a few minutes, he arrived at the base. He wiped his forehead as if there was sweat and looked at the camera.


    "No matter what you say, I won''t take such a quest again. This is final."


    After he said that, he heard a loud noise from afar.


    Boom!


    By instinct, he turned to the source of the sound and gripped the sword''s handle on his back. His movement was smooth, as if he was a veteran who had done this many times already. Even the viewers were impressed by it.


    Still, he had no time to read the chat. There was an immediate danger hauling toward him.


    From the source of that loud noise, arge boulder was flying. Looking at the trajectory it was flying to¡­ It would crash right at him.


    "Holy! What the fuck is that?!"


    ¡ª Moly


    ¡ª Guacamoly!!


    ¡ª HOLY MOLY, that turd is so huge!


    ¡ª That shiet is huge!


    ¡ª Run Breeze, Run!!


    Even without the chat telling him, he had already done so. Ignoring everything else, he ran toward the direction where the boulder came from while moving slightly to the left. However, the boulder in the air seemed to follow him as the trajectory changed.


    "How the hell is that possible?!"


    The monsters in the sky scattered. They were running away from the boulder, saving their lives. That was how big the boulder was. It could also be called a small mountain instead of a boulder.


    Seeing that he had no choice but to die, Max stopped. He had epted his fate. No matter how far he ran, the boulder was fated tond on him. It was a forced cutscene.


    "Fine, let me cut it in half! At least I die trying."


    Unsheathing his sword, he tried to do the impossible.


    ¡ª THIS GUY NUTS!


    ¡ª Breeze: Let me cut it in half!


    ¡ª We all think that we must run away, but it was useless. However, this guy ns to cut the boulder in half! INSANE!


    ¡ª You only have normal equipment. What do you think you can do with it?


    ¡ª ^^ must be a newbie. Look, Breeze never buys or changes his equipment!


    Ignoring the chat, Max was serious about what he tried to do. At least he wanted to try it.


    The boulder wasing toward him at a fast speed. It was now so close that he could hear the wind-splitting sound. In a few seconds, it woulde crashing into him. It was a do or die situation.


    Before that, he decided to jump and met it midair.


    "Get crushed!" He shouted loudly, filled with adrenaline.


    His courage was something that should be praised. Anyone else would just run and try their best to dodge it. But it was, in the end, just courage. Max had no strength to back it up.


    Fortunately, the story didn''t allow him to die here and send a helper.


    "Move."


    A low voice suddenly rang behind him, and he was pulled away. His body couldn''t be moved. The next thing he knew was that he was pushed to the ground and crashed onto it with a loud thud.


    Looking up, he found the culprit. It was Caesar, and the giant stood in front of him with a feral grin on his face.


    "Hahahaha, we have such a reckless newbie this time. Well done, kid. But leave this one to me."


    Cracking his knuckle, Caesar brought his right hand back and balled his fist. A feral grin adorned his face, making him look like a wild animal than a human.


    Then, his fist blurred. All Max knew was that Caesar punched at a lightning fast speed and retracted his hand back to its position.


    Nothing happened for a second, but then... a sonic boom followed suit.


    Boom! Woosh!


    Arge shockwave was created from that one punch, sending everything flying. Max tried his best and stabbed his sword on the ground to keep himself from being blown.


    His damage against Garrador paled inparison when it came close to the damage that one punch had caused. This was just insane.


    With that shockwave, therge boulder in the midair was sent back to wherever it came from. The shade it created was gone, and the blue sky reced the brown turd that was about to crush him into a paste.


    Caesar, as if everything wasn''t a problem to begin with, looked over his shoulder at Max. He offered his hand and pulled him to stand up, patting his shoulder. The strength in that pat was like having a boulder crushed against him.


    "Wee to Stronghold Mercenary, kid."


    With that word, the giant walked away toward the tied-up carcass and inspected it with interest. Max watched it while standing still, speechless at what just happened.


    Was it possible for a human to punch arge boulder away just by a shockwave? Not to mention, did a punch create a sonic boom? Where in the universe could someone do that?


    "Haha¡­ ha¡­ That was ridiculous." He muttered with a wry smile. "Do I have to be that strong in order to hunt a Large-ss monster? Naaah, that''s inhuman!"


    ¡ª We understand you¡­ We truly do


    ¡ª Caesar is the man. THE MAN!


    ¡ª In Mercenary Quest, he''s one of the strongest characters who sessfully hunts a Colossal-ss monster. At least, that''s the backstory that I read


    ¡ª For your record¡­ A Colossal-ss monster is not necessarily colossal, but its strength can crush a single nation.


    ¡ª That''s how ridiculous Caesar is¡­


    ¡ª Ah¡­ Ahhhh, I want to be bred by Caesar!


    ¡ª My brother in chat! What are you saying?


    ¡ª How disgusting¡­


    [FreakingNoob has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [Be like Caesar! Live like Caesar! You will rip your pants, but live like Caesar!]


    "Thank you for the donation, FreakingNoob. But I think I am good with my current lifestyle. I don''t want to be ripped or have that kind of inhuman strength. It must be hard to open a door without destroying it if we have that kind of strength."


    Facing Max''s sound argument, the chat began to question it. That made sense¡­ Inhuman strength was just inconvenient in real life. Anything he touch would break. And controlling a huge strength would certainly be troublesome.


    And so, after talking with the chat for a while, Max returned to the train. The other mercenaries had also returned with their spoil of wars, dragged behind them. All of the monsters were easily bigger than Garrador he hunted, making him question this game designer''s sanity.


    At that moment, a notification rang in his ears.


    [Tutorialplete!]


    [Now you''re able to explore Paradise Ind freely by taking the Mercenary Freeway!]


    [Enjoy your mercenary life, yer!]

 Chapter 187: Chapter 187 – Getting a Quest!

    Following the end of the tutorial was a train ride to the biggest city of this game world, Utopia. The train ride was uneventful, with only a cutscene that introduced Max as the newest member of Stronghold Mercenary and them drinking together.


    The cutscene also introduced a very energetic guy which reminded him of Flexy. This guy acted as a guide and exined how the quest worked.


    Station, or so it was called, was the hub where the mercenaries could take quests. An identification card was needed for that, but it was already covered for Max because he was part of the Stronghold Mercenary.


    The quests were roughly divided into tracking, collection, and annihtion. The name was self-exnatory, and the collection was where a mercenary needed to collect monster materials or nts to submit to the hub. In short, it was the job Max wanted to avoid the most.


    "So that''s it! If you have any questions, you can find Jamal in the station! I will always be on the second floor whenever I am not on the quest."


    After the exnation was over and the energetic guy, Jamal, introduced himself, the world seemed to stop, and Max''s vision turned. When he realized it, the train had stopped, and the horn had been pulled.


    Choo choo!


    All mercenaries stepped outside, and now he could move his body. At that moment, the game''s announcement rang.


    [Free roam is possible.]


    [Find an NPC with a question mark to continue a main quest.]


    "I guess this is the real start of this game. And the menu options seem to be open too."


    On the edge of his vision, a hovering screen could be spotted. When he focused on it, a panel appeared in front of him, with his character standing next to various slots filled with a sword, armor, gloves, greaves, and headgear. Two slots for the weapon on the left and the headgear seemed to be empty.


    "Is this an equipment slot?" He asked curiously as he fiddled with the menu.


    When he clicked the armor, another menu popped up, giving details of what he was wearing.


    [Fur Armor ¨C Rarity 1]


    [An armor made from a monster''s fur and leather, protecting the wearer from a slight cold. Defense +5]


    The same screen appeared when he clicked on his sword. However, the status written was slightly different.


    [Large Sword ¨C Rarity 1]


    [Steel sword created to hunt monsters.]


    [Sharpness: 50]


    [Durability: 89/100]


    Feeling that he needed an exnation, he nced at the chat.


    ¡ª That''s right. The rarity shows how rare your equipment is.


    ¡ª When the weapon''s durability hits 0, it will break! So be careful


    ¡ª Certain monsters need weapons with a certain sharpness to cut due to their hard body. Well, you know


    ¡ª That''s right, this game has an equipment slot, unlike Knight''s Journey.


    There was also reputation under his character, which showed that he only had 10 reputations. This probably affected the quest he could take, he guessed.


    Nodding in understanding, Max closed the menu. For the first time in this world, he found a game with this kind of menu. Not even V-Shelter Survival had an equipment slot, only an inventory list because the developer wanted to make it feel real.


    So, this was fresh and interesting.


    "Let me guess something. I can fix my weapon in a cksmith or something simr to increase the durability again."


    ¡ª You''re right.


    ¡ª Oh, right. Breeze is a newbie in the game! I kinda forgot


    ¡ª That''s right.


    ¡ª You can fix it in the station also, they have a cksmith.


    ¡ª Naaah, you need to bash your weapon against the monster''s fang to increase its durability


    ¡ª No, Breeze. You need to destroy it. The durability will reset that way!


    Sometimes, asking the chat was the fastest way to gain information about the game when one didn''t want to go around and waste time looking for something. However, the information varied. The viewers loved to troll him, so he needed to filter it and find the right information.


    "I am not a fool, chat. I won''t fall for cheap tricks like using a monster fang or destroying my weapon. Do you want to see me dealing with the monster bare-handed, huh?"


    After throwing a sarcasm, which was answered with ''yes'' by most of his chat, Max exited the train and stepped into the station. He was instantly mesmerized and realized that the steam train was only a part of the wonder this station had to offer.


    To exin it in one word, then it was massive. If an in-depth exnation was needed, then it could be called the hub of steampunk fantasy. Any steampunk and machine lover would surely love this ce and didn''t want to go home.


    A robot made from abination of steel that walked like an ape seemed to move arge crate of monster carcasses from the back of the train. A machine with the appearance of a tall pir sorted everything.


    Passing in front of him was a steam car, which expelled white clouds from the funnel on the back. Two people were sitting inside that car, with their baggage, such as weapons and armor, behind them.


    Looking around, Max saw the cksmith. A person with a hat was hammering arge greatsword on an anvil.


    Just a few meters from the said cksmith, a chef was cooking monster meat. The smell came toward his direction and tickled his nostril.


    "It smells so good!" Max eximed.


    ¡ª Heh, it also tastes heavenly


    ¡ª It mighte from a monster, but the taste is also a monster!


    ¡ª it makes no sense. But the meat is so soft for something that came from a big body


    ¡ª Big meat¡­ I love it¡­ Gimme more


    ¡ª I think the one above me means other meats, but that must be my imagination


    ¡ª No lewd, guys. Breeze hates something lewd in chat


    ¡ª Some meals also increase your strength, just like viag¨C I can''t say anything more than that.


    Reading the chat, Max was tempted to try the meal. But that n needed to be postponed when he saw the price written on the sign hung above.


    "The cheapest is 150 Gills¡­ I am too poor to even buy a meal."


    His shoulders slumped in disappointment. Slowly, he moved his feet toward therge board near the station''s entrance. Just a little nce and one could see the board extended to the ceiling, which was pretty tall considering a 5-meter-tall robot could walk around.


    Stopping in front of it, he looked up and saw many quests posted. Among them, only 5 quests had white colors. Those were the quests he could take among the hundreds on the board.


    ''It''s too little.''


    Written on those quests were ''Reputation needed: 10''. Just as he had guessed, he needed a reputation to take quests.


    Three of them were collections, and one of them was tracking. Max wasn''t used to the game yet, so thetter was impossible.


    So, there was only one quest he could take.


    [Quest #178 ¨C Hunt Raxor in Rabi Vige]


    [Reward: 500 Gills, Raxor''s material, Reputation]


    This quest seemed to be good enough. Not only did it had the highest mary reward, but it was also an annihtion quest.


    Max tore the paper from the board with a grin. While he didn''t know what kind of monster Raxor was, there was surely a hint on how it looked when he arrived at his destination, Rabi Vige.


    "Let''s take this one. I can''t let the vigers be in danger any longer."


    ¡ª This guy acts just, but I bet he only wants the money


    ¡ª Ah, it''s been a long time since we saw capitalism


    ¡ª MONEY! GIVE ME MONEY! ¨C Breeze, probably


    ¡ª kekw. Greedy Breeze is back

 Chapter 188: Chapter 188 – Crying Old Man

    After getting the quest, Max departed using the steam train. He only needed to show the paper to the conductor and sat before his vision turned. Before he could understand what happened, he had arrived at his destination, Rabi Vige.


    The vige was pretty tranquil, with arge farm spread across the horizon. Cows were eating grass, and people tended to them. There didn''t seem to be any dangering close to it¡­ Until Max saw the destruction in the other direction.


    Arge hole could be seen in one of the barns. Around that hole,rge footprints could be seen. It had three fingers, with the middle bigger than the other two. A blood trail followed the footprints away from the barn, probably a cow''s or a horse''s.


    Based on the depth of the footprint that destroyed the grass, the monster was probably more than a 5-meter.


    ''A Small-ss, huh? And it probably stood on two legs.'' He thought. ''I now understand why they ask for an annihtion quest. If the monster isn''t killed, it will destroy the farm and kill all cattle.''


    Getting used to Garrador and that ridiculouslyrge boulder that was about to crush him, Max made a guess at what kind of monster Raxor was.


    There was a lump of light that moved away from him. Based on his understanding of a game, the guide would probably take him to the quest''s giver to get more information.


    While walking, he looked around and said, "This is pretty nice. The views are so good. I can understand why you guys rmend this game."


    ¡ª Agree


    ¡ª This game has ridiculously great scenery. That''s why many hunting game lovers love it.


    ¡ª While the concurrent viewers of this game are less than Knight''s Journey now, thanks to someone promoting it, we will still watch it.


    ¡ª Though the monster is ridiculously hard to beat. That''s the only cons this game has.


    ¡ª Unless you''re skilled enough, you won''t be able to enjoy this scenery lololol


    ¡ª Go to Snow Ravine, Breeze. That ce has the best scenery out of all areas in Mercenary Quest!


    ¡ª Or you can go to South Breeze. The name is simr to yours. You would like that ce. It has a nice wind


    "That sounds great, chat. But there is a mone¨C a monster that I need to hunt. So I will keep your suggestion on my note for now."


    Saying so, he kept following the light until he found a man sitting in front of a rundown house. His haggard look was enough to tell the story about his misfortune.


    The light stopped in front of that man and turned into an exmation mark that floated above his head. This must be the quest-giver.


    "Good afternoon, sir. I am Breeze, the mercenary who took your quest." Max called out to the man politely.


    Upon hearing his voice, the man''s visage brightened. He looked up with a bright smile on his face.


    "Oooh, finally! Mercenary, sir. Please¡­ Please eliminate Raxor for us! That damned monster¡­ It has taken all my cattle. It destroyed my barn and farm in only 3 days! I can''t do it¡­ My family has left me after I have nothing.


    Please, avenge me!" The man begged sincerely, tears ran down his eyes.


    It became dark real quick. Max was speechless as he saw the man groveling in front of him, crying loudly like a little child.


    "¡­ What about the information?"


    He looked at him with pity.


    "Oooh, mercenary. Please help me!" The old man repeated, having no sign of him willing to give any further information.


    While it didn''t make sense, a bit of backstory for a quest made him connect with the character slightly. Still¡­ he didn''t need this now.


    ''Old man, I just need to know what kind of monster Raxor is! Please get up and exin to me!''


    Seeing his speechless figure, the chat began to tease him.


    ¡ª Soldiers, analysis!


    ¡ª Sergeant, note that tears work on Breeze!


    ¡ª And he seems to be weak against old men!


    ¡ª Crying old man is an ultimate weapon. Look, he''s so speechless that he can''t say anything!


    ¡ª noted. Thank you, everyone. So Breeze''s weakness is a crying old man. We should use it in the future.


    The chat talked freely as if they thought he couldn''t see them.


    ''Why the heck is my chat like this?'' He began to question life.


    For the record, a crying old man wasn''t his weakness. He was just so stupefied that he couldn''t say anything.


    Sighing, Max patted the old man''s shoulder.


    "Leave it to me, old man. I will kill Raxor for you."


    "Thank you, mercenary!" The old man brightened once again, standing up quickly while cupping his hands. "I shall reward you if you bring me any of Raxor''s part. Please, kill that monster that killed my cows! I beg you!"


    "Don''t worry. Just rest easy and drink your milk, old man. I will bring it to you."


    With that, he turned around and departed. The clue of where Raxor was could be found in the barn, so he went there first to follow the trace it left. Judging from the blood trail, it was probably only a few hours since that monster robbed the vige.


    When he stood beside the footprint, Max once again realized how big the monster he tried to hunt was. He followed the trail and found himself inside a thick forest, a ce most likely used as home by arge monster.


    Being a game character was great. Max didn''t need to be afraid. No matter the damage sustained, it would only result in pain, and there would be no injuries to his real body. That was why his ystyle was pretty reckless.


    In other games, that would be a weapon. For example, he could fearlessly run through an army of zombies in V-Shelter Survival. He also wasn''t afraid to jump from the third floor in Midnight Heist.


    Yes, it would be a weapon in other games. But in this game, which required meticulous attention to details and the monster''s track, that weapon was a double-edged sword.


    Just as Max stepped into a forest, he found out the track ended in front of a cliff. The blood trail still continued above, so he guessed the monster must''ve either jumped or climbed this wall.


    "Hmm, 3 meters, huh? It might be possible." He muttered as he looked at the top of the cliff.


    ¡ª It''s normally not possible


    ¡ª Not even a normal yer would think like him.


    ¡ª It''s just impossible, Breeze. Unless you can jump two times


    ¡ª Superhuman or not, only you can say it''s possible.


    ¡ª Yes, but¡­ It''s inefficient to look around. The cliff spread wide. Climbing it is more efficient.


    Thest chat was correct. If he chose to walk around, it would probably take him 5 minutes or more. That was far too inefficientpared to jumping to the top.


    With his newfound agility and strength, he jumped upward. He could reach the edge even without a wall jump, but that wouldn''t be fun. So, he chose to kick the slightly sloping cliff and flipped. Style points were always important.


    The viewers were impressed by his skill disy. The confidence in his ability was what made this possible.


    However¡­


    ¡ª Look out!


    ¡ª Hello, bish!


    ¡ª SURPRISE, MOTHERLICKER!


    ¡­ Max didn''t know that the monster, Raxor, was waiting for him above the cliff. All he saw before he cked out was a fist and the shadow of therge monster. It was 5 meters tall. Based on the shadow he saw, he identified the monster''s appearance.


    ''Damn it¨C''


    [You have died.]


    His character was killed in just one hit on the head that crushed his skull.


    A few secondster, Max was revived on the train. He was sitting on one of the many empty seats. Looking at the camera that was hovering low in front of him, he held his head in disbelief.


    "Raxor is a freaking kangaroo?!"


    What was this? Australian wildlife?


    This didn''t make any sense!


    That brown fur and muscr arms. A pair of legs and ears that resembled bunnies. More importantly¡­ that pouch on the stomach and innocent look.


    Even when it was covered with thick fur, impossibly dense muscles, and the spike in its back didn''t help to conceal its real identity as a kangaroo.


    "A carnivore kangaroo¡­ Can this game''s creative team be sozy to think of something cooler than that? At least design something cooler, like a dragon with two legs or something, not a freaking kangaroo. Sozy!"

 Chapter 189: Chapter 189 – Don’t Mess With Me!

    ¡ª They knows how to scare their yers


    ¡ª Raxor is the most troublesome monster among Small-ss, that''s why the reward is so high


    ¡ª You''ve been blinded by greed, young man. You shouldn''t do that.


    ¡ª This is¡­ your requiem. Greed breed mid¡­


    ¡ª Fight it on a ring! I''ve prepared your boxing gloves.


    "But, I mean¡­ I expected it to be a scary monster. Guys, you never told me what I faced would be an apex predator!"


    The kangaroo was pretty smart for an animal. And in this game, its intelligence was probably higher due to its advanced AI. In fact, he didn''t know the monster would ambush him when he tried to track it.


    "I need to be careful." He rose from his seat and exited the train. The trail was still visible, and he entered the forest once again while looking around cautiously.


    He had learned. He would be a fool if he didn''t raise his guard and get ambushed again.


    The forest was as tranquil as before. Before long, he arrived at the cliff, where he was ambushed and noticed a patch of blood on the ground. That must be his.


    "No more backflip or front flip this time."


    ¡ª What a bummer


    ¡ª I want to see your head popped like a watermelon again.


    ¡ª No more headshot?


    "Sorry to you guys, but I have a personal grudge against this monster. I will y aroundter."


    Max broke into a run and jumped off the cliff once again. He kicked off the slope and reached the top without breaking a sweat. While midair, he unsheathed his sword and was ready to face anything waiting for him.


    ng!


    That preparation paid off. Raxor was still waiting on top of the cliff and punched at him straight away. He was able to use his sword to deflect the monster kangaroo''s fist, but the force still sent him flying toward the nearby tree.


    Thankfully, it wasn''t as bad as before. He spun midair to slow his movement down andnded on arge branch taller than the top of the cliff.


    "There you are, you little bitch!"


    Obviously, the monster wasn''t little, but that wasn''t something important right now. Max was now able to observe the culprit that killed him with one punch. If one needed to exin it in short, then it would be a bodybuilder kangaroo with sharp fur and a dense body packed with muscle.


    There were spikes on its back, probably as a form of defense against an ambush.


    "Grrrr¡­"


    Raxor growled when it noticed that Max hadn''t died. It narrowed its round eyes, revealing its predatory nature, and crouched. Then, without warning, it leaped toward him with a ridiculously fast speed. The jump itself created a sonic thud.


    Watching therge monster leap at him like a rocket, Max jumped off the tree to avoid it. The monster crashed against the tree, pulverizing the trunk as if it were made from cardboard.


    "Damn! I would die if I got hit by that."


    It wouldn''t be an understatement if he called the bnce of this game was screwed. However, nothing was impossible.


    Landing on the ground, Max immediately rushed toward where the kangaroo was. It was moving pretty strangely, looking rather dizzy from the collision against the tree. No matter how big or strong a monster was, it should''ve taken a bit of damage from that.


    He unleashed a wide swing with his sword. It sliced through the air with precision, creating a deep cut on the kangaroo''s leg.


    "Aarrgggg!!" Raxor screamed painfully and attacked with its sturdy tail.


    Expecting the counterattack, Max dodged with a swift backstep and narrowly evaded the tail. Due to its new injury, Raxor struggled to maintain its bnce.


    Seizing this opportunity to attack, Max delivered a rapid thrust toward its stomach. The sword pierced the strong fur, injuring the monster. Unfortunately, its muscle was too dense that it was hard to push through, so he had to pull his sword before the counterattack.


    ¡ª Watch out watch out watch out!


    ¡ª Dodge!


    ¡ª THRUST THAT INTO MY BACK! Aaaaaahhh! Watch out!!


    The chat desperately tried to warn him, but Max was already aware of Raxor''s tail that wasing at him. He immediately raised his sword high to defend himself.


    ng!


    A loud ng rang when Raxor''s tail met with his sword, sending him hurtling back a few meters. The monster was desperate and cried loudly. It decided that its wound was too severe to continue the fight and actually turned around to leave.


    "Stop at that, you kangaroo!"


    Sensing that, Max broke into a full run once again. He leaped with all of his strength and propelled himself onto the monster''s back, gripping its spike for leverage. He raised his sword high with the other hand.


    The sword descended without letting Raxor shake him off. Itnded on the monster''s shoulder, leaving a deep cut into it. Raxor howled in pain as blood sprayed onto the ground.


    But it was still a monster, a mighty creature. It didn''t want to fall easily¡­ At least without bringing its prey with it.


    Suddenly, Raxor crouched once again and prepared to leap upward. It was thest desperate measure the monster could do to shake Max off its back.


    "Oh, this is bad¨C"


    Before Max finished his sentence, the ground shook heavily as Raxor''s powerful legs coiled,unching both of them into the air. He tightened his grip against the monster''s spike, knowing that he had to finish it right now or the monster''s body would crush him.


    As both of them soared upward, the wind rushed past them. The scenery from 20 meters above the ground was beautiful. Max would have enjoyed it if not for the fact he was now under arge monster''s body and could be crushed to death anytime.


    ¡ª There it is, the famous body m!


    ¡ª Hang on, Breeze! Get away from it!


    ¡ª If you fall, you won''t die. But if you get crushed, you will die!


    ¡ª PASTE BREEZE! You will be a paste!


    ¡ª Grounded by Raxor''s spike, Breeze''s new vor!


    Max tried to move, trying to angle his body to avoid the monster. There was one safe ce he could think of. The kangaroo monster, just like the other kangaroos on Earth, had a pouch in its stomach. It was designed to protect its offspring.


    "Aah, it''s do or die!"


    With a determined roar, Max began to climb the monster, gripping its fur to move. They had reached the highest point, and all it left was to fall down.


    Climbing a monster body''s midair wasn''t easy. He stabbed Raxor''s body with his sword and used it as a footstep.


    Raxor howled in pain as the de sunk deeper, disrupting its attempt to shake Max off. It became a chaotic struggle. He desperately held on, sword embedded in Raxor''s flesh.


    ¡ª What is he doing?


    ¡ª Could it be¡­


    ¡ª Hey, look!


    The chat broke into excitement when they saw Max climbing Raxor''s body while they fell. The ground looked so close now. There were only three seconds left.


    After some desperate move, Max managed to slip into Raxor''s belly and hid in its pocket like a baby. His sword wasn''t really that important. It wouldn''t break¡­ probably.


    And just a secondter, both reached the ground. With a resounding thud, the monsters crashed against the ground. Arge crack formed under it, and Raxor''s body was destroyed. The monster died from the collision.


    ¡ª HOLY!


    ¡ª HE''S HIDING IN ITS BELLY!


    ¡ª Baby Breeze. Uchu chu chu chu


    ¡ª Say aaah


    ¡ª But, did he survive? Tell me that he survived!


    ¡ª Tell me that he survived!


    The chat was anxious and worried.


    Tension was formed. Their focus was on the belly of the monster, which bulged slightly because their favorite streamer was inside.


    When the belly moved and Max crawled out, covered in blood, the chat immediately broke into cheers.


    ¡ª Woooooo


    ¡ª BREEZE! BREEZE!


    ¡ª BABY BREEZE! WOHOOOO


    [SUKMADIK has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [FreakingNoob has donated 420 diamonds!]


    [Crazy! No one thought of that strategy to survive the body m!]


    [LovelyOtter has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Kyaaa, you''re the best! Breeze! Breeze! BREEZE!]


    [BloodSucker has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [How can you survive that?! I thought you died! And please don''t cut my pay, I beg you!]


    [¡­]


    [BenForWard has donated 690 diamonds!]


    [Belly y¡­ I need to research this.]


    Many donations poured in. Max broke into a grin when he saw it. He stood on the dead Raxor''s body and raised his hand.


    "That''s why you don''t mess with me, you kangaroo! I WON!"


    ¡ª THE GOAT!


    ¡ª GOAT vs kangaroo. Winner: the GOAT!


    ¡ª Yeah! Don''t mess with him! Only I can make him a mess!


    ¡ª Ayooo, how sus!


    ¡ª This girl is thirsty! Give her water!

 Chapter 190: Chapter 190 – Sudden Invitation

    In the Marketing Manager''s Office, Mr. Taka, who watched the Punch streaming website, noticed a spike in Mercenary Quest''s viewers. It was one of the games with different genres that was released at the same time as Knight''s Journey.


    Before, he probably wouldn''t care as much as now because he was only a marketing team leader responsible for Knight''s Journey''s sess.


    But now, after assuming the manager position, he needed to care about all sales of new games released in thete Q1 of this year.


    "What happened?" He wondered as he looked at the sudden spike around two hours ago.


    Curious, he clicked on the game section to filter the streamers who yed this game. Unlike Knight''s Journey, this game had many people streaming it. The number of streamers who live-streamed this game alone reached more than 5 thousand.


    This game''s concurrent viewers on Punchtely only reached 200 thousand to 300 thousand. It was an exciting game; that much was already clear because many people streamed and watched it. But the problem was that ying it directly over watching a stream was more fun.


    Hence, this led to fewer concurrent viewers than it was supposed to, even with so many streamers. yers preferred ying the game themselves and only watched streaming in their spare time.


    A change in its number, especially a sudden change with more than 20 thousand more, was quite noticeable. The top streamer of this game, one who focused only on streaming this game since its release, only had around 10K total viewers.


    He was someone called HardMeat.


    But HardMeat''s total viewers were pushed to number two now. The number one was someone Mr. Taka knew very well. That someone had over 15K viewers, reaching a new height of this game''s stream since the release date.


    A smile appeared on the Marketing Manager''s face. His eyes were never wrong. He was d he did everything he could to keep the streamer under him. He even offered contracts and offers that usually only be offered to a veteran streamer to that newbie, risking his position.


    ''It''s worth it. He''s probably the only newbie streamer that grew this fast, thanks to his decision to agree to a contract I gave him. And he''s the only smart one for thinking of the long run, not really caring for mary reward because he knew his ce.''


    How wrong could Mr. Taka be? He didn''t know that Breeze cared about money a lot. But more than that, he cared about building his reputation more so he could earn more when he got many viewers. And that worked.


    "Grow more, Breeze." He said as he pressed the stream.


    On the screen, Breeze''s figure could be seen eating arge tomahawk happily. He seemed to enjoy the meat with all he had, making all his viewers suddenly crave it.


    Even without being there, Mr. Taka felt like he could smell a meat aroma. He gulped audibly, roused by a hunger he didn''t feel before. His stomach grumbled loudly, and he got a little bit embarrassed even though there was no one but him in the office.


    "Maybe I will order a tomahawk." He muttered.


    On that day, the sales of tomahawk steak skyrocketed. No one knew what happened, but many restaurants were happy that they made a lot of profit.


    ***


    The next day, Max did his morning routine and immediately hopped into his VR capsule to stream his grind to reach Tier 2 in Midnight Heist. And the result was¡­ a little satisfactory.


    It was a week before the tournament, and he was close to getting promoted to Tier 2 with 38 RP left to grind. Previously, he wanted to get to Tier 1, but he realized it was just impossible to reach that Tier without spending many hours in just one game.


    "Phew¡­"


    However, he wasn''t in a hurry. He found out that if he was desperate to climb Tier, he would only fail, and his hard work would turn null. It had happened once before, resetting his RP from 75 back to 27 just because he couldn''t take a loss like a champ.


    "5 wins and 2 losses¡­ It''s a good day. I also got a lot of donations this morning."


    Stepping out of his VR capsule, he noticed that he wasn''t as sweaty as before. His body, now lean and toned with muscle, was getting used to ying VR games after 38 days. In fact, his performance was also better than before.


    "Talk about time¡­ I can y four to five hours with full concentration without a problem now. A nutritional supplement is really a magical wonder of science."


    Without it, having his body get used to the VR capsule and match his SR would take more time. Based on his estimation, it would be at least three to four months.


    Just a single B-Grade and three C-Grade nutritional supplements were enough to shorten that time to a month. Truly¡­ a miracle. He needed to secure more C-Grade supplement soon because he already ran out of it.


    ''Now, what should I do this morning? Should I visit Nina''s restaurant or what? But we have promised to go to the aquarium in two days, and I have lunch already.''


    Visiting a restaurant without buying a meal would be awkward. Besides¡­ Nina also said not to meet her yet before their aquarium visit for some reason.


    ''Yeah, let''s not visit her for now. She''s also probably busy with her shift at this time.''


    Should he just continue his grind? Or should he just y Mercenary Quest ahead of the time of his usual livestream? Huntingrge monsters was proven to be fun and pretty exciting. It was a blood pumping adventure.


    Just as he wondered, he got a new message. It wasn''t an important message because it didn''t automatically pop the message screen and only gave him a notification from his smartwatch.


    But since he was bored, he looked at the message anyway.


    "MadLad?"


    The sender was someone unexpected. He looked at the name for a while before opening the message.


    [MadLad: Dude, I saw you ying various gamestely. There will be a gathering of new streamers to y a custom game together tonight. Want to join? I hate to admit it, but you''re good. So I invited you.]


    ''New streamer gathering?''


    That sounded interesting.


    For people in the streaming industry, everyone was considered new if they were still in their first year of streaming. So even if he had more than 400K followers and an average of 12K viewers, he was still a new streamer.


    This ssification followed the streamer award that was usually held once a year at the end of the year.


    Thus, the new streamers gathering that MadLad talked about was probably the streamers who just debuted this year or in Q3 and Q4st year.


    ''Tonight, huh? I have finished my grind quota today, so I might as well attend it.''


    Meeting other streamers seemed interesting. Who knew if he could get something new from them?


    And this was a rare opportunity to expand his circle of friends. Meeting and ying with other streamers would prove to be good for the long runter.


    [Breeze: Sounds interesting. I am in.]


    [MadLad: I know you won''t refuse. This is the code to the Lobby where we will meet tonight. Don''t bete, it''s at 7 o''clock. Code: XXXXXXXXX.]


    [Breeze: Got it, see you tonight.]

 Chapter 191: Chapter 191 – New Streamer Gathering [1]

    Night came quickly with anticipation.


    ording to MadLad, 10 streamers, including Max, would attend tonight''s gathering. Five of those streamers were from the same streamer agency as MadLad, Bamboo Talent.


    What the streamers did in the gathering was chat or y some games together.


    It was just like a normal friend gathering, but they would livestream it on their own channel. It could also be called blind dates with female streamers too, although Max wasn''t particrly interested in that. He just wanted to meet other streamers and talk with them.


    Apparently, many new streamers in the past also did this kind of gathering to support each other. All of them had simr followers and viewers, ranging from 100 to 300K, with an average 2K viewers. Only Max was a few levels above them.


    Still, those were already impressive. Not many could reach that level in just a few months of streaming, considering the harshpetition among newbies. Max was just an unnatural phenomenon. He was also lucky to get many promotions because he stood out.


    "Well, let''s meet the fellow streamers, then."


    It was now 6:40. Some streamers must''ve arrived in the Lobby already, considering the time. So, Max decided to dive into the VR world.


    The Lobby he was invited to was not thatrge. In fact, it was only the size of arge room. It was designed to look like a bar,plete with a bartender NPC.


    On the side, connected to the bar, was an assortment of party games like billiards, darts, bowling, chess, and even a small basketball court.


    Looking around the Lobby curiously, Max found two people already sitting on the bar counter. One of them was a familiar figure, MadLad. The other was a woman with dark blue hair tied in a ponytail. They seemed to be conversing and stopped to look at him.


    "Yo." MadLad greeted him by raising his hand. "You''re here."


    "Good evening." Max greeted him back and approached the man with a harsh face. "Thank you for inviting me. I never expected you to reach out to me, hahaha. I honestly thought you hated me because you red at me in that program."


    "Ah, that."


    MadLad scratched the back of his head, looking apologetic.


    "I was on edge¡­ I mean, I was so nervous in that program. RoninKnight told me many times to calm down, but that didn''t work. And I had a big ego, so¡­ I kinda didn''t like it when I saw someone more skilled than me. My bad. I didn''t hate you or anything, though."


    "I see." Max nodded in understanding. He understood MadLad''s point. "Apology epted."


    ''He''spetitive and hates to lose. The type of someone who will give a bad impression at the first meeting.''


    Thankfully, Max didn''t really care about MadLad when he first met him. While it was confusing why the guy who red at him asked to exchange contact when the program was over, now he understood why.


    At that moment, the woman sitting beside MadLad coughed loudly.


    "Cough, I believe I am air now. Go ahead and continue your conversation."


    Both guys looked at the woman, who wore a frown on her face. She seemed to be displeased after being ignored and red at MadLad, seemingly ming him.


    Getting flustered, the harsh-looking streamer immediately followed it up.


    "Ah, I forgot to introduce you. This is Breeze. I met him in Knight''s Journey program." MadLad gestured at Max, and he nodded when he was introduced.


    "And this is Amelia, the organizer of today''s gathering. She is in the same agency as me and will pass her first year as a streamer tomorrow. Well, she''s the oldie here."


    "Who is the oldie?!" Amelia retorted loudly and knocked MadLad. He was about toin but was shut up with just her re.


    Looking at them reminded Max of something.


    ''Ah, they look like Flexy and Lisa.'' He thought, nodding to himself.


    The difference was that MadLad didn''t stay silent like Flexy, and they actually bickered with each other. They only stopped when he spoke.


    "It''s nice to meet you, I am Breeze. Thank you for inviting me today." Max said, extending his hand forward to stop their bickering.


    The girl, Amelia, looked rather embarrassed of the disy she showed in front of a stranger. Her cheek turned slightly red as she shook Max''s hand.


    "My apologies for the shameful disy, Breeze. I am Amelia Reaper. You may call me Amelia. I should have thanked you for attending despite such an absurd invitation instead."


    "Hahaha, this gathering sounds fun, so I am also interested in it. I just never have a chance to attend one because¡­ Well, I don''t know other newbie streamers besides LilyPixel. And she''s not exactly someone with arge circle, just like me."


    "Ah, understandable." Amelia nodded in understanding. "If I remember correctly, she''s an indie and only streams asionally, although she has a lot of viewers and often broke 5K. And you¡­ Well, unlike agencies, your affiliation isn''t exactly filled with newbies."


    "You''re right." Max smiled sheepishly and scratched his cheek. Biozone Entertainment''s affiliated streamers were all big names and were pretty busy with their agendas.


    He only knew two of the twenty-four people in it, and that was Flexy and StoneSword. The rtionships between talents were almost non-existent because they usually didn''t need to work together, unlike those in streaming agencies.


    "Well, I hope we can be friends. Don''t be too stiff with us." Amelia said,ughing merrily.


    She asked him to sit next to her, and he did that because there was no other chair next to MadLad. He was sitting on the edge.


    The three of them conversed over drinks while waiting for the other people to arrive. Naturally, Max ordered juice instead of alcohol due to the PTSD caused by Flexy.


    They talked about streaming and asked Max for tips to gain viewers like him. Even if Amelia and MadLad''s average viewers werebined, it wouldn''t reach 10K.


    Max happily told them the method he used. Other streamers were simr topetitors, but they were also friends. Even if their number of viewers grew, it wouldn''t affect him too much because his specialty was different.


    After waiting for a few minutes, five people arrived at the bar with a sh of light.

 Chapter 192: Chapter 192 – New Streamer Gathering [2]

    The five people who had just appeared seemed to be a separate group of 3 and 2, respectively. The first group was from Bamboo Talent, MadLad and Amelia agency''s mates.


    Two were guys, and the other was a girl with exaggeratedly frilly clothing and twin-tailed drill hair. The popping pink color of her hair made her stand out from the others. They introduced themselves as Lightning912, Tiamat55, and Princess Peachy.


    The girl was apparently something called Virtual Streamer.


    When Max asked what that meant, she answered that she streamed with a concept and a different appearance from her real life. She pointed at her silver tiara and said that she assumed the role of a princess. She sounded arrogant and looked down on him when she was talking as part of roley.


    ''Roleyer, huh? And this Virtual Streamer is simr to a Vtuber in my past life.'' Max thought, nodding in understanding. ''Is arrogant character well-liked among people? Well, maybe some people enjoyed being looked down upon. I won''t be surprised if such group exist.''


    Meanwhile, the second group was more¡­ normal. They were apparently a couple that ran a streaming channel together, focusing on vlog and culinary. Their channel name was CuteCookingCouple.


    Amelia, the gathering organizer, invited them as they only started streaming 8 months ago and happened to meet each other in real life. Apparently, even when they had vlog content, their viewers usually reached 2 to 3K, which was impressive.


    After they finished their introduction, it was Max''s turn to introduce himself. When they found out that he had an average of 10 to 15K viewerstely, the streamers from Bamboo Talent expressed their surprise.


    "Ah, I remembered. Aren''t you the one who managed to beat MadLad in that Knight''s Journey program? Thanks to this lighting, your face looked a bit different from the one on a billboard, so I didn''t realize it. I am a fan; please give me your autograph!"


    A spiked-blonde guy, Lightning912, took out an autograph board from the virtual inventory and handed it to Max. He said that he would print itter after they finished the gathering.


    Smiling, Max happily gave him the autograph. Now, they just needed to wait for thest people to join the Lobby and start the gathering.


    But then, Amelia suddenly said something surprising.


    "It seems that they couldn''te."


    Everyone''s attention was grabbed by what she had said. Max also looked at the blue-haired girl with a questioning look.


    Urged by the questioning gazes, Amelia continued.


    "They messaged me just now, saying that they suddenly have an urgent matter. Hahaha, it''s funny. They even asked me who had attended this gathering before, and they suddenly backed away."


    Hearing that, Max had a strange realization. He looked at Amelia and asked.


    "Is it because of me?"


    As thest person invited to this gathering, ording to MadLad, he had a suspicion that thest two didn''te because they found someone they didn''t want to meet among the attendees. Call it arrogance, but Max was confident that it was him the reason why those two backed away.


    ''I am different from the other newbies.''


    At that question, Amelia shot a troubled look at him as if affirming that was the real reason.


    "Tsk!" MadLad clicked his tongue audibly, garnering Amelia''s attention. "Coward. Are they afraid that their viewers would watch us instead? Amelia, just block them. Tell me their names through private messages so I won''t be associated with them too."


    "Me too, please." Lightning912 added with a frown, "If their reason for not attending the gathering for thest minute is because of their jealousy, then I don''t want to be associated with those kinds of people. They will never improve!"


    "I agree." Tiamat55, a dark-haired man with sses, agreed. "Please tell me too."


    "This Princess can''t handle lowly people. Blocked." Princess Peachy huffed, "Besides, we can do a gathering with 8 people. It''s enough to y an exciting game with this number of people."


    The couple didn''t say anything, but they seemed to agree with the others. It made Max feel a little bit better.


    "You are right." Amelia nodded in agreement and turned to Max, giggling softly. "Well, don''t feel so bad, Breeze. It''s their fault and not yours. I also don''t particrly mind, as I only invited them because they asked me to invite them in the past. Heck, if I knew their personality, I wouldn''t invite them."


    "Dude, let''s just ignore those tiny-brained people who can''t even think using that tiny brain that they have in the tiny head because of their inferiorityplex. My words might sound confusing, but you know what I mean." MadLad said, doing his best not to curse byplicating his words.


    Maxughed after hearing them. He didn''t mind strangers'' opinions as he knew the consequences of getting fame. Still, he was grateful that they tried to make himfortable.


    "It''s fine, guys. More importantly, should we start? And how exactly would we start?" He asked curiously. "It''s embarrassing, but this is the first gathering I attended¡­ So I don''t know what to do."


    "Ah," Amelia eximed audibly, ring at MadLad for a second before turning back at Max.


    "What we do in the gathering is simple. We just have fun ying games and chatting. If the viewers ask us something, we can do it too. And it usually is hosted with a system called ''group streaming'' Punch provided."


    Group streaming. Max had heard that. In fact, it was also used by Biozone Entertainment when they streamed the Knight''s Journey program. Itbined all viewers from branch channels into a main channel that hosted the group streaming.


    "Usually, I would be the host as I am the organizer and the one with the highest average viewers. But¡­ Seeing that Breeze has more viewers and followers than me, it''s only correct to give him the host''s privilege."


    "Huh? Is that okay?" Max was taken by surprise.


    Being a host in a group streaming was a chance to increase their fame and followers. To think the organizer would just hand that right to him, a guest¡­ It usually didn''t happen.


    "I don''t mind. Does anyone disagree with me?" Amelia looked around, and most people shook their heads, gesturing that they didn''t mind.


    "Just do it, man¡­ It''s also beneficial to us if you host it. Your viewers often give stream missions, right? That will help us get a lot of content."


    MadLad added a suggestion as he crossed his legs haughtily. Then, he smirked.


    "I don''t mind having my viewers visit your channel either. Heh, our content and stream schedule is so different, after all."


    Indeed, that was the biggest privilege of the host, getting the interest of the guest''s viewers. It would be foolish to give that privilege to other people.


    Max considered it for a while. It was scary because it all only benefited him.


    ''Free stuff is the scariest!'' He thought in his mind.


    It would be far better if Amelia kept hosting the group streaming instead.


    Sensing his hesitation to ept, Amelia smiled softly and patted his shoulder.


    "How about this? You will be a host now, but you have to appear as a guest on my channel in the near future. I have a podcast every Monday morning, talking about random stuff for just 30 minutes to an hour. It won''t be a problem, no?"


    A fair exchange. She offered it after knowing what Max was worried about.


    ''She''s quite perceptive.'' He thought as he smiled.


    Nodding his head, he readily agreed to host the group streaming.


    "Very well."


    With that, they busied themselves with preparation and got into their own position, scattered around the small Lobby.


    When it was 8 PM, Max started his livestream.


    [Where am I? Group streaming for the first time! I made new friends. #JustChat #Games #GroupStreaming #NewbieStreamers]


    [Livestream Start!]

 Chapter 193: Chapter 193 – I Am the GOAT!

    "Hello, guys! Wee to the stream!"


    ¡ª Bar?


    ¡ª Are you ying Midnight Heist again, Breeze?


    ¡ª Huh, this is strange. You said that it''s a group streaming, but where is the other?


    ¡ª Guys, look at this! MadLad, Amelia Reaper, and almost all new gens from Bamboo Talent is in the same ce!


    ¡ª Breeze has made some friends?! Mama is proud of you, my baby.


    Once he started the stream, more than 10K viewers gathered at once. Some of them had realized the other streamers that joined in this group streaming, as they could be found in a small pop up beside the chat window.


    Then, a few secondster¡­ It kept increasing.


    [Viewers: 15.2K] -> [Viewers: 18.3K] -> [Viewers: 21.3K]


    The chat looked confused, but all of them now realized that it was truly a group streaming.


    ¡ª Breeze has made some friends!


    ¡ª We''re proud of you, boy


    ¡ª Papa will reward you


    [LovelyOtter has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [I am d you found more friends, Breeze!]


    [friendlessGoat has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [I am happy for you... I hope I get friends too.]


    Max''s lips twitched when he read the chat. Why were they acting as if he couldn''t find any friends?! Wasn''t that too harsh?


    "What do you take me for, guys? I have many friends, unlike some of you." He retorted to them with a sneer. "Well, thank you for the donations, Otter and friendlessGoat. I hope you can get friend."


    They weren''t triggered or mad that Max called them friendless because that was the fact for some of them. Rather, they evenughed and affirmed his words.


    Chatting with them was fun, but Max needed to proceed.


    "Putting those aside, today is a group streaming. MadLad actually invited me, as we know each other from the Knight''s Journey program."


    Max exined as he stood up from the bar counter and looked around.


    The camera followed his movement. Wherever he went, the camera would stay in front of him.


    "Let''s introduce you to the other streamers here. After that, we n to y some games together."


    Saying that he approached the couple first, who talked about the drink and food they ordered on the corner of the bar. He introduced them to his viewers, and likewise, they also introduced him to their viewers.


    Then, he moved to the group of Bamboo Talent in the game area. Max introduced Amelia and Princess Peachy, who were ying darts. Because beautiful girls appeared, and they had no boyfriend with them unlike the couple from earlier, the chat went wild immediately.


    ¡ª WOMEN!


    ¡ª His new friends are girls!


    ¡ª HAREM¡­ He''s creating a harem!


    ¡ª Breeze, don''t walk that path! Remember your home!


    "Hee, your viewers said that?" Princess Peachy asked with a haughty tone, raising her chin arrogantly. "What a pitiful creature¡­ Their mind is so shallow that they even think of that. Do you think I am willing to be with a guy like this, huh?"


    That froze the entire chat for a second, something incredible considering it often flew like a broken dam. Max, who somehow took the burn even though he said nothing but conveyed his chat''s words, smiled wryly.


    At that moment, Princess Peachy grinned.


    "But well¡­" She leaned forward, smiling yfully. "He''s so handsome that I might consider employing him in my castle as a servant. Not too bad as a decoration."


    "Hahaha¡­ I think I will refuse that." Maxughed and slipped away from Princess Peach.


    ¡ª He''s running away


    ¡ª lolol, skidaddle


    ¡ª I would too if I were in his position


    ¡ª Huff¡­ Huff¡­ I want it. I want to be her servant and get whipped as a reward! QUEEN! TAKE ME!


    ¡ª Police! There is a pervert here! And she''s a Princess and not Queen, fool!


    Moving on, Max introduced Lightning912 and Tiamat55. They were too focused on their billiards game and only greeted them. The former was so nervous that he stuttered.


    Lastly, there was MadLad on the basketball court. When he got close, the man grinned widely and gestured with his hand.


    "Yo, let''s have a match."


    MadLad challenged him to a basketball game. Having a bit of experience himself, Max had no reason to refuse. It looked fun.


    "Alright." He answered and entered the basketball court. His jacket was on the way, so he took it off and revealed his toned body to the viewers.


    ¡ª Abs! HE NOW HAS ABS!


    ¡ª Girls, clip this. Clip this match!


    ¡ª ¡­ So thirsty. I need water


    Ignoring the chat, Max got into his position. The first ball was MadLad''s. The harsh-looking streamer dribbled it with confidence, a smirk on his face.


    "Just for your information, I yed professionally in my highschool 5 years ago. Facing an amateur like you would be easy."


    "Really?" Max grinned back. "Well, I yed with kids back then. So I can at least dribble."


    ¡ª ¡­


    ¡ª Did I hear it right? ying with kids?


    ¡ª Ayooo, Breeze. Stop it


    ¡ª I don''t know whether I am normal or not, but I believe Breeze mean ying basketball with kids


    ¡ª So it''s a former athlete vs Breeze, whose skill level is unknown


    ¡ª He can dribble! Amazing!


    Just right after Max said that, MadLad began to move. His hand still dribbled the ball, doing some stunts and attempting to break his ankle. Moving left and right, he finally rushed forward.


    Max lowered his stance and spread his arms to defend. His eyes were focused on the ball and where it was going, waiting for a chance to snatch it from MadLad''s hand.


    However, the mad streamer suddenly pivoted using his leg. He slipped past Max''s defense and went toward the ring. In preparation to shoot, he stopped and jumped.


    "Oh, you can''t!"


    At that moment, Max jumped back with a full speed and pped the ball away.


    "Tsk!" MadLad clicked his tongue and looked at the ball going to the edge of the court. "Almost!"


    Rebound!


    ¡ª Damn!


    ¡ª That was so smooth!


    ¡ª While having less experience, Breeze can use his speed to make up for it


    ¡ª REBOUND! Get the ball!


    Landing on the ground, Max jumped and got the ball.


    "Too bad, MadLad. While you can do stunts and fakes, my reaction speed is faster." Max said, dribbling the ball in his hand. "It''s now my turn. Do your best to defend against me."


    "So cocky!"


    With veins protruding on his temple, MadLad rushed at Max. He stretched his hand, aiming for the ball. There was no term defense in this streamer''s head. Offense was the best defense!


    "Heh, na?ve."


    Max dodged the hand by imitating the pivoting movement he had seen earlier. He slipped the ball between MadLad''s legs and passed through him. He kept dribbling the ball to the ring, but he didn''t prepare to shoot.


    Throwing a basketball was different from throwing a weapon. The ball curved in an arch when thrown to enter the ring. It didn''t fly straight like what happened to weapons he threw in Knight''s Journey.


    Thus, he had no confidence to throw it yet, fearing it would just bounce off the rim and get rebounded. So, what did he do? How could he enter the ball into the ring without throwing?


    The answer was simple.


    Running toward the hoop at a full speed, Max tried his best to build momentum to jump as high as he could. When he got close, he sprung up, his body soaring up and his hand that held the ball high up extending toward the ring.


    And then¡­


    Pang!


    The ball entered the ring. His hands were clutching on the rim, and his body hung for a few seconds before he dropped.


    With arge grin on his face, he kissed his index and middle finger before raising it.


    "I am the GOAT!" He dered.

 Chapter 194: Chapter 194 – Easy Win

    The other streamers, who unknowingly approached the court and watched, pped their hands and shouted excitedly.


    "Dunk!" Lightning912 eximed.


    "That was amazing," Tiamat55 added, nodding like amentator. He pushed his sses up, "His speed, jump, and everything else is¡­ perfect."


    "He''s so fast. He even left MadLad in the dust." The vlog couple, the man called Rian,mented in surprise.


    Not only them but also the viewers were pretty entertained.


    ¡ª So cocky! He even dered it himself!


    ¡ª Hahahaha, he''s da goat!


    ¡ª SLAM DUNK! Goddamn, that was satisfying


    ¡ª Newbie did a dunk. What else? Will he do 3-pointers from the other side of the court next?


    Among them, MadLad was the most surprising one. He didn''t expect Max to do the same fake as him after he imed himself to be a newbie.


    ''How?'' He asked himself as he turned around, noticing Max looking at him. ''Is this talent? Or is it the influence of his high Synchronization Rate?''


    But both didn''t matter. There was also no inferiorityplex he felt at all. Instead, apetitive spirit burned in his head as he sighed.


    "One more!" He raised his voice loudly, pointing at Max. "Let''s do it once again!"


    Facing that challenge, Max raised his chin and sneered.


    "Fine by me if you''re not afraid of being beaten by a newbie once again."


    ''How cocky. I want to crush him.'' MadLad thought in his mind as he took the ball into his hand. He handed it to Max before going on a defense.


    And thus, the game restarted.


    ***


    Max lost the second game.


    MadLad yed seriously for the second game and snatched the ball easily from his hand. Then, the streamer went to the other side of the court to make a 3-pointer that entered the ring perfectly in the middle without even touching the rim.


    The smirk on his face was irritating, so he asked for the third game for the best of three. MadLad agreed, and the game was more intense than before. A few minutes had passed, but none had managed to score yet.


    "Go, Breeze! Go!"


    "MadLad, don''t you embarrass our agency! Use fake! Breeze is a newbie, so break his ankle!"


    "Go, MadLad!"


    "Sorry, guys, But I will cheer up Breeze! Go! Just punch that MadLad in the face!"


    Everyone cheered due to the exciting one-on-one between MadLad and Max. Currently, the ball was in Max''s hand. He dribbled it skillfully, unlike when he first started, asionally moving the ball from the left to right hand while finding the opening in MadLad''s defense.


    His concentration peaked, and he could see it.


    ''Over there.''


    There was only one rule in this 1v1 situation. That was to score the ball through the ring.


    With a swift movement, Max faked where he was going and kicked the other way.


    "What?!"


    Taken by surprise, MadLad immediately chased after him. But Max was faster, way faster than him.


    "Why can''t I catch him?! Our physical abilities are supposed to be the same in the VR world!" The harsh-looking streamer screamed in frustration.


    "Heh, I am just that good."


    Sneering, Max looked over his shoulder for a second before stopping. He jumped backward and shot.


    The ball created an arch in the air, flying toward the hoop slowly.


    ¡ª Oooh!


    ¡ª 3 pointers? He''s getting too cocky now


    ¡ª Get in!


    ¡ª I wouldugh if it bounces off.


    ¡ª It is over.


    It was over. The spectators outside the crowd watched in silence. No sound echoed in the Lobby except the squeaking of a pair of shoes.


    There was someone who knew it wasn''t over yet. He was running toward the ring and jumped as high as he could. It was Max. And arge grin was on his face.


    "Huh?"


    ¡ª What is he doing?


    ¡ª The ball is¡­


    ¡ª Look! The ball is¡­!


    ¡ª The direction the ball is going is not straight to the ring.


    Right. While everyone thought the ball would enter smoothly, Max knew his limitations and that he couldn''t really throw the ball in an arch. He was too used to throwing everything straight, which also happened with this ball.


    Even if he tried to shoot it directly into the ring, he ended up putting too much strength. He knew the ball would bounce off the backboard.


    So, he ended up running after it right when his feet touched the ground again. The ball bounced off the board just as he expected, and he caught it midair with one hand.


    Following that, he dunked it into the ring and screamed.


    "Hell yeah!"


    "Dammit!"


    Cheers erupted from those who supported Max.


    ¡ª BREEZE! BREEZE!


    ¡ª Easy win!


    ¡ª That was a great second dunk


    ¡ª Naah, you just embarrass him.


    ¡ª Look at MadLad''s face when Breeze jumped; that was funny


    Max approached his jacket he had thrown on the edge of the court earlier and wore it. Looking toward the others, he noticed that Lightning912 wasughing while doing some kind of transaction with Tiamat55.


    Curiously, he approached them with MadLad after exchanging gaze. They didn''t notice them, although the others were. Giving a gesture to make them quiet by putting his finger on his lip, he listened to Lightning912 and Tiamat55''s conversation.


    "Tsk, here is the $100. I never expected MadLad, who''s good at basketball, to lose."


    "Hehehe, thank you for the business." Lightning912 chuckled happily as he closed the trading screen.


    Based on their conversation, it seemed like they made a bet from the game. That was unforgivable. Max couldn''t allow such a scene.


    Approaching Lightning912, he circled his arm around his shoulder. The blond-haired streamer was surprised when he felt his hand and turned to look at him.


    "Hello, gentlemen. I heard about something interesting from a distance.


    At that moment, the color disappeared from Lightning912''s face. Tiamat55 was about to run away, but MadLad stopped him in the same way as Max.


    Looking at the scared streamer next to him, Max whispered.


    "You know what to do, right?"


    Slowly, Lightning912 nodded and opened a screen. It was the Punch website, and he visited Max''s livestream without hesitation.


    [Lightning912 has donated 2,500 diamonds!]


    [Lesson fee and tribute¡­ Thank you.]


    Looking at the message that appeared in his chat window, Max smiled in satisfaction and released the poor streamer.


    "Hahaha, you''re really a good fan. I didn''t ask you to do anything, but you donated half of the money you earned from the bet for donation. Thank you, Lightning."


    "H-Haha¡­ No problem." The blond guyughed wryly. "I still got half of the profit."


    ¡ª What did I just witness?


    ¡ª It''s business


    ¡ª They are just doing some exchange, guys. Nothing strange here.


    ¡ª Hehehe, what a good friendship


    ¡ª They meant business


    ¡ª This is what we call profit, people. There is nothing strange here


    Tiamat''s fate was better because he already lost money. MadLad just asked him to order him a drink from the bar counter.


    The gathering continued. They yed games,ughed together, and got close. In fact, Max was also having fun ying together with them. Without him noticing, a few hours had passed, and the gathering came to an end soon.


    In the corner of the bar area, MadLad suddenly approached him and gave him a note that said. ''Stay a bit longer after the gathering. There is something that I have to tell you.''


    Max looked at the harsh-looking guy and nodded. If he couldn''t say it now, then it must be something private. The note was also given in a way that his viewers wouldn''t notice.


    And after a few words from Amelia, the gathering ended, and Max turned his group streaming off after getting a shower of donations.


    [Livestream Ended!]

 Chapter 195: Chapter 195 – Unpleasant and Pleasant Rumors

    CuteCookingCouple, Lightning912, and Tiamat55 left the Lobby after hanging for a few minutes. It was alreadyte at night, and they apparently had personal streaming after this.


    Only three people were left in the Lobby: Max, MadLad, who asked him to stay, and Amelia Reaper.


    "Sorry to keep you here for a bit longer, Breeze. There is something that I need to talk about with you. I don''t think hiding this will make you feel at ease so¡­ Well, it''s rted to what happened before the stream."


    Amelia exined as she sat down next to Max, just like their position before the gathering began. She looked a bit guilty as she scratched her cheek.


    "I knew that you said you weren''t ufortable, but I can''t help but need to tell you about this." She said, looking at him. "Actually, they told me the reason why they suddenly backed off from the gathering. Do you want to hear it, or do you prefer to be oblivious of it?"


    ''So there is indeed a reason beyond their sudden decision. But she hid it from the others, most probably because it''s a troublesome reason.'' Max thought as he looked at Amelia.


    To be honest, that wasn''t important at all. But¡­ learning from the past when he dealt with the three trolls from Midnight Heist, he probably needed to hear the reason from Amelia.


    ''Knowing the reason might be the best just to be safe. If it''s just because they are jealous or have an inferiorityplex, then that''s fine. But if they have hostile intentions against me, then I could prepare for countermeasures.''


    "Please tell me."


    "Alright."


    ording to Amelia, she got the message from two streamers she invited. Their names were TofuMaster and Crispyninja, and both were male.


    In the messages, unpleasant words were thrown.


    [TofuMaster: Why did you invite that fucking guy? I knew that you''re not sincere and just want to embarrass us, bitch! Just because we''re from Bear Agency that''s not as famous as yours, you think you can do whatever you want to us?]


    [Crispyninja: Bitch, whore, slut! You ass licker better lick that Breeze guy ass to gain fame. I won''t do it. I am out. Don''t ever invite me again or someone from Bear Agency, you slut.]


    When Max showed the messages that Amelia showed him, he furrowed his brows in displeasure. Not only that, he wondered about something.


    "Are they fools?"


    Sending a message filled with foul words was one thing, but they even mentioned their agency and called names.


    If these screenshots were spread on the inte, not only their names but also their agency would get affected by it.


    Amelia shrugged her shoulders.


    "I don''t know."


    "Heh, they are no fools." MadLad suddenly chirped in while sneering. He moved the ss in his hand around, looking at the golden liquid inside dancing. "No one is a fool when they have no brain to use to begin with."


    The two of them looked at MadLad before bursting intoughter. That was correct. Everyone was equal if they had no brain to begin with! There were no smart people or fools.


    "Can you give me that screenshot? Ah, we also haven''t exchanged contact information, right? Let''s do it right now."


    "Sure. I will send it through a messageter." Amelia said, "Oh, and as a thanks for being today''s host, I will tell you something interesting."


    "Something interesting?" Max inquired.


    "Yes." She nodded and smiled. "In truth, some rumors have spread among agencies. There might be some streamer contest soon aimed at newbies. I said it''s a contest, but it''s just an annual event. I believe you''ve heard about Streamer Wars?"


    "Ah, I''ve heard about it."


    No streamers would be unaware of it. It was an event held by Punch, one that could be called prestigious. A streamer only had one chance to enter this Streamer Wars, as their newbie days were limited to a year.


    "I heard from the head of my agency that Streamer Wars will be held in Q3 of this year. For some reason, it''s held 6 months early fromst year. Well, it''s just a rumor, but I think you want to inquire with your agency¡­ or rather, Biozone Entertainment, about this. They must''ve known better than me."


    That was such important information.


    From the start of his streaming journey, Max wanted to enter the Streamer Wars. He had fond memories of cheering over newbie streamers back when he was poor and had nothing at all.


    Smiling gently, Max said, "Thank you, Amelia. I appreciate it."


    "Likewise. Let''s meet again someday!"


    After bidding farewell, Max left the Lobby.


    ***


    Flexy had seen better days. No¡­ Today could even be called the worst day ever in this year for him.


    "AAAAH, why the heck?! This is the worst!"


    He threw a pillow to the ground. His smiling face was dominated by a displeased frown, feeling betrayed and frustrated by the news he had just received.


    Sitting on his bed, he held his face. Lisa looked at him in silence; her expression was no better than Flexy''s.


    The reason behind this was simple. Two of his teammates in the Roachpetition suddenly said they couldn''t join him. It was too sudden.


    To be honest, Flexy didn''t really mind them backing away. He could always seek a new teammate to join his 4-man team in Roach. Not to brag, but he was confident that his friends would definitely help him, although their skill level probably couldn''t bepared to his current team.


    Yes, that wasn''t a problem. The real problem was¡­


    "How could they leave for our rival team?!"


    They had known and had been training together for quite some time. To think the leaving teammates would just abandon him and the other person like this just less than 3 weeks before the tournament¡­ He felt really betrayed.


    "Don''t get mad, Marco. You know they want you to lose your cool and use this to lower your reputation. I told you that DizzyTop and theadman couldn''t be trusted."


    "Yeah, I should''ve trusted you, Lisa."


    His lover sh secretary''s views on people had never been wrong before. Flexy regretted not trusting her words.


    "But¡­ should I really find new teammates? I better retire from the tournament altogether like this. My motivation has dried up after reading their messages."


    "You can''t do that." Lisa shot down the idea with a re. "You have announced your participation in the Biozone Monthly Segment. If you take back your words now, then there will be consequences. Your followers and fans would be disappointed."


    "I know¡­ I know that, but¡­ Where do I find yers with their skill levels?" Flexy buried his face deeper in his hands. "Finding people who canpete with pro gamers isn''t easy. Tell me, Lisa¡­ Where can I find those kinds of people?"


    Hearing her lover''s rant, Lisa couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''He''s always so dull when he bes like this.'' She thought, getting closer to him. Her hand extended to stroke his hair. ''Even though he actually can use this head to think if he''s calm.''


    She moved her hand to his ear and pulled it hard.


    "Ouch ouch ouch! That hurts, Lisa!" Flexy screamed painfully and tried to stop her. He managed to do so, but not before his left ear turned red. "What was that for?!"


    "It''s because you''re being stupid right now," Lisa said bluntly. "Don''t you have friends? Did you forget about the monster who can learn a game easily and a genius who canpete against pro gamers easily?"


    Flexy blinked a few times. At times like this, he became really dull and stupid. So, Lisa had to do all the brain work.


    Once again, she let out a tired sigh and pulled his ear, bringing it close to her lips.


    "I am talking about Breeze and StoneSword, stupid. If it''s them, I believe that they can fill the void your former teammates left behind. And I am also sure if you can get Breeze''s agreement, getting StoneSword to join the group is easy."


    "I know about that," Flexy said, pulling his head away from Lisa. "But Breeze has his Midnight Heist''spetition. And StoneSword¡­ he never joined any tournament before. He might refuse."


    Hearing that excuse, Lisa became angry and took a pillow from the bed to beat Flexy''s up.


    Thud thud thud!


    "Just¡­ Tell¡­ Them! Invite them!"


    "A-Alright! Give up! I give up!"


    Facing the relentless attack from the deadly weapon, pillow, Flexy raised his hands in surrender and followed her suggestion.

 Chapter 196: Chapter 196 – The Game’s Designers Are Madmen!

    Problems would always follow those living to the fullest in this world. For example,st night''s secret small drama before the gathering, which was only known by five people, including two who caused it, was a problem.


    However, problems could be divided into small, manageable, and big. Reaching Tier 2 in Midnight Heist was Max''s immediate problem that he needed to solve. He only had 6 days left until the tournament, and he needed to win 5 more games without losing a single one.


    Not only him, but apparently his friend faced a rather big problem.


    "Please! Join my team! Two of my Roach teammates suddenly moved to our rival team. We need two more people to fill their spot!"


    And he brought the problem to him, asking for help. It was still early in the morning, just right after the sun had risen. However, the fact that Flexy contacted him so early in the morning showed how serious and considerate he was just asking for help. His friend knew that he was usually only free at this time.


    "Are you sure you''re not asking the wrong person? I never yed FPS before, not to mention an annihtion sh defensive game like Roach."


    Roach was an FPS game that focused on annihting mutated cockroaches on a specific map. And in one map, there were more than 40 yers, divided into 10 teams with 4 yers in each. All those teams could sabotage the others.


    In short, it was a battle-royale game focused on defending one''s base. It was simr to V-Shelter Survival but with less looting and more fighting. There was no weapon upgrade, but one could create a bulletproof te from a cockroach''s shell.


    The team with highest annihtion point and survival pointbined, which could be gained from killing mutated cockroaches and defending the base, would win the game.


    Max had never yed this type of game before, and he didn''t think he would y it, considering how disgusting cockroaches were.


    ''Besides, I am also busy with Midnight Heist and Mercenary Quest for my livestream.''


    "Yeah, I am sure."


    Flexy eximed. His face, reflected on the screen, looked desperate.


    "The opponents are pro gamers. I don''t need to win, but at least I want to struggle to win. Among people I know, you''re the best one, buddy. Can you help me this time? I know it''s a hard request because you have a Midnight Heist tournament. But consider it, please.


    Naturally, there is a pay in it."


    "Hmm¡­"


    Even after hearing that he would be paid, Max was still a bit hesitant. He wanted to help Flexy, but he also had one important problem that he hadn''t told anyone yet.


    ''That monster is too scary¡­ Why Roach? Why? Can''t they just make Cat or Dog? Those games would do better than Roach.'' He shouted in his mind. ''The way they looked at me from dirty venttion when I was bound in that chair still haunted me.''


    Just by hearing the game''s name, Max had an aversion not to ying it. Heck, he even avoided all videos rted to Roach.


    But then, he still owed Flexy quite a bit for his repeated kindness. So, he wouldn''t outright refuse him. He would check Roach''s video first to judge whether he could handle it or not.


    "Let me think about it first. This is just too sudden. I only woke up a few minutes ago, so give me time to process it."


    "Thanks, buddy. That reply put my mind at ease." Flexyughed merrily. "I will look forward to your reply. In the meantime, I will contact StoneSword and beg for his help."


    ''Indeed, Flexy needed two people, not one. StoneSword sounded like a good choice to be invited to. Not only does he have a high SR, but he is also a skilled yer.'' Max thought.


    "Alright. I will send you a reply soon."


    After that, the video call ended, and Max heaved a sigh.


    "What should I do?" He asked himself, leaning against the couch in his living room.


    It put a little bit of a burden on his mind. Flexy always helped him immediately whenever he needed help. And now, that person himself was the one in trouble and asked for his help. Refusing it because he didn''t like cockroaches was something he couldn''t do.


    ''For now, let''s watch the Roach video. Flexy must''ve uploaded some already.''


    As long as the cockroaches in the game weren''t a literal one that crawled and could use an ultimate to fly in the sky, he would be fine. Even V-Shelter Survival''s zombies and Infecteds weren''t scary to him.


    Opening Punchtube, he found Flexy''s channel. Just as he had expected, that guy had uploaded a few videos about Roach titled ''Training for Competition!''


    The thumbnail of the video was hisrge face, with three other people that Max didn''t recognize wearing some kind of space suit. Finding the first ever video, Max clicked on it and watched.


    "People!"


    Flexy''s face suddenly appeared and filled the screen. He had a friendly smile.


    "How are you doing? Today, we will annihte roaches!" The orange-haired streamer eximed proudly, having his hands on his hip.


    The camera showed that he was surrounded by three other people. The ground he stood on was gray, and the sky was dark. In the distance, one could see arge blue glowing slightly with the sun hovering on the right.


    Just from the first look, Max realized that the game''s setting was on the moon!


    ''Space cockroach.'' Max winced just by thinking about it.


    How scary were they in space if they were already so scary on the ground? They would have an infinite ultimate skill, fly!


    ''No no no, let''s focus on the video.''


    Roach was in short a pretty bnced game. Flexy and the other three were given starter equipment, which they could further upgrade in the base after killing cockroaches.


    After the initial 3 minutes of grace time to get themselves in position ended, they arrived.


    "It''s at the 6 o''clock direction! The first raid has started!"


    Someone from the south area warned, and everyone but one person ran toward him. They climbed the stairs and pointed their energy gun toward the distance.


    A secondter, their appearance was clear. Hundreds¡­ Or maybe thousands of ck dots crawled to the base. They weren''t just 2 to 5cm big. No¡­ They were in meters. Their bodies were covered in shiny exoskeleton, and their eight legs could allow them to crawl more than 20 KM/H.


    "This is madness!" Max shouted loudly when he saw their figures. "The game''s designer is so nasty! Why would they create such a game? Madman. They are madmen."


    Even so, Max still watched. Surprisingly, he had no problem with what he saw. Was it because the cockroaches were big? They weren''t as scary as when they were small.


    Was it because he saw them through the screen? Or was it because of their size? He didn''t know. At least he could rest assured that they wouldn''t be able to crawl inside his ears. That was a saving grace.

 Chapter 197: Chapter 197 – Serious Mode! Tier 2 Reached!

    ''If it''s like this, then maybe I can y it too. I can take revenge at them for scaring me in the past.''


    Just when he thought of that, he heard Flexy shout energetically from the speaker.


    "Fire!"


    Energy beams were shot from their guns. They traveled at a fast speed and exploded when touching the ground. Unlike the beam gun in Midnight Heist, this was a real destructive weapon.


    The iing cockroaches were decimated at once. Small craters were formed from the gun''s explosion, but those didn''t stop the ck army from advancing.


    Battle ensued. Energy beams kept flying from the three guns. When one stopped to reload their energy gun, the others would cover for him.


    Thest person who didn''t help in defense was getting all ammunition from inside the base, dropping them near the three who focused on annihting the cockroaches. It was a strategy so they wouldn''t need to run around getting extra ammunition when they were depleted.


    Before long, the first wave was sessfully defended against. And then, a rumble echoed. No one knew where it came from, but Flexy gave out amand.


    "It''s the cockroach''s first boss! Let''s find it before the others!"


    After those words, the scene changed. It didn''t show how they explored or something, but it immediately showed Flexy and one man hiding behind a tree and observing arge, shiny ck boulder with what seemed to be fur on its back.


    "There it is, the first wave boss."


    Upon closer inspection, that wasn''t a shiny ck boulder at all. It was arge cockroach, the boss of the first wave.


    Max didn''t recognize it at first because it didn''t look simr to a cockroach he was familiar with. It was as if that boss was a monster from Mercenary Quest instead of the ck nightmare that haunted most people in the world.


    Flexy and his teammate used hand gestures tomunicate. The other two were apparently in the base to guard it from an unexpected attack.


    With simple coordination and swift attack from two sides, they bombarded therge cockroach with energy beams. The boss, getting hit many times, stood on its four legs and spread its wings. It initiated a fly!


    "Aim for the wings first! Don''t let it fly!"


    "Fire in the hole!"


    The teammate threw a sphere filled with blue gas. When it touched the boss cockroach''s wings, it exploded with an intense blue me that spread quickly.


    It seemed to contain biochemicals that hurt the boss as it moved frantically. Either because the developer or the game designer didn''t know how to make cockroach sounds, or they just thought it was too disgusting, the boss''s scream was filled with silence.


    At that point, Max had enough watching and closed it. It wasn''t because he was scared of the abomination, but it was because he found out that his trauma seemed to be nonexistent and just his imagination.


    "They can be killed." He nodded in satisfaction. "And based on what Flexy said in the monthly segment a few days ago, it seems that poison and insect repellent work, unlike the real thing. I can y this game."


    A smile adorned his face. A new challenge, on top of an ongoing challenge that could split his head due to frustration. For him, such a challenge was... something that he sought.


    ''It sounds interesting.''


    He might have to alternate between the two games that he currently yed to y Roach, but that wouldn''t be a problem.


    To reach Tier 2, he only needed 38 RP, which was equal to 4 to 5 wins. His answer would depend on whether he could reach it today or not.


    ''Well, let''s do a serious grind and lower my pride for once.''


    ***


    In an underground area, a thief was chased after by the police. The thief was wearing a clown mask, the most popr mask in this game world.


    Facing the one who stole a treasure called Heart of a Sea, arge blue gem on a ne, the police calmly raised his gun.


    "You can run, but you can''t leave!"


    With a pull of his trigger, a beam flew from the muzzle. It flew toward the thief at a fast speed, but not one that was impossible to dodge.


    "Aah, why did you keep following me?!" The thiefined. And he activated his shoes'' ability. "Slide Shoes!"


    As if sliding on smooth ice, the masked thief''s movement became faster. He dodged the beam and smirked under his mask.


    "Too easy."


    "Yes, it''s too easy."


    To the thief''s surprise, the police had already stood in the direction where he had dodged and tackled him. Falling into the hard ground, he was cuffed and rendered him unable to move.


    "If I take this seriously, it''s so easy."


    Commenting on how easy it was, the police sat on the boulder close to the cuffed thief. The ne with arge blue gem was on the floor. Unfortunately, he couldn''t move it. But that didn''t matter.


    For Max, dealing with the rest of the thief would be a breeze. He bought every police equipment in the shop, including traps. While he could only bring five in each game, that was enough to keep the thieves from running.


    ¡ª Breeze: I only used 10% of my power!


    ¡ª This is the power of MONEY! He spends MONEY to get more MONEY!!!


    ¡ª I am not surprised he got this good now. He can even win in Tier 3 with default equipment


    ¡ª With proper equipment, no one in Tier 3 can stop him anymore


    Indeed, Max finally spent money on equipment to reach Tier 2 faster. However, he only spent them on police equipment because he thought the default mask and shoes for thieves were enough.


    All his in-game money, Dinar, was gone to buy equipment. But that was a great investment. As proof, he won 3 games in a row after he bought equipment. And all of them were him ying a cop role.


    "Now, there is only one thief left. Let hime so I can catch him." He smirked and raised his leg, resting his hand and head on it. "That''s if he can."


    ¡ª lolol


    ¡ª the confidence, I like it


    ¡ª o7


    ¡ª yes, senior o7


    The other police were unknown. They probably were running toward him now after catching the other thieves.


    Once again, they weren''t important. Because the time limit was nearing an end.


    ¡ª Only 30 seconds left. It seems he won


    ¡ª Did we witness his advancement to Tier 2?


    ¡ª Finally! And it''s only 9th May!


    ¡ª 25 seconds left! No thief or other police in sight!


    ¡ª Finally, after a few days of grinding! He canpete in Midnight Heist''spetition!


    "Heh, it''s only natural," Max said, ying with his gun.


    On the outside, he appeared to be calm and acted as if this was natural. Inside, however, he felt relieved that he could reach his goal faster than it was supposed to be. This way, he could invest his time to help Flexy and settle all his debt from before.


    In the end, thest thief hid until the time limit was reached. He was probably afraid that his RP would fall greatly if he got caught. In the case he wasn''t caught, he would only lose half of his RP. Max knew this from his past experience with bad teammates.


    When the clock reached 0, the notification rang. His body was covered in a bluish light before he was teleported back to the familiar bar he used to wait for matchmaking.


    The scenery around him didn''t matter. His gaze was focused on the matchmaking screen in front of him, more specifically at number 3 written on top of the matchmaking.


    It slowly disintegrated like sands, blowing away by the wind. By the time the number disappeared, number 2 came from the sky with a lightning bolt, crackling harshly with words ''Congrattions'' written boldly with lightning.


    [SecretlyThief has donated 2,222 diamonds!]


    [See you inpetition.]


    [Bloodsucker has donated 222 diamonds!]


    [Nooo! I DON''T WANT MORE WORK!!!]


    Many donations poured in, congratting his achievement. Max chuckled when he saw BloodSucker''s name. It seemed like he was still watching.


    [mymomismymom has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [Congrattions.]


    [HandsomePoliceDog has donated 299 diamonds!]


    [Heh, I am still more handsome. But do you know that police are actually not doing that to thieves. It''s said¡­]


    Sighing in relief, Max let his body rx. It had been a long journey, but he reached his goal now.


    "I am done with this game! Only tournament is left, I can do it!"

 Chapter 198: Chapter 198 – A Big Decision

    When Max finished with the grind, the sun had almost set already. It took longer than expected.


    "Phew¡­"


    Exhaling, he took a look at his body. Sweat was formed and wet his body, making it cling to his skin. Looking at his condition, he thought.


    ''Let''s take a shower and then get dinner at Nina''s ce.''


    It had been a long time since he visited the restaurant. He was curious about what she had been doingtely. Besides, he wanted to talk about tomorrow''s outing to the aquarium. That sounded like a nice rest time, and he also could livestream the outing as a vlog if Nina didn''t mind.


    With a quick decision, he took a shower, changed his clothes, and exited his mansion. Max always greeted the security to keep their rtionship good. Who knew if he needed a key to the roof again in the future?


    Walking through the street, he quickly arrived at the restaurant. It was still too early for dinner, so it was pretty much empty, with only two customers inside.


    Just like when he first came to the restaurant after he got his memories back, the short-haired waitress inside beamed with a happy smile and waved her hand upon seeing him.


    "Max!" She shouted energetically, approaching him while clutching on an empty tray.


    Smiling, he waved his hand back at her. She stopped before him and asked.


    "Are you here to eat? Or are you just visiting because you miss me?" She asked, giggling yfully.


    "I''vee to eat, Nina. Can you bring me the spicy noodle set with grilled pork belly?"


    "Ah, what a shame. So you don''t miss me?"


    "Well, I do." He said, "But I am too hungry to think about that right now. I skipped lunch earlier."


    "Excuses." Nina pouted, making Max look troubled.


    But then, she smiled and giggled.


    "I was just joking, don''t look like that. I know that you have just finished streaming. Ah, you can sit at your usual ce." She said, turning around and showing him his seat.


    He followed suit and sat down in his usual ce. Following that, Nina gave him a cold water she took from the counter.


    "Do you mind if I eat with you, Max? My shift will be over soon." Looking a bit hesitant, she said, "There is something I have to talk about with you."


    "Hmm?" Max raised his eyebrows. He guessed that something was rted to the outing tomorrow. "Sure. I don''t mind at all."


    "Yay! Just wait for a minute, alright? I will rush my dad to make it quick but delicious!"


    After saying that, Nina ran into the kitchen. Another waitress that Chef Rush hired stepped out at the same time, recing her shift.


    While waiting, Max decided to contact Flexy first. He had made a decision regarding his invitation this morning.


    [Breeze: Buddy, let''s do that Roach tournament stuff. Tell me the details of the pay.]


    There was no need to hesitate. The orange-haired streamer already knew that he loved money. This would also make Flexy feel less indebted to his ''help.''


    The other party didn''t reply to his message.


    ''He''s probably streaming or preparing to stream at this time.''


    Bothering him wouldn''t do any good. So, he closed the screen.


    At that time, Nina appeared from the kitchen, bringing two spicy ramen on a tray. She didn''t wear the apron that she used to serve customers any longer. Instead, she only wore casual clothes, a long-sleeved shirt and a beige skirt.


    She approached it and put those two meals on the table.


    "Hehe, I was also hungry, so I asked dad to make the same stuff." She giggled and scratched her cheek. "I hope my tongue isn''t burned from this."


    "Just be careful and don''t drink the broth too fast. You would be fine." Max assured as he took the fork and spoon. "Let''s eat then. I will hear what you want to sayter. I also have something to say to you."


    "Sure. Let''s eat!"


    After saying that, she slurped the noodles easily. Even if she said that she was worried about burning her tongue, as the daughter of a man who owned this restaurant, she had eaten this dish many times. Avoiding getting burned was easy for her.


    "Hnn! It''s still as delicious as ever. I wonder¡­ Will I be able to match my dad in culinary skills? I guess that would be impossible, hahaha."


    "Trust the process, Nina," Max said, gulping the noodle in his mouth.


    "At first, I was also afraid that streaming won''t work. However, I just did it and got a result. I do have a lot of opportunities presented to me, so that helped, but¡­ I believe as long as you do your best, you will be able to achieve your dream."


    Not all dreams could be achieved. Max was someone who didn''t believe that. There was nothing impossible.


    While some were hard and borderline despairing, a person could definitely reach their dream as long as they were presented with enough opportunitiesbined with hard work. It was just a matter of fast or slow.


    Hearing Max''s words, Nina smiled bashfully.


    "You''re right. I should try first." She said, "Thanks, Max. I was a bit insecure about that. You see¡­ I have always wanted to be a cook. Maybe you already knew about it. I even made my personal Lobby look like a kitchen bar."


    She began to exin even though her meal was half done. Max listened quietly as she seemed to be slightly frustrated. The least he could do was to hear all her problems and give her a bit of suggestion.


    "For a long time, I have been wondering whether I should go to culinary school or not. My dad said that I should go, but I hesitated. It''s been a year since we graduated from high school, and you know¡­ I finally decided."


    A beautiful smile bloomed on Nina''s face. She looked like she was relieved from something that burdened her for so long.


    "That''s great." Max smiled with her. Then, he asked curiously, "Does the school require you to attend physically? I remember that some higher schools only require VR attendance."


    "Yes." Nina confirmed with a nod. "It''s cooking, so we need to learn it with our real body. No matter how advanced VR is, it still can''t perfectly recreate reality."


    "That''s right."


    He had to agree with that. Even now, he still longed to do parkour IRL because it felt different than when he did it in VR.


    "Where is this school, by the way?"


    "Hmm, it''s southwest of the United Nations, directly opposite this city. If I use Sky Rail, then it would take me around 8 to 10 hours, I think? I am not sure. And I probably will leave next week because I was already epted. I have talked about this with dad, too."


    "That''s far¡­ And so suddenly."


    Sky Rail could beparable to normal flight in his past life. 8 to 10 hours of travel showed how far that school was located.


    "Hehe, sorry. I could only tell you right now because¡­ Well, this is also a sudden decision from me too. I only tried to apply, but who knows that I got epted? It''s a miracle."


    Nina ruffled the back of her head. She was sad to be separated from her friend too, but she held it in.


    "But, Max! We can always meet in VR whenever you miss me! A call is the only thing you need."


    "Are you sure it''s not the opposite?" Max smirked, teasing her. Then, his smile disappeared as he realized something.


    ''That''s right¡­'' He thought, ''I have memories of being together with Nina for so long. Not being able to see her directly for some time might feel a bit lonely.''


    Sighing, he smiled softly again. She didn''t show her sadness, so he also couldn''t do that.


    "I guess we will have to do our best to have fun together tomorrow then. I will buy your ticket to the aquarium. Think of it as my congrattory gift."


    Nina blinked a few times before bursting intoughter. "I guess so! Let''s have fun!"


    Many people entered the restaurant. They were bustling with their own activities as the part-time waitress did her best to serve them.


    At the corner of the restaurant, two youngsters wereughing merrily. No one knew that behind theirughter was a painful temporary separation after being together for many years.


    Still, their smiles prevail. Because they knew it wasn''t an eternal separation.

 Chapter 199: Chapter 199 – Mercenary Quest’s Main Storyline

    Max returned to his apartment after eating and talking to Nina for a while.


    He wanted to stay longer, but Chef Rush kicked him out, saying every table was important. The chef said he could stay if he helped in the kitchen, but Max politely refused because he knew he wouldn''t survive there and ran away. Nina saw him off with a smile, which reassured him.


    When he arrived at his apartment, he checked his message. There was still no reply from Flexy.


    ''Is he that busy to the point he couldn''t read my message? Or did he encounter any problem?'' He thought and began to get worried.


    But he shook his head immediately. There was no way Flexy would get into trouble with Lisa backing him. She would punch and knock him out if that meant keeping him out of trouble.


    Looking at the clock, Max found out it was already 8 PM. He nned to y Roach if Flexy replied, but because there was no response, he decided to y Mercenary Quest and livestream it instead. There was a storyline waiting for him.


    ''Let''s get to work then.''


    Entering the VR capsule, Max dived into his Lobby. There, he prepared his stream like usual and changed the title.


    [I have enough of crying old man. It''s time to start the storyline! #MercenaryQuest #HuntingMonster #QuestStoryline # #CrazyMovement]


    Looking at the title he made, Max nodded in satisfaction.


    ''Perfect.''


    There was no need for any clickbait anymore. His follower count was already nearing 500K. If a random viewer saw his thumbnail, taken from the automatic loading screen provided by the system, and the viewers count, they would be curious and visit.


    It was natural for humans to be pulled by the crowd.


    [Livestream Starts!]


    As soon as he started and yed the loading screen, viewers immediately gathered.


    4K. 8K. 10K. It kept rising until it finally stopped at 13K. This number was mostly influenced by the fact the next day was Saturday, a day off. They could afford to rx and watch the livestream without thinking of any work.


    In fact, some of them were new viewers who were baited by clips ying on the loading screen and the title.


    ¡ª Mercenary Quest''s story? Count me in!


    ¡ª It''s been a long time since streamers actually followed Mercenary Quest''s storyline. They are already so far ahead


    ¡ª Breeze has started another storyline! It will be epic!


    ¡ª Remembering Knight''s Journey story, I hope a lot from this one if it''s yed by Breeze


    ¡ª lolol, I bet it will be hrious. Breeze, avenge us! I know you will do it!


    ¡ª I am here! On time for some epic quests


    ¡ª I am d the stream hasn''t started yet. Can''t miss the storyline from the start


    Reading the chat''s enthusiasm, Max felt like he should start it already. He started the game and dived into it. His vision was blurry for a second. When it returned, he found himself in the steampunk-like station, sitting on a chair in the kitchen beside the cksmith.


    The weight of the de on his back surprised him slightly, especially since he entered the game without bringing anything.


    "Whoa, I almost fell." He eximed, holding onto the sturdy table to bnce himself. "That was close. I should remember where Ist logged out next."


    While muttering that, he changed his screen title. The little camera flew into the air and pointed at him. Once everything was ready and the livestream screen was changed, Max smiled as if nothing was wrong and greeted the viewers.


    "Hello, guys! We met again, hahaha. Tonight, we will y the Mercenary Quest''s storyline. I think I have enough hang of it after killing two monsters, don''t you think? After fixing my weapon, I have eaten and still have 300 Gills. So, yeah.


    I am ready! But remember, no backseat. Let me experience all myself."


    ¡ª Somehow, I can''t help but get excited.


    ¡ª Yeah, no backseat


    ¡ª Why would we backseat if we can just enjoy the hrious moment? That''s just stupid


    ¡ª And toxicity is stupid. Learn manners, kid!


    "Right, learn manners. Fortunately, only one of two chats is toxic, but let''s ignore that for now." Max nodded a few times and stood up, "I need to find the person with a question mark above their head. I wonder where he is?"


    The first quest giver would definitely be in the yer''s line of sight as soon as they exited the train. Otherwise, they wouldn''t be able to find it and would have to spend time just to get the first quest. That was just a stupid andzy game design.


    And Max managed to find that someone just by looking around a bit more cautiously than before. He recognized that person. It was the energetic mercenary, Jamal. This progression made sense so far.


    Approaching the said NPC, Max initiated a talk. He didn''t know what to say to activate the quest, so he just greeted him.


    "Morning, Jamal."


    Upon hearing Max''s voice, Jamal turned around with a serious look.


    "Oh, newbie. Have you approached me because you heard the rumor?"


    That question seemed to be strange. But for a yer, it was a natural progression.


    "Rumor?" Max asked, getting the keyword from his sentence. "Can you exin more about it? I have heard nothing of such."


    "Heh, that won''t do. As a mercenary, you should open your ears to the rumors." Jamal shook his head.


    "Well, let me tell you, newbie. Apparently, Tromax has been spotted in Misty Forest. This monster is troublesome. Weak, but it can multiply fast. If left alone, it will destroy one area with its offspring. So, go back to the Stronghold Mercenary''s base and ask Hunter about this.


    He knows more than me."


    [Ding! A new mission is generated.]


    [Tromax''s Clue]


    [Visit Stronghold Mercenary''s base and find Hunter. Ask him the details about Tromax''s appearance. You can find Hunter on the balcony.]


    Looking at the notification in front of him, Max nodded in satisfaction. The mission in this game was apparently not as linear as the one in Knight''s Journey. Max would find outter whether it had routes or not. Curiosity was the best spice to get motivated to finish the game''s storyline.


    ''As expected, ying a game with a storyline feels nice.''


    Max turned around and saw the lump of light that served as his guide. It flew toward the train, giving him a clue about the next destination.


    "Well, it''s starting."


    ¡ª It has begun


    ¡ª The journey to the peak of the mercenary world


    ¡ª All the suffering¡­ All the despair


    ¡ª Hahaha¡­ HAHAHAHAHA Blood God will enjoy this


    ¡ª My right arm has felt it. The arduous journey that Breeze will go through!


    ¡ª Are you guys okay?


    ¡ª Stop it¡­ Get some help.

 Chapter 200: Chapter 200 – Why Use Stairs When You Can Climb a Wall?

    Choo choo!


    Boarding the train, Max arrived at Stronghold Mercenary''s base in just a few seconds. This game''s skip feature that activated whenever one boarded the train to the next destination was truly a lifesaver to cut time.


    Without it, a lot of time would be wasted just sitting inside the boring metal carriage.


    Stepping outside the train, Max was greeted by a base on the side of the cliff. It was made in a way so the monster couldn''t reach it¡­ At least Small-ss and Medium-ss.


    Buildings hung over the edge of the cliff, and the entrance was right in front of him. The train didn''t even enter and had a separate station outside the tall stone fence.


    "It''s massive," Max eximed as he looked at the main base beyond the fence.


    A massive structure stood in the middle, piercing the sky. There were some balconies connected to the main building, with people merrily sitting andughing. Among those people, at the topmost balcony, Max could see someone with a question mark above his head.


    "That must be Hunter. Let''s visit him and make progress on this quest."


    Max entered the base. The people guarding the gate didn''t ask him for identification or anything. Rather, he was greeted and allowed to enter.


    Finding the entrance to the base was also easy. Who would miss suchrge doors in the middle of the small residences?


    And when he entered, he noticed something.


    "There is no elevator¡­" He muttered as he faced the long stairs in front of him.


    On the sides, beautiful NPCs were taking care of many mercenaries who drank beers and ales. There was no elevator in sight. The only trace of technology he could see was the steam heaters and a box that looked like a refrigerator.


    "Are the devs serious?"


    ¡ª The hell¡­ has started.


    ¡ª Wee to the first step of trials.


    ¡ª Hahaha, you shall taste hard work!


    ¡ª Not even you can escape this.


    ¡ª Caesar said great mindse with great bodies. So he made these stairs so the mercenaries could train their body.


    "Nah. This is bullshit." Max shrugged his shoulders. He could feel his motivation slightly dismissed. "Is there no other way to reach the top?"


    Looking around, there didn''t seem to be any way aside through the stairs from inside. It was just one big stair that connected all floors together. No holes could be seen from the inside, unlike on the outside.


    At that moment, he had an idea. Climbing those stairs would take a long time because it was one step at a time. So¡­ Why didn''t he just skip all the steps and just jump around like a monkey? He was a traceur, for god''s sake.


    ''Isn''t that the perfect strategy to reach the top faster? I mean, Hunter, the NPC, can be seen from outside. There is no rule that I need to use those stairs to meet him.''


    Without hesitation, Max exited the main base. He turned around and looked at the building once again, this time carefully while holding his chin.


    ¡ª What is he doing?


    ¡ª Shhh, he''s about to cook something again


    ¡ª Don''t forget this man is the one who invented wall run and taught those streamers (who are still a noob at it) how to do it. His wall run tutorial VoDs have the highest views on his channel.


    ¡ª Even with him being silent, I somehow know what he''s thinking


    ¡ª Breeze: Stairs? I don''t need such a thing. There is a wall, no?


    Max read the chat and chuckled. Those old viewers knew him very well. He was indeed thinking of the ideal line he could use to reach the top of the building.


    ''Fortunately, there are many pipes from the steam heater and balconies that I can use to rest if I am tired. Climbing this from outside is doable, and it will be faster than using the stairs, considering my character''s superhuman nature.''


    "Well, let''s do it."


    No exnation. Max approached the building and stretched his arms and legs. Unfortunately, His weapon couldn''t be unequipped, as the character needed to at least have a weapon in one of the slots. Still, that wouldn''t stop him.


    "Hap!"


    With a powerful leap, Max managed to jump a little bit higher than 3 meters. He grabbed arge pipe, which felt a little bit warm because it was made from metal and exposed to sunlight, and pulled his body up.


    Following that, he grabbed a sturdy wooden structure and began to climb. Many mercenaries sitting on the lowest balcony looked at him and shouted.


    "Way to go, kiddo!"


    "Hahaha, that''s the mercenary way!"


    "Make your own way if the correct way is hard. You understand that well, pal!"


    They praised him for something he did and didn''t reprimand him like normal people.


    ¡ª He found the way


    ¡ª Mercenary ways, they said. Since when did those NPCs react to what people did?


    ¡ª *Point a gun at a guy above me* Always has been


    ¡ª Can we talk about how smooth he moves? His superhuman strength makes him climb faster than usual!


    ¡ª Nah, he brings up a big 4ss sword and can still climb that far. He''s halfway now!


    Only two to three minutes had passed. Max smiled widely as he brought his body up.


    When there was nothing to grab, he would jump. He could always use his sword as a footstep by piercing it on the wall, but he was afraid of the consequences. He was being watched by all the mercenaries sitting on the balcony, after all.


    "Hahaha, it''s fun."


    Jumping to the pipe that jutted out and spewed steam, Max grabbed it and pulled himself up. Although it was slightly slippery, the gloves helped to keep his hand from getting burned. He was getting slightly tired, so he crouched on the pipe and looked up.


    ''Only a bit is left. I can do it.''


    On the highest balcony, Hunter was looking down at what he did with hawk-like eyes. Before long, he reached it and nested on the railing beside Hunter.


    Max looked at the guy with blue hair and jumped down the railing.


    "Jamal told me to find you. He said you can tell me more about Tromax."


    "You are so rude for a newbie," Huntermented with a smirk, causing Max to blink in surprise.


    ''Did I make a mistake?'' He thought. He never expected such a response from the NPC.


    "My apologies." He immediately said, bowing his head slightly. "I was a bit¡­ Well¡­ The adrenaline is still affecting me."


    "Hahaha, no need to apologize, pal." The NPCughed, "Rather, that was a good show. If it''s you, then I believe that you would have no problem finding Tromax or escaping from it if you encounter it directly."


    After saying that, Hunter pulled a thick parchment. He handed it to Max, which he received with a gaze full of curiosity.


    Once the parchment was in his hand, he heard a notification.


    [Ding! Missionpleted!]


    [A new mission is generated.]


    [Find Tromax in Misty Forest.]


    [You have received a clue about Tromax''s appearance and whereabouts. Find Tromax and report it to Stronghold Mercenary. Be careful. This Small-ss monster is aggressive and fast.]


    "Thank you," Max said to Hunter and climbed the railing.


    Now that he got a clue, the rest would be easy! He climbed down the building with enthusiasm. It was time to hunt a monster!


    ¡ª Uh oh¡­


    ¡ª Did he not know about it? Why did he climb down?


    ¡ª Shh! No backseat, guys¡­ Let him do what he does


    ¡ª Yeah, no backseat. Pfft! This is so funny.


    ¡ª No one tells him anything. Let Breeze figure it out himself.


    Meanwhile, the viewers were once again confused.


    ***


    Author Note:


    I managed to write 200 chapters! 100 days without missing a single day of upload. This is such an achievement! And I want to say thank you for all your support! Thank you!

 Chapter 201: Chapter 201 – Monster Factory

    Misty Forest.


    Just as its name implied, it was a forest filled with trees simr to willow trees. The leaves were yellow in color, and they exuded a thin mist from the red flower that blossomed on its trunk. Thus, the forest was filled with mist that rendered views to only 10 meters.


    However, mercenaries had mapped out the area and put torchlights as a guide for anyone who needed to enter the forest in order to hunt or gather materials.


    The steam train only stopped outside the forest this time, keeping its distance from it. Max walked toward the forest fearlessly while reading the parchment given by Hunter.


    "Tromax is a small monster, only around 2-meter in size. Its body resembles a lizard that can run with two legs and has small arms. Its ws are sharp, but its fangs and sturdy tail are the main weapons it uses to attack.


    "It''s said if two Tromax with different genders met each other, they would start making children. Thest time it was recorded was 10 years ago, and 100 Tromaxs are born in just a week after the couple are spotted¡­ What is this information? Is this real?"


    A hundred children in just a week was just crazy.


    "It''s as if Tromax is a factory to make children."


    ¡ª Spoken like a true Confucious


    ¡ª Factory to make children. I mean, you''re not wrong


    ¡ª This monster''s power lies in numbers! Literally.


    "Right?"


    The chat agreed with him. Max entered Misty Forest, and soon, his vision became pretty limited. He could only see three lightsing from the front to guide him and the exit behind him.


    "Well, this game bes horror real quick." Hemented with a chuckle.


    Inside, however, he felt a little bit scared. With his vision getting pretty limited, he could be ambushed from all directions. He couldn''t lower his guard even if his quest was just to find Tromax and report it. Monsters that lived in this forest weren''t the children''s factory alone.


    To be safe, he brandished his sword and dragged it in his right hand. If any monster jumped at him, he could use it for defense. From his experience with Garrador and Raxor, he knew that killing them in one sweep was impossible.


    After walking for a few minutes, Max was now deep within the Misty Forest. He looked around, but there was no sign of the monster. So, he began to sing out of boredom.


    "Monster monster~ Where are you, monster? Tromax, please do show yourself fast."


    ¡ª Let Breeze kill you before you multiplies


    ¡ª He''s so humble that he flexes his skill every time


    ¡ª Oh, monster monster¡­ Monster monster¡­


    ¡ª Yaay!


    The chat got along and sang with him. The Misty Forest didn''t look so scary anymore with the lighthearted atmosphere surrounding Max.


    At that moment¡­


    Swish¨C


    The bush a bit away from Max made a rustling noise.


    "Hmm?"


    Hearing it, he immediately raised his guard and gripped his sword tighter.


    "Did you guys hear it?"


    ¡ª Totally do


    ¡ª There is something there¡­ Something small


    ¡ª Like your PP


    ¡ª Yeah, I heard a rustling sound from a distance.


    Reading the confirmation given by chat, Max nodded slightly. There was indeed something in front of him. And that something was small.


    ''Tromax is only 2 meters tall, smaller than a normal Small-sss monster. Based on the rustling sound, it was the bushes and not these trees. It could be Tromax that ran away after it detected me.'' He assumed.


    Moving slowly, Max tried his best not to make a loud sound.


    "I think I have found Tromax''s trace." He whispered to the viewers. They would be able to hear his voice clearly due to his setting.


    Getting closer to the source of sound, he could now see the bushes through the mist. Between the bushes, he could see something brown moving around. It swayed left and right, creating a constant rustling sound every time it grazed the bushes.


    It was a tail. From its appearance, Max knew that it was Tromax''s tail, as it was simr to the image in the parchment he had received.


    "Found it." He grinned as he slowly approached it.


    However, when he got closer, he suddenly saw the second tail and stopped. It popped up beside the first tail and swayed left and right at the same time, following a certain rhythm.


    "Hmm?" He hummed as he saw it, confused at what happened.


    ''Two?'' He thought.


    ¡ª Why are there two tails?


    ¡ª Eh, this is strange.


    ¡ª They are cute. Look at them swaying!


    ¡ª Left right left right left right¡­ I am hypnotized.


    ¡ª Does Breeze screw up already?


    The viewers were also confused. The chat was filled with a question or a simple ''huh?'' No one could provide any exnation.


    Then, the two tails became three. Three became four until it became 7, with thest one being the biggest among the others.


    A shiver was sent down Max''s spine when he realized what was in front of him. These tails stopped moving when there were seven of them. Slowly, they turned around, and heads resembling reptiles jutted out of the bushes.


    Drools dripped out from their mouths filled with sharp teeth. Looking at them, they seemed like they could easily tear through steel.


    Max''s gaze met with them, and notification rang.


    [Ding! Missionpleted!]


    [Emergency mission urred due to an unexpected situation.]


    [Tromax''s Breakout!]


    [Tromax has begun breeding and multiplying. Quickly report to Stronghold Mercenary''s base before they multiply further!]


    [Countdown: 01:35:07]


    He got a new mission. And it had an hour time limit, unlike the previous missions.


    Gulping, Max slowly sheathed his sword. He tried not to move so quickly as it could trigger Tromax. However, that was useless.


    Click!


    The sword made a clicking sound when he fully sheathed it. Hearing that voice, the biggest Tromax roared.


    "Waaarrrr!!"


    Its roar was shrill and loud. It might only be 2 meters tall, but a genuine monster survived the wilderness.


    It was at this moment that he knew¡­ he messed up.


    "This is bad!"


    Max quickly turned around and ran at full speed. There was no telling what was behind him. But ording to the rapid footsteps he heard, he realized that all of them were chasing after him.


    "Aaah! Get away from me!"


    ¡ª Run Breeze, Run!


    ¡ª lolol, follow the light. You will be able to get out


    ¡ª Wee to second hell¡­ My friend, those Tromax couldn''t be underestimated


    ¡ª Ah, a despairing scream. What music to my ears.


    "Tell me about this earlier if you know something!" Heined as he kept running, jumping over rocks and roots while following the light.


    ¡ª You said no backseat


    ¡ª No nay nah nein


    ¡ª We just followed your words lmao


    ¡ª No backseat means no information about the game at all


    ¡ª You''re wee, Breeze. We said nothing so you can enjoy this


    "You guys are evil! Don''t backseat means don''t tell me what to do, not don''t tell me information about the game! I didn''t ask you to keep me from any spoilers!" He gritted his teeth and ran faster.


    Well, it was just Max''s excuse. He actually didn''t want any spoilers at all. It was due to frustration he said all of that, and partly to entertain his viewers.


    Looking back, seven small T-Rex-like creatures kept chasing him as if he were a meaty pie for dinner. He knew that if he slowed down even a little, he would die.


    In the middle of running at full speed, he suddenly realized something. His vision was limited even further. Earlier, he could see 10 meters in front of him, but now he could only see 5 meters in front of him. The guiding torchlight now couldn''t be seen due to the thick mist.


    Now, he could say one thing he wanted to say earlier.


    "I fucked up."


    ¡ª Honestly, yes


    ¡ª You should''ve remembered the path. It''s so easy


    ¡ª I didn''t even get lost lol. How could you get lost?

 Chapter 202: Chapter 202 – Second Time’s the Charm!

    Normally, yers visiting Misty Forest would proceed slowly while remembering their path. However, due to Max''s boredom, he sang a song and just followed the torchlight without remembering the path he had taken to reach where he was before.


    So, right now, he was as lost as he could be. It was just one step out of the correct path, but he couldn''t find the way back. Not to mention, he was still being tailed by seven Tromax. He couldn''t even stop and climb the tree to find his way.


    All he could do was now run. But there was another problem.


    [Countdown: 01:31:34]


    Max had a mission with a time limit. He didn''t know what would happen if he didn''t reach Stronghold within the time limit. Would the mission fail, and he restarted? That would be a good oue.


    But this was a VR game where a yer''s behavior could affect the game, changing its route slightly and essentially the progression.


    "What can I do in this situation?"


    ¡ª You can run and waste your time


    ¡ª Evade them by making them confused in this Misty Forest


    ¡ª Or you can stop and be their food. That''s the fastest way to exit Misty Forest


    ¡ª Choose, youngsters! Your path has been decided.


    ¡ª You guys are enjoying this too much lol


    No matter how ridiculous the chat was, the options they gave were the only things Max could do in this situation. But those were boring.


    So, Max unsheathed his sword and shouted loudly.


    "I will choose four! Struggle and kill them all!"


    Looking behind, he noticed that their speed wasn''t as fast as before. Thergest Tromax was falling behind the six smaller ones. And even then, they somehow still couldn''t catch up to him.


    Tromax was indeed a scary monster feared by mercenaries. But that was due to their trait of being able to multiply rapidly without stopping. In terms ofbat power, Max believed they were no more than half of Garrador''s.


    With a newfound confidence, Max jumped over therge root of the yellow willow tree and turned around. He was ready to do a hit-and-run strategy.


    The monsters advanced faster when they saw him stopping, baring their fangs and raising their heads. The hair-like mane on their head stood in order to intimidate him.


    "Let me tell you something, you reptile bastards!" Max gripped his sword tightly and ran toward them. He raised it overhead and aimed to slice the first Tromax''s thin neck. "I am the fucking storm that is approach¨C"


    Suddenly, he felt like he couldn''t move his body. His sentence was cut midway, and when he realized it, he was flying in the air and could see his body on the ground.


    ''Huh?'' He thought, still unable to process what happened.


    Thest thing he saw before he disappeared with blue light was thergest Tromax enjoying his body. That monster who was way behind the others somehow managed to reach it.


    A realization dawned on him.


    ''This monster is so sly!''


    [You have died.]


    A notification rang, and he was returned to the train outside the Misty Forest.


    [Mission updated! Find Tromax''s trace before reporting them to the Stronghold Mercenary''s base.]


    [Countdown 01:28:49.]


    Looking at the notification, Max frowned.


    "It''s the worst. I didn''t know Tromax was that fast. I thought thergest was slow."


    ¡ª We told you not to underestimate Tromax


    ¡ª There is a reason why Tromax is feared on top of their breeding speed.


    ¡ª You shouldn''t underestimate any monsters in this game. They have their strength and weakness


    ¡ª In the end, you choose the third choice. You have be their food


    ¡ª Iughed at his expression. He couldn''t believe what happened at the end kekw


    This game was too devious. Even the Small-ss monster was really strong. Was this truly the first storyline mission? Max somehow couldn''t believe this.


    Gritting his teeth, he walked out of the train once again. This time, he needed to find Tromax and returned to the base in an hour and a half. The penalty of dying was¡­ brutal.


    "Ugh, this game is really made for a masochist who loves challenges and hard stuff." He sighed, shaking his head. "But now I understand why the game gave me a long deadline to report back to the base. It''s to anticipate the yer dying, isn''t it?"


    ¡ª Exactly


    ¡ª You might want to hurry. Tromax isn''t known to stay in one ce for so long


    ¡ª Indeed, you might want to go fast! I just drank a liter of milk, and now I need to go to number 2! I amctose intolerant by the way


    ¡ª This guy is crazy¡­


    ¡ª Clear the quest before he bursts, Breeze! Do it for your fans.


    ¡ª Don''t forget to stay in the devil''s path! Yes, I call torchlight the devil''s path!


    Not only did the chat urge him, but the countdown also served as a debt collector that chased after his back. The feeling of having something urgent didn''t fit well with his personality. Thus, he decided to just finish it fast by running inside the Misty Forest.


    The mist wasn''t as bad as when he ran away from Tromax. It was doable to see 10 meters in front of him.


    Just like the first time, he held his sword in his hand. But unlike earlier, he swung it randomly, cutting the tree branches as he passed them.


    At first, some people in the chat were confused about why Max did that until a certain user donated.


    [ForesTSeekeR has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Genius! You''re truly a seeker. If you can''t count on the torchlight, then just cut the tree branches to mark your way back!]


    "That''s right." Max nodded with a grin. "I am done by relying on those stupid torchlights. They are useless!"


    It might be useful now, but the mist would thicken after he met Tromax.


    Based on his guess, it was probably either because of the game''s progression or because of the monster''s ability. That mane on their head was suspicious, as it glittered slightly every time it passed the red flowers that created the mist.


    After running for a while, Max found them again. They jutted their tails out from bushes, swaying it from left to right in a rhythm.


    [Countdown 01:02:49.]


    [Mission is updated! Quickly report to Stronghold Mercenary''s base before they multiply further!]


    Unsheathing his sword, he took arge rock from the ground and threw it into the bush. A pained scream rang, and then they turned around. Seven Tromax, with three of them reaching adulthood instead of one.


    Their growth was truly monstrous.


    ''It might be harder than before. Theserger Tromaxes will definitely stop pretending once they know that they will lose me.'' He thought, gulping audibly. ''Still, I will run. I''d finish this mission without trying for the third time! The second time''s the charm.''


    At the same time Max turned and broke into the run, Tromax chased after him with their mouths open, and their mane stood in the air, spreading a glitter.


    The mist immediately thickened, and Max''s vision was limited further. Just as he expected earlier, that hair-like mane influenced the surrounding mist! It roused the flower to create more pollen, thus producing more mist.


    "It''s the second round, dinosaurs look alike! Catch me if you can."


    The game of tag with monsters had started.

 Chapter 203: Chapter 203 – Confusing Game of Tag

    Max skillfully moved across the forest while dodging every root and trunk in his way. The path he had taken when he entered was devoid of leaves because he had already cut them all. He was sure he could reach the exit if he followed both the torchlight and the mark he created earlier.


    Tap tap tap tap¨C


    Meanwhile, Tromax''s footsteps rang behind him. They were desperately chasing while howling, angry at what Max had done earlier. One of the smaller Tromax had dirt on its head from getting hit by the rock he threw.


    ''Therger Tromaxes doesn''t do anything.'' Max thought as he nced over his shoulders.


    Simr to the first run, therger Tromaxes somehow ran slower than the smaller ones. Only four tailed behind him so closely, while the other three were a few meters away behind the group.


    ''I still can''t understand why therge one could get me in the past.''


    He was halfway to the exit. He knew about it because he remembered therge branch he had difficulty cutting earlier.


    The countdown showed ''00:54:17.'' A few minutes had passed since he ran away from the Tromaxes.


    ''It''s too easy.''


    Just as he thought that he suddenly lost the sound of footsteps from the Tromaxes. He looked back immediately to find out what happened and noticed that they were gone.


    "What the¡­!?"


    Due to surprise, he stopped in his tracks. That¡­ identally saved him.


    Swoosh! Chomp¨C


    Arge head passed his face, chomping the air in front of him. If he hadn''t stopped earlier, his head would have been inside Tromax''s mouth.


    Surprised, he jumped back with all his strength and looked in front of him. Threerge Tromaxes stood in front of four smaller ones that strangely faced the other way, growling ferociously at him. The one in the front was especially angry after Max dodged its attack.


    The small Toraxes howled and began to turn around after they noticed their prey weren''t in that direction.


    Max, still confused, blinked.


    "What the heck happened?" He asked loudly, hoping the chat would have an answer.


    However, at a time like this, the chat was evil.


    ¡ª No backseat!


    ¡ª Ssshh!! Let him be confused.


    ¡ª My right arm is satisfied with this depression and despair. More¡­ Get depressed! Get eaten! My minions, EAT BREEZE!


    ¡ª No can do, Breeze. We won''t say anything


    ¡ª Try to guess what''s inside my mind, HAHAHAHA! *Insert evilugh*


    Naturally, Max had thought of the possibility of them refusing to tell him just to see him suffer. He had to find the clue himself. At times of confusion, he first needed to calm down and observe the situation.


    The first clue was the Tromaxes'' changing position. The second was a bit harder to spot, but he managed to find it.


    ''Thergest branch I cut is in front of me?'' He thought, eyes opened wide in realization. ''Could it be?''


    It was a bet, but he quickly turned around and ran at full speed. From other people''s perspective, he must''ve appeared to be crazy. No sane person would run back to where they came from.


    But as Max ran, he noticed that he made the right choice. He remembered those branches he cut. He hadn''t passed this path yet.


    "I understand now." His lips curled up into a wide grin as he solved the puzzle as to why he died the first time and almost died the second time. "It''s a confusion. The forest confused me and made me turn around unknowingly at some point. That mane is the trigger, I believe. Am I right, chat?"


    ¡ª Smart Breeze is back


    ¡ª lolol, he got it right


    ¡ª This streamer isn''t clueless


    ¡ª kekekeke, he got it right


    Getting confirmation from the chat, Max ran faster. Tromaxes still followed behind him closely, just like earlier. Loud howls filled the Misty Forest. The atmosphere was deadly and cold.


    Still, Max''sughter couldn''t be stopped. The satisfaction of solving the missing piece he couldn''t feel since earlier was exhrating.


    At some point, Max noticed that he was confused once again. This time, he managed to point out when it happened.


    One of the threerge Tromaxes'' mane glittered, shining brightly. The mist thickened to the point he couldn''t see anything in front of him for a second. When he realized it, the monsters were in front of him.


    "Oops! I have seen that trick before."


    Max jumped back before Tromax reached him and continued to run.


    [Countdown: 00:44:21]


    Based on the countdown and the time he needed to find the Tromaxes, the exit should be in sight soon.


    ¡ª Just a little bit more!


    ¡ª Only a few meters are left


    ¡ª Run faster! Run!


    The confusion happened a few times. However, Max skillfully evaded the bite attack each time it happened and ran away. After a while, he could see it.


    "Finally! I can escape this ursed forest!"


    Just a few steps ahead!


    Max increased his speed and unsheathed his sword at thest moment. To have a little bit of revenge against Tromaxes, he decided to try something stupid.


    Turning around, he threw his sword at the nearby monster and raised his middle finger. The sword pierced the small Tromax''s leg, causing it to stumble. The others followed suit, stumbling against their brother and causing a domino effect.


    As for therge Tromaxes, they stopped behind the fallen small ones.


    "Eat shit! Hahahaha!"


    With a heartyugh, Max stepped out of the Misty Forest. Sunlight greeted him. It felt warm and bright, the opposite of the atmosphere inside the Misty Forest.


    "Ah, so warm." He eximed as he walked toward the steam train.


    There was no sign of Tromaxes chasing after him anymore. It seemed like they were bound in the forest.


    "Missionpleted, guys. Let''s return to the base."


    ¡ª It''s notpleted yet


    ¡ª Yeah, you need to report it back to the Stronghold Mercenary


    ¡ª Because you got the mission from Hunter, you should visit Hunter


    ¡ª Show us your move again lol


    ¡ª Blood God is disappointed¡­ I hope you give him more sacrifice next time.


    He froze just before he sat after reading the chat. Report back to Hunter? That only meant one thing.


    "I need to climb that ridiculously tall building again?"


    That idea terrified yet excited him at the same time.


    Was it a pain to climb such a high building?


    Yes.


    But¡­ Was it fun?


    The answer was also yes.


    So, he would do it.


    "I guess I have no choice."


    Arriving at the Stronghold Mercenary base after the time skip in the train, Max immediately went to the main base. The sword he threw regenerated and returned to its sheath on his back, a pretty convenient game feature.


    Climbing the main building was easy because he had already found the path. It only took him around 5 minutes to reach Hunter. He reported the missionplete and received notifications.


    [Tromax''s Breakoutpleted!]


    [Rewards: 1,500 Gills, 50 Reputations, 5x health potions, 5x Antidote.]


    "Good job at the renaissance mission, newbie. Leave the rest to us. But¡­ I might have to ask something." Hunter looked at him curiously.


    "Do you love climbing this building so much? Or do you love money? There is a quick lift with Garudama on the side of the cliff for 5 Gills. It will allow you to reach this ce in just a few seconds. If you want to go down, just enter this room and call for Garudama for another 5 Gills. It''s easy."


    Hearing that question, Max blinked repeatedly and raised his voice.


    "Excuse me, what?"

 Chapter 204: Chapter 204 – Yapping The Second Mission

    Finishing the first mission of the storyline alone took 2 hours, and 20 minutes of that was spent climbing the building. If only he knew about the Garudama transport service, he would have finished this way earlier.


    "Use our service again, young mercenary!" A middle-aged man riding a flying monster that looked like an eagle with orange feathers waved his hand and took off.


    Max watched him fly away with the monster, and the corner of his lips twitched slightly. That was why his viewers reacted strangely when he climbed the building again. He thought they wereughing with him, but it turned out theyughed at him.


    "You guys are really evil when I need help. Why can''t you just tell me about the flying service?" He grumbled.


    And then, he rolled his eyes, remembering what the chat told him before.


    "Ah, I remember. No backseat, right? I think you guys need to know the difference between back seating and helping the streamer. Do you want me to hold a lesson about that?"


    ¡ª No need to! We know already


    ¡ª Yeah, we just don''t tell you on purpose to see your parkour


    ¡ª *nod nod* your parkour is so cool that we want to see it


    ¡ª Definitely not to make you suffer. Source: Trust me bro


    ¡ª I love seeing your serious expression and smiling face when you climb the building. It makes me want to keep you!


    Excuses. Max knew that they could always tell him about it. They just wanted to see him working pretty hard and got frustrated.


    Sighing, he just walked out of the base toward the steam train. The next mission should be in the main station because the lump of light gathered at the name station when he chose his next destination.


    This time, strangely, the train was quite packed with mercenaries. They were apparently deployed to deal with Tromax in Misty Forest. It exined the situation because the train passed that ce before continuing to the main station in Utopia.


    ''The game puts the details in a strange ce.''


    Even stranger than that, Max''s usual seat near the door wasn''t taken. So he sat in that ce and enjoyed the time skip. Of course, the chat had to makements about it.


    ¡ª Breeze is surrounded by burly men


    ¡ª Don''t ever raise your rear! It''s in danger!


    ¡ª Please forgive their dirty minds¡­


    ¡ª Those mercenaries are so cool. Can I ask for their contact information?


    ¡ª Let me join, Breeze! I will¡­ huff¡­ protect you!


    ¡ª Dude, Mercenary Quest is a solo game. You can''t just ''join'' their lobby. The online server hasn''t opened yet. Biozone Entertainment said it would be next month.


    ¡ª Do you know anything about that, Breeze? When will we be able to meet in-game?


    "I have no clue at all. I only yed this to run away from stress." He answered the chat while waiting.


    When he arrived at Utopia, the crowd on the train was already gone. He exited the train and looked around for the clue to the next mission. And just a few secondster, he saw the lump of light flying toward a certain direction.


    "Let''s see what the next mission is about."


    Following the light, Max once again found himself meeting Jamal. It seemed like he was the main mission-giver, and the NPC was closely tied to the main storyline in this game.


    When he got closer, Jamal''s eyesnded on him and eximed, "Oh, newbie! You''ve arrived. I heard the details already from a little birdie. You did something amazing, didn''t you? Hahaha, you have gone for 3 days and returned with such news. I am proud of you, bud!"


    "Thank you," Max responded.


    Three days seemed to have passed since hest spoke to Jamal. Was it due to his travel between all ces? His menu had no date, so he didn''t notice it. Still, that wasn''t important. Jamal seemed to have no intention to stop anytime soon.


    The energetic mercenary kept yapping endlessly about the Tromax extermination, saying that he participated in one in the past when he was Max''s age. Not only that, but he also gave out trivia.


    "You know? Traxor is actually only able to breed inside Misty Forest. They probably will burn the forest if the numbers are too great, but thankfully, you reported it at the right time. And those reptiles¡­ Ugh, they have annoying stuff. Their glittering pollen can make you turn around without you realizing it."


    ¡ª This guy yap a lot


    ¡ª Look at Breeze. His smile had disappeared already, and he only looked at Jamal with a nk look


    ¡ª lol, peak content


    ¡ª I guess he isn''t even listening.


    "If it were me, I would be dead. Of course, right now, I am stronger, so I would survive. Eh? Contradicting? Obviously not! I want to say that you did a good job surviving that." Jamal nodded repeatedly with crossed arms.


    ''Ah, I want it to end.'' Max thought. ''Just give me the new mission already.''


    "If you''re that strong, I guess I can tell you this."


    After a while, Jamal''s yapping ended. Max''s smile returned to his face, even brighter than before.


    ''Finally!''


    ¡ª Look, he shines!


    ¡ª Shiny Breeze! Catch him, it''s rare.


    ¡ª Round Ball thrown! Sess Rate 50%


    ¡ª I GOT IT! Screenshots, clipped, saved. It will be my heirloom.


    Ignoring the chat that made fun of him, he listened to Jamal''s exnation about the second quest.


    "Located near the base is a Daigon Valley. It''s a location for Small-ss monsters like Garudama, Horsedis, and Capu. I saw that you are walking a lot, not having any mount or steam machine. So talk to Old Man Rig outside this station. He will teach you how to tame a monster."


    [Ding! A new mission is generated.]


    [First Friend!]


    [Ask how to tame a monster to Old Man Rig. Be careful. He''s grumpy.]


    [Reward: 150 Gills, 1 taming device.]


    Looking at the notification, Max''s eyes shone.


    "I can tame a monster and make it my mount?!"


    Mount!


    Not only that, but it was a monster mount. He still remembered that middle-aged man riding Garudama on a saddle. And he also liked the feeling of riding it, even though it was just for a few moments.


    "Yes! In fact, taming monsters and putting them in the stable is normal for mercenaries. Do you know about¨C"


    "Say less! I will depart immediately." Max said and left without giving Jamal a chance to exin.


    He didn''t want to hear him yapping again!


    ¡ª He''s running away


    ¡ª lolol, Jamal''s average experience


    ¡ª I have to admit Breeze has a big heart. He actually listened to Jamal''s first yapping without cutting the NPC off


    ¡ª Jamal seems to like Breeze. He yaps a lot! The more he yap, the more he likes the yer, it said.


    ¡ª lolol, let me post it in Mercenary Hub with the clip of Breeze climbing the main building


    Mercenary Hub was the name of Mercenary Quest''smunity forum, a hub to exchange information. It was usually filled with information on how to hunt certain monsters or how to finish a quest. Entertainment was scarce because it was filled with die-hard monster hunters.


    All the funny moments were appreciated. And so, when an unusual thread was posted, many yers visited it like they were queueing for a viral hot cake.


    [Lololol, a yer climbs up the main base near Daigon Valley because taking a stair is a chore! He did it twice while being oblivious to Garudama Service.]


    Three videos of short clips from when Max climbed up and down the building skillfully. Unexpectedly, it received a good reaction. Some curious and bored yers asked for the streaming link, which made the thread starter add it at the top.


    A few minutes after the thread was posted, the livestream viewers reached 16K, once again breaking the threshold, and it became the Mercenary Quest''s livestream with the most viewers count in Punch.

 Chapter 205: Chapter 205 – Taming Monster [1]

    Naturally, Max realized that. He could see his viewers increasing at a fast speed from the corner of his vision. The chat was also filled with new names.


    ¡ª I am here! This streamer looks interesting


    ¡ª Breeze, huh? I''ve heard about him. To think he would pull such a crazy stunt was something I didn''t expect lmao


    ¡ª Airhead? Is he an airhead streamer?


    ¡ª A thread in the forum brings me here.


    ''Someone posted a thread in the forum, huh? They are really active, which is good for me. I should hold an event with them soon to show my appreciation for their support.'' It was a thought for the future.


    For now, he had to deal with Old Man Rig. Based on the mission''s description, talking to the old man wouldn''t be easy. There was an exnation that he was grumpy.


    ''I should greet him politely.'' He thought so as he found Old Man Rig.


    Finding the old man was rtively easy. Just as he exited the station and followed the main street, he arrived at a stable by relying on the guiding lump of light. An old man with a question mark floating above his head was sitting on a wooden box just right in front of it.


    Just like the mission''s description, he looked so grumpy. His wrinkled skin only made him look more grumpy and didn''t help to make him look kind.


    "Excuse me." Max greeted the old man politely, following the mission''s description.


    Old Man Rig looked up and seized up to him. Then, with a frown, he asked.


    "What?"


    Facing the unfriendly answer, Max still maintained his smile.


    "Are you Mr. Rig, by chance? I was told to ask you if I want to learn about taming monsters. They said you''re the best at it." He said, "Ah, my name is Breeze. My apologies for thete introduction."


    ¡ª He''s sucking up to the old man.


    ¡ª Is this the way?


    ¡ª Damn, he sounds like a pro at sucking to someone. Old Man Rig''s expression softened a little!


    ¡ª Did he read the guide? Or is he doing this purely because he''s a polite man, to begin with?


    ¡ª FOR NEW VIEWERS: NO BACKSEAT AND NO SPOILER! Breeze is trying to have fun with us. And yes, he hasn''t read any guide yet. It''s a vani run! His virgin run!


    ¡ª So he''s a virgin. Good to know. *nod nod*


    The old viewers helped to regte the chat. Max appreciated it, but there was no need to say that this was his virgin run. It wasn''t necessary.


    ''They can word it better¡­'' He grumbled in his mind as he shifted his focus back to Old Man Rig.


    "Hah! Don''t think I would be happy with you saying that." The old man scoffed, throwing his face away, and jumped down the box. "But since youe here and ask me politely, I guess I will teach you. Follow me, fool."


    Max was speechless as he looked at Old Man Rig''s back.


    ''Could it be¡­ This old man is a tsundere?'' He thought, suppressing his chuckle. ''That''s why he''s so grumpy.''


    Rig stopped when he realized that Max didn''t follow him. He turned around and shouted.


    "Come on. Not only are you a fool, but you''re also dull! Dull fool, follow me. I won''t repeat it."


    "Ah, yes. Coming."


    Max followed the old man inside the stable. It wasrge, and there were many monsters inside, running around freely. However, when he looked around, there were actually only two types.


    The first was a horse-like monster with red fur and purple mane. The second was a ck cat-like monster with sheep horns and three tails.


    "Are they Horsedis and Capu?" Max asked curiously. All the monsters here had saddles mounted on their back.


    "For a fool, you know your monster well. That''s right. At your level, only three are suitable. But in a city like this, we can''t have Garudama flying around. I put them together with other aggressive monsters outside Utopia." Old Man Rig exined.


    He stopped when they reached arge field behind the stable and turned to Max.


    "Now then, you asked me how to tame monsters, right? Do you even know what taming a monster means?"


    "I am ignorant of it. But I have ridden Garudama before, and the person riding it seems to have a good rtionship with the monster."


    "Hmph! At least you are not that ignorant." The old man scoffed once again and raised two fingers. "There are two ways to tame a monster: first is through fear, and second through food. Do something with that information and get your first monster. I will bring it here."


    "Excuse me, bring it here?" Max asked in surprise, raising his voice.


    ¡ª What did he say?


    ¡ª Bring it here? What the heck is this old man talking about?


    ¡ª Could it be a new mission branch?


    ¡ª CLIP IT! Clip it!


    "You heard me, fool." Old Man Rig clicked his tongue, "Just wait here and prepare yourself. My monster just gave birth a year ago, and it''s now ready. Try your best to tame this wild one."


    With that, the old man walked inside the stable once again. And when he was gone, a notification rang.


    [Mission is updated!]


    [Old Man''s Favor]


    [Old Man Rig has taken a liking to you. Instead of finding a wild monster in Daigon Valley, he will provide a monster for you. Be careful! It might be stronger than a wild monster.]


    [Reward: 1,500 Gills, 1 tamed monster.]


    Max and the viewers who yed and understood Mercenary Quest well were confused. Natural development was like this.


    Old Man Rig would give the yer a taming device and 3 captures before asking them to head to Daigon Valley to find a monster to catch and tame.


    However, in this case, the old man unexpectedly gave Max an opportunity and prepared a monster for him. The bright side was that he didn''t need to spend a lot of time tracking and finding the monster. But the bad side was the mission''s description. The monster could be stronger than a wild one.


    Still, that didn''t matter for a lot of viewers. What they cared about was that a new branch mission was found. Not to mention, it was the second quest that nobody seemed to care about.


    ¡ª Tell the exploring party. How can those no-lifers miss this branch in the early game?!


    ¡ª I have contacted MonLovelove. He will be here soon


    ¡ª You know how they act around NPC. They are too depressed to be polite to such a grumpy old man!


    ¡ª They are so grumpy that the old man doesn''t like them


    ¡ª More importantly, what''s the monster provided by Old Man Rig? I am curious!


    Max was waiting patiently while stretching. The old man asked him to prepare himself, and he wouldn''t take any chance by not heeding his advice. He knew that sometimes NPC understood something better than he did. Their advice was often true.


    ''Will the Goddess of RNG smile at me, or will she frown upon me? I hope it''s the former. I have enough with bad RNG.'' He sincerely hoped. ''Please, make it a good monster that I can tame easily!''


    Before long, Old Man Rig reappeared from the stable while pulling a big cat. It was bigger than the others that Max had seen inside the stable. The fur was also different. It was golden instead of red.


    While getting pulled by the old man, whose muscle somehow popped up, it trashed around and tried to run away. It was a wild one, indeed.


    "Stay still!" A thunderous roar escaped the old man''s lips.


    The ck cat monster that trashed around earlier suddenly went quiet and sat down. Nodding in satisfaction, Rig turned to Max and pointed behind him.


    "This is the kid I want you to tame. It''s a Capu."


    ¡ª ¡­


    ¡ª Isn''t that a mutation? For real?


    ¡ª Holy¡­ The old man gives him a chance to tame mutated Capu!


    ¡ª His luck is heavenly!


    ¡ª Indeed. But¡­ Did you not see his weapon? How could he tame a mutated Capu, which is twice stronger than a normal one, with a default weapon and armor?


    ¡ª Kekeke, it will be a ughter!


    "How is it, fool? You think you have the guts to try?" The old man smirked and taunted Max. "If you chickened out, feel free to back away and tame one in the wild. But if you''re up to tame this kid, take this taming device." He pulled out what looked like a wooden token from his pocket.


    Facing such an obvious challenge, Max walked to the old man and took the taming device from him.


    "I am not a coward, so I will tame this Capu."


    "Good, good. Don''t die, you courageous fool."


    It seemed like his name was upgraded from dull fool to courageous fool.


    Max smiled and unsheathed his sword.


    "That''s a tall order, old man." He chuckled, "But I will try."

 Chapter 206: Chapter 206 – Taming Monster [2]

    To use the taming device, Max had to get the monster''s acknowledgement first. The wooden token was just a saddlepressed into a small space, a wonder of strange technological advancement in this game world.


    ''In short, it''s just useless junk that didn''t help the taming process at all.''


    Facing the growling Capu, Max tried to find out its strengths and weaknesses. The monster circled against him, walking near the fence covering therge field. For some reason, it didn''t run away.


    Old Man Rig overseed everything to ensure nothing went wrong.


    "You can start anytime, fool!"


    Hearing his words, Max rushed forward. He knew nothing would change just by standing around doing nothing. He would test the Capu directly.


    His sword tore the air. He could now swing it as easily as swinging a wooden one. The weight felt so light.


    Seeing the attack, Capu moved its head forward and blocked the sword with its study horns.


    ng!


    Spark flew everywhere, and Max''s sword bounced off. He saw the monster already attacked with its sharp ws that jutted out from its paw.


    "Meooow!"


    It was fast. Nothing seemed to be able to stop it.


    Facing it, Max rolled forward and dodged the attack. He immediately sent a counter sh from below its belly.


    "That won''t do, fool!"


    Just as he heard Old Man Rig''s shout, he noticed three tails had already swung toward him. He couldn''t react to it and got hit.


    "Argh!"


    His body was sent flying a few meters away. He only stopped after rolling a few times.


    "Capu looks chubby, but it''s fast. There is a reason why mercenaries love to have it as a mount! Use your brain! You are there to tame it, not to kill it!"


    Tame it and not kill it.


    Max''s eyes widened slightly as he realized what he did was wrong. He was going to show his strength by injuring the Capu. But that was a wrong choice. That was why the monster retaliated strongly.


    ''Come to think of it, this Capu didn''t attack me and just circled around me as if observing me.''


    At that moment, he remembered Old Man Rig''s words. There were two ways to tame the monster. One was through fear, and the other was with food.


    "I understand now." He eximed and sheathed his sword.


    "Heh, it seems you''re not as big as a fool. Do it, small fool!"


    ¡ª What fool?


    ¡ª Fool -> Courageous Fool -> small fool. The title has increased again!


    ¡ª What did he realize? Am I stupid for not understanding it?


    ¡ª Don''t worry, we are all big fools. We have small brain.


    "How can you not understand it, chat?" Max shook his head in disappointment and shrugged his shoulders. "It''s so simple. The clue is with Old Man Rig''s words and what he showed me before giving me the wooden token. It''s also written in the quest''s reward."


    He walked toward the Capu that purred and licked its paw. It seemed to forget about Max already. Or rather, it didn''t really care and had no intention to hurt him from the start. All he did was simple.


    "This monster has been tamed by Old Man Rig. I just need to make it acknowledge me as its new master. What it did earlier was just y, giving me its paw and tail." He exined. "And yeah¡­ I don''t need to kill it or even hurt it, but tame it by ying with it!"


    Hearing his exnation, the chat burst into a fury.


    ¡ª This guy is smart


    ¡ª I didn''t realize that. That''s one way to exin it.


    ¡ª But didn''t that monster attack you with its w? How could you think that it''s only ying?


    ¡ª Yeah, I was confused. I thought the monster tried to kill him


    "Well, it''s simple¡­"


    Max chuckled evilly as he stopped in front of Capu. It observed him and purred without giving any sign of attacking.


    Looking at it, he continued, "A cat is a creature like that. It would scratch its owner to show its love! Yes, a cat''s scratch is proof of love. This monster loves me already."


    Slowly, Max extended his hand that was holding the wooden token toward the Capu. He was hoping it would stay still like now and epted it.


    "Good boy. Be my mount, alright?"


    The monster looked back at him with its golden eyes. It looked at his face first before turning to the extended hand. A soft tongue jutted out from its slightly opened mouth. And then¡­


    "Nya!"


    It opened its mouth wide and tried to bite Max''s hand, thinking it was a treat. He immediately retracted it and jumped back.


    "Bad cat! Stay still!" He shouted. "Sorry, guys, I have mistaken the mission assignment! This fucker isn''t tame at all!" He said as hended a bit away from where he stood before.


    Capu looked at him and licked its paw as if mocking him. The purr was louder than before, sounding like it wasughing.


    ¡ª The cat is tame, guys. I can fix it!


    ¡ª Capu: Are you sure about that?! *proceed to bite*


    ¡ª Nah, Breeze''s arm looks too delicious. That''s why it wanted a taste


    ¡ª I like his confidence, only to see him fail next.


    ¡ª lmao, Iughed when Capu tried to bite him. ROFL ROFL ROFL


    "Ugh, what did I do wrong?" He asked himself.


    Old Man Rig only sighed from the side. He seemed to have enough.


    "Even if it''s tamed, it''s still a monster! They only have thew of the jungle! Those on top are superior. It''s that simple!" The old man bellowed, "I won''t help anymore. Just fucking ride it!"


    "Ah, fine. Let''s not think too much!"


    Max had enough and just followed what Old Man Rig told him. He rushed toward Capu, which lowered its guard considerably.


    "I just need to ride it, right?!"


    When he got close, he leaped upward. His body soared in the air andnded on the fat cat''s back.


    "Nyaa!!"


    Feeling something strange on its body, Capu meowed loudly. Its fur stood up, and it began to trash around. Max did his best to hold onto its fur. His body was thrown around, but he stayed on top. A smile unexpectedly adorned his face.


    "Yahoo!"


    For him, this was like a rodeo, something he often yed with his friends before he got into an ident.


    "Come on! Is this your limit? You''re pretty weak, huh?! I thought you were stronger!"


    "Grrr!" Capu growled in displeasure and began to jump around. It shook its body in order to get rid of the annoying person on its back.


    ¡ª What is this?


    ¡ª A rodeo! It''s a rodeo!


    ¡ª Breeze: Fork it, I will just ride it. Get over here, you little cat!


    Capu kept thrashing around for a while. It showed an irritated expression that slowly changed into a yful one. Before long, it slowed down and actually ran around the field.


    "Look at that. You can do it!" Old Man Rigughed loudly when he saw what happened. "Now, use that wooden token, fool!"


    "Yeah!"


    Max immediately pushed the wooden token on Catpalu''s back and activated the mechanism. Instantly, it expanded and bound the monster''s belly with a sturdy rope. The back part became a squishy stable. When he sat on it, he couldn''t really feel the vibration from Catpalu''s movement anymore.


    [Old Man''s Favorpleted!]


    [Reward: 1,500 Gills, 1 tamed monster.]


    [Mutated Catpalu has been tamed! It will now follow yourmand.]


    [Now you can name Mutated Catpalu.]


    A notification rang, and so was his chat. It moved so fast with some suspicious text.


    ¡ª TOO EASY!


    ¡ª Tame it by riding it. Come on baby


    ¡ª Move your back! I am on top of you, sweetheart!


    ¡ª Guys, stop it! Seriously! It''s a freaking fat monster cat!


    ¡ª Tsk tsk tsk, boys be boys. But damn! He did a rodeo and actually tamed that Catpalu!


    ¡ª I need that mutated Catpalu too! On my way to creating my second world!


    The chat could be ignored right now. Max focused on reading the notification and tried tomand it.


    "Stop."


    The monster actually stopped and sat on its four legs, lowering its back. He climbed down and stroked its fur happily.


    "Good job, Catpalu. You''re tamer than I thought."


    "Meow~" The monster replied as if it could understand him. It turned to face him and licked his body.


    "Hey, that tickles!" Max eximed, "And it''s gross. Your saliva now covers me."


    Even so, heughed. He looked at the notification that was still hovering in front of him.


    ''A name, huh?'' He mused.

 Chapter 207: Chapter 207 – It’s a Long Night

    "What should I name it, chat?"


    Max decided to ask the chat because he sucked at naming his pet, thinking that they probably had a better option than his. In his mind, he only had two options: ckie or Cattie. While he liked both options, he used this chance to converse with his viewers.


    ¡ª Name, huh? You''re Breeze, so why not call it Storm or Tempest?


    "That sounds good, actually." He admitted in surprise. "But let''s take another suggestion. Does anyone have a good name?"


    ¡ª Roundy!


    ¡ª How about we call it Jack4ss? Like, it''s Jack but has 4ss!


    ¡ª I think you mean Jackall, but meh. I suggest you call it ckie!


    "Oh? ckie sounds good." He nodded in agreement, as the chat had the same opinion as his.


    ¡ª ckie is too basic, don''t you think? Just call your cat rk or Garfield or something.


    ¡ª You''re not creative at all! Hear this: Lapu. Taken from Capu


    ¡ª ¡­ I have no words. By the way, why don''t you just call him Darky?


    ¡ª Darky sounds good. You can also call him sucker!


    ¡ª Hell no! Don''t use this noble me''s name as a mount''s name! Hear me, Breeze. Don''t do it!


    Max''s lips curled up into a grin.


    "BloodSucker seems nice. But because it''s a cat, I guess it''s just Bloody? Or Sucky? Both sounds good"


    The chat began to make fun of BloodSucker after that. They supported the names he mentioned. Some even donated diamonds to make him name the monster with Bloody or Sucky just for theugh.


    And then, the person in question did something that everyone expected.


    [BloodSucker has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Please, just name it ckie.]


    [Reward: 2,500 diamonds.]


    Sighing, Max looked at the camera.


    "I guess there is no choice. Your name will be ckie from now on."


    "Nyaa!"


    [ckie has been chosen for Mutated Catpalu''s name. It will respond to that name from now on.]


    [Missionpleted!]


    [2,500 diamonds have been donated!]


    The notification cemented the naming contest. ckie had been chosen as a winner, thanks to the power of money.


    ¡ª Money win again in the end


    ¡ª Kekeke, we both profit though. We had a goodugh, and Breeze got money


    ¡ª The name is basic but good. But not everyone profits


    ¡ª Don''t forget that BloodSucker lost money but gained his dignity.


    ¡ª I won''t ever forget this! This noble me will make you get more money and pay me more!


    ¡ª Good luck, Sucky. Lmao


    Everyone had a goodugh, and that concluded that night''s live streaming.


    [Livestream Ended!]


    ***


    In a certain kitchen, a girl was humming while cutting onions. There was a trace of tears on her cheek, but she looked really relieved and happy.


    ''I can finally tell him that.'' Nina thought. ''I have no more regrets. I have chosen this path for myself, for my dream.''


    The knife she controlled cut the vegetables and meat skillfully. It felt lighter than before, probably because her hesitation was gone.


    For a long time, Nina has liked cooking. She had always cooked with her mother since childhood, and a fond memory kept her going on this path even when she was gone.


    With her father, Chef Rush''s guidance, she managed to be a decent chef. Her friend was there to support her, even though he was in a bad situation.


    That was why she asked her father to help her friend. It worried her. For some reason, she wanted to cook for him. Her dream to be a better cook was stronger than ever.


    However, circumstances prevented her from doing so. The restaurant wasn''t doing well. They had always been in the red since she graduated from high school, making her unable to continue her education. She knew her father felt guilty for that, but she didn''t mind.


    Family came first. And if she left, who would help her friend, whom she considered a part of her family? That was why she stayed.


    A year had passed since then, and her friend finally changed. He became brighter and spirited. Hisplexion became better, and he pursued his longst dream. Much to her surprise, he seeded. He even helped to promote her restaurant, saving it from getting closed.


    That made Nina happy and reignited her desire to pursue a cooking career. To grab her dream and be a high-ss chef.


    "Hmm hmm~ I just need a few more spices. Then let it simmer for tomorrow''s breakfast."


    Putting on a few spices, Nina stirred the pot happily. She didn''t notice that her father was looking at her with a soft gaze, seemingly proud of her.


    ''She has grown.'' Chef Rush thought as he turned around and walked out of the kitchen. ''That boy has chosen his choice. At least it leads to her happiness, so I won''t do anything. Youth is really troublesome. They keep stalling, stalling, stalling until it''s toote.''


    Sitting on one of the empty chairs in the dark restaurant, Chef Rush opened a piece of candy and threw it into his mouth. His expression softened immediately.


    ''Even so, they still seem to be friends. I am d. Nothing went wrong with their rtionship. It would be a disaster to lose a boy that I thought of as a son already.''


    It was not a good night, but it certainly wasn''t the worst.


    ''Such a long night. It''s better to be spent drinking.''


    ***


    After ending the stream and showering, Max browsed Mercenary Hub to see why his viewers and followers suddenly exploded. True to his prior guess, his viewers seemed to upload some thread with his clips there.


    The clips of him climbing the mercenary base seemed to be the most popr one, followed by his attempt to tame ckie.


    ''This forum is full of interesting people. But I shouldn''t linger any longer if I don''t want to get a spoiler of the main story.''


    Guides were everywhere. It was hell for someone who wanted to know nothing and enjoyed exploring the game.


    Besides, it was already past midnight. Flexy had yet to reply to his message from earlier.


    ''He might just be so frustrated and go to sleep. It happens.'' He thought and closed all floating hologram screens. ''I might as well sleep too. Tomorrow, I need to wake up early and pick up Nina.''


    Thinking about the girl, Max felt a little bit happy and guilty. He was d she decided to follow her dream instead of sticking with him. No matter how dense he was, he knew her feelings. It was both love and pity, although he felt thetter was stronger than the former.


    ''She shouldn''t be bound to me. I only tie her with pity and keep her from spreading her wings. She should be free and pursue her dream seriously.''


    Chef Rush probably also noticed that. That was why the chef warned Max not to disappoint him. And as a fellow who tried his best to pursue his dream, he knew the pain of being unable to do so.


    When he was unable to do parkour, his heart broke, and his reason to live disappeared. At one time, he even thought that dying was better than sleeping in the hospital. He didn''t want Nina to feel that way. She still had a choice. And he would support her.


    ''Is my choice good enough, Chef Rush? I hope she can also be free with this. We''re just best friends, nothing more, nothing less. I would help her and be there for her, but I wouldn''t be able to feel anything romantic with her. I know her too well.''


    Turning the light off, Max went to the bed and closed his eyes. The night was already too long. Talking to Nina and then trying to forget it through a game. It was time to end it and wee a new day.


    So, he let his consciousness stray away and drifted to sleep.

 Chapter 208: Chapter 208 – Last Outing Together

    Max woke up before the sun even rose. For some reason, there was still no news from Flexy. Still, he shouldn''t worry about that for today as he had decided to spend time with Nina and have fun together before she departed for the cooking school.


    Facing the mirror, he took a look at his appearance. This time, he didn''t wear his usual jacket but a simple white turtleneck with a blue bomber jacket on top and long pants.


    Max also made sure to wear a ck mask in case someone recognized him. His fame shot up after he appeared on the billboard. When he got out with Lilyst time, he felt strangers'' gaze on him many times.


    "Clothes, OK. And money¡­"


    He looked at his bank ount. 27 grand was sitting inside. "All clear." He nodded in satisfaction.


    It was supposed to be more, but he hadn''t withdrawn hisst payment from Punch. He wanted to umte it for a nice surprise on May 15th.


    With everything confirmed, he left his apartment. The spring would end soon, and summer would arrive. It was already May 10th, and he deserved some rest today.


    He didn''t immediately go to Nina''s ce. Instead, he made a detour and went to the city center first. Before going to meet her, he nned to give her a gift.


    ''Thankfully, Lime City''s Mall is open 24/7.'' He thought. ''I already bought the ticket too, so all is good.''


    Lime City''s Mall was massive. It was the same size or even bigger than a stadium used for the Olympics in his past life. It also had 4 floors, which made it impossible to look around all the parts in just a day.


    Coincidentally, the aforementioned aquarium was also located inside this mall, precisely at the center of the first floor. The entire area was transformed into a giant aquarium.


    Entering the mall, he immediately went to the second floor to find the store he nned to buy a gift from. When he found the store, he entered immediately and talked to the employee inside, ordering something to be wrapped.


    Thankfully, the store was willing to keep it until he picked it up, so he didn''t need to bring it with him and ruin the surprise. After paying and leaving his information to pick up the itemter, he left the mall and walked to Nina''s ce.


    In the end, he decided not to stream this outing. That would ruin the atmosphere of their outing.


    At this time, the sun had risen already. It peeked from between the skyscrapers. The warm light hit Max''s face, making him smile.


    ''The weather is beautiful, perfect for an outing.''


    After a while, he arrived at the restaurant. When he reached the ce, he noticed Nina dressed nicely in front of the restaurant. She was wearing ayered white t-shirt tucked inside jeans and cream clothes.


    While standing, she was ying with her hair and appeared to be nervous.


    "Nina," Max called out to her and waved his hand. "Morning."


    Upon seeing him, a smile blossomed on her face.


    "Morning, Max." She waved back, seeing him stop in front of her. "Have you had breakfast already?" She asked curiously.


    "Breakfast? I haven''t had any." He answered.


    "Great!" She sped her hands together, and her smile widened, "I actually prepared a light stew already. Let''s have breakfast together before going. We need to fill our stomachs so we can have the energy to look around the aquarium!"


    "Well, I won''t refuse."


    "Hehe, I promise it will be good." Nina giggled cutely and entered the restaurant.


    Max followed her and sat on the usual seat while she got the stew from inside. It didn''t take long for her to return with two bowls as if she had prepared them beforehand. She ced them on the table, and they began to eat.


    It was surprisingly delicious, more than anything Max ever tasted in this world.


    "If you give this dish to your cooking school teacher in the future, I believe you can easily secure the top spot. This dish is that delicious." He praised it honestly.


    Hearing that, Nina''s face reddened slightly. She was happy.


    "Really? Hehehe, I am d you like it. If you want more, I still have a lot in the pot. You take it hometer."


    "I guess I will do thatter." He nodded, "But not before we go to the aquarium. Shall we go now?"


    "Hmm, yes. Let''s go before it''s too crowded." Nina said, walking beside Max and leaving the restaurant. "But, Max. Are you not going to do a vlog or anything? I believe all streamers will do it when they visit an interesting ce, no?"


    "Not all streamers do that." He responded, "And I don''t want to mix my private and public life. I will only livestream when I want to. If I am going out with my friend and enjoy my day, I won''t stream that to other people."


    That would only give his viewers a reason to tease him. It was one of the reasons why he canceled his n to stream the vlog.


    ''Dealing with them is too troublesome.'' He sighed.


    "Hmm, is that so?" Nina hummed in interest and put her hands behind her back. "That''s impressive, I think. Most people will do anything for money, even if that means exposing their private life. I have seen some streamers do that. So, I think you''re really impressive by noticing that boundary, Max."


    "It''s not that amazing."


    "No, it''s amazing." She retorted and shook her head.


    "Do you think I didn''t watch your stream? I do, you know? And from what I watched, your viewers call you money-grubbing Breeze or Capitalist. With your love for money, I think you will step into that territory too, but you''re not. So, that''s impressive. You should be proud of that."


    "I see." Max only nodded at her words while hiding his real feelings.


    Sometimes, other people''s assessment was better than your own assessment. Getting praised like that made him happy, and his smile widened slightly.


    They continued walking in silence, side by side. The scenery was calming. Many people also walked outside the sidewalk. Passing the park, they found many people doing morning exercise like usual.


    These were the daily lives they could see in Lime City. And in a week, Nina wouldn''t be able to witness it as she would go to another city far away.


    Still, both of them looked happy. Although a bit hard, they could always meet again.


    After a short walk, they reached their destination.


    "Woah! This is so beautiful!" Nina eximed, her eyes widened as she gazed at therge aquarium before her. Excited, she turned to Max and pulled his hand. "Max, let''s enter!"


    "Hahaha, alright. Slow down, Nina."


    The dome-shaped structure sparkled under the sunlight that passed through the ss roof. It invited people to enter, immersing themselves. Fish swam freely, and there were various paths visitors could take.


    Once their tickets were verified, they could finally step inside the aquarium. Inside, the sound of water was clear. Nina''s eyes sparkled with delight as she looked around, mesmerized by the underwater world.


    "This is the best." She eximed happily, turning to her friend. Her smile was so captivating under the bluish glow of the water. "Thank you for apanying me here. Hehehe."


    Smiling softly, Max let out a soft sigh, "It''s not a problem at all. I also enjoyed this. It''s as if we''re directly underwater."


    "Right? I wonder if we can catch them and cook them." She hummed curiously, looking at arge fish in the right tank.


    Max couldn''t know whether she was joking or serious. At least her eyes looked as if she would cook the fish without a second thought.


    Noticing his gaze, Nina looked at him and giggled, "I was just joking, obviously. Those fish aren''t tasty at all."


    "Ha¡­haha¡­" Heughed dryly at that.


    ''Do you mean if it''s delicious, then you will cook them?'' He retorted in his mind.


    He should be careful and not take his gaze away from Nina. Who knew what she would do to the fish?


    Bringing a chef to an aquarium was dangerous, he took a note of that.


    Putting that aside, Nina was too energetic and pulled him everywhere she found interesting. Max had a difficult time following her, but he still did his best to do that.


    After all, it might be theirst outing together for a while.


    ''As long as she''s happy.''

 Chapter 209: Chapter 209 – Congratulatory Gift

    Walking around in the aquarium made them lose their sense of time. When they realized it, lunchtime had already passed. It was thanks to Max''s grumbling stomach that they realized it.


    So, they decided to go to a nearby caf¨¦ to eat and rest. Max took off his mask, which made him feel stuffed, and let out a long sigh.


    "Ugh¡­ That''s embarrassing. I bet people near us heard my stomach rumbling too¡­"


    "Hahaha. Don''t worry, it''s not that loud. I only heard the sound because I was close to you."


    "Still, it was embarrassing. It has never happened before, even when I am really hungry."


    "Maybe you''re too tired? Who knows? You didn''t eat that much this morning, either. Maybe that''s the reason."


    "I will definitely have a fulfilling breakfast in the future." He grumbled and looked at Nina, who sat across from him. "Ah, don''t misunderstand. I only ate a little this morning because I wanted to enjoy it again tonight."


    "I know." Nina giggled cutely.


    At that moment, the caf¨¦ waitress arrived with an automatic tray that brought their orders.


    "Thank you for waiting. Here is your pancake, spaghetti, and two iced teas. Please enjoy your time."


    "Thank you." Max smiled at the waitress, causing her to be slightly flustered.


    However, as a professional, she immediately masked her expression with a smile and walked away. Noticing what happened was Nina, and she poked his hand.


    "What ady killer you have be. Just by putting on a bit of weight and muscles, now many girls are flustered because of your smile alone."


    "Don''t tease me, Nina." Max narrowed his eyes in displeasure, "I didn''t mean to make them flustered."


    "That''s what you said." She grinned, "Oh, Mr. Rank 2 in the most handsome streamer list. By the way, first ce is StoneSword. And this is a secret list, so don''t tell anybody else." She put her index finger on her lips.


    Hearing what Nina said, the edge of his lips twitched slightly.


    ''There is a list of something like that?''


    The Inte was vast. Once again, he was forced to realize it. Who knows? Maybe there was also a privatemunity that paired one streamer with another.


    ''I don''t want to know that.''


    Feeling the dread of being paired with someone else, Max shuddered and took the fork on the te.


    "Let''s forget about that and eat." He urged Nina, "And after this, there is somewhere that I want to visit with you. You still have time to spare, right?"


    "Hmm?" Nina raised her head, her hand already holding the fork and knife to cut the pancake, "Of course. I can stay as long as you''d like me to." She shed a sly grin.


    Once again, she tried to tease him. But that didn''t work. Max grinned back and rested his elbow on the table.


    "Perfect, then. I will reserve your time the whole day and keep you with me then."


    "Hya?!"


    ''Keeping me the whole day?!'' She screamed in her mind.


    It sessfully turned Nina''s face red.


    ***


    After finishing eating, Max dragged Nina, whose eyes were closed due to his request. She looked nervous and looking forward to whatever it was.


    He entered the store on the second floor, which he visited this morning, and was greeted by the employee. After showing him his information and exining why he was there, the waitress nodded and went inside.


    At that time, Nina was already impatient.


    "Max, can I open my eyes now?"


    "Wait a little more." He said, "You will definitely like it. It''s just a small gift from me to once again celebrate your eptance in cooking school."


    "A gift?" She raised her voice slightly, "You don''t need to! I have had enough fun already, and you also paid for the aquarium ticket. That was expensive, right? It''s like $50 for one. Not to mention, you also paid for the meal earlier."


    She was honestly worried about it. Max had problems with money in the past. Even though she knew he made enough, she was still worried about his condition.


    Besides¡­ epting the gift right now would pose another problem for her.


    "Don''t worry about it. It''s just something cheap." Max said to reassure her.


    The employee from before appeared once again while holding a rectangr wooden box. It looked amazing, with the words ''Slice and Dice'' written in ck ink.


    Nodding his head, Max patted Nina''s shoulder.


    "You can open your eyes now."


    "A-Alright."


    Filled with nervousness, her heart beat faster. Nina slowly opened her eyes and looked at the ''gift'' Max gave her. When her eyesnded on the box, her jaw dropped in disbelief. She pointed at it with a trembling finger and looked at him.


    "It''s your gift." He said with a sly smile. "Once again, congrattions. I hope it will help you in school."


    She was speechless. She turned back and forth between the wooden box and Max, only stopping when the employee opened it and showed a beautiful kitchen knife inside. It had an intricate Damascus steel design on the de, and the handle was made from a beautiful wood.


    "Tell me you''re lying." She said, still in disbelief. "You said it''s cheap. You''re lying!"


    "This is cheap, though." Max chuckled, "Among the others of its type, this is the cheapest. Right, Miss employee?"


    "Yes." The employee nodded with a smile, "This one only cost $3,500 and is the most basic design from ''Slice and Dice.''"


    "Five thousand¡­" Nina muttered. Her soul seemed to escape her body as she stared nkly at the air.


    It took a few seconds to take in what happened. Tears were formed on the edge of her eyes.


    "How do I say it¡­" She sobbed, having difficulty forming her words. Even when she was sobbing, she still smiled brightly when she jumped and hugged him. "Thank you, Max."


    "You''re wee." He smiled back at her.


    Supporting her was the only thing he could do right now. He had been indebted a lot to her, so he at least wanted to support her dream. Knife would be essential for her future career and training.


    This knife also came with lifetime free maintenance in every branch store connected to this one, so it was convenient.


    While it might look cheap and seem like he put a mary and memory burden on Nina, Max genuinely wanted to help her reach her dream faster.


    ''I hope you will be able to reach your dream. Because I will also do my best to reach mine.'' He thought as he tried to calm her down.


    The employee only smiled the whole time while watching them.


    ''Youth.'' She thought.

 Chapter 210: Chapter 210 – Getting an Answer

    Sun had already set.


    Max and Nina walked back slowly, with thetter clutching the wooden box preciously. They could''ve just asked for the item to be delivered, but the girl was adamant about bringing it with her.


    "It''s a precious gift, so I would like to hold it myself." She said.


    He could only smile at her reasoning and let her do whatever she pleased. As long as she was happy, then there was no problem.


    Like a gentleman, he walked her until she reached home safely. Chef Rush was standing in front of the restaurant, waiting for them.


    Therge man looked at the wooden box and nced at Max. Nodding, he turned back to his daughter.


    "Go inside and put that in the safe ce." He said.


    "Ah, yes." Nina nodded at her father''s words. She went inside the restaurant, but not before saying goodbye to Max.


    After she was gone, Chef Rush looked at him with a gaze that could chill even the deepest of hell. Then, the chef crossed his arms and sighed.


    "I don''t know whether I should thank you for supporting Nina''s dream or punch you for making her cry."


    "Haha¡­ Please do go easy on me if you choose thetter, Chef Rush." Maxughed wryly while looking down. "I just want her to follow her dream. I don''t know whether that would make her happy or not. I can only hope. Humans can''t really fully understand each other."


    Chef Rush was silent and only looked at him. Nervousness settled in. Max was ready to get punched, as the atmosphere was definitely saying so.


    However¡­ the punch that he was waiting for never arrived.


    "You''re too mature for your age." Chef Rush said, looking at the sky. "And she''s also forced to mature due to my negligence. So, thank you for allowing her to pursue her dream again. Doe around even when she''s not here. I have many menus that I''d like you to try. And here, take it.


    I''ve reheated it."


    It was the way Chef Rush showed his consideration. He entered the restaurant without saying any other words after he gave a box. It was the stew Nina made.


    Everything went well. Their rtionships still stayed the same as usual. Nothing had changed. Only¡­ Both of them now pursued their dream seriously¡ªNina with her cooking career and Max with his streaming and parkour.


    ''Let''s return and make an announcement. Streaming today will only exhaust me further. And¡­'' Max thought as he let out a tired sigh. ''Let''s have a drink.''


    ***


    Morning came with a headache. Max only bought a quarter bottle worth of whiskey, but it still knocked him out. His alcohol tolerance was as low as it could get.


    The bright side was he remembered everything fromst night. And he didn''t do anything stupid at all.


    "Ugh¡­ It really sucks."


    Holding his head, he went to the bathroom and washed his face. Hisplexion looked bad, but that was fine. It wouldn''t reflect on his VR stream.


    Taking a shower to fully refresh himself, he then changed intofortable clothes and did his morning email and message check.


    There was a notification from Punch about him not withdrawing his money at 30, but he ignored that one. Another email came from Bamboo Talent. The agency seemed to express gratitude for working with their talents in one livestream. They seemed to show signs of growth after that.


    Together with the gratitude, a short word that basically said they wanted to have a good rtionship with him was written.


    ''I already got my pay in the form of information and more viewers. But I appreciate their words, although two days have passed since then.''


    Following that, there was no more email that he had to read, so he moved to a message. He deactivated the notification everytime he slept, so any messages would just sit in the application if he didn''t check it.


    And when he looked at the message list, there was indeed one unread message. It was from Flexy.


    "He finally replied," Max muttered with a wry smile. "Way too slow, buddy. Hanging on me for a day isn''t exactly the best way to curry my favor to help."


    Even when he was grumbling about Flexy''s behavior, he still opened the message to read the reply.


    [Flexy: I am truly sorry for thete reply, buddy. StoneSword couldn''t join my team, so I had to find a recement. Fortunately, that guy knows a skilled someone who can rece him. Unfortunately, someone gave me a task which took me this long toplete! I finally got that person''s agreement.]


    [Flexy: Also, that person is really nuts! He might even be the best yer I ever met. Ah, and I am happy because you decided to join. You won''t change your mind just because I amte replying to you, right? Right?! Please tell me that you have still nned to join my team!


    I am so desperate right now.]


    [Flexy: I am waiting for your reply. [emote:prostrating] Please, I am begging you! Reply to me with a positive answer!]


    The reply made Max burst intoughter. So, just as he had expected before, StoneSword refused the invitation, and he had to find another person. And it seemed like that person was quite skilled but troublesome at the same time, so he took a lot of time convincing him.


    ''He could have just found other people¡­ Or not. If Flexy said that this person is the most skilled yer he has ever met, even when he knows StoneSword, then his skill is the real deal. Spending a lot of time to convince him might be worth it.''


    A yer with skill approved by Flexy and StoneSword¡­ Max wondered what kind of person he was.


    Replying to Flexy might make him only get the answerter, so he immediately called that orange-haired streamer. The calling screen rang a few times before his image popped up. His friend looked really tired and had ck circles around his eyes.


    "Yo, dude. Look at your face. Hahaha, you look like a panda."


    Flexy, on the screen, smiled wryly.


    "If you saw me simrly as that extinct animal, I must have looked really bad. Not that you''re any better. It seemed like you drankst night."


    That sentence surprised Max. Not because Flexy said hisplexion looked bad or because his friend found out he was drinkingst night, but because the panda was extinct. It was a loss for humanity.


    "Well, hahaha. I was a bit stressed, so I drank a little bit." Max responded with a wry smile.


    "Understandable." Flexy nodded in understanding. Then, he suddenly jumped close to the screen and shouted, "Anyway, buddy. Are you calling me to give me your answer? You won''t just walk away after saying that you''d like to do this Roach with me, right?"


    "I wonder." Max shrugged his shoulders, "I mean, I was ignored for a whole day and getting stressed because of that. Whose fault was it that led me to drink, even though someone knows I can''t even handle alcohol?"


    Of course, it wasn''t Flexy''s fault. Max only drank because he wanted tost night. He only wanted to y with his friend.


    But the other party didn''t know about it. A guilty expression was written on the orange-haired streamer''s face.


    "Ugh¡­ Please, dude. Just yesterday, ourst teammate also left for some reason, saying that it was hopeless. Thankfully, the person introduced by StoneSword also knew another skilled person who was willing to join. If you change your mind, I might need to find another person again, which is hard."


    Flexy looked desperate. He was holding his head, which probably throbbed in pain due to overthinking.

 Chapter 211: Chapter 211 – Teammates

    This time, Max was the one who felt guilty. He shouldn''t have joked around earlier.


    "My bad, dude. I was only joking." He said while smiling bitterly, "I will join, but I have a condition. This is not unreasonable, like me asking for a hundred thousand dors or something, though. So, rest assured."


    Hearing what he said, Flexy''s lips curled up into a smile.


    "Hahaha, I would give you even if you ask me for a hundred thousand as long as you join. Don''t worry, pal." A mockingughter escaped his lips. "But let''s hear your condition. I will try my best to fulfill that. Of course, I will also do my best to schedule the training so it does not collide with your tournament."


    "That helps a lot." Max nodded in gratitude. "As for my condition, it''s pretty simple. It''s¡­"


    And so, Max told Flexy his condition and the reason why he requested it, which caused the orange-haired streamer to burst intoughter. Max felt embarrassed and thought he made a big mistake again. He was just trying to be reasonable, but it backfired on him.


    ''Freaking hell. Can''t he be subtle and at least try to hold back hisughter?'' Max groaned. ''And here I felt guilty after seeing his expression earlier. Return my guilt, motherfucker!''


    After a while, Flexy calmed down and wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes.


    "Fine, that''s okay. Consider it a deal. I will also add a bonus for your¡­ emotional damage."


    "Ugh, that''s unnecessary, but I appreciate it. Thanks"


    "Hahaha! No need to mention it. I should be the one who thanked you." Flexy said, grinning widely. "And if you''re free tonight, I will introduce you to our teammates. Let''s meet in Roach Lobby at 8 PM. I will gift you the game after this; just think of it as my way to be considerate.


    See you there."


    "Alright."


    With that, the call ended, and Max let out a long sigh. He let his body fall onto his bed.


    ''Flexy has it hard, huh? Poor guy. All his 3 teammates left the team, in the end.'' He thought. ''Still, it was good that he found the other two recements, excluding me. I wonder if they are really as skilled as he said. I will find out tonight.''


    ***


    Just as promised, Flexy gifted Max Roach. The game was unexpectedly pretty expensive, sitting at $250. Not to mention, there were still in-game transactions too that needed money, mainly costume and custom weapon skins.


    Just as usual, Max nned to go vani without buying anything from the game store.


    ''Everything is ready. I also spent the whole afternoon reading the guide and information on the Roach forum. The mechanic is simpler than I thought. But still, the enemies are as disgusting as cockroaches in real life. It''s a bit unsettling.''


    Still, one wouldn''t be able to grow if they kept avoiding what they were afraid of.


    It was now 7:30 PM, half an hour before the promised time. Just as usual, Max decided to log in first so he wouldn''t bete. Even if other people called it stupid, he wouldn''t think so. Arriving first also had its merit.


    ''I won''t miss any drama or information in case there is any.''


    Thinking so, he entered Roach''s Lobby.


    Unlike Knight''s Journey''s medieval and Midnight Heist''s urban lobby, Roach''s Lobby was located in an outer space station called XStar 5. It was a futuristic residential area where the buildings circled the wall with artificial gravity, making the ceiling just another part of the residential area.


    Max appeared in what appeared to be a hub''s first floor. When he looked around, he was greeted by many people in space suits talking to each other.


    Turning to his clothes, he realized he was also in a white space suit. It was a bit stuffy and hard to move in. He needed to get used to it before being able to move freely.


    ''Now then¡­ If I remember correctly, Flexy said to meet him in private room 5, which can be found by talking to a beautiful red-haired NPC just around this ce.''


    Finding that said beautiful NPC was pretty easy. All NPCs standing behind the desk in this hub had red hair and were beautiful women dressed in space suits that outlined their body contours.


    ''Yeah, that''s pretty useful information.'' Max chuckled dryly as he approached one of them.


    He stopped right in front of the desk, and the NPC automatically responded.


    "How may I help you today, Exterminator?"


    Exterminator was the term used for the yer in Roach. It fit perfectly because they exterminated the roaches.


    "I want to enter private room number 5." Max said, "The code is FlexyIsSoHandsomeThatHeCouldDie."


    When saying the password, he tried his best to keep his expression t. Even when talking to the NPC, that password was just too¡­ cringe and narcissistic. No matter how courageous he was, he would never be able to imitate it.


    "Password is confirmed. Please head to room number 5 in that direction." The red-haired NPC pointed at an elevator with the number 5 written on the door. "Please enjoy your time."


    "Thanks."


    Max went to the aforementioned elevator. The door was automatically opened when he got close, and he went inside. There was only one button inside, so he didn''t need to be confused about what to do.


    After pressing the button, the door closed and began to move downward underground... Or under the station? Max didn''t know what to call it because he was in a space station. It was his first time here.


    The elevator continued for a few seconds before it eventually stopped. The door opened with a mechanical sound and revealed a bar. For some reason, people and games loved making a bar interior a gathering ce.


    Waiting inside was Flexy and two other people, a male and a female. The former had blond hair, and thetter had lustrous silver hair and a pair of long bunny ears.


    Max was surprised to see the ears move around as if they were real. It was the first time he saw anyone use that kind of essory in the Lobby, as the game he had yed until now was a little bit hardcore.


    The sound from the elevator earlier brought the three''s attention to him. When they turned around, Max''s eyes widened slightly. He knew these two people. They were As and Ferin, the couple he met when he was on a date with Lily.


    "Ah!" Ferin eximed loudly upon seeing him, pointing her index finger. Then, she smiled and waved her hand excitedly. "It''s Breeze! Hehehe, we meet again, huh?"


    As also smiled upon seeing him, "Long time no see. How have you been?"


    Flexy looked confused. He didn''t expect the two teammates he desperately recruited to know Max. The orange-haired streamer looked at him with a look that said, ''Exin this.''


    However, Max ignored him and approached the two.


    "It''s been a week, indeed. And I''ve been well, As. Thank you for asking." He smiled at them. "So the teammates Flexy talked about, are you two?"


    "Yup!" Ferin answered with an excited nod, her ears moving with her head.


    "Peter asked As to help his friend, you see? And we''re pretty much free around this time as our main game is still in maintenance for 2 weeks. They have arge update! So, I was thinking¡­ Why don''t we just join the tournament and have fun? And here we are." She exined.


    "Just as she said." As confirmed, "I have a debt with StoneSword too, so I tried to help. Flexy never mentioned that you are also on the team."


    "Well¡­" Max''s voice trailed off as he nced at his friend, "That''s how he is."


    "Hey, that''s rude." Flexy shouted while pointing at Max, "What do you mean that''s how he is? I am telling you that I don''t know you are acquainted with them, alright?"


    "Yes, yes." Max shrugged his shoulders at Flexy''s words. Then, he turned to As and extended his hand, "Still, I heard from Flexy that you''re pretty skilled. I hope to have a pleasant cooperation."


    "Same here." As shook his hand and smiled, "Let''s win thispetition."


    "It sounds fun!" Ferin eximed excitedly, bringing the energy up. She put her hand on top of the other two. "Let''s shout together!"


    "Hey, am I ignored now? I am the leader! Don''t leave me with the shout." Flexy immediately jumped from the chair he sat on and joined the others, putting his hand on top of them.


    Suddenly taking the position of the leader, the energetic streamer shouted.


    "Let''s go, team OrangeSquash. Ooh!"


    "Ooh!"


    So, team OrangeSquash was formed without any problem, with the addition of a hyper-energetic bunny girl on top of Flexy.


    ''This team is going to be loud.'' Max sighed in his mind. ''Still, this is going to be fun. I prefer this kind of team rather than those overly serious ones.''

 Chapter 212: Chapter 212 – Preparation for First Game

    After introducing themselves to each other, they sat around a round table to talk about thepetition.


    "First of all, I¡­ No, my secretary has helped me prepare the training schedule. I don''t mind if anyone is livestreaming it, as Roach relies a lot on RNG, and strategy doesn''t matter. We will only train our teamwork until thepetition on May 31st." Flexy, taking the position of the leader, exined.


    Max and As listened carefully while Ferin looked as if she wasn''t interested in Flexy''s talk at all. But from her gestures, she seemed to understand everything without any problem while ying with her nails.


    "There is also a special request from my friend over here."


    Flexy looked at Max, trying his best not to burst intoughter.


    "He requested me to allow him to stay on the base, protecting it. There is¡­ something that made me trust him."


    The couple seemed to be curious and nced at Max. Among them, Ferin seemed to have a bit more curiosity as she put her finger on her lips.


    "Could it be that you''re afraid of cockroaches?" She asked with a sly smile as if she was sure of it.


    Faced with an unexpectedly on-point question, Max''s body flinched a bit, making the girl''s smile widen into a smug grin.


    "Ah, I called it!" She eximed proudly. "Hehe, don''t worry. You will get used to them soon. The first is always scary, they said. Well, I have two times the experience, so I assure you¨C"


    "Fer, that''s enough." As suddenly interjected with a sigh, making his lover pout.


    "Eh, no fun."


    The blond-haired man ignored her whining and turned to Max apologetically before saying. "Sorry about what she said. Please don''t mind it too much."


    "It''s okay." Max smiled wryly, "And I am not afraid of cockroaches. I just hate them." He added.


    At this point, it might have sounded like an excuse and no one believed him, but that wasn''t important. He red at Flexy, who openlyughed and urged him to continue.


    The orange-haired streamer coughed into his palm to get the couple''s attention and stoppedughing. Even so, an asionalugh still escaped his lips.


    "W-Well, that''s Breeze''s request. Do both of you have any problem with that?" He asked, looking at the couple.


    They looked at each other and then shook their heads.


    "I don''t mind," As said.


    "Hehe, me too. Rather, is there anyone but him who can run around the base at fast speed to defend all sides of our base? Even if At and I are confident in our skills, we aren''t particrly suited for defending. We are more like an extermination squad!" Ferin added cheerfully.


    Hearing that, Max let out a sigh of relief. If he was asked to deal with those creatures at close range¡­ He might have needed some alcohol before letting himself rampage without memories.


    After that, they talked about the strategy and weapons they wanted to use. A yer could bring a main weapon, a secondary one, and five auxiliary items, such as grenades, bio pots, or biochemical solutions.


    Flexy and As decided to bring the usual energy gun and pistol with five biochemical solutions. They were the main exterminators and the ones responsible for dealing with crowds.


    Ferin had a rather unusual choice. She chose a two-barreled shotgun as the main weapon and a grappling gun as secondary. The auxiliary items she brought were 3 biopots and 2 live grenades. She acted as a single unit to hunt the boss and other yers.


    As for Max himself¡­


    "Are you sure that''s your weapon choice?" Flexy asked in worry.


    While Ferin''s choice of weapons was umon, Max''s choice was way rarer than hers. He brought a sniper rifle and grappling gun as secondary. The auxiliary items he brought were 2 grenades and 3 biochemical solutions.


    "I am sure. The energy bullets explode, no? I watched some clips and learned that sniper rifle bullets cause an explosion within the 10-meter diameter where the bulletnded. It''s plenty to defend against an emergency in case the roaches attack the base while you guys are away." Max exined his reasoning.


    "But normally, the defender would use a machine gun." Flexy said, "It''s easier to defend the base using it. If you watched one of my videos or the others, you would definitely understand why machine guns are preferred."


    "Ah, sorry." Max raised his hand after he heard Flexy''s words. A bright smile appeared on his face, "I skipped your video after you hunted that boss, so I wouldn''t know why."


    "This guy¡­!"


    Flexy gritted his teeth. For some reason, that bright smile was irritating. Possibly, it was because he was already tired, but this was the first time he felt like Max didn''t take this seriously.


    He believed in his friend but still wanted to hear his reasoning.


    "Then, what''s your reasoning for using a sniper rifle, eh? Do tell me." He scoffed at him, clearly irritated.


    "Well, it''s simple." Max shrugged his shoulders, leaning his back against the chair''s backrest. "Machine guns are too heavy and limit my movement, while a sniper rifle is a bit lighter and actually manageable." He exined.


    Sighing, Max looked at his friend and continued.


    "Flexy, I know you''re still frustrated because your teammates suddenly left, but trust me, man. I will always be serious when ites to a challenge or something rted to it, includingpetition. I chose this load-out because I think it''s the most suited for me.


    "Besides, if this doesn''t work, I can always try other load-outs. Come on, man. Where is your annoyingly positive energy from earlier?"


    "¡­"


    Flexy didn''t say anything. He stayed silent and bit his lips. The man realized that he had been a bit too much earlier. Was it due to frustration? He almostshed out at his friend, whom he believed.


    "My bad." His voice was rather weak, and he let out a sigh. "I guess you''re right. Let''s try it first."


    Saying so, he stood up and stretched his body.


    ''I really am the worst, no? Why did I feel that way?'' He thought, gritting his teeth.


    ''Well, let''s make it up. I will take him out to eat on thepetition day, I hope he don''t mind what I did. Knowing him, he probably already forgive me, but I still feel bad. For now, let''s focus. Any worries will only make my performance worse.''


    "If everyone is ready, let''s start the first game!" Flexy eximed with an annoyingugh. "Please ept the party invitation I sent. I will immediately search for the match once everyone epted."


    Max huffed. Finally, his friend acted normally again.


    ''Feeling frustrated is fine, but he shouldn''t project it like that. To think I would have to tell him such a thing... He might be too tired to even think straight right now. Those panda eyes from this morning were the proof.''


    He epted the invitation and got an extra screen on the edge of his face that showed his partymate''s vital condition. If the white lines became red, that meant they were knocked down. And if they died, the line would change to ck.


    This health system was pretty simple and convenient.


    ''It''s so easy to understand.'' Max nodded as he remembered the information he read on the forum earlier. ''I guess I will get used to this game far easier than Mercenary Quest. I already read all information that could be of help for me.''


    epting the invitation, Ferin got closer to her lover and whispered, "Hey, should we really do that on thepetition day? Is it time already?"


    "I think so. We also need some reputation IRL. It''s time to stand out."


    "Hmm, if you say so." The girl hummed and looked at Breeze with a predatory gaze, "I think I will also have my little bit of fun teasing my best friend''s man."


    As could only smile wryly at that, "Don''t tease him too much. StoneSword''s sister will be angry otherwise."


    "Hehe, that won''t be a problem. I can just take a screenshot of his flustered face and send it to her. I know that she will appreciate it."


    "Hah¡­" As knew that his girlfriend wouldn''t stop once she was like this, "Just keep it in moderation."


    At that moment, a screen appeared in front of their eyes with an explosion.


    [Boom!]


    [Match found!]


    Flexy grinned widely and punched his palm.


    "Alright! Let''s do as nned earlier!"


    And thus, their bodies were covered in bluish light and disappeared from the bar.

 Chapter 213: Chapter 213 – Roach Planet First Experience [1]

    The scenery changed.


    From a vibrant bar where Max sat previously, he now found himself standing on a gray sand dune surrounded by a futuristic base with a metal wall.


    This was the battlefield area of Roach, the moon!


    All the equipment he chose prior to the game was in front of him. Arge sniper rifle with a futuristic design and apact grapple gun, along with all the auxiliary items he had chosen. It was tied nicely on a white backpack thatplemented his suit.


    Breathing and moving were slightly difficult due to the bulky design. However, that only applied to Max. Flexy, in his orange suit, and the other two, in the white space suit simr to Max, seemed to be able to move without any problem.


    ''I need a few minutes to get used to this. The gravity is around the same on Earth due to the suit. I guess that''s how the game is designed.'' He thought as he took his backpack and wore it.


    ''I guess I won''t stream this first game, as Flexy also didn''t do it. It would be pretty embarrassing if I trip or something because I am not used to this suit.'' He chuckled inwardly. ''As for the other two¡­ I didn''t know whether they were streaming or not. Judging from what they did, I guess they don''t stream.''


    Looking around to get a better look, Max noticed numbers floating in the sky. It was a 3-minute grace period for preparation. In Flexy''s video that he watched, this preparation phase was skipped.


    ''Hmm, so we have 3 minutes before the game begins and the first wave appears?'' He mused in his mind while continuing his observation.


    In the center of the base, there was a warehouse where they could replenish their ammunition. A yer could bring up to 5 energy magazines with them. The amount of ammo inside depended on each weapon.


    For example, a normal rifle that Flexy and As brought had 50 ammo in the chamber, while Max''s sniper rifle only had 10. The double-barreled shotgun only had two, but it was a special weapon. yers with this weapon could bring 50 live ammo with them as it had no magazine or energy ammo.


    Unfortunately, the auxiliary items couldn''t be replenished.


    ''I would need to visit this warehouse many times, then. I will try to get used moving from the wall to this building as fast as I could for efficiency sake.''


    Max nodded, remembering all information he read this afternoon.


    ''And the main core of the base is inside the warehouse. We won''t be eliminated as long as the main core isn''t destroyed.''


    This time, he looked at the wall surrounding the base. It was around 10 meters tall with adder attached to it to climb up and a letter S, W, N, and E written on it. Because Max had a grappling gun, he wouldn''t need to use thatdder at all, though. So it was kind of useless to him.


    "Alright, everyone."


    At that moment, Flexy shouted loudly to get their attention. Max turned to look at him in his bright suit. As and Ferin, who stroked her shotgun lovingly, also turned at the energetic streamer.


    "This is our first game. Let''s do our best. Our goal is to get to know each other and work on our teamwork. We will defend the first wave together, and then Ferin, As, and I will find the wave boss while Breeze defends the base. Just do our best. Even if we lose in the first or second waves, it''s okay!"


    The exnation was easy to understand. In short, just do whatever for the first time. Messing up was okay, but we should learn from this game.


    However¡­ This orange-haired streamer underestimated his teammates.


    """No."""


    The three of them answered simultaneously as if they practiced it beforehand.


    Looking at his friend, Max looked at him with a disappointed gaze.


    "Buddy, if we''re ying with other people, then we''re going for the win. It''s useless if we y without aiming for that. Just imagine theyughed and said that we suck. Won''t you get mad at that?"


    "True, true." Ferin nodded repeatedly in agreement. "I hate to lose."


    "Saying it''s okay to lose is a loser''s mindset." As said, crossing his arms, "We have enough knowledge through the information we read on the forum. We are going for the win."


    Looking troubled, Flexy scratched his head.


    ''When I want to be considerate, why are you all so spirited like this! That''s my job! My role!He screamed in his mind.


    Still, what they were saying was true. Maybe what happened before affected him more than he thought.


    Smiling bitterly, he said.


    "You guys are right. Sorry. Let''s prepare for the first wave, then. I will take the South. Breeze will take the North, and both of you, please choose which side you want to guard."


    "Then, I will go to the East." Ferin raised her hand, "That means At will guard the West."


    "That work." As nodded in agreement.


    Listening to the conversation, Max nodded to show that he also didn''t mean. And from that conversation, he also found out what these letters were written on the wall for.


    ''It shows us direction.'' He thought as he began to walk to the North wall.


    Max took the grappling gun from the backpack and pointed it upward. When he pulled the trigger, a hook tied to a rope was shot from it to the top of the wall. It got caught on a hard surface, and he pulled it to make sure that it could handle his weight.


    ''This will do.''


    Pulling the trigger once again, his body was pulled up at a fast pace. He was plenty surprised but managed to hold onto it without falling to the ground. That would be pretty embarrassing.


    Quickly, Max arrived on the top and put the grappling gun away. He changed it with therge sniper, which was almost as tall as him. The energy magazine at the tail of the sniper was glowing brightly, a sign that the ammo was full.


    The sniper was positioned on the ground and prone behind it, looking at the distance through the tactical scope. Now, he was ready to shoot any cockroach that he saw.


    Times like this were the most tense. His breathing was audible inside the space helmet he wore.


    Unlike the bulky space helmet simr to the one on Earth, the helmet he used was simr to a sci-fi mask that covered his whole head.


    Putting that aside, the countdown had reached thest 5 seconds. The first wave of cockroach raids would arrive soon.


    When the countdown reached zero, a loud drumming bass rang in the sky. The sound woke up even the sleepy Flexy, and he focused immensely.


    Following the sound was a rumble. Many creatures appeared from the horizon far away. Those shiny exoskeletons reflected the sun that danced around the Earth in space.


    Someone had spotted those creatures. His lips curled up into an excited grin as his trembling finger rested on the trigger of his gun. Without hesitation, he pulled it while shouting.


    "Get rekt, fucking insect!"


    BAM!


    The shot sent a shockwave that caused the moon sand to get sted away from the muzzle. An energy bullet flew toward the rushing creature,nding right in the middle of the legion.


    Once it hit the ground, it immediately expanded and created an explosion.


    Boom!


    Many cockroaches were killed at once. The carcasses were sent flying to the sky, but the bullet rains didn''t stop.


    Four more bullets were flying at once as his fingers kept pulling the triggers, and four explosions followed suit.


    The person responsible for that, Max, stopped for a second and raised his head to inform the others.


    "It''s from the North! Get over here, guys! Hahaha! Let''s st those freaking insects away to the point of extinction! Those creatures should cease to exist in this world! HAHAHAHA.


    Die die die die!"


    A burst of crazyughter rang on OrangeSquash''s base. Max had became a crazy demolition guy.


    ***


    Author Note:


    For convenience sake, and for my sanity sake, I will change the upload schedule at this point of time now, 0:05 AM GMT+8 or 4:05 PM UTC! Please do remember it if you want to catch up as soon as the new chapters are online!

 Chapter 214: Chapter 214 – Roach Planet First Experience [2]

    Hearing Max''sughter, the other immediately moved and went to the North wall. Ferin was the fastest among them, and she used her grappling gun to drop down on the other side before rushing fearlessly to the horde of cockroaches.


    She cocked the shotgun and pulled the trigger twice. The buckshot spread wildly, and each time she pulled the trigger, five to ten cockroaches burst disgustingly at once. Their green blood sprayed everywhere.


    In this game, this was the only unrealistic thing. Those creatures usually didn''t die this easily. However, it was also what made people like this game. They could vent their anger without minding the repercussions. They could kill the immortal insect.


    "Don''t get too far, Ferin!" Flexy, who arrived together with As and began his bombardment, warned the girl. "Especially, don''t get into Breeze''s line of fir¨C"


    Bam!


    Before the orange-haired streamer could finish his sentence, Max pulled the trigger of his sniper rifle and sent another energy bullet flying. It was thest shot of this magazine. The energy magazine dimmed, losing its light.


    "Sorry, continue." He said to his friend as he changed the magazine skillfully as if he had done it many times before.


    Flexy looked at him for a second before turning around. He saw Ferin enter the horde already, and he grimaced slightly.


    "Forget it. It''s toote." He said. "We can only cover for her now. Don''t let her die."


    "Leave that to me," As spoke from the side. His gun kept firing energy bullets without stopping. Each of these bullets hit the roaches that almost hit Ferin precisely.


    "At! I love you!" Ferin, who noticed his support, shouted from afar. She continued massacring the cockroaches without any mercy. A feral smile adorned her beautiful face behind the visor as she danced among the disgusting creatures.


    Showing a smile on his face, the blond-haired man spoke.


    "We''ve been teaming up together for a few years now. I can support her myself. Please focus on eradicating the iing enemies."


    Bam!


    Another shockwave was sent as a bullet flew. An explosion followed suit, and a group of cockroaches were exterminated at once.


    "Kill those approaching the base. I will thin them out." Max stated, licking his lips excitedly.


    Nodding, Flexy''s expression was serious.


    "Alright then. I am counting on both of you."


    The team concentrated on defending against the raid. Whenever someone only had 2 magazines left, they would shout loudly, and Max would get them. He also took some sniper rifle magazines while he was at it because he spent them faster than the others.


    At one point, Ferin''s ammo was depleted, but Max had prepared for it and threw the ammos he took from the warehouse to her. There were still more ammos and magazines on the ground; those weren''t included in the 5 magazine limit on their backpack, so they didn''t need to worry about refilling them.


    With enough dedication, effort, and unexpectedly great teamwork, they managed to clear the first wave in less than 5 minutes. Even so, those 5 minutes were pretty long for them.


    Max let out an exhausted sigh as he raised his body, sitting right behind his sniper rifle.


    "I ran a lot, hahaha. Still, that was pretty satisfying."


    "Heh, look at you. You said that you hated them, but you had fun, no?"


    "Can''t say anything. Killing something you hate just makes you happy, don''t you think so?"


    "Excuses. But I am d you can replenish our weapon mags while still covering fire. You''re pretty amazing for your first time. Hehe, not as amazing as me, though."


    Flexy smirked as he stood up, looking at the destruction they caused around the base. The girl was walking to them while resting her shotgun on her shoulder and holding a grappling gun. She used it to climb up the wall easily and hugged her lover.


    Both Max and Flexy only smiled wryly when they saw their disy of affection. But that didn''tst long.


    The couple separated, and As looked at the orange-suited leader.


    "Should we go and find the wave boss now? We finished faster than expected, so it might haven''t spawned yet. But nothing is wrong with splitting up to cover up arger area." He suggested.


    "Splitting up?"


    Flexy muttered, touching his helmet and falling into a deep thought. He was thinking about the pros and cons of splitting up to find the wave boss.


    "Isn''t that a very dangerous thing to do? Our enemies aren''t just those roaches. There are also other yers covering them."


    "That''s why it''s better to split up." As reasoned, "If we''re alone, then we can hide in a ce that normally we couldn''t use due to our numbers. I only suggest this. The final decision is with you, the leader."


    Once again, Flexy fell into a deep thought. It was risky, yes. But, was the efficiency at finding the boss increased? That was also yes.


    Looking at the two teammates in front of him, he finally arrived at a decision.


    "Alright, let''s split up. But keep themunication open." He said. "And please record everything so we can use it to discuss what weckter."


    "Of course." As nodded.


    "Understood!" Ferin eximed.


    After getting confirmation from them, Flexy turned to Max. Before the orange-haired streamer could say anything, Max grinned and raised his hand.


    "I will prepare the mags needed for the next wave. And don''t worry about the yers. I would be able to see them before they could see me." He confidently said, "If the boss appears near the base, rush back immediately. I don''t think I would be able to defeat it myself on the first try."


    Max probably would''ve thought otherwise if this game was a hack-and-sh genre. But facing a giant cockroach with a sniper rifle was¡­ Well, to put it bluntly, something he didn''t want to do. The smaller ones were still alright, and yers were wee to be a good target practice.


    But the boss¡­


    ''Only the boss is something I don''t want to fight directly unless I am forced to.''

 Chapter 215: Chapter 215 – Peek-A-Boo!

    Fortunately, the team agreed to the n .


    Facing the boss alone was also a stupid move. The reason why they split up to begin with was just to find the boss'' location. After someone found it, they would stay hidden and waited for the other to arrive.


    Afterward, they spent a few seconds discussing where they should go before deciding that they should spread in the direction of the wall they protected earlier. It would be easier to remember.


    And operation ''Scouting Boss'', named by Flexy, started.


    After everyone was left in their respective direction, Max began to work alone in the base.


    ''First of all, let''s put around 50 sniper rifle mags around the walls¡ªalso, 50 rifle mags and a bag of shotgun ammo. I can use these bags with shotgun ammo to move the magazines easily too; quite convenient.''


    The first wave boss usually spawned 10 minutes after the wave started. Exterminating the first cockroach raid in under 10 minutes was a feat that only professional teams and a few others could do. It was a significant benefit for preparing to handle the second wave or find the boss.


    Unlike the wave that spread evenly around all 10 bases across the map, only one wave boss spawned each wave, and it gave a good amount of annihtion points to the team that managed to kill it. There was no contribution whatsoever, only the exterminator got points.


    Max managed to prepare all the energy magazines and put them in their respective ce faster than he had thought. By now, he was used to the space suit and therge sniper slung over his back. And there was no disturbance that made him stop in the middle of his work.


    "That''s done." He nodded in satisfaction and returned to the North wall.


    Standing with his right leg resting on the higher tform, he put his hand on top of the visor to look around. No cockroaches in sight.


    Themunication device in his ear was active, and he decided to contact them.


    "How is the situation, everyone? The base is safe from both roaches or yers. I haven''t seen a moving shadow in thest 5 minutes."


    (Flexy here, there is no sign of shiny ck boulders around. The boss should''ve spawned already, but I can''t find it in the South area. I will go back after looking around a bit more.)


    (Ferin reports! I found no boss here, but I saw two bases in the distance. I am observing them right now.)


    (Simrly. It''s probably in the North direction. I will return to the base shortly.)


    ''This direction, huh?'' Max mused as he set his sniper rifle. ''Let''s look around then. Who knows if I hit a jackpot.''


    Thinking so, he got into a prone position once again while looking around. At the same time, themunication in themunication device still continued, with Flexy giving out orders.


    (I will also return with As, then. And Ferin, can you keep an eye on them? Please don''t engage in any fight. But if you find a chance or a wandering yer, feel free to trust your judgment.)


    (Yeah, yeah. You can trust me.)


    (We might not be able to get the first wave''s boss this time, but that''s fine. Let''s meet up and prepare for the next strategy.)


    Click.


    With a clicking sound, themunication was over with Flexy''s order. Max concentrated and looked around the distance through the optical scope. He could control the zoom until 50x of the normal human vision.


    At first, he observed the entire area with the most board zoom he could use, a 2x zoom option. Then, he slowly increased it to 3, 5, and then 10. The small pebble in the distance was now clear, and he could even see some cockroaches, the regr size, running around cluelessly.


    That wasn''t his target, so he ignored it and scoured other parts. Everyone''s report said the boss was probably on the North side. It could be hidden behind craters or big boulders that formed over the years.


    And just when he slowly moved his scope from left to right, he saw a bright sh.


    ''What is that?'' He wondered.


    He zoomed in slowly, recentering his scope many times at the location where he saw the sh. Just as he did that, the sh urred once again.


    Due to his zoom, even when it was obscured by boulders, he managed to catch what that sh was.


    ''It''s a rifle''s small explosion. There must be something in that ce.''


    A grin appeared on his face as he activated themunication device once again.


    "Guys, don''t return to the base. Just go straight in the North direction, just a little behind arge crater and a boulder resembling a B letter. The boss is probably in that direction. A team has engaged in a battle. There are probably second and third teams too. Be careful.


    I am keeping my eyes."


    (Got it.) As'' voice rang from the device.


    (Should Ie too?) Ferin asked.


    The answer immediately came from Flexy.


    ("No need to, please keep eyes on their base still. Breeze, do cover me! I will run at full speed and save my ammo for the boss.")


    Max somehow heard two voices, oneing from the device and one directly entering his ear. He raised his head and saw a person in an orange suit zoom past the base while holding a rifle.


    Two people against a boss and possibly a full team of 4 people at minimum. It would be hard.


    ''Well, let''s give them a cover shoot now. When they arrive, I guess I will start by breaking that boulder.''


    "Got it, leader." He answered his friend and rested his finger on the trigger, ready to shoot anytime.


    ***


    Biochemical solutions were thrown, and a small burst of energy exploded once the bullet hit the target.


    Four people surrounded arge cockroach and seemed to try to take it down. They were struggling immensely when therge boulder-like creature roused from its sleep.


    However, they had yed this game for a while already. They knew that the monster would soon be exhausted and die.


    "Just a bit more!" One of the people in dark space suits shouted to the others. "Keep firing!"


    The team members were overjoyed. Killing the first boss would shoot them straight to the top rank among the teams in this match.


    At that moment, a sphere suddenly was thrown. It rolled on their ground without their knowledge. When it stopped, it immediately burst and let out a blue gas, obscuring their visions.


    "W-What is this?!"


    "I can''t see!"


    The yers were panicking.


    "The boss! Kill the boss!"


    Trying to control the situation, the first yer kept shooting. The smoke created by the biochemical solution would be gone soon.


    "Just kill it first, and then we can find the yer that throws¨C"


    "Aaah!"


    Just before the first yer could finish his sentence, a scream rang. He stopped shooting and looked in the direction where the scream was. Following that, another small explosion burst.


    Puff!


    The smoke became thicker once again. It didn''t affect human yers, but it did its job to blind them temporarily.


    "Aaaah¨C Help!"


    Pew!


    "S-Stop it!"


    Pew!


    Two simr screams rang. The yer in the dark suit knew whom they belonged to. Their voices were simr to his teammates. From the sound that followed their scream, he understood that they were killed by another yer instead of the wave boss.


    Raising his gun, he looked around in fear. There was no telling when his fate would follow him next. Once the blue gas disappeared¡­ Just thinking about it made him scared.


    "Come out, coward! Show yourself!"


    So, he covered his fear with a brave front. The truth was, he just wanted to survive and kill the wave boss, so they didn''t finish inst ce.


    Still¡­


    "Peek-a-boo!"


    His enemy seemed to y around with him and actually showed up in front of his face. Not exactly in the front because what he saw was the tip of a muzzle right in front of his visor instead of a face.


    "Bang!"


    With that sounding out from his enemy''s mouth, he saw a bright sh. That was thest thing he saw before a notification popped out.


    [Team BraveFront has been annihted.]


    [Good Game, Well yed!]


    [10/10.]


    It was the end for them.

 Chapter 216: Chapter 216 – Insane Skill

    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team BraveFront.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    Saying that Flexy was surprised wouldn''t be far-fetched.


    In his long career as a streamer, he had met various people: a pleasant one, an unpleasant one, a funny one, and even those skilled streamers and professional gamers.


    Among the people he met, the most talented one might be his new best friend, Breeze. Following him was StoneSword; there was no doubt in that man''s skill as he was one of a few streamers who could possibly appear in the professional gaming scene without any problem if he wanted to.


    At first, when StoneSword said that he knew someone more skilled than him, Flexy was skeptical. He only thought that the Spencer''s heir was kidding and only said so out of ttery.


    His first impression of As was that the blond-haired man was arrogant. His lover was a more arrogant person than him, though that couldn''t be seen when they were together.


    Still, Flexy desperately needed more yers, so he negotiated with the person StoneSword rmended before finally arriving at a deal.


    As long as the other person couldpete equally or had a simr level as his, then that would be fine. Flexy had no intention to win after his teammates left him. He just wanted to fulfill the promise he made in the Biozone Monthly Segment.


    If he backed away, he would be seen as a liar, and that would hurt his image.


    However, hope returned. Breeze agreed to join him, and that was a tremendous help. And now¡­ The new teammates he recruited had shown his skill.


    ''Crazy.''


    In Roach, the party leader''s matchmaking rating was the one that determined their enemies. The higher his rating was, the stronger the enemies.


    As someone who nned and couldpete in a professional scene, Flexy''s MMR was in the top 1%. The other yers should''ve had simr or a slightly worse MMR than him at best.


    In short, they were crazy strong yers.


    ''He killed all of them instantly. His speed isn''t any slower than Breeze''s. Does a person like that actually exist? That guy has the second-highest-ranked SR in the whole world! The only people who could probably match him were those in the top 5¡­''


    His thoughts trailed. He suddenly remembered the previous SR world ranking.


    ''The first and the third, former second rank, are still anonymous. It couldn''t be them, right?''


    A dryugh escaped his lips as he stood on a higher ground to watch for the other team.


    At that time, the boulder next to him suddenly exploded.


    Bam!


    It was shattered to pieces after getting shot by a sniper rifle. The same explosions rang over the first wave''s boss body 9 times before it finally stopped. Dust was kicked up. When it was settled, what was left was the boss'' dead body.


    [Team OrangeSquash has killed the first wave''s boss.]


    [100 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    Flexy looked over to the base in the distance with a wry smile. He only raised his thumb, as he knew who caused the explosions earlier.


    ''That guy can''t wait for us to kill it, so he do it myself. Well, it''s just like him.''


    Well, the end result was satisfying.


    Calling on As, who walked toward him, both of them returned to the base together.


    ***


    The game progressed smoothly.


    Max sat from his prone position and rested his hand on his leg. That was such an anti-climatic battle. He had heard the notification about them annihting a team¡­ Or rather, As alone managed to annihte an entire team in just a few seconds.


    ''What happened on that other side earlier?'' He asked curiously. ''Tsk, I should''ve destroyed that boulder first so I could watch directly. Now I have to wait until Flexy shares the video, no? That''s a bummer.''


    How skilled was As? Max became curious after what happened earlier. At least he knew that the other party was probably more skilled than Flexy. And looking at Ferin''s movement and how she fought the wave earlier, he also knew that she was probably a bit more skilled than him.


    ''There are still people with insane skills out there. I only excel in something I am confident at, a strange and unexpected movement.''


    Not that it was too important. His goal wasn''t to be the greatest gamer but the greatest streamer. Gaming skill was only a tool that he used to reach that goal.


    ''Well, it''s time to prepare for wave two.'' He stood up, jumping down the wall with the support of a grappling gun to open the gate for his approaching teammates.


    When he unlocked the gate from inside, and it opened, he saw Flexy and As already standing on the other side.


    "Good job." He said, "Is it hard?"


    "Hahaha, As took care of everything. I have no time to help at all." Flexy stepped inside whileughing, his mood was clearly better than before. He looked at Max and continued, "And you deliver thest shot. I literally only stand there in case other teams arrive. I tell you, he''s really good."


    "I just ambushed the enemies. It''s nothing hard," As said as he closed the gate behind him.


    "Well, if you say so." Flexy puffed his chest proudly, "I think we can win thepetition with our team skills. Hahaha, my eyes to judge people are really sharp!"


    "Said someone who looked frustrated and depressed after being left alone by his former teammates." Max scoffed at his friend''s shenanigans, causing Flexy to flinch.


    The orange-haired streamer raised his finger.


    "That is that, and this is this." Flexy said, his expression turned serious, "Anyway, the second wave won''t start for another 10 minutes. We should think about what to do with the two enemy bases Ferin found. What do you guys think?"


    "Let''s destroy it."


    "Raid it."


    Both As and Max answered almost immediately with a sure tone.


    If there were enemies, then just destroy them, especially those close to their base. That way, they had a bigger area to work with, allowing them to get the second and thest wave''s boss monster without any problem.


    Just kill, and they wouldn''t be a problem! Easy n!

 Chapter 217: Chapter 217 – Being a Third Wheel is Hard

    The problem was, if they attacked one base, the one close to it would probably interfere and be the third party. It was a bit unusual that two bases spawned near each other like that, but not impossible. The Goddess of RNG held the saying, after all.


    "You guys are really barbaric." Flexy shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. "Is there no better n in your mind besides raid and destroy?"


    "I mean¡­" Max raised his shoulders, looking at As. "If As alone can annihte one team easily in this matchmaking, then doesn''t that mean the others are just as easy as them? Just think of it like this. Do you need a n to destroy ants?"


    "I agree with Breeze." As nodded, "If the enemies are professional yers, then I might just pretend to be one of the yers from the other base and cause disturbance that made them fight against each other. However, the skills of our enemies aren''t that high. The three of us are enough to destroy them."


    Arrogance was indeed something bad. However, confidence was a different thing.


    Both Max and As knew their skills and the enemy''s skills. In this case, they weren''t arrogant. They were only confident. It was something only experience provided. Experience that only those at the top could know.


    Flexy also understood their skill level. As a leader, he shouldn''t have allowed them to go with their n. But this game was to gauge each other''s skills and learn teamwork.


    ''It might be a good chance to see their real skills.'' The orange-haired streamer thought. ''The ones who wanted to win this game so badly are the three of them, not me. If they still wanted to attack those bases, then so be it. They are the ones held responsible for the result.''


    "Fine." Flexy sighed in defeat, "I will protect the base in the meantime. Give me your grappling gun and your sniper, buddy. I will lend you my guns."


    "No need to. I am happy enough with the grappling gun and the sniper rifle. I will support both Ferin and As from a distance." Max turned to the blond-haired man beside him. "You can deal with them easily, right?"


    "Haha, I will try." Asughed softly, "I can''t promise it will be easy, but I am confident it will be over before the second wave. But if we really want to attack, we should go right now. I doubt Fer will have the patience to wait for too long without moving."


    "Well then, that''s decided." Max nodded in satisfaction, and a wild grin rose behind the visor. "I am counting on you to protect the base, buddy. Good luck."


    "Have fun wreaking havoc," Flexy said, letting out another sigh.


    ''It''s not entertaining at all.'' He added in his mind.


    Being a leader of unruly individuals who were all more skilled than him was hard.


    ***


    After replenishing all their magazines and auxiliary items, Max and As ran at full speed toward the East, where Ferin was.


    While they were both bringing different kinds of weapons, with Max holding a heavier kind, their running speed was unexpectedly the same. It wasn''t due to the difference in their physical capability.


    In the VR world, it was all about reaction and technique. That was why people with higher SR usually were a little faster than those with lower SR. Not only that, but a running technique also affected one''s speed more than most people thought.


    ''He''s amazing.'' Max genuinely thought. ''His SR might be close to mine¡­ Around 97.9 to 98.5? It might be even higher. His running posture is a mess. He''s clearly not a trained athlete. But his speed can still match up mine.''


    They continued to run, circling around craters and boulders. While doing that, As keptmunicating with Ferin.


    "I can see the boulder that looks like a tree now. Where are you, Fer?"


    (A second. Just keep looking at it.)


    Ferin''s voice rang in themunication device. Max could also see the boulder that was shaped like a tree now.


    A few secondster, someone in a suit appeared from the horizon. It seemed like the area past the boulder was a slope.


    That someone waved her hand excitedly when they saw them approaching.


    (I am here!)


    Both of them approached the figure and stopped in front of her. Ferin''s face lit up considerably when she saw As, just like a dog who had met her owner after not meeting him for a long time. She even jumped and hugged him without caring where they were.


    Max felt like a third wheel between them. He needed to steer the situation before they continued their flirty act. That was possibly the only thing that stopped them from being perfect teammates.


    "Mi¨C Ferin, where are the enemy bases? I want to check the situation from far away."


    Remembering what As told him how to call Ferin, Max changed the way he called her in the middle of the sentence.


    Turning at him, Ferin looked a little bit displeased as she pointed in a certain direction twice.


    "There and there." She said, "All the enemies are inside. I saw them entering after I heard the notification about our team killing the first wave boss.


    "I see. Can I see them if I reach this hill''s highest point?"


    "You totally can!" Ferin eximed, puffing her chest proudly. "In fact, this spot is the best for snipers. When I heard that you areing, I immediately looked for the best spot. Hehe, I also found a way to enter their base stealthily. We can attack anytime."


    "Hee¡­ You''re as prepared as ever, Fer. Good job." As praised and patted her head.


    "Hehehe, of course, I am."


    Both of them once again entered their own world. Max smiled wryly, feeling like he was ignored in this ce. Protecting the base was much, much easier than watching them flirting.


    ''Ah¡­ Does Flexy also feel like this when he''s alone with them? Rather, I don''t think he felt something like this. That bastard has a sexy girlfriend¡­ But, I am not jealous of him. I wonder why?''


    While thinking so, he went to the highest point of the hill, crouched, and set up his sniper rifle. At that moment, he realized and got the answer to his question.


    ''Ah, Lisa always hit and mocked him. That''s why I don''t feel like they are really lovers. It''s like a rtionship between a master and her dog.'' He nodded in understanding.

 Chapter 218: Chapter 218 – No-Good Opponents

    Setting those feelings aside, he knew As and Ferin would move when he asked them to. After ying for a while with them, he understood their personality slightly.


    ''They are just like me. Someone who loves challenge and victory.''


    Looking through the scope, he managed to find the two bases. They were pretty close to each other, possibly only separated from each other by 200 to 300 meters.


    How would their teams handle the wave? Would the wavesbine with each other, and they would defend their bases together?


    Max had various questions. He would probably ask Flexyter.


    For now, his job was to scout. And scout, he did.


    "How is it?" As'' voice rang behind him, startling him slightly.


    "Hmm¡­" Max hummed in interest as he moved his scope slowly. "Two yers are standing on the wall facing each other, holding rifles. The other two from each team couldn''t be seen, probably out there to hunt roaches for extra points."


    "So we confirmed four people." The blond-haired man said, "Do you think you can kill the one on the left? I will destroy the right base''s core and eliminate them with Fer when they are confused."


    "You think you can do that?" Max asked.


    There were two ways to destroy and eliminate enemies. One was to wipe them at the same time without allowing their teammates to revive their friends who got knocked down. To put it simply, kill them all and make their vitals all ck.


    The second way was to destroy their base''s main core inside the warehouse. It was connected to their vital sign. And if it was destroyed, their sign would turn ck, and the team would be wiped out.


    "Against those enemies?" As'' voice was tinted with a hint of mocking, "It will be easy. I don''t want to say it in front of the leader, but¡­ The enemies in this MMR are a bit too easy for me. Those enemies aren''t good enough to y in a professionalpetition, they are just too lukewarm."


    "Hahaha, you''re so harsh." Maxughed it out. This man was too arrogant¡­ But he had the skill to back it up and was kind enough to think about Flexy''s feelings.


    "Don''t you think so too?" As smirked, "Having no-good practice opponents like them won''t help us in thepetition. Let''s finish this and increase the leader''s MMR so we have stronger opponents."


    "Agreed! Let''s destroy the right base and then the left." Ferin chimed in with a shrill voice, "It will be easy, I promise. Just shot one guy and then another when he tried to revive his friend, who got knocked down. That will give us enough time for us to destroy the right and go to the left."


    Thankfully, Max wasn''t streaming yet. If he livestream his current conversation with both of them, his viewers would be either displeased or excited. He didn''t know how they would react, but that surely would trouble him.


    ''If they are that confident, then I guess I will follow their n.''


    "Alright, then. I will shoot in 15 seconds. Is that enough time for both of you to reach the base on the right?"


    "That''s plenty," As responded confidently as he stood up. He ran down the hill and circled around it to get to the right base with Ferin.


    Max saw them and heaved a sigh to calm his nerves. Sniper needed to have a calm and still heart. He couldn''t tremble. His hand should be as still as a calm water in the pond.


    ''Just kill them, eh? So easy to understand, I like it.''


    15 seconds passed quickly. He didn''t know whether the couple had arrived at the right base or not, but it was time to do it.


    Heaving another long sigh, Max''s finger rested firmly on the trigger. The scope had already found its target. All he needed to do was to pull.


    Kill one person and another when he revived his teammate? That would be useless. It might be the trick in a battle royale game where the sniper ammo couldn''t explode.


    ''I will kill them simultaneously.'' He thought.


    His concentration peaked. The enemies were close enough to each other for him to blow their heads at the same time.


    When he was ready, he didn''t hesitate to pull his finger.


    Bam!


    A loud sound rang, and the shockwave kicked all the gray sand away, exposing his position. However, Max didn''t move. He watched the bullet fly toward his target and hit the first yer''s head.


    The head burst into red particles at once. And when that happened, it exploded.


    Boom!


    All areas around 10 meters from that yer were engulfed in blue light. The wall was destroyed, and the unlucky yer standing beside him was instantly killed.


    A sniper rifle was pretty overpowered in this game. Or at least, that was the case for Max, who was able to run as fast as normal yers while holding such a bulky thing.


    The other two yers from the left base seemed to hear the explosion and hurriedly ran out of the warehouse. They climbed the wall and looked around to find where the enemy''s attack originated.


    Looking at them, a thought arrived in his mind.


    ''Ah, let''s just kill them too. I don''t need to wait for As or Ferin to destroy their base''s main core if I can annihte them.''


    They were still confused.


    With two more pulls from the triggers, the enemies were easily killed. With no yers living, the base slowly crumbled as if a strong earthquake hit it.


    At that time, notifications rang in his ears.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team RoachHunter.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team MoonDust.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    Max was pleasantly surprised that he heard two kinds of notifications at once. He raised his head and looked at the base located on the right.


    The fate that waited at the base was simr to the one on the left. It crumbled slowly into gray sand.


    He could see two shadows walking away from the crumbling base. Using the scope, he could see them clearly. As and Ferin bumped their fists. Their expressions were smug.


    ''Arrogance backed with real skill is just simply confidence. Well, I guess I can show them off to my viewers in my second stream.''


    Thinking so, he stood up and picked up his sniper rifle.


    It was time to return and prepare for the second wave.

 Chapter 219: Chapter 219 – Practice Schedule and Pathetic Display

    Max and the other two returned to the base right before the second wave began.


    Standing inside the base and moving more magazines to the wall, Flexy weed them with a wide grin and annoyingugh. This orange-haired streamer had regained his vigor after finding out their skills.


    While they wanted to celebrate that they had annihted 3 teams and even killed the first wave''s boss, giving them a total bonus of 1600 annihtion points, they still had to protect their base from the second wave.


    The second wave was simr to the first one, save for the number of roaches that doubled. There were no mutated cockroaches yet. They would only appear from wave 3 onward.


    It was said onward because the match would only be over when only one team was left. Until then, the waves would keeping.


    The interval of the iing wave would also decrease until there was the famous 10th wave, called the infinite wave. Cockroaches would keeping without an end. Normal and mutated cockroaches and the boss wave would join to attack the remaining bases.


    But that only happened when all teams were strong enough to protect their bases. Not even professional gamers could defend their base up to that point. The mental and physical exhaustion that gathered before reaching 10th wave was really taxing.


    In fact, in this current game, there were only 5 teams left. Save for the three that their team destroyed, two other teams seemed to meet unfortunate idents or got annihted by the others.


    "The 2nd wave is here! It came from the south!"


    With Flexy''s south, everyone began to move. Like before, Ferin confronted the wave directly while wielding her shotgun. Everytime she shot, she cocked it back with a graceful movement, as if she was dancing.


    The other provided support, and Max destroyed the iing roaches before they could even reach Ferin with his sniper rifle.


    It took approximately 8 minutes for them to deal with the 2nd wave. Following that was the boss hunt like before, with Max protecting the base.


    He was prepared to provide support and scout the North area. This time, there were a few cockroaches trying to approach the base due to their increased numbers, but he sted them all away easily.


    After noticing that something simr happened from the other direction, he began his patrol around the wall, sting everything he saw moving. There was no discrimination.


    As long as they moved, they were the targets, including the yers who hid a bit away from him. He bombarded that ce with 10 shots at once.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team SneakyRoach.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    Max wondered whether they were stupid or not, but maybe they didn''t expect someone to actually use a sniper rifle. Once again, machine guns were preferred for protecting the base. It was easy to reload and had many bullets.


    On the other hand, the sniper rifle''s reloading speed was the worst. Even the most skilled person needed 3 seconds to change the magazine. It was all due to its sheer size and the magazine''s location at the butt of the sniper.


    The rest of the game was¡­ a story. Flexy and the others managed to find the boss as well as three other bases. Theymunicated with Max and said they would destroy the base, which they did easily.


    In the end, the 3rd wave never arrived. Team OrangeSquash won the game with a total of 5612 annihtion points and 2000 survival points.


    ''It''s so anti-climatic. Should I really livestream the next game?'' That was what he thought.


    Unfortunately, when they returned to the Lobby, Ferin suddenly sped her hands and bowed.


    "Sorry! I am truly sorry! I won''t be able to join the next game. My agency suddenly contacted me and asked me for a sudden photoshoot!" She said, looking truly apologetic.


    "At also need toe because it''s a Couple shoots, so¡­ I will do my best to keep the next few days'' schedule empty from morning to night. Once again, sorry!"


    Flexy looked at them and smiled.


    "No worries. The n today is just to get to know each other too, so we can skip the second game. We can begin the real training tomorrow." He said, waving his hand whileughing casually. "Can you login in the morning, buddy?" He turned to Max.


    "I can." Max nodded.


    Had he known this, he would have just streamed the first game earlier. But it couldn''t be helped. It was urgent.


    ''I guess I will stop Mercenary Quest until the end of May.'' He thought. ''Let''s focus on Midnight Heist and this Roach.''


    "But from the 15th to 18th I can only practice at night due to the Midnight Heist''s tournament." He continued.


    "I am aware of that, so I don''t mind." Flexy nodded.


    "I also don''t mind. Rather, I can finish a lot of jobs and ad shoots at that time! That will keep me free from the 19th onward until thepetition day." Ferin eximed excitedly, "As for At¡­ He''s jobless when we had no couple to shoot, so he''s pretty much free."


    "While that''s the truth, it''s a bit hurt when you''re so honest, Fer." Asughed bitterly, "But yes, just as she said. I only need some time on the 28th and 29th in the morning to deal with something."


    "That''s okay." Flexy said, "As long as you''re free in the morning of 30, because we have a joint practice with other teams that joined thepetition at that time. It''s an offline joint at New Eden City."


    Holding his chin, As seemed to consider something. A little bitter, he nodded and looked at Flexy.


    "I should be able to finish my stuff before that."


    "Great." Flexy smiled brightly.


    Seeing that everything was settled and scheduled, Ferin pped her hands to get our attention¡ªan impatient expression was written on her face.


    "Now that''s settled, I really need to go! See you again, Breeze, leader!"


    After that, she pulled As'' arm and disappeared from the bar together. Max was left alone with Flexy, and they both looked at each other.


    "Now what?"

 Chapter 220: Chapter 220 – Enjoying Breeze Has Been Graced!

    "Now what?" Max asked his friend, he sat on the soft sofa across from him. "I haven''t livestreamed anything today. And¡­ yeah. I also pause my Mercenary Quest for your sake, buddy. So, if you showed me something pathetic like earlier, I would immediately call this quit."


    Scratching the back of his head, Flexy leaned against the sofa''s backrest.


    "Yeah, I know. I wanted to me myck of sleep and frustration, but I was just too immature earlier. Sorry, bud. It won''t happen again. I promise."


    "Nah, you can do it again," Max said, looking at his fingers as if he was uninterested in the topic, much to Flexy''s surprise.


    A smirk crept onto his face as he turned to the orange-haired streamer.


    "That way, I can properly record it and use it as ckmail material. Hahaha, I bet Lisa will like seeing your pathetic disy. I wonder how she would react. You were just lucky that we didn''t livestream it earlier."


    "Wha¨C" Flexy jumped from the chair with a pale face. It was a wonder that it was so clear in the VR world like this. "Buddy, you won''t do that to me, right? Not to Lisa, please. I was already punished and got beaten by a pillow two days ago for whining!"


    "Hoh, that''s new." Max''s grin widened. "You know what, I actually recorded it. I wonder how she will react. That would be funny." An evilugh escaped his lips.


    Of course, that was a lie. And Flexy knew about it too.


    However, he still yed along.


    "Don''t you dare!" The orange-haired streamer jumped onto him and was about to tackle him, but he resisted by raising his hands.


    They were locked in a pushing position, and both tried to get the upper hand.


    Even so, they seemed to enjoy it. Laughter echoed in the bar as two young men engaged in mock wrestling to decide Flexy''s fate.


    ***


    [Do you know where Breeze is?]


    ¡ª I''ve followed his Strike, but there is no news about him


    ¡ª Maybe he''s tired? He could also have a secret project that takes more time than he thought


    ©¸ Makes senses. But even when he''s in Paperful City, he still updates his Strike and even livestream his activity


    ©¸ Somehow, this me worried


    ¡ª No idea. Maybe he''s just tired?


    A thread appeared in Breeze''smunity forum, Enjoying Breeze, which was run by fans.


    This thread was created because there was no news about him in two days since he said he wouldn''t stream two days ago.


    The fans, who called themselves Fans, were worried. Was he involved in an ident? Or was he sick?


    Usually, he still had time to update his status on Strike.


    Many people thought he was tired and needed rest. But there were also those who didn''t believe that.


    ¡ª I think he got sick. He will update his Strike at least once if he truly needs rest.


    ¡ª LOLOLOLOL. Maybe he''s enjoying a date and forgot to update his status. You know Breeze


    ©¸ True, his Strike was empty for a while too lol


    ©¸ He probably just forgot to give us update through his Strike ount


    ¡ª Guys, don''t you think we need to stop specting? There is someone who has his direct contact. Why don''t we ask him? Let''s ask our lord and savior, BloodSucker! @BloodSucker please give us news!


    ©¸ You, sir, are a genius,


    ©¸ @BloodSucker, Please tell us what he''s been doing!


    ©¸ Where is Breeze? Is he on vacation? Or is he preparing something BEEG?!


    ©¸ Last time, he yed Mercenary Quest and finished Capu (a.k.a ckie)


    ¡ª Lord Noble Baron @BloodSucker. Please answer thismoner question. Where is our Hero, Breeze, now? Has he gone to defeat the Overlord?


    ¡ª This lord of blood is seeking an answer too. Oh, my friend, noble blood, do tell me about Breeze''s situation.


    ¡ª I know nothing. This noble me is tired¡­ don''t tag him anymore. But don''t worry, he''s preparing something. Now, get out of this ce and do your job! It''s Monday FFS!


    After getting tagged many times and having notifications popping up, BloodSucker replied to thements while getting annoyed. He clicked his tongue and closed the forum after blocking the notification from it.


    "Those bastards are so annoying. I am busy here. How dare they tag me many times like that! I still have one video left!"


    Inside his room, BloodSucker''splexion wasn''t pretty good. The bags around his eyes were pretty heavy and dark, signing that he hadn''t slept for a few days already.


    The white sclera around his pupil now resembled his red irises.


    However, he didn''t stop there. He was on a mission. An important mission to break his limit and reach a new height.


    "I will make this the greatest video ever. I won''t lose to that guy."


    Still, he had something that the other fans didn''t. Now that he had seen the thread, it bothered him so much that he couldn''t concentrate. His source of amusement was also gone for two days, and that irritated him further.


    Clicking his tongue once more, BloodSucker opened a message application and found Breeze''s name in it. He sent a message that conveyed all his viewers'' requests.


    [BloodSucker: I am doing my job here, so do your job! Get up and make a Strike status or turn on the livestream.]


    Initially, the vampire-like man didn''t expect an immediate reply. He knew the other party, his boss, had a lot of stuff going on besides streaming. But he didn''t know that it was morning.


    And the morning was when Max checked all his emails and messages. So he could reply at a lightning-fast speed.


    [Breeze: I will make a status on Strike. Hahaha, I have been a bit of a wreck in thest two days. Thanks for reminding me, sucker.]


    When BloodSucker read that message, a chill sent down his spine. Who the heck was this? Breeze wasn''t like this!


    With trembling fingers, he typed a reply.


    [BloodSucker: I don''t know what happened, but get yourself together. And it''s not my job to remind you like this. Get yourself an assistant, secretary, or manager who controls your schedule and social media.]


    ''Tsk, everyone is so dependent on me.'' He shook his head.


    No one seemed to be able to do anything themselves without him, whether it was the Fans or Breeze himself.


    ''I am just too amazing.'' He smirked.


    And thus, he continued doing his job, tweaking with videos to make it amazing.

 Chapter 221: Chapter 221 – Morning Practice, Trying Weapons

    Max washed his face and looked at his reflection. He was a bit embarrassed that he wasn''t professional enough to the point he forgot to update his status on Strike. His life wasn''t only his anymore¡­ He shouldn''t worry his fans.


    ''To think that even BloodSucker is telling me this¡­ I also need to get my act together.''


    It was not because he forgot to update his statusst night; he talked a lot with Flexy to know better about thepetition. Not only that, they also talked about how skillful As and Ferin were. Max gave his guess that they were probably sitting at the top 20 SR ranking.


    Lily, whose movement was also simr to Ferin''s, had 97.6% SR. Those couple probably had an SR simr to hers.


    When both of them realized it, midnight had arrived, and Flexy excused himself to stream another game. Meanwhile, Max was already tired and hit the bed immediately to prepare for today''s practice.


    Before that, he still had time and decided to update his Strike.


    [Sorry, guys. I am a bit too busy and forgot to give an update. I will start live streaming early today, at 9 AM. We will y Roach with Flexy and two other friends. Mercenary Quest''s main story will be postponed temporarily until the Midnight Heist tournament ends. That''s it, see you soon!]


    In just a few minutes, many replies arrived.


    ¡ª So you''re still alive! Good to know!


    ¡ª Mercenary Quest is postponed, but Roach is on. Wait, if you y with Flexy, does that mean you are participating in thatpetition too?!


    ¡ª Two tournaments in a month¡­ Breeze is so wild.


    ¡ª So after being a thief, police, a hunter, now he''s going to be an exterminator? He has so many jobs! What''s he going to be next?


    ¡ª I am d to see you doing well and give us info! But even if you are sick, please do tell us! Just a sentence is enough!


    ¡ª Roach, eh? I wonder what kind of weapons you will use.


    Max was relieved that the response was mostly positive, and most of them actually worried about him. He replied to somements that stood out and joked around with those leavingments about Roach and his various jobs.


    ©¸ Yes, I am going to participate in that tournament.


    ©¸ Dude, you forgot I am also a traceur who does parkour and a streamer! But if you ask what kind of job I will be doing next, I want to be a killer kekekeke


    ©¸ Thank you for worrying about my condition. I am not sick, don''t worry. I was just babysitting a certain orange-haired friend of mine.


    The art of shifting me was truly wonderful.


    Max felt nothing ming Flexy for his own fault. It was a nice trick that would make his viewers have more conversation in his Strike ount.


    His status was reposted more than 500 times already, spreading nicely. Soon, the news about him joining Roach''spetition would reach all his fans, bringing those curious to his morning stream.


    ''Well, that''s settled. Let''s wait for the others in the private room 5. I want to try something a little bit.''


    Thinking so, Max climbed into his VR capsule and entered Roach''s Lobby. His character appeared in the middle of the Hub and repeated yesterday''s process to enter private room 5, which Flexy had booked for a whole month.


    Booking a private room in a public Lobby costs around $10 a day. But it was necessary so they wouldn''t be bothered by other people. Many professional teams also did the same when they were nearingpetition, making private rooms fully booked.


    The bar inside private room 5 was empty. It was still an hour and a half before the promised time. But he was here to test something.


    Walking to the corner of the private room, Max operated a device he found yesterday when talking to Flexy. It was a control panel to open a training room where he could try all kinds of weapons Roach had to offer.


    Initially, he chose a sniper rifle because he didn''t want to get close to the cockroaches. But that fear was now gone after he exterminated so many of them. They weren''t objects of fear anymore but just insects to crush!


    The door beside the device rumbled loudly when he pressed enter the training ground. It created a hallway that extended into arge room filled with many selections of guns hanging on the wall and a shooting range.


    Max walked in and stopped in front of the gun collection. There were 5 different main weapons, including the three that his team already used.


    It was a sniper rifle he used, a rifle Flexy and As used, and a shotgun that became Ferin''s choice. Thest two were a machine gun and a submachine gun.


    The former was a bulky weapon with arge cartridge, and thetter was an odd weapon that looked like a rectangr box with a grip cut out of the middle half. Max recognized this gun, as it was much more simr to the one in his past lifepared to the other.


    ''Isn''t this P90?'' He thought as he reached into the submachine gun.


    The gun''s information popped up once he touched it. ording to the screen, it had 50 ammo inside one magazine and could shoot in full-auto mode.


    The energy bullet''s destruction was a bit weaker than the other, but its fire speed was twice as fast as the rifle, making it a good choice to hunt both yers and roaches. Still, the firing range of this gun was so short, which made this gun not preferred by yers.


    ''If I can get close to the enemies like Ferin, I might be able to bring out this gun''s capability. Let''s try it.''


    He walked to the front of the shooting range and raised the gun. The red dot scope installed on the gun allowed him to aim more easily.


    "Easy mode start."


    Recognizing themand, the training started after he said that. Two normal cockroaches appeared in the distance, around 50 meters away. Usually, people enteredbat at this range, so it was the best range for shooting training.


    Breathing deeply, Max calmed his nerves down and pulled the trigger. Many bullets flew out of its muzzle in a spraying motion. For some reason, it wasn''t concentrated and created a straight line even though the gun almost had no recoil.


    Still, most bullets still hit the target. Out of 50 the mock P90 spewed out around 39 bullets hit two targets. There were also explosion traces that were outlined with blue on the bodies of the two cockroaches. It was indeed way smaller, only a third of that rifle''s bullet.


    Looking at the result, Max casually changed the magazine into a new one.


    "Let''s try it on the boss next." He muttered, "Spawn the first wave boss."


    The two normal cockroaches disappeared into tiny pieces and were reced by arge one with an exoskeleton as smooth as a diamond.


    Once again, Max got into position and emptied his clip. Fifty bullets flew and created small explosions when they touched therge cockroach.


    The result was satisfying. The damage might be spread out, but the weapon certainly works, although it was proved to be better used against normal cockroaches.


    Nodding, he once again reloaded the submachine gun and said anothermand.


    "Spawn a yer."


    Continuing that, he kept experimenting with various things until 8:30 AM, like changing weapons and seeing auxiliary items'' effect on the enemies. Only then did he stop and prepare for his livestream.


    Exiting the training room, Max started his stream, leaving it with a loading screen. He looked around the bar and found that no one was there yet.


    ''It''s still 30 minutes before the gathering time. I guess I will talk to my viewers first.''


    Finding a good sofa to sit on, he set the camera to hover around him and wrote ''I am streaming'' on a board beside him to alert the others when they entered.


    From the edge of his view, he noticed that more than 10K viewers were already waiting for him.


    [We will exterminate roaches! Come here, you shiny, ck, disgusting thing! #Roac #Practice #Competition #Flexy #OrangeSquashTeam]


    [Viewers: 12,721]


    The chat was also moving pretty fast, even when he put a 10-second cooldown. Smiling wryly, he decided to increase the cooldown to a 15-second cooldown before changing the loading screen into footage taken by the floating camera.


    "Yo! Good morning, guys. Wee, wee. My apologies for not giving any news for thest two days. My days have been so busy, and many things have happened. I need to calm myself down and get away from the inte.


    But don''t worry. I am fine and still kicking if that answers your question."

 Chapter 222: Chapter 222 – This Model Causes Misunderstanding!

    ¡ª So you''re saying, ''Enough inte for today!'' and then disappearing for 2 days?


    ¡ª Thank god you''re fine. I thought BloodSucker already sucked your blood dry. His reply in the forum indicates that he knew about your condition, but he stayed silent because he''s the culprit!


    ¡ª I am d you''re alive.


    ¡ª A bar again, huh? You really frequent ely, both in Midnight Heist and this.


    ¡ª Private room in Roast. Rich Breeze, for real, for real


    ¡ª So you''re now ying Roach, right? Sounds fun. I will keep the filter on, lol. Can''t handle insects stuff


    [dondododon has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Wee back. What could we expect for today? And what does OrangeSquashTeam mean?]


    "Ah, let me tell you what I did yesterday that led me to this situation."


    Following that, Max exined why he needed to babysit Flexy yesterday. It was a simplified and dramatic version that made him look kinder and his friend looked less pathetic.


    "So, that''s why I and two other friends helped him. We might have no experience with Roach, save for Flexy. But I am confident we can have a shot at winning thepetition at the end of May." He grinned.


    ¡ª What a good guy.


    ¡ª This guy deserves a reward for best friend


    ¡ª For real, Flexy needs to give him another lesson fee. Thest lesson fee is spent!


    ¡ª Ask moni! MONEY!!!


    "Hehe, that''s already on the to-do list."


    Quite some time was spent talking to his viewers. It wasn''t boring or even tiring. No, it was surprisingly fun for Max. Sometimes, talking with your fans would make them know you better and vice versa.


    After talking for a while, he heard a sound from the elevator''s direction. Raising his head, he noticed the door was open, and two people were walking out while holding hands.


    ¡ª Huh?


    ¡ª T-They are¡­ CRAZY COUPLE!


    ¡ª Isn''t that As and Ferin from Horizon Online? Why are they with Breeze?


    ¡ª That beautiful tinum hair, no doubt about it. Isn''t that Ferin?! Kyaaa, I am a fan of her online magazine!


    ¡ª Damn, the teammates are the crazy couple from Horizon Online? Can they y the FPS game, though?


    ¡ª ^^ The fact they are here means they can y, no? Flexy isn''t someone who will throw apetition for reputation.


    Looking at the chat, Max smiled wryly. As and Ferin''s poprity was bigger than he thought. Their easy-going and energetic personality didn''t really reflect that.


    ''I heard that they had a shoot yesterday. And from what I remember, Ferin is a model. I didn''t think much before, but to think they are so famous.'' He thought, standing up from his sofa.


    Upon seeing them, Max decided to greet and warn them because some of his viewers apparently recognized the couple from other games.


    "Good morning." He said, smiling brightly, "I am streaming right now. Do you mind if you appear in it? If you do mind, I will try my best to keep the camera pointed at myself alone."


    "Ah, you''re streaming?" Ferin eximed, releasing As'' hand.


    A yful smile appeared on her face as she noticed the camera. She strode toward it and shoved her face close.


    "Yahoo~ Can you guys see me? Keep supporting Breeze''s channel, okay? If you watched his livestream, you might be able to take a glimpse of my appearance and At''s crazy skill! Press that follow button right now, and activate your notification!"


    ¡ª Uwagh, so close!


    ¡ª I pressed follow already!


    ¡ª Blessed¡­ A close-up of Ferin''s face!


    ¡ª Breeze, thank you for streaming today. I love you, man!


    How unexpected. Max could only blink his eyes repeatedly as he saw Ferin get dragged back by As and was reprimanded not to jump in front of a camera like that. ording to their conversation, it seemed like it was her bad habit.


    The blond-haired man also apologized, but Max didn''t really mind. Rather, he appreciated her shout-out, as it would definitely bring more people to his channel.


    Anyway, the chat kept moving since their appearance. The people who usually never appeared in the chat even made donations.


    [gimmelope922 has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Tell us, how do you get close to many girls like that?! Is it a face? Is it because of your handsome face?! You even got a cute girlfriend already!]


    Usually, Max would ignore chats like these. However, because the person donated 1,000 diamonds, he felt obligated to answer¡ªmoney talk. And true, it was the only weakness that he showed to his viewers.


    "Communication is the key," He nodded firmly as if he were a master in a rtionship. "It''s not because of my face, for sure. And I have no girlfriend yet. What are you talking about?"


    When he said that, the chat spammed ''lies!'' multiple times. One person voiced it in real time just right in front of him.


    "Lies!" Ferin raised her voice and tugged As'' space suit. "Can you believe that, At? How can he lie easily like that? Poor, Lily. To think her boyfriend doesn''t admit their rtionship!" She wiped her imaginary tears as she let her body fall against As, who caught her softly.


    After she said that, Max quickly muted his stream in panic and changed it to a loading screen.


    The viewers were confused, and ''???'' filled the chat. Ignoring that, Max red at Ferin.


    ''What the hell was this woman saying so suddenly?!'' He screamed in his mind.


    Teasing him was fine; he knew that Ferin loved to do that. But saying something like that in a livestream was no good.


    It could cause a bigger problem, not only for him but also for Lily. He didn''t want that. Inconveniencing someone else because of his stream was thest thing he wanted to do.


    And it might be toote, but he realized changing the stream''s screen like this would only worsen his situation. His viewers would definitely interrogate himter.


    Noticing his gaze, As sighed and flicked Ferin''s forehead.


    "Ferin, apologize to Breeze." He scolded in a serious tone. "What you''ve done was something bad. Haven''t you learned your lesson from your past actions?"


    "Eeh?" She whined, looking at her lover in disbelief. "But, At. This guy is so slow. He noticed that he had feelings for Lily, and he also knew Lily took a liking to him. Why are they this slow? They should''ve just been together already!"


    "Just apologize," As said, his voice was cold. "Or I won''t talk to you for a whole night."


    "Uuggh¡­" Ferin groaned and turned to Max, who sighed in displeasure. "I am sorry¡­ That was my fault. I was just too frustrated seeing my friend be impatient¡­ And, well¡­ I just can''t stand it." She said in a low voice.


    "I am also sorry. I should''ve stopped her soon." As continued, "If this causes trouble, please tell me. I will do my best to step in and help. I promise."


    Sighing once again, Max looked a bit troubled. On the one hand, he was slightly angry because Ferin got involved in his private matters. On the other hand, he didn''t want to make it a bigger problem than it was right now. It could have ended with an apology and a bit of talk.


    He also didn''t want to trouble Flexy with this. His friend had a hard time gathering this team, and he didn''t want to destroy it just because of a misunderstanding or a bit of mimunication.


    ''I know I am a bit slow, but she doesn''t need to say that on stream.'' He thought, letting out another sigh. ''She probably thinks we''ve been together since that date. I know where she came from too. I would be mad if Lisa somehow said Flexy isn''t her lover in a stream.''


    It was so tiring.


    ''I prefer getting hit by a sudden drama from a guy like BearGuy0G rather than getting people nagging about my rtionship with others.''


    "It''s okay." He finally quenched out words from his throat. "Please, don''t get involved in that again unless I ask for it. I want to take it at my own pace."


    "Ee¨C"


    "We understand. Once again, we''re truly sorry for the slip of the tongue. Fer honestly thought you and Lily are now together. So she was surprised when you said those things."


    Before Ferin could say anything more, As gagged her mouth with his hand. The blond-haired man smiled wryly.


    ''It''s just as I thought.'' Max smiled back. ''That doesn''t justify her action, though. It''s not me who will get affected if this misunderstanding spreads.''


    "Yeah, it''s fine. But please¡­ Do tell my viewers that Ferin is only joking. I don''t want a drama about my rtionship with Lily to spread." He said, "And please also apologize to Lily about what happened earlier. Even if you''re her friend, you probably should do that."


    "Yes, that''s what we nned to do," As said, turning to look at Ferin. "Right, Fer?"


    The tinum-haired girl only nodded, facing his cold gaze.


    After that, Max continued his stream and jokingly said it was only a misunderstanding. Ferin alsoughed while scratching the back of her head, saying that she only reacted that way because she also watched Breeze a lot.


    While that reason wasn''t a good one, the viewers took that for now. The reason was simple: a beautiful girl was the one who corrected her own sentence. It must be correct!


    ¡ª Well, Breeze is maidenless. It''s his fate. I know he has no GF.


    ¡ª Yeah, there is no way he got a girlfriend already


    ¡ª Spineless streamer! Get your act together, and just confess!


    ¡ª Eh, you guys aren''t together yet? I thought you already lived together since judging that video contest!


    Max didn''t know whether that was a blessing or a curse, but the chat didn''t really think much about it. Some only teased him about it without making it a big deal. It was as if everyone reached an understanding to keep it inside the circle.


    ''Am I overreacting for something so simple?'' He thought, slightly confused.


    His parting with Nina probably affected his reaction earlier. It wasn''t just a simple parting, after all. Indirectly, he rejected her feeling and put an end to that hope.


    ''I probably am overreacting¡­ It seems I am also not fine after making that decision. I should also apologize to them after the livestream ended for scaring Ferin. They are unaware of what I felt, after all.''


    Even if he wanted to do that, the atmosphere between the three of them became a bit awkward. Thankfully, it didn''tst long.


    A few minutestter, the elevator''s door was opened once more and Flexy stepped into the bar with a heartyugh.


    "Wahaha, sorry, guys. I am a bitte!"


    When he entered, his smile immediately froze, and he looked around in confusion, sensing that the atmosphere wasn''t what he had expected.


    "Did I miss something fun?"

 Chapter 223: Chapter 223 – New Game Plan

    After getting a little exnation from Max, after he muted his stream again, Flexy couldn''t help but burst intoughter.


    "Well, don''t mind. Just follow your heart!" The orange-haired streamer imed and patted Max''s shoulder, much to his displeasure. "And¡­ Yeah. Sorry, bud. I will probably stand by Ferin''s side in this discussion. But let''s not talk about that now and focus on the practice, yeah?"


    Max agreed with Flexy as he nodded. There was no point continuing that stuff.


    "Let''s talk about our practice today, then. I have already analyzed yesterday''s video and decided to change the n and role slightly."


    The team gathered by Flexy''s words, sitting around a long table in the middle of the bar. Once they gathered, Flexy looked at them seriously before stopping at Max.


    "I think leaving Breeze to defend the base is stupid."


    That was the first sentence he said, and the others agreed with it.


    "Don''t get me wrong. I know it''s your condition to join the team, but your skills are more useful. When you destroyed two enemy bases yesterday, I just know that we can use a different strategy than the other teams. Our team''s skill is higher than average¡­ The professional average.


    "In fact, the match yesterday looked pretty easy, but my team usually practiced with simrly skilled yers. Of course, I wouldn''t say the real professional team would only have that kind of skill, as they have better teamwork, but I believe we have simr skills to those pro gamers."


    The other three were surprised when they heard Flexy''s words. Max, especially, was surprised. He heard from As that the enemies'' MMR was lower than those at the true top. So, when Flexy said that, he didn''t know who to believe.


    "Are you sure about that, leader?" As asked, seemingly surprised by the information too. "If I remember correctly, your MMR is around 8700, right?"


    "Yes, that''s right," Flexy confirmed with a nod.


    "May I know the current highest MMR? Because¡­ Well, I don''t think our enemies from before are any good." The blond-haired man continued.


    Listening to him, Flexy grinned.


    "The current highest MMR is around 9200, if I remember correctly. It''s held by a yer called LandLord24, the leader of the MiceMice team that also joined thepetition at the end of May. His team is the current favorite to win, as all members are in the top 10 MMR ranking."


    "I see¡­"


    As shrugged his shoulders, mostly out of disappointment at his enemies'' skill. Still, it was good for the team. They were strong enough to defeat enemies of such caliber easily. Thepetition looked bright.


    The talk continued, Flexy told them the new n he thought of. In the middle of the conversation, Max mentioned his change of weapon to Flexy.


    Hearing the change, the orange-haired streamer smiled. He even urged him to try because it would benefit the new game greatly. Speed was important in this new n. A sniper rifle was just too heavy for it to work.


    And thus¡­ They started their morning practice with the new strategy.


    ***


    The match started, and they were transported to the base on the moon.


    The new n proposed by Flexy was pretty simple.


    Once the first wave ended, the trio immediately spread out to find the first wave boss, leaving Flexy to defend the base himself.


    Finding the boss was easier than before. Ferin found the boss hiding like a boulder around the East direction of their base.


    After reporting it, she went into hiding and waited for the others. Here, the others meant not only her teammates but also other teams.


    Usually, the tactic was to kill the wave boss as fast as possible and retreat, getting the extra 100 Annihtion Points. But that wasn''t enough for Flexy. He wanted more.


    So, the n changed after he saw his new team''s capability.


    "Ferin, is there an enemy team yet?"


    Arriving first from the north direction while holding a mock P90, Max crouched beside Ferin and asked. He looked at the ck boulder in the distance and then the area around it.


    The awkwardness between them had been long gone since the match started. They were professional and wouldn''t let feelings affect their job.


    "They aren''t here yet," Ferin said, smiling gently. "Hehe, it might take them another minute to find the boss. We''re just too fast."


    "You''re right," Max didn''t deny that. "Let''s wait for As too."


    It was only 11 minutes since the first wave started, a minute after the boss spawned. The other team might have needed an extra minute or two before they found the first wave boss at the fastest.


    After a few seconds, As joined them in their hiding ce and observed the situation. There was no movement from the boss or the surroundings for a whole minute.


    Ferin became impatient, saying that she might as well solo the boss. As tried to calm her down and asked her to wait a minute more.


    At that moment¡­


    "I see movement," Max said, narrowing his eyes to look better from the detached scope he had in hand.


    It was an auxiliary item, one of the most useless ones, because it could only allow a yer to look farther than usual. But this piece of auxiliary item was important in this game n.


    From the distance, a small dust kicked into the sky, the easiest sign to know that someone or something was moving.


    "It''s getting close here. From the look of it, it might be a three-people party. The direction they came from is straight across from us." He handed the scope to As.


    "So the East," As said, raising his head to look in the direction Max talked about.


    Just like him, the blond-haired man also managed to see the dust.


    "Let''s move ording to the n," As said, returning the scope to Max and turning to Ferin. "It''s your turn, Fer. Keep them busy after they engage with the boss. Breeze and I will follow the n."


    "Finally!" Ferin eximed excitedly. If she had long ears, they would definitely p around to show her happiness. "You can count on me!"


    Getting her confirmation, Max and As nodded at each other before letting their body slide down the hill they used to hide and run around it while keeping their figures hidden.


    Their goal was the direction where the enemy came from. Using a simple logic, it was clear they came from their base. And the rest were just following their trail to find it.


    "I never thought he would think of such a risky n like this." Max grinned from ear to ear as he ran at full speed, "Use the first wave boss as bait and destroy the enemy''s base instead. How crazy does that n sound? Surely no other teams would try it."


    "Hahaha, I am pretty surprised too," As responded. The man managed to match Max''s running speed, and they were now cruising across the sand dune. "But it might be the best. Our teams are pretty much heavy hitters who y best against other yers instead of small monsters. Let''s finish it fast."


    ¡ª Did I see this right?


    ¡ª Yes, you did. I am pretty surprised that they are running together like this.


    ¡ª Hey, between both of them, who do you think runs faster?


    ¡ª Breeze aside, this crazy male called As is amazing. How can he match Breeze in speed? Is he holding back?


    ¡ª I don''t think Breeze is holding back. Holy moly. I thought he was only good in Horizon Online due to the status, but apparently his mechanic is also really great!


    ¡ª I am surprised. I''d like to watch more As and Ferin moments, but this is also great! ANNIHILATION!


    ¡ª Kukuku, my right arm has been satisfied. More! BRING MORE SACRIFICES!!


    The chat who recognized As voiced many reactions. Max didn''t bother to read them as he was concentrating on the game.


    Both of them hid behind a rock when three people that they saw from the distance passed them by.


    "Lucky! No one found the boss yet!"


    "Go go go, let''s kill it!"


    "We can''t leave the base for too long. Use all your grenades to kill the boss!"


    A tiny amount of information was gained from listening to them. Before running again, both of them nodded in understanding. They needed to finish this fast. Ferin might only be able to get a minute¡­ Or probably three minutes at best before she was overwhelmed.


    And based on their conversation earlier, they seemed to go straight to the boss from their base. Max and As followed the footprints they left behind before finally seeing an outstanding structure that was different from boulders and craters spread on the map.


    They didn''t hesitate and immediately rushed into it. The watcher noticed their advance and raised his gun. Unfortunately for the man, As had shot first. With precise uracy, the rifle bullet hit right in the middle of the watcher''s head and killed him immediately.


    This would alert his teammates. They probably rushed back now, but that would still be toote.


    Using the grappling gun, Max climbed the wall and immediately entered the warehouse. He located the main core protected behind a ssyer and destroyed it with a grenade. The explosion brought the base down, crumbling it into gray sand.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team ChipiChapa.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    Resting his mock P90 on his shoulder, Max grinned widely.


    "Let''s get to the next base!"


    Hisment caused another stir in the chat.


    ¡ª Barbaric strategy


    ¡ª OrangeSquash? More like SquashingBase!


    ¡ª The team name is cute, but the members are just crazy folks!


    ¡ª Breeze: Too easy!


    ¡ª I like this team already. Go go go! Defeat them all!

 Chapter 224: Chapter 224 – Mob Train

    The rest of the match was history.


    Following the fall of the first base, Max and As returned to the base to defend it against the second wave. The three of them could defend against it because it only came from one direction.


    Meanwhile, Ferin was out in the wild to find the other''s bases using the wave as a guide. It was easy to find a swarm of cockroaches from a distance instead of a single building.


    She had around 10 to 15 minutes to work with. As a result, she managed to report the remaining 8 bases to the others.


    The second wave''s boss gave 300 Annihtion Points. It was still less than destroying a team, so Flexy gave the order to hunt bases before the third wave started.


    With Max''s speed and courage, they managed to clear the second wave in 5 minutes, just like before. He was already getting used to the space suit and could move more quickly than yesterday. Thus, his speed increased exponentially, around 1.2 times than before.


    And with that, he and As decided to split up. Four of the bases had three of their yers out to find the boss, while the remaining four decided to defend their bases. Those former ones were their prime targets.


    Moving at a fast speed, Max visited the nearest base and killed the watcher. He snuck up when the enemy lowered their guard and destroyed the warehouse.


    The second one was a bit tricky, with a crater on one of its sides. However, that allowed Max to use the crater to sneak behind the watcher and kill him easily.


    As finished his side a bitter than Max, but that concluded the first four bases. The boss was killed at this point, so they couldn''t get an extra 300 Points. However, they had time to finish another two bases after they joined with Ferin.


    Following the n, the three of them returned to the base to defend against the third wave.


    ¡ª This is not Roach anymore. It''s Destroy the Base game! Breeze is on the cockroaches'' side! He''s just destroying his enemies one by one!


    ¡ª Roach = X. yer Hunt = V


    ¡ª Breeze is really ying in a strange way


    ¡ª But, but¡­ Isn''t this n Flexy''s? Breeze has so influenced that guy that he begins to move away from his usual wait-and-see ystyle lol


    ¡ª Breeze: Heh, you coward. Let me show you how to do it!


    Flexy: Sure. Here is the lesson fee!


    Once again, Max didn''t read the chat. However, his intuition as a streamer told him that the chat was making fun of him, so he spoke.


    "I only bring positive influence, alright?"


    Both Ferin and As, who had just returned after destroying two bases with him, looked at him strangely. Then they realized that Max was talking to his viewers, and Ferin jumped once again. This time, she didn''t make big trouble like before.


    "As for me, I bring both!" She eximed. "I made many mistakes due to my mouth, hehehe. Sometimes, I couldn''t control myself and often made many enemies, both in real life and online. Sorry!" She tucked out her tongue yfully.


    Only As knew that she was genuinely sorry. This girl was unable to express herself better than that.


    Max didn''t think much. When they worked together earlier, he heard about Ferin from As and slightly understood her personality. He was willing to forgive her now as long as she didn''t repeat what she did.


    Back to the game, the team sessfully fended off the third wave. A tenth of the wave wasposed of mutated cockroaches with bright wings. They could fly around 5 meters high, which made them a bit of trouble.


    The total number of cockroaches was still the same as the previous wave.


    In the end, they needed around 9 minutes to fend off the wave and set to thest base they had to destroy. By now, they actually had umted enough points to be number one. Flexy even suggested that they should surrender and move on to the next game.


    But Max rejected that suggestion strongly.


    "Are you a coward, buddy? We''re here to annihte them, not just winning!"


    "No, but. Didn''t you say that we should win if we y something? We already won. What''s the use of continuing it?!"


    "That is that. And this is this. It''s a different story." Max ended the conversation by imitating Flexy''s words so he couldn''t refute him, and he took off with As and Ferin.


    ¡ª Truly a wise word


    ¡ª Winning the match and winning the fight is different. Breeze wanted to do it thoroughly!


    ¡ª Thoroughly, eh? I also LOVE to be THOROUGH


    ¡ª I think what you mean is different from what that other guy suggested


    ¡ª That is that, and this is this. Same stuff.


    ¡ª Now you copy their words.


    Finding thest two bases was pretty easy. They hadn''tpletely wiped out the cockroaches yet. Using this chance, the trio of raiders snuck up behind them and shattered their base''s main core.


    What followed was the tricky part. Once the base crumbled into sand, there was no wall that stopped the remaining cockroaches.


    Max looked at what happened in horror. A swarm of crawling and flying cockroaches were now targeting them. In response to that, he shouted loudly.


    "RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!"


    Disregarding the couple, Max ran at full speed toward the next base. Once again, he realized that these creatures couldn''t be looked down upon. They were monsters! Real monsters! Brown monsters!


    It needed to be said thrice, at least, to show how scary they were.


    Looking back, he saw Ferin and As followed right behind. The cockroaches'' attention was fully focused on them.


    "Breeze, hear me out." While running, As suddenly spoke and looked at him. "Do you want to see something amusing?"


    Amusing. That word usually fit Flexy perfectly and Max would jump into it because it would make his stream interesting. But now wasn''t the time to hear that word. Scary and amusing didn''t blend together.


    "Looking at your disgusted expression, I know you''re thinking something bad." The blond-haired man said, "But listen. This will not involve us at all. Rather, we will take down thest base easier. I''ve done this many times in Horizon Online. This trick is called mob train."


    ¡ª Mob train. A trick in MMORPG games where they killed yers using mobs that they aggroed. It was a despicable trick that many yers hated.


    ¡ª Thank you for the exnation, sir Slowagon


    ¡ª That''s such a nice trick


    ¡ª Didn''t that exin this situation perfectly?


    Curiosity took the better of Max, and he read the chat. That was a good decision, as he managed to know what As talked about.


    A grin appeared on his face.


    "Sorry, I doubted you a little bit earlier because I have a bad feeling about the word amusing. But that sounds fun. Let''s get this swarm to their base!" Max roared with a cheery voice.


    "Then, let''s run a bit slower. We''re way faster than the cockroaches. We will lose them at this rate, and they will spread everywhere. We don''t want that to happen."


    "You''re right."


    Following As'' suggestion, the trio ran slower, matching the cockroaches'' speed. The base wasn''t too far, and they could see it getting attacked by a horde of cockroaches from far away. It seemed like they hadn''t exterminated them yet.


    "Let''s go at full speed!" As gave out instructions perfectly as if he was used to it. "Ferin, please destroy the main core! Breeze, follow me! We will shoot at the cockroaches behind us in the interval to aggro them."


    "Leave it to me, At!"


    "Got it."


    As As was the person proposing the idea, Max followed his instructions. He tailed just behind the blond-haired and shot the cockroaches behind him every 5 seconds until they reached the base.


    "Climb up!"


    As said, pointing at the top of the wall.


    "On it."


    However, Max was prepared for it. His grappling gun had already been shot, and he flew to the top of the wall. Landing on it, he could see Ferin climbing on another side of the wall and the enemies who panicked.


    "What is that?!"


    "That person is bringing a wave to us!"


    "Hold on! Protect the base! Shoot them all!"


    The enemies scrambled and began to shoot. Many bullets flew toward Max, but he didn''t bother to dodge them. Instead, he spread his arms and embraced the iing bullets.


    "Hahaha! Get rekt!"


    Just as he did that, his body was riddled with bullets, knocking him down. That didn''t stop the bullet rain. It kept hitting him until his vital sign turned ck.


    [You are dead!]


    A red notification popped on top of his body, with a skull logo beside the word.


    ¡ª GET REKT!


    ¡ª This is¡­ not Sparta! This is BREEZE!!!


    ¡ª Goddamn. As from a crazy couple are indeed crazy. To think he thought of this strategy in Roach


    ¡ª This only shows Horizon Online''s yers not to mess with him.


    ¡ª REMEMBER! You must avoid 2 things in game: First, pissing off Breeze. Second, getting close with As.


    ¡ª He''s a monster among monsters.


    At that moment, the horde of cockroaches also arrived. The enemy yers lost hope as they saw them closing in. Scary monsters crawled on their bodies, ready to bite them.


    Fortunately for them and Max''s viewers, Ferin destroyed the main core before the game turned gore and ended the game.


    What was left around the base was a girl in a space suit that raised both of her hands, making two peace signs.


    "Yay! We won!"

 Chapter 225: Chapter 225 – Girls Talk, Apologize Time

    The practice continued until lunch night. They only stopped for a while for lunch break, and at that time, Max paused his livestream.


    This practice stream unexpectedly brought many people. The viewers were split between those who liked rowdy people like Flexy and those who enjoyed unexpected stuff like what Max did.


    Both streamers knew they were watching because Ferin and As were with them, so they didn''t hope much from them. If a hundred or two stayed because they liked them, it was already enough.


    Talking about the stream, the new viewers'' donations also pour in like a waterfall, surprising Max. He didn''t think they would enjoy watching a game like Roach. It seemed like people in this world didn''t hate cockroaches as much as those in his past life.


    ''I also haven''t seen a single cockroach, even in my previous apartment. The cleaning system in this world is so advanced, then. People don''t know the horror of those tiny beasts!''


    When night arrived, they decided to end the day with no more trouble save for Ferin''s slip of the tongue.


    "Please don''t forget to apologize to Lily."


    He didn''t forget to remind Ferin. Even when their rtionship became better, he still wanted her to apologize to Lily directly.


    Hearing his reminder, Ferin''s cheek bloated.


    "That''s what I will do the first time I log out." She said, turning to As. "At, Breeze is still mean to me even though I apologized already!"


    Patting her head, As said, "It was indeed your fault, and he wasn''t angry. He just kindly reminded you because he was pretty worried about Lily. Let''s say¡­ What if someone who you just met twice suddenly said that I was no good? What will you do to them?"


    "Beat them to a pulp and make sure they won''t be able to walk in society anymore."


    Ferin''s response was quick and deadly.


    Max and Flexy, who heard it, took a step back. The former thought twice whether his decision was the correct one or not. But seeing that Ferin wasn''t angry at him, he might be fine.


    "See?" As only said that calmly, "So, just apologize to Lily, alright? If she refuses to talk to you, I will ask Peter to ry it to her."


    "Un. This is why I love you." She hugged him tightly, causing the blond-haired man to smile wryly and apologize to the two who had to see it.


    Both of them then left the Lobby after they said goodbye to the two streamers. Seeing their figure engulfed in blue light and disappearing, Max sighed.


    "They are such a roller coaster. I don''t know whether I should be angry at Ferin for what she said or thank her for my increased followers. In just a night, I gained 150K followers, making it 700K." He said, looking at Flexy, his friend and source of information about the streaming world.


    "About that." Flexy looked at Max curiously, "Why did you react so strongly? You usually would brush that off with augh and a joke. I''ve been curious until now."


    "Ah, well¡­" Max scratched his cheek, feeling slightly embarrassed of this morning''s outburst. "Two days ago, I just kinda rejected my childhood friend''s advances by saying I supported her dream instead. I just don''t want to be bothered by rtionship stuff, you know? It just hit where it hurts."


    "Wow, dude. So she just poked your sensitive ass, eh?" The orange-haired streamer patted his shoulder, "But, yeah¡­ As your senior in the streaming world, I should say this. We need to keep an act even if we hurt inside. We shouldn''t show everything to our viewers, only our side that they love to see."


    "Heh." Max scoffed as he looked at his friend, "Now you''re saying that after what happened before?"


    Grinning, Flexy crossed his arms, "This is this, and that is that. Besides, we didn''t stream yesterday, so I can put up any pathetic disy I want to. In front of a camera, I would always smile and goof around."


    "Ugh¡­ I understand it already."


    What Flexy said was correct.


    Max was still green. He had a lot to learn about streaming. Furthermore, he also needed to learn how to mask his problem. Not to mention, it was already more than a month since he started streaming. He was expecting more ad offers toe. His work ethic should be at least satisfactory before that.


    And talking about ads¡­


    "Hey, Flexy." He called out Flexy and put on a serious face. "I have a favor to ask."


    "Hmm? Shoot." Flexy said, smiling. He knew it was serious when Max called him with anything but ''buddy.'' "I will dly help you, partner."


    ***


    "I am sorry! I thought you were already together with Breeze, that''s why I said those things! Please don''t get mad, Lily. I will pay this back two¡­ No, tenfold! So, stop pouting and answer me. Please?"


    On the screen, Ferin''s figure could be seen desperately begging. Her hands were sped together, and her head was lowered.


    If her fans or someone she knew saw her state, they would probably do a flip and think that the world was over. This arrogant and prideful girl would definitely not show this pathetic side of her. If she was asked to apologize, she would refuse and ask that person to apologize instead.


    Still, this girl also had a soft spot. Her number one was As, her lover. And next was her favorite friend, Lily Spencer. Right now, she was trying to apologize to sulking Lily after what she said in Max''s stream this morning.


    "Hey, please at least answer me. I know you''re angry because I stepped in unnecessarily. Lily, please? I will buy you a new headset that you want if you talk to me. I will even throw Royal Chocte as a bonus! Two of them!"


    "Dummy Ferin," Lily said, finally opening her mouth with a cutely puffed cheek.


    "Ah, you''re finally talking to me!"


    "Hmpf! Why did you say such a thing to him? Now you made Max hate me."


    She hugged arge bunny plush and hid half of her face with it, only ncing at the screen to show that she was still angry. Crystal droplets were formed on the edge of her eyes. The thought that Max hated her somehow hurt.


    "Eh¡­ You misunderstand!" Ferin quickly waved her hands in front of her in panic. She didn''t expect Lily to start crying.


    "He didn''t hate you. Rather, when he turned the stream off, he sternly scolded me because he worried you would be ufortable. He was the one who forced me to apologize to you, and he repeated it many times!"


    "Really?" Lily raised her head slightly.


    "Trust me," Ferin reassured with a firm nod. "Based on my intuition as a woman and my skill at reading someone''s intent that I sharpened in the modeling industry, I can tell you with 100% uracy that Breeze doesn''t hate you. Instead, it''s the opposite!"


    "Lies."


    "As I said, trust me. Why do you think he strongly asked me to apologize to you? Because he likes you! He''s worried that you might be mad and sad. He doesn''t want that to happen because he also likes you!" Ferin strongly dered with confidence.


    Still, it didn''t look like Lily would believe her.


    ''It is a bit of trouble.'' Ferin thought. ''There is no other choice. Let''s be selfish one more time, for my Lily''s sake!''


    Raising her finger, she finally made a suggestion.


    "Say, what if you join tomorrow''s practice? You can decide whether he likes or hates you based on his reaction. Even if you can''t y together with us, you can wait in the Lobby. Of course, that''s only¨C"


    "I will join." Lily cut Ferin short, her eyes showed resolution. "I want to meet him."


    A bright smile blossomed on Ferin''s face. It seemed like her friend liked her idea.


    "Great! Then, that''s settled!"


    The video call ended after Ferin told Lily the details of how to enter the private room. When the screen disappeared, Lily buried her face in the plush.


    Ferin''s words still rang in her ears.


    ''Max likes me?'' She thought, feeling blood rushing to her face. The fair skin turned red, and she was grinning like a stupid person.


    Her heart was beating fast, but it wasn''t hurt. Rather, she liked what she felt right now after realizing what it was. The sadness she felt earlier was gone, reced by unexinable joy.


    ''Hehehe¡­ Max likes me. And he knew I liked him.''


    Suddenly, she was filled with inspiration. She raised her body and opened a musicposing application, pouring all of her feelings into it. The music hadn''t been created yet. No melody had been nned.


    However, she had decided on the title.


    "Breeze, Take me Away."


    And she began to work.

 Chapter 226: Chapter 226 – Last Teenage Years

    Max walked down the street at night. The wind was not as cold as when it was in early April, a sign that Summer would arrive soon. He wore a white shirt and long cargo pants, with his usual ck mask covering his lower face.


    A bag filled with his streaming equipment slung over his shoulder and nested on his chest.


    Why was he out when it was already night? Not to mention, he also brought his new action camera and wireless microphone.


    There was no need to exin it. It was clear from what he brought and the fact he walked toward the park near his apartment.


    After so much happened in thest few days, he wanted to cool off his head. And the most efficient way to do that was to move his body, doing parkour. He didn''t n to stream anything but wanted to record what he did.


    This footage could also help BloodSucker learn parkour editing. It might as well be a tutorial for his viewers, something he promised to make in the past.


    Arriving at the park, Max looked around. The wall he used to try IRL wall-run and the uneven pirs were in front of him. The area around was lit bright enough. There was no need to set additional lighting to get good footage.


    And more importantly¡­


    ''There is almost no one here.''


    One or two people could be seen running around the park, and there was a couple sitting on a bench a bit away from where he stood.


    ''No one will bother me nor report me to the police. Even if there is someone getting close, I can exin to them what I did by showing off my video.''


    A privilege, or so he called it. For some reason, people became softer when they knew that the other person doing a dangerous stunt was a professional or at least knew what he did. The chance of getting reported to authority would be lowered exponentially.


    Still, it didn''tpletely erase the chance. Max nned to stay for less than an hour before changing or, at least, trying to find another good location for parkour.


    Preparation was needed. He set his camera to be at his eye level and clipped the microphone on his cor to catch his breathing and the wind sound.


    "Ah, it would be fun doing this on the roof of my apartment." He muttered as he started warming up.


    ''I never thought they wouldn''t give me the key just because it''s night. I understand their concern for my safety, but it still sucks.'' He thought, stretching his legs to avoid any unwanted injuries.


    After he felt that his warming up was enough, he set an rm with his smartwatch, exactly an hour from now. Once he concentrated, his awareness of his surroundings and time would be blurred. His sight would only be focused on the parkour path and what he did.


    ''Let''s do this.''


    Walking toward the lowest out of 20 pirs that made a spiral, Max decided to try it first by walking. The pir got higher and higher with each step he took. Each had a 50cm difference from the previous one, with the highest pirs reaching around 10 meters high.


    He wanted to get a feeling before going on a full sprint. After reaching the top, he looked around and spread his arms. The wind felt nice. A soft breeze brushed against his exposed skin.


    The mask now felt stuffy. He took it off and put it in his pocket. Arge smile formed on his face. Everything that bothered him seemed to fly away with the wind.


    This was freedom. This was life!


    "Hahaha!" Aughter escaped his lips as he pressed record. He let his body fall backward, letting the gravity and wind embrace him.


    Before he fully fell, his hand touched the pir behind him, and he did a handstand. His physical ability was good. He admitted that all the exercise, gym, and nutritional supplements made his body far stronger than in his past life.


    It was amazing. Just a month''s hard work could create such a great change. Advanced science couldn''t be underestimated.


    "Ahaha! This is fun!"


    Whileughing, Max pushed himself up and did a half-flip. Hended on the lower pir on one leg, bncing himself by flinging his arms around.


    He kept doing various choreography. Running, jumping, flipping.


    From an outsider''s perspective, he was probably like a kid who tried a dangerous y. But for him, this was what being alive meant.


    Standing on the lowest pir, Max prepared to do a full sprint toward the top. His arms were spread like a wing. He wondered how many seconds he needed to reach the top pir.


    "And three!"


    With his own voice as a starting sign, he began to sprint, moving up at fast speed. In just 15 seconds, he reached the top and slid down by hugging the pir. He did it once again, this time using not only his legs but also his hands.


    The time needed was way less than before. 10 seconds.


    By climbing the 3-meter tall pir at the start, he managed to cut a few seconds'' worth of time. Of course, it was only within his estimation. It was by no meant urate.


    Around 30 minutes had passed since he started ying with the pirs. His body was drenched in sweat, and his breath was cut short due to exhaustion.


    Max was satisfied.


    Many people said getting exhausted made one feel lethargic orzy. However, he never felt something like that. Only pure satisfaction could be felt.


    Just as he enjoyed himself, he suddenly heard pping from the ground.


    p p p.


    It came from one person. His concentration broke down before the rm rang. Looking down, he noticed a beautiful girl with long hair looking at him.


    She was Lily.


    "That was amazing." She said, her smiling face illuminated by the park''s light. "I didn''t know you could do that. Backflipping into a handstand and then jumping around. Can you teach me how to do it?"


    Smiling back at her, he answered, "It''s a little bit too dangerous for an amateur, so I won''t be able to teach you in real life. But if you don''t mind VR teaching, then dly."


    Max hugged the pir and slid down. He stopped the recording and walked toward her, who kept her gaze at him. Somehow, he felt more at ease.


    "I don''t mind." She said, nodding slightly. "I just want you to teach me."


    "If that''s what you want." Max chuckled lowly. "I will make time to teach you."


    "Un." She nodded, smiling brightly. "Thanks. Also¡­ have you finished yet? I want to watch more."


    "Sure. I also n to continue for 30 minutes more before taking a break." He said.


    Being with Lily made him at ease. The time felt slightly faster than before. He made some moves, climbing up and down the pirs with agility.


    Seemingly interested, Lily also tried to climb the pirs, ignoring Max''s warning. He desperately tried to stop her, knowing how much danger was actually looming over this activity.


    However, much to his surprise and relief, she only tried the first two pirs. Even if she fell, the damage wouldn''t be that much. At most, she probably would only twist her legs. But that still didn''t sit well with Max, so he spotted her from below in case she did slip and fell.


    Naturally, that was only a baseless worry. Lily was athletic enough to coordinate her body easily. She also wore track pants and an exercise tank top, allowing her to move freely.


    With a mischievous grin, she pretended to fall and backflipped,nding on the ground safely. Max felt like his heart was about to burst out of worry. But the girl only said she was sorry. She suddenly wanted to do that.


    Time passed without them noticing.


    And as they sat on the bench, drinking water to rehydrate themselves, Lily suddenly dropped a bomb.


    "Hey, Max." She called out to him, her face was getting closer to his ear. Then, she whispered, "Thank you. I will cheer on you in thepetition."


    A shy smile formed on her blushed face as she backed away. Max could feel the heat rushing into his head. He bet that his face was also as red as hers.


    ''She''s too dangerous.'' He thought. ''And she actively teases me. What''s wrong with her now? Did Ferin say something she shouldn''t have again?''


    Both of them were in theirst teenage years. Max never experienced being 20 yet, he never had a chance to before. And both of them had only experienced their first love.


    That was why they enjoyed even a moment like this, even if they weren''t official yet. Only time could tell when it would happen.


    Nevertheless, they knew it wouldn''t be long until that time arrived.

 Chapter 227: Chapter 227 – Additional Tournament Details

    Two days had passed since Max met Lily in the park that night.


    It was now May 14th.


    Not many things have happened since then. Max only sent the footage to his editor, BloodSucker, and he practiced with team OrangeSquash like usual. The favor he asked from Flexy needed to wait until everything was over. Max wasn''t rushing either, so it was perfectly fine.


    More importantly, when he met Ferin in the private room, he told her that he forgave her, as Lily had already ryed that she had apologized properly.


    After practicing for a few games, which they used to test out many new strategies no matter how crazy they were, their teamwork increased, and they couldmunicate with just a few words now.


    The main concern they had now was their enemies. Just as As had said in the beginning, they were too weak.


    An idea shed in Max''s mind after he heard that.


    "I think we need to invite other professional teams for joint practice. We need to hold a scrim." He proposed to the others.


    While there was a joint practice a day before thepetition, there was nothing wrong with doing it way before. It also benefited the other teams, as they could train with yers on the same level and tried whether their strategy could work in apetition.


    Naturally, they would only use a fake strategy and y normally because showing their hidden card in the training would be stupid. But that was not the point.


    "Scrim?"


    "What is that?"


    Both Flexy and As didn''t seem to know the term scrim. A practice was practice. There was no other word than that.


    Max let out a sigh and decided to exin it to them.


    "Scrim, or a scrimmage, is a test match between teams where we will y using thepetition rules. If you want the simple term, it''s a mockpetition where we could y with teams with simr skills. There are many benefits, including assessing enemy teams and finding our weaknesses.


    "If I remember correctly, there are 50 teams joining thepetition this time. The top 2 teams from each group would then continue to the final. We can invite 9 of those teams to practice with us while simting that we were in the actual tournament."


    None of the people in this private room were stupid. They immediately knew the advantages and disadvantages of this Scrim. For them, the advantages were way more important than the disadvantages, which was allowing enemy teams to understand their level.


    "That''s a good idea." Flexy epted the idea readily, "Because we also won''t have a lot of practice starting tomorrow, I will try to invite those teams. If I manage to gather them, I will schedule the Scrim on the 20th. What do you think?"


    "I don''t mind," As said.


    "No worries for me! I am free that day. I will finish all my work for the month in the next 3 days." Ferin added with a yful giggle.


    As someone who proposed the idea, Max also agreed readily. 10 days before the actualpetition was a perfect time for a Scrim. It allowed the team to fix their weaknesses and perfect their strategy.


    Perhaps noticing that, Flexy chose that day deliberately. No matter how much this guy liked to mess around, he still had a good head on his shoulders.


    "Then, I will try to contact the other teams." Flexy stood up from his chair and looked at the time. The system screen showed 4 PM, 7 hours since they started practicing. "I think we can end our practice early today. After all, Breeze will need time to prepare for tomorrow''s tournament."


    After deciding that, they disbanded and logged out. Max climbed out of his VR capsule in a drenched state. 7 hours straight ying Roach was exhausting. His performance even decreased slightly when it reached the 4-hour mark.


    ''I need a C-Grade nutritional supplement to increase my ytime,'' He thought. ''B-Grade will be too much, and I don''t need it for now as my body condition is better. Maybe I will only buy one after I withdraw my pay from Punch.''


    Taking a towel from his room, he went to take a shower. Afterward, he changed into a simple shirt and short pants and rxed on the balcony after making himself an iced tea.


    Today''s schedule was prettyx. That was to register himself in the Midnight Heist tournament and call BloodSucker. His system''s quest started the next day. He needed to have the footage ready tonight at thetest if he wanted to get the bonus reward.


    Finding the information regarding the tournament was pretty simple. He opened the Midnight Heist website and headed into the tournament menu. More details were added today, including the tournament schedule.


    "Hmm¡­" Humming, Max read the additional information while sipping on his tea.


    On May 15th, the first day of the tournament, the qualifiers would start. Participants were allowed to y 5 games in a special mode called ''Tournament.''


    No registration was required. The qualifications were points based, which would be counted from the hidden MMR that a yer gained in these 5 games.


    ''This is a bit¡­ rocky. No registration required means everyone can enter.'' Max narrowed his eyes in displeasure. ''There will certainly be people who use this rule to y with their friends, deliberately giving some people the high MMR they need to get many points. Why is the first rule like this?''


    It wasn''t by any meant the perfect system, but Max decided to trust the management and continued reading.


    The top 50 yers would then be seeded to enter the second qualifier on May 16th. These top 50 yers would then y another 5 games topete for the highest score. Just like before, they would also count from the matchmaking rate.


    This second qualifier would leave only 10 yerspeting in the final. It was a bit trickier than the qualifier, as the information mentioned the rules and the game would be different from the normal Midnight Heist.


    ''They will only announce the rule on the day of the final to keep it a secret. That''s understandable.''


    Max wasn''t confident in this tournament. He only had to do his best to make content for his viewers. If he won, then that would be great.


    Finally, at the end of the new announcement was the prize list. Max''s eyes turned green and reflected the trophy image that he saw. His jaw dropped when he read the winner''s reward for the Tier 2 tournament.


    1st ce: $50,000 and a month Vacation ticket to White Beach.


    2nd ce: $25,000


    3rd ce: $10,000


    After reading that, he decided on something.


    Screw content. He would get that 50 grand reward!


    Tier 1 yers had a bigger reward because thepetition was stricter and had a higher ceiling level. However, Max didn''t envy them. No, this reward was enough.


    "Sorry, Flexy. I will focus on this first. Do your best to gather people for the Scrim while I make money!" Heughed evilly, ignoring the fact that he was technically outside.


    Following that, he closed the screen and contacted BloodSucker. If he wanted more content, couldn''t he just ask his editor to split his VoDs into several videos to keep his viewers entertained? Before that, though, he needed to make sure his main content was ready.


    [Breeze: Yo, my lovely editor, BloodSucker. How is the editing for that special video going? I believe you''re doing great! If you have finished it already, send it to me so I can upload it after NoFeet airs their official ads. Waiting for your answer!]


    The answer came immediately.


    [BloodSucker: It''s not done yet. I just scrapped everything and started again. Wait until tonight.]


    "Hah?" Max raised his voice when he read the reply.


    That wasn''t a good sign.

 Chapter 228: Chapter 228 – BloodSucker is Spirited

    Max''s response was quick. He immediately pressed the call button and waited for BloodSucker to receive it.


    Just like the message earlier, the call was received shortly. A screen popped up before Max, showing BloodSucker''s tired face. Behind his round sses, dark circles that made his red eyes look like pandas were apparent.


    Surprise and anger melted quickly, reced by worry. Clearly, the guy on the screen hadn''t slept for a while.


    "What happened?" Max asked worriedly. "Your dark circles look really bad. Have you ever got any sleep at all?"


    While the video was important, it would just hurt his conscience if BloodSucker got sick as a result. Max put the health of utmost importance above all else. How could he rest easy if he couldn''t treat his editor with care and let him fall sick?


    Did he contradict himself? Why would someone who sought danger in parkour care about health?


    This and that were different.


    "It''s nothing," BloodSucker responded, his voice croaking a little bit from exhaustion. "More importantly, I said the video will finish tonight. Why are you calling me?"


    "At first, I was about to ask your exnation why you suddenly discarded the video you said was good enough. But after seeing your condition, I changed my mind. Sleep, sucker. You can just send the video tomorrow."


    "No."


    Max was trying to be considerate, but BloodSucker refused his suggestion.


    "This is something I mustplete. Sorry, but I won''t stop. Just like you, who wants topete with the others, I also like to make a bet. And this time, it''s a matter of my skill. There is no way I can lose to that bastard who mocked me before. I will make this video better than his."


    Something seemed to happen on his end too. Max didn''t know what that was, but one thing was sure.


    ''Is BloodSucker acquainted with Director Hugo? No, that can''t be. That means he knows No Feed''s ad editor, probably friends or rivals. That''s why he also knows that I have to shoot the ad when I contacted him in the past.''


    That exined it.


    And the fact BloodSucker suddenly discarded his editing and started a new one meant he wasn''t confident enough to beat the ad. Or at least, his editing quality was still inferior to his friend.


    ''He unexpectedly has a high pride.''


    Sighing, Max crossed his legs and rested his head on his hand.


    "Don''t push yourself, you hear me? After editing this special video, just rest. Don''t worry about the video for next week. I will focus on the Midnight Heist''s tournament and practice for Roach''spetition. And I won''t cut your pay, so don''t worry about it."


    BloodSucker''s eyes widened in surprise.


    "Woah¡­ Who are you? Breeze I know will be stingy with money, and I can imagine him threatening me to work 24/7. Tell me, are you a skinwalker? Where is the real Breeze?!"


    "Now you''re rude." A visible vein popped on Max''s forehead, his voice lowered considerably. "Should I cut your pay, huh? I think $2,000 is enough for you, considering you aren''t even sleeping. Yeah, the sleeping cost should be cut short, no? I believe that thing exists."


    "You''re a devil! You dare to cut my pay after what I do? Devil!"


    "Hahaha, try me, panda vampire! You better keep your word, or you will see the number 2 instead of 3 in your bank ount."


    Having understood the situation, Max no longer felt bad andughed like an evil lord. It was to motivate BloodSucker. The man himself probably also hit his limit and needed this simtion to stay awake.


    "Oh? Now you''re challenging me too?! My boss has turned his back on me." BloodSucker raised his chin arrogantly, "Fine. I will show you. Just wait until you watch the finished product!"


    On the screen, BloodSucker raised his hand. The video call ended after that, and the screen disappeared.


    Max let out a chuckle out of amusement. Why were the people around him sopetitive?


    BloodSucker, whom he thought was azy person, unexpectedly put a lot of effort when it came to editing. Flexy also didn''t want to give up even when his teammates left him. And Lily also wanted to try something new even though it was dangerous.


    It was just as those smart people said. People with simr personalities attracted each other.


    ''The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.''


    Maybe hispetitiveness had rubbed into his friends, just as Flexy''s yful personality had rubbed off him a little. In the past, Max couldn''t imagine himself ying around when he was in a dangerous or hopeless situation.


    ''I guess that quote has a bit of truth mixed in.''


    Thinking so, he stood up and entered the living room while holding the now-empty cup.


    After seeing BloodSucker''s condition and still working despite that, Max felt he didn''t want to lose.


    Take it easy for the day? Hah, what a loser''s mindset. Resting for an hour was enough. Before the tournament that started at 10 AM tomorrow, he wanted to regain his feeling in the Midnight Heist.


    After putting the empty ss in the kitchen, he stepped inside his VR capsule and dived into the game.


    ''Well, let''s warm up for tomorrow.''


    ***


    In the Midnight Heist''s Lobby, the atmosphere was pretty tense. People talked about tomorrow''s tournament without stopping, discussing who would take the crown of the best yer in Tier 1 and 2.


    "Who do you think will win? I guess Tier 1 is pretty much in ImperialPrince''s pocket. Or maybe Draclord61 unexpectedly has a good day and beats him. I am excited for the final already!" A yer said to a group around a round table with arge grin on his face.


    "I think ImperialPrince is overrated. He can''t even hold a candle against StoneSword in other games." Another gave an opinion with a frown, "Haven''t you heard about that new yer? chikiBUM, who just rose to Tier 1. I think he has a big chance to win this tournament."


    "Ah, I''ve heard about him!" A female yer eximed, "He''s a pretty good Thief yer. However, when he ys as a police officer, he always jests around and doesn''t actually catch them. His notoriety among high Tier yers is famous now."


    "Oh! Talking about a new yer, haven''t you heard of Breeze?" A man in a purple suit raised his voice in a cheerful manner. "He reached Tier 2 in just 3 weeks and is actually a good yer. His ability is already proven, as he is the current synchronization test world record holder, the fastest person in the world!"


    "I''ve heard of him." The first yer that started the conversation nodded, "But isn''t he just Tier 2? He won''tpete in the main Tier 1 tournament then."


    "That''s right, hahaha. The Tier 2 tournament is for streamers and non-professional yers. It''s a kid''s y. No matter how good of a yer they are, they still won''t be able topete with pro gamers. They are on a different level!"


    "That''s right. Hahaha!"


    Theyughed together.


    A yer who sat near them, with his face hidden with a mask, identally heard their conversation and raised his head slightly.


    Above his head, his name was fully disyed. It said ''Puppeteer.'' He was the former world record holder for the synchronization test and the person with 4th highest SR in the world.


    "Breeze is also in Tier 2, huh?" He looked at the group of yers who talked about thepetition with interest. "Maybe it''s time to show who the best yer is."

 Chapter 229: Chapter 229 – Rude Streamers

    The day had arrived.


    On the morning of May 15th, Max stretched his body in the living room, warming himself up without doing any strenuous activity. He wanted to be in top shape in the tournament.


    While stretching, he looked at his message. Unexpectedly, many people contacted him this morning, especially those who knew he would enter the Midnight Heist''s tournament.


    [Flexy: Yo, buddy. Good luck with the tournament. If you win, we will celebrate it with a tomahawk steak, hahaha!]


    [Lily: Max¡­ Good luck. I prepared a surprise if you win.]


    [StoneSword: May luck be with you. Lily pestered me to send a message. But I genuinely thought you would do fine even without it. Win this tournament.]


    [MadLad: Dude, you must win. I am unable to participate because my Tier dropped yesterday, thanks to trolls. Win, for my sake! I need to boast to others that I have bested you in basketball twice!]


    [Amelia: Good morning. I''ve heard about your participation in the tournament from MadLad. I hope you win this one. And I am looking forward to our next meeting.]


    [Nina: Max! I am watching, so do your best!]


    [Mr. Taka: I am unable to openly give you our full support in the tournament, but I am allowed to wish you luck. May thedy of luck be with you.]


    [BloodSucker: I amte because I fell asleep before sending it, but don''t cut my pay. Here is the video [video.mp4]. I assure you this will get many likes, so upload it. I beg you, please don''t cut my pay! You were the one who told me to sleep! It was your fault.]


    Max read them one by one and replied to them all. A small smile formed on his face. He had made good friends along the way. Even Mr. Taka gave him encouragement.


    BloodSucker also delivered the video he needed on time. Fortunately, the deadline hadn''t moved yet because NoFeet hadn''t released their ads yet. He nned only to upload his video 12 hours after NoFeet, just to respect the other party for staring him in their ads and giving him money.


    <Deadline: 0/30 days (Counting after the ad is released)>


    He still had time to upload it, so he decided to focus on his tournament first.


    Looking at the clock on his screen, he saw 9:31. The tournament would start in less than 30 minutes.


    ''Let''s do this.''


    Returning to his room, he entered his VR capsule and logged in to Midnight Heist. He appeared in hisst logged-out spot, on the corner of a deste bar.


    However, today, this bar wasn''t that deste. As soon as he appeared, he saw many people around the bar, creating a buzz.


    "Now, now! I will win this Tier 2 tournament, aren''t you excited?!"


    "Just listen to me. This is very much easy. I can be in anyone''s team and still do better than them!"


    "Ah! Thank you for the 200! Momopopo, I will do my best!"


    "No one shall pass this CrazyPolice''s eyes. Catching those thieves is pretty easy!"


    Just from their way of speaking, Max realized they were also streamers. What he didn''t expect was the fact they gathered here, in the tiny bar on the corner of the Lobby. Why would they hide here? If they were streamers, wasn''t it better to find famous yers who joined Tier 1 tournament and got content?


    That question was answered soon.


    "Ah! That''s Breeze!"


    One of the streamers saw him and approached him with a swift movement before stopping right beside him.


    "Hello! Hahaha, it''s such a coincidence to meet one of the favorite yers to win the Tier 2 tournament. Actually, my viewers are curious about you. Are you confident you will win the tournament, Breeze?"


    The random streamer''s voice wasn''t particrly low, and it attracted the others. Many people immediately got closer, like starved fish who found a tasty meal out of nowhere.


    At that moment, Max realized that they had been waiting for him. Those streamers wanted to leech off his poprity to gain more viewers and content!


    ''Come to think of it, they are all talking about the Tier 2 tournament. It''s indeed more beneficial for them if they catch my face as we''re in the same Tier instead of more famous yers from Tier 1. It can get them more content.''


    Max raised his hands in surprise. Understanding their underlying intention, he now didn''t want to be in this ce anymore. Being surrounded by them only made him ufortable. The tiny cameras that were floating around were now also pointed at him.


    ''Freaking hell. I need to get out of here!''


    Smiling wryly, he stood out from his seat.


    "Hahaha, I am not that confident, but I will do my best." He answered the streamer politely, trying not to break his image.


    In case something happened, he could at least have an upper hand if he didn''te out as an arrogant streamer. His fans would support him, ming the rude streamers who surrounded him.


    Until now, Max hadn''t given his consent to appear in their stream.


    "Now, I need to excuse myself to prepare for the tournament. Can the crowd step away a little, please?" Max requested them with a cold smile.


    If someone had a little bit of sensitivity and wasn''t so dense, they would realize that this smile meant, ''Get the fuck out of my face.''


    Thankfully, that intention was ryed to some streamers.


    "A-Ah, yeah. Sorry to bother you." The first streamer scratched his cheek and stepped away from Max, followed by the others.


    Now, he could get out of their encirclement.


    "Thank you."


    With a bright smile, he casually walked past the other people and the bar. As soon as he exited, he broke into a run and disappeared behind the building.


    Why would he do that? Because Max had a bad feeling about it.


    After hiding, he secretly looked at the bar where he came out from and, just as he had expected, the streamers from before followed suit. They hadn''t given up on finding him and getting more content.


    "Sigh¡­ They are so persistent." He grumbled in exasperation. "Can''t they just be normal? Like, giving space to a person who clearly wants to concentrate on the tournament."


    Those guys were probably streamers who were desperate to get viewers. Just by looking at how they answered all their viewers'' questions, Max knew they probably only had 50 to 100 viewers maximum. It wasn''t bad at all.


    In fact, if Max hadn''t been lucky or had a unique way of ying Knight''s Journey back then, he would also be in their position, scrapping over hundreds of viewers everyday.


    That was why he wasn''t mad at their effort to grow their fan base. He was just a little bit mad that they were wrong and had no respect for him.


    If they asked quietly whether he was willing to be in their stream or not, he wouldn''t mind entertaining their viewers. No, he would be happy to help them.


    ''Well, what happened had happened. I better suit myself and escape their sight for a while.'' He thought as he prepared his disguise.

 Chapter 230: Chapter 230 – Day 1 Qualifier, 1st Game [1]

    Opening the game system menu, he put on an essory, a ck mask, to hide his face. It should be enough to avoid their sight, considering he had already hidden his name.


    Then, he prepared his livestream. The tournament''s rules hadn''t forbidden anyone to stream, but there was a special rule where they had to put a 5-minute dy 10 minutes before the tournament to avoid stream snipers who purposely tried to join the streamer''s game and mess with them.


    ''That one is a good rule. I don''t want to get trolls in my game too.''


    [Midnight Heist''s Tier 2 Tournament! Day 1 Qualifier. #Breeze #Tournament #MidnightHeist #Running]


    When everything was set, he immediately started the stream, and it showed the loading screen. His viewers started to gather.


    [Viewers: 11,712]


    In just a few seconds, more than 11K people had gathered. They were on time as usual, even though it was still work hours. From the chat, it seemed like there were many new viewers who came solely to watch the tournament from his PoV.


    ¡ª I am new here!


    ¡ª Tier 2 tournament! I am looking forward to watching it


    ¡ª Loading screen, is the tournament not starting yet?


    ¡ª To new viewers, wee! Please enjoy your stay!


    ¡ª Breeze! Breeze! Breeze!


    ¡ª Win this, Breeze! I know you''re excited to get the money reward!


    Looking at the time, Max still had 20 minutes left before he could start his first game. He thought of greeting his


    There was a chance the other streamers would find him, so he decided not to change the screen and only lowered the music volume to allow his voice to be heard.


    "Hello, guys. First of all, sorry. I have a reason not to show my face now and only use my voice. There are too many people in Midnight Heist''s Lobby now, and I am hiding from them. Once I put the 5-minute dy, I will change the screen back to normal. Please be patient."


    ¡ª Hello! Many people? Are you hunted by any chance?


    ¡ª Chased even before the game, eh? ssic Breeze


    ¡ª [emoji:shocked!] You got chased? Shall we protect you from those people?


    ¡ª [emoji: shocked!] You will protect Breeze?! I don''t believe it! I bet you will jump on him!


    ¡ª Hehe, just ept your fate. They aren''t that bad, I think


    ¡ª Naahhh, I don''t think you should trust anyone in the chat, especially those who want to breed Hutch or be bred by Caesar.


    "For some reason, I agree with thest guy in the chat. I would rather hide myself from both my chaser and you guys. It''s scary." Maxmented with a trembling voice. "Anyway, I will put a 5-minute dy now. Enjoy the loading screen showing off my handsome figure while waiting."


    With that, Max went into a setting and increased the music volume again before putting the 5-minute dy. He could finally change the screen after that, as the viewers would only see the loading screen for 5 minutes straight.


    However, that didn''t mean he could stay in one ce. He began to walk. Staying in one ce would allow the other streamers to find him through his livestream.


    After the 5 minutes had passed, the viewers were able to see his figure. He didn''t say anything, and the chat only followed what he had done 5 minutes before. This would be a silent stream, he thought. There was no direct chat with his viewers, making him a little bit lonely.


    And then, at 10 AM, the tournament started.


    [Dear midnight dwellers! The time hase. The tournament section has been opened now!]


    The notification from the system rang in the Lobby. Max raised his head before finding a secluded alley to open the game menu.


    "It''s time, guys. Look forward to my amazing performance!" He confidently dered it and pressed the ''Start'' in the tournament section.


    Dum dum!


    A drum beat could be heard, and fiery words appeared in front of his eyes.


    [Match found!]


    [Map: Urban ¨C Midnight Club.]


    [Your role is as¡­ a Thief!]


    [Target: Diamond Wine!]


    It was fast. Only a second was needed to find a match when it usually took around 30 seconds. This showed how many yers participated in the tournament. To be in the top 50 among those yers wasn''t easy.


    Still¡­


    "I am so excited."


    The word nervous had long gone from this shameless streamer''s dictionary.


    Max''s body was covered in blue light and he was teleported to the starting point outside the club. He looked around and found his four teammates appeared beside him. They also tried to know who they teamed up with.


    Two of them wore red suits and stocking masks, while one wore a rainbow outfit and a clown mask. Thest one was wearing an ape costume with a monkey mask. All of them had Slide Shoes, which allowed them to slide anywhere at an increased speed for 3 seconds.


    Adding Max, who wore default costumes, it was a slightly bnced team. It would be better to have 2 yers with a clown mask to secure the escape route. However, this team''sposition was already better than he had hoped.


    "Good luck, and have fun." Max greeted the others first, breaking the silence. "May I request something selfish? I would be grateful if I am allowed to be the one to steal the target. I swear I will seed at doing it as long as I have two supports."


    The tournament was point based, calcted by how high MMR yers gained in the game.


    If one became an NovelFireP 5 times in a row, they had a higher chance of advancing to the next qualifier. At least, that was what people thought.


    The reality was that being MVP and gaining high MMR weren''t unrted. If that was all he needed, Max would be Tier 4 immediately instead of Tier 5. From that fact alone, it was clear that being MVP didn''t necessarily mean having the highest MMR in the match.


    Max''s idea was simple, just y his best ording to his role. That was the best way to get a high MMR.


    And looking at his and his teammates'' equipment, it was clear that he was the perfect yer to steal the target. However¡­


    "No, I don''t think so. My stocking mask and Slide Shoes are the bestbination to steal."


    "Me too. Let me steal the target."


    "Don''t underestimate the monkey mask. In this Midnight Club map, the ability to climb up and down will prove to be necessary. I can escape through the rooftop with my mask''s ability to climb like a monkey."


    "There are many NPCs in this Midnight Club map. I can escape easily using my clown mask."


    ¡­The others had different opinions. They thought that sessfully stealing the item would make them the MVP.


    While that way of thinking wasn''t wrong, it would only give the police yers some advantage. Teamwork was needed in this game.


    Max sighed in defeat. He was faced with two facts. The first was¡­


    ''This game might be harder than I initially thought.''


    Another fact was something that he didn''t take into ount.


    ''ying as a police officer might give me a higher MMR than being a thief because it needs more individual skill than a thief, which needs good teamwork. What an unbnced tournament.''


    From this moment on, everything was left to the Goddess of RNG. May he be police in the next game to avoid this shitty discussion with his teammates.

 Chapter 231: Chapter 231 – Day 1 Qualifier, 1st Game [2]

    After the waiting countdown was over, the game officially started for the thieves. Max disguised himself as one of the NPC and entered the Midnight Club.


    In the end, everyone was adamant about stealing the target and didn''t arrive at any conclusion. They decided to work by themselves, putting their ego on the front. There was no teamwork at all, and no one secured the escape point.


    "This is a mess." He sighed in exasperation.


    If before he was irritated by those rude streamers, this time he was angry. The boiling anger he felt was enough for him to grit his teeth.


    "Those fuckers tried to stop me from getting that 50 grand!"


    While there was no one he talked to besides his viewers, who were 5 minutes behind, he kept yapping while making his way to the second floor of the Midnight Club. The target would appear in the VIP area, and he needed to get ess to that before his teammates¡­ Those burdens got it.


    Arriving on the second floor, he changed his disguise to match the NPCs in the VIP area.


    He also skillfully stole one of their VIP identification cards, which were key to some ces. He found out about it when he was grinding his way to Tier 2. And the police officers apparently could check on them to find out thieves.


    His appearance right now could be described as a ssy middle-aged man wearing a ck suit. He held a ss of wine in his right hand, twirling it with mechanical precision while looking at the dance floor right below. His left hand rested behind his left hand. It was a perfect NPC behavior.


    ''They will appear soon.''


    Just as Max thought that, five shes appeared inside the building, scattered between the first to third floor. The yers who yed as police officers had been deployed. That meant the target would appear soon.


    ''Diamond Wine. It will be brought to the third floor by a certain man dressed in butler clothes. That man will pass the second floor briefly, and that''s the chance for thieves to steal it without going into the VIP area.''


    Max recounted the knowledge he gained from ying this game many times. Before getting mad after being unable to advance easily, he decided to read all the guides, tips, and tricks to win easier. s, that was useless with bad teammates and forced him to buy police equipment to boost him to Tier 2.


    Snatching the Diamond Wine on the second floor before it was delivered was the most effective strategy for thieves. Every yer in this match surely knew about that too.


    His teammates would surely try to snatch it too. That was why, before that, he had to move again.


    ''It''s time.''


    Before the rm rang and exposed everyone on the second floor, Max had to reach the third floor. He casually turned around and walked confidently while humming. This was how this middle-aged gentleman acted in this game.


    There were two police yers on his way, looking around for any suspicious movement. Even them, who had reached Tier 2, didn''t seem to notice that Max had passed by in his disguise.


    Arriving at the special stairs, he showed the VIP card for a second to the bouncer and allowed him to pass. It was too easy.


    When he climbed up the stairs, his grin widened, and he muttered.


    "I just need to wait for chaos to ensue. Good luck at handling the police, my teammates."


    He didn''t need to wait for long. As soon as he put the wine ss on the table, an rm red on the first floor. Someone got impatient and actually stopped the butler before he even reached the second floor.


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    Raising his head, Max began to panic. Of course, it was only an act. All NPCs around him did the same.


    In a hurry, two police on the third floor ran down the stairs.


    "It''s on the first floor!"


    "Those thieves are impatient! The highest MMR is mine, hahaha."


    Watching them gone, Max finally breathed a sigh of relief. He didn''t need to put up an act anymore.


    "Well, there they go."


    Just like the thieves, the police were also hungry for high MMR and got impatient. If only one of them stayed, they probably would be able to win.


    ''Now that the rm rang, that means they are unable to get the Diamond Wine. It will be sent toward the third floor in a different manner.'' He thought as he looked around.


    His grin widened when he saw a small door on the wall at the corner of the room, which looked different from the other.


    ''That must be it, the small lift that will be used in case of emergency.''


    The NPCs were still panicking on the third floor. They were looking and moving around like ants that lost the pheromone ahead of them. No one made a logical movement, which made it harder for a thief to blend in.


    However, as the police were gone, there was no need to blend in at all. Max moved swiftly toward the small lift and opened its door by entering a password he remembered from the guide.


    ''17701369.''


    Because he inputted it correctly, he managed to open it without triggering any rm. Inside, a golden bottle sat on a bucket filled with ice. The bottle''s cap was made from arge diamond, and this was the target for today.


    "I''ll dly take it."


    Having teammates who didn''t want to work together meant he didn''t need to feel bad about losing. He didn''t care anymore about this match, even though it was his first tournament match. What he cared about was filling his role and getting MMR as high as possible.


    As soon as he snatched the bottle from the small lift, a simr rm rang on the third floor. The whole lighting turned red and beeped loudly. His transformation was undone, and he had to make a run for it.


    Without wasting a second, he activated his mask ability.


    "Speed Mask!"


    Max''s speed doubled, and he ran across the room to reach the door on the other side. Entering the other room, he found adder leading to the roof, with an unlocked hatch. This was the rooftop escape the monkey mask talked about before the game began.


    With a skillful movement, Max moved up and finally arrived at the roof. Themotion below seemed to subside, but there was no sign of the police officers yet. Looking around, he noticed that the thieves had spread to the map while getting chased.


    "Dammit."


    That was no good. One of them got too close to the North escape, rendering it practically useless. That meant only the South escape was good to use. And even then¡­


    "There is also a police officer over there."


    A police officer stood next to two tied-up thieves with stocking masks while one was patrolling around the South area. They were unable to escape from the chase. Max doubted that even if he saved them all, they would begin to work together.


    What could happen might even be worse than them getting caught. One of his teammates could be consumed with their own greed and steal the Diamond Wine from his hand. That was why saving them was a stupid move.


    "I guess it''s all left to me."

 Chapter 232: Chapter 232 – Day 1 Qualifier, Better Teammates

    Holding the ss bottle tightly in his left hand, Max began to run toward the South. He didn''t care whether it was a tall roof or something because he still could use his shoes'' ability. A perfectly broken one that not many people cared about because of how simple it was.


    The police yers noticed his shadow. They pointed their energy gun toward him and began shooting. Compared to the gun in Roach, the bullets traveled pretty slow, like a snail.


    "Not today!"


    Eximing loudly, Max dodged all the bullets and arrived at the edge of the roof. As soon as he stepped, he activated his shoes'' ability.


    "Jump Shoes!"


    His shoes glowed brightly, and he leaped into the air like a bird. He looked as if he was flying. Energy bullets passed by him, decorating the night like a shooting star, although he was the target of those missing stars.


    "Stop right there!"


    "Let me apprehend you to get high points!"


    "Don''t run away, you points!"


    The police, whether they were from close or afar, began shouting. Max ignored them andnded perfectly on one of the building''s roofs near the Midnight Club before making a dash for it. His mask''s ability had been reset.


    "Speed Mask!"


    Traveling on the roof at double the speed, Max reached the hovercar that was used to escape in just a few seconds. No police could catch him. They were ying too disorderly to be able to even guard the escape point.


    Once entering the hovercar, Max pressed the escape button. Who cared about teammates who didn''t work together? At least not him.


    "Bye-bye, idiots!"


    He gave the police, who appeared from the corner, a middle finger as the hovercar took off in the distance with a cheerful notification.


    [Escape sessful!]


    As the car moved away, the game system announced his sess.


    [Target secured.]


    [The NovelFireP of this match: Breeze.]


    [MVP bonus: +10% of the total end result.]


    [Heist result: Diamond Wine. Value: 850 Dinar.]


    [Two thieves were detained. Penalty: -400 Dinar for Godo23, Mamo2p, Sukmalip, and Glossycat.]


    [935 Dinar has been received.]


    [Tier 2 Tournament Points +85.]


    [Congrattions!]


    Looking at the notification, Max noticed a new one below. If the ranked gave him RP, then this tournament mode gave him Tournament Points or TP. He didn''t know whether 85 was good, but he was happy with the result.


    Another thing he realized was luck was important in this tournament, something Max had no luxury of. He''d rather had skilled enemies than facing against luck.


    Max''s teammates, who got teleported to the car, looked sullen. They red at him as if he was the one who was at fault, even though he did most of the work.


    Ignoring these guys that he probably wouldn''t meet again, he focused on continuing the tournament. Four more games to go for today!


    ***


    Max had gotten used to getting teleported in a game after ying games for more than a month. The ufortable feeling of being in another ce in just a second was now gone.


    However, he wasn''t used to one thing. Getting teleported and suddenly surrounded by people. Many streamers and curious people from before seemed to find him and create an encirclement around where Max disappeared before the match.


    "Where is Breeze?"


    "His game should''ve ended soon. I saw his livestream, and he wasst seen around this area before entering the match."


    "Did he finish sooner than we thought?"


    "No, that shouldn''t be the case." One streamer with exaggeratedly spiked hair said, "We probably trigger random teleportation. I told you guys to keep your distance!"


    Thest streamer''s guess was indeed correct.


    When Max got teleported back to the Lobby, he was pretty surprised that he didn''t appear in the ce he was before. He found himself on the rooftop of one of the buildings, a ce usually inessible by normal means.


    "Sorry, people. But I don''t want to interact with anyone because of what happened earlier. And I don''t like the way you were stalking me." He said to the camera, "I want to concentrate on the tournament, so I appreciate it if you can stop following my ass everywhere, thank you."


    After conveying his message to the stalkers, Max started another matchmaking.


    [Match found!]


    [Map: Beach (Ranked).]


    [Your role is as¡­ a Police!]


    [Target: Unknown! Protect the target from thieves!]


    The Goddess of RNG had heard his wishes. He became a police officer in the second game, the best role in this tournament.


    Furthermore, the fact he hadplete equipment as a police officer would help him win this game easier. Now, there was still another factor he needed to address to make sure he won, and that was his teammates.


    As soon as he got teleported into the police waiting room, he immediately looked at his teammates, two men and two women, and said.


    "Please y seriously!"


    "I hope for your cooperation!"


    "Let''s have nice teamwork!"


    "I beg you, don''t throw!"


    "Let''s do our best."


    The other spoke at the same time, and time seemed to freeze. They looked at each other with a gaze that said, ''You too?''


    Not a surprise, but Max wasn''t the only one who got bad teammates in the first game. He was fortunate that he was skilled enough to carry the game, and the enemies also had the same problem as his team.


    In this second game, his teammates apparently were the victims of the teammates who yed around. They reached an understanding without saying anything.


    "I am confident in my speed and have many traps. Allow me to guard the main beach house." Max started the conversation and chose the role that suited him the most. "I can catch the thieves even if they run away with the target item."


    "I also have a lot of traps, but I am pretty slow due to my body." A guy with a big build, builderSix, spoke next, "I will guard the helicopter escape route. I am confident in my aim."


    "Then I will guard the party venue!" The first girl with short dark hair, Mimipopo, raised her hand. "I have no traps, but I bring equipment that allows me to move from floor to floor easily. I also bring two tranquilizer guns that can neutralize the thieves without hurting the NPC in a thieving phase."


    "I will also guard the main house." Thest guy with blue hair, Ranga, continued, "I don''t bring many traps, but I am confident in my ability to discover disguised thieves."


    "I guess that left me guarding the hovercar." Thest girl with green hair, Leafy, sighed, "I am not that confident, so please back me up immediately if the thieves steal the target."


    "Got it." Max smiled at her and nodded. "I guess we have decided on our role. Good luck, and have fun."


    ''I am d I got good teammates.'' He sighed in relief as he looked at them.


    The role''s distribution was finished. All they had to do next was to catch thieves.


    With this team, Max had the confidence to win easily. Undoubtedly, the enemies would be filled with egoist people who wanted glory for themselves. As long as they didn''t work together, it was impossible to win this game against his current teammates, who distributed the role in bnce.


    When the countdown reached 0, Max and his teammates were teleported randomly to the beach house. They immediately moved toward their post without hesitation.


    And in just a few seconds after they teleported¡­


    (I found three thieves on the first floor. Please help.)


    Ranga reported that he spotted thieves.


    Grinning, Max replied through themunication device.


    "Got it, I am on my way. Mimipopo, please stay guarding the second floor. I will be enough as a backup."


    (Roger that! My tranquilizer is ready in case they are running away.)

 Chapter 233: Chapter 233 – Day 1 Qualifier, a Horror Game

    As Max arrived on the second floor, nearing the stairs to the first, Ranga''s voice rang again.


    (This is bad. One of them seemed to notice mymunication and went to the second floor. That thief disguised as ady in a red dress with a rose hairband. I am confident that''s a thief from how she moved.)


    That meant the thief came up from the stairs. Being close to it, Max decided to hide behind a pir and looked around. He immediately spotted the target. The thief didn''t seem to see him hiding and changed the disguise to an old man in a neat suit.


    "The thief is here. He''s now a balding old man in a ck suit with a handkerchief in his chest pocket. Mimipopo, I will leave him to you."


    (Roger that! I have a vision of him now. Tell me when to catch him.)


    After getting a confirmation from his teammate, Max walked out of his hiding ce and passed by the thief.


    A smirk appeared on the disguised thief''s face, but Max ignored him, knowing his smirk wouldn''t stay long.


    Arriving on the first floor, he walked into an inconspicuous ce and contacted Ranga, who was standing near therge entrance.


    "I am here. Where are the thieves?"


    (One of them is ady in blue with arge bosom. I am close to her, so I will tackle and handcuff her. The other is wandering in the center of a room, disguised as a waiter. He walked around, waiting for a chance for the target to appear. It may be a painting or a piece of jewelry one of the guests wears.)


    (I also think that''s the case. Two of the thieves are on the outside venue. I think they are looking around for a guest.) Leafy, who was on the watch from the East escape way, reported.


    (If that''s the case, they probably will escape from the helicopter. I will get myself ready and set my trap.) builderSix added.


    The target was unknown to the police. Identifying it was a part of the skill that those Tier 2 yers already had. Fortunately, the thieves didn''t really work together and were greedy. Thanks to that, it was easier to identify the target.


    "Alright then. I have an eye on the waiter. When I say go, we will act at the same time."


    (Got it.)


    (Roger!)


    Both Ranga and Mimipopo answered. Once again, Max was grateful to have a good teammate like them, whom he could trust, unlike the first game.


    Walking silently without creating any noise, Max approached the waiter, who held a tray filled with empty sses. He passed by the NPCs without touching them. The thief was still unaware of his presence and tried his best to stay out of sight.


    Unfortunately, things weren''t as smooth as he had nned.


    When he reached 5 meters behind the waiter, the thief disguised as ady with a big bosom noticed him and said something through theirmunication device.


    (It''s bad! One of them notice you!) Ranga warned with an urgent tone as he sprung into action.


    At that moment, the waiter stopped absurdly and turned around, looking straight at Max. Without letting the thief make any move, he immediately leaped toward him and gave a sign.


    "Go!"


    Caught off guard, thedy and the waiter couldn''t move. Max pushed the waiter down and handcuffed him. As soon as he did that, the disguised thief returned to his real appearance, a clown-masked man wearing a ck skintight bodysuit.


    "I got him!" He reported to his teammates and stood up, "What about you guys?" He looked at Ranga.


    The police seemed to handcuff the thief too, revealing his real figure.


    (No problem here.) Ranga reported as he stood up. (That was close. What about the second floor?)


    (Yes, yes. I also caught him!) Mimipopo responded with a cheerful voice. (That''s easy. Should I bring this thief to the first floor? I will dly guard them while you guys can catch the remaining thieves.)


    (I agree.) Ranga said. He looked at Max and nodded. (You''re the fastest among us. Please go there first, and I will guard the escape path and the stairs on the side after rendezvousing with Mimipopo.)


    It was a great suggestion.


    "I am counting on you."


    Max epted it. He moved to the outside party venue and headed to the second floor. Daytime maps were so much easier to see aroundpared to night maps.


    When he arrived on the second floor, Leafy immediately gave him information.


    (I saw one of them changing disguise into a woman in a blue backless dress. And the other one entered the restroom in panic after Ranga shouted earlier. Thest time I saw the target, they wore the disguise of a young girl in a summer white dress.)


    "Alright. It only makes it easier for me." Max smiled and immediately located the woman in a blue backless dress.


    When he saw his target, he wondered why three of them disguised themselves as women instead of regr male NPCs. Not to mention, they all had risky dresses. Was it their hobbies? He didn''t know.


    Putting the useless thought aside, he approached his target and silently cuffed the thief from behind.


    "Wha?!"


    The thief was taken by surprise as his real figure, a stocking-masked man in a blue suit, was revealed.


    "Since when?" He asked in disbelief, his eyes widened.


    "Since the start." Max amused him for a second before shoving him to the ground.


    There was no need to worry about him sending out information to his teammates. The cuffed thief was unable to use amunication device.


    "Stay there quietly. I will end this game soon."


    With that, he turned around and went to the restroom. Among all the ces to hide, the restroom was the worst one. Not only did it have no escape route, but it also made them unable to do anything if the police put a trap in front of the exit.


    Entering the restroom, there were two ways Max could take. The left headed to the women''s area, and the right headed to the men''s area. If he chose the wrong one, there was a chance the thief would escape. That was if he didn''t put a trap.


    ''Let''s see¡­ this one might be good for this situation.''


    He fished a small ball, half his palm size, from his pocket and pressed the button.


    [Trap ready.]


    A mechanical voice rang as the lines around the ball glowed slightly. It rose to the air and hovered around while scanning the surroundings with a sonar-like light.


    This trap''s effect was simple. It would paralyze the thief passing through the sonar for 3 seconds and give a notification to Max through amunication device. It might not be much, but that was enough for him to return and apprehend the thief.


    After making sure it worked, he walked toward the women''s area without hesitation while singing something in a creepy voice.


    "Ding dong, I know you can hear me. Open up the door! I only wanna y a little."


    Three stalls were waiting for him in the women''s area. All the doors were closed, and within one of them was the thief''s hiding ce. Just by looking at the area, Max could guess the thief''s n.


    Still, that didn''t matter. Max knew where the thief was hiding. The white fabric that stuck out from under was as clear as a day.


    ''He''s in the middle, huh?''


    Walking closer, he grinned.


    "It''s already toote for you to try and run away. Just wait, you can''t hide from me."


    He stopped in front of the stall and then...


    "Knock, knock. I am at your door now." He said, "I aming in."


    He kicked it open.


    Inside, a girl wearing a summer dress was crouching on top of a toilet, looking scared.


    Max''s grin only widened at the sight. He raised the handcuff he held in his hand and spoke in a high-pitched, creepy voice.


    "Aha! I found you."


    "Hiiee! Forgive me! FORGIVE ME!"


    Click!


    Ignoring her plea, Max cuffed her hands.


    "Now, you''re it."


    Her appearance changed to a monkey-masked girl in an exaggeratedly colorful suit. Cheerful notifications rang, and the game ended before the thief could even steal the target.


    Blue light engulfed him, and he was teleported away to the police waiting ce with his teammates. All of them smiled brightly, happy to win the round. Max was also happy. He skimmed through the notification and only read the tournament points he gained.


    [Tier 2 Tournament Points +132.]


    [Congrattions!]


    Yeah, that was much more than his first game.


    ''It''s doing good.'' He mused in his mind. ''I only need to keep it up.''

 Chapter 234: Chapter 234 – Day 1 Qualifier, End

    The day continued with Max ying the third to fifth game of the day. While he concentrated, his viewers were pretty muchmenting on the chat.


    Many people expressed their dissatisfaction with the first game''s teammates.


    ¡ª The first game was ridiculous. The MMR in this game is also strange


    ¡ª Those teammates deserve to be reported. How greedy are they?!


    ¡ª How greedy. This is why Midnight Heist''s event nner should do better! Why did they make everyone able to participate?


    ¡ª Breeze''s reactions are understandable. They are selfish, greedy b4st4rds. I would punch them if I were him.


    ¡ª True. Breeze''s patience is worth apuse and praise. How could he handle those fckers without getting mad?


    ¡ª I will remember their names and note them in my HIT LIST. If I y with them, I will report their dirty 4ss one by one.


    Everyone hated Max''s teammates. They kept expressing their thoughts until Max did something unbelievable, at least in Tier 2 gamey. He stole the target by using those teammates as bait.


    Then, with skillful movement by using his mask and shoes'' abilities, he managed to escape alone. He also had time to taunt the police by raising his middle finger.


    ¡ª Holy!


    ¡ª Lololol, screw them!


    ¡ª Breeze: My teammates are stupid? Well, let them be bait. At least I am smart and a pro!


    ¡ª The way he dodged those bullets was beautiful lol. Was his training in Roach paid off?


    ¡ª Not today, MF! What a satisfying line


    [FreakingNoob has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [He has gone so far¡­ I am proud of him *sniff*]


    ¡ª lololol, look at those losers'' expressions. They couldn''t believe what happened. 1 vs 5 kekw


    ¡ª 85 Tournament Points for all of that? I don''t know how high that is, but I shall research.


    Following a satisfying win, the viewers began to find out more about the tournament points, which was still a mystery for all of them. The forum was also still filled with questions regarding the points. There was not enough information on whether 85 was high or low.


    Not many people shared their points either. Right now, in a research thread of the Tier 2 tournament, only four points were written. All of them were from streamers with many viewers.


    Breeze: +85 (MVP, Thief escape)


    Vshu: +78 (SVP, Thief caught)


    Mo3s: +25 (Win, Police)


    DikHart: +92 (Win, Police)


    From the data, MVP didn''t affect MMR at all. And the points distribution was strange.


    Midnight Heist''s fans and yers scratched their heads in confusion before settling into an agreement. They needed more data. And thus, most streamers'' second game started at that time¡­ Or rather, 5-minute ago since there was a dy. This was a good chance topare the data.


    The focus would be on the four streamers whose data had been shared.


    When Max spoke at the same time as his teammates, the viewers burst intoughter.


    ¡ª Oh? His teammates seem to experience the same thing as him


    ¡ª True.


    ¡ª Poor them


    ¡ª lolol, this tournament is fcked. I hope the management sees this and question their decision.


    ¡ª Clipped and shared in Strike while tagging the Midnight Heist lol


    It was the first time the management did something this atrocious. However, that didn''t stop Max from doing well. The teamwork of his new teammates was going pretty well. He managed to catch three thieves in just a few minutes since the game started and proceeded to the rest of them


    The fourth thief was caught without even noticing his steps. It was as if an assassin had sneaked up behind him, and he died in just one stroke.


    Following that was a pureedy. When Max put the trap and started singing, the viewers knew it would end up pretty bad for his enemy. The confidence he ooze out was like that of those experts and hidden sage from a fictional work.


    And when he kicked the door open with arge grin, the chat burst and moved pretty fast.


    ¡ª Since when did Midnight Heist turn into a horror game?


    ¡ª Lemme help you answer it. Since Breeze ys as a police, of course.


    ¡ª I could hear a silent scream from the thief.


    ¡ª Poor girl. Breeze could be more gentle


    ¡ª I bet she will stop ying the tournament mode due to trauma


    [LovelyOtter has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Poor girl must be traumatic.]


    [MgirL has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Huff¡­ Huff¡­ That evil grin is good¡­ I envy that girl. Aaah.]


    ¡ª Stop being weird, girls!


    Normal viewers reacted to the clips, but those schrly viewers looked at the points he gained.


    +132


    The data umted slowly and surely. The viewers from other streamers also joined the thread and gave their data. By now, there were 10 names written, with their first and second games point acquisition written beside their names.


    Many fans gathered and created a chart in the same thread, by using the data. Many curious, enraged, and nerds tried their base to find out how this events calcted the points every yer got from each game.


    However, that didn''t affect Max, whose concentration couldn''t be broken once he focused on something. He didn''t even open the forum and just continue to the next game.


    The third match began, and his role was that of a police officer on a Bank map. Two of his teammates were greedy and separated themselves. Thankfully, he was ying as a police officer, and the enemies seemed to have no teamwork.


    In the end, the game ended in his victory, gaining him an extra 97 tournament points.


    That was the start. After Max was teleported out of the third game and appeared on the roof, where no one could find him, he nodded in understanding.


    "I think I understand the rule now. So that''s how you get high points. The event management is a sadist, eh? They even put a puzzle in this kind of game. Why don''t they just tell us the points acquisition from the start? Counted from MMR?


    That''s funny. Let''s gamble it, then. Screw the tournament!"


    He scoffed and started another game, leaving the viewers questioning what he said earlier.


    ¡ª What is it?


    ¡ª Did he realize something that we don''t?


    ¡ª 85, 132, and then 97. Did he get something from those numbers and his games?


    ¡ª Probably Breeze knows something that we don''t. Is there someone here who also joined the tournament?


    ¡ª I researched the point acquisition, but we''re still confused. We need time!


    ¡ª I joined the Tier 2 tournament and yed two games but gave up because I didn''t like this points system. I don''t understand shiet! It''s unfair!


    ¡ª Let''s just watch. Maybe he will tell us about itter.


    Left in the dark, the viewers decided to just watch the fourth game. To exin it in a single sentence¡­ Max had gone mad.


    Everyone was confused.


    Unlike the first 3 games, Max unexpectedly didn''t try to win. He got a thief role, and three of his teammates were greedy people who wanted to steal the target without working together to get a high MMR.


    Surprisingly, he didn''t say bad words to them and onlymunicated normally while finding a good escape route. The map was an underground cave. It was an easy map for a thief because there were many hiding spots.


    Communication was important in this map, and Max took that role while hiding in in sight. When police were getting close to his teammates, he would warn them and create a distraction by throwing a rock.


    It happened many times until one thief managed to steal the target. Naturally, that person was chased. The two thieves wanted to get the target for themselves and actually got caught. Only three thieves were left, including him.


    Seeing the teammate who held the target almost get caught, Max used his mask ability and got himself between the thief and the police, spreading his arms. Many bullets hit his body, paralyzing him. He had be a meat shield for his team.


    "Run!" He shouted loudly to his teammate, and the person nodded whileughing.


    "Hahaha! Why are you so stupid!" He said as he jumped onto the boat, where the other teammate had been waiting.


    They sessfully escaped, and three thieves, including Max, became victims.


    ¡ª That b4stard! Breeze saved him, but he called him stupid!


    ¡ª nipLESS, I will remember him


    ¡ª Thatugh was irritating! Why did you protect such a guy, Breeze?


    ¡ª You could''ve stolen the target and escaped by yourself


    Frustrated, the viewers began to question Max''s actions. Strangely, their favorite streamer was grinning all the time, making them more confused.


    "Hehehe."


    A strangeugh escaped Max''s mouth as the notifications came. He moved the camera and let the viewers see the points he gained better.


    +169


    Instantly, the chat was filled with ???.


    No one understood what happened.


    ¡ª What the heck


    ¡ª 169?!


    ¡ª Didn''t he get caught? How could he get 169 points?!


    ¡ª BREEZE IS HACKING! HE CRACKED THE CODE!


    ¡ª My math isn''t mathing. MVP gave 85 and getting caught gave him 169 points?! How the heck is this fair?!


    ¡ª Midnight Heist, exin!


    ¡ª Breeze, exin or I will p Huh Ah Knight 10 times!


    As if knowing their reactions beforehand, Max raised his head and faced the camera.


    "I know you must be confused, but I can''t exin it myself. If my fifth game gives me the same or simr points, I will exin what I found. See you!"


    With those words, he started the fifth game. This time, his role was police. The game ended with his team losing. The thieves were able to escape.


    However¡­


    +182


    He gained the highest points from all the games he yed today, totaling 665bined points in the end.


    Now, he could only hope that points would allow him to advance to the next qualifier.

 Chapter 235: Chapter 235 – Out of Control Protest

    After clearing his fifth game, Max immediately left the Midnight Heist''s Lobby and entered his own, sitting on the chair under therge tree while enjoying the soft breeze. He had deactivated the 5-minute dy but still had to wait until the viewers caught up with the real-time before he could talk to them.


    Reading the chat and watching his fifth game in the meantime was fun. They were pretty confused about the discovery he didn''t share regarding the tournament points.


    ''Figures. Unless they analyze my gamey, they won''t realize how these points were distributed.''


    After a while, the chat caught up with the real-time streaming. They immediately typed everything they wanted to ask.


    ¡ª Breeze! Exin it to us!


    ¡ª You better tell us or we will pout!


    ¡ª Dang! That''s gross. I can''t imagine a man pouting because he wasn''t told how to earn points.


    ¡ª Ugh, don''t say that, dude. You just make me imagine it! SCREW YOU!


    ¡ª Hehe, I just imagine Breeze pouting. That works. And now I can''t help but giggle because he''s so adorable! I am a girl btw


    ¡ª Great, I almost imagined an old man giggling while he imagined pouting Breeze. The gross level just upped by one.


    They were as rowdy as usual and kept demanding him to spill the secret. It wasn''t fair that only he got to know it. Somehow, this rowdiness was something that he missed after not chatting with them for a while because of his practice and earlier tournament.


    So, he decided to entertain them a little by having a little chat.


    "Now, now. Where is the fun in that? I discovered this method by using my 3 chances, so I won''t exin it until tomorrow. Even I want to advance to Day 2 Qualifier, you know?" He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head in defeat.


    Naturally, he had no intention to expose his trick. It was an honest one that he found out after sacrificing his sanity in two out of three games. His patience was put to the test by his teammates.


    "But, let me say this. The way to earn more points is more stupid than you thought or could have ever imagined. In thest 5 games, I felt like thest two games where I discovered the way to earn more points to be¡­ torturing. Yes, that''s the correct word. Torturing."


    Even the 50 grand reward didn''t seem to be worth it now. It was just so stupid. The rules and everything.


    "I hope the management changes the rules for the day 2 qualifier. If it stays like this, then I would just y around without ying seriously." He said seriously, "I meant, look at my games. When I yed around in thest 2 games, I got simr pointsbined than in the first 3 games. Isn''t that strange?"


    ¡ª He has a point


    ¡ª Yeah, the management either needs to change the rule or rify the method to acquire points.


    ¡ª What we need is rity and fairness


    ¡ª Hey, guys. Did you see this? Many yers are attacking Midnight Heist Strike''s ount right now. They are talking the same things as us!


    ¡ª Breeze, you need to open Strike right now. Many people tagged you after you finished your fifth game. They are protesting in Midnight Heist Strike''s ount.


    "Really?"


    Reading the chat, Max raised his voice in surprise. That was fast. Around 4 hours had passed since the tournament started, seeing that it was now 1:46 PM. To think that many people had protested already¡­ It showed how bad the management and rules of this event were.


    "Let me check it."


    A hologram screen with a virtual keyboard appeared after he flicked his finger. He opened Strike and found he had many unread notifications. They were all from people pinging him.


    ''Damn, I got caught in this without me noticing. I should make a post soon, or I would be in trouble and used of cheating. Seeing how low they can be sometimes, I know those people can do that much.''


    He decided to ignore that for now and visited Midnight Heist''s ount. It didn''t take long to find the status his viewers were talking about. Thetest post about the tournament was shared more than 50 thousand times, and there were more than a hundred thousand replies.


    The replies, however, were filled withints and protests. Most of them were Tier 1 and Tier 2 yers in the tournaments.


    ¡ª What the heck is this?!


    ¡ª [AttachedClip.mp4] Look at this gamey. He lost the game but got more points than when he became MVP


    ©¸ ssic Breeze


    ©¸ I watched his stream. He was literally frustrated with his teammates and yed around, finding a way to get those points


    ©¸ Unfortunately, he won''t share the method. Stingy!


    ©¸ He''s not stingy, stoopid! He made an effort to realize how to earn a lot of points. Just watch his stream and analyze his gamey if you want to know the method to get points!


    ¡ª This is madness! Tell us how you calcte the points. Why do I only get 47 when I am a f*cking MVP?!


    ¡ª Admin, you better answer us, or we won''t stop! This is so stupid! The rules and everything. Many trolls joined the tournament because you allowed everyone to join!


    ©¸ yeah, I got many trolls teammates


    ©¸ It''s frustrating when you have your chance robbed from you by trolls


    ©¸ I made a list of trolls, here it is [AttachedImage.jpg]


    ¡ª I am done! I won''t join this stupid tournament.


    ¡ª This is the biggest mistake Midnight Heist''s management had ever made. Please fix!


    On top of thosements, Max also found some that mentioned him.


    ¡ª @Breeze, please do share your findings with us. Don''t keep it to yourself!


    ¡ª [AttachedClip.mp4] @Breeze has found how to earn high points.


    ©¸ He should share the method! How selfish


    ©¸ To think he keeps it to himself. Does he really want to advance to Day 2 that much?


    ©¸ He has no skill, that''s why he keeps the method a secret to earn more points


    ©¸ Don''t talk nonsense. You only watched this clip and not his first 3 games. Shut your trap, or I will throw an axe to your head!


    ©¸ Haters be haters. They only talk bad about @Breeze because they don''t know him or his skill. He evenpetes in a propetition in a few weeks. Just block those idiots.


    ©¸ lolol, no skill? He holds the Synchronization Test''s world record. If @Breeze has no skill, then you have no legs!


    It went out of control. There was no further reply from Midnight Heist''s side.


    For one, Max was happy many people stood up for him. On the other side, he felt a headacheing. Was it a mistake streaming his tournament? No, that wasn''t a mistake. It was those people''s fault for bringing his name up without his permission.


    Furthermore¡­


    ¡ª Unlike @Breeze, I will share my method to get 70-100 points. It''s less than his method, but it will help a lot!


    ¡ª [AttachedLink] Here is my video of @Breeze points method breakdown. Unlike him, I shall tell you anything!


    ¡ª As a kind streamer, I will teach you how to get more points! Visit my profile. I am not as stingy as @Breeze


    Many streamers and Punchtuber used his name to gain more views. Using other''s names to gain more views was fair and all, as Max also used Flexy and StoneSword in the past.


    But the way they used his name only gave him a bad image to those who had never heard of him. They called him stingy, selfish, and noob.


    "Well, guys. I think I will end the stream right now. The protest is getting out of Midnight Heist''s management control." He looked at the camera and closed the hologram screen.


    The fact that evenments with curses weren''t deleted just showed how the management handled things. They either were swamped with work, didn''t care about the result, or were scolded by their superiors.


    Anyway, the day 2 qualifier would definitely have a change in rule. Because if there wasn''t any change, Midnight Heist could receive bacsh from the yers, which could lead to them leaving the games altogether.


    No one liked a game with bad management.


    Also, after he read thosements, he changed his mind.


    "I will make a short video exining what I know and upload it tonight. The rest is up to your own research, okay? What I did in the fourth and fifth matches was only a gamble; please remember that. This method doesn''t guarantee getting a ton of points."


    If they wanted to nder him by calling him stingy and selfish, he just needed to prove that he wasn''t the individual the rumors tried to make him.


    And just as he said earlier, this method didn''t guarantee them getting a ton of points. It still depended on the yers'' skills and how they yed the game.


    ''I don''t want to share it, but I have no choice. I would rather risk it than receive a bacsh from those haters and keep my reputation than a short-term benefit from this tournament. Still, I hope I can still advance to day 2 qualifier.'' He thought. ''At least I hope this video will bring new people to my channel.''


    ¡ª Really?


    ¡ª Long live Breeze!


    ¡ª You''re the best. But are you sure about sharing it? You have sacrificed 3 games to find that method


    ¡ª Don''t listen to those haters. Feel free to share your method tomorrow or after the tournament. We just enjoy your ystyle.


    ¡ª Yes, don''t listen to them! Just be the usual Breeze


    ¡ª At least make it a paid video. You can get money from it, hehehe $$$


    "Nah, I will just upload it like usual." He responded. "Anyway, see you tomorrow. I hope I am still in the top 50 and advance to the day 2 qualifier, hahaha."


    With a burst ofughter, Max ended the stream for the day.


    [Livestream Ended!]

 Chapter 236: Chapter 236 – No Rest For the Wicked

    After logging out from the VR world, Max didn''t step out of the capsule immediately. He watched it open for him and stayed seated inside. His sweat fell down his forehead and nape. He needed a few seconds to regain hisposure.


    "Fuu¡­"


    Letting out a tired sigh, he wiped the sweat around his eyes before stepping out. His foot was wobbly, a sign that he pushed himself a little bit too close to exhaustion. Even though he rested in his Lobby for a few minutes, that wasn''t enough to regain his energy.


    "Water, water." He muttered as he went to the kitchen and took a ss, drinking the water from the tap.


    The feeling of liquid sliding down his throat felt refreshing, even though it was lukewarm. His body was still too hot to drink cold water from the fridge. Then, he took out a soft bread and ate it without any jam or anything. He was hungry enough to make the nd, soft bread taste heavenly.


    Sleepiness crept up after he filled his stomach. His eyelids felt heavy. However, there was no time to rest yet¡ªmany things needed to be finished today, starting from the easiest one.


    "I need to check my quest first. Has NoFeet aired their ad yet, I wonder?"


    <Quest:


    - Handsome Actor


    Are you famous? The answer is yes!


    A streamer is not just a streamer in this age! You are a star! A star is bound to attract attention, unwanted and wanted one. You are shining brightly and different from normal people!


    This is your chance! Use this to spread your name to normal people. Get fans to spread your new ad to everyone in the world!


    Be celebrity. Get recognized by 1000 people outside of your streaming circle and get a hundred thousand likes for your ad video on Punchtube.


    Progress 1: 176/1000


    Progress 2: 16,217/100,000


    Reward: 1x A-Grade nutritional supplement + Secret Reward.


    Deadline: 1/30 days (Counting after the ad is released)


    Failure toplete this mission will result in the deletion of your Lobby''s items. You are a failure and don''t need parkour equipment if you can''t even get a hundred thousand likes!>


    The number 0 from before had changed into 1. And the progress had increased pretty fast, considering it was only a few hours since hest checked it when it was still 0.


    "Woah. They already got more than 10K likes? That''s really amazing."


    Looking at the people who recognized him and the number of likes, the ad seemed to be well received.


    Curious, he opened Punchtube and typed ''NoFeet ads'' on search. Many ads showed up, but Max used the filter to sort them from the newest to oldest. Then, the one he searched appeared on the top. This video was uploaded 3 hours ago and had a catchy title.


    [New sports shoes! As light as a feather, as soft as a cloud! Feel the breeze with your passion!]


    Reading the title, he couldn''t help but chuckle. Feel the breeze. It seemed like thepany got inspired by his name.


    ''Thankfully, they put my name under Director Hugo in the description. That''s why more than 100 people recognized me.'' He mused.


    The thumbnail was him wearing the shoes. Of course, the shoes were the main focus and filled almost half of the frame. But that didn''t matter. He wanted to watch his first ad video.


    Pressing y, the upbeat music suddenly rang. The screen showed two youngsters ying around in the tag house. The first one had difficulty catching up with his friend.


    "Hahaha, what''s wrong? Catch me if you can!" The first youngster, Brian,ughed as he climbed the obstacle and escaped his friend''s chase.


    "S-Slow down!"


    Appearing to be exhausted, the second young man, Max, wiped the sweat from his forehead. At this moment, he was truly exhausted because he yed around too much before screening.


    "Hahaha, I won''t!"


    The scene continued with them chasing each other. After a while, it changed and showed Max slumped on the ground, tired.


    ''The transition is so seamless. Damn, the one who edits it must be skilled. Maybe that''s why BloodSucker wanted to scrap his perfectly fine work. He must''ve watched this yesterday, considering that his friend was probably the editor of this ad.''


    On the screen, he was breathing heavily and looked at the obstacles with an unfocused gaze. Then, his eyes shifted to a pair of bulky white shoes, the main product in this ad.


    He grabbed them and wore them before pumping himself up.


    "Let''s do this."


    The atmosphere around him changed, and he became more spirited and cheerful. His movement also became a lot better. This footage was taken after Max finished taking his. All parkour movements he knew were integrated into the video.


    Vaulting, jumping, rolling,nding, and even flipping. They were beautiful together, but there was still something itcked.


    ''The story is good but too simple, and they focused on the shoes a little too much. Well, considering it''s an ad, that''s understandable. They want the product to shine, not the story.'' He thought as he watched the video finished.


    A shoot from the front, showing his satisfied face, followed by a panning toward the shoes, became the closing bit. After the screen became white, the NoFeet logo appeared in the middle, and the video ended.


    "Let''s watch the video BloodSucker sent me then. I have no time to watch it earlier." He muttered curiously and opened his file.


    All the things he needed to stream were put in one folder, which branched into two: Streaming and Video. All edited videos went into thetter and were named by upload date. Only one had no upload date yet; it was the ad video BloodSucker edited for him.


    He pressed it and brought it up into a different hologram screen. Then, he pressed y.


    Unlike the upbeat music from NoFeet''s ad, BloodSucker chose a slow bad like those from spy movies. The opening showed Max ying around with pirs in the park, moving up and down, parkouring as if he didn''t care about the danger.


    Max was pretty surprised. He didn''t think the footage he sent three days ago would be used in this video.


    ''That guy¡­ So he truly starts from 0 again?'' He mused in surprise. ''His effort is praiseworthy.''


    The lighting created a rather mysterious background. Once again, Max immediately found something different from this video and the ad. The camera movement was a bit shaky and panning fast. Many transitions happened in just a few seconds, causing many changes in the videos.


    And then, he stopped after hearing ps. The scene changed after that. The transition was smooth, especially since the action camera took the footage from 1st PoV.


    The scenery around him changed as if he had woken up from a dream. He was now in a tag house, wearing the shoes from NoFeet. When the shoes were in the frame, the brand popped up like a hologram for a second before disappearing.


    Then, he began to run. Different perspectives, different movements. It was way faster, agile, and skillful. Only hands and legs were visible, grabbing the pipe and climbing it up. The shaky camera gave the viewers a little bit of difort, but that was what it was like doing parkour in real-time.


    After crouching for a second on the pipe, the camera moved, showing a man in red clothesing closer.


    "Heh!"


    Scoffing, Max began to move. He jumped to the highest point of the obstacle and taunted the man. This was the reason why he looked back many times while filming this. While he had no other actors, he believed BloodSucker could put CGI into the video, making ite alive.


    The game of tag started. However, no matter how hard the red-clothed man tried, he couldn''t even get close to Max. Once again, the shoes appeared in the frame. It gave out a status-like game panel, showing speed and protection at maximum.


    When he saw that, Max couldn''t help but burst intoughter.


    "That bastard has done it, hahaha! This is what I mean by giving it a story. Showing off is fine, but the viewers will need concrete details. I should give him extra pay if this video blows up more than NoFeet ads."


    The video ended with him standing on top of the obstacles, spreading his arms like a god. This part was taken from the 3rd PoV, using the footage given by Director Hugo. And the video ended after that, with words appearing under NoFeet''s logo.


    "Starring: Breeze."


    "Editor: Viscount BloodSucker."


    "Sponsored by: NoFeet."


    Once again, Max burst intoughter. The sleepiness from earlier was gone, and the frustration from getting involved in something troublesome was reced with pure joy.


    "Pfft! Viscount BloodSucker."


    What a grandiose name. It fits his personality well, so Max only found it funny.


    "Yeah, this video is far better than the ad. I will upload it right now."


    Without hesitation, he uploaded the video and gave it a short title.


    [I AM MOVEMENT GOD! #NoFeet_Ad]


    No need for further exnation. The description was copied from NoFeet''s ad, deleting unnecessary details like links and stuff.


    After it was ready, he made the video public and made a post on his Strike ount with this video link. Many people still visited and pinged him. Those Midnight Heist''s yers were still waiting for his exnation video and stalked his ount.


    "Heh, they can wait for a little more. Be useful for me, and like this video first.'' Hemented as he wrote the caption.


    [This is my take for the NoFeet ad! I have starred in their ads and created a video myself, because why not? I am allowed to!


    Also, don''t forget to like and subscribe! I really appreciate your support.


    P.S. Exnation video will be uploaded in my Strike soon. In the meantime, do watch this video first.]


    He had finished his quest''s preparation. Now, he just had to make a short video exining the point acquisition before he could rest for the day.


    ''Let''s finish it fast.''

 Chapter 237: Chapter 237 – The Secret Formula to Earn Points

    A post with a short video with a 3-minute duration was posted a few minutes after thest post in Breeze''s Strike ount.


    Many people had been waiting for it and started to y the video. The screen buzzed for a second before revealing Max sitting on a couch with five screens hovering around him. These screens had each gamey from the tournament, starting from the first to the fifth game.


    "I will cut it short."


    Max didn''t start with an introduction, greetings, or any other pleasantries, clearly showing that he was clearly bothered and didn''t want to create this short video.


    "The key to achieving higher points is teamwork. You need to help your team instead of achieving victory yourself."


    Saying so, he started ying the first two games and pointed at them with his finger.


    "In the first game, I won by relying on myself. My second game is a bit special, and we actually worked together. Thus, I got 132 points instead of low points." He exined, ying the fourth and fifth games next.


    "After the third game, where I only worked with two of my teammates, I realized it. I gained 85 points in the first game and then 132 points in the second game. The third game should get me more than 100 points too, so why did I only get 97 points in the third game as a police?


    "Comparing the three games, I made a gamble. That was to help my teammates. It paid off. As a result, my fourth and fifth games get me 169 and 182 points each." He finished his exnation by closing all the screens.


    Hunching forward slightly, he rested his head on his hand.


    "To be honest, I don''t need to share what I find, but people have been tagging me many times. Listen, I found this fair and square, and this is a gamble. Don''t me me if you don''t get higher points. It needed skills to get higher points. How you use this information is up to you. Good luck and have fun."


    With that, the video ended.


    Many people flocked near the post. In just 50 minutes of its appearance, the post had been shared more than 10 thousand times and had more than 11 thousandments.


    ¡ª To those still ming Breeze, F U! Leave this tired man alone! He has shared his hard work, so don''tin anymore!


    ©¸ People call him selfish, but they are the selfish ones for trying to make him share his personal finding.


    ©¸ It''s like asking a yer to share their secret saving lolol


    ©¸ I willpare it to Horizon Online. It''s as if people demand those ranked to share the world or unique quest. It has those feelings


    ©¸ At least donate to Breeze in his next stream, motherfckers! He''s doing his best already!


    ¡ª I am sad knowing this. You''re right. You actually don''t need to share it. But I also understand why you share this to avoid controversy. Keep strong!


    ¡ª Teamwork? What a bullsh1t!


    ©¸ YOU''RE BULLSH1T! Your family is bullSH1T


    ©¸ Nah, his family is dung sh!t, not even a bull.


    ©¸ This guy is on crack. This is why Breeze said how to use this information is up to us


    ¡ª I will try it, teamwork. But if this is true, then the management is mad


    ¡ª Research hase in with this data in mind. We have noticed those who earned higher points oftenmunicate with their teammates and actually work together.


    ©¸ Really? Then Breeze''s information is factually correct!


    ©¸ But how is our teamwork measured? This doesn''t make sense


    ©¸ Games never make sense, their developers even so!


    ¡ª I am going to try this information ASAP!


    ¡ª I tried one game already! And I can say this works! I managed to get 87 points, while I usually only get 40 to 56.


    ©¸ Wow, I need to try it then


    ©¸ On my way to try this teamwork trick!


    ©¸ I will return and haunt you if you are lying! BRB rn.


    ¡ª I don''t believe it. The doing-it-alone theory makes more sense. I won''t fall into your trick


    ¡ª This strategy is asking us to lose on purpose. I''d rather take the NovelFireP because that will me a higher MMR


    Thements were divided into two: those who believed Max and those who didn''t. Thetter was mostly those who asked him to share his trick. Before, they called him selfish, and now they called him a liar.


    There was indeed nothing right on the inte. However, this post helped some people to earn higher points and turned the majority on his side.


    "Phew¡­ This is so frustrating. It''s draining my sanity."


    Closing the screen, Max let out another sigh. He closed his eyes and was about to fall asleep when a notification rang. There was a new message.


    "Ugh¡­ Who is this?" Grunting, he struggled to open his eyes and checked his message.


    Leaving it unread would only bother him and make him unable to sleep. When he opened his message app, he found the message was from Lily.


    Suddenly, his eyes were wide open, and he read the message.


    [Lily: Max, you free? Want to talk or rant? I can listen to you.]


    A smile crept onto his face. She probably watched hisst post and thus messaged him like this.


    [Breeze: I am free, but I am afraid that I am too sleepy. I do want to talk and rant, but I might fall asleep mid-call. So, I appreciate the offer, but I think I will just sleep for now.]


    Just a few seconds after he sent a reply, a call arrived. Looking at the hovering screen, it was from Lily. Max stayed still for a second before sighing. He sighed a lot today.


    But, the sigh this time was a relieved one. He epted the call, despite how sleepy he was. A screen popped out, showing Lily in her ck bunny one-sie lying on her bed. Simrly, she must''ve looked at his tired figure on the bed.


    "Yo." He greeted her first with a low voice. "I told you that I am sleepy, right? I might fall asleep, you know?" He chuckled lowly, observing Lily''s reaction.


    She hugged arge bunny plushie and shook her head.


    "It''s fine. I won''t be mad if you fall asleep." She said, "Just let out all your frustration. At times like this, it''s nice to havepany. I know that."


    A small smile blossomed on her face.


    "I will apany you until you fall asleep." She continued.


    Max couldn''t help but smile. He indeed needed apany to let out what he thought. Someone he could trust not to spread it to others.


    "I will take your offer then. It might be a long rant." He said, raising his body and looking straight at her.


    "Un, go ahead." Lily nodded and moved the plushie''s arm. "Momo here will listen together with me."


    "Momo, huh?"


    "Hnn, she''s my first plushie. I always hug her to sleep." She confirmed, "Because I am hugging her now, I might fall asleep faster than you."


    Unexpectedly, Lily had such a childish side. Max felt like he knew her a little bit better.


    "Well, I will be the one who sleeps first." He said, not willing to lose. "Still, thanks. You know, this is a little bit too much. I did nothing wrong but pulled into this troublesome stuff. I worked my brain and found a method to earn more points. But those people don''t appreciate it, calling me a liar."


    "Un, that must be hard."


    "It is. And also¡­"


    Max kept all that he kept inside out, telling Lily how he felt about the tournament today. All his feelings werey bare, he didn''t hide anything from her.


    And Lily kept listening and consoling him.


    In the middle of the talk, after around an hour had passed, Max''s words drifted away. His voice became softer. Hey on his back, eyelids heavy. Slowly, he breathed softly and fell asleep; the call was still connected.


    "Max? Are you still there?"


    Lily''s voice rang from the speaker connected to the smartwatch. She looked at his peaceful expression with a smile, and a giggle escaped her lips. She thought he had a cute sleeping face.


    "Good night." She whispered, snuggling against the bunny plushie, Momo. "Have a nice dream."


    She, too, closed her eyes and fell asleep. A distance separated them, but the video call allowed them to be close together virtually.

 Chapter 238: Chapter 238 – Change in Rules and Puppeteer

    "Good morning. You''ve woken up."


    In the morning, Max didn''t expect someone to greet him. He immediately opened his eyes and saw the floating screen in front of him. On it, Lily''s face was reflected crystal clear. She seemed to be in a living room, snacking on a chip while still in her bunny onesie.


    At that moment, Max realized that he had fallen asleep while talking to her. He was embarrassed. Trying his best not to fall asleep seemed to have failed.


    Raising his body, he faced her at eye level.


    "Sorry. Did I fall asleep mid-call?"


    "Un." Lily nodded and waved her hand, "Now that you''ve woken up, I can end the call. Good luck in your second-day tournament, Max. Bye."


    "Bye."


    [Video Call Ended.]


    The screen disappeared with that notification.


    ''Good luck on my second day, huh?'' He mused as he stretched his arms. A smile crept onto his face. ''Well, I have to do my best then. The fact she said that meant the announcement had been posted, huh? What a way to spoil my surprise.'' He chuckled.


    On Midnight Heist''s Strike ount, a new post was pinned. It was uploaded around 6 hours ago, right at 00:00 midnight.


    At that time, Max was still sleeping. Lily probably also saw this post before he woke up, so she wished him good luck.


    ''Let''s see...'' He hummed and read the new post.


    It came with an image listing 50 names that advanced to the second-day qualifier. And with the announcement came Midnight Heist management''s reply to the protest on the first day. Max focused on that article first before reading the top 50 Tier 2 yers.


    The article unexpectedly started without any apology that yers expected.


    [Our system is wless. Points earned are calcted based on MMR with the calction of MMR/10.


    The criteria to earn MMR are based on 4.


    Individual skill, ability usage, stealing target/number of captures, and teamwork.


    Based on the analysis data we gained from the Day 1 tournament, many yers ignored teamwork and only focused on stealing targets or capturing thieves, leading yers to earn low MMR and thus earn low points.


    Having trolls as teammates will boost a serious yer''s points based on individual skill, thus not affecting the ranking.


    However, many yers have sessfully understood Midnight Heist''s gamey, which allows them to advance to the Day 2 Qualifier, with a different set of rules that will be exined inside a special Lobby. The list of yers can be seen in the images attached to the post.


    Invitations had been sent to yers through in-game mail. Please be ready 30 minutes before the tournament starts.


    Sincerely, Midnight Heist Management Team.]


    Max had to admit the management team was really good at minimizing bacsh. The article also mentioned the change of rule in the second qualifier, which only proved the w of the points system on the first day.


    However¡­ yers were still satisfied with their exnation. Some still tried to say it was only an excuse and didn''t believe the article was released, but that didn''t matter.


    Continuing, Max read the list of yers. He found three familiar names: himself, Ranga, his former teammate, and¡­


    "Puppeteer¡­ The former synchronization test world record holder." He muttered as he read the name. "He''s also a Tier 2 yer?"


    That was pretty surprising, considering he was an old yer and streamer with many followers. Max remembered that Puppeteer had yed Midnight Heist in the past, reaching Tier 1 already. But how was that person in Tier 2 now?


    "Ah, season reset." He nodded in realization.


    Midnight Heist had entered its fifth season, and thus, the Tier had reset four times already. Based on his memory, Puppeteer was a season 1 yer. He had seen an article about him and only knew he remembered it.


    "This tournament''s difficulty has just increased exponentially. The Midnight Heist management team should put Puppeteer in Tier 1! This is unfair."


    The former Tier 1 yer was surely more skilled than the usual Tier 2. But then, considering many things had changed since season 1, and many yers'' skills increased since then, it could be said the current Tier 2 yers potentially had simr skills to the past Tier 1 yers.


    So, it still made sense that Puppeteer couldpete in Tier 2. At least, that was what Max thought after trying to reason with himself. Though he still felt it was unfair, he couldn''t change what happened. He just needed to be more skilled than Puppeteer and beat him.


    ''I am better than him in game mechanics, so I has a high chance to beat him in a fair match.''


    Putting that aside, it seemed like Puppeteer also managed to get the highest point, boasting 772 total points. He had 100 more than Max.


    ''A tough opponent is wee.''


    Getting off his bed, Max finished his morning routine: showering, looking through his email and messages, and then exercising.


    All was done in under an hour.


    The clock showed 7:12 AM now. Based on what he read in the article earlier, he had to be ready before 9:30 AM.


    Having two hours left, Max decided to watch the yers'' gamey, including Puppeteer, to make a n on how to deal with them. He sat on the chair on his balcony and opened two screens at once. One had the Punchtube opened and the other had a note and a virtual keyboard.


    Finding Puppeteer''s Punchtube was easy. The man boasted more than 90 million subscribers, and each of his videos had more than 5 million views. Even thetest one, which was his gamey in Day 1 qualifier, had 8 million views now.


    Curious, Max looked at Puppeteer Punch''s ount. Thest VoD had more than 500K views, which meant he had the average of more than 100K viewers in his livestream. Forparison, Max only had around 50K views in hisst VoD and around 14K viewers yesterday.


    "Woah." An amazed voice escaped Max''s lips. "This guy is living my dream."


    Rather than watching an edited video, Max chose to watch the VoD instead.


    Calling Puppeteer a great streamer, cream of the top, wasn''t wrong. His skill and the way he talked to his viewers were so engaging. He fast-forward it to the first game, watching it intently.


    As soon as the game started, Puppeteer revealed his name and gained recognition from his thieves'' teammates. The streamer took charge of giving the role to those who fit based on their equipment.


    Following that, they went to their spots, donning the disguises they were instructed to choose. No one was in the escape route, and all entered the Bank, which was the chosen match for his first game.


    Max watched the game unfold silently. Puppeteer gave outmands from a vantage point, controlling his teammates like puppets, just like his name. All his orders were meticulous and actually allowed his teammates to escape the police''s radar.


    They stole the target from the secure room easily and escaped by moving the target to different thieves by meeting at certain ces. It was a good strategy.


    In the end, Puppeteer got +121 points from the first game. His viewers donated many diamonds after seeing him streaming Midnight Heist after so long.


    The game continued to the second one. He became a thief again and followed a simr strategy. His teammates already knew his name and skill, thus they followed his strategy without whining. Of course, one or two messed up, but he still won the game in the end.


    Puppeteer''s third game to the fifth game unfolded in a simr manner, no matter which side he got, thieves or police officers.


    After watching them all, Max realized something.


    "I can''t do something like that."


    Puppeteer didn''t rely on his game mechanics and actually strategized. There was nothing to watch from the tournaments. And based on the video he just watched, Puppeteer was like a mastermind who controlled everything.


    However, Max felt lucky having to see this before his match. Had he been oblivious about this, he wouldn''t have had a chance to win against Puppeteer if they met as enemies.


    ''I can think of a few things to win against him. But all of it also depends on my teammates.''


    Once again, he needed the blessing from the Goddess of RNG. Because if she gave him a curse instead, he might as well say goodbye to the tournament in his first match.


    Looking at the corner of the screen, Max noticed it was now 9:07 AM. He rose from his seat and headed for his VR capsule.


    It was time to prepare for the second qualifier.

 Chapter 239: Chapter 239 – Day 2 Qualifier, Gathering

    Max entered the Midnight Heist Lobby and immediately went into a secluded ce, leaning his back against a gray background so no one knew where he was. He should''ve done this yesterday instead of running around evading the other streamers.


    Looking at the time, he realized there were still a few minutes left until he needed to gather to hear the tournament''s new rules. Opening the invitation in the stream would definitely be ill-advised, so he did it right now before starting.


    Opening the game menu, Max found a red notification was nestling atop a mail icon. He opened it and saw many grayed-out emails from either his viewers, people he met in the Midnight Heist, or anyone else. He deactivated the notification for them, as they bothered him a lot.


    Holding the urge to groan, he noticed one white mail. It was from the management, with the word ''Congrattions!'' written before everything else.


    Clicking it open, the invitation was pretty simple.


    [Congrattions for advancing to Day 2 Qualifier, yer Breeze.


    We extend our sincerest apologies for all the trouble Day 1 Qualifier has caused you. Thus, wepensate you with 5,000 Dinar.


    Day 2 Qualifier will be started at 10:10 AM as opposed to our announcement to avoid anyte participants. Please enter the special Lobby through the code [9271xxxxxxx] to listen to the new rules and points acquisition.


    Sincerely, Midnight Heist Team.]


    Blinking his eyes, Max read the invitation again. Once he did so, he was sure that the letter said he waspensated 5,000 Dinar for the trouble they had caused.


    "Bullshit! Make it $5,000 instead! I don''t need in-game money, dammit!"


    ''I willin to Mr. Taka!'' He screamed in his mind but eventually calmed down after noticing how childish that was.


    Taking a deep breath, Max calmly entered the secret code into the list of Lobby he could enter, which already had his personal Lobby, Flexy''s, V-Shelter, Knighted Lobby, Mercenary Quest, and Midnight Heist.


    After he entered the code, another Lobby appeared on the list. Its name was Midnight Tournament (Special), and it seemed like a private Lobby that would be gone after midnight today.


    ''The management team is obsessed with midnight.'' Maxmented silently, ''They posted their article and sent the invitation at midnight. Don''t tell me they only wake up, eat, and shit at midnight too. That would be pretty funny.''


    Suppressing his chuckle, Max decided to enter the Lobby first as the time showed 9:26 AM already. His body was engulfed with a blue light and teleported away.


    This Lobby, connected to the main Midnight Heist, was located at the same server. The data was also shared, thus leading the yers who entered to retain their appearance from Midnight Heist Lobby.


    Max appeared in what seemed like a modern party hall. The dim, neon light cast from above, reflected by the shiny disco ball and the floor, creating a beautiful light show. On the side, many sofas were adjacent to each other, ced in a way where neon lights wouldn''t reach.


    And at the end of the Lobby, there was arge bar with 5 bartenders behind the counter. Countless bottles of beverages were arranged neatly on the shelves. And in the middle of this party floor, there was an elevated tform.


    Once again, it had to be a bar. Max wondered if there was no one creative enough to make the Lobby into something else¡ªfor example, his parkour park and Flexy''s ridiculously big golden castle.


    ''Well, maybe they designed the lobby to look like a bar because it has a nice atmosphere that attracts many people. Only a minority hated bars in this day and age. This ce felt familiar to many of the yers, allowing us to talk freely.''


    Regardless of the reason, Max didn''t care. There was no one here yet, he was the first to arrive. He went to the sofa in the corner, where he could see everything in the room.


    Sitting down, he took off his mask, and it disappeared into many glowing pieces. He prepared his stream and put the 5-minute dy just to be safe.


    [Day 2 Qualifier. Let''s listen to the new rules together. #Breeze #Midnight_Heist #Day2Qualifier #Trantion]


    With everything prepared, he started the stream immediately. The loading screen began to start, and he just had to wait for 5 minutes before it showed the footage the small camera took. To ensure the anonymity of the other yers, he pointed the camera at himself.


    "There is a 5-minute dy, guys. I might not talk too much, but enjoy the content." He said so and fell into silence.


    Many people arrived when the clock hit 9:31. Unexpectedly, this Lobby wasbined for Tier 1 and Tier 2 yers who advanced to the Day 2 Qualifier. Soon, the Lobby was filled with yers who chatted with each other.


    Sadly, Max knew no one there, so he kept seated and observed them. Being a new streamer and new yer was pretty sad, as he had no connection whatsoever. However¡­


    "Ah, hello."


    Someone unexpectedly greeted him. Max raised his head to look at the voice''s owner and noticed the name Ranga on top of his head. He realized this man with blue hair was his teammate in the second game yesterday.


    Smiling, he greeted him back, "Hello. Hahaha, we meet again."


    "Yes," Ranga nodded, "And I just realized, but you''re the real Breeze, huh? Hahaha, I saw the video that went viral on Strike. That helped me to advance, so thank you." He said,ughing dryly.


    "I am d if that''s the case," Max responded with a bitter smile.


    The video he made with a resentful feeling actually helped his former teammate, which made him realize the secret. That was worth it, maybe.


    "May I sit here?" Ranga asked with uncertainty, "I can find another seat if you want to be alone."


    "What makes you say that?" Max asked curiously.


    "Well, you look like you want to be alone." The blue-haired man answered, "Am I wrong?"


    Did he exude an aura that said he wanted to be alone? Was he really that¡­ miserable? No, that shouldn''t be the case.


    ''It must be because I am still dissatisfied with the Midnight Heist''spensation reward.'' He told himself.


    "It must be your imagination." He said to Ranga with augh, "Feel free to sit on the empty seat. I don''t mind apany. Though I am streaming right now, so if you''re ufortable with your voice getting caught..."


    "I don''t mind appearing in the stream," Ranga responded and sat on the empty sofa beside Max.


    They talked about yesterday''s game for a while. What Max was interested in was about Ranga''s first game. The blue-haired man ranted about it for a few minutes, saying it was the worst game he had experienced in Midnight Heist.


    Afterughing at his acquaintance''s miserable story, Max was about to share his too. However, the light suddenly went out at that time, and a spotlight was focused on the elevated tform in the middle of the party floor.


    Their attention shifted to the spotlight. A man in an exaggerated mask with many feathers appeared with a poof of purple smoke.


    As he spread his arms, fireworks burst behind him, and his cheery voice rang.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen! Wee, and congrattions on advancing to the Day 2 Qualifier. Allow me, Moon Feather, to read the new rules for today''s tournament."


    The man who called himself Moon Feather bowed gracefully. Following that, apuse rang loudly.

 Chapter 240: Chapter 240 – Day 2 Qualifier, Rules Change

    Max noticed that almost all yers recognized this Moon Feather person, save for himself. He wanted to ask who this person was, but he had no chance. Moon Feather continued his words.


    "We received all the yers'' criticism and suggestions yesterday and took it to heart. While we believed our system was perfect, we believed hearing suggestions would be good for us. That''s why we slightly changed the rule regarding points acquisition."


    No one took that seriously. It was obvious they only said that to cover up their mistake. What they were curious about was the new rules.


    "Because the tournament will begin soon, I shall exin the new rules."


    Saying so, Moon Feather flicked his hand. Large screens appeared in four directions, allowing all yers to see it. On the screen was a short gamey video. It had the number 1, and Moon Feather spoke again.


    "I will exin how to earn points. First of all, individual skills. Please look at the video."


    yers watched the video intently. It showed a thief yer evading the police''s watch by pretending to be an NPC. Then, the screen changed, showing a police yer identifying a disguised thief and focusing on the target for a few seconds.


    "As you can see, the first point acquisition is still based on an individual skill. How to obtain them? The answer is just to do the correct task ording to your role. For example, a thief can fool the police, and the police can identify the thief. This is the case for the old rule."


    It was easy to understand, and no one voiced anything.


    yers got a point when they did something that was actually in line with their role. Even identifying a thief added points. That was why some yers got more points than others.


    ''My guess is on point. Doing something thief-like and police-like will give me points. Helping teammates will also get me points, as that will count as an assist.'' Max nodded in understanding.


    At that moment, Moon Feather snapped his finger, and the screen turned ck.


    "I believe everyone has noints regarding this rule, but it''s still vague. We deliberately made it so to avoid someone abusing it to only earn points and not actually doing their best to win the match. But still, that didn''t work. Realizing that, we changed it into a new rule."


    The screen above suddenly exploded, or so it looked like. In fact, it was only an explosion effect and sounds. Winner Privilege. These words were written boldly on the screen.


    "Let''s take everyone''s suggestions into ount."


    An evilugh filled the room as neon lights began to shine in various directions, moving around without any goal.


    "For the Tier 1 Tournament, we will hold 10 games today. 5 yers who win a game will receive 1 point, and the loser will lose 1 point. NovelFireP and SVP will both gain no extra points. It''s an easy-to-understand system, right?"


    Moon Feather tilted his head to gain their attention.


    Max felt like this suddenly spiraled into chaos. Thepetition to win the match seriously starts right now.


    ''This is madness.'' Hemented in his mind.


    They simplify too much stuff. Did they take the yers for a fool? Chatters quickly filled the room as Moon Feather stayed silent. Most of those chatters came from Tier 1 yers and some curious Tier 2 yers. They wondered what the rule for Tier 2 was.


    Hearing that, Moon Feather pped his hands. Everyone went quiet at once and focused on him again.


    "You must be curious about the Tier 2 tournament''s rules."


    Everyone instinctively nodded their heads. Max held his breath and focused his attention on the man on the tform.


    After looking around for a second, Moon Feather continued.


    "There are 50 yers advancing to Day 2, and 40 of them were in this room. Unfortunately, we will disqualify those 10 who couldn''te. This number is probably due to the dissatisfaction with our management. For that, we apologize."


    ''That''s a lot of people not participating.'' Max was honestly surprised. ''I can''t me them either. They probably didn''t expect this change in n.''


    Still, the Tier 2 tournament seemed to have a different rule from Tier 1. Everyone was tense. Max also noticed Ranga''s eyes quivered slightly as he looked at Moon Feather.


    Curious. Impatience. Andpetitiveness.


    While they chatted naturally, both of them were still rivals in this tournament. Max shifted his focus to Moon Feather once again. At that time, the gaudy man surprised everyone.


    "We will do an elimination game." The man dered, surprising everyone. "We will split it into Team A and Team B, with 20 yers in each group. Then, 20 yers will be put in a different team randomly. They willpete with each other in two games.


    "The winner will continue, and the loser will be disqualified instantly. After only 5 yers are left on each side, totaling 10 yers, we will continue with thest, third game to determine the 5st yers to advance to the final. That''s the rule for Tier 2 tournaments."


    Instead of a rule, it was a change in the gamey itself. However, this was way better than the previous rules, which confused everyone with the points acquisition method.


    And unlike Tier 1''s point system, the elimination method was also easier.


    ''Simple and straightforward.'' Max grinned as he looked around the room. ''But not anyone like it.''


    Everyone seemed to consider the pros and cons of this method. The important bit here was the team would be divided randomly.


    "So we need to make do with our teammates," Rangamented from the side with a serious look.


    "I hope I will be put on your team, Breeze. Hahaha, at least I know you''re a yer with skill and good game sense. As for the others¡­ I only recognize Puppeteer. It''s hard to judge their skill from their looks alone. I will be damned if I am put in a team with 5 people who have the same role as me."


    Yeah. Max had to agree with that.


    ''This is more fucked up than anything else.'' He groaned.


    In the end, everything was left to the Goddess of RNG again.


    "Now, let the thievery begin! Have fun, everyone!"


    With that, Moon Feather disappeared with another puff of smoke, and the light returned to normal.


    Holding his chin, Max heaved a sigh.


    ''The management team is a crazier bunch of people than I initially thought.''

 Chapter 241: Chapter 241 – Day 2 Qualifier, 1st Game [1]

    After Moon Feather disappeared, another person who looked like a normal office worker wearing a suit stepped up on the elevated tform.


    "We will start by splitting Tier 2 yers into 2 groups. Please watch the screen before we start shuffling."


    Max raised his head and looked at the screen, just as instructed. Everyone else did the same. A secondter, the screen showed a tournament grid split into two sides with 5 empty boxes in the middle. The other boxes were filled with names.


    The man on the tform raised his hand and said, "Shuffle start."


    Once he said the voicemand, the names on the screen started to scramble around, moving from one box to another. Max tried to follow his tag name, but it was useless. They were moving too fast for his eyes to follow.


    After a while, it stopped with a loud ding and showed the list of group A and group B.


    "Please find your name. We shall start the first game in 5 minutes, with a random team. Good luck to all yers." The man continued before stepping down from the tform and disappearing into the shadow.


    "I found my name in group B," Ranga spoke from the side with a gleeful voice. "It seems we''re in a different group. Good luck."


    Hearing that, Max nodded. He had also found his name on top of the group A side. They would meet in the third game if they seeded, meaning they wouldn''t be able to advance to the final together.


    Still, Max had another problem before thinking about the third game. He looked at the name written right under him.


    ''Puppeteer¡­ We''re in the same group.''


    Whether he wanted it or not, he had to face or be Puppeteer''s teammate in the first two games. He just hoped to have a nice game with him and not be burdened with it.


    ''I guess this means I can test my skill against one of the top yers in the world.''


    While Puppeteer was a streamer, he also yed in a pro league sometimes. Meaning, the man could also be considered a pro gamer in this circle. If Max could beat him, then that would be an achievement for himself.


    "I guess I just have to do it."


    All the yers were looking forward to the first game. Some Tier 2 yers despaired that they had to face Puppeteer and Max early on.


    His name was spread enough to make him recognizable in this society.


    Of course, the main factor that spread his name was the viral video he shared on Strike yesterday. Still, any fame was still fame. Whether it was good or bad, it didn''t decrease his worth at all.


    And then, after waiting for 5 minutes, therge screens in front of yers changed again. It showed fourrge boxes divided into 5 rows filled with names. Group A was written boldly on top of the screen.


    The names were shuffled before stopping. There was a line connecting box 1 and box 2. Simrly, boxes 3 and 4 were also connected with a line. They were the teams that would face each other in the first round.


    "Tier 2 match found!"


    A loud voice rang from the speaker on the ceiling. Max looked at the list and heaved a relieved sigh. His name was on box 1, which would face yers from box 2. The bright side was he wouldn''t face Puppeteer in the first game, as the man was in Box 4.


    "yers ready! 10¡­"


    The countdown for the first game started. Many yers shouted excitedly, and those from Tier 1 who would yter discussed who would win. Some even bet with each other with real money.


    "I guess I will go first," Max said as he looked at Ranga, extending his fist. "Good luck with your game."


    Smiling, Ranga bumped his fist against Max, "You too. Let''s meet in the third game."


    "2¡­ 1!"


    [Map: Underground Cave (Ranked)]


    [Your role is as¡­ a Police!]


    [Target: Unknown! Protect the target from thieves!]


    As soon as the countdown was finished, Max received a notification, and he was teleported into the waiting room with his teammates.


    Looking around, he noticed all attention was focused on him. They smiled brightly, and the only girl on the team, Sikoga, eximed loudly.


    "Kyaa, I am ying with Breeze! This match is in our bag!"


    "That''s right. We also face yers who I have never heard the name of. We can win this." A guy with dark hair, Darkki, continued.


    The other two, Mo3kyun and 00Lopez00, nodded in agreement. Everyone recognized Max and his skill.


    Laughing shyly, Max scratched his cheek.


    "Hahaha, I am happy that you guys are confident and trust me. But let''s not lower our guard. Our enemies are yers who managed to advance to Day 2. They must have adequate skills to back the result. We can''t look down on them."


    "Yeah, I understand." Darkkimented, "But we need the confidence! We will win this!" He shouted and raised his arm like a cheer before a sportspetition.


    "Yes, yes!" Sikoga eximed, raising her hand, "Now, about the role, what should we do? We all know that Breeze will be the leader and will catch them all. I am confident in my ability to find the disguised thieves!"


    Before Max could say anything regarding the role that Sikoga selfishly gave, Mo3kyun spoke in a deep voice.


    "I have many traps. Let mey them around the boat escape."


    "I also have traps." 00Lopez00 added in an ent that sounded like a Mexican ent from Max''s past life, "I better be alone and away from the NPC. So let me handle the west hover car escape."


    "Then I will support Breeze and be his sidekick." Darkki pointed at himself with his thumb, "I can run fast, you know? While I am not as fast as Breeze, but I have 89.7% SR! It''s way lower than him, too. I know it, but trust me!"


    It seemed like everything had been decided. This was the first time Max had teammates who looked at him with gazes filled with respect and adoration. Not one, but four of them.


    ''Is this what Puppeteer felt every time he yed Midnight Heist?'' He thought, remembering the video he had watched before logging in.


    Anyway, they were definitely better than a troll or AFK teammates. He didn''t know their skill level yet, but he could only trust their ability to reach this far.


    Nodding, he agreed to the n.


    "I guess the role division is over. And may I take the mainmunicator position and the one who gives instruction?"


    After learning from Puppeteer''s video, he wanted to try it at least once. Doing it in a tournament was a gamble, but everyone had their first, no? He was confident he would do well as long as he wasn''t nervous. The basics were already in his head.


    "Feel free to!" Sikoga nodded excitedly, "We will follow your instructions as best as we can."


    "Yeah. I am stupid, so please direct me to my task." Darkki added with a firm nod, "I am your sidekick, after all!" The way he said that was like a fan who had met his heroes and wasn''t disappointed. He was proud of his position.


    Laughing bitterly, Max looked at the air. They would be teleported in 10 seconds.


    The first game had begun.

 Chapter 242: Chapter 242 – Day 2 Qualifier, 1st Game [2]

    "Alright. Once we get teleported, get in position. Sikoga, you go to the main building''s hall. Darkki, go to the second floor and report any strange NPC behavior to us. I will be standing outside the main building andying down traps. Once the target gets stolen, I will give out further instructions."


    There was no need to stop them from stealing the target. Their goal was to win the match and to keep the thieves from escaping.


    "Let''s go!"


    As he shouted that, the countdown hit zero and the police officers were deployed in the Underground Cave map.


    The tournament version of the Underground Cave map was vast and dark. The main building stood with its back facing therge wall, making it possible for the thieves to only escape from three directions.


    Max was teleported to the main hall, Sikoga''s post, and immediately activated hismunication device.


    "Move to the determined location immediately. Sikoga, I will watch the main hall until you arrive. If you find any suspicious individuals, report them to me. Save your handcuff until they steal the target!"


    (Got it!)


    (I am on my way to the second floor, leader!)


    (I am already on my post, setting up one trap. I am also ready to set the other traps once I can do that.) Mo3kyun reported.


    (Lopez here, I also set up a trap near the hovercar''s entrance. I am currently hiding behind a rock, please tell me if they head in my direction.)


    Max looked around with a serious gaze as he listened to their report. The NPCs on this map were security guards, making it a little harder to distinguish from each other because they wore the same uniform. This map might be the worst for the police, but the same could be said for thieves.


    ''Once they are inside the building, they are like rats in a cat''s house.'' He thought as he squinted his gaze. ''Although they look the same, making it harder to report to our teammates, finding the disguised thief is easier here.''


    To find something suspicious among those guards was pretty easy. He just needed topare their way of walking or their way of holding the baton strapped on their waist. Unfortunately, their movements were random, so he couldn''t judge from where they were going.


    ''There is nothing suspicious here.'' He thought silently as hepared all the guards to one another. ''Either they are really good at acting or weren''t in this main hall.''


    At that moment, a voice rang from hismunication device. It was a report from Sikoga.


    (Breeze, I am outside the hall now and find something suspicious. You may want to look at this.)


    "Just outside the hall? Alright." He responded to the unusual report and moved.


    No matter how strange it was, he had to check if his teammates reported it. It was his role to catch the thieves, as he was the fastest out of anyone else.


    Exiting the hall, he found a girl dressed in a police uniform standing in front of a wall. She looked at the ceiling with narrowed eyes.


    "What did you find?" Max asked as he approached her, to which she responded by a gesture with her chin.


    "Just look at that." She said.


    Max followed their gaze and, simrly to her, narrowed his eyes. There was an open venttion, clearly breached from below and used for a path.


    "This might be a trap." Sikoga said, "They want us to focus on this and sneak from elsewhere."


    He agreed with her reasoning. However, this could also be their real path to get to the target. So he couldn''t ignore it.


    "Stand in the middle of the hall, open one door, and observe the surroundings." He clearly instructed Sikoga, "I will go to my post and prepare for their escape. As soon as you hear the rm, head to the East entrance and set one trap there."


    "Got it! Good luck."


    After hearing her reply, Max stormed out of the main building and gave out another instruction. This time, it was for Darkki.


    "Darkki, listen. The target might be on the second floor, and the thieves might already be on that floor already. Do your best to apprehend one thief. If you find someone suspicious, don''t hesitate to tackle him. We can handle a minute penalty. I am counting on you!"


    (Alright, consider it done. This Darkki will catch anyone moving suspiciously!)


    With that done, Max looked at the area around him. The outside terrain always changed with each game, as it was generated with random numbers, making boulders, boxes, and anything unrted to the main building in random ces with different sizes.


    Coincidentally, this terrain was filled with rocks and random small boxes nested around them. Then at the middle of this cave, there was a pir-like structure that connected the ground with the ceiling. The pir wasn''t smooth but ragged, with many ces that could be used as a step.


    "Well, it seems the Goddess has given me love today."


    This was the perfect ce to observe everything. Not only could he get a vantage point, he could also see where the thieves would escape.


    "I will trust you guys in chasing them and only provide support." He told his teammates before climbing the pir.


    Because of the naturally formed steps, he arrived halfway in under a minute. He sat on a slightly wide ledge and looked around while giving instructions.


    "Darkki, change of n. Go guard the East entrance that they can use to escape through the boat. We need to make sure they will try to escape using a hovercar."


    (Really? Got it. I saw nothing suspicious here, so I will move to the East gate!)


    "Great." Max responded with a calm tone.


    "Sikoga, ce one trap near that entrance and the open venttion. It will serve as your rm. Go outside the main building and guard the main entrance. I think the thieves are trying to make us tired and waste our traps. We won''t y their game and just wait."


    (Are you sure?) Sikoga asked back through themunication device.


    "I am positive. I am in a vantage position and can''t even see suspicious people. At least we can confirm the thieves are all inside the main building. We will make them regret this."


    (Alright then. You''re the boss!)


    "You heard me, Mo3kyun. Just leave the trap there and help Darkki and Sikoga. The path to hovercar escape is narrower due to the extra terrain that''s on our side. Try to set many traps while returning. Make them easier to spot and shy so the thieves won''t try to get close to that area."


    (Instruction clear. I am moving now.)


    No matter how many times he heard Mo3kyun''s voice, Max still wasn''t used to it. His name, personality, and his voice didn''t really match at all! The name was cute, but the voice was so deep like the most manly person out there.


    ''Focus, Max!''


    Anyway, that wasn''t important. He had to focus on the game now.


    The waiting game had started. Whoever moved first would lose. But, if the thieves werete, they would also lose in default when the timer reached zero. So this waiting game really benefit the police yers if they realized the thieves'' n.


    Max observed everything to ensure everything was fine. Once the rm rang, he would get a weapon he could use from where he sat down.


    And that didn''t require a long wait.


    Beep! Beep! Beep!


    An energy rifle appeared in his hand, and he put on a sniping position without hesitating. While there was no scope, he had a good aim and eyes, so that wasn''t a problem. He could see a shadow moving inside the main building through the windows.


    "Ladies and gentlemen,y down all your traps. Heree the thieves." He announced to his teammates and grinned, "Let''s apprehend them all."

 Chapter 243: Chapter 243 – Day 2 Qualifier, Roach Planet’s Effect

    If there was something that Max was unaware of before, it would be his skill with a firearm, especially a sniper rifle. It was something he discovered while ying Roach.


    (I am engaging two thieves now! I managed to shoot one, but the other was slipping past me! I don''t think he has the target. Sorry, but I will cuff this one first and join soon.) Sikoga reported with an urgent tone in her voice.


    (I managed to catch one, but two slipped past me! One of them is holding a chalice, that might be the target!) Darkki''s voice followed suit. (I am cuffing the one I catch. It might take a few seconds. Please stop them! They had used their clown mask ability.)


    "I saw them," Max said calmly as he saw the target.


    Two thieves wearing clown masks could be seen exiting the main building''s entrance and trying to run East.


    "No no no, you can''t go that way, little thief."


    The one holding the target was his priority. If left alone, they would meet together and give Mo3kyun trouble even with all the trapsid in the path toward the East escape way.


    Stopping them was a hard matter. But making them turn around was easy.


    ''The bullet is 2 times slower than the one in Roach, I had to timing it right.'' He thought as he breathed deeply.


    He calcted where the thieves would run. And after, he was sure of it¡­


    Zuu!


    The trigger was pulled. An energy bullet that zapped through the air went toward the thief in the front, hitting him perfectly on the head. No one expected the bullet toe from above their head in this underground area.


    However, that didn''t stop the other two from running. Max failed to hit the one holding the target.


    ''But that''s enough.''


    One thief was incapacitated for 30 seconds after getting hit on the head. It was enough time for Darkki and Sikoga to arrive. In fact, both of them were now in Max''s sight and began their chase while holding a rifle.


    Noticing the chase, the thieves ran faster toward the East entrance. But that was futile. Mo3kyun appeared from the shadow behind a rock and activated all the traps. Many ball-shaped traps, mines, and even wires began toe to life, shining brightly.


    "You can''t pass this way!"


    Mo3kyun''s deep voice scared the thieves. They suddenly stopped and the one holding the target shouted.


    "Turn around! There are too many traps and police nearby!" He turned to his teammates, hoping that he had already turned around with him.


    Nheless, that was already toote.


    Zap!


    Max had gotten a chance to snipe the other thieves as they stopped earlier. He put his rifle down, watching Mo3kyun and Darkki ganging up on thest thief while Sikoga tied the one Max shot earlier.


    "It''s over." He scoffed and stood on the ledge.


    [Match Over!]


    [All thieves are apprehended. Escape failed!]


    [Winner: Police Team!]


    [MI02, olsor, moooafo, LonZi, and 8InchBall have been eliminated!]


    [Congrattions!]


    Maybe because this was a different tournament, a specially designed match, there was no further notification than that. No Dinar reward and no RP. It was a simple one.


    Ding!


    Max''s body was covered in blue light and a 5 seconds countdown appeared in front of his eyes. He knew he would soon be teleported back to the Lobby, so he immediately spoke to his teammates.


    "Well yed, guys. We won thanks to you all."


    (Good game!)


    (Good job team!)


    (Hahaha, in the end, I did nothing. Good game, everyone.)


    (Well yed.)


    Everyone said their piece and got teleported back at the same time. He returned to his seat, and someone greeted him almost immediately.


    "Good job. I saw your match through the screen."


    Max looked to his left and found Ranga smiling at him. Apparently, his game ended first, so he could watch his match.


    "Thanks." He responded.


    "The leadership and the skill you showed made some of the Tier 1 yers think you should be in their Tier instead. They also reacted the same way to Puppeteer." Ranga looked to the area on the right, where a man with spiked hair sat while drinking a cocktail.


    It was the first time Max saw Puppeteer directly. The way the man made himself appear seemed to be trained and calcted. He looked so confident, and nothing seemed to be able to surprise him.


    As Max stared at him, Puppeteer suddenly met his gaze and raised his ss. He nodded in response before looking at the screen, which showed a game from group B that hadn''t ended yet.


    "He noticed you," Rangamented in surprise, which made Max look at him curiously.


    "Puppeteer is famous for ignoring people who he deemed not meeting his standard. Of course, we''re talking about pro yers and streamers here. He acted normally with his fans." The blue-haired man exined, "The fact he noticed you means he recognized your skill."


    That was plentiful information. Max nodded in understanding but didn''t take the word to heart.


    Once again, getting people''s recognition was nice, but it didn''t make your value go up or down. He was the one who knew his own value.


    ''But getting recognized by someone way above who is living my dream somehow makes me satisfied.'' A smile graced his lips.


    While he was thinking that, thest game ended with Team 3''s victory, and a5-minute cooldown reced the screen, letting the yers rest.


    Using that 5 minutes, Max talked with Ranga about his game. The blue-haired man was pretty lucky, just like him.


    The enemy team had a troll who acted like a clown because he wasn''t in the same team as Puppeteer, revealing the target and making the police group able to protect it with the highest security, which forced the thieves into a desperate attempt and lost.


    Max wasn''t surprised at all. There was such an overzealous fan who couldn''t make a better judgment and ended up embarrassed in front of their idol instead. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Max had no such fans yet.


    The 5-minute wait passed quickly. Many yers were slightly tired from their previous game, but they had to continue.


    [Are you ready?!]


    A loud announcement rang from the speakers once the countdown hit 0, and the screen showed the list of yers divided into two boxes in each group. Everyone focused. Those in group A desperately hoped to get a good teammate.


    [Shuffle Start!]


    With the next announcement, everyone began to pray. Max looked at the screen calmly without changing his expression. The shuffle stopped, and the team decided.


    He calmly looked at the boxes to find his name in box 1. And¡­


    "It seems to be an easy win for you." Rangamented, "And I will probably suffer in thest third game even if I win this one."


    "Looks like it." Max nodded in agreement.


    For the second game, he and Puppeteer were on the same team. It was the first time they would y together. And with this, he was confident he would advance to the final without any problem.


    [Map: Urban ¨C Museum (Ranked)]


    [Your role is as¡­ a Thief!]


    [Target: Ring of Fire!]


    ''I can observe his skill closely to prepare for the final. This is a chance I can''t miss.''

 Chapter 244: Chapter 244 – Day 2 Qualifier, Meeting with Puppeteer

    Max was teleported outside the grand museum with his teammates. The thief role was pretty perfect for judging Puppeteer''s skill.


    Once everyone was teleported, he observed them calmly from the side. Puppeteer was wearing a Ski Mask and glide shoes. The mask''s ability allowed the user to slide around as if they were on ice.


    Combined with glide shoes, the effect would be doubled, increasing his speed further and allowing him to move anywhere. Whether it was a wall or ceiling, nothing could stop him.


    ''A pretty uniquebination but hard to use due to the skill one needs to move around in a 3D area. I am confident I can use it, but it will be hard for other yers. That''s why thisbination isn''t preferred.''


    Rather than that, the monkey mask + glide shoes or clown mask + glide shoes were moremon. In fact, two of his current teammates wore the former, while thest one wore thetter.


    "Ooh! We are on Puppeteer''s team!"


    "I am lucky! We will certainly win!"


    "Hehe, let''s win and advance to the final together!"


    What happened in Max''sst game also happened here. Moxy, UloTai, and Snikki all looked at Puppeteer and dered the team win immediately. However, their tone was more sure than that of hisst teammates, who were now on the other team.


    Listening to them, Puppeteer only nodded.


    "I hope you all work hard too. This is a team game." He said before turning to Max. "And I believe this is our first meeting, Breeze. I have been looking forward to our meeting. Your skill has grownpared to the time when you yed Knight Journey. I am looking forward to working together."


    The ski-masked Puppeteer extended his hand. Max took it and nodded.


    "Haha, me too. I''ve also been looking forward to meeting you since I heard your name. Let''spete fairly."


    There was no weird tension whatsoever, but the three teammates stayed silent. They finally realized that Max was in the team and muttered.


    "Not only Puppeteer but also Breeze?"


    "Damn¡­ Isn''t this an easy win?"


    "I bet both of them can steal the target even without us doing anything."


    Theirments were heard by both Max and Puppeteer. Max released his hand and looked at his teammates.


    "Good luck and have fun." He said his usual greeting with a natural voice.


    Knowing Puppeteer had more experience, Max decided to ask him.


    "So, what''s the strategy to win this game? Ring of Fire is located on the second floor, which has the tightest security, considering the police can corner us from the first and third floor once the rm rings."


    Not only did he not want to appear arrogant by giving out instructions, but he also wanted to know how Puppeteer dealt with this kind of game. He wanted to learn from the pros.


    "What''s there to strategize about?" Puppeteer said with a chuckle, "We will steal it and run together. Let''s just do that. I have gotten the hang of our overall skills, including our enemies. I believe we won''t get caught even if we just bulldoze it."


    That was such confidence. Max blinked his eyes under his pure white mask and nodded. He decided to follow the ''master n'' if the one proposed was so confident.


    Whether they seed or not, it didn''t matter. He also knew his enemies'' capabilities from being on the same team as four of them in thest match. It was pretty much a coincidence, and the Goddess of RNG chose to put them as enemies.


    After talking for a while, the match started, and they ran toward the museum together. Max and Puppeteer were on the front, clearly faster than the other three. SR and technique truly shone when a skilled yer had them.


    The thieves didn''t even try to disguise themselves. They just stood on the second floor, waiting for the target to appear. They would be veiled with strange static until the police officers spawned.


    As soon as the police appeared, Max sprung into action. He was the closest to the target and snatched it from the guest under the police watch. It was 00Lopez00, his former teammate. He immediately reported it to the others as the rm red loudly.


    Beep beep beep!


    "Puppeteer!" Max called out to the man and handed the ring to him in a concealed manner. "I will be a bait."


    "Got it. Meet in the West escape in a minute."


    "Alright."


    With that, they split. Max activated the Jump Shoes and ran on the roof while Puppeteer slid on the floor as if he were skiing. Their teammates also became bait and actually had fun with the police, not caring about getting caught because they trusted Puppeteer and Breeze.


    By no meant were they bad. No, they were pretty skilled. They actually yed the police well and escaped to the West direction.


    The police officers were unable to catch up to the two of them.


    "Aaah, dammit!" The only female police cursed loudly as she threw her rifle on the ground. "Breeze is good to have as a teammate, but he''s so irritating when he bes an enemy! Not to mention, their side also has Puppeteer! It''s not fair!"


    "That''s right." Another police stood next to her. It was Darkki. "He''s so good that we can''t even catch up to him. The bullets are also useless, he just dodges them all."


    All police yers stopped chasing the thieves. There was no use. They could only see three of them, and even then, those three needed a lot of effort to catch.


    Before long, the notifications rang. All the thieves were able to hop into the hovercar and escape.


    [Match Over!]


    [Escape sessful!]


    Max looked at Puppeteer and had to change his view of the yer.


    ''The final might be harder than I thought. While his SR and time in synchronization test are lower than mine, he has more experience and has a good game mechanic. I hate to admit it, but he''s better than I am now.''


    In terms of movement, Max was indeed better. But game skill overall, it couldn''t be said so. Puppeteer had an amazingly higher flight time.


    Max''s lips curled up, and arge grin formed behind his mask.


    ''Isn''t that exciting?''


    They celebrated the victory. Moxy, UloTai, and Snikki thanked everyone for their work and hoped for the best against Group B in their third matchter.


    Max nodded and acknowledged his desire to work together until the final. Only then would theypete with each other. Puppeteer also agreed. He said some words before they got teleported back to the Lobby.


    Sitting on thefy sofa, Max noticed Group B''s match was still ongoing. He decided to watch it to figure out the skill of his next enemies. Ranga was in the thief team, and he looked like he was struggling a lot.


    ''He''s going to lose.'' Max assessed.


    True to his thought, Ranga''s team was pushed and got apprehended one by one without being able to steal the target.


    ''A shame. I want to go against him at least once. He''s been a goodpany for the day.'' He thought.


    The Group B winner team was teleported back to the Lobby. They began to search each other and grouped to talk.


    Max nced at Puppeteer, but the guy had just drunk alcohol again without even noticing him.


    ''I guess we don''t need to do anything. Looking at their skill level, I think we will win the third game even with a rashly made n.''


    No matter how they cooked their ns, Max was confident his team would be able to win against them. However, the enemy team suddenly nodded at each other and walked to the party floor, where the elevated tform was located.


    They had determined faces as if deciding on something. All the yers looked at them and saw strange behavior. Instantly, they became the spotlight.


    One of them, a guy with long ck hair, stepped forward and dered in a loud voice.


    "We''d like to concede."


    Hearing the deration, all yers immediately fell into a ruckus. Many who bet on Group B''s victory shouted at the team.


    "COWARDS!"


    "Just y and go against them! At least hold them off for 5 minutes!"


    "Why did you concede? There is nothing wrong trying!"


    "You guys are coward. Let the other team y!"


    Most Tier 1 yers were angry at them for surrendering before even trying. Looking at them, Max also blinked his eyes in disbelief.


    "What the hell?"


    As someone who liked topete, Max loved to go against the others to test his skill. Tournament only made it interesting and exciting. And now... They just had to make this already bad tournament felt even worse in his mouth.


    ''Can it get any worse than this?''

 Chapter 245: Chapter 245 – Viral! Trending Video

    Max narrowed his eyes and tried not to get angry at his enemies out of his disappointment. He watched as the man who started the tournament appeared from the darkness and confronted them.


    "Concede? Are you sure about this? Is it your decision or your team''s?" He asked while looking at them.


    "Yes, we''re sure." The representative of the team nodded, "We talked about this before, and we decided to retire. I don''t want to lose, but I also don''t want to embarrass myself more. The next match is simply¡­ unbnced. We don''t think we stood a chance against group A''s team."


    Staring at them silently, the man in the suit muttered something into hismunication device before nodding.


    "Very well. This is unexpected for us too, so we will allow it." He said, raising his left hand and opening a screen that looked like a control panel. "Anything left to say?"


    "There is nothing."


    Once again, the man nodded and pressed the screen. At that moment, the five people in front of him were engulfed in a blue light and disappeared. At the same time, announcements rang from the speakers.


    [Tier 2 Group B has conceded!]


    [yers: Puppeteer, Breeze, Moxy, UloTai, and Snikki have advanced to the final on May 18th!]


    [Congrattions!]


    [Leave the Lobby? Y/N]


    A screen popped up in front of Max, asking whether he would stay to watch the Tier 1 match or leave. He looked around and noticed Puppeteer disappeared without anyone noticing. It seemed like he had chosen to leave.


    "I am disappointed." Max heaved a sigh and moved his hand toward ''Y.'' "My excitement is just for nothing. I guess I will sleep for the day."


    With that, he disappeared from the Lobby under everyone''s gaze.


    ***


    Max arrived at his private Lobby and entertained his viewers with a parkour show for a while before logging out. It hadn''t been 2 hours since the tournament started, and the sun was still high in the sky.


    He sent the VOD to BloodSucker and asked him to edit it when there was a chance. It didn''t need to be today, knowing that Sucker was probably still tired after pushing himself to make the ad video.


    Talking about the video, Max was pretty surprised when he checked his PunchTube ount.


    "Two million views already?!" He eximed loudly as she rose from the couch.


    It was only a day since he uploaded the video. There was no way it got so many views! In disbelief, he looked at the video and saw little words written underneath the title.


    [#5 Trending Sports Video]


    "Holy shit!"


    Finally, good news arrived after a series of misfortunes. Maybe not misfortunes, but today''s tournament was a cluttered mess that displeased him.


    However, Max still couldn''t believe it.


    "Is this real?"


    Maybe it was an illusion his brain created to forget about what happened in the tournament earlier. Or it could also be a bug. Both were probabilities he couldn''t erase from his mind.


    So, he looked at his system''s quest to match the number of likes. If there was something he trusted in this world, that would be the system. It wouldn''t have any bugs, as proven many times already.


    But then¡­


    His quest progress showed the same amount of likes he had in his video. It was almost double the amount the original ad had. And due to this, his subscriber counts passed 300K.


    Max blinked his eyes before he jumped and raised his arms.


    "HELL YEAH!" He shouted loudly, "Sucker, I fucking love you! Hahahaha!"


    Instantly, his bad mood was gone, reced by pure joy as he began to dance, moving his arms up and down and his knees left and right.


    After a while, he calmed down and got embarrassed. Why the heck did he do that? No matter how happy he was, it was just a little bit too¡­ childish.


    Moving on, he knew there were several factors that made his video blow up, such as BloodSucker''s editing and his channel. The most influential factor must be the video he made about the tournament and posted on his Strike ount yesterday.


    After calming down, he checked it and realized the video had been shared more than 100 thousand times, and the view had passed more than a million. He groaned in frustration. Why did he choose to upload it on Strike and not PunchTube? That would be good money!


    ''Oh, right.''


    Suddenly, he realized something. No, more specifically, Max forgot about something pretty important. Today was May 16th.


    ''I forgot to withdraw my money from Punch again¡­'' He facepalmed and let out a long sigh. ''Fuck. Too many things were happening yesterday that I forgot to take my money!''


    It was a disaster. Even if he withdrew it today, the money would only be sent at 30. This system was supposed to help the streamer so no one could hack their ount and take the money. But when there was an incident like ''forgetting about something,'' it became troublesome.


    ''Well, I still have around 23 grand left in my ount. I will just umte it and get a nice surprise at the end of the month to motivate me for Roach''spetition.''


    Unfortunately, not even he could turn back time. But he could learn from his mistake¡­ Two mistakes. He set up an rm for May 30th with a custom voice that he downloaded from a free website.


    The voice was pretty simple, and he liked it. It was a talking bird with a loud voice.


    "MONEY TIME! MONEY TIME! MONEY TIME!"


    Hearing the voice once again, Max nodded in satisfaction. At that moment, his stomach grumbled. He looked at the time, and it showed around 2 PM.


    He decided to eat outside instead of making his own lunch to celebrate his advancement to the final. And there was only one restaurant that he had in mind to celebrate his victory.


    ''Let''s eat in Nina''s restaurant. Today would be thest time I would be able to see her. She will depart for culinary school tomorrow, so at least I have to meet her and ease her worry if there is any.''


    Without a doubt, he would definitely regret it if he couldn''t meet her and have a meal together today.


    After everything was ready, and he wore his usual ck jacket, he exited his apartment with a smile on his face. He would rx today and do his best to forget Midnight Heist''s disastrous tournament.


    ''Spicy noodles with a big serving of meat and an iced chocte. That would be a perfect meal to celebrate this bitter victory.''

 Chapter 246: Chapter 246 – No More Nervousness or Hesitation

    Nina was both nervous and excited. Nervous because tomorrow would be her departure day and excited because her best friend had just advanced to the final of a certain game tournament.


    As much as she wanted to call and celebrate it with him, she had thest preparation to do. On top of that, she felt the situation between them was still a bit awkward since thatst outing. She was embarrassed that she cried in front of him and hugged him tightly.


    In fact, she hadn''t even messaged him even once since that time. She nned to do it tonight and had thest talk before leaving.


    But for now, her preparation was more important. She couldn''t leave without thatst item.


    "Dad! Where is my apron? I put it in theundry room to dry it yesterday!" She shouted with her head peeking at the hallway.


    She was expecting an answer or a sight of her dad, Chef Rush, appearing from the end of the hallway. But what greeted her was silence.


    "Where is he going?" She grumbled in a low voice and walked down the hallway.


    Before, Chef Rush promised to help her prepare. It wasn''t her fault for watching Max''s livestream because she certainly couldn''t miss one, but she only needed the final preparation now. Only an apron was left to put inside her bag, and she was ready for tomorrow morning.


    "Dad?"


    Nina entered the kitchen, having a feeling that her father was inside. If not in the living room, then he would test a new menu in the kitchen.


    When she moved the curtain, she spoke again.


    "Are you here, dad?"


    Chef Rush was indeed inside. She saw him immediately standing behind a zing stove. But¡­ What she didn''t expect was that Max was sitting on a chair in front of the desk they often used to test a new menu.


    Due to surprise, she froze in ce.


    "Oh, you''re here." Chef Rush said, raising his head. "The boy is here for you."


    "Afternoon, Nina. Hahaha, I didn''t know the restaurant was closed today. Chef Rush allowed me toe inside and try his new menu." Max scratched his cheek andughed in a yful manner, just like how he usually was.


    Nina felt a little stupid for feeling awkward meeting him. They were still friends. There was nothing to be awkward about between each other.


    ''Ugh¡­ I want to bury myself.'' She thought as her lips curled up into a big smile.


    "Ah, you didn''t ask me first!" She approached him and sat on the next chair, "If you messaged me, I would tell you. We''re preparing for my departure this morning, so there is no time to prepare for the ingredients."


    "Haha, I see. I thought the restaurant would always be open regardless of the day, so I didn''t do that. And, well¡­ I have been kind of busytely. Sorry if I seldom show up."


    "What are you talking about?!" Nina protested with a cute pout.


    "I know you''re still ying that Midnight Heist and have a tournament. You should focus on that." She reprimanded. Her pout turned into a toothy grin, "And talking about the tournament, congrattions! You have advanced to the final! That''s really amazing."


    "Thanks." Max smiled, but Nina thought there was something wrong with that.


    She tilted her head slightly and hummed, "Was it not something to be congratted about?" She asked, a bit unsure about it herself.


    "No, it''s indeed something to be congratted about." Max shook his head and exined, "But I was just a bit dissatisfied with the result. Not that it''s bad, but¡­ You know? Like when you cook something, but it doesn''t end like how you imagined it to be. The taste is different."


    "Ah, I know that feeling." Nina nodded repeatedly with crossed arms, "It just feels like something is missing!"


    "Yeah. That''s what I feel." He answered with a bright smile. "I am ready topete for the position in the final. But my opponent''s team suddenly surrendered. Imagine it, Nina. You''re pumped up to test a new recipe, but the main ingredient is missing.


    How would you feel?"


    "I would shout loudly in rage because of it. It''s the worst!"


    "See?! That''s how I feel right now!"


    Both of themughed while talking about it. There was no awkwardness presented at the start. It was melted by the cheery atmosphere behind them, returning them to when they were just a simple best friend. Before Ninaid her feelings bare.


    This conversation lifted any nervousness Nina had felt earlier. She felt like she could depart without leaving any feelings behind tomorrow.


    ''Yup, this is the best for us.'' She thought as she giggled while listening to Max''s story about the tournament and the practice session with his friend.


    There was no need to take a step further. Her feeling was that both of them realized it was better to be buried.


    ''It''s a shame I can''t meet the girl that makes him fall, though.'' She mused in her mind. An idea suddenly shed in her mind as she remembered that the girl Max fell in love with also lived in the same city. ''Or I can?''


    "Max¨C"


    "It''s done."


    Before Nina could say anything, however, Chef Rush''s voice interrupted. She immediately sent a death re at her dad, which he brushed off as if it were nothing.


    "Eat first, then talkter." The giant chef put two bowls of noodles with red broth in front of them. A healthy heap of char siu was ced on top. "I will leave you both alone. And Nina, the apron is in the living room. You put it there this afternoon in a daze."


    "Ah! I-I see." Nina stuttered as her expression returned to normal. "Umm, thanks, dad."


    Nodding, Chef Rush took off his chef hat and walked out of the kitchen. An awkward air brimmed between them again, but Max shattered it with a cough.


    "Earlier¡­" He said, "You wanted to ask something. What is it?"


    "Ah, that¡­" Nina hesitated now. The interruption earlier made her think twice.


    Still, she was so curious and at least wanted to meet that girl once. So she asked.


    "Do you think you can introduce me to Lily before I depart, Max? You know¡­ I wanted to talk a little and be friends with her if possible!"


    If there was something Max didn''t expect from Nina''s question, it would be this request. He looked a bit troubled, but eventually nodded.


    "I will ask her. Is tonight okay?" He asked, "She''s probably free, and I also have no ns besides going to the park to exercise."


    "That''s perfect!" Nina eximed and sped her hands, "Thanks."


    "It''s nothing." He said, smiling softly. "Now, let''s eat before the noodles be soggy. I don''t want Chef Rush to get mad at me for wasting a perfectly fine noodle."


    "Hahaha, you''re right."

 Chapter 247: Chapter 247 – Meeting Between Two Girls

    After returning from Nina''s restaurant, Max sat on his apartment''s balcony and contacted Lily. He exined Nina''s request and asked for a favor from the girl.


    "That''s why. Can you grant me this favor, Lily?" He asked earnestly and looked straight at her on the screen.


    Her beautiful face turned into a frown for a second before she hummed, thinking about it. After a while, she nodded to herself.


    "Do you like this Nina, Max?" Lily asked curiously, pouting slightly. "She''s the waitress, right? The cute girl with a sun-like personality."


    Jealousy was evident from her voice and tone. Her gaze seemed to bore through the screen, and she would ept no lie.


    And there was no point in lying to her either. So Max responded truthfully.


    "I do like Nina, but not romantically." He said, "For what I could remember in my life, she had always been there for me. It would be strange if I said I hate her, no? Also, I have stopped her advance subtlety. She knew about that, but we are still friends."


    He chuckled after seeing Lily''s stupefied expression.


    She probably didn''t really expect that answer at all. What she understood was like and disliked. As far as human emotion went, she wasn''t really good at expressing it without her specialty, music.


    And from the movies she watched, those who got rejected and the one who rejected usually put distance between each other. So, this was a pretty strange situation for Lily.


    But then, Max''s answer was satisfactory, at least for her. It made sense. Because when she put herself in his position, she would also say she liked Ferin because they were friends.


    "I see." She nodded and smiled, "Tonight at the park?"


    "Tonight at the park," Max confirmed with a nod, relieved that Lily epted his favor. "Thanks, Lily."


    "Un. See youter."


    [Video Call Ended.]


    As much as he actually didn''t want to ask for a favor, he wanted to make Nina''s departure have as little regret as possible. And to do that, he wanted to grant her request.


    ''There will be no bad blood between them, right?'' He hoped sincerely, heaving a sigh. ''I shouldn''t worry too much. Nina and Lily are good girls. They will be good friends.''


    ***


    Night arrived soon.


    Max stood in front of his apartment, hands in pockets. He leaned against amp pir and waited for Nina to arrive. The park they agreed to meet was just a block away from his apartment. And because Nina never visited, he decided to wait for her in this ce.


    Looking at his smartwatch, he found out that it was 7:13 PM.


    Just as he lowered his hand, he heard footsteps approaching from the right. He raised his head and found the short-haired girl he had been waiting for walking toward him in a casual yellow exercise shirt and white shorts.


    "Ah, you saw me." The girl giggled and stuck out her tongue, "I thought I could surprise you as you were watching your smartwatch. I guess I wasn''t stealthy enough."


    "If that''s your intention, then you should''ve tried to tiptoe." Max chuckled at Nina''s antics as she stopped next to him, "Well, miss assassin. Let''s get to the meeting ce, shall we?"


    "Alright." Nina hunched forward with her hands behind her back. "Hehe, I am curious about Lily. I always saw her in your or her livestream, but this will be the first time I will directly meet her. I suddenly feel a little bit nervous."


    "Don''t be. Lily won''t bite you." He joked around as he began to walk to the park side by side with Nina.


    She pouted and looked at him, "I know she won''t bite. But you see¡­ Isn''t she like a distant princess? She''s so beautiful and graceful. I know some girls in your fanbase who admired and wanted to be like Lily."


    That was not surprising. Max knew that Lily was beautiful, and many people would definitely want to be like her. But still, how did Nina know about the girls in his fanbase when he didn''t even know about it himself?


    Facing his questioning look, the short-haired girl only put her index finger in front of her lips and giggled yfully.


    "Oops, forget about that, please. I said something I shouldn''t say to you."


    Max was curious but decided not to ask. They continued to walk to the park, around the ce where the pirs he climbed were.


    Looking around, Max immediately found the girl he had been searching for. She was sitting on a bench, scrolling a screen that showed nothing but blue light. She had activated the anti-spy function, so only she could see it.


    "Hey, Max. Is that her?"


    Nina pointed at Lily, who sat on the bench without any kind of subtlety, causing the ck-haired girl to notice them. Lily closed the screen and stood up, smiling at them.


    "Yes," Max answered Nina and smiled at Lily. "You''re pretty early, Lily. There are still a few minutes until our promised time."


    "I exercised while waiting,"


    Lily answered, pointing at her clothes, the usual ck tank top and long spats. There was no trace of sweat, a sign that she was lying to them so they didn''t feel bad making her wait. Then, she looked at Nina, who stood beside Max.


    "Nice to meet you. Lily Spencer." She introduced herself and extended her hand. Her expression was stone cold, observing Nina as if she were some kind of opponent in an important tournament.


    Smiling excitedly, Nina took her hand and shook Lily''s hand.


    "It''s nice to meet you! My name is Nina, Max''s friend." She introduced herself with an energy that even surprised Lily, "Woah, you''re more beautiful up close. Hehe, I always wanted to meet you since I saw you in his stream. Finally, this day hase! Say, do you want to be friends?"


    "Uh¡­" Lily looked troubled and nced at Max, who pretended not to see them and caressed the pirs. She felt a little bit betrayed and looked back at Nina.


    The short-haired girl''s eyes were shining. The intent to befriend her was genuine, and there was no hidden intention at all.


    "I¡­ don''t mind," Lily answered with a weak smile, still overwhelmed by the energy the other party gushed. It reminded her of Ferin and their first meeting. "Let''s get along well?"


    "Yay!" Nina cheered in happiness as she hugged the other party. "Let''s get along well, hehe. I can call you Lily, right? I have so much to talk about with you!"


    After releasing Lily, Nina pulled her hand and went to the nearby bench. Lily looked more troubled and sent a signal for help to Max, which he ignored again splendidly.


    "Wow, what a beautiful pir." He said in an emotionless tone and a fake smile. He would let the two girls talk to each other without bothering them.


    Because she was forcefully pulled to the bench, Lily had no choice but to sit next to the cheerful girl. She looked at her, waiting for Nina to speak first.


    "Max won''t be able to hear us here." Nina broke the awkwardness with a smile, "Sorry to be so forceful in our first meeting, but I have a question that I am so curious about."


    Sensing the change in Nina''s mood, Lily also reacted ordingly. She nodded with her usual cold expression.


    "Me too. After hearing something from Max, I have a question for you too." She said.


    "I will answer your questionster, but first¡­" Nina''s voice died down a little and her expression turned serious. "Can you take care of Max for me? Even if he looks like he can do everything by himself, he''s actually pretty weak inside. So, please promise me. Please take care of him."


    Lily nodded. It seemed like she had a wrong idea of Nina.


    ''I thought she would be angry, but she''s only worried about Max.'' She thought, ''She''s so kind.''


    She didn''t need to ask her question now. She began to like Nina as an individual and happily epted her as a real friend.


    "I promise," Lily answered seriously, smiling gently. "Please trust me."


    "I will trust your words," Nina giggled and her cheery expression returned. Then, she sped her hands as if remembering something, "Oh right, let''s exchange contact information too. I want to invite you to a private server where I act as the moderator. I promise it will be fun."


    "Sure."


    On the side, Max looked at them but was unable to hear their conversation. However, it seemed like everything went pretty well, considering both of them were smiling now.


    ''I am d.'' He thought, patting his chest.


    There was something hard underneath his shirt. It was a makeshift armor he made in case something bad happened.


    ''It seems that I don''t need to take some hits. That''s a relief.''

 Chapter 248: Chapter 248 – Nina’s Departure and New Adventure

    Both girls talked untilte at night.


    When they were done, Lily was picked up by StoneSword. While the girls were chatting, StoneSword approached Max.


    "I believe you aren''t dense." Spencer''s heir, now with a curtain hairstyle, whispered to him.


    Max''s response was a short snort.


    "Please don''t worry. I just want to find an opportunity." He replied, "There is still too much to do in this short amount of time. And it''s not exactly the best time for me. I want to be ready."


    "Good," StoneSword was satisfied with the answer, "But be quick. Next month, our parents will meet us to see our situation. There will be a party at that time, and they have a little n that I don''t quite like."


    Hearing that, Max looked at StoneSword and raised his eyebrows. The man met his eyes and frowned.


    "We live in a high society despite not showing it off. There are some interests in us, especially Lily."


    StoneSword exined in an easy-to-understand manner with a displeased tone. He clearly hated even touching the topic.


    "Not all those interests and attentions are pleasant. You should be careful too. Some jealous young masters or selfish people might want to¡­ disturb your activities. If that happens, contact me or Biozone Entertainment. We will help."


    "I will keep that in mind." Max nodded in understanding, thankful for the warning and the help he offered.


    The girls'' conversation ended at that time and Lily bid them farewell. Nina waved her hand until the hovercar they rode was gone and began to ask many questions about StoneSword. It seemed like Nina failed to recognize him in the dark until Lily called him brother when they entered the car.


    It continued until Max dropped her in front of her home. After that, he broke off and returned to his apartment.


    While walking alone, he remembered StoneSword''s warning.


    ''Crazy fans, I guess. Young masters, maybe those who covet the Spencer Family''s wealth, and selfish people¡­ Yeah, I can imagine Lily having crazy followers. Her anonymous music ount, White Lily, has more than 3 million followers.''


    There must be one or two who connected the dots between White Lily and LilyPixel based on her voice alone. And she wasn''t exactly anonymous by having a name so close to her real name like that.


    ''Sometimes I wonder whether she did it on purpose or just ignorant about it.''


    Getting close to someone meant sharing their burdens and problems. Naturally, they would also take his burdens and problems too. It was just natural in a rtionship between people.


    ''I guess I just need to prepare my mind more than material preparation.''


    ***


    The next day, Max woke up earlier than usual. There was no practice or tournament today, it was a free day. However, Nina would depart this morning and he had to be there for her.


    He was in a Sky Rail station with Chef Rush, looking at Nina, who stood across from them.


    "Everything is ready, right?" Chef Rush asked his daughter with a gentle tone, different from his usually assertive one.


    "It''s all ready," Nina answered, raised the wooden box in her hand, and patted the bag she had on the side. "I just need to wait for the Sky Rail now."


    "Alright." Chef Rush nodded, "Be careful. Contact me at least once a week and show off your improvement."


    "I will." She nodded.


    At that moment, the speaker rang.


    "625 Sky Rail, destination Pan City, will arrive in a few seconds. Passengers, please be ready behind a yellow line. Once again¡­"


    Everyone listened to it. It was Nina''s ride.


    "I guess that''s it," Max said, smiling at her. "Good luck."


    "Yeah¡­" Nina''s voice was a bit low, sounding slightly sad. "I guess this is it. Thank you, Max. I will contact you regrly."


    "Yeah!" Max answered as he saw the girl run toward the iing Sky Rail.


    She waited behind the yellow line before entering. Once she was inside, she turned around and raised her fingers, creating a peace sign with a bright smile on his face. Then, the door closed, and the Sky Rail departed.


    "It will be lonely in the restaurant without her voice. Right, Chef Rush?" Max asked the man beside him, who began to cry as he watched his daughter''s departure.


    As if nothing had happened, Chef Rush wiped his face with his white sleeves and looked at Max.


    "How about you take over her position and work with me?" The giant man grinned widely, "I will be kind to you."


    "Ha¡­hahaha." Max chuckled wryly, realizing his slip of the tongue.


    ''Why did I say that?!''


    He was just digging his grave. The sound of two knives nging against each other echoed in his ears. And the grinding of two metals followed suit.


    "I was just kidding." Chef Rush said and turned around, leaving him behind. "Go follow your dream too. Nina will hate me if I force you to help me."


    Left alone, Max wondered what to do. Only an email that reminded him about the money withdrawal from Punch, which made him feel a little bitter, showed up in his list. There was nothing else to do for a two month old streamer like him. At least, not yet.


    ''I hope Mr. Taka finds someone responsible for me soon, as I want to step up my game. It''s been two weeks since we talked about it. And Flexy¡­ Well, I can''t rush him. I will trust him to find me a good manager with Lisa''s connection. He''s probably still busy gathering yers for the Scrim right now.''


    After considering what to do, Max decided to go home and rx, maybe stream something at 6 PMter.


    ***


    Mr. Taka was troubled by Midnight Heist''s management team. He noticed the sales had decreased since the atrocious tournament rule.


    If there was something he was grateful about, it was Breeze''s fast response and his sense of selflessness that saved the game from getting too much bacsh. The video he created helped a lot.


    It was the correct decision to ask the Media Social department to share the video everywhere. As a result, the video went viral and reduced the yers'' protest. Now, Mr. Taka felt indebted to the young man once again. He felt like he needed to find the person responsible for him soon.


    ''There are many people avable, but I can''t trust them with Breeze. He''s just too valuable for those people to handle. They are too arrogant and probably will try to control him to their liking. That can''t happen.''


    The golden goose needed to be protected and cultivated slowly. Mr. Taka was sure of Breeze''s capability to reach the top. He needed to be treated well to ensure he would befortable working with Biozone Entertainment for a long time.


    A file containing the names of the employees who potentially became Breeze''s assistants in Biozone Entertainment and dealt with ad offers was put nicely in a folder. But none of them was satisfactory. Most of them were new employees who had just begun to work in thest 3 years.


    ''Should I just deal with Breeze myself? Or¡­''


    Scrolling through the file, Mr. Taka stopped at a certain name. He didn''t know that this employee was actually avable and willing to take this job.


    "Michael Lamb." Mr. Taka muttered in wonder, stroking his chin.


    So far, he was the best choice. Not only did he work with Breeze before, but he was also professional enough not to let his personal feelings cloud his judgment.


    From the file written in his resume, it seemed like he also had done many deals with big clients. If it were him, he would be able to pick the best ad offers for Breeze.


    ''He also learned about Breeze when I gave him the job. I should trust him and assign him as Breeze''s assistant. I was alreadyte enough. He will need the assistant soon as his name is more known now.''


    And after the decision was made, everything moved pretty fast. Mr. Taka dealt with the legal documents and called Michael to talk about it directly. And the man agreed readily.


    "Great. I will have you contact him soon and formally ask you to assist him in every matter involving Biozone Entertainment. I hope you give your best ability to pick the best decision for him." Mr. Taka said in a serious tone. "You may retreat now."


    "Yes, sir." Michael answered, and he walked out of his office.


    Having everything settled nicely, Mr. Taka sighed tiredly and massaged his temple. There was still an endless amount of work. No rest for the wicked.

 Chapter 249: Chapter 249 – Final, New Map and Format

    The final day arrived.


    "It''s time for the Tier 2 Tournament Final!"


    Standing on the elevated tform in Midnight Heist''s tournament Lobby was Moon Feather. He announced the start of the final for the Tier 2 tournament.


    In the audience, 5 yers were seated. They were a little bit away from each other, except for UloTai and Snikki, who sat side by side. Tier 1 yers apparently had their final at night, so they weren''t present by now.


    Max listened attentively as Moon Feather continued.


    "There will only be one game with a special rule for the final. Five yers will be teleported to one big map to get the highest point, and we will get the top 5 from the final ranking."


    From the sound of it, the final game would be different from a normal or a ranked game.


    "Five yers willpete with each other to steal and stop other people from stealing." Moon Feather exined. "Each person will be given a tranquilizer gun, which will stun your opponent for 3 seconds if hit, and shoes of your choice."


    A free-for-all game. Max understood the concept but was waiting for the exnation about the game itself.


    "The game is simple." Moon Feather pped his hands, and a small screen appeared in front of all the yers.


    Max looked at it, and it showed a 3D map of a small city with some buildings, skyscrapers, and residential areas. 5rge buildings were highlighted with red lights: a bank, a museum, a midnight club, a luxurious house, and a private school.


    ''Hmm, are we going to steal from those 5 areas?'' Max thought as he raised his head, looking at Moon Feather.


    The man in a feather mask smirked, allowing the yers to look at the map. After a while, when everyone looked back at Moon Feather, the man continued his exnation.


    "I believe everyone has seen the map and noticed five highlighted points." Moon Feather looked at everyone and nodded to himself.


    "The target will appear randomly, and you will be given a mini-map of the target itself. Everyone will have the same target andpete with each other to steal it first. After stealing the target, the yer must bring it to the center, the school."


    With that, the school at the center turned green.


    "There will be a pedestal where you can put your target. Until the target is put on the pedestal, the next one won''t appear. Of course, the target of a yer can still be stolen by others. Each target that''s put on a pedestal will give a yer a point."


    ''I see.'' Max nodded in understanding. ''So we act like thieves and police at the same time. This game is pretty much fine, as the point is given to an individual. The problem is when the other yers team up with each other to get high points.''


    Maybe that was the biggest problem with this format. He nced at the three yers other than Puppeteer, more specifically, the two who sat next to each other. He saw them whispering and prepared for the worst.


    But then¡­ His worry seemed to be unfounded.


    "Naturally, this final is to find the BEST Tier 2 yers. We don''t condone those who teamed up. If we find someone deliberately giving their target to the others, we will immediately disqualify them from the tournament." Moon Feather warned sternly, "So please,pete fairly. I wish you the best."


    A smile appeared on Max''s face as he watched Moon Feather disappear with a puff of smoke together with the map in front of him.


    ''Well, that settles it.'' He thought. ''At least they tie the loose end. I can go with these rules. As for my choice of shoes¡­ Well, the usual is good enough.''


    Recing Moon Feather, the man in a suit from two days ago appeared on the tform. He greeted the yers and exined the final would start in 10 minutes. They would be teleported to a waiting room to choose their equipment before getting dropped in a random ce on the map.


    After he finished his exnation, the yers were engulfed in blue light and teleported into what appeared to be a ck space with nothing but a floating panel where they could choose their equipment.


    Max looked at the panel and noticed that he could not only choose his shoes but also custom his clothes. This was a good advantage for a cheapskate like him to try the costumes. He had live-streamed this final already, and his viewers probably rushed him to change his clothes when they saw this.


    "Well, well¡­ Let''s try to be fashionable for a day in the Midnight Heist."


    While he said he would be fashionable for a day, the clothes he chose were those familiar to him. He chose a ck jacket with blue lining on top of a simple ck shirt and ck cargo pants that were easy to move in as he would be required to move fastter.


    His choice of shoes was Jump Shoes. Its use was already proven and tested. Changing it at this moment would be stupid of him. Besides, looking at the map earlier, he could find a few spots that would require these shoes'' ability.


    "I am ready." He said as a tranquilizer gun that looked like a handgun, Glock-17, appeared in his hand.


    The countdown on top of the panel showed 20 seconds. In the meantime, he stretched his arms and legs, a ritual for him before he did parkour. He nned to use all his techniques and skills to get the best result.


    When the countdown reached zero, the ck space melted like glitches, and he found himself in the middle of the city, surrounded by skyscrapers and a half-transparent blue wall behind him.


    He first noticed the mini-map at the edge of his vision. He could see it clearly without zooming it in. There were two markers on it: a blue arrow representing himself and a red circle representing the target.


    And based on the map¡­ The target seemed to be in the museum located right on the other side of the map.


    "Fuck."


    This time, the Goddess of RNG had cursed him.


    "I have no time to stand around!" He shouted and began to sprint toward the target while holding the tranquilizer gun.


    And thus, Midnight Heist''s Tournament final began.

 Chapter 250: Chapter 250 – Final, Steal or Stolen

    Getting to the first target would be impossible before the other yers who spawned close to it. Hence, Max chose to get to the school, which was located halfway and the location where the thief who got the target would visit to score a point.


    The tournament was 30 minutes long; it was a short game. Each point would be a preciousmodity that all yers sought.


    Arriving at the school, Max climbed the fence and stood on it. The first he noticed was a pedestal on the field, around 1 meter high. It had a blue glow that caught everyone''s attention.


    ''That must be it. But¡­'' He looked around the area and noticed another pedestal on the roof and one near the gym. ''There are other pedestals, huh? I won''t be surprised if there are some inside the school too. I guess it''s to prevent the yers from camping around it.''


    Still, Max didn''t really mind that. The target was still shown in the mini-map, although it was now moving toward his direction. Someone had taken it and was now on their way to earn a point.


    Looking at its general direction, Max muttered, "That way, huh?"


    He jumped down the fence andnded spectacrly before breaking into a run. After getting a good look at the school, he knew camping would be useless without working with the other yers. And working with other yers was forbidden by the rules.


    So, the best bet was to wait on the path between the target and the school and steal it at that moment.


    ''He will pass this way.''


    Stopping at a three-way intersection 100 meters from the school, Max hid behind a building pir while looking at the minimap. ording to the speed, the one holding the target would arrive in 10 seconds.


    The red dot was slowly approaching him. He was ready to jump, shoot, and snatch the target. However, something unexpected happened. The red dot suddenly made a 90-degree turn and went to the left just before the intersection, through the building.


    Max''s eyes widened in surprise, and he jumped out from his hiding ce, looking at the ce where the red dot was. At that moment, he realized he hadn''t yed this game a lot yet.


    "Goddamn it!"


    Two people appeared from the intersection. They were Moxy and UloTai. Noticing Max, the former shouted.


    "Puppeteer get the target! If you don''t want him to score, then you better chase after him!"


    Max registered his words but didn''t look at him. Instead, he looked at Puppeteer, who glided over the sky toward the next building.


    ''There are shoes like that?''


    He didn''t know that there were shoes that allowed someone to fly¡­ Or at least glide in the air. It was something new for him, who almost never opened the shop. Many also did not favor those shoes as they had limited use.


    Unlike the others, Max didn''t chase after Puppeteer. He knew it was useless. Rather than doing that, he preferred to stay and look at the map.


    "Museum on the North, Bank on the South, Midnight Club on the East, and the Luxurious House on the West." He muttered under his breath and nodded to himself. "There is no way the target will appear in the museum again. Let''s gamble and head to Southwest."


    The red dot still approached the school at a steady but slow pace. It seemed like Puppeteer''s n was to get as many points and waste as much time as possible so he would still stay on top. It was a good n for someone as skilled as him.


    Most probably, the reason Puppeteer took the shoes with an ability to glide in the air instead of the one that increased speed on the ground might be to counter his movement. After all, they had seen what each other was capable of.


    Max ran toward the Southwest without hesitation. He looked at the air and met eyes with Puppeteer, who was nearing the school now.


    He immediately shot him with the tranquilizer gun. The energy bullet flew toward the gliding man, but he managed to dodge it by twisting his body.


    Looking down, the man smirked at him, making Max swear on one thing.


    ''I will wipe that smirk off his face.'' He began to run again while gritting his teeth. It was the first time he was looked down on by an opponent like that.


    Passing through the school, Max climbed a house and stood on its roof. He watched the minimap closely without looking back. There would be chaos in the school soon, as the duo earlier would confront Puppeteer. Maybe Skiki would also join, but he wasn''t sure about that.


    The important point was¡­


    ''This is my opportunity to get the target.''


    A few secondster, the red dot from the school disappeared and reappeared in a different direction. Based on the minimap, the target appeared in¡­


    "Midnight Club!"


    It was close to Max''s location. He immediately activated his shoes and jumped high,nding on the street on the East. He ran fast and arrived at the Midnight Club just 20 secondster. There was no sign of other thieves yet.


    They probably waited around the school to snatch the target or were on the run now. Both weren''t important, it was the risk that Max could take.


    Locating the target with the minimap was pretty easy. He found it on the first floor of the Midnight Club. The target was in the form of a card with a red highlight.


    "They changed it to something easy to hold, huh? Good job, devs."


    Having a jacket was a good decision. He hid the card in the inner pocket.


    At that time, he heard the door opening. Someone had broken in.


    Blending with the NPCs on the first floor, Max secretly went to the second floor and exited through the window. He hung on the ledge and dropped to the ground safely before running toward the school. However, it wasn''t smooth sailing.


    "Got you!"


    Snikki jumped from the shadow of a building and shot him. The energy bullet flew right to his face, and he dodged it by twisting his body. At the same time, he shot back, and the bullet hit his opponent, paralyzing him for 3 seconds.


    "Try quieter next time," Max said as he passed through Snikki and went toward the small street between houses in the residential area.


    As long as Puppeteer didn''t hinder him, he would be able to score a point. He hoped his hardest opponent would get the same strategy as him from before, waiting near the school for the next target to appear.


    But, that didn''t happen. The opponent was an experienced yer. Instead of waiting, he liked to hunt.


    Just as Max ran into the alleyway, he suddenly stopped because he heard the wind split. He followed his instinct and jumped back. Just as he did that, an energy bullet hit the ground from the sky where he stood earlier.


    Looking up, he saw a shadow standing on a roof. The muzzler of a tranquilizing gun was pointed at him.


    "Puppeteer¡­" He growled.

 Chapter 251: Chapter 251 – Final, Back and Forth

    Puppeteer didn''t say anything and just pulled the trigger. Another energy bullet flew toward Max.


    In response, Max dashed forward at full speed with a low form. He used the low fence around the house as a shield to protect his body from the paralyzing bullet.


    Stopping right now would be foolish. Not only would Puppeteer use that opportunity to seize the target from him, but it would also give time for the others to catch up.


    Using the mini-map as the guide, Max moved to the right, deciding to circle around a little bit. Puppeteer''s position was on his left, so it would make him a bit hard to follow.


    However¡­


    "Hover Shoes."


    Using the shoes'' ability, Puppeteer moved to the roof of the building across the street easily, albeit a bit slower than running and jumping around.


    Looking at that, Max clicked his tongue. It was no use. His shoes'' ability had around 7 seconds of cooldown left, he would like to save it when he reached the school to jump over the fence easily.


    ''I can''t seem to save it. I will use it to run away from him soon.''


    The decider would be the next corner, where the residential area ended and turned into high skyscrapers.


    ''Let''s try to shake him off at some alleyway.'' He thought as he increased his speed further.


    Now, he was confident only Puppeteer could chase after him. He could shake off his worry about the other three. After dodging a few more bullets, he could see the end of the residential area.


    Much to Puppeteer''s surprise, Max increased his speed again. He ran toward the nearby building and entered it, causing the man to lose sight of him.


    "Pretty good," Puppeteer said as he stopped at the edge of the roof. He didn''t seem to have any intention to pursue Max any longer and turned around.


    Meanwhile, Max reappeared on the other side of the building and immediately moved toward the school. He looked back for a second and wondered why there was no one who chased after him. That thought only stayed for a second before he shook his head.


    ''I am able to shake him off.'' His lips curled into an amused smile.


    In front of him was the school''s fence. He used his Jump Shoes to leap above it andnded by rolling without decreasing his speed. The nearest pedestal would be the one near the gym. He immediately went to that location and ced the card on top.


    It glowed for a second before disappearing with a sh.


    [You have gained +1 point!]


    A notification rang in his ear, and the red dot appeared in the West. Max spent no time looking around and immediately departed to the Luxurious House.


    The West area was covered by many hills and mansions. It was hard to reach and hard to leave kind of ces, giving Max some opportunity topete. But then¡­ The Luxurious House was located on top of the hill with 5 floors, standing tall over the others. It could even be seen from the school.


    If Puppeteer got the target and used his hover shoes, he would reach the ground faster than even him.


    ''I can''t let him get the target.'' He thought as he jumped over the fence and broke into a dash.


    However, that was toote. Before he could even reach the foot of the hill, the red target moved. Someone had already stolen the target ahead of him. He looked up and noticed someone hovering in the air while shing the card in his hand.


    Puppeteer had gotten the target once again.


    Max immediately sent shots to the sky, but the energy bullet couldn''t reach so far. He could only grit his teeth and return to the school to stop Puppeteer.


    The other three yers also had the same thought. They prepared to shoot Puppeteer when hended on the ground. They were spread around the school vicinity and stayed around the area after realizing they were no match in terms of stealingpared to both Puppeteer and Max.


    After realizing what they were thinking about, Max changed his n once again. The only ce the target hadn''t appeared yet was the Bank. He immediately went to that ce from where he was and waited.


    The game had proceeded for 10 minutes now. There were only 20 minutes left to get a lot of points from the others.


    ''Ah, this is a mess!'' He shouted in his mind as he reached the bank.


    Just as he entered, he saw the red dot spawned inside. The point rank also changed, with Puppeteer now having 2 points.


    Locating the card was pretty easy. It was on the second floor of the Bank, located on the table in the middle. No trick was needed to steal it. He put it inside his inner pocket, but he hadn''t yet moved away from the location, making the red dot stay still. And now¡­ the most troublesome part.


    ''Puppeteer is probably trying to steal the card directly from me while the others are waiting in the school, realizing that chasing after us is futile. Should I risk it, or should I stay and get 2nd ce?'' He asked himself, but immediately thought it was foolish.


    ''Yeah, I won''t settle any less than the first ce!''


    With that, he began to move with purpose while trying to spend as much time as possible so the trio camping at the school would be impatient as they still had 0 points.


    Just as he thought, Puppeteer was waiting for him on his way, pointing the gun at him. However, he easily dodged those bullets and ran to the school. At this time, Puppeteer once again gave up and moved away.


    On the way, the trio tried to stop him, but it was also useless. He circled around them, slipped past, and put the card on the pedestal.


    [You have gained +1 point!]


    "Alright!"


    Once again, the target reappeared in one of the four buildings. This time, it was on the Bank again. Twice in a row, what was the odd? It gave Max a disadvantage, but he moved to get the target, or at least tried to.


    Unfortunately, Puppeteer beat him to it and got the point. The next target was Max''s. He coincidentally was close to the Midnight Club when it appeared, so he snatched it and got the points.


    The exchange happened many times. Both knew the tranquilizer gun was useless when dealing with the other party from a game, and the trio had almost given up hope.


    The game had two minutes left, and the score was 7-7-0-0-0, with Max and Puppeteer in the lead.


    At that moment, a miracle happened. UloTai, who decided to camp in one of the 4 buildings, got the card.


    "Third ce is mine!" He shouted loudly.


    At that time, Max and Puppeteer arrived at the building. They looked and pointed their guns at each other. They knew that this would be the decider.


    "I believe you''re already rich, so give this junior an advantage."


    "No can do." Puppeteer shook his head with a smile, "My pride is on the line. If I lost to you now, what would my viewers say?"


    "I guess so," Max responded, shrugging his shoulders.


    Both sides stayed silent now. They turned to the Midnight Club and pointed their guns at UloTai, who burst through the door and shot them.


    "Shit!"


    Seeing the energy bulletsing from him, UloTai panicked. He couldn''t move and got hit twice right on the face!


    An electrical current ran through his body.


    And that was the sign that started thepetition from both top yers in the final.


    Zuu!

 Chapter 248 - 248 – Nina’s Departure and New Adventure

    Both girls talked untilte at night.


    When they were done, Lily was picked up by StoneSword. While the girls were chatting, StoneSword approached Max.


    "I believe you aren''t dense." Spencer''s heir, now with a curtain hairstyle, whispered to him.


    Max''s response was a short snort.


    "Please don''t worry. I just want to find an opportunity." He replied, "There is still too much to do in this short amount of time. And it''s not exactly the best time for me. I want to be ready."


    "Good," StoneSword was satisfied with the answer, "But be quick. Next month, our parents will meet us to see our situation. There will be a party at that time, and they have a little n that I don''t quite like."


    Hearing that, Max looked at StoneSword and raised his eyebrows. The man met his eyes and frowned.


    "We live in a high society despite not showing it off. There are some interests in us, especially Lily."


    StoneSword exined in an easy-to-understand manner with a displeased tone. He clearly hated even touching the topic.


    "Not all those interests and attentions are pleasant. You should be careful too. Some jealous young masters or selfish people might want to¡­ disturb your activities. If that happens, contact me or Biozone Entertainment. We will help."


    "I will keep that in mind." Max nodded in understanding, thankful for the warning and the help he offered.


    The girls'' conversation ended at that time and Lily bid them farewell. Nina waved her hand until the hovercar they rode was gone and began to ask many questions about StoneSword. It seemed like Nina failed to recognize him in the dark until Lily called him brother when they entered the car.


    It continued until Max dropped her in front of her home. After that, he broke off and returned to his apartment.


    While walking alone, he remembered StoneSword''s warning.


    ''Crazy fans, I guess. Young masters, maybe those who covet the Spencer Family''s wealth, and selfish people¡­ Yeah, I can imagine Lily having crazy followers. Her anonymous music ount, White Lily, has more than 3 million followers.''


    There must be one or two who connected the dots between White Lily and LilyPixel based on her voice alone. And she wasn''t exactly anonymous by having a name so close to her real name like that.


    ''Sometimes I wonder whether she did it on purpose or just ignorant about it.''


    Getting close to someone meant sharing their burdens and problems. Naturally, they would also take his burdens and problems too. It was just natural in a rtionship between people.


    ''I guess I just need to prepare my mind more than material preparation.''


    ***


    The next day, Max woke up earlier than usual. There was no practice or tournament today, it was a free day. However, Nina would depart this morning and he had to be there for her.


    He was in a Sky Rail station with Chef Rush, looking at Nina, who stood across from them.


    "Everything is ready, right?" Chef Rush asked his daughter with a gentle tone, different from his usually assertive one.


    "It''s all ready," Nina answered, raised the wooden box in her hand, and patted the bag she had on the side. "I just need to wait for the Sky Rail now."


    "Alright." Chef Rush nodded, "Be careful. Contact me at least once a week and show off your improvement."


    "I will." She nodded.


    At that moment, the speaker rang.


    "625 Sky Rail, destination Pan City, will arrive in a few seconds. Passengers, please be ready behind a yellow line. Once again¡­"


    Everyone listened to it. It was Nina''s ride.


    "I guess that''s it," Max said, smiling at her. "Good luck."


    "Yeah¡­" Nina''s voice was a bit low, sounding slightly sad. "I guess this is it. Thank you, Max. I will contact you regrly."


    "Yeah!" Max answered as he saw the girl run toward the iing Sky Rail.


    She waited behind the yellow line before entering. Once she was inside, she turned around and raised her fingers, creating a peace sign with a bright smile on his face. Then, the door closed, and the Sky Rail departed.


    "It will be lonely in the restaurant without her voice. Right, Chef Rush?" Max asked the man beside him, who began to cry as he watched his daughter''s departure.


    As if nothing had happened, Chef Rush wiped his face with his white sleeves and looked at Max.


    "How about you take over her position and work with me?" The giant man grinned widely, "I will be kind to you."


    "Ha¡­hahaha." Max chuckled wryly, realizing his slip of the tongue.


    ''Why did I say that?!''


    He was just digging his grave. The sound of two knives nging against each other echoed in his ears. And the grinding of two metals followed suit.


    "I was just kidding." Chef Rush said and turned around, leaving him behind. "Go follow your dream too. Nina will hate me if I force you to help me."


    Left alone, Max wondered what to do. Only an email that reminded him about the money withdrawal from Punch, which made him feel a little bitter, showed up in his list. There was nothing else to do for a two month old streamer like him. At least, not yet.


    ''I hope Mr. Taka finds someone responsible for me soon, as I want to step up my game. It''s been two weeks since we talked about it. And Flexy¡­ Well, I can''t rush him. I will trust him to find me a good manager with Lisa''s connection. He''s probably still busy gathering yers for the Scrim right now.''


    After considering what to do, Max decided to go home and rx, maybe stream something at 6 PMter.


    ***


    Mr. Taka was troubled by Midnight Heist''s management team. He noticed the sales had decreased since the atrocious tournament rule.


    If there was something he was grateful about, it was Breeze''s fast response and his sense of selflessness that saved the game from getting too much bacsh. The video he created helped a lot.


    It was the correct decision to ask the Media Social department to share the video everywhere. As a result, the video went viral and reduced the yers'' protest. Now, Mr. Taka felt indebted to the young man once again. He felt like he needed to find the person responsible for him soon.


    ''There are many people avable, but I can''t trust them with Breeze. He''s just too valuable for those people to handle. They are too arrogant and probably will try to control him to their liking. That can''t happen.''


    The golden goose needed to be protected and cultivated slowly. Mr. Taka was sure of Breeze''s capability to reach the top. He needed to be treated well to ensure he would befortable working with Biozone Entertainment for a long time.


    A file containing the names of the employees who potentially became Breeze''s assistants in Biozone Entertainment and dealt with ad offers was put nicely in a folder. But none of them was satisfactory. Most of them were new employees who had just begun to work in thest 3 years.


    ''Should I just deal with Breeze myself? Or¡­''


    Scrolling through the file, Mr. Taka stopped at a certain name. He didn''t know that this employee was actually avable and willing to take this job.


    "Michael Lamb." Mr. Taka muttered in wonder, stroking his chin.


    So far, he was the best choice. Not only did he work with Breeze before, but he was also professional enough not to let his personal feelings cloud his judgment.


    From the file written in his resume, it seemed like he also had done many deals with big clients. If it were him, he would be able to pick the best ad offers for Breeze.


    ''He also learned about Breeze when I gave him the job. I should trust him and assign him as Breeze''s assistant. I was alreadyte enough. He will need the assistant soon as his name is more known now.''


    And after the decision was made, everything moved pretty fast. Mr. Taka dealt with the legal documents and called Michael to talk about it directly. And the man agreed readily.


    "Great. I will have you contact him soon and formally ask you to assist him in every matter involving Biozone Entertainment. I hope you give your best ability to pick the best decision for him." Mr. Taka said in a serious tone. "You may retreat now."


    "Yes, sir." Michael answered, and he walked out of his office.


    Having everything settled nicely, Mr. Taka sighed tiredly and massaged his temple. There was still an endless amount of work. No rest for the wicked.

 Chapter 252: Chapter 252 – Final, the Decider

    Running toward the paralyzed UloTai, Max shot Puppeteer with the gun, aiming at the space a meter in front of him by calcting the bullet''s speed.


    Simrly, Puppeteer also shot his gun. However, he directly aimed at Max instead of the space in front of him.


    Both bullets missed by a hair''s breadth. Max sped up while Puppeteer slowed down. It gave the former the edge to get closer to UloTai and snatched the card from him.


    Naturally, it wasn''t as easy as it sounded. Just as Max reached toward the card, an energy bullet shed before him and hit UloTai again, causing him to step back in reflex.


    "Why me?!" The man shouted as he got paralyzed once again.


    At that moment, Puppeteer dashed forward and snatched the card before running away. Max looked at what happened in front of him and immediately gave chase, shooting the tranquilizer gun just right behind the man.


    Of course, not even Puppeteer could dodge this one. He got shot and paralyzed with an electrical current around his body.


    Using this chance, Max took the card. Just as he got the card, suddenly, he felt a shock hit him from behind.


    Buzz!


    His body suddenly froze and he couldn''t move. From the edge of his vision, he saw UloTai take the card from him with a smirk.


    "This is mine."


    The yer immediately ran from the location and went to a small street between houses.


    Two seconds until the paralyze ended. He could only see Puppeteer get freed from the paralyzed and chased after UloTai. And before he went to the corner, he pointed his gun toward Max and shot him once again, renewing the paralyze.


    "Oh, shit!"


    Unable to dodge, Max was forced to wait for 3 seconds. Direct confrontation wasn''t a good idea at all. He messed up. But there was still hope.


    "Like I will ept my defeat here!"


    After 3 seconds, he could move his body again and dashed toward the school immediately. The red dot moved toward a skyscraper.


    From the movement, Max judged that Puppeteer had gotten the target and now tried to do the usual strategy, hovering from the height straight toward the pedestal.


    "Screw it. I will risk everything in this. I will win."


    From his observation before, there were a total of 10 pedestals around the school, which were scattered in a direction of around 50 to 100 meters away. 6 of them were outside, while 4 were inside the buildings.


    And from what happened throughout the game, Puppeteer wouldnd near one of those 6 pedestals. Which one he would choose was still a mystery.


    Max looked at the sky to try and guess which pedestal Puppeteer chose. The man had hovered in the air already, with a speed simr to when he was running.


    It was a gamble. If Max chose the right pedestal and waited for Puppeteer to arrive and shoot him, then it would be his win. But if he chose the wrong one¡­ He would have to settle for second ce!


    Arriving at the school, Max immediately chose the pedestal and hid himself in a way that Puppeteer wouldn''t realize. Now, he had to wait while listening to the duo camping on the school shooting the air.


    "Aah! Why is he so fast?!"


    "He''s twisting his body many times as if he''s controlling a puppet!"


    Indeed. Puppeteer''s control over his avatar was pretty much at the top of the notch. No one would disagree with it. Even Max had to admit when it came to mechanics, Puppeteer was better than him. But when it came to technique and speed, he was still above the guy.


    But that wasn''t important now.


    ''Concentrate!''


    If he missed this chance, he would lose.


    ''I want that 50 grand!''


    He clutched the tranquilized gun with both hands and took a deep breath. His vision went white. Only the pedestal and the school roof he was on could be seen.


    Useless stuff like shouts and the gun''s noises were gone. Only he, the gun in his hand, the roof, and the sound of wind split from above.


    ''He''s choosing this building.'' Max silently thought as a grin appeared on his face.


    Soon, Puppeteer wouldnd. And soon, thest fight would break out, and the winner would be clear. 20 seconds were left on the clock.


    The sound of the wind got closer. It was about time.


    Counting down in his mind, Max prepared to jump.


    ''3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­'' His eyes shot open, the color returned to the world. ''Now!''


    He jumped from his hiding ce and pointed his gun toward the pedestal. As soon as he did it, he froze. No one was there.


    "Too bad." A voice rang from the side.


    Turning around, Max saw Puppeteer pointing his gun at his head. The muzzle was just a few centimeters away from his head. No matter how slow the bullet was, it would definitely hit if it was this close.


    "I have to admit your strategy is quite good." Puppeteer said, "Sadly, your opponent is me. I have already thought of that idea too throughout the whole game, so it won''t work against me."


    Max exhaled a sigh. It was no use, huh? The opponent was too experienced and too strong. He should be happy with the second rank now.


    "It''s my loss."


    "Indeed, it is."


    With that, Puppeteer shot him and paralyzed him. Afterward, the man walked toward the pedestal and put the target on it. The pedestal glowed brightly, and Puppeteer gained an additional point.


    He had tried his best¡ªjust one point difference. In the end, the other party had a better tactic than a newbie him.


    ''I need to learn more so I won''t make the same mistake in my next tournament.'' Max thought as he looked at the time as it hit 0.


    [Match Over!]


    Colorful confetti appeared from the sky, raining toward the school. Max could only watch it with a wry smile. He should have been happy finishing second ce, but all he could feel right now was frustration with his inadequate skill. He was only half-baked.


    Only after facing a real pro did he realize that. He wasn''t confident; he was only arrogant. And he wanted to punch himself who said he wasn''t arrogant.


    ''Damnit. I should do self-introspection. I am so stupid.'' He gritted his teeth.


    [Winner:


    1st ce: Puppeteer!


    2nd ce: Breeze!


    3rd ce: Coming soon!]


    [3rd ce match will be held soon.]


    [Overtime!]


    Both Max and Puppeteer were engulfed in a blue sh and teleported away from the map, back to the bar. Meanwhile, the other 3 who scored 0 continued the match to find the 3rd ce.


    Everything moved pretty fast. UloTai, who was in Midnight Club, managed to get the target once again and scored, ending the match almost instantly.


    What followed after was a reward ceremony. Moon Feather appeared once again to congratte the winner and gave the reward. He gave Puppeteer a golden trophy and a pin.


    Next, Moon Feather stopped in front of Max and handed him a silver trophy and a pin simr to Puppeteer''s.


    "Congrattions on winning second ce!"


    "Thank you." Max smiled at Moon Feather and nodded, his voice lost the cheerfulness and the confidence he had before.


    Noticing it, Moon Feather patted his shoulder.


    "Don''t be down, Breeze. You''re the best Tier 2 yer. If you have the same experience as Puppeteer, I believe you would win the previous match." He said.


    "Be proud. For someone who had just yed this game in less than 2 months, you canpete and score 7 times against the unarguably the best Midnight Heist yer in the world."


    Hearing the constion from the man in the feather mask, Max couldn''t help but chuckle. Unarguably the best Midnight Heist yer? Well¡­ That was fine.


    "Thank you, Moon Feather. If he''s the best Midnight Heist yer in the world, then I''d like to im the title of the best movement yer in the world. I hope that will stick on me soon."


    "Hahaha, that''s the spirit." Moon Featherughed and released his hand, "Once again, congrattions."


    Moon Feather moved to UloTai and gave him a bronze trophy. Afterward, the award ceremony ended, and all yers were allowed to leave the Lobby.


    Max immediately returned to his private Lobby and ended his stream after saying goodbye to his viewers.


    It was a short tournament, but it certainly opened his eyes. Motivation to be a better yer and individual surged out.


    Using the remaining time of the day, he decided to just rx and think deeply so he wouldn''t be an individual who hated himself.

 Chapter 253: Chapter 253 – Meanwhile, in Another Forum

    A few minutes after the tournament ended, a thread appeared in Midnight Heist''smunity forum.


    [Breeze vs Puppeteer! A fierce battle in Midnight Heist''s Tier 2 Final!]


    The thread was popr enough that it got more than 500 activities in less than an hour. While waiting for the Tier 1 tournament, all of Midnight Heist''s fans talked about the final of Tier 2.


    Many clips and videos of exciting moments were posted on the thread.


    ¡ª I know that Breeze is a new synchronization test world record holder, but¡­ This guy is nuts. How could he go against Puppeteer like that?


    ©¸ Right?! Puppeteer is a really good yer. Like, really good


    ©¸ True. Their experiences are also different. Breeze yed only for a while ifpared to Puppeteer, and still he is able to hold his ground.


    ©¸ The final score is 8-7-1-0-0, right? If we count over time. Goddamn, both of them dominated the tournament.


    ¡ª I thought Breeze was just lucky to get the world record and was still skeptical before the tournament. But this changed my mind! THE DUDE IS COOKING!


    ¡ª Dear HATERS, where are you? Not even one person said Breeze is lucky!


    ©¸ Maybe they will if Breeze gets first ce lol. But he only got second ce, so the haters are gone.


    ©¸ Puppeteer''s fans aren''t attacking Breeze anymore because their idol won kekekeke


    ©¸ THEY ARE SCARED OF BLOOD GOD! I want to watch him swing the axe again. Preferably to his haters.


    ¡ª Look and behold. [AttachedClip.mp4] [AttachedVideo.mp4] [AttachedLink]


    ©¸ My dude promotes Breeze lol


    ©¸ Good stuff. I can''t help but love the first clip where he got chased after by wolves in Knight''s Journey


    ©¸ His sniping skill has be better, for sure. Unfortunately, the tranquilizer gun in the final just sucks. It''s too slow for someone like Breeze and Puppeteer!


    ¡ª Give Breeze a year and he will dominate the scene!


    ©¸ Nah, 6 months are enough


    ©¸ I think 3 months are enough. He only yed Midnight Heist for 3 weeks and almost beat Puppeteer lol


    ©¸ Give him only a month. I believe he will be the best Tier 1 yer!


    ¡ª Let me add some clips! [AttachedClip.mp4] [AttachedClip.mp4] [AttachedLink]. They are my favorite ones.


    The threads invited many of Max''s fans. They were both proud of him and showed him off by adding some clips of his Midnight Heist''s y in a different game.


    Just as one of thements had said, not one hater could be seen. They had nothing to say regarding the game. Of course, that was only the case in this thread. There were countless small threads filled with those haters, calling Max lucky and overrated.


    No one cared about that. What was important for people was that he scored 7 times against Puppeteer and dominated the game while the other yers could do nothing. That was already an achievement, as Puppeteer was unquestionably the best yer in Midnight Heist since season 1.


    And thus, the day passed with people trying to defend their favorite streamer until the Tier 1 tournament started. Only then did the topic change with a new thread popping up.


    [ImperialPrince decimated the Tier 1 tournament!]


    ***


    Max spent an entire day reflecting on himself. After looking back at his life, he found many things that he¡­ was ashamed of. He listed them on a small note and promised not to repeat them again. On the top of the list was underestimating his enemy. He shouldn''t be arrogant unless it was for show.


    Rising from his bed, he felt better than usual. There were two reasons. Firstly, the tournament was finally over, and he could finally focus on helping Flexy with Roach. Secondly¡­


    "My money is in! Woohoo!!"


    The reward money had been sent to his bank ount. An email had confirmed it already.


    After his self-reflection yesterday, Max still loved money. No matter what, this wouldn''t change. The fact he just got 25 grand made his mood way better.


    "Now, now¡­ That makes my money in my bank around 47 grand. But that won''t be enough to buy a house. I should save more." He hummed in happiness as he went through his message.


    There were many messages from his friends congratting him. All of them were sent yesterday, but Max hadn''t realized it. Still, he replied to them now before stopping at Mr. Taka''s message.


    On top of a congrattion, there was another message.


    [Mr. Taka: We have chosen an employee who will act as your manager and assistant for everything rted to Biozone Entertainment''s ad and program. You''re pretty familiar with him. His name is Michael Lamb, and this is his contact information. Please do contact him soon.]


    Reading the message, Max''s lips curled up. Michael, huh? He remembered the man. He was pretty expressionless, but his job was great, and he assisted him greatly in NoFeet''s ad.


    [Breeze: Thank you very much, Mr. Taka. My apologies for thete reply. I had a self-reflection yesterday. And I will contact Michael soon.]


    There was no reply from Mr. Taka even after a minute, which was understandable. The man was pretty busy, as he was now a Marketing Team Manager and needed to oversee everything. So, he decided to contact Michael to introduce himself and talk a little.


    [Breeze: Good morning, Michael. This is Breeze. I am d that you epted the position of my assistant. I am looking forward to working with you.]


    Unlike Mr. Taka, Michael answered almost immediately.


    [Michael: Likewise. I am looking forward to working with you.]


    On top of that, he sent another message.


    [Michael: Currently, I am looking through any possible ad offer that you can take. Please tell me what kind of job you want to ept and refuse. I will do my best to meet your expectations.]


    Max hummed once again. What kind of job did he want to ept and refuse? Actually, as long as the money was worth it, he was willing to ept any job.


    Modeling for a brand? That was fine. Shooting a video? That was also fine¡ªhe had done it before. The best one would be promoting the brand on his livestream. A shoutout usually would give him more than 10 grand, which was in his past life.


    It could be more here.


    Would there be a strange job that he didn''t want to do?


    "Ah, there is that job." He nodded as he remembered one strange job that many people avoid.


    [Breeze: As long as it''s not a gravure and the job won''t ruin my reputation, I am fine with whatever. But please don''t choose video shooting unless it''s worth the pay or is important to grow my channel. Something like a NoFeet ad video is still okay.]


    He nodded in satisfaction as he replied to Michael.


    [Michael: Understood. I have considered your opinion. I will return to inform you with a list soon.]


    [Breeze: Thank you, Michael.]


    That was pretty easy and professional. A bit stiff, but Michael probably was a good person with a great work ethic.


    "I am lucky," Max said as he looked out of the window. "Well, the weather is nice. Why don''t I do an IRL stream today as a change of pace?"


    Just as he said that¡­


    Ding!


    Another message came. Max opened his message application and noticed it was from a group chat Flexy made for the OrangeSquash team.


    [Flexy: This message is sent to my lovely teammates! I have scheduled the Scrimmage tomorrow night. Can we talk about it tonight at 7 PM in New Eden City? Please reply if you are able to meet up. The location is at Au Caf¨¦. The coordinate: xxx.xxxx.xx.]

 Chapter 254: Chapter 254 – Meeting the Pervert Guide

    ''Well¡­ That ruins my n again.'' Max sighed tiredly as he typed his reply.


    [Breeze: Roger. I will go to New Eden City right now as I nned to do an IRL stream anyway.]


    [As: Ferin and I are also free at that time. Coincidentally, our penthouse is close to that area.]


    [Flexy: Great! All bills will be on meter. So make sure toe!]


    After that, another notification popped up. This time Flexy sent a private message to Max.


    [Flexy: Buddy, are you nning to do an IRL stream today? Let me pick you up when you arrive at New Eden City, and let''s do a vlog together. I will show you some good ces in New Eden City that you will like.]


    ''Oh?''


    Scratch the ruined n, this might be a better n.


    [Breeze: Sounds good. I will tell you when I arrive.]


    [Flexy: Hahaha, I am waiting for you. We need to celebrate your victory too, right? The meal will be on you for the day!]


    Max''s lips twitched. This shameless friend wanted to get a free meal from someone poorer than him? But¡­ What Flexy said made sense. He was the one who won and got money. Spending a few dors for a meal would be nothing.


    In addition, he felt rather generous today.


    [Breeze: Got it. See you soon.]


    [Flexy: I didn''t think you would agree, but that''s neat! See you soon!]


    Closing the messaging app, Max began to prepare for at least a 3-day trip to New Eden City. He didn''t forget his action camera and streaming equipment. Afterward, he bought a Sky Rail ticket and departed.


    ***


    Because Max had ridden Sky Rail many times now, the magical wonder he experienced for the first time was gone. The scenery also became less impressive than he remembered it to be. All of it just became¡­ normal.


    "165 Sky Rail will arrive at New Eden Station shortly. Please don''t forget your belongings and be ready to leave from the left side. Repeating¡­"


    The announcement from the speaker was a sign for Max to prepare his live streaming. He put the hovering small camera on his shoulder and connected it to a wireless speaker he clipped on his cor. Then, he set up his stream and changed the title.


    [IRL STREAM! Celebrating my victory with my friend and a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! #IRL_Stream #NewEdenCity #Vlog #Culinary]


    [Livestream Starts!]


    The loading screen was yed as soon as he pressed start, and many viewers flogged into the stream. After his video and his feat yesterday, his followers increased to 800K now. The number of people waiting on his stream even before it started also increased.


    [Viewers: 15,162]


    ¡ª Yo, IRL stream?! This is what the girls want!


    ¡ª What''s the announcement? It''s making me curious.


    ¡ª MORNING! You''re pretty early today, Breeze


    ¡ª Monday morning, we''re greeted with IRL stream from Breeze


    ¡ª You''re in New Eden City? Woah, talking about moving fast. He knew no rest!


    ¡ª Kyaa! Does this mean, I will have a chance to meet Breeze in New Eden City? BOSS, I am taking my leave!


    ¡ª You''re not allowed to, girl. Not without me!


    Max read the chat and chuckled in a low voice. It had been a long time¡­ a few days, since he would be able to interact directly with the chat. They were just as chaotic as before.


    Before the Sky Rail stopped, Max contacted Flexy so he would pick him up. He hadn''t changed the screen yet; he nned to do so after getting off. And the waiting wasn''t long. A minute after he started the stream and contacted Flexy, the Sky Rail arrived at New Eden City''s station.


    Stepping out of the Sky Rail, he immediately changed the screen and controlled the camera to show his face and the area around him.


    "Yo, guys! Morning. Thest few days have been hectic for me, so I want to do an IRL stream and rest from a game for a day." Max greeted the viewers excitedly andughed. "Today, I n to walk around the city and meet up with some people. I will announce my next nter, so stay tuned for it!"


    ¡ª Meeting some people? LOVERS?!


    ¡ª Naah, Breeze is tired of getting stuck in his room, so he''s touching grass.


    ¡ª You can touch my grass! I am taking care of it carefully


    ¡ª Yooo, so sus! Anyway, I am curious about the announcement, so I will stay until tonight!


    ¡ª What''s your n for this IRL stream?


    "Well, I actually have no ns besides doing some vlogs. I will have a guide and visit some interesting ces here. I will probably talk more today than usual, so feel free to ask many questions. Of course, keep it PG 15."


    Saying so, he moved to the stairs and went out of the station. He kept talking to his chat and joked around, not spoiling the announcement he had to make regarding the Scrim tomorrow. Everytime someone asked about it, he just said it was a secret or changed the topic.


    When he stepped outside the station¡­


    "Over here!"


    A loud voice called out to him.


    Turning around, Max saw Flexy leaning against his orange hovercar and waved his hand at him. Uniquely, he was alone without Lisa around him. The owner had released the crazy dog.


    Max approached him and bumped their fists.


    "Yo, long time no see." He said before turning to the camera. "My guide is here, guys. Greet him without any respect."


    "Hey, that''s harsh!" Flexy retorted with a dragged voice, "At least greet me normally, okay? I am kind enough to show you around my city."


    "Hahaha, I was just joking." Maxughed with a straight face that said he wasn''t joking at all.


    ¡ª This duo is amusing


    ¡ª Kekeke, hello, guide


    ¡ª Guide Flexy. Breeze makes his senior his subordinate lol


    ¡ª Breeze: Flexy, my guide, show me around this ce! I am kind enough to allow you to escort me.


    ¡ª Flexy: Yes, your highness! Allow this golden retriever to guide you!


    ¡ª Damn, you guys are harsh. I like it


    Both of them joked around as Max shared the chat with Flexy so he could also read it. Afterward, they entered the hovercar, with Flexy as the driver. The bag was put on the backseat, so he didn''t need to hold it.


    At first, the orange-haired streamer asked whether Max wanted to drive, but he desperately refused. There was no way he would do it. Not even in his lifetime. The memories from his past life prevented him to like it.


    ''I am fucking traumatic of a car, you bastard! How can you ask me to drive one?!'' He screamed in his mind.


    Surprisingly, hovercar was pretty okay because it had no wheel. Just riding it was okay for him, but driving him was another matter.


    Of course, Flexy didn''t know it, nor did his viewers, who teased him for being unable to drive a simple hovercar.


    Once they werefortable inside, Max decided to ask, "So, where are we going first? I will leave the destination to you since I know nothing but Biozone headquarters in this city."


    "Ah, you will like this ce." Flexy grinned as he started the hovercar. "We will go to a BROTHEL!"


    Max froze as he heard it.


    ¡ª BROTHEL?


    ¡ª Are they going for a good time?


    ¡ª Snu snu time?


    ¡ª Damn, Flexy is doing something bad behind the scene


    ¡ª Don''t you dirty our Breeze!


    ¡ª Which BROTHEL?! I WANT TO JOIN!!


    ¡ª Breeze''s spanking session soon? I mean, will he spank someone again? p them? Kick them?! BURN THEM!!!


    After a second, Max recovered enough to think straight. He opened his contact list and mumbled, "Lisa, Lisa¡­ Where is her contact? I need to report it to Lisa."


    Hearing his lover''s name mentioned, Flexy panicked.


    "Hey! It''s not that kind of brothel, but BROTHEL! It''s different!"


    "Hah?! Don''t touch me, pervert!" Max pped Flexy''s hand away and went to the corner of the car, "Sorry, but my channel is PG 15. Please keep that fucking word away from my fucking stream."


    "You just said fucking twice, dude." Flexy sighed. "Well, I know you will like this ce, just trust me. I am driving now."


    "Nooo, save me! My purity is in danger!"


    "Hahahaha! You''reing whether you like it or not!"


    Without giving Max a chance to say anything, Flexy put his feet on the gas, and the hovercar moved. A scream and augh echoed loudly inside.


    ¡ª R.I.P Breeze''s purity


    ¡ª We will remember it


    ¡ª *sob* I can''t get his purity¡­ I am sad¡­


    ¡ª *pat pat* you can take my purity instead. How is it?


    ¡ª Guys, get a room


    ¡ª This noble me don''t like gross stuff. Do it privately, 1diots


    ¡ª Yes, daddy Sucker...


    ¡ª Police! This is the guy! He tried to touch Viscount BloodSucker!

 Chapter 255: Chapter 255 – BROTHEL

    After roughly 20 minutes of shaky ride, an orange hover car entered a spacious parking area, and the orange-haired driver stepped outside.


    "We''ve arrived at BROTHEL." Flexy said as he got out of his car and peered inside at Max, "Come on, buddy. Let''s have fun. There are plenty of sports you can do inside."


    "Tsk, it was your fault for creating that misunderstanding." Max clicked his tongue and stepped out, ring at Flexy. "Who knew that BROTHEL is the name of a sports center? I thought it was that kind of ce. If you hadn''t exined it, I almost threw myself out of the car earlier."


    ¡ª Don''t worry, it''s Flexy''s fault


    ¡ª We almost lost a gem! That orange¡­ I will peel him and turn him into juice!


    ¡ª I have a blender, let me help.


    ¡ª I''ll do you one better, I have a drill and grass cutter


    ¡ª I''ll do YOU one better! I have a factory to grill meat. We can make Flexy juice there


    ¡ª Why not just feed him to a dog? I don''t think it''s good for human consumption


    "Hahaha, my bad. I didn''t know you were unaware of it, knowing this ce is pretty famous." Flexyughed wryly after he read the scaryments from Max''s viewers.


    ''Holy shit, these guys are serious!'' He screamed in his mind.


    Meanwhile, Max ignored his friend''sment and looked at the impressive building that stood before him. He now knows why this ce was called BROTHEL. It wasn''t actually one business, but two businesses in one building.


    BRO sports and THE Lodge. The sign was written with capital letters that exactly spelled BROTHEL on purpose. Both were the biggest sports center and store in New Eden City. The building itself was massive, seemingly able to handle more than 100 thousand people.


    "So¡­" Turning to Flexy, Max asked a question, "Why do you think I would like to visit this ce? I know I like parkour and sports, but I have no n to change my shoes or equipment right now. And for the record, I won''t buy you shoes."


    "Heh, everyone said so at the beginning." Flexy scoffed and walked to the store. "Follow me. I bet you will change your mind."


    Max sighed and followed Flexy, "I guess I will take a look since we''re already here. The name is terrible, but I will try to trust you. Do you trust what he said, chat? Will I change my mind about this ce?"


    ¡ª While I don''t like what Flexy did, he was correct. If you like sports, you will definitely like BROTHEL


    ¡ª BROTHEL is a sports heaven. Not only are there stores, but you will also find sports center


    ¡ª It''s called a sports center for a reason. I think you will like it inside. If you like sports, that is


    ¡ª Once you are inside, I doubt you want to leave. There are wall climbs, a gym, and a boxing ring inside. Heck, there are also ice skating areas and many things.


    ¡ª Prepare yourself for a surprise, kekeke. Knowing you, I think you will like it.


    ¡ª What I can say is to get your money ready!


    "Don''t spoil the fun, guys." Flexy said as he looked at the camera, "I will show him around and see his reaction."


    "Well, if what the chat said is true, I might look forward to it a little," Max responded.


    Following Flexy, Max entered BRO sports first. It was a sports store that sold everything rted to sports, from simple bottles to sports equipment like treadmills and bench presses.


    Not only that, they also had aplete collection of sports shoes and clothes. They also had camera equipment, mostly action cameras, to record dangerous sports such as cliff jumping, mountain climbing, or scuba diving.


    For someone who loved sports, and for people in this world, BRO sports was practically heaven. Max looked around the store with sparkling eyes. His friend wasn''t lying. He liked this ce.


    Even if he didn''t n to buy anything, he could see himself leaving with a bag full of either running shoes, exercise clothes, or mountain climbing equipment.


    "How do you like it?" The orange-haired streamer asked with a smirk. "I guess you like this ce, eh? You can thank me by buying me a mealter, hahaha."


    "Well, I can''t say that I don''t like it. This is massive." Max responded and looked around. His eyes went to the shoe collection with thebel ''Tag Shoes'' in the corner. They looked pretty simr to shoes he often used for parkour in the past. "I might buy one or two things from this ce."


    "Heh, you''d better buy some shoes too. We will try it immediately on The Lodge."


    With that, they began to walk around BRO sports and Max looked around as if he were a kid trying to find the best toy.


    ¡ª Breeze has fallen to the temptation


    ¡ª How can he not? Look at his sparkling eyes. He became a boy again once he entered this ce


    ¡ª Oh, he took a pair of shoes and tried them on. He seems to like it.


    ¡ª He took two shoes? And he also snatched that ck innerwear as if it was destined for him


    ¡ª How cute. I want to be there too


    ¡ª Flexy is crazy. Look at what he got. So much stuff!


    [NGuuurr has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Take this money for shopping! Not much, but I hope it helps.]


    [LovelyOtter has donated 2,500 diamonds!]


    [Those pair of ck and blue shirts and pants look good with the innerwear. Take them, Breeze!]


    "Thank you for the donation, NGuuurr and LovelyOtter. I n to get a set, so this is perfect." Max said as he brought everything he took to the cashier.


    After walking around for a while with Flexy, he bought two pairs of shoes, one for running and parkour and one for mountain climbing. He also bought a pair of clothes LovelyOtter pointed at and a ck, tight inner suit.


    As for Flexy¡­


    "Please send everything to this address."


    The orange-haired streamer bought a lot of things. A lot, as in¡­ A lot. He couldn''t even hold the items with him and only put them in a note to pay for them. He only brought a pair of climbing shoes and a pair offortable orange shirts and pants.


    "That would be $12,720, sir." The cashier employee said with a professional smile as if used to such a bulk buy.


    Flexy tapped his smartwatch against the paying screen and finished his transaction. He waited to the side while holding a paper bag with two items he bought earlier.


    "That would be $450, sir." The cashier employee said once again as she looked at Max.


    Her smile remained, but she looked at him a bit strangely as if idolizing him. Max nodded, brushed it off without thinking anything, and proceeded to pay.


    After paying for his item, Flexy called out from the side.


    "Let''s try them, shall we?" He said, pointing with his thumb at therge wooden door, something pretty rare in this age, that connected to the ce adjacent to BRO sports. "THE Lodge is the perfect ce for that. I bet you will be more impressed than earlier."


    Before, Max was skeptical due to the name BROTHEL being anything good. But now, he was looking forward to THE Lodge.


    "Show me, veteran." He said as he followed Flexy.

 Chapter 256: Chapter 256 – A Bet Against Flexy, 5 Grand On the Line!

    If BRO sports was a heaven for sports equipment, then THE Lodge was a paradise for sports enthusiasts.


    The first room they entered from BRO sports was a wall climb room.


    Many people stood around therge room. Some of them climbed an artificially constructed wall with manufactured grips ced in a way that imitated real bouldering paths in the world. Soft mattresses were installed below to soften the fall.


    Not only that but there was also a tall wall with a safety rope. Someone was climbing it at a fast speed, like a spider. And on the smaller wall on its side, a young man a little bit younger than Max tried to climb slowly, making his way up.


    On the other side of the room was an obstacle area. Thin ledge, cliffhanger, salmondder, unstabledder¡­ There was also a bouncing spider, a rope swing, and a warped wall. Any obstacles someone wanted to find, the area had everything they had to offer.


    "Buddy¡­" Max muttered in a low voice as he kept looking around, "I want to live in this ce."


    "Sorry to break it to you. While the name of this ce is the lodge, it has no lodge." Flexy answered with a grin, "But well, you will be able to visit anytime while you''re in this city, no?"


    ¡ª The name is a pun


    ¡ª I thought it was a lodge at first, but I found out it isn''t a lodge! I was bamboozled.


    ¡ª Whoever named this ce is a genius. Many people want to find a lodge, but they find a sports center and are happy with it. He got many customers thanks to this


    ¡ª Why don''t they open a franchise and name it THE Inn?


    ¡ª Fool! That won''t spell BROTHEL but BROTHEI. It doesn''t live up to the name!


    The chat conversed among themselves as Max nodded at Flexy.


    "Ignoring your pun, you''re correct. Still, can we use them for free?"


    "Usually, no." Flexy shook his head, "But since we bought something from BRO sports, we will be able to use this ce to try the new equipment we have for free. Of course, it only applies until we leave. The bill serves as our ticket."


    "Ah, that''s why the person near that door asked to see our bill."


    "Exactly." The orange-haired streamer snapped his fingers and pointed at him. "So, we will use this opportunity to have fun. What do you think of racing using the obstacles in that corner? In VR, you might be unbeatable. But I am confident with my strength in real life."


    "Oh? You''re challenging me?" Max raised his eyebrows as he looked at Flexy.


    Through his self-reflection, he learned not to be arrogant. But that only applied when he faced strangers or people he didn''t know pretty well, like Puppeteer. Facing them, he would be humble and calcting, pretending to be normal while actually a predator.


    As for Flexy¡­ The story would be different.


    "How about we bet $1,000 in the race? I believe that will be fun." He raised his chin and looked straight at his friend.


    "Hah, only $1,000?" Flexy scoffed in response and crossed his arms, "I was thinking 10 grand, but it seems that''s too much for you. Fine, I will y with that bet."


    "So that''s how you wanna y, huh?" Max snickered, "Fine, how about we meet in the middle and settle at 5 grand? Thank you for your patronage in advance."


    Both of them grinned widely as they tried to step above the others. This exciting situation invited the viewers to join the fun, and it was all started by a very familiar person.


    [BloodSucker has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Win the bet against Flexy! Heh, I bet you won''t be able to beat that person IRL!]


    [Reward: 15,000 diamonds!]


    ¡ª There it is, Viscount BloodSucker with his money!


    ¡ª It sounds fun, so I shall join!


    ¡ª 5 grand? That means 250K diamonds, right? Guys, let''s fund Breeze for this challenge


    ¡ª Fund what? He will get nothing if he loses.


    ¡ª Nah, you don''t understand. If he knows he gets more money, he will be excited and win this race!


    The viewers were correct. In fact, as Max headed into the changing room with Flexy and read the chat, he became more excited. Flexy groaned because he had no moral support from his viewers, mainly because he joined Max''s stream right now.


    After changing into their respective clothes and shoes and putting the old one in a locket, they went to the ''course of the day'' that was designed by the people from THE Lodge. They constantly changed the obstacles everyday so people could try how good they were.


    Coincidentally, only a girl was trying the course of the day now. And she looked like she was almost finished, judging from the sweat that poured down her face. Her pink hair clung onto her skin and white crop top as shended on the finish.


    As a good person who knew manners, Max approached her with a smile and called out softly, "Excuse me. Have you finished using this course?"


    "Hya!" The girl was surprised when someone suddenly talked to her. She got flustered and raised her hands to her chest¡ªa shade of red appeared on her face. "U-Umm¡­ F-Feel free to. I just finished." She said.


    "Really? Thank you." Max smiled brightly before turning to Flexy, informing his friend that the course was free. Both of them walked to the start while arguing who was the best.


    The pink-haired girl, ignored, strode away from the course and hid behind a wall. Her face was still red, and her heart was beating fast.


    ''W-What is Breeze doing here?!'' She shouted in her mind, still flustered.


    She peeked a little bit and saw what happened. Max was still arguing with Flexy about who would go first and began to y rock-paper-scissors to decide it.


    Just looking at them a little was enough. She quickly pulled her head back and put her hand on her chest.


    ''Calm down. He doesn''t know that it''s you. There is no way he knows. I am totally different from when we met.'' She calmed herself down, breathing deeply.


    The girl shook her head and nodded to herself. With herself looking different from when she met with him, there was no way he would realize it.


    ''Yes, there is no way he realizes I am Princess Peach. Waah, that was embarrassing. I got flustered because I thought he called out to me because he recognized me. I want to bury myself on the ground so bad! Stupid Fio! I am so stupid!''


    Princess Peach, known as Fio Stark in real life, crouched and berated herself.


    Meanwhile, near the course of the day, Max groaned because he had just lost the rock-paper-scissors and had to let Flexy go first.


    "Hahaha! Too bad. It seems that in terms of RNG, the Goddess of Luck still smiles at me more. You need to go to a shrine or a church to cleanse yourself, buddy."


    "Grr¡­ As much as I want to deny it, I know that the Goddess of RNG doesn''t smile at me often." Max responded, "Is her type someone who is loud and annoying? I should be louder if that''s the case."


    "Hehehe, it just means I am more charming to her." Flexyughed loudly, "But still, that girl from earlier was cute. She also seems to recognize you. Maybe she''s your fan?" He smirked.


    "Nah, I don''t think so." Max looked at the ce where the pink-haired girl disappeared and shrugged his shoulders.


    "I thought it was someone I recognized at first, but I was wrong. They have simr pink hair, but the girl I know is arrogant, while the girl from earlier gets flustered easily. They are different people."


    ¡ª Do you mean Princess Peach? Yeah, they are too different


    ¡ª Even if they have the same pink hair, their personalities are so different!


    ¡ª Guys, do you understand the term roley?


    ¡ª There is no way they are the same person


    "Is that so?" Flexy asked as he read the chat and found out the identity of the person Max talked about. "Well, teasing you isn''t that fun anymore with you having someone you have fallen with." His grin widened as he teased his friend.


    "Shut up and go. I am ready to time you." Max growled and opened a screen with a stopwatch. "I hope you have 5 grand ready to transfer to me."


    "Tsk, no fun." Flexy clicked his tongue and stood on the starting line of the course. "I am ready."


    "Alright, after 3." Max said as he hovered his finger in front of the stopwatch. "Ready? 1¡­ 2¡­ 3!"

 Chapter 257: Chapter 257 – Course of The Day, Flexy’s Turn

    Once Flexy crossed the start line, Max started the countdown.


    The orange-haired streamer immediately entered the first out of 5 obstacles in the course of the day. The rule was simple, he just needed to clear all obstacles without falling to the mattresses.


    Starting from the first obstacle was a simple rolling log. It was a log that spun around, and it was pretty slippery. Flexy moved pretty slowly and tried to bnce his body so he wouldn''t fall by doing a duck walk. It was safer, and he reached the other side easily.


    "Phew. Hahaha, buddy! Did you see that? I am pretty fast." He smiled constantly as he proceeded to the second obstacle without looking at Max.


    Seeing his friend, he could only smile wryly.


    ''That''s fast?'' Max thought, smirking.


    From his perspective, that was pretty slow. There was a better way to cross the rolling log with speed. Something he was pretty familiar with because he had experienced it before in his past life.


    ''It reminds me of the warrior show I tried to join once. I will win this.'' His grin widened as he watched Flexy start the second obstacle after preparing himself.


    From the name written on the supporting beam, the next obstacle was called throttle pegs. Flexy took two pegs, which spun around with his hand, and stabbed them into the hole in the wall. There were simr holes that extended to the next obstacle preparation area.


    "Ugh!" The orange-haired streamed groaned as he pulled one peg and inserted it in another hole.


    He moved from the left to the right wall slowly. The peg kept spinning and made the obstacle harder.


    "Come on!" He shouted to motivate himself. He was clearly struggling as his veins popped up on his temple.


    After transferring the peg to the 10th and thest hole, Flexy had to swing and jump to the safe spot. He moved back and forth, gathering his momentum using the spinning rod, and jumped after he was sure of it.


    "Ha!"


    It didn''t need to be mentioned that hended safely on the green mattress, which was the safe area before the third obstacle. Flexy''s physical ability was above average. He was pretty strong and agile.


    "Did you see that?"


    ¡ª Oooh! Flexy is pretty good!


    ¡ª As I thought, this man isn''t someone to be looked down upon IRL. He''s so good!


    ¡ª Among all streamers I know, Flexy probably ranked pretty high in IRL physical strength. He got many gym sponsors, after all


    ¡ª Go, go Flexy! Beat Breeze and save the money I put into the mission!


    ¡ª I trust you, Flexy! Show Breeze''s fans your POWAAAARRR!


    Reading the chat, where his viewers began to join the stream, he smirked at Max and positioned himself for the third and probably the easiest obstacle¡ªlog transfer.


    Five logs were ced before each other at different heights. The first logs were 10 cm in diameter, but that quickly shrunk until it was only 5 cm in diameter, not even enough for a single foot to step on. Not only that, the distance between each log was also further apart with each progress.


    Inhaling deeply, Flexy stepped onto the first log and then to the second log with no problem. He proceeded to the third, and starting from this, he had to jump to the fourth and did his best to leap to the fifth and to the safe area. Each momentum was important, and stopping was foolish.


    Fortunately, Flexy managed to finish it almost perfectly, although he stumbled on hisnding and almost fell.


    "Phew, that was close." He wiped the sweat on his forehead. Then, he turned to Max, still with a smirk that adorned his annoying face, "How''s that?"


    "Well, so so?" Max shrugged his shoulders. Looking at his friend, his grin widened, "You might want to hurry if you don''t want to pay me 5 grand! Oh, maybe you want to give me the money? Feel free to take your time then!"


    ¡ª Thank you for the donation *Cling!* I will be waiting for your next bet. ¨C Breeze, probably.


    ¡ª Somehow, I can hear the money nging in my ears. Huh? Is this my imagination


    ¡ª Flexy is so generous. He donated 5 grand to Breeze IRL. What a good friend


    ¡ª I changed my opinion, Flexy. I hated you for ruining Breeze''s date, but I realize that you''re such a good friend! Feel free to donate more to our kid!


    Only Max read the chat and he chuckled. His viewers were indeed right. Free money was wee!


    Meanwhile, Flexy went to the fourth obstacle, the rope swing, followed by the ring fly. The obstacle had 3 rings ced at different heights after a rope. To finish this obstacle, one had to first swing using the rope to the first ring and gather the momentum to jump.


    Grabbing the rope tightly, Flexy stepped back to gain any momentum he needed. Then, he jumped and swung around the rope. After a few times, he released his grip and jumped toward the first ring. He managed to grab it and moved to the second ring pretty easily.


    The pain was apparent on his face. His hand must be hurting by now, but he didn''t stop or give up. He quickly jumped to the third ring and cleared the fourth obstacle.


    Arriving at the fifth obstacle, the warped wall, Flexy stopped slightly. He looked at it and chalked his hands. Then, he moved as far away as possible to gain speed.


    Not only would he need a good grip, but he would also need all the speed he needed to reach the top of the warped wall, which was around 5.5 meters tall.


    "Huff¡­ Let''s do this."


    After getting ready, the orange-haired streamer broke into a run.


    ¡ª He''s running!


    ¡ª Will he be able to do it?!


    ¡ª FLEXY! FLEXY! FLEXY!


    ¡ª Come on!


    With the encouragement from the chat, Flexy ran up the warped wall and jumped when he was at the highest point he could step on. His hand stretched to the air, trying to grab the bar on top of the wall. However¡­


    "Shit!"


    Just a centimeter more. His hand slipped and he slid down.


    ¡ª Ah!


    ¡ª He failed!


    ¡ª BOOYAAAAA!!


    ¡ª HAHAHA! He missed the bar!


    ¡ª Nooooo!! This noble me refused to ept this!


    Everyone knew that Flexy had no chance to win now. Even when the orange-haired streamer returned and tried the second time, he had already wasted a few seconds from failing the first try. He managed to reach the bar this time and climbed up the warped wall.


    "3 minutes 47 seconds." Max stopped the stopwatch once Flexy stood on top, and he watched his friend walk down the stairs and approach him.


    Before they noticed it, some people had gathered around the course of the day. They pped for Flexy for finishing the course of the day at a speed above the average.


    However, a disappointed look was apparent on Flexy''s face. He put his hands on his waist and sighed.


    "I messed up." He said as he stopped in front of Max, who chuckled evilly. "I hope you mess up too."


    "Hahaha, there is no chance for that," Max replied as he walked past him, patting his shoulder. "Prepare the money, buddy. I hope it enters my bank ount once I stand on that warped wall."


    "Tsk! We don''t know until it is finished."


    "That''s what he said." He said and minimized the chat window so it wouldn''t bother his concentration.


    Standing in front of the first obstacle, Max began to stretch his arms and legs. "Alright, chat, let''s finish this in under 3 minutes, shall we?"


    At that moment, a notification rang.


    Ding!


    [FreakingNoob has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Finish it in under 2 minutes!]


    [Reward: 5,000 diamonds!]


    One of his old viewers started another quest on top of the previous one, whose reward had already umted more than 30K diamonds thanks to everyone''s participation.


    Max read the new mission given by his viewer and hummed.


    Finishing the course of the day in under two minutes? Would it be possible for him? Well, it was a challenge, so it excited him.


    "Let''s see if I can finish your mission, FreakingNoob. For the sake of my old viewer, I will do my best." He closed the mission panel and turned to Flexy. "I am ready whenever!"


    "Wait!" Flexy shouted back as he meddled with a screen in front of him. His fingers moved on the keyboard, and when he stopped, another notification popped up in front of Max.


    Ding!


    [Flexy has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Finish the course in under a minute!]


    [Reward: 500,000 diamonds!]


    ¡ª Holy sh1t!


    ¡ª 500K diamonds?! Isn''t that 10 grand?


    ¡ª Flexy RICH! Flexy RICH!


    ¡ª Daddy Flexy, give me a part of your wealth!


    ¡ª But a minute. Can Breeze finish the course in under a minute? This is clearly an impossible mission!


    ¡ª MISSION IMPOSSIBLE!!! My bad, I just have to say it


    A grin appeared on Flexy''s face as he looked at Max''s stupefied face and the chat''s reaction.


    "Are you ready, buddy?" The orange-haired streamer shouted at him with a provoking tone.


    Max, whose head was in the sky after getting a new mission, forced a smile on his face. This was clearly a provocation.


    ''A minute?''


    Cracking his fingers and chalking his hands, he looked at his friend and raised his middle finger.


    "Bring it on!"


    "Alright!" Flexy said with an energetic tone and raised his hand. "On go! 1¡­ 2¡­ 3¡­ GO!" As he finished his word, he swung his hand down.


    And Max ran at full speed without hesitation.

 Chapter 258: Chapter 258 – Course of The Day, Max’s Turn

    Max cleared the first obstacle, the rolling log, in just two steps. He leaped to the middle of the log and jumped again before it could even spin with pure speed.


    Collective gasps could be heard from the spectators, and his viewers also didn''t believe what they had just seen.


    ¡ª Duck walk vs jump, which one is faster? No one needs to ask


    ¡ª This man destroyed ourmon sense many times. What''s next?


    ¡ª I thought clearing the course of the day in under a minute was impossible. But¡­ Look at that. 5 seconds only to clear the first obstacle.


    ¡ª Nowes the second obstacle that took a lot of time, throttle pegs. Will he be able to clear it at a fast speed?


    Indeed. Unlike the rolling log, throttle pegs needed grip strength and carefulness. If one was too fast, they could slip before inserting the peg into the hole. And unlike the first obstacle, the second obstacle needed to be cleared ording to the rules.


    Creating a shortcut was also impossible, as the safe zone was separated by more than 10 meters. The low ceiling made it impossible to clear it by jumping across.


    Of course, Max chose the usual way. He took two pegs and began to insert them into the hole. However, he inserted them by skipping one hole each time, making his speed faster. And when there were only 3 holes left, he stopped and began to umte the momentum to reach the safe zone.


    "Hmph!"


    A snort escaped his nostril as he threw himself forward. He managed tond safely and spent no time lying around. His feet moved toward the third obstacle¡ªlog transfer. Without even stopping for a second, he cleared the third obstacle.


    Following that, he jumped to the rope swing and transferred to ring fly. All movement was smooth and captivating. But Max stopped when he grabbed the ring. His hand began hurting, and he winched slightly.


    "Crazy!"


    "Who is that guy?"


    Many spectators expressed their wonder. A handsome face and a skillful movement. Twobinations that attracted attention caused a crowd to form around the course of the day.


    ¡ª The spectators were surprised lol


    ¡ª Still, the fourth obstacle took his time. He hasn''t moved for 2 seconds now.


    ¡ª Breeze is slightly exhausted. This is intense!


    Indeed. Max felt his breathing be heavier. Adrenaline was pumping in his blood. He could feel the intense moment with his heightened senses. The tension made his hair rise and his lips curled up.


    ''It''s fun.''


    It was as if he was back at that time where he enjoyed the attention the most. Not a virtual attention, but an IRL one. He seldom showed his skill in reality besides some parkour footage where he had no proper equipment.


    Anyway, after stopping for roughly 4 seconds because he felt that he would fall if he forced himself, he moved again to the second ring. He didn''t try to jump but transferred his hand by swinging his body. It was the safest option.


    ''My body is still weaker than Flexy, but I can do this.''


    Stopping briefly on the third ring, Max moved back and forth to build momentum before throwing himself to the safe zone. Hended and rolled his body,ughing as he stood up and put more chalk into his hands.


    "Hahaha, thest one."


    [Stream Mission #3 Failed!]


    ¡ª Ah¡­


    ¡ª There went 10 grand. So sad. It seems a minute is indeed impossible


    ¡ª That''s why it''s called mission impossible. Flexy only did that to tease him


    ¡ª Freaking Flexy need to be educated


    ¡ª But there is still my quest for 2 minutes. As expected, Breeze will be able to clear it, huh?


    ¡ª FreakingNoob is different, indeed. You''re an understanding individual.


    The voice from his smartwatch told him that a minute had passed and he failed to finish Flexy''s mission. However, that somehow didn''t make him angry or disappointed. Nothing beat the exhrating feeling of moving your body and working out the sweat.


    "It''s nearly 6 meters¡­ Easy."


    Even if a minute was impossible¡­ Max believed 2 minutes was more than enough.


    Swoosh!


    He ran at full speed toward the warped wall. With great momentum from his speed and the technique he learned in his past life how to jump as high as possible when facing this obstacle, Max reached his hand upward.


    ¡ª GRAB IT!!


    ¡ª TAKE IT!!


    ¡ª SQUEEZE IT!!


    ¡ª hey! Keep your word in your pants!


    ¡ª Not that too, dude¡­


    ¡ª It looks like he''s flying. It''s too amazing!


    Grabbing the bar and picking his body up was just a simple matter after that. Max stood on top of the warped wall and raised his hand in victory. The notification about the new email that arrived sounded pretty good in his ear. Flexy had sent the money already.


    And on top of that¡­


    [Mission #1pleted!]


    [33,750 diamonds have been donated!]


    [Mission #2pleted!]


    [5,000 diamonds have been donated!]


    [nsg928 has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [BarGga has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [IL0v3P3ach has donated 900 diamonds!]


    ¡ª Noooo! This noble me has lost again!


    ¡ª RIP Bloody, he got money from Breeze only to spend it on Breeze


    ¡ª This is called economy, kids. Money will always circling around the world


    ¡ª AAAhhh! I thought Flexy would win! Ugghh¡­ Breeze is too good. I won''t bet against him anymore


    The missions wereplete, and many donations poured in. Max''s smile only widened when he heard those dings entering his ears and read the screams from his viewers.


    ''Ah, good stuff.'' He thought.


    "Ooooh! He did it!"


    "In one try! He''s amazing!"


    "Dude, watching it makes me want to try the course of the day."


    "Me too. I want to challenge myself."


    "Count me in."


    The spectators surrounded the course of the day and approached Max as he walked down the stairs. They praised him and asked how he trained and stuff.


    Facing them, Max only smiled wryly and said that he trained like usual while trying his best to reunite with Flexy again. But that was useless. He was kept within the crowd for a while.


    "A minute 17 seconds."


    Amidst themotion, Flexy announced the time with a surprised expression. His hand that touched the money transfer confirmation on the screen stayed still in the air. "Holy shit. He became better with each passing day." He muttered.


    Losing 5 grand in such a bet would usually make one angry, frustrated, or disappointed. However, Flexy had a different thought. He looked at his friend, who was now surrounded by many people. The gaze directed at him indicated that he needed help to escape the situation.


    The crowd''s excitement and their desire to know Max''s training program got him an idea.


    ''I smell money and fame.'' He smiled widely as he moved toward them.


    As the orange-haired streamer got closer, he could hear their question was still centered on how to clear the obstacle fast or how Max trained. Flexy inserted himself between the crowd and patted Max''s shoulder.


    "Hahaha, my buddy, Breeze. I lost!" He said in a voice louder than everyonebined, "As promised, I have transferred the 5 grand. I will be waiting for your training and tutorial videos on Punchtube. If you need any kind of help, just tell me right now. Naturally, I, Flexy, will help you to create it!"


    Hearing that, Max was caught off guard.


    ''What training and tutorial video?! I never nned to make those things yet.'' He screamed in his mind. Flexy was too selfish and decided everything by himself. He red at his friend, but the orange-haired streamer only gestured for him to look around.


    The spectators began to murmur among themselves.


    "Videos? Ah, he''s a streamer."


    "It seems the orange-haired guy calls him Breeze. I will remember their names."


    "So he will upload his training and tutorial videos on Punchtube. I will subscribe to him and wait for his videos."


    "We shouldn''t bother them if they are still streaming."


    That was enough of a hint. Max wasn''t stupid to miss such an obvious thing. Once again, Flexy showed him the way to stream and promote himself.


    "Thanks, buddy." He said to Flexy. "I will make the videos soon and upload them on my Punchtube."


    "No worries," Flexy said and turned to the crowd, who began to leave one by one. "Please don''t worry! We will cover everything in the video, so stay tuned to Breeze''s channel! I also have my own tutorial focused on core strength on Flexy''s channel. Feel free to visit and subscribe!"


    ¡ª Look at the shameless promotion lol


    ¡ª Flexy slowly teach Breeze the way like a good senior kekeke


    ¡ª How shameless! I love it. I want to be there and meet them


    ¡ª I like how Flexy handles things. He don''t cause a lot ofmotion and satisfy everyone


    ¡ª Does this mean we can look forward to more Breeze''s tutorial? Good Flexy, I love you!


    Everyone got excited, even when Flexy only promoted his channel. The smaller crowd still asked something, but it wasn''t as unbearable as before. Most of them who stayed were those who knew Max and Flexy already and wanted to chat a little.


    As part of the service, Max and Flexy decided to answer their questions before continuing with other sports in THE Lodge, such as wall climbing and recreational sports such as bungee jumping.


    They sometimespeted with each other until they were satisfied. They did it without any bet because Flexy didn''t want to lose more money, and Max used this chance to mock him as a coward.


    Time flew past without them noticing. Once they realized it, their clothes were already drenched in sweat and the clock had showed 4 PM.


    It was time to rest and move to another ce to meet Ferin and As for the ''big'' announcement.

 Chapter 259: Chapter 259 – Unexpected Reward

    Both Flexy and Max were pretty tired. They went to Au Caf¨¦ where they nned to meet up with Ferin and As ahead of time to rest and have something to eat.


    "Man, I am beat." Flexy whined and groaned as he leaned against the soft chair. "That was too much even for me. How about you?"


    "As you can see¡­" Max replied with a painful groan. His head was on the table and his muscles refused to move. "I am dead."


    ¡ª He''s already dead


    ¡ª Lol, I love his suffering look


    ¡ª Breeze looks like a ghost now. He probably needs to eat a lot of things


    ¡ª No wonder that he ended up like this. He sweats like crazy earlier


    "Hahaha!"


    The chat made fun of him, and Flexyughed loudly.


    "I guess your body is still not as good as I thought. But still, it''s an excellent progress. To reach this far from that condition," The orange-haired gaze at Max didn''tck any sort of respect. "I was genuinely surprised when you beat me in the course of the day earlier. Good job, buddy."


    "Yeah, yeah¡­" Max groaned, having no way to reply seriously in his condition.


    Normally, he would make fun of Flexy for saying such a cheesy line. But all he could think about right now was ending the day and getting onto a fluffy bed to rest. That probably would feel like floating in heaven.


    He raised his head and looked at his orange-haired friend, who was preparing the material for the meetingter.


    "When will my ordere? I am starving."


    "It will be prepared soon¨C"


    "Thank you for waiting!"


    "Oh, speak of the devil."


    Just as Flexy answered his question, a robot tray approached his table on the second floor. It used the arm to move the order, two spaghetti and two iced cappinos, on the table.


    The aroma made the already starving Max salivating. They immediately devoured the meal like raving wolves. The spaghetti on the te disappeared soon, and Max gulped the free iced water the caf¨¦ had given them when they had just entered.


    Iced cappino was something to enjoy, not something to be gulped down to satisfy his thirst. The meal was¡­ satisfying. But it was somehow not enough for them.


    "Let''s order more." Flexy suggested, "I know you''re still hungry. It would be strange not to after such strenuous activity."


    "Right. I want something big this time¡­ Like fried rice." Max responded.


    The spaghetti was fine, but the portion was too small for adult men like them. It was a caf¨¦ portion and not a restaurant portion. Thus, it was smaller and more expensive than usual.


    "Oh, East cuisine? Sounds good." The orange-haired streamer grinned and inserted another order. Then, he moved the screen to Max. "Please pay for it. Your promise."


    Groaning, Max tapped his smartwatch on the screen to pay for the new order: two fried rice and a refill of iced water. He promised to pay for today''s meal.


    Their order arrived before long, and they turned into wolves once again and devoured everything. After being satisfied, Max smiled brightly andughed.


    "That''s what I call a meal. The spaghetti from earlier was just an opening snack."


    ¡ª I don''t think spaghetti is a snack, Breeze¡­


    ¡ª Bro, what are you talking about? Spaghetti is clearly not an opening snack


    ¡ª Yeah! It''s Hors d''oeuvres. Read that right next time!


    ¡ª That''s not the point¡­


    "My bad, then. I will call it Hors d''oeuvres from now on." Max chuckled at the camera he put on the table. "Still, this caf¨¦ is so expensive. The interior is very nice, though. I think this is a good ce for a date and not a meeting."


    Pausing for a second, he turned to Flexy with a questioning look.


    "I wonder why you chose this ce. Is there something you hide from me?"


    "Nothing," Flexy answered tly, his lips curled up mischievously.


    That only increased Max''s suspicious level. If there was a bar that showed it, then it had already reached the max immediately from zero. This orange-haired streamer was nning something on top of the meeting.


    ¡ª His face is so suspicious


    ¡ª A surprise for Breeze? This is exciting


    ¡ª Is this a prank now? But why did Flexy not even try to hide it?


    ¡ª If Flexy really prepares a surprise, then he''s bad at hiding it. This guy is definitely nning something bad!


    ¡ª REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY! This guy definitely only wanted Breeze to feel anxious and think what he prepared when there is actually nothing!


    Max had to agree with his viewers'' guess. They were experienced people who had seen many pranks and surprise videos before.


    Knowing Flexy''s personality, both possibilities were possible. He could also just be joking and prepared nothing.


    "Hehe, are you trying to guess what I am thinking?" Flexyughed when he saw Max''s troubled expression. He enjoyed having the upper hand from his friend. "Guess it, buddy. What would you do if you were in my ce at a time like this."


    What would Flexy do¡­ That was a broad question.


    But if he changed the question, what would he do in this kind of situation? Then¡­ the answer was simple.


    "I will mess with you."


    Snap¨C!


    "Exactly."


    ¡ª His answer is so convincing.


    Yeah, that wouldn''t be good. There were still 10 minutes until the meeting time, and Max had no way of knowing what kind of n Flexy had in mind. From when he met him to now, he knew that his friend had awful chaotic alignment and loved the entertainment.


    ''It''s no use thinking about it. I believe it won''t be harmful and only for augh.'' He thought. ''Besides, if he tries to do anything I don''t like, I can always get it back from him.''


    Time was ticking. Flexy focused on his job, and Max yed a puzzle game to entertain his viewers. After some time¡­


    Tiriring¨C!


    "Wee to Au Caf¨¦."


    Flexy raised his head and smiled.


    "Oh, they are here." He said.


    Max''s sitting position had his back facing the entrance, so he had to turn around to look at the iing guests. When he turned around, his eyes widened in surprise.


    "Yahoo!" Ferin greeted excitedly as usual while As nodded at them. They were wearing matching clothes, with Ferin in a dress and As in casual clothes.


    However, Max''s eyes weren''t on them. Instead, he looked at the girl standing next to them. It was Lily.


    "Good evening." She greeted them with a smile. She approached Max and stopped before him, leaning forward and whispering. "Congrattions on winning, Max."


    And after that, she unexpectedly nted a soft kiss on his cheek.


    "That''s my reward."


    He immediately coiled back and looked in disbelief at her mischievous and shy grin.


    ¡ª O+o


    ¡ª What did I just see?


    ¡ª LilyPixel kissed Breeze? HOW ENVIOUS! I mean¡­ What the heck?!


    ¡ª THE SHIP IS SAILING!


    ¡ª WOHOOO! Wait, I am going to draw this!


    ¡ª So cute! I love them!


    ¡ª Hahaha, he didn''t expect the kiss and freeze like a robot


    ''Did she just kiss me?''


    He froze as he watched Lily sit right next to him. It was still an iprehensible experience. Why would Lily suddenly kiss him?


    There was only one exnation. A single girl giggled in amusement as she looked proud while watching them.


    "Did I do good?" She muttered in a way that only Max could understand her.


    ''Hell yeah.'' Max answered in his mind.

 Chapter 260: Chapter 260 – Tips From a Best Friend

    A few hours ago.


    Lily arrived in New Eden City with her brother, Peter Spencer, and dropped off in Ferin''s penthouse.


    "If you need anything, just call me. I will be in thepany building with Reba for the whole day." Peter reminded his sister with a worried face. "And don''t go anywhere alone. It''s dangerous. Stay with Ferin. It will be safer around her."


    "I am not a child anymore. I understand already." Lily pouted and turned around, leaving Peter behind.


    The man only looked at his sister and sighed. She has been slightly hard on himtely. It felt like she suddenly matured and changed. Not that it was a bad thing¡­ But he felt like he became more insignificant for her.


    As for Lily herself, she also wanted to be more independent. She didn''t want to count on her brother for everything anymore and walked on her own path.


    Entering the apartment, she looked back and saw her brother leaving in his hovercar. She sighed in relief because he wasn''t as clingy as he was in the past. That part of him became better, and she didn''t really feel burdened anymore around him.


    Not only that, but he also didn''t stop her from meeting new people since he took her into that program. Although she felt a bit nervous, she was happy that she was able to meet Max at that time. And the good news was¡­ Her brother seemed to like him too.


    ''I am happy he understands.''


    A smile graced her lips as she entered the elevator. The guard of this apartment already recognized her as Ferin''s friend, as she often visited her in the past.


    The top floor was where the cheerful girl lived. The elevator stopped, and Lily stepped out. At that time¡­


    "Lily!"


    "Huh?"


    Ferin leaped toward her with open arms, hugging her tightly. The older girl''s tinum hair fluttered as she spun around and held her hands with a wide smile.


    "You''re here. How long has it been since youst visited? Come,e. Make yourselffortable inside."


    "Don''t pull me, Ferin. I can walk by myself."


    "Hehehe, sorry." Ferin released her hand as they reached a room. "It''s here. Come in."


    They entered the room, and the tinum-haired girl weed Lily. The room was massive, with arge living room,pleted with a lounge area, and many bedrooms. A man was sitting on a couch watching a video about a game. He was As, Ferin''s boyfriend.


    "At, can you buy us some snacks from the caf¨¦ below? Thanks!" Ferin eximed, "You can take your time."


    "Ferin, I don''t need any snacks. And you don''t need to¨C"


    "It''s fine, it''s fine." Ferin waved her off easily.


    And As, who was asked to do the simple task, looked at her with a soft smile.


    "Giving our guests hospitality is normal. Please don''t mind it, Lily. I will get some snacks and drinks from below. Do you have any preference?" He asked.


    "Umm¡­ Iced tea then." Lily answered shyly.


    "Got it." As said, "Enjoy your time and wee to our home."


    With that, he walked out of the room while Ferin gestured for Lily to sit. The two girls sat next to each other on the couch.


    "So, with you being here, I guess you have decided to ept the offer?" Ferin asked excitedly, her eyes sparkled with delight. "Is it also because of him?" She teased and giggled mischievously.


    Lily blushed. She had no words to answer that.


    She didn''te to New Eden City just to visit Ferin. In fact, there was an important reason that made her visit this city.


    It was because she was invited by Ferin to be a reserved yer in their OrangeSquash team because their leader messed up when reading thepetition rules. On top of the four yers, they needed one reserve. In total, they needed five yers to join thepetition.


    Finding a skilled yer who could match their skill in such a short time was¡­ usually impossible. But everyone knew that Lily would probably be interested. And a certain orange-haired guy jokingly proposed to invite her. As a result, it came to this day when she epted the invitation.


    "How far have you gone with him? Have you held hands already?" Ferin asked curiously.


    She loved romantic stories. And she loved it more if it was about her friend''s love story, especially since Lily was pretty pure, shy, and cute. Knowing that she knew they probably hadn''t advanced until they were holding hands already. Hence, the question.


    "We called every night," Lily answered in a soft voice, smiling slightly. "Until morning."


    Hiding the truth from Ferin wouldn''t do anything better. Instead, if she had told her best friend the truth, she could ask for more tips to advance her rtionship.


    "Ooh, that''s impressive! So, how far have you gone with him?"


    After Ferin repeated her question, Lily tilted her head, confused. Didn''t she just answer that she had a call until morning every day? Was she not clear enough?


    Looking at Lily''s expression told Ferin all she needed to know.


    "You guys haven''t met each other again since that night you told me about?" She asked in disbelief.


    "Un." Lily nodded, "I-Is it bad?"


    "Haaa¡­" Ferin let out a long sigh. Her friend''s innocence might be far worse than she thought.


    Also, she hoped that Max would take initiative with their rtionship. She knew that he wasn''t someone who wanted to take it for so long. But then again, she remembered he was focused on the Midnight Heistpetition until tomorrow.


    ''That reminds me.'' She raised her eyebrows as she looked at Lily.


    "Have you at least congratted him on his victory, then? Like¡­ Giving him a reward?"


    "Reward¡­ I have not." Lily muttered, and her eyes widened, "What should I give him, Ferin? I¡­ forgot about it. Yesterday, I spent a whole day creating music, and I haven''t finished it yet, so I can''t give it to him. Should I buy him a ne or something?"


    "Ne or something is a gift a man gift to a woman." Ferin exined, grinning like a fox, "I have an idea. Why don''t you¡­"


    She told Lily her idea of a gift, which both sides would most likely like. And because Max only finished second and did not achieve an overall victory, Ferin suggested only to gift something smaller than the real reward.


    And it came down to a kiss on the cheek. Lily finished her exnation as she sat next close to Max, hiding the part where she tried to create music about him.


    After the story finished, Max looked at Ferin. The tinum-haired girl secretly gave him a thumb up and looked at him with a gaze that said, ''How is it? I am a good wingwoman, no?''


    He had to admit he liked the gift. The usual Lily wouldn''t even think about it.


    While he was surprised that Lily became a reserved member of their team, he was also grateful that she became one. That meant they could practice together once in a while and meet more often.


    ''I guess I will let Flexy and Ferin slide with this one.''


    Smiling, Max looked straight at Lily''s eyes.


    "Thank you. That was a nice gift."


    "Un¡­ It was embarrassing and not much, but I am d you liked it. Once again, congrattions."


    "Yeah." Theyughed together in a small voice.


    The other three, who were experienced in romance already, looked at them with a warm gaze.


    "Aww, they are so cute together. Don''t you think they will be famous if we shoot their picture now and put it in my model magazine, At?" Ferin held her cheek as she nuzzled closer to her lover.


    "I agree." As nodded. "But don''t do that without their consent."


    ¡ª Tsk! And here I prepared money to buy their magazine


    ¡ª What a bummer. But I screenshotted it already! I will print it and put it in my room


    ¡ª Same. Screenshot taken, posted, and archived! Naturally, it''s for personal view, so I won''t share it!


    ¡ª Ferin is the best wingwoman fr fr. I want one Ferin at home


    ¡ª Heh, dream on, dude! There will only be one Ferin. There is no one in your home! You''re single, ept the reality!


    ¡ª Guh! It hurts! *p the one above me*


    Once again, it was another day for a streamer filled with interesting content, whether it was intentional or not. The viewers loved it.

 Chapter 261: Chapter 261 – Scrim Announcement

    Having prepared all the material, Flexy pped his hands to get everyone''s attention. He had already started his own livestream while Max and Lily flirted in their own world, forgetting the other''s presence.


    "Cough! Breeze, let''s announce that to our viewers first before we continue."


    Max snapped out from his stupor, which he didn''t even realize, and looked at Flexy, "Ah, you''re right. We need to announce it and have a meeting."


    He had been ignoring both his viewers and the group altogether since Lily arrived. Self-reflection¡­ What kind of self-reflection when he almost repeated his mistake again? He needed to get a grip on this.


    ¡ª Wtf Flexy! We are enjoying their conversation!


    ¡ª That orange hair! I will boil him down into orange juice for sure!


    ¡ª Au Caf¨¦, is it? I am close. Am I allowed to kidnap him when they leave? (I am joking)


    ¡ª Count me in. I just returned from BROTHEL (I am not joking)


    ¡ª Lolol, Breeze is falling so hard that he forgot about the world.


    ¡ª Your interaction with Lily is just so cute that I clipped all of it hehehe. It''s a blessing


    When he looked at the chat, he saw the viewers were mocking and teasing him as usual. Some were threatening Flexy in a joking manner. That relieved Max slightly.


    "Don''t kidnap Flexy, guys. He hasn''t paid me for joining his team yet." He said to his viewers as he set the camera so it showed all five members surrounding the table.


    ¡ª That''s right


    ¡ª Breeze hasn''t gotten his money yet. Don''t kidnap Flexy yet


    ¡ª Nothing beats money!


    ¡ª Tsk, and here I have my rope ready


    ¡ª Damn, I had rented a van already.


    ¡ª n failed, I guess. Let''s just have a van party


    That escted quickly. He knew they were joking, though, so he continued.


    "Anyway, I will announce the stuff I have been keeping secret from this morning. Afterward, I will have a meeting, so the stream will end at this point, I guess." He paused and turned to Flexy, "Leader, I will give you the honor."


    "As you should be." Flexy nodded with a serious expression. He had put up the act for his stream already, unlike earlier.


    "I will now tell you what we have been hiding. And yes, Makarel62¡­ It''s not about LilyPixel joining our team. There is a n for tomorrow, and it''s a big-scale program I have been nning for a long time after hearing an idea from Breeze. Credit goes to him."


    The long time, in this case, was only a week. The orange-haired streamer lied through his teeth as easy as breathing. It was a quality all streamers needed to have if they wanted to seed.


    ¡ª A big-scale program that Breeze''s proposed?


    ¡ª This gotta be interesting


    ¡ª I wonder what is it? Is it something ridiculous or something serious?


    The interest was caught. Flexy grinned for a second before continuing.


    "I believe all of you are familiar with how gamepetition works. All teams who entered preliminaries would train by themselves in a ranked match using the system of ''High MMR'' matchmaking." He said, raising his finger. "It''s the most effective method they know that works while improving their skill."


    Everyone agreed with Flexy''s words. His and Max''s viewers said the matchmaking would work to increase their teamwork and skill by ying as many matches as possible.


    "A day before apetition started, a joint would be held. It''s an effective way to know your skill among your enemies in preliminaries and to develop a strategy against them. Isn''t that so?" Flexy snapped his fingers.


    ¡ª Right


    ¡ª I always watched the joint streamed by those pros because it''s so interesting


    ¡ª They try all kinds of strategies and make the game interesting, indeed. But¡­ It''s too fast paced


    ¡ª Yeah, the realpetition feels slowpared to the joints


    ¡ª Not only that, the joint is just a joint. It''s a ranked match but with pros instead of normal yers


    "Indeed." Flexy nodded in agreement as he read the chat.


    "Joint only ''imitated'' thepetition, and the rule is still that of a ranked match. The yers also didn''t use their real strategies, so it became fast-paced. However, ranked matchmaking is usually very easy and ineffective for some teams. Knowing this problem, Breeze proposed something."


    Flexy pointed at Max with a big grin.


    "Why don''t we hold a Scrim, he said. At first, I wondered what it was, but he exined. We will hold a mockpetition with other teams using realpetition rules in a custom game. That brings me to a question. Won''t the other know our strategy and try to counter it? Isn''t this just shooting our legs?"


    ¡ª That''s right


    ¡ª You just showed your cards to your opponent.


    ¡ª Wait, a mock tournament. Isn''t that better than the joint or ying ranked tournaments? Screw strategy.


    ¡ª No, if we think about this again¡­ Isn''t today 19th? The tournament is still 10 days away. Even if their strategy is countered, they can just create a new one!


    ¡ª Thus, the teams will have multiple strategies, and it will only benefit them. It makes other teams wary too, especially those who don''t join this Scrim.


    "Exactly!"


    Not all viewers were dumb or liked to joke around. There were also those who loved games more than anyone and had deeper research evenpared to some professional gamers. They immediately knew the pros and cons of this Scrim.


    "And thus, I worked hard, inviting many teams. Unfortunately, among 40 teams I extended my invitation to, only 19 teams agreed to join the Scrim. We will separate them into two groups and imitate the preliminaries, with the 20th teamposed of our reserved members who were interested in ying.


    "This Scrim will be hosted by me tomorrow at 4 PM. The details will be announced tomorrow. Twenty teams,posed of professional yers, willpete in training. Isn''t that exciting? We will try many strategies you have never seen before, so make sure to watch the stream!"


    "You will also be able to see beautiful me defeating the evil roaches. So please watch and send many donations!" Ferin added and winked at the camera.


    The destructiveness of the world-ss model was instantly apparent.


    ¡ª I WILL!


    ¡ª Even if I got into an ident, I will definitely watch the stream!


    ¡ª You can take over Flexy''s stream! I will definitely donate


    ¡ª Ferin in Flexy''s stream, huh? Interesting


    Of course, the channel''s owner could only smile wryly. Fortunately, Max''s viewers were different from Flexy''s.


    ¡ª Well, we love seeing Breeze and Lily already


    ¡ª So are they going to y together? I am looking forward to it


    ¡ª Breeze x Lily vs army of roaches! They will decimate them!


    ¡ª The Breezy pair is now gone, but BreeLy will stand strong!


    Indeed, they loved the pair more than Ferin.

 Chapter 262: Chapter 262 – Spreading Like Wildfire

    Setting aside viewers who were here to joke around, the game theorist began to share and post the announcement Flexy posted on his Strike.


    [Scrimmage, the idea we abandoned a long time ago!]


    [Will Scrim be effective for professional yers, or will it only reveal their weaknesses?]


    [First Scrim after a long time. The concept is the same, but the name is different! Will Flexy prove its effectiveness?]


    [No one was willing to hold a practice match, which cost money, to benefit other teams. This is a bold move from Flexy and his team!]


    They were skeptical of the result. Most people who had followed the gaming world for so long knew that such an event was already held in the past.


    Practice matches against other teams had been tested only to reveal one''s weakness to the other teams. However, these practice matches in the past were for an individual fighting game, which needed one to hide their fighting style.


    On the opposite of these theorists was the opportunist. They could see the differences between this time''s practice match with the one in the past.


    [Roach is a team game where 10 teams arepeting at once. This Scrim will help a team know their weaknesses better than other teams, and they can use that to do focus training and fix it before thepetition day arrives.]


    [I believe Scrim will be useful for a game where many teams are put in a map, such as battle royale, and will have the opposite result in a game where two teams went against each other directly. Let''s see how it''s going tomorrow.]


    [No one has tried to hold a practice match since the Ground Fighter IV famous failure where the previous champion was defeated in round 1 after he returned from the practice match. However, I am curious about the result with this Scrim. I will interview one of the team after they finish to find out.]


    The inte was divided into two almost immediately. No, into three. The first group was skeptical about the Scrim result, saying that it would only expose the team''s weaknesses to the others. The second group was curious about the Scrim result and the change it brought to thepetition.


    And the third group was those who didn''t even think this Scrim would be useful at all.


    [Scrim is useless and we are better off ying against other yers in a ranked match. We will only practice with other professional teams on the training joint a day before the match.]


    [I believe our team has pretty good teamwork and just needs to work on our strategy. Thus, we don''t join the Scrim this time and focus on our inner work instead.]


    [We are in a wait-and-see situation. Our team will strive to improve and focus on ranked matches to sharpen our skills and strategies.]


    Most of the posts on Strike were shared many times, making the word ''Scrim'' spread like wildfire. No matter what their opinions were, the focus was still on the Scrim. Those who didn''t even y Roach were also interested in the result.


    The group discussed it with delight. Max and Flexy, two streamers who knew what this signify, celebrated it by ordering more food. This would lead new people to their streams, and hopefully, they would like them enough to stay as regr viewers.


    Just from this alone, both have already profited greatly. Flexy also didn''t feel like the money he promised Max would be a waste just from his idea alone. Their goals weren''t to win thepetition but to get more recognition.


    Of course, winning would be preferred as it could also boost their name further. Hence, they proceeded to the next step.


    They ended their livestream and proceeded to the strategy meeting. Flexy shared the file he prepared, filled with the strategies he could think of, including the ones that had been practiced in their training session.


    The orange-haired streamer also used his privilege of knowing which team joined the Scrim to share what he knew about them. It sounded like he abused his authority, but it wasn''t like that at all.


    Holding a Scrim cost him money¡ªhe would make that money worth it by getting information about his opponents. The other parties definitely also understood this, so sharing it among his teammates wasn''t wrong.


    The meeting went on for around 2 hours. At 9 PM, Flexy exhaled a long sigh and closed all floating screens on the table.


    "That''s all. We finished for the day. Let''s gather near the Blue Eden Hall at 12 PM tomorrow to prepare for the Scrim. I have informed all teams to gather around that time too."


    "Fuu! It''s over!" Ferin eximed as she stretched her arms up.


    Among five people on the OrangeSquash team, she was the one who looked so bored in the meeting earlier. She probably also didn''t listen at all as she yed around with her smartwatch. But¡­


    "At, tell me the simple version of the strategyter, ''kay? I may be smart, but you''re smarter than me. Hehehe."


    "You''re always like this," As said as he sighed. "I will exin the simple version at hometer."


    "Hehehe, you''re the best!" Ferin eximed and hugged As.


    Both of them stood up, preparing to leave. But before they walked away, As turned to Lily.


    "We will return to our home after this. What about you, Lily? We are responsible for escorting you until StoneSword picks you up."


    "I am staying with Max," Lily answered without missing a beat.


    "Oh?" Ferin''s lips curled into an amused grin.


    She eyed Max, who nodded softly at her. That meant he would take responsibility for Lily''s safety.


    "Well, well. If that''s what she wanted, let''s go home first, At." She said, tugging As'' sleeve and pulling him to leave.


    Seeing the sign, the orange-haired streamer also stood up.


    "I also need to return home now, or Lisa will kill me." Flexy said, "I have reserved a Biozone Hotel for you, the suite, for 3 days. Use it and enjoy your time!" He gave Max a thumbs up and ran out of the caf¨¦.


    Only Max and Lily were left around the table filled with empty sses and tes. They looked at each other briefly and Max asked.


    "Shall we go to another ce?"


    "Un."


    They stood up at the same time. And as if it was natural, Lily''s hand sought Max''s and held it. He looked pretty surprised but calmed down when he saw her smile. He smiled back at her.


    "Let''s go, then. I have a ce that I want to show you."


    And thus, they walked out of the caf¨¦ together.

 Chapter 263: Chapter 263 – The Girl Named Lily

    New Eden City was the Capital of the United Nations as well as a hub where many famous people gathered. People who lived in this city often met with their idols and celebrities, so the sight of them walking on the street was prettymon.


    The citizens didn''t bother them nor stare at them, making the celebritiesfortable walking outside. It was a kind of unwritten rule in this city. However, some celebrities sometimes took the limelight of people''s attention. However, people didn''t stare at them for so long as it was considered rude.


    Willow Park was a famous date spot in New Eden City, located near the center of the city. It was the busiest spot, filled with people every night, no matter whether it was weekdays or weekends.


    Trees were decorated with blinking lights. Many night stalls selling various food lined up adjacently on the right spot. Every day in this park looked like a festival.


    A young boy and girl walked side by side in this kind of park, linking their hands. No matter how people saw them, they were clearly a couple who went on a date.


    "It''s beautiful."


    "It is."


    Max looked around the park with a smile before settling his gaze at thepanion next to him. He was nervous. Just holding her hand made him happy and nervous at the same time.


    As someone basked in the spotlight from his parkour and streaming career, he was confident he wouldn''t be nervous easily. Even when he waspeting in the Midnight Heist tournament, he never felt this nervous before.


    And he knew that Lily was also nervous. It was apparent in her flushed face and trembling hand. And it made him happier knowing she felt the same way as him.


    "I found this ce when I was looking for a good streaming spot on the trip this morning. In the end, Flexy took me to the sports center, so I had no chance to visit this park." Max exined as he scratched his cheek.


    He paused slightly and looked at the fountain in front of him. Water spurted like a geyser, dancing with diffused golden gem-like lights shining behind.


    "But I am d I can visit it now. This park is truly beautiful. I would regret it if I didn''t see this scenery."


    "Un." Lily nodded and tightened her grip. "I agree. I got¡­ the inspiration to finish my new song too. Thank you for bringing me here." She looked at him and smiled.


    "I am d if I can be of help."


    Both of them continued their walk in silence. With Lily getting too absorbed with the scenery, Max couldn''t help but chuckle. She made some interesting expressions when she saw something new.


    Then, they also talked about themselves more. Max told her about how he got into streaming and why he loved it. It was a mix of the story between his current self and his past life. Naturally, he didn''t tell her about his memories. He would be considered crazy if he did tell her.


    In exchange, Lily also talked about herself.


    "I have always been blessed. Born into a rich family, have a good talent for music and a beautiful appearance. I also have above-average athletic skills, andtely, I have also found out I am in the top 50 SR ranking."


    She sounded like a bragging, but her expression looked pretty sad. It was a rare urrence for her to talk this much about herself.


    "Because of that, not many people look at me as equal. Most of them praised me, wanting something from me. I only befriended Ferin, but she was 2 years older than me. So when she graduated from high school, I was alone again, isted in that space with people who worshiped me. They looked stupid."


    A self-deprecatingugh escaped her lips as she stopped under the tree shade. Now, they were a bit away from other people. The neon lights couldn''t be seen anymore, and the atmosphere in this part of the park was calm and silent.


    Max and Lily looked at each other silently.


    "At one time, I considered stopping to create music. I haven''t released a new song yet for 3 months now and stopped my concert altogether. I asked my brother to teach me something new, and he told me about streaming and games. I yed, and we scored a world record.


    "I had fun while ying and tried streaming. Having a loving brother is nice once in a while. He will help me with anything. He even helped me with my selfish wish to join thepetition because I was curious about one person who was indifferent when facing me."


    She giggled yfully and leaned forward. "It''s you."


    "Me?"


    "Yes, you." Lily confirmed with a bright smile.


    "I watched the Knight''s Journey stream because I was interested in the game and found your gamey. You looked like you were having fun, and your wall run interested me. But that''s it. At first, I was only interested in that and not your personal self.


    "But when we met at the park, I changed my mind. I wanted to learn the wall run, so I asked you directly. And that changed my perspective. Even when I introduced myself as Lily Spencer and not LilyPixel, you didn''t change your attitude at all. And then, as time passed, I changed."


    Max remembered their first meeting. He thought Lily was beautiful then, and he was slightly charmed, but that was it. His priority at that time was having fun and doing parkour, which he hadn''t done in 3 years due to his past life ident.


    For him, getting to know other people wasn''t important. And that apparently helped Lily.


    Knowing someone who was not only interesting but treated her as just Lily instead of Peter Spencer''s little sister, or LilyPixel''s the world record holder, or even White Lily the talented singer, was refreshing and¡­ new.


    "Knowing you changed me, and I liked the change. Having someone who wasn''t interested in me was really umon. As is a different case, as he is not interested in people other than Ferin. But you, while not changing your attitude, retain your interest in me. I know that, hehe. Because I am the same."


    Max and Lily used a simr method when approaching other people. What was different was that Max liked to talk more, while Lily liked silence. Not only that, but she only had a few friends close to her, and that naturally formed her reserved attitude, making her talk less.


    The more he knew about her the more he was interested in her. He wanted to tell her about his parkour journey, but that was impossible. He wanted to tell her that he had an ident that led his love to streaming, but that was also impossible.


    "I have talked a lot, and now I am thirsty." She said, holding his hand tighter and looking at him. "Shall we buy something to drink?"


    All he could do now was one. Holding her hand tighter and smiling. Assuring her that he would be there for her and never change¡­ But thetter was impossible. Maybe he would change a little, but that change would bring him closer to her.


    "Yeah."


    Once again, they didn''t need confirmation. They didn''t need confession.


    As they secretly harbor their feelings, which both knew very well, the two clumsy youngsters made their way back to the stall to buy a drink. On their way, the girl spoke to the boy.


    "When I finish my next song, please listen to it. I want you to be the first one to listen to that."


    "Alright." The boy nodded, secretly looking forward to it. "And after you finish your next song, please hear me out. I have something to say to you."


    "Un." The girl nodded next. "I am looking forward to it."

 Chapter 264: Chapter 264 – Scrim Day Preparation

    Blue Eden Hall was the name of one of the halls in the Eden Convention Exhibition, ECE. This building was often used for e-sport events, and Blue Eden Hall was one of them. It hadplete equipment for an official event, including more than 50test-generation VR Capsules.


    Many advanced cameras were also installed, with professional staff operating them. They were part of the crews that came with the rent of the hall, a package if one had to put it in a word.


    Naturally, the cost to rent such a hall was astronomical. However, Flexy had a way to handle it. That was by getting sponsors.


    "Please put the box in that ce. Yes, disy all the sponsors in a visible manner. Please ask my secretary about the size and cement. All yers will enter the hall before the Scrim. Make sure to get all their faces when they do. Indeed.


    Thank you very much."


    "Ah, hello? Yes, please¡­"


    Max watched his friend deal with various calls from the sponsor, staff, and the event organizer with a curious gaze. The orange-haired streamer looked very busy, and just now, he realized how much Flexy had done behind the scenes to prepare for this event.


    Even in the waiting room before the Scrim started, he had to finish thest preparation.


    ''And I just made money from the tournament. Well, now I feel bad for him.''


    "Do you want some tea, Max?" Someone called out for him from the side, holding two cooled bottled teas. It was Lily.


    "Ah, thanks." He said and took one bottle from her hand.


    "You''re wee." She responded and sat next to him as if it was natural. She also observed Flexy in his work, "He''s pretty busy."


    "Yeah. Sadly, I know nothing about event preparation, so I can''t help him."


    Because this hall was located close to the Biozone Hotel, Max arrived first with Lily, who stayed at the same ce but in a different room. StoneSword was the one who took them to the hall, but he couldn''t stay because he was busy with Spencer Company matters.


    As a result, both Max and Lily arrived sooner than scheduled and ended up watching Flexy doing hisst preparation for the event.


    "Thank you. Yes, please bring the meal for the yers at 4 PM. The payment will be sent by my secretary. Yes."


    After talking to the restaurant responsible for takeaway food, Flexy ended the call and sighed. He even groaned loudly while cracking his neck.


    "Is everything done?" Max asked curiously as he looked at his friend''s tired figure.


    "Hmm?" Flexy hummed and turned to Max, smiling brightly. "Yeah! I finished everything on time."


    While the orange-haired streamer was smiling, Max could see the exhaustion in his eyes. He probably had no time to sleep yesterday. A concealer was used to hide his eyebags.


    "Are you sure you can y in that condition? Why don''t you leave thest preparation to Lisa or ask for my help?"


    "I can''t exactly do that." Flexy shrugged his shoulders and sat on the soft sofa.


    "As for you¡­" He looked at Max and Lily''s way of sitting, which practically had no distance whatsoever, and grinned. "Well, I can''t ask you too. You were tired from your trip. And you already gave me this good idea, so just sit back and rx."


    "I know you have a hidden meaning, but I will ignore it." Max narrowed his eyes at Flexy and sighed. "When will the other teams arrive? And can you tell me who we should be worried about?"


    "You''re curious about that? I thought you were the type that says, ''Heh, we will win no matter what the enemies are!'' so I didn''t tell you about the other teams."


    "What are you taking me for?"


    "An idiot genius gamer who only goes after his opponent without thinking anything." Flexy answered without missing a beat and turned to Lily, "Right? Don''t you think so too?"


    "Hah?" Lily raised her eyebrows and looked at the orange-haired streamer as if he was a nuisance. "Don''t talk to me, clown."


    "Ugh, that hurts! But I wasn''t wrong." The orange-haired streamer crossed his arms, "His strategy is go and destroy. All our practice matches ended with him and As destroying all our enemies. We have never reached the fifth wave yet!"


    "I know." The girl narrowed her eyes dangerously, "But Max isn''t an idiot."


    "I obviously know that and just joking!" Flexy raised his voice and had a defeated expression. He looked at Max and sought help, "Buddy, your girlfriend is scary. Help me out!"


    "You bring her anger yourself, so deal with it alone," Max smirked at his friend and enjoyed him getting cornered.


    However, he made a mistake on something. Flexy unexpectedly grinned even when he was cornered.


    "So you won''t deny that she''s your girlfriend anymore."


    At the orange-haired guy''s words, Lily froze and blushed. She nced at Max with a gaze filled with curiosity. The anger she showed at Flexy before disappeared like a puff of smoke.


    "What are you getting at?" Max narrowed his eyes at Flexy.


    "Nah, nothing. I was just a tad curious about what changed your mind. But, I see¡­ Isn''t this interesting?"


    "It''s not. Go back to your work now, or I will call Lisa and tell her that you arezing around in the waiting room."


    "Wha¨C You know my weakness and still dare to use it against me? What kind of friend are you?!"


    "The one who will push you to the cliff just to have fun," Max smirked at Flexy''s perplexed face.


    Of course, he would only push Flexy off the cliff if there was a good safety measure. But what he said was just a metaphor, so it didn''t matter.


    "Anyway, Ferin and As should arrive soon. Don''t you have the responsibility to wee them and guide them here, team leader? Knowing their poprity, I don''t think the staff will be able to handle them. You can tell us the team we should be wary ofter after we gather."


    "You don''t need to tell me." Flexy stood up and fixed his orange jacket, "I will return soon. Don''t do anything strange in this ce!"


    Zuu!


    The automatic door was closed as soon as Flexy stepped out, and Max burst outughing. His friend could be funny at times, even when he was irritating. Usually, he wouldn''t be afraid of Lisa for cking off, but today was a busy day. So, he used this chance to threaten him and get a reaction.


    And the fact he didn''t say anything when Flexy teased him was to get this kind of reaction.


    "That''s one win for me."


    However, there was someone who was unexpectedly affected by what he did earlier.


    "Flexy is right." Lily said as she regained herposure, "You''re stupid, Max."


    When Max turned to the side, he saw Lily pouting. She inted her cheek, trying to tell him from his expression that she was unhappy with what he said after realizing he was joking around.


    Forget watching Lisa chewing Flexy off. He might also be in trouble.


    "I am sorry." He apologized with a guilty smile.


    That was all he could do right now. And Lily was simple. She forgave him.


    "Don''t joke about it next time." She said.


    As someone who wasn''t as dense as a rock, Max clearly understood what she said.


    ''I won''t.''


    When both of them were ready, he would say it proudly. That he loved her.

 Chapter 265: Chapter 265 – Natural Negotiator, Flexy

    After a few minutes, Flexy returned with Ferin and As behind him. They immediately gathered so Flexy could give information about the opponents.


    Sitting around a make-shift table made from cardboard, the orange-haired streamer started.


    "I will be frank. You guys are too good at the game, but you''re stillcking in strategy, and that''s our biggest weakness and strongest card. Our teamwork is good, but we are too reckless. That recklessness is fatal in apetition against professional gamers."


    No one denied what Flexy said because that was the truth.


    "Not many opponents would be able to stop you guys when you seriously attack them. That''s why I will just tell you a few teams that I think would be able to counter your brute force."


    Saying so, Flexy opened arge screen on top of the cardboard table with 5 team names,plete with their members. One of the teams was highlighted with a white line.


    "The first one would be the MiceMice team with LandLord24 as their leader. He currently has the highest MMR and undoubtedly one of the top yers in Roach. They are a team that focuses on strategy instead of brute force. On average, they survived up to 6 to 7 waves by holding up their base."


    Max whistled. He was impressed that there was a team that survived up to 6 to 7 waves, and that was on average. They possibly had survived worse, maybe reaching the 10th wave too.


    "So we can''t rely on the wave to destroy that team," Max concluded after hearing Flexy.


    "Indeed. Just like their name, they hide like mice and have the same survival ability, even in the worst conditions. Depending on where their base spawned, they would either hide quietly or use their two machine guns to decimate the iing team. Just as you can see, they do 2 MG and 2 Rifle."


    Indeed, the image showed the team holding the said weapons.


    "Defense-focused strategy, huh? It will be hard to attack their base." As hummed as his lips curled up into a smile, "But it''s not impossible. I bet they are using the live grenade instead of the biochemical one, no?"


    "That''s correct." Flexy confirmed, "And they often hunt bosses in the first five waves. And now, moving on, we also need to look out for team bigSACK. Simr to MiceMice, they focused on defense. Their teams use all MGs without any exception in each round."


    "That''s crazy." Ferin eximed with a surprised face, "How much do they love those big things?!"


    "Fer, wording." As warned, "But this is the most troublesome for us. Unless we can sneak around, we won''t be able to destroy their base."


    "That''s why I put them on the number 2 teams we should watch for." Flexy narrowed his eyes seriously and changed into the third team.


    "The next one is Jokegon. This one isn''t as troublesome as the others, but we will most likelypete with this team. They have a simr ystyle as us and actively hunt wave bosses and yers. I don''t know what weapons they will use, as they often change them. We should be wary of encountering them."


    "So we have to destroy them first." Lily queried and looked at Flexy, "Not troublesome at all."


    "No, they will be troublesome. I bet they will harass us or try to stop us from getting the bosses." Max stroked his chin, "We need to use the first wave boss to eliminate them as fast as possible. But they are also a professional team, which means it won''t be easy."


    "That''s what I am worried about." Flexy agreed with Max, "But let''s think about thatter. We can use this Scrim to probe their skills. Now to the fourth and fifth¡­ The reason why I grouped them together is because they are pretty simr.


    "The fourth was RifleLovers, and the fifth was MWRifle. Both are teams who loved rifles too much to the point they practically slept and had sex with them. Among all teams, they probably are the ones who have the best aim and could ambush us from afar."


    "I don''t like the way you describe them because it makes their images to be those of perverts¡­ But I assume that they are ambush specialists?" Max asked.


    "Indeed. Their space suits are also designed to match the sand color, so they will be harder to see." Flexy exined and put a serious expression, "For the note, I changed all of our spacesuits'' color to orange. I take no for this."


    After hearing that, Max red at his friend, "Are you serious? Are we going to be an orange squad?"


    "I am. And our team is OrangeSquash. We have a lot of sponsors, and one of them is a canned juice called Orange Soda. They ask us to put their logo on our suit and make our color orange. For the record, I will add the money from the sponsor to the team pay. It''s roughly 20 grand for each person."


    Pausing slightly, Flexy red back at Max, "Are you going to refuse?"


    "Buddy, I think orange is a good color." His serious expression broke into a smile. "We will go with oranges. You''re the leader, and it''s your color. I think it''s just appropriate to follow your choice. Hahaha."


    "I am d you''re such an understanding individual, buddy. Hahahaha!"


    Both Flexy and Maxughed merrily after reaching an agreement. Who cares if their color stood out in the gray desert? As long as there was money, there would be a way.


    "At, is this guy that simple? Does he love money so much that he''s willing to have a disadvantage over other teams?" Ferin whispered to her lover while watching Flexy and Max shook hands.


    "I believe so." As chuckled as he watched them.


    "Having an orange spacesuit might make us easier to detect in the gray desert. But that also makes us stand out among the rest of the teams. Both of them are streamers in nature. Standing out is their job if they want to survive in their industry, just like a model. Isn''t that right?"


    "Well, you''re correct. But I don''t like oranges¡­ They aren''t cute."


    "Just bear with it."


    Flexy finished his negotiation with Max regarding the orange spacesuit in a natural manner.


    They continued to talk about their strategy, as all teams they needed to worry about also joined the Scrim, until the door was open from outside. Lisa stepped into the room, and everyone looked at her.


    "Flexy, the yers have arrived." She said in a clear voice, undeterred by the attention she had gained. "It''s time to prepare for the stream."


    "Thanks, Lisa." Flexy smiled and stood up, fixing his jacket once again. Looking over his teammates, he spoke. "Shall we go?"


    Flexy prepared everything for the Scrim. It was a literal meaning and not just a metaphor. That preparation included other yers'' lodging and transportation to ECE via bus.


    All yers arrived at the same time to get the effect that Flexy desired for the livestream. This money-blowing streamer wouldn''t hesitate to spend anything to make his channel bigger.


    "Wee, everyone!"


    Spreading his arms wide, Flexy greeted the iing yers from the stage.

 Chapter 266: Chapter 266 – It’s Going To Be a Bloodbath

    The VR Capsules behind him shimmered in neon light. All cameras were rolling, and the professional staff was left to handle the shoot and real-time editing.


    The stream hadn''t started yet, but this would be used for the loading screenter.


    Max stood behind Flexy with the other members, just as instructed. Silently, he watched the iing professional yers.


    ''They are all fits, unlike gamers from my past life.'' He thought. Once again, he recognized the greatness of science.


    Among them, 30% were women, which became a bit of a surprise for him if he based it on his previous life E-sport scene where some games'' division was different between men and women. But, looking back at his team, he knew that they couldn''t be underestimated.


    ''I am impressed, though. They aren''t afraid of cockroaches¡­ Or maybe they are? I don''t know.''


    The professional gamers were used to this kind of scene, where they were greeted by cameras. They waved their hands and posed. Flexy did a little speech as they walked and showed them the waiting room.


    Only then did their team join the other in a small party. Even if it was called that, it was more like a gamers gathering to eat together. The clock showed 2 PM, so the meal put out was something pretty light. And because the Scrim would start soon, alcohol wasn''t served to avoid a decline in performance.


    Max stood in the corner while sipping an orange juice. Flexy was a way tomunicate with other team leaders to talk about the Scrim. Only the members attended this party. Due to the duo lovers, Ferin and As'' poprity in their modeling and Horizon Online, many people surrounded them.


    He couldn''t help but chuckle when watching them try to hide their dissatisfaction, especially Ferin. But they had to act because there were also cameras inside this party room.


    Naturally, some people also nced at him, interested in the super rookie named Breeze. Some gazes were also directed at Lily, who stood next to him.


    "It''s ufortable."


    "Hmm?"


    "The gazes¡­ They are simr to the ones I received at my family party." Lily exined while pretending not to care. "Filled with jealousy."


    Indeed.


    Some of the women were looking at her with clear jealousy in their eyes. Probably because they envied her almost-perfect appearance. Even in a bright orange jacket filled with sponsorship that Flexy gave them as a uniform, Lily''s beauty hadn''t been reduced much. It was on par with Ferin, a world-ss model.


    But Max was focused on something else. The gazes the girls directed at Lily weren''t strange at all. They were pretty normal.


    He didn''t like how some people whispered while looking at them. He also didn''t know what they talked about, but some wereughing after ncing at him. They definitely talked about nothing good.


    "Well, yeah. It''s suffocating." He said, agreeing with Lily.


    She nodded and stayed silent.


    After a few minutes of silence and only drinking juices on the corner, four young men approached them. One of them had a striking appearance, blond hair with ck earrings on his ears. He was smirking confidently and looked extremely arrogant.


    ''Team Vorpal.'' Max secretly eyed them and read the team they belonged to, ''One of the favorites to lose in an early round.'' He added without changing his expression.


    They stopped in front of the pair, and the blond-haired man raised his hand.


    "Hi, nice to meet you. I am Gant, real name Evan George." He spoke in a flirtatious tone. "How are you, cutie? May I know your name?"


    A bright smile shed, and he showed off his white teeth. From how he spoke, he was ignoring Max and only looked at Lily.


    The other behind himughed openly.


    They didn''t seem to notice that the atmosphere had dropped several degrees. Even the yers nearby noticed it and walked away from the group.


    "What do you want?" Lily asked in a cold tone enough to chill the room, her expression soured at once.


    "Whoa, how wild." The man who introduced himself as Evan George chuckled, ignoring her venomous words. "Don''t be like that, miss. You will develop a wrinkle on your lovely face if you are that sensitive. How about we share a drink and have a talk to get to know each other more?"


    His hand shot toward Lily''s face. At this time, Max had enough. He stepped forward with a soft smile and blocked his hand for her.


    "I think that''s enough. She clearly doesn''t want to be with you."


    "Hah?" Evan frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Max''s involvement. He didn''t even try to hide it. "Move while I am still being lenient or¡­"


    "Or what?" Max asked in a soft tone, hiding his anger underneath a flowery word. Unlike the man before him, he could always control his emotions. "Hit me? Sue me? Talk with me? Go ahead."


    "Do you even know who you are talking to?"


    "A rude man who hit a girl that clearly doesn''t want to talk to him."


    He shot down his words with a snort filled with sarcasm.


    "Or could it be you''re a son of a conglomerate? A noble? Or maybe a royalty? If so, please forgive me, Your Majesty. I need to tell you that what you did earlier was rude behavior that only a bastard did. For your own reputation, I advise you never to do that again.


    But as far as I know, you''re just a nobody."


    Veins popped up on Evan George''s temple. His head was boiling in embarrassment. It wasn''t supposed to go like this. He was a professional gamer with a handsome face. In the secret ranking that only women knew, he was ranked 9!


    Everyoneughed. Many people didn''t interfere and only watched as if they knew this wouldn''t escte any further. And they whispered to each other.


    "Well, look at that Gant. He hit on that girl and got embarrassed instead."


    "His courage needs to be praised, hahaha. Even I try not to greet Breeze and talk to them because LilyPixel looks like in a bad mood."


    "Does he not know who she is? That''s impossible. Anyone who follows streamers or at least watches them surely knows who LilyPixel is."


    "Too bad Breeze stepped forward. While his words are harsh, he saved that boy from getting destroyed."


    "That Gant is lucky StoneSword didn''t see this. He will say goodbye to his gaming career if that siscon catches the drift of what happened."


    Unlike the angry Gant, his teammates were able to hear what other people talked about. Their faces paled.


    "Hey, I think it''s bad continuing this. Maybe you don''t know because you just stepped into the professional scene for less than a month, but that girl is dangerous. Let''s go." He patted Gant''s shoulder in an attempt to calm him down.


    "Hah?!"


    Blinded by anger, the blond-haired guy red at his teammates. However, the other party looked back calmly.


    "Just follow my word right now if you want to stay in the team. The leader will kill you if he knows you hit on a girl before an important practice match."


    Hearing that, Gant clicked his tongue. "Tsk!"


    He red at Max for thest time before walking away.


    "I won''t forget this."


    Their appearance and their disappearance were like those of a third time criminal in a movie. Max''s anger disappeared in the middle of their conversation. Gant was just a clown.


    Still, that clown dared to bother them. His smile turned into a feral grin, but he quickly wiped it off and turned to Lily.


    "Are you okay?"


    "Un." She nodded and smiled, "I was okay, but thank you."


    "You''re wee." He said.


    Observing them from the sideline was Ferin and As. The tinum-haired girl who saw everything secretly texted her other friend.


    [Ferin: Ya! A nameless runt named Evan George, tagname Gant, hit your sister. Breeze stops him, but I think that man will try to do something to both of them. I leave the rest to you!]


    "Hehehe." A mischievous giggle escaped her lips, and it didn''t escape her boyfriend.


    "What are you trying to do?"


    "Nothing." Ferin closed the small screen next to her and smiled brightly at him, "I just think there will be a bloodbathter."


    "¡­" As looked at her while holding on to the urge to sigh, "Just don''t get yourself involved directly, or Breeze won''t be able to blow his steam."


    "Hehe, I won''t."


    The party continued as if nothing had happened afterward. The couple joined Max and Lily and talked until the leader returned from their meeting and joined.


    And then, at 4 PM¡­


    "It''s time."

 Chapter 267: Chapter 267 – Scrim Start!

    "Ladies and Gentlemen! Wee to Flexy channel! We''re with me, Grand, and¡­"


    "Nature! This time, we have been given a chance toment on the Scrim. What do you think, Grand? This is an interesting concept, no? Flexy really blew his money out to prepare for this!"


    "Indeed! His preparation is also meticulous. He finished everything in less than a week, it seems. And this concept, which is proposed by Breeze, looks so interesting."


    "I have to agree. But, many people are still skeptical as to why they decided to hold this kind of practice match. They said this will expose team weaknesses."


    "Haha, let me answer that question. The truth is¡­"


    Two hosts, Grand and Nature, started the stream when the Scrim was about to start. They skillfully led the conversation to introduce Scrim, the benefit, and why it was held, all while pushing Flexy into a higher moral ground to increase his poprity.


    Something like this was too much for a Scrim. Even Max was surprised that the preparation was just like that of an official tournament instead of just a normal practice match.


    ''The rich are different.'' He thought as he looked at Flexy standing in front of him.


    They were waiting to enter the arena with other yers. Naturally, their team was on the frontmost row. And as Lily was a reserve member, she wasn''t among the line and had to watch from the spectator seat.


    ''And I just noticed because it wasn''t there earlier, but¡­''


    His eyes drafted on the stage. Floating in the air just right above it was a Spencer Company logo, a white heron inside a perfect circle.


    And sitting on the VIP seat was none other than StoneSword. He was apanied by a beautiful woman with blonde hair tied in ringlets. They seemed to have a pleasant conversation, and the former had a rare smile on his face.


    ''He didn''t want to join and chose to be a sponsor instead, huh?'' A smile crept onto Max''s face. ''So his business in this city is a date with his fianc¨¦e and watching this Scrimmage. What a difficult brother he is.''


    At that moment, the hosts finished the idle chats. A staff member with an earphone was notified. He nodded before looking at Flexy.


    "Please be ready anytime."


    "Alright."


    A simple confirmation was the answer. After that, he distributed a vial filled with red liquid to each member behind him.


    "You can drink it. It''s a B-Grade nutritional supplement." Flexy said as he handed the vial to Max.


    Max''s eyes widened in surprise, filled with gratitude.


    "Flexy, are you an angel?" Max asked curiously as he gazed at his friend. Right now, he was shining brightly¡­ But that was just his imagination. The light came from the light behind him. Still, that didn''t decrease any meaning of his words.


    "Hehe, you can pray to me." Flexy snorted and rubbed his nose. "While I said that, those things are from StoneSword. Say thank you to himter."


    "Hmm, so Stonie decided to get involved? I bet it''s because Lily joined our team." Ferinmented and drank the B-Grade nutritional supplement without hesitation.


    The others also did the same, including Max. The refreshing and powerful feeling he felt before when drinking the same supplement was there, although it felt weaker than before. Still, he felt like he could do better.


    When Max looked back, the other teams apparently also drank nutritional supplements, although the one they drank was that of C-Grade, which cost $2,000 each.


    ''They are serious about this Scrim.''


    All teams Flexy warned them about were put in this first group. The orange-haired streamer abused his privilege to let them experience the opponents that could put them in danger early on.


    Even if it wasn''t an official match, the broadcast now had more than 150K viewers. It was the best time to promote their teams to the sponsors.


    "Now, let''s wee the first group with cheers and apuse!"


    "Please enter now!" The staff standing near the entrance instructed while waving his hand.


    With Flexy as the lead, everyone entered the hall and stepped onto the stage. Max put on a smile and waved at the camera as they went to their capsules located in the middle. Once again, he abused the privilege as the host of this event and looked proud of it.


    The yers, who were previously informed about it, stood in front of their respective capsules and checked them to ensure everything was perfectly fine. Some fiddled with the settings to make them fit their requirements.


    After everything was ready, everyone climbed inside and wore a helmet. The capsules closed with a whirring sound. The yers prepared to dive inside the game.


    Meanwhile, the hosts took the scene again.


    "Now, Nature. Who do you think will win? Personally, I think team MiceMice would win this first game."


    "Oh? Why do you think so? Let''s hear your answer first before I tell you what my favorite team is."


    "It''s pretty simple, actually. Team MiceMice has shown a considerable result in their practice match andstpetition. They already have the experience, and LandLord24''s skill has increased considerably. I believe they are unbeatable now!"


    "That''s interesting. And I don''t think your view is wrong. LandLord24 is indeed a skilled yer. He currently has 9372 MMR in Roach, the highest among all yers. As a professional, that''s something to boast about. Not many dedicated themselves to ranked games, after all."


    "Right? That''s why I think Team Mice Mice will win."


    "I don''t think so, Grand,"


    Nature smirked, her beautiful face had a hint of a fangirl written all over it.


    "I think Team OrangeSquash has a higher chance to win. Not only is Flexy a good leader, as proved many times before, but their members are also skilled! There is Breeze and the crazy couple, Ferin and As."


    "However, they have no prior experience against professional yers, and their teams have only been reformedtely. Will they be okay?"


    "I am confident they will win. But, to be honest, I don''t know the end result. Why don''t we just watch the game?"


    "That''s right. The yers have also been transported to the arena. 3 minutes before the first wave arrived, let me tell you the rules of this match. Unlike normal and ranked matches, the tournament uses a point system. A team with the highest annihtion and survival points will receive 5 points.


    "The second to fifth will receive 4, 3, 2, and 1, respectively. We will repeat this for 3 games while shuffling the teams between groups, as this is a practice match, not a real tournament."


    "Is there no difference inside the game itself?"


    "Of course, there is a difference. And that''s the tactic used by yers. They will be meticulous and try to outwit the other teams with their strategies! This will be interesting to watch."


    "That''s right!" Nature eximed loudly. But then, she saw something on the screen. "Oh, look at that! It seems Team OrangeSquash made a move before the first wave even started. From the nickname¡­ It''s Breeze! He''s going out of the base!


    What is he nning?"


    "I don''t know. But let''s watch it together! We willment every now and then, so look forward to it!"


    Unlike the host, who knew nothing, those who watched Max beforemented.


    ¡ª ssic Breeze


    ¡ª I bet he wants to kill someone


    ¡ª Will he be able to destroy a base as a surprise


    ¡ª Go go go, Breeze! You can do it, Breeze!


    ¡ª Breeze is overrated! Go away, nerds!


    ¡ª Huh? You are overrated! Your mom is overrated! Go back to your womb, fetus!


    This Scrim would definitely be interesting for both yers and the viewers. It would be filled with an unhinged chaos.

 Chapter 268: Chapter 268 – Goal in First Match

    Max and the other''s n for the first game was easy.


    "Gamble everything and test their skills."


    Nothingplicated and nothing fancy. Max and As, the two fastest people on the team, headed out immediately to find the enemy team''s base.


    Max headed to the West while As went to the East. He ran through the gray sand dune to find a vantage point. After running for a minute, and the countdown for the first wave showed 1:32, he found the perfect spot and climbed the boulder.


    He had a bit of difficulty because the suit had a pair of slippery gloves. The mock P90 he brought to the game was slung over his shoulder.


    "Why is he climbing that boulder? Is he going to announce his presence? That orange suit can probably be seen from 3 KM away!"


    "He''s like a lighthouse ready to be sniped haha!"


    Both hostsughed at his bizarre antics. But those who knew him better didn''t think so.


    ¡ª Nah, I don''t believe he will do what I think he will do, right?


    ¡ª He''s going on a hunt¡­ He''s hunting those pros


    ¡ª How arrogant! Did he not know that doing such a thing is pointless? He won''t be able to defeat other yers easily!


    ¡ª What''s he waiting for? The wave will start soon


    Unlike a normal stream and program, Max was unable to hear the hosts'' voices or read the chat. He just concentrated while looking at the surroundings. The screen changed to show other teams, but Max stayed still above the boulder without moving a step.


    "25 more seconds."


    After that mob train strategy with As in thest practice session, Max found an effective way to find his enemy''s base. That was by using the first wave as a mark.


    When the countdown hit zero¡­


    Rumble rumble!


    The rumbling started. Max strained his ears to pick up the sound from the wave. The sound from the East was from his base, so he tried to find one from other areas. And after a while¡­


    "Found it." He looked at the Northwest and broke into a run.


    ***


    Peter Spencer watched the screen with a gaze full of interest. There were many cameras showing the other team, with the main one now following team MiceMice, holding off against the first wave.


    However, he only focused on two little screens that no one noticed yet. It was hidden behind many teams'' efforts to clear the first wave as soon as possible.


    ''They intend to throw away the first match, huh? That''s a brazen strategy even for Flexy. To think they will risk it all like that... It''s unlike him.'' He judged logically as he saw Max and As go toward enemy bases alone, only armed with an SMG and a rifle, respectively.


    "Your friends are so courageous, Peter."


    The beautiful woman dressed in red beside him giggled amusedly. Reba Ludger, Peter''s fianc¨¦e. They had known each other since junior school and had been together since. Currently, she worked as a game reporter, so she knew one or two things about E-sportpetitions.


    Through her, he could control the media to help in case someone attacked the Spencer Family or spread bad rumors about him and those he knew.


    "As aside, that Breeze is so cute. He''s smiling even when he throws himself into danger. So that''s the kind of guy Lily is interested in? I wonder what his real personality is. Is he as interesting as what he shows on the screen?"


    "He''s a good guy."


    "I see." Reba nodded, "He seems like a good boy."


    Their conversation stopped at that, and they focused on the screens.


    The first one to arrive at the enemy base while the first wave was still attacking was As. He sneaked behind from the other side and infiltrated the base. The screen showing his effort became bigger, and it immediately became the focus of the stream.


    "Ooh! As entered team MOAO''s base. They hadn''t noticed him yet; not even Mii23 knew his existence!"


    "Will we see the first base fall right now? However, isn''t As'' movement strange? He can enter the warehouse and destroy the core, but he just stops inside for a second before turning around. What''s he nning?"


    "Could it be? He''s trying to go for a team-wipe?"


    "Hahaha! That couldn''t be, Nature¡­ Oh no!"


    Yes, oh no, indeed! As did what the host just mentioned. He prepared his rifle while sneaking out and headshot the first yer from team MAOA. Mii23, whose duty was to provide ammos to the team, died without knowing anything. He was downed and gave information to his friends.


    "Enemy attack!"


    ZAP!


    Asunched the next headshot to kill Mii23. With this, he wouldn''t be able to be saved.


    The other responded fast, way faster than normal ranked yers. One of them shot at him while the other two held back the wave.


    As looked impressed for a second but immediately reacted and hid behind a box. Then, he retaliated and exchanged shots with them.


    "Hmm, better than normal yers, indeed." Hemented as he slid out of his hiding ce and ran toward them.


    At that time, Max also reached the enemy base. The screen was still focused on As, so no one noticed him besides the audience in the Blue Eden Hall. He didn''t try to sneak into the warehouse at all. Instead, he threw three live grenades toward where his enemy stood and climbed using his grappling gun.


    Boom boom boom!


    "Wha?!"


    "I got hit! Enemy attack!"


    Not only did the explosion from the grenade take the enemies'' attention, but it also provided cover for him tond on the wall.


    He immediatelyunched an attack. SMG''s fire speed was the fastest among all guns in Roach. He found the first guy and downed him easily.


    "He''s here! Shot 30 degrees on my left!"


    Max immediately moved while lowering his stance. He used the smoke as the cover to reach the second guy. Before it was toote, he had to kill at least three of them.


    Zuzuzuzu!


    The energy bullets exploded when they hit the enemy''s body. The explosion was small and didn''t create loud noise like the one a rifle created. But it still caused a sh that made the other two notice his presence.


    "Over there!"


    The rest of the enemies noticed him now.


    They emptied their bullets as they shot at Max. No hesitation was written in their act. Simrly to them, Max also emptied his remaining bullets. Shots were exchanged, and two people were downed. Unfortunately, one of them was Max, as he couldn''t deal enough damage to down thest person.


    Still¡­


    "Behind you!"


    Lowering his guard, the enemy didn''t notice that the roaches had reached the top of the wall. Thest enemy was bitten by the roaches and died.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team M4.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    ''I guess this is it. They are stronger than I thought. Their aim, reaction, and teamwork is different from the guy from the ranked match.'' Max thought as he looked at the announcement and the iing roaches.


    And when they gathered around him¡­


    ''I leave the rest to you, buddy.''


    They bit him to death.


    [You Are Dead]


    He was transported into a spectating room. In this room, he could do nothing but watch his teammates'' condition.


    However, his death wasn''t in vain. It was all nned.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team MAOA.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    As seemed to have finished his goal. Seeing that he was still alive when approaching the enemy with a different energy, Max knew what he should do in the future.


    With this, they reached their goal in the first match.

 Chapter 269: Chapter 269 – Strategy: Throw the Match

    "What did we just see, Nature? Did OrangeSquash just destroy 2 teams before the first wave finished?!"


    "I did see that. As sneaks into their base while Breeze confronts them directly. Two different strategies, but¡­ Do you think they did this on purpose? Breeze did die, but he was smiling at the end and took his opponents with him."


    "Indeed. Do you think they wanted to know their opponent''s skill level by sending those two most skilled yers with different ystyles?"


    "They might be. And Breeze probably sacrificed himself willingly."


    ¡ª This is why Breeze is the GOAT!


    ¡ª He took the bad job for himself and died with a smile


    ¡ª So the Scrim can be used that way¡­ Because this isn''t a tournament, there is no need to be afraid of trying new strategy


    ¡ª Whoever thinks about this is amazing. And the one who actualizes it is also amazing. This cost so much money!


    ¡ª My respect for Flexy increased. He won''t be turned to orange juice!


    After that, the game continued as usual. Team Jokegon managed to kill the first wave boss.


    [Team Jokegon has killed the first wave''s boss.]


    [100 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    The aftermath of the battle wasn''t exactly desirable. Because five teams met at the first wave area, explosions and shes could be seen from afar. Some yers were downed, but miraculously, none was killed. They were being careful because 100 points weren''t worth their members. Find your next favorite at m vl-em|p-yr


    As and Ferin used this chance to destroy one team when they revived their teammates. This strategy seemed to work as it used the element of surprise. What they didn''t expect was their target. It was a pleasant surprise.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team Jokegon.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    One of the five teams they were wary of was annihted just like that. It looked so easy, but actually not. Only two of the four members were alive, and both of them were reviving their teammates when As and Ferin appeared.


    Team Jokegon was gambling just like their team, trying to defeat the boss with four members instead of only two or three like the other teams did.


    (Great. Now, let''s try to survive as long as possible. We''ve tried three of our main strategies. We just need to see how long we can hold on without Breeze now.)


    "Alright."


    Following that, the three of them focused on defense, trying their best to protect the base with only three people.


    Maxughed when Flexy got jumped by the mutated cockroach in the fifth wave. That panicked face behind the visor was so funny that he screenshot it for ckmail material.


    Some teams who lost their teammates, fell in the seventh wave. Only 4 teams were left, including teams MiceMice, bigSack, MWRifle, and OrangeSquash. Ferin was so crazy that she destroyed many roaches by herself. Flexy also used MG for this tactic, so they were able to fill the missing spot left by Max.


    However, even so, they couldn''t really hold on against the eighth wave.


    "Ack! Sorry, I am downed!"


    Ferin died when she was up against threerge mutated cockroaches. The enemies became stronger, and the efficiency of their defense was reduced. Flexy and As nodded at each other. They knew it was time.


    Max, who was in the spectating room, sighed. They were unable to defend against eight waves without at least two machine guns. Or¡­


    ''I can use a sniper rifle, but that will hurt our strategy to destroy their base at first wave.''


    So, how could they handle this? That would be left in the meetingter.


    Ferin got killed by a swarm of cockroaches after a few seconds. She appeared in the spectating room and sat next to Max.


    "Good job, Ferin," Max said with a wry chuckle.


    "I could do better than that." She said, puffing her cheek. "My shotgun didn''t really damage therge mutated cockroach shell in the eighth wave. I need to know their weak spots, or we won''t be able to kill them all."


    "So the problem is in their hard shell?"


    "Yup, that''s the only problem. Maybe it will only be destroyed by repeated fire from MG or a single fire from a Sniper Rifle. Either way, it''s too hard for a shotgun. I need three buckshot to destroy it. And I can''t stay with one enemy for that long."


    Indeed. That was the main problem.


    Just as Max had thought earlier, he needed to try the sniper rifle. Or¡­ there was a better way to handle this situation, although he didn''t know the strategy''s effectiveness.


    ''Lily can enter the match and take Ferin''s position. She''s fast and uses a sniper, so that would be perfect. I will bring it up to Flexyter.''


    The cockroaches ran over the base before long. They were eliminated in fourth ce. Thebined Annihtion Points and Survival points they gained were around 8821, the highest they ever received because of the extra 4000 survival points from surviving until the 8th wave.


    The next team to be eliminated was bigSACK. They made a mistake and were unable to handle the iing ninth wave. Thebined number of the remaining eight waves overwhelmed them. And the seventh wave boss, who hadn''t been killed yet, attacked their base.


    That spelled their doom.


    Soon, the eighth wave boss spawned near MiceMice''s team base. This miscalction destroyed their base core, and they ended up annihted. However, their annihtion point was higher than that of thest team, MWRifle. In thest calction, the team cement based onbined points was like this.


    1. MiceMice (+5 points)


    2. MWRifle (+4 points)


    3. bigSACK (+3 points)


    4. OrangeSquash (+2 points)


    5. T9 (+1 points)


    ¡­


    8. Jokegon


    9. M4


    10. MAOA


    All yers exited their capsules after the game calction finished. Flexy was happy with the result and smiled brightly. They gained a lot from the first match. Not only did they find out about other enemies'' skill levels, but they also found their weaknesses.


    The second group''s first match would start soon. The yers walked off the stage so the cleaning department could prepare the capsule for the next yers.


    As for everyone who just finished the first game¡­ It was a strategy meeting time.


    "Let''s talk in the back. We will change our strategy based on what we found out earlier." Flexy said, and everyone nodded in agreement.

 Chapter 270: Chapter 270 – Change in Strategy

    When the team entered their private waiting room, Lily immediately greeted Max with a smile and handed him a towel. He received and used it to wipe his sweat.


    Lisa was also inside. The secretary had prepared drinks and towels for each of them. Of course, she didn''t hand them in personally. She even asked Flexy to fetch them for his teammates.


    Ferin helped As wipe his sweat lovingly. Both of them were the epitome of what ideal lovers could be. And on the side, Lily began to imitate them, snatching the towel from Max and beginning to help him despite his unwillingness.


    "What is this difference in treatment?" The orange-haired streamer slumped his shoulders, looking at Lisa with a hopeful gaze.


    The secretary only looked at him coldly and pushed her sses up.


    "I am busy, so I will excuse myself first." She said before turning around. "Breeze, if he whine, tell me. I will give you $100 for each report of Flexy''s bad behavior."


    "Roger that." Max smiled at Lisa and saw her leaving. That would be easy money.


    "Buddy¡­ You aren''t serious, aren''t you?" Flexy groaned.


    Turning at Flexy, he grinned, "What do you think?"


    "Ugh¡­ $150 to keep you silent."


    "Make it $200."


    "$175. That''s final. More than that will only make me broke."


    "Deal. Hehe, nice to have a business with you, buddy."


    "I will hold that promise. Don''t tell Lisa if I ever whine in the future."


    "I got you."


    Both reached an understanding and invitedughs from the other three. A little joke was nice to break the tension from the first game, and everyone understood that.


    They gathered and created a small circle. Flexy began to tell them what he gained from the first match and exchanged ideas.


    All of them agreed that the attack toward the enemy base at first wave should be done by at least 2 people to catch the enemies off guard. The other thing they agreed on was that they couldn''t defend the base past the 8th wave. However, Max proposed something.


    "I want to try a defensive strategy and put Lily inside the team for one time, with her using a sniper rifle with me. So our team will have 2 SR, 1 Rifle, and 1 MG. I think this will work."


    "Can you give us the reason?" Flexy asked as he seriously considered the strategy Max proposed.


    As and Ferin also looked at him, waiting for the exnation.


    "The problem we faced on the 8th wave is that there is not enough firepower. But if we focused on firepower alone by adding MG, our strategy to attack one base at the start of the game would be useless. That''s why SR is a good choice, in my opinion.


    "I am confident that holding SR will only affect my movement slightly. And we have proved that As was enough to destroy one base alone if we''re careful. So, I was thinking of supporting the first attack, and we can focus on defense after that."


    "But what about me? Why should I take Ferin''s ce?" Lily, who didn''t join the first match, asked curiously, "If it''s about attacking, isn''t Ferin and As enough? You can stay with Flexy to defend the base."


    "The wave boss." Flexy raised his voice in realization, and Max nodded.


    "Our opponent teams can''t handle the wave boss from the 6th wave onward. The 3rd wave boss gave us 500 annihtion points, while the 4th gave us 700 points. From 5th wave onward, they give us a fixed 1000 annihtion points. It''s a lot, but too risky." Max exined.


    "Because it''s too risky, our enemies also ignored it, making the wave boss roam freely around the map. Have you noticed that thest 2 teams are destroyed by a 7th and 8th wave boss, respectively?"


    As snapped his fingers.


    "That''s why Breeze wants to arm us with 2 SR. It''s to try to survive the 8th wave. We will gain a lot of survival points if we can reach 10th wave, seeing that even MiceMice can''t survive the 9th wave."


    Nodding, Max continued, "It''s not only that. But I also want to kill and steal the wave boss from the enemy. As you know from our previous practice, the first wave boss only needed two SR shots to take down. The second and third probably took four or five rounds. You know what I mean."


    "We can try," Flexy said, grinning widely. He turned to Ferin, "Do you mind sitting the next match out? I want to try various strategies in case we meet an opponent we can''t beat or focus on a defensive y like MiceMice and bigSACK."


    "Then, that''s decided." Max grinned.


    He was excited about the new strategy. Stealing the boss kill would frustrate the enemy teams. Their morale would be affected, and so was their gamey. Someone who got mad easily would make mistakes easier.


    Turning to Lily, he asked the most important question, "Think you''re up for the job, Lily?"


    "Un, I''ll do my best." She nodded and looked pretty spirited.


    Afterward, Flexy proposed some strategies to test in theter game before they took a 30 minute break. They were pretty much for fun, as he noticed his followers increased at a fast speed.


    Max was also asked to check his, but the increment wasn''t as fast as Flexy''s.


    ''I got 50K new followers in Punch, making it 850K. And 400K people followed my Strike. My Punchtube is¡­ Well, only 300K subscribers for now, but that''s okay. It''s growing nicely.''


    Compared to the 150K growth that Flexy gained, even when he already had a million followers, 50K was just not much. The main reason was that he didn''t stream this Scrim.


    At first, he nned to stream it. But after watching his friend''s effort, he decided not to.


    ''I don''t want to bother Flexy with a chance to grow his channel more.''


    It wasn''t all bad for him, considering his name was still included in the description along with the others. And if Flexy had more followers, he would definitely be affected as they were seen as a pair of friends and often stream together.


    Max walked down the corridor behind the stage near their waiting room. He noticed Lily sat on a box while sipping orange juice. He approached her and asked.


    "Are you nervous?"


    Lily looked at him and nodded, "Slightly."


    Her hands moved nonstop, showing how nervous she was.


    "That''s rare."


    It was pretty surprising. Lily being nervous? Max never saw her like that¡­ Well, not that he knew her for a long time already. That was why he quite liked to know her more.


    "Are you not nervous, Max?"


    "Rather than nervous, I am more than excited." He answered. "I mean, isn''tpeting against those professional gamers fun?"


    "Is it?"


    "Yes, it is."


    "Fun, huh?" Lily muttered, her hands couldn''t stop ying with the empty ss in her hand, "I guess I will change my thinking. Is it fine if I have fun in thepetition too?"


    "Why not? I don''t see why you shouldn''t enjoy thepetition."


    "I see¡­" A smile blossomed on her face. "Let''s have fun, Max. Let''s kill those people with snipers."


    Her priority was strange, but Max nodded nheless.


    "Yeah, let''s have fun."

 Chapter 271: Chapter 271 – Next Match, Surprising Lineup

    The second game ended pretty soon.


    There were quite a few teams that stood out, but none of them managed to survive the 8th wave.


    Max checked the ranking and sneered. Team Vorpal, the one that arrogant blond-haired guy belonged to, finished in 8th ce. They got eliminated pretty fast because of the mistake Gant made.


    Miraculously, they didn''t end up in 10th ce, but they still lost to a teamposed of reserve yers who joined the match. That mock team ended in 7th ce. They were pretty solid in terms of skills and coordination.


    After the game ended, there were 10 minutes of rest before continuing. Unlike the Scrim in his past life, where people could continue the game just right after one match, this world was different as the game was a full-dive VR. It took immense stamina just to finish one match.


    Of course, professional yers could y more than 6 hours without a problem, but the rest was given not only for them to regain their stamina. It was also given so they would be able to strategize and have self-reflection for the weaknesses they discovered in their team.


    While the yers were resting, the host continued the show. It was an exciting moment many viewers were waiting for.


    "It''s shuffle time!"


    ¡ª Oooh!


    ¡ª Team change! Team change!


    ¡ª I see. The group is different every 2 games, so the teams could go against each other!


    ¡ª Good rule. This way, all teams could go against different opponents and try their new strategy!


    ¡ª Teams could also have a change in their yers, letting the reserve member to y and test their coordination.


    "Exactly!"


    After reading them, Nature eximed and agreed with the chat.


    "This is all Flexy''s idea. We will mix and match all teams until everyone is satisfied. There will be 6 official Scrim matches today, but that won''t be the end of it. All teams could hold a match anytime until tomorrow. It''s the perfect ce to learn and perfect their coordination!"


    "Right? In fact, our host today also changed their yer. The previous yer, Ferin, is resting for the next match and she will join us toment on the match!" Grand said, and the camera revealed Ferin to viewers.


    "Hello! Hahaha, I will join the host for a while. I hope I don''t impose."


    ¡ª FERINNN!!


    ¡ª Kyaaa she''s so beautiful!


    ¡ª Please don''t show the match; show them! I can watch Ferin and the host forever!


    "Fufufu, I know you want to watch me, but the match is important, you know?" Ferin said, "But well, let''s shuffle the teams! Can I do it? I just need to press this shuffle button, right?"


    "Please, feel free!" Nature gestured for her to press it.


    "As much as I want to press it, I will let you do it. Hehe, I will press it next." Grand rubbed his nose and yed coy.


    "Alright!" Ferin eximed with high energy and pressed the shuffle button. "Beep!"


    Arge screen hovering above the stage moved. All teams were shuffled for a few seconds before stopping. Max looked at it and whistled.


    ''Team MWRifle and Team MiceMice are still with us, but the others are different.'' He thought, his gaze going to the team under theirs. ''And Team Vorpal is also with us. Well, isn''t this perfect?''


    Max retreated into the waiting room after seeing the result. In fact, he didn''t need to watch it directly as he could see the shuffle through the livestream. However, for some reason, his feet brought him here.


    ''It''s more fun seeing it by myself.'' He thought as he hummed a song from his past life while walking back.


    The waiting room was just around the corner. He turned in the intersection and halted. Someone was in front of him, blocking his way.


    "Hah? What do you want?"


    That someone had blond hair and a familiar face. It was Gant, or Evan George. He suddenly raised his chin as soon as he saw Max.


    ''What do I want? Let''s just ignore him.'' Max mused in his mind, amused by this third-rate viin show. ''It''s so cringe that he asks that. What does he think he is? A young master in a fantasy novel? And what did he want me to answer?


    Fight him? I just want to walk back, idiot.''


    Ignoring Gant, Max walked around him and continued to the waiting room. Every rational individual did this, but apparently, that rationality escaped the arrogant boy''s mind.


    "Don''t ignore me, bastard!"


    Even so, Max didn''t stop. He just hummed and walked away.


    "Hey!"


    Once again, he continued. Eventually, he heard a tongue click and a mutter from behind.


    "Coward!"


    That was fine. A curse and provocation from someone with no brain wouldn''t affect him. Instead, it felt like a melody in his ears.


    ''We will meet in the match if our bases are close to each other, anyway.'' He thought as he opened the waiting room.


    He was greeted by the sight of his teammates preparing to go out. Unexpectedly, Lily looked great when she wore the strange orange jacket that Flexy gave her.


    ''I will just create a hole in his brain to make sure he has one in the match. I bet $500 he has no brain at all.''


    "Let''s go."


    ***


    The third match started. All yers were summoned to the battlefield.


    And Team OrangeSquash moved just like before. But¡­ Before they moved, the viewers were confused. The lineup of their weapons was pretty strange. No, strange might be too much. It was just an umon pick.


    ¡ª Wtf


    ¡ª 2 Sniper Rifles? Flexy with MG and As with Rifle? What are they nning?


    ¡ª Are Breeze and LilyPixel choosing those weapons to show off they are a couple? Lololol


    ¡ª Look, Breeze is moving with As. Are they trying to destroy one base just like before?


    ¡ª Wait, how can he infiltrate the base with a sniper rifle? That sh1t is heavy!


    ¡ª Look, they found a base!


    Just like the viewers had said, both As and Max were lucky. They found one base easily.


    Climbing the sand dune, Max took a prone position and looked through his scope. From it, he saw four people standing on the wall, all of them holding MGs. And from the badge on their spacesuit¡­ On


    "It''s MWRifle. Do you think you can kill them stealthily, As?" He asked his partner beside him.


    "Let''s try it. Can you kill two of them?" As smirked, challenging him back.


    "As long as you can kill two of them."


    Pushing each other back was how the OrangeSquash team worked. They squashed all talents in one team and let them go wild.


    And now, they were waiting for the cockroaches to arrive to unleash their fangs toward MWRifle.

 Chapter 272: Chapter 272 – Isn’t This Strategy Working Better Than Expected?

    Max positioned himself on a boulder Northwest of the base, meaning he could move either North or West depending on where the wave spawned.


    "We''re lucky," Asmented.


    Indeed, they were pretty lucky. Because the wave appeared from the South, the opposite from where they were hiding.


    "I am going now. We will start with my signal."


    "Got it."


    As soon as Max replied, he saw As run through the gray desert in a stealthy way. He didn''t even create a big cloud of dust. From afar, his movement wouldn''t be seen clearly.


    ''While he has no running technique, he can mask his footsteps, eh? Talk about imbnce.'' Max thought as he saw As'' way of running. ''For now, let''s concentrate. The enemy now gathered in the South. I can shoot them easily from this ce.''


    In just a few seconds, As had positioned himself behind the base, hidden from other enemies. However, unlike the first game, one of the MWRifle members looked around in a lookout. He was clearly wary of the attack.


    ''Ah, not only did we change our strategy, but they too. They analyzed our y and adapt to it.''


    But that wasn''t a problem. Max used a hand gesture to inform As about the lookout. His teammate nodded in understanding.


    As slowly climbed the wall but timed his appearance when the lookout didn''t look in his direction. He sessfully entered the enemy base.


    Max rested his hand on the trigger and inhaled deeply. He was waiting for As'' sign.


    Read first at m-v le-mpyr


    What was his sign? They didn''t need to talk about it because it was simple and obvious.


    One of the members who was on the lookout earlier used thedder to resupply. As he went down thedder¡­


    Puff!


    His head exploded, and his body fell to the ground.


    Following that¡­


    Bam!


    The head of someone on the wall also exploded, and he was downed. The explosion was bigger than before, hitting the other two standing beside him. They got injured and immediately turned around to find the enemies.


    "Attack!" The surviving member shouted and turned around without stopping his MG. He found where the sniper was hiding because the shockwave sent a cloud of dust into the air.


    He shot randomly toward Max''s direction, but the bullets didn''t reach. He was too far and was out of the MG''s fire range!


    "Shit! It can''t reach him! We need to hide!"


    Grinning, Max shot another bullet toward the guy who tried to shoot him. The bullet grazed the man''s hand, but that was enough.


    Bam!


    The explosion engulfed him whole, and he got downed immediately. Thest guy jumped down the wall, trying to hide from the sniper. However, what he met was a muzzle from a rifle instead.


    "Too bad."


    Zuuzuzuzu!


    Bullets riddled his body and killed him immediately. After thest guy was downed, everything crumbled into gray sand: the corpses and the base.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team MWRifle.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    Seeing the notification, Max rose from his prone position and wiped the sand off his orange space suit. He waited for As to go together and find the first wave boss after this. While waiting, he looked at the direction of the base.


    "I wonder if Lily is doing well."


    ***


    "HAHAHAHAHA! DIE DIE DIE DIE!"


    Zuuuuuuuuuu¨C!


    Energy bullets were expelled from the long machine gun muzzle. The sh illuminated the area as the orange-haired man in an orange spacesuit stood on the edge of the wall and destroyed the cockroaches whileughing loudly.


    "Yeaahahaha! Lily, cover my left! There are many chocte bugs approaching!"


    Just as Flexy finished saying that, an explosion decimated the iing cockroaches from the left.


    Bam!


    At the same time, a shockwave hit the area around the girl holding a sniper rifle while crouching. Her expression behind the visor could be described as being disgusted.


    "Please don''t talk to me, orange roach."


    "Hahaha! Aren''t you too much against me? Breeze won''t like a girl who tells me that I am disgusting, you know?"


    Click!


    Lily pulled a pin from a life grenade and held it before Flexy.


    "Do you want to die?"


    "My deepest apologies! Throw that away! Throw that right now!"


    "It''s good that you understand."


    She threw the grenade toward the crowd of the cockroaches and killed them all.


    Boom!


    Afterward, she stood and looked around the area.


    "We survived the first wave." She said after finding no cockroaches in sight. "And that''s ourst ammo."


    "Yeah, we''re pretty lucky. It seems 10 extra magazines aren''t enough for the two of us. I will have to prepare 10 next. I probably also have to use a grappling gun so we can prepare quickly before the first wave arrives."


    "Agreed." Lily only said so before she used a grappling gun to get down the wall.


    It was a healing and resupply time.


    Meanwhile, Flexy had to use thedder. If he jumped down the wall, he would get his legs fractured. That would decrease his health and make him unable to move at a normal speed for the whole game.


    Jumping down the wall would only work using a perfect technique or if a yer used a grappling gun. As made use of the hill and warehouse to descend from the wall when he infiltrated the enemy base. His health was reduced from the fall damage, but he could avoid fracturing his legs.


    "I wonder how they were doing," Flexy muttered as he resupplied all his biochemical grenades and ammo. "There is nomunication from both of them after they destroyed MWRifle''s base."


    "They will be fine," Lily answered without looking at Flexy. She finished resupplying and walked out of the warehouse.


    Flexy followed suit and chased after her.


    "You trust Breeze that much?"


    "Un." Lily nodded, "He''s strong. It will be fine." She aimed her grappling gun up and flew toward the wall.


    Watching her, Flexy could onlyugh wryly.


    ''It seems she still hasn''t opened up to me. Or is this her usual attitude toward other people? How strange... She only changed her attitude when Breeze was around. Well, maybe not strange? They liked each other, after all.''


    He slowly climbed thedder and reached the top of the wall after a few seconds. Just as he stepped on the solid wall, Lily had already unloaded her magazine and went to the warehouse again to get more.


    At that time¡­


    [Team OrangeSquash has killed the first wave''s boss.]


    [100 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    The notifications rang, followed by a pretty familiar voice.


    (Kill steal sess, we''reing back, leader.)


    Putting his hand on themunication device, Flexy couldn''t help but grin widely.


    "Roger that, buddy. Have a safe trip."


    Themunication ended just like that. Looking at the gray desert around him, Flexy let out a sigh.


    ''Isn''t this strategy working better than expected?''


    A shiver was sent down his spine. This was too scary. Nothing ever worked this well before.


    ''Forget it. We can win, so let''s not think about anything else.''


    After unloading his magazine, he turned around and saw Lilynding on the wall. A smirk was apparent behind the visor.


    "See?" She only said that before unloading her ammo and jumping down the wall again.


    ''Cheeky girl. She''s so simr to her brother. In terms of saying a few words. Why can''t they express themselves more? Like, speaking a bit more so people won''t misunderstand them?''


    Sighing, Flexy went down thedder.


    Truly, his team was strange yet strong at the same time. People would ask whether it was a blessing or a curse. For Flexy, however... He considered this a blessing.


    Why?


    ''Because it''s interesting this way.''


    Heughed loudly like a madman, which Lily saw. After that, she distanced herself from Flexy, calling him creepy.

 Chapter 273: Chapter 273 – Third and the Most Exciting Match

    Second wave.


    "I am going."


    Max left after the wave ended, positioned himself a bit away from the wave boss, and stole the kill.


    [Team OrangeSquash has killed the second wave''s boss.]


    [300 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    An SR proved to be really good at annoying other teams from afar. After he got the boss killed, Max also managed to down one team and made them run for their money as other teams tried to annihte them.


    Third wave.


    A simr thing happened. Once again, Max stole the kill and gained 500 annihtion points. This time, every enemy around the boss was furious and desperately chased after him. The orange spacesuit proved to be a hindrance to his hiding and let him almost get downed.


    Fortunately, he was able to run away by confusing them with a boulder formation. The fourth wave was about to start, and so the enemies were forced to retreat.


    When he reached the base, the first thing he did was pat Flexy''s shoulder with a serious expression.


    "Tell the sponsor to allow us to wear gray spacesuits and put their logo on our back. It will make their logo pop up more."


    "Why?"


    "Do you need an exnation?" Max only pointed at his arms, which had a burned trace from getting grazed by bullets.


    Laughing, Flexy scratched his cheek, "I will try."


    On the fourth wave¡­ The enemies became cautious. They cleared the area around the boss first before tackling it. Four teams had been eliminated by now, including MWRifle at the start.


    Survival points from the first to fourth wave had been umted for at least 2000 points. All surviving teams had the same survival points by now.


    As for annihtion points¡­


    1. OrangeSquash: 3729 annihtion points.


    The orange team managed to umte way more than the other teams due to Max stealing thest wave boss kill, and As had three teams'' annihtion worth of points. Most teams fell when they tackle the wave boss.


    Identifying them was easy. Max only needed to look at their team badge, which was located on the yers'' upper arms and backpack. It was usually hard to identify them, but he had a sniper rifle scope that allowed him to see it.


    Using that mark, Max informed As and sent him as a hitman to assassinate thest person surviving on the base. Unfortunately, one of the teams used a suicide strategy and got annihted by another team. That team was Team Vorpal, and he regretted not killing that blond-haired bastard then.


    Amidst the confusion, Max dealt with the fourth-wave boss before retreating to his base.


    Fifth wave. No one tried to kill the wave boss. It was a survival time. Max couldn''t kill the fifth wave boss alone without any help. Not even an SR was enough due to its hard shell.


    Besides¡­


    "They areing from that side! As, cover me! Lily, fetch me more MG magazine. I am almost out of ammo!"


    "And Rifle mags, please. I am almost out of it too." As added with an urgent tone.


    "Fetch me some, too." Max said as he continued killing the cockroaches. Each bullet managed to kill more than 5 mutated cockroaches with a hard shell.


    "Got it."


    Having heard the request, Lily immediately threw her remaining three SR energy magazines toward Max and went to the warehouse to fetch everyone''s magazine.


    With good teamwork, they managed to repel the fifth and sixth waves easily. The fifth wave boss had roamed around, and one team was quickly destroyed by a swarm of cockroaches and the roaming boss.


    "Seventh wave. This will be hard." Flexymented as he saw the swarm from the distance.


    At this point, they looked like a ck wave, with asional blue shes of explosions caused by two sniper rifles. The explosion created a hole and allowed one to see the gray sand, but more cockroaches quickly filled it and it turned ck again.


    "Let''s survive. There are only 3 teams left! We have destroyed more than 200 cockroaches before it even reached my MG''s range. We can do it!"


    As a leader, increasing his teammate''s morale was also his job. But¡­ His teammates didn''t care about that.


    "Use your hands more than your mouth!" Max shouted at Flexy as he kept shooting the cockroaches. "We have more than enough magazines. Shoot them right now!"


    "Hey, at least let me appear cool!" Flexyined, but his hands moved. He began to shoot the cockroaches in the distance while Asughed at what happened.


    Unlike the first game, they managed to thin out the seventh wave pretty easily. The announcement of two teams getting eliminated rang, leaving only thest two: OrangeSquash and MiceMice. Even if Team OrangeSquash was eliminated, they would end up as the victor.


    However, they didn''t think it would be nice if that happened. They wanted to test their skills.


    "Lily, ammo!"


    "Here."


    Max received the ammo from Lily before she went to the warehouse once again. The eighth wave had started. Their numbers weren''t that different from the seventh wave, but the iing cockroaches were stronger and faster.


    Even the SR could only kill one or two mutated cockroaches at once. As for therge mutated cockroaches¡­ Their shells weren''t a joke.


    "Fire in the hole!"


    As threw the biochemical grenade at the same time as Flexy, weakening the cockroaches temporarily. Using this chance, Max killed the remaining 10rge cockroaches.


    Lily returned to the top of the wall and threw five life grenades at once to reduce their numbers. She also replenished the team''s supply before going to the warehouse again.


    Holding on against the eighth wave was hard, and it was proved by their desperation. And then¡­


    Grumble¨C Grumble¨C!


    The ground shook.


    "Shit! We''re unlucky!"


    From afar, two wave boss monsters appeared. From their sizes alone, Flexy deduced their levels.


    "It''s the sixth and eighth wave bosses! Just a little more, and we can sweep the eighth wave clean! Why do they appear now?"


    Their luck had run out. This meant the seventh wave boss went to the MiceMice team, considering the eliminated team killed the fifth wave boss.


    This moment was important for them. If they could hold on a little longer, the MiceMice team would surely be eliminated.


    "I have an idea." As suddenly said and he stopped shooting. He stood on the edge of the wall and prepared to jump. "Both of you can handle the rest of the cockroaches, right? There are only around a thousand left. And if you can, please open the path for me."


    Without saying anything, Max and Flexy knew what he nned.


    "Yeah, go for it," Max said as he threw a grenade and shot his sniper three times in a row.


    Explosions followed suit, and a path clear of the cockroaches was created. As grinned and jumped down, sliding down the wall to reduce the impact.


    The blond-haired man ran toward the bosses and shot his Rifle at them to gain their attention. With a precise aim, he managed to hit their eyes, aggroed them, and ran toward the direction opposite the base.


    The bosses opened their wings and flew, chasing after As. This would give them time, for sure. When Lily returned, Max exined what happened in a few words and asked her to help defend the base.


    A few minutes passed, and the eighth wave was cleared. In a few seconds, the ninth wave would arrive. At this moment, As'' voice rang through themunication device.


    (We win.)


    As'' vital sign turned ck as soon as he said that.


    Max and the others couldn''t understand it at first, but the notification made it clear.


    [Team MiceMice has been annihted by a swarm of cockroaches.]


    [Match Over.]


    Following the announcement was the ranking of each team. And based on thebined points¡­


    1. OrangeSquash (+5 points)


    2. MiceMice (+4 points)


    They managed to sit on top of the ranking while breaking their record of surviving the eighth wave.


    "YEAAAHH!"


    "We won!"


    "Huh?!"


    Flexy shouted loudly while letting his machine gun rampage, shooting it toward the sky. Meanwhile, Lily jumped toward Max and hugged him. Her happiness made her forget where they were.


    No need to mention it¡­ Lily''s face flushed pretty red when she climbed out of the VR Capsule, and she was unable to look at Max for a while.

 Chapter 274: Chapter 274 – Scrim Result and Secretly Handsome Lair v.2

    While the team celebrated their first victory and went out of the stage, someone in the audience seat also enjoyed what they saw.


    "Fufufu, that''s so cute. Lily is so assertive." Reba giggled and turned to her right at her fianc¨¦. "You don''t need to put on that displeased face, Peter. Didn''t you say you will support her?"


    "I did, but it''s still irritating. Even more so when someone is trying to hype it up." Hemented and looked at the host table.


    A certain tinum-haired girl was speaking excitedly with a big smile on her face.


    "Hyaa! LilyPixel hugged Breeze after they won the match. Fufufu, they are so cute together. A power couple! Just like me and At! I hope to see more of their shenanigans together."


    "I agree. I am now their fan! Is there any fan club? Please invite me." Nature, as a professional host, added excitedly. Half of it was due to her job, and half of it was because she genuinely wanted to watch them more.


    "There is! I will invite youter." Ferin answered, and it caused chain reactions from the viewers.


    ¡ª Yikes, cringe


    ¡ª Cringe your 4ss, you''re just jealous of their rtionship


    ¡ª NOOOO, Maidenless Breeze is no more! But, please invite me to the fan club!


    ¡ª I will change Enjoying Breeze to Enjoying Breeze x Lilyter. I AM THE MOD!


    ¡ª Cough, Ferin¡­ As a self-proimed fans, please invite me too.


    Seeing thements and the hosts'' act, Reba giggled louder. She couldn''t help but be happy too.


    "Just don''t interfere with them too much. Or I will be angry, you know?"


    "I promise I won''t," Peter said as he looked at the time from his smartwatch. Seeing that it was almost 8 PM, he narrowed his eyes, "It''s time for us to leave."


    "Is that so? What a shame, I want to watch more." Reba answered with a sigh and stood up. She held Peter''s hand and let him escort her out.


    "We can watch in the car." Peter said in a soft voice, "This business is important to keep the bugs away from our family."


    "Fufufu, still the same overprotective brother as ever. Do you really n to take over Green Leaf Co., owned by George Family, just because of that small talk?"


    "I already nned to take over a long time ago because ourpany has a new project to create a specialized capsule. Just¡­ Someone gave me a reason to take over them faster than nned."


    "Hmm, is that so? Then, do you need me to spread that footage? I believe we can lower their value by a few million with that alone."


    "Don''t." Peter immediately shot down the idea and narrowed his eyes, "A few million isn''t worth showing off my little sister getting hit by an arrogant boy who doesn''t even remember our faces. Besides¡­ You also don''t want that, no?"


    "Fufufu, of course. I was just joking. Never in my mind would I think of using our cute little sister as a chip in this world. She deserves to be innocent and have her hand clean from our dirty job."


    "That''s right."


    ***


    Everything moved pretty fast after that. The fourth to sixth games were pretty much the same. And most teams were trying to apply OrangeSquash''s strategies, only to fail because they didn''t have what it needed to pull them off.


    After the sixth game was over, Flexy gave a short speech before the stream ended and showed many sponsors that made this program possible. And at the end of his speech, he bowed and left after saying that all teams were winners.


    Everyone who joined expressed their gratitude and a positive result for the Scrim. The tag Scrim and Flexy became trending on Strike. Some people who wanted to join but were unable to due to their teams'' decision expressed their regret.


    [Damn! If I knew it would be that fun and productive, I would try to convince my team once more. Now I regret not joining the Scrim.]


    [There are many factors that I want to say, but I will focus on one. I wanted to turn back time and joined the Scrim.]


    [Many teams grow just from this Scrim alone. With their skill levels simr to each other, it fueled theirpetitiveness¡­   .]


    No one denied the fact the teams that joined the Scrim got stronger, especially in the sixth round. Team MiceMice managed to survive until the tenth wave by recing one of their Rifles with an SR, imitating what OrangSquash did.


    MWRifle, who loved Rifles and specialized in ambush, also tried a defensive strategy using Machine Guns. Unfortunately, in the third match, they could not respond quickly due to their change in weapon and were annihted by Max and As.


    But, Strike wasn''t the only ce where this Scrim became big.


    A certain secretmunity was on heat for another reason, which wasn''t too far from the Scrim. Thismunity''s members were all girls who loved spicy stuff, mainly forbidden rtionships between two streamers.


    Their love for Brother Romance was too much to the point they often made a fantasy about them.


    However, a rare thread appeared today.


    [Pics of Breeze and Lily! HOT STUFF!]


    No matter how much they loved spicy stuff, they also liked something wholesome. The thread starter posted many pics with a certain caption.


    [RARE STUFF! I managed to steal some pics from the livestream. And the highlight is, of course! This! [Hugging.png]. Lily is so innocent and cute when she hugs Breeze!


    I am jealous, but I will forgive her! After all, we are just fans! Breeze x Lily for life!!]


    ¡ª THIS IS ART. So wholesome! (Vice-Leader)


    ¡ª Look at her smile. She is genuinely happy with the win! And this is when she came out of the capsule [AttachedImage.jpg]


    ©¸ Her face is so red!


    ©¸ She''s blushing like a maiden in love!


    ©¸ No no no, she''s not like a maiden in love. She''s a maiden in love!


    ¡ª I can look at them for a whole day. Not even a romance drama is this wholesome!


    ¡ª They are pretty cute together. I am rooting for her. And I will allow this post here. You don''t need to delete it. (Leader)


    ©¸ Me too!


    ©¸ Me three!


    ©¸ Me for life!


    ©¸ LEADER! YOU''RE THE BEST (Thread Starter)


    ¡ª Let''s use this thread to post their wholesome pic in the future.


    ©¸ Agree!


    ©¸ Let''s do that!


    ©¸ Good idea


    The rule of the secret forum was void for a day. This thread became additional content in Secretly Handsome Lair. As for the new member who had just joined¡­


    "Ughh¡­"


    Her face couldn''t help but turn red when she read the thread. She typed a message in the thread with trembling fingers.


    ¡ª Please¡­ Don''t torture me with more images (LilyPixel)


    ©¸ The girl is here!


    ©¸ You''re so cute! I am rooting for you!


    ©¸ You can do it, Lily. I am on your side! (Leader)


    ©¸ Please tell us if Breeze is doing something. We will protest against him together! (Vice-Leader)


    ©¸ Wee to heaven. You''re now our new sister, and we love to tease our sisters!


    ©¸ Look at this! I am giving this especially because it''s you. The rare pic of Breeze and LilyPixel sleeping together in Sky Rail [AttachedImage.jpg]


    When Lily looked at thest image, she couldn''t help but remember that day. However, she didn''t know that someone took a picture of them like that! Their heads were glued together, and their lips were so close to each other.


    Her face felt hot, and she knew that she was blushing. However¡­


    ''Save.''


    A happy smile formed on her face as she put that image in her gallery.

 Chapter 275: Chapter 275 – Returning to Daily Streamer Life

    Thursday, May 22th 2045.


    Two days after the main Scrim was over, the yers all returned to their homes. As and Ferin also returned to their homes because many jobs were waiting for them after resting for 3 days.


    Lily also had to return to Lime City with StoneSword because of some urgent matter. Thetter secretly reminded Max about the party in June and left a warning.


    "If you are really serious, then I hope you prepare yourself. Many eyes are on you now. Because you''re affiliated with Biozone Entertainment, I doubt agencies will bother you. But¡­ Prepare to get involved in some dramas. They wille soon if you''re not cautious."


    Max was thankful for the reminder and a warning. He assured StoneSword that the matter about his seriousness had been dealt with. Once again, he told him that he was just waiting for the right time, and that was when Lily released her new music. Both of them already promised.


    Left behind in New Eden City, Max was currently facing Michael, his new assistant in Biozone Entertainment. The man suddenly asked to meet because there was something to discuss. They met in the caf¨¦ in Biozone Hotel''s Lobby, where Max stayed.


    As soon as they were seated, the ck-haired assistant immediately cut into the case.


    "There are sponsorship offers. In total, 3panies are interested in you, but I believe we can only take one because the terms and product they make are simr."


    Max was dumbfounded. He thought Michael wanted to talk and converse with him to deepen their rtionship and continue their conversation from the past about ad preference.


    However, what Michael talked about was beyond something Max could ever imagine.


    ''A sponsor? Me? I just started streaming on April 5th, and it''s not even 2 months yet! And I get a sponsorship offer?!''


    Usually, a newbie streamer wouldn''t get a sponsorship offer. In this world, the terms sponsorship and ad offers were truly different. The former was a long-term contract, which two sides, thepany and the streamer, agreed on.


    For example, the streamer had to use thepany product each time he was live streaming. They usually also asked them to disy it on the livestream or Punchtube video for a few seconds. And if the product was sold using the unique link given to the streamer, then he would get a part of the revenue.


    Of course, there was also a signing bonus and support from saidpany. An example would be Flexy''s program. He managed to get sponsors from Scrim and not for himself. It was probably a short-term contract, but the benefit was massive.


    For a long-term profit, a sponsorship was truly beneficial for a streamer. The problem here was¡­


    "How long is the contract? What are thosepanies'' products? And¡­ what kind of endorsement should I do for them?"


    The terms. Depending on it, Max probably would refuse.


    ''Sponsors who approach me this early will usually undervalue me. I don''t need to be too rash, as I can probably only sign with one or two sponsors as a newbie streamer. And I can''t endorse a brand with the same market, so I must choose carefully.''


    "Let''s start with their product," Michael said, putting on a serious expression. "All threepanies dealt with a gaming product. After watching the Scrim yesterday, they reached out to us, offering simr sponsorship to you and Flexy. As you know, he is also affiliated to Biozone Entertainment."


    Max nodded. Flexy indeed signed with Biozone, too. And the fact that he also got an offer only meant one thing.


    ''So it''s not because of me but because I was affiliated with Biozone Entertainment?'' Heughed dryly in his mind. ''Maybe they want to get Flexy. But only onepany can get him. That''s why they extended an invitation to me, his teammates, and someone who is also affiliated with Biozone Entertainment.''


    That somehow didn''t sit well with Max. But business was business. If he got money, then he wouldn''t mind signing with them. Of course, if the contract was also satisfactory.


    But again, what kind of gaming product was it?


    "Gaming product¡­ Like a VR product? An essory or something?"


    "Yes, they created them, among many other things," Michael confirmed with a nod.


    "Now, let''s talk about the term. It''s a year-long contract, an annual one. This kind of sponsorship contract ismon because a year is long enough for a streamer to rise and fall. Of course, I am not talking about you. But the streaming industry is that harsh."


    "Hahaha, I understand that." Maxughed it off because that was true.


    He was lucky in both unique skills and connections¡ªthat was why he rose so fast and is still rising. A regr streamer would have difficulty even breaking the 1000 viewers threshold. And even then, they could lose them all with just a tiny mistake.


    "Please continue, Michael. How about the money?" He put his index and thumb together, smiling with an evil intent as he stared at his assistant.


    Correction¡­ There was nothing evil about money. And he only liked them because they would be useful if he needed them. There was nothing wrong with having too many.


    Knowing Max''s money-grubbing personality, Michael didn''t change his expression and only heaved a sigh.


    "To be honest, it''scking." The assistant let out another sigh.


    "The highest offer is a $20,000 signing bonus and 3% profit from the product sold from your link. From my estimation, you will probably only get around $9,000 a month after the signing. And that will decrease a lot if their product is not to your audience''s liking."


    "$20,000¡­ Tell me, Michael. Is that high or low for a year-long sponsorship with a streamer who has an average of 10 to 15K viewers?"


    "Too low." Michael answered without hesitation.


    "Usually, a streamer of that caliber would be given a $30,000 signing bonus. But what''s important here is the profit share. We''re talking about pure profit and not sales. The lowest that streamers usually get is around 5 to 10% profit. That''s the main target of the sponsorship contract.


    "Besides¡­ The use in the contract has you to promote and use their product. There is nothing that says a separate pay for that, so you''re essentially promoting their product to get the profit only. It''s a scam contract. To think thosepanies dare to send this to you¡­ It''s embarrassing."


    ''To me?'' Max caught a certain word and chuckled. ''So Flexy contracts have different content?''


    "I remembered you said they also sent sponsorship offers to Flexy. Is it different?"


    "Yes. I don''t know the details, but the sponsorship offered to him is¡­ rational. I mean, it is still withinmon sense and within an eptable range."


    As expected. Receiving a sponsorship contract offer as a newbie was indeed still strange. So they did change the contract slightly.


    ''The way sponsorships worked here is slightly different from my past life. The use and benefit are also different. I am d I have an assistant already now.''


    "How about the other two?"


    "¡­ 2% and 1.5% for each product," Michael answered in a low voice.


    That was worse than the first one.


    Max had difficulty holding on to his poker face. His flying time was indeed not that high yet, but to think thepanies would tantly try to use him like this¡­


    "Please refuse them."


    They weren''t sincere enough and looked down on him. He knew his value well. Even he could get offended.


    ''It''s not like when I sign with Biozone Entertainment or join those programs. I got to spread my name using those programs. But this¡­ It will only bring them profit. There is nothing to gain from them. They will only use my name to promote their product.''


    "And if they try to increase the term, please tell them to forget it."


    Hearing his answer, Michael finally smiled.


    "I will do so," He said with a proud expression. "Then, how about ad offers? I found two that you might like."


    "Oh?" Max raised his voice pleasantly. It seemed like this was the main topic for today. "What are they?"


    "It''s this." The assistant opened two screens filled with information about the ads. "Please choose them. Or if you''d like it, you can take both."


    Max was curious and read them carefully. And when he finished, his lips curled up into an excited smile.


    "Now, this is what I call being sincere. Please ept both of them and negotiate the schedule. As long as it''s not around May 29th to 31st, I will be avable."


    "Very well. Please leave the negotiation to me. I will bring good news soon."


    "I am counting on you, Michael. Thanks in advance."


    "Hahaha, it''s my job. Please don''t worry about it."


    Afterward, they talked about the ad and Max returned to his room to rest after having an early lunch. When he was inside, he called Flexy to ask about the sponsorship from the threepanies he received because he was curious.


    But¡­ The answer he got from his friend wasn''t something that he had expected.


    "Well, they don''t look fun, so I rejected them. I am d I did because they seem likepanies that use streamers as if they are tools! Hahaha, thank you, buddy. I will put them on my cklist."


    Instead of the fact that Flexy casually said he would cklist thepanies, Max focused on the other things he said.


    ''This fucking insane man rejected sponsorship offers because it wasn''t fun?!''


    Once again,mon sense didn''t seem to apply to Flexy.

 Chapter 276: Chapter 276 – Nurturing Plan and Secret Reward

    A man with sses was looking at a young employee standing in front of his desk in a certain office. They looked at each other before the former asked.


    "How is it?"


    "He refused." The young employee, Michael, answered with a serious expression. "However, he epted the two ad offers I chose for him. Themercial shooting will start in June."


    "I see." Mr. Taka smiled as heughed merrily. "That''s good. I don''t think he will refuse; this is good. As expected, he was only desperate to get money because he got none. I am d he has enough money now.


    We can focus on nurturing him as a streamer more."


    A misunderstanding.


    If Max was here, he would tell Mr. Taka that his love for money wasn''t less than before.


    "Breeze has indeed grown. I will choose a more appropriate first sponsor for him soon. He deserves better than those 3panies." Michael said, his lips curled into a smile. "May I send a proposal for a sponsorship to one of thepanies that have a close tie to Biozone Entertainment?"


    "I will send you the listter. Some already inquired indirectly. You will be able to get their contract easily." Mr. Taka nodded in agreement, "Moving on. How about that?"


    "That, Manager?" A grin formed on Michael''s face. "They have reached out to us, and I already get the invitation. However, I n to keep this as a surprise for Breeze. He has many on his tes right now. I want him to focus on the iingpetition andmercial shooting."


    "Good decision." The Marketing Team Manager praised with a calm tone. "Let him focus on that for now. That will be held in July, two months from now. Tell the team responsible for our streamers to prepare a promotion for him. Focus on findingmercial ads to spread his name and face."


    "I will do so." Michael bowed slightly, "Talking about ads, I have to report that NoFeet expressed their satisfaction. As for this second, their ads have been viewed by more than a million, and they just gained their 100K likes a few minutes ago. And¡­"


    "And?"


    "Breeze''s video contributed greatly to their sales. The video has triple the views and likes of their official ads. NoFeet''s Marketing Director, Talia rk, contacted me before I entered this office. The details will be forter, but they mentioned they wanted to do a coboration with Breeze for their new shoes."


    "Really?" Mr. Taka''s eyes widened in surprise.


    A coboration! That was a step further than a normal ad offer.


    "If they contact us again, make sure to tell me immediately. Hahaha, that young man is truly lucky. And I am also lucky to be able to sign a golden goose like him!" Heughed happily. "Is there anything more?"


    "There is nothing more, Manager."


    "Alright. Good work, Michael. You may leave. Make sure to negotiate themercial ad price with the other party. Take as much as possible to show that Breeze is a premium streamer!"


    "Yes. Excuse me."


    With that, Michael left the office, and Mr. Taka leaned his back against the chair. He had a happy smile on his face.


    ''If he keeps building on good rapport like this, he will bring good oues for ourpany soon. I need to focus on growing him right now. He''s no golden goose anymore¡­ He''s the gold itself!''


    ***


    While the two people were meeting, Max was dancing happily in his hotel room. He jumped up and down his bed, not caring whether it would break or not.


    "Hell yeaaahhh!"


    Why would he do something like this? It was pretty simple.


    <Quest ispleted! Your reward will be sent to your address!>


    This notification suddenly appeared when he was rxing and improved his mood greatly. He was a human who knew what greed was. If he wasn''t happy at this notification, then he would as well be called an emotionless man.


    More specifically, if he got a reward like this.


    <Reward: 1x A-Grade nutritional supplement + Secret Reward.>


    Even a rich person would be happy. A-Grade nutritional supplement alone costs around 10 grand. But that wasn''t the main reason why they would be happy. This nutritional supplement wasn''t produced inrge numbers. If one got one every three months, they would be considered lucky.


    That was why Flexy and other professional teams only drank B-Grade nutritional supplements before the Scrim at that time. In terms of money, they had many spares. Unfortunately, this product was too limitedpared to therge demands in society.


    Also¡­


    "I wonder what the secret reward is. I need to book Sky Rail to return as soon as possible!"


    That didn''t take long. He quickly booked the train ahead of his nned time and checked out of the hotel. Max was really curious about the reward he received.


    Last time, he got a <Miracle Ticket> that he hadn''t used yet. It was pretty much a cheat item that he wanted to save for emergencies.


    Now, he got another secret reward. He would be really happy if it was at least as good as the energy drink he received for the first time.


    The ride home wasn''t as lonely as before because he was sleeping. Before he noticed it, he had arrived at Lime City and rushed toward his apartment.


    When he arrived inside his room, he saw arge box with ''Secret Reward'' written on it in his living room, with a smaller one sitting on top of it.


    Max''s jaw dropped. What was this ridiculous size? It was around 1 meter big. He circled the box, first securing the smaller one and putting it in a safe ce. A vial of golden liquid was inside the box, which was wrapped nicely with a red ribbon. This must be the A-Grade nutritional supplement.


    ''I will drink this before thepetition to boost my performance. Now then¡­''


    He sat in front of therge box and looked at it.


    "Shall we see what''s inside?"


    Opening therge box excitedly, Max wondered what could be inside. He peered inside, and his expression changed.


    "Crazy." He muttered in a low voice as he looked at the secret reward.

 Chapter 277: Chapter 277 – Refreshing in a New Game

    nk¨C nk!


    Click!


    "It''s done." A man wiped the sweat off his sweat and looked at the man younger than him. "How is it?"


    "Phew, finally. It''s perfect. Thank you, mister." Maxughed and looked at the security in front of him. "I thought you would stop me from putting it together here. I will buy all the securities for tonight''s meal. It will arrive soon, I believe."


    "Hahaha, this time is different. Thendlord has shown us your video, and this one has good security with the mattresses. As long as you don''t jump down the building, we will allow you to use the roof."


    "I will remember that."


    "Great. Good luck, then. I will be waiting for the meal."


    With that, the security left the roof and returned to the entrance. Max watched him leave before turning to the new structure he and the security had just built.


    "The system really knows what I want." Hemented as he approached it.


    The structure in front of him was aplicated monkey bar. The rectangle structure was made from many bars, allowing Max to use this to train his movement. A hangingdder was also connected to the monkey bar, which could be used for pull-ups.


    Underneath the structure were soft mattresses. It all came in thatrge box sent by the system, the first secret reward.


    ''I can use this to make a tutorial video and get used to my new body more.''


    While it wasn''t the best reward, it was a good one. Besides, there was still one more reward to wait for.


    <Quest:


    - I Can Do it Better!


    Ads video? Meh, you are a streamer! Your job is to stream and shoot videos!


    Prove that you are better than a professional by getting your original version more likes than your first ad video!


    Progress: 461,726/122,271


    Reward: Secret Reward.


    Deadline: 7/30 days (Counting after the ad is released)


    This is a bonus Quest. Failure will result in nothing!>


    Another secret reward was already waiting for him in 22 days. That would be the real secret reward. This time, the A-Grade nutritional supplement was good enough for a reward already. This monkey bar was just a bonus.


    That was how Max thought because he was slightly disappointed by the reward.


    ''I want to try the monkey bar, but it will be night soon. I need to buy lighting equipment to make this roof brighter if I want to use it at night, or it will be dangerous.''


    Thinking so, Max returned to his room. Today was the rest day, so he had time to stream something different from Roach.


    He was thinking of ying Mercenary Quest now, but when he was about to start, he felt that his mood wasn''t right. He didn''t want to y this game right now.


    "Hmm¡­ Let''s try something different. I don''t want to y with a sword for now. It will destroy my aim in Roach."


    Max rxed in his Lobby and pulled up a list of popr offline games. After the Midnight Heist, he preferred to be away from other yers for a few days¡­ At least until the Roachpetition finished.


    For now, something exciting and cool would do. And if you asked a man what an exciting VR game¡­


    "It should be that! Mecha!"


    No matter how much parkour junkie Max was, he still appreciated technology and robots. And it seemed like one mecha game was on the risetely.


    "Stranded Mech. This sounds good."


    Reading the game''s introduction, it seemed like this story focused on a space military officer who was stranded on Earth and couldn''t return to his own.


    The said Earth had far more advanced technology than the current one. Due to a mishap of one artificial intelligence, the robots on the raged and controlled the.


    Survivors tried hard to regain the''s control and developed a man-handled robot called Strand. This Strand used no artificial intelligence and was purely controlled by a human to avoid getting taken over.


    Hope returned, and the war between Strand and rogue Robots started until a certain stranded military officer turned the tide of battle with his tactic and genius control over his strange Strand.


    The battle in this game included long-range using shell bullets, cannons, and tactical missiles. There was also a close-range battle with Strand using sharpened metal to cut down robots.


    Max watched the trailer and was immediately hooked. And as usual¡­


    "Biozone Entertainment¡­ They truly publish many good games." He chuckled and bought the game. It cost $125 as it was a fairly short game with good graphics.


    Based on the review, it was only a 3-hour game with a fairly straightforward story without any branches. The main point of this game was the battle between mechas. There was no need for aplicated story to make this game good.


    Max set up his livestream while the game was downloading.


    [I AM A BEEG, BAD ROBOT! #StrandedMech #Mecha #SteelWarrior #Thruster_Time]


    He started the stream and waited.


    ¡ª Thruster time?


    ¡ª T-Too lewd! He thrust something!


    ¡ª We''re ying mecha now? What about the Mercenary Quest? What about ckie?!


    ¡ª Ooooh! EXPLOSION TIME!


    ¡ª This noble me is disappointed not seeing ckie or ck cockroaches, but I will be patient. Why? Because ROBOT IS A COOL MOTHERLICKER!


    ¡ª This noob agrees with viscount. Besides, Stranded Mech is a short game. Probably, Breeze only ys out of boredom.


    ¡ª Maybe he''s tired of cockroaches and wants to do something cool. Like flying with a thruster and shootingrge missiles.


    ¡ª IT''S APOCALYPSE TIME!


    The chat managed to guess Max''s real intention of ying this game. With a chuckle, he started the game and changed the stream screen.


    A loading and introduction scene appeared in front of his eyes.


    ¡ª It''s starting!


    ¡ª BREEZE! KILL THEM ALL!


    ¡ª Oil for the oil god!


    ¡ª Petrol for the petrol god!


    ¡ª Steel god is with you!


    Max appeared on what seemed like a spaceship. He was dressed in a murky brown military officer uniform, wearing a beret that showed his high rank.


    And as soon as he appeared, he saw arge ck hole waiting for him. It was just the start of the game. Without any kind of exnation, he knew one thing.


    "I am fucked."


    With that, the game started.

 Chapter 278 : 278 – Mecha, Every Man’s Dream!

    The spaceship nosedived toward the ck hole without moving to the side. It shook intensely as if an earthquake had hit the very core of the ship.


    Every NPC in the Bridge epted their fate. Only Max had a pale face when darkness engulfed them. Darkness quickly engulfed them, and he felt as if he was underwater. His body was heavy. No¡­ It wasn''t heavy. Max was unable to move his body.


    "Has the cutscene started?" He asked quietly. His ability to speak only made him sure this was part of the game''s cutscene.


    Still, because he took the perspective of the main character, he was unable to see anything but a chat window.


    ¡ª Yes!


    ¡ª You will only see darkness for a few seconds; be patient!


    ¡ª Darkness is your friend. Your friend is darkness. ept your fate, young man


    ¡ª He will open his eyes just about¡­ now


    "Ugh¡­"


    Just as the chat had said, Max''s vision returned. A soft groan escaped the officer''s mouth.


    The vision was still blurry, but it turned clear after he blinked a few times. While the chat watched it from the third perspective, meaning they could see his body clearly, Max experienced the game from the first point of view. This start was pretty fresh for him.


    "Where is this?"


    Looking around, Max could see the debris from the spaceship around the white sand. Water spread infinitely in front of him, some parts were burned from the crash. The ckhole sent him and part of the destroyed ship around a beach.


    At that moment, a woman''s voice rang.


    [You are awake, officer. I am Eva, your assistant. We''re currently on a named ''Earth-19'' and are in a dire situation. Our spaceship crashed, and your condition isn''t top-shape. Critical injuries aren''t detected. No danger to life.]


    "Eva?"


    The character looked at his wrist, at the watch where light shed. It was an advanced artificial intelligence that apanied the officer since his birth. He trusted it more than anyone.


    "Tell me the situation."


    [Yes. Based on my scan, all equipment is destroyed except for a basic Mech-42. Itnded near the forest behind the current location. An emergency supply is detected inside. Suggestion: Proceed to Mech-42 and use it to explore the area.]


    "Can''t we ask for help from the main headquarters?"


    [Negative. Allmunications are lost.]


    "I guess I have no choice." Saying that, the character rose to his feet, "Activate retina guide. Show me the way to Mech-42."


    [Affirmative. Showing the optimal path to Mech-42. Please follow the direction shown by the arrow.]


    Following the woman''s voice, an arrow could be seen in his vision. From this moment on, Max regained control of his body. He clenched his fist and looked around. He noticed the arrow kept pointing at one point on the edge of his vision, on the opposite side of the chat window.


    "Wow, this is amazing." He muttered in amazement at the scenery around him. "Every game has such a unique ce. I guess I am on a beach right now?


    ¡ª Cutscene isplete! Proceed to the tutorial!


    ¡ª Breeze must think: It''s a shame there are no girls in bikinis nearby


    ¡ª ^^ I think that''s just you. And me.


    ¡ª This game''s start is intense, but then it quickly evolves into something light


    ¡ª It''s better to follow the arrow for now. You will get a nice surprise there.


    Max had to agree with the chat. Nodding, he began to walk, following the arrow.


    "I saw the trailer. But I still couldn''t help but get excited right now." He said as he used his hand to move the branches in his way. "I mean, I will see a real robot for the first time! It''s a man''s dream!"


    ¡ª I understand you *nod nod*


    ¡ª kekw, if only our governments built a robot, that would be cool


    ¡ª Military or manhandled robots are banned in our world because they can be potentially used in war. I am d they did it


    ¡ª Man¡­ I am willing to ride a robot if they made one.


    While the viewers chatted among themselves, Max concentrated on the path in front of him. Based on what the arrow showed him, Mech-42 would be in sight soon. And just as he parted the bush in front of him¡­


    "Ooh!" A loud exmation escaped his lips.


    Max was pretty happy with what he saw. His inner child surfaced on his smiling face.


    Sitting against the snapped tree, with evidence of a destroyedndscape, was a humanoid robot with silver color. Some scratches and damages were apparent on its body and bulging chest, where the cockpit was, but overall, it looked intact.


    A wing-like thruster was installed on its back. From the look of it, they were partly destroyed. He wasn''t sure whether they would work or not, but there was one thing he was sure of.


    "This robot looks so cool!"


    ¡ª No debate


    ¡ª Heh, you understand it. Nothing can excite man more than their hobby, their lover, weapons, and robots!


    ¡ª I can''t understand boys¡­


    ¡ª Men are simple. Give us robot, and we will be happy


    ¡ª Men are stupid, then


    ¡ª Hah?! What did you say?! Repeat it, bish!


    When the chat was divided into two factions, Eva''s voice rang once again.


    [Officer, please enter the cockpit. I have unlocked it from inside.]


    As soon as she finished, a mechanical sound rang from the robot.


    Zsst¨C nk¨C Wrrrr!


    The chest part of Mech-42 slowly opened, revealing a futuristic seat with controls connected to the armrest. There was nothing that could be used to climb the robot, but the way the robot was seated made the chest area close to the ground.


    Not to mention, the snapped tree could be used to climb up. The setting was perfect to prepare yers to enter the robot for the first time.


    However, it wasn''t needed for Max.


    "Stop fighting, guys. Let''s enjoy the robot experience together."


    After saying so, he jumped onto the robot''s leg and climbed to enter the cockpit. When he was inside, he noticed it was simr to his VR Capsule. The seat wasfortable, and everything was within an arm''s range.


    [Pilot has entered. Closing the cockpit.]


    The whirring sound echoed within the cockpit. The chest area of the robot was closed. The cockpit turned dark. Max couldn''t even see what was in front of him.


    But that was only temporary.


    [Mech-42 starting up. Checking damage.]


    Lights flickered around him. The previously dark cockpit was lit. Everything around him was clear, and the outside scenery was visible as if he wasn''t inside a small cockpit.


    Destroyed grass, snapped trees, blue sky¡­ Everything was clear.


    [Main thruster is damaged. Flying is impossible, but it can still be used for dodging maneuver. Everything else is all green.]


    With the voice ringing once again, the robot began to move. Max felt like his hand was guided to pull the right lever.


    "Whoa."


    The sudden movement surprised him, but he soon got used to it. After the right lever, he pulled the left lever. Those two were for leg movement. If the button was pressed, then the one that moved was the hand.


    "Hmm, interesting." He smiled excitedly as he tried to move the robot. He just needed to think about it, and his hand moved itself to control the robot.


    "So I just need to think about what I want to do, and the game system will assist my body movement ording to that? The support system is pretty much appreciated."


    ¡ª Indeed


    ¡ª That''s the basic control of the robot


    ¡ª If you want to hold a weapon, just use voicemands such as "Sword" or "Gun" or "Thruster" and it will follow yourmand


    ¡ª No one can actually pilot a robot on a get go


    ¡ª The tutorial is pretty simple. It''s a short game, so the support in control is massive


    ¡ª Just enjoy the story and robot fight. Go go go!


    The game processed as Max read the chat. And he got the first mission.


    [Mech-42 is ready.]


    [First objective: Scout the surroundings and find an intelligent individual to collect information.]


    "Easy to understand." He nodded and tightened his grip on the lever. "Let''s go!"

 Chapter 279 : 279 – Robot Fight is Exciting and Hard

    Max moved the robot slowly. Right step, left step. He also moved the hands to match the foot''s movement. It was pretty awkward at first, but he got used to it soon.


    If there was something he wasn''t used to yet in this game, then the frequent voice from the AI on his wrist worked as the game''s system to give missions and information. It answered all questions Max had regarding the robot.


    [Mech-42 efficiency at 84%. Calctionplete. Maintenance required.]


    [Armory avable: MK-II Beam Rifle, MK-III Photon Sword, MK-I Shield.]


    [Mech-42 capable of running more than 80 KM/H. Maximum speed is impossible due to damage around the joint.]


    Having Eva was like having a capable assistant ready to assist you anytime. Max wanted to have one in real life. And it seemed like he wasn''t the only one thinking about that.


    ¡ª My life would be better if I had one Eva at home


    ¡ª AI, like Eva, is expensive. Only those rich people can afford something like her


    ¡ª My original smartwatch AI is more than enough!


    ¡ª Kekeke, I have one in real life, and it''s pretty dang useful for azy-4ss like me. OF course, it''s not as useful for diligent people.


    Correction, it wasn''t as useful as Max had thought before. His interest in having a simr AI diminished at the time he exited the forest area. In front of himy a vast field. And in the distance, there was something that looked like a house.


    "Eva, scan that area." Hemanded the AI, and the voice answered.


    [Scanning.]


    The screen covering the cockpit showed the scan process. A green circle appeared in the area Maxmanded to scan, and it zoomed in, showing a close-up image of a dpidated house.


    [Scan end. Result: 67% chance of the scanned object being a residence of an intelligent creature.]


    From this, he noticed the AI''s weakness.


    "Ah, it''s indeed not as useful as I thought."


    Unlike humans, who knew that the structure was a house at first nce, the AI was still not sure. It probably could only do a predetermined task.


    "Well, if that''s a house, then there is probably a human there, no? Ah, please don''t tell me a spoiler. I want to enjoy the story this game has to offer."


    ¡ª No problem!


    ¡ª We know the drill, officer! No spoiler shall appear in chat


    ¡ª Spam team ready! Don''t worry about reading the chat. We will bury the spoilers with chats!


    ¡ª Spam team 2 is ready!


    "Good." Max nodded and controlled the robot to approach the house.


    No, approaching would be the wrong word. Running was more apt to describe what he did. The chat was surprised at his control, but the older viewers'' reaction wasckluster.


    Why? Because it was a natural thing for Max to do! Breaking their expectations and getting used to the game faster than anyone. It was something that was only possible for him, whose SR was nearing perfect.


    Soon, he arrived in front of the dpidated building made from concrete. The robot was around 5-meter tall, so he had to look down to look at the house.


    As soon as he looked down, the scan activated again. However¡­


    [Danger detected from behind!]


    The screen was filled with red, and a danger box appeared near his vision. A red sh appeared and barely missed Mech-42 Max piloted. It hit the building and destroyed itpletely.


    "What the heck?!" Max shouted as he turned back. He was able to see the attacker clearly from the screen inside the cockpit.


    A strange ck robot standing on four legs could be seen in the distance. It looked like a dog without a head, and arge cannon was mounted on its back. A cloud of smoke rose from the muzzle, a sign that it had just used the cannon and was the culprit behind the red sh from before.


    [Objective change!]


    [Extract information from a hostile robot.]


    [Combat mode activated.]


    The cockpit''s light was dyed red, and everything changed. From the control and the screen. It was optimized forbat. A crosshair appeared on the screen as Mech-42 took out a rifle, an MK-II Beam Rifle, from its back and had its visor lowered.


    Looking at the transformation tobat, everyone became excited. It didn''t matter whether they had watched this game or not. Both types filled the chat.


    ¡ª There it is! The first transformation!


    ¡ª WHOA?! The robot can transform? I WILL BUY ONE! SELL IT PLEASE! Is it sold on A-Buy?


    ¡ª No matter how many times I watch this, it''s still so cool!


    ¡ª The visor is what makes me fall! Damn! The face looks so sharp and cool!


    Indeed. No one could handle the charm of a transformed robot. Not even Max.


    "Hahaha!" Heughed loudly inside the cockpit and controlled the robot to point the gun toward the enemy. "Come at me, rogue robot! I will turn you into junk in a minute!"


    In this kind of game, the indication of the start of the battle was from meeting the enemy. There was no countdown whatsoever. So, Maxmanded the robot to shoot the rifle toward the enemy without hesitation.


    Unlike the red sh from the enemy earlier, the muzzle spewed a blue beam. It was fast and reached the enemy in less than a second. However, the enemy was able to dodge the bullet and the explosion by jumping. It sent a counterattack using the cannon immediately.


    Red sh gathered on the muzzle and was shot toward Max. He dodged it by jumping to the left, helped by the thruster on the legs and arms to move faster. But that was something that Max didn''t ount for.


    "Huh?"


    Due to the unexpected thruster activation, he lost his bnce and stumbled on the ground.


    Thud!


    He stayed still for a second and blinked. Did this really happen?


    ¡ª "Come at me, rogue robot! I will turn you into junk in a minute!" -> Proceed to fall. So hrious!


    ¡ª Nooo! The secondhand embarrassment! I can''t lol!


    ¡ª lololol, he stumbled. This is the first time I saw Breeze stumbling!


    ¡ª I can''t¡­ He acted so coolly earlier just to stumble down


    ¡ª Umm¡­ Don''t mind?


    ¡ª I can''t stopughing HAHAHAHA KEKW KEKW! HELP ME!


    ¡ª I, as the viewers, are embarrassed. Are you sure you''re not acting, Breeze?


    ¡ª So he only acted clumsy to get attention? If that''s true, then you''re hrious and a natural clown!

 Chapter 280: Chapter 280 – Human Settlement

    The chat made it worse. Max gritted his teeth as he got embarrassed. Thankfully, no one could see inside the cockpit, so he was safe from teasing.


    "Cough, that was intentional."


    ¡ª Yeah, we believe you


    ¡ª Intentional, huh? Let''s leave it at that.


    ¡ª We totally don''t doubt you.


    "Great. As expected from my viewers. You guys are understanding." Max chuckled after reading the chat.


    Standing up, Max observed his enemy once again. It observed him from a distance and didn''t try to get closer, as if it had no other way to attack aside from the cannon from its back.


    And based on the fact it didn''t attack¡­


    "Is there a time interval between attacks?" He asked quietly as he observed his enemy back. Based on what happened, there must be a time interval.


    That time interval was¡­


    "Oh? Is it attacking again? So it''s around 5 seconds!"


    Max controlled Mech-42 to jump out of the way again. This time, he took the thruster into ount and didn''t lose his bnce like before.


    Boom!


    The red beam hit the ground and exploded. Dust was kicked into the air. And from that dust, Mech-42 appeared and rushed toward the enemy robot without hesitation. Max shot the rifles. Three beams flew toward the enemy and hit its two legs.


    Bam bam!


    Parts that were hit exploded into pieces. The ck robot lost bnce and fell to the ground.


    At that time, Max had reached where the enemy was by utilizing the thruster to his advantage. He got the hang of it now.


    Standing in front of the robot, he identified its weak point from the scan. It showed the part under the cannon was the most vulnerable.


    "Buh bye, robot."


    Zuu!


    Thest shot was set for the beam to only have a pration power and not an explosion. It created a hole in the enemy robot and rendered it down. With the core operation destroyed, it couldn''t move anymore and became a metal junk.


    However¡­


    [Well done, officer. Objectiveplete. Begin collecting information.]


    The main part of the robot was intact, and Eva scanned it using Mech-42.


    "Fuu, that was good." Max released his hands from the lever and created a second camera for his livestream inside the cockpit. "Robot fight is exciting, huh? When will I be able to fly? I can''t help but look forward to it."


    ¡ª No spoiler, but mid of the story


    ¡ª Flying in a robot surely is fun. You will like it.


    ¡ª Kekw, you got addicted to a robot.


    ¡ª I wonder if you can use parkour in a robot too.


    "I wonder about that too." Max shrugged his shoulders and looked forward. "Oh, the scan isplete. I will change the camera again."


    With that, the screen changed to show the perspective outside the robot.


    [Scanplete, information gathered. Calcting next move.]


    [Combat mode stays activated until the safe zone.]


    [Mech-42 maintenance is a necessary key for the officer''s survival. Prioritizing search for human settlement.]


    [Data confirmed. New objective created.]


    [Objective: Move toward a nearby human shelter.]


    After the row of notifications from Eva ended, Max could see a blue arrow pointing toward a certain direction opposite the sea. 5 KM was written beneath the arrow, showing the next target wasn''t that far from him.


    "I guess I need to go that way," Max said as he looked at the direction the arrow pointed at.


    Mech-42 still held the rifle as he moved. Being inbat mode meant the assist thruster was still activated. It increased his speed slightly. Based on the distance covered in a few seconds, Max guessed the robot ran around 60 KM/H.


    Reaching 5 KM with such speed would usually take 5 to 6 minutes. However¡­ This was a game. There was something called a skip scene.


    After running for around 10 seconds toward the arrow, he found himself standing on a cliff. The indicator below the arrow also showed 300 meters. In short¡­ He skipped all the distance without running for a long time.


    "Well, that''s convenient for me."


    ¡ª This game understands that travel takes time and is boring. Don''t worry about it! Just think you''re jumping through a wormhole.


    ¡ª Free teleportation as long as you move toward the direction the arrow pointed at you for more than 10 seconds.


    ¡ª Nooo! The running robot is skipped!


    ¡ª Before being able to fly, this skip feature is pretty convenient. Of course, it will still be convenient until the end of the game.


    ¡ª Tsk, I want to see Breeze running in a robot. Why is it skipped? Bad game!


    As usual, the chat was divided into two, but Max supported the one who loved the skip feature right now. He just wanted to enjoy the story and the fight. He didn''t need to run for 5 minutes straight in a robot because that would be boring.


    "Now then, where is the settlement?"


    Only dense forest could be seen from above the cliff. There was nothing that resembled a human settlement or a house.


    However, the arrow pointed at that area, so it wouldn''t be wrong. The problem now was how to go down the cliff.


    "That''s a foolish question," Max smirked as he moved Mech-42''s hands and feet. He got used to controlling it now. "There is no wall I can''t climb. And there is no cliff I can''t handle!"


    ¡ª Oooh!


    ¡ª How cool! How cringe! I like it!


    ¡ª Cringe Breeze. But his words aren''t wrong


    ¡ª Parkour in a robot? COOL + Cool = MARVELOUS!


    ¡ª But can you do it?"


    "Heh, as I said before. There is nothing I can''t do." Max smirked and looked around. He wanted to find the perfect spot to descend while wondering about something.


    ''The game must''ve prepared the path for the yer to reach the settlement safely. From the look of it, it is located to the side, a bit away from this ce. The path leading down should be right there, but¡­''


    Finding a slightly nted area, he proceeded toward that ce while humming and put the rifle to his back.


    ''That won''t be fun and interesting. I wonder how far I can push this robot.''


    Based on what he knew, this robot surely could break. With that in mind, he jumped down the cliff.


    "Yahoo!" He shouted excitedly as he let the gravity pull him down.


    ¡ª Crazy


    ¡ª This motherlicker just jumped!


    ¡ª What the?! Is he going to suicide? I thought he would parkour his way down!


    ¡ª Look, he''s close to the wall and used the thruster to slow his fall


    ¡ª His hand reached the wall!


    Just like the chat said, Max utilized the mini thruster to move midair. He managed to grab a solid wall and used it to slow down.


    [Arm is damaged. Performance decreased by 2%]


    The notification told him what he wanted to know. So that was how it was? The damage would affect the robot''s performance.


    "That''s harsh¡­ 2% just from this?" He raised his voice in a questioning tone. "But well, better than being brittle, I guess. It can handle harsh movement well!"


    Saying so, he jumped down again and went down slowly by stepping on rocks that jutted out of the wall. Some of them crumble, unable to bear the robot''s weight. But overall, the n worked, and he reached the ground safely, with only 2% damage in performance.


    "I see, so that''s the damage it can handle. Good to know." Max nodded in understanding, and Mech-42 imitated his movement.


    ¡ª Only 2% damage from that extensive movement?


    ¡ª So this robot actually can handle damage?! Why is he so brittle when I use it, then?


    ¡ª I jumped down this cliff and died. It''s not fair!


    ¡ª Didn''t you guys see him use the thruster to slow his fall and control his movement in midair? It''s just a skill issue!


    ¡ª Yeah, those who are dead are just noobs! Including me!


    ¡ª Me too¡­


    Ignoring the chat with augh, Max began to walk again. Now, the settlement was only 152 meters from him. It was close.


    Still¡­ Max forgot about one thing. This game world was where humanity fought against robots. So when he entered the 150 meter range from the settlement¡­


    Beep beep beep!


    "Robot detected! ENEMIES FOUND US!"


    "Defensive! Defensive!"


    Experience amazing tales on m vl-em|p-yr


    "Let''s fucking destroy this junk of metal!"


    Many turrets sprung out from the trees and grounds, all with redsers pointing at Mech-42. At the same time, the rm red loudly. Many voices echoed, followed by the appearance of humans holding what seemed like rocketunchers on their shoulders.


    [Hostile detected. Officer, prepare forbat!]


    Everyone was ready forbat except for the intruder inside the robot''s cockpit.


    "Shit. Did I mess up?"


    ¡ª Yes, you did


    ¡ª Congrattions, you have made humanity your enemy!


    ¡ª Your reaction is so cute, I want to kiss you


    ¡ª No way this happens¡­ Right?


    ¡ª Yes way, this do happen

 Chapter 281: Chapter 281 – Forced Game Event Can Be Damned

    Max didn''t know how to react, but he knew that this was a part of the story''s progression. There must be a way to calm them down.


    How?


    Obviously by talking.


    "Eva, open the cockpit! They are hostile against the robots. I believe they will hear my words."


    [Negative. Your life will be in danger without Mech-42''s protection. Proceed to lock the cockpit for the officer''s safety.]


    "Of course, it would be like this!"


    There was no way this storyline would be that easy, right? This was a forced event.


    Max had no choice but to settle this forced event by himself. Fortunately, his weapon wasn''t active. He raised Mech-42''s arms in a surrender expression and said.


    "I am not your enemy! This robot isn''t a rogue one. It''s $^R4ND!"


    Just as he said that he realized that a word was censored. His eyes widened slightly and he clicked his tongue.


    "So that word is censored too?"


    ¡ª Well, yeah.


    ¡ª Right now, the officer doesn''t know what Strand is, so you can''t say it in front of NPCs


    ¡ª This game has a linear storyline. It forces you to do something and limits you to the knowledge your character has known


    ¡ª Everything unrted to the current story is censored in front of NPCs.


    ¡ª But¡­ Do you think you can talk to us right now, Breeze?


    ¡ª WATCH OUT!


    As Max read thest chat, he immediately raised his head and saw an iing missile. His eyes widened as he operated Mech-42 to dodge it.


    The missile passed by arm''s length and hit the cliff behind him, causing arge explosion.


    "Tsk! I missed it!"


    A man with a mohawk hairstyle clicked his tongue from behind a tree. The rocketuncher on his shoulder had smoke escaping its back. Clearly, he was the one who shot earlier.


    "Mohawk! What are you doing?!" A man with arge build shouted with a voice that boomed around the surroundings.


    Everyone nced at him for a second. His face was full of scars, and he wore a muddy green tank top, showing off his muscles.


    "That thing moved, Pops. So I shot it." Mohawk answered nonchntly while waving his hand.


    "You idiot! That thing dodged your attack. At least hit it if you truly mean to!" Pops shouted back while raising two rocketunchers. "Everyone! ATTACK! There is only one of them.


    We can destroy it and get the scraps!"


    "Yeah!"


    With themands, more than 10 people sent missiles toward the silver robot in the distance that tried to regain its footing. The manned turrets also began to shoot live ammunition. Beams were only exclusive to robots. Humans had no resources to create the energy to shoot beam bullets.


    The pilot inside noticed the attack. How could he not while it was so obvious and something popped up in his vision?


    [Objective change!]


    [Survive or retaliate.]


    "This is bullshit!"


    Shouting, Max chose MK-I Shield. He took it from his back and nted it deeply into the ground. A blue spherical barrier surrounded the whole Mech-42''s body as soon as he activated it.


    The impact arrived soon. Max was pushed back even with the shield covering the mecha. Cracks appeared on the surface as it was unable to handle all the explosions and bullets it received. The blue barrier also flickered; the energy was almost depleted.


    [Shield''s efficiency decreased. MK-I Shield''s damage reached 80%. Recharging needed.]


    [Evading maneuver is not rmended. Artillerying from 360 degrees angle.]


    [Simting result. Done. Result out.]


    [Once the shield broke, Mech-42 would be unable to defend against the artillery.]


    Seeing this, Max could only smile in defeat. This was a forced event.


    "Shoot! More more more! Don''t stop!"


    Usually, the enemies'' bullets would already be depleted at this time. But they kept shooting more and more until¡­


    Crack! Shatter¨C


    The shield was destroyed, and the missiles rained on Mech-42. Missiles exploded, and bullets riddled the armor. The shaking inside the cockpit was unbearable, but nothing seemed to scratch the mainponent of it.


    [Mech-42''s capability has decreased. Damage has passed the threshold.]


    [Joints destroyed. Arms and legs ceased to function.]


    [Overall estimation: Prioritize officer''s safety and divert all energy into the cockpit''s protective barrier.]


    [Start the procedure. Goodbye, officer.]


    Max heard the notification and was puzzled. Soon, he knew the reason why Eva said goodbye to him. His consciousness slipped into darkness, and he couldn''t see anything.


    "What happened?" He shouted within the darkness, but there was no reply.


    The system was still working perfectly fine. He could see the chat window on the edge of his vision.


    ¡ª It''s cutscenes time


    ¡ª Plot moves so fast in this game that the cutscenes happen at a strange time


    ¡ª Don''t worry, Breeze. It''s part of the story


    ¡ª You just finished the forced event, so the story progresses to the next part.


    "I see¡­" He sighed in relief.


    He had never yed a game with this kind of story pacing before.


    All games he ever yed only threw him in the wild, put him in an abandoned city, let him fight cockroaches on the moon, made him participate in a monster hunt right off the bat, and put him down in a luxurious ce to steal something¡­


    Yes, that was a record, alright. All of them had the same pattern, alright. However, their pace was pretty slow, unlike this one.


    The darkness parted away, and Max realized he was inside some kind of a room. A white ceiling greeted him, and a voice could be heard from the side.


    "Ah, you''re awake? That''s good."


    Turning around, Max found an old man in a whiteb coat sitting next to him.


    "Where am I?" His mouth moved by itself. The cutscene had started once again.


    At this moment, Max became a half-transparent entity hovering on his body. Looking at someone with his face lying on the bed and moving was a little bit creepy, but he had gotten used to it.


    "Ah, so I am rescued? Don''t those people know that I am inside the mecha when they bombarded me with missiles?!" Heined in a loud voice, but only the viewers could hear him.


    ¡ª They don''t


    ¡ª Robots are enemies, it''smon sense.


    ¡ª Yeah! From their perspective, it''s as if they saved you from a big, bad robot


    ¡ª You were almost eaten and they saved you. You should be grateful!


    ¡ª Tsk tsk tsk, I didn''t raise you to be this kind of person, Breeze. You should say thanks to your savior!


    ¡ª Kekw. NPCs: SHOOT AT HIM! KILL HIM! Then they proceed to rescue him, saying he was lucky.


    ''¡­ I can''t deny them.'' Max thought. ''If I were in the NPCs shoes, I would probably do the same. An enemy popped up in front of their settlement. Of course, they would do anything to survive. And if I find a survivor, I would probably help that guy too.'' He reasoned.


    "I am worried that you might not wake up at all. To think you are inside a Strand that got taken over by AI and survived¡­ That''s a miracle itself." The doctor smiled gently.


    "I have checked your vitals. Besides the small injuries all over your body, you are fine. Ah, we have destroyed all equipment invested with AI, so you can rest easy."


    At those words, the officer''s face twisted ufortably. He didn''t believe that his equipment was destroyed, the only thing that could possibly lead him home.


    However, he was smart. He didn''t know the situation in this ce. And based on the man''s words, AI was a frightening enemy on this. He was unable to get the information he gained from the robot enemy from Eva yet. Right now, he was a clueless man in a foreignnd.


    Hiding his emotion, the officer forced a smile.


    "Thank you." He said to the doctor.


    "No problem." The old doctor nodded and stood up. "There will be someone here to guide you around our shelter soon. In the meantime, just rest. Hahaha, I can leave you alone, right?"


    "There is no problem."


    "Great! See you around the dining table then."


    With that, the doctor left, and the officer was left alone. After hearing the door got closed, he climbed off the bed and checked his situation.


    "Small injuries. There is nothing bad." He muttered and patted his whole body before his gaze settled on his wrist.


    The device containing Eva was gone, and he was stripped bare, leaving only a simple shirt and pants.


    Furrowing his brow, the officer contemted while observing his surroundings.


    "I must find information about this world and why AI is hated. Their technology was pretty good. There must be a library somewhere. Maybe I can find information in that ce."


    Just as he finished speaking, Max could see notifications in front of him.


    [New Objective Created!]


    [Secretly gather information regarding AI and robots from the Library.]


    After the voice disappeared, Max could move his body again. He looked around and blinked his eyes. There was an objective arrow in his vision even though Eva was gone. Of course, it was only due to him being a yer, and it had no rtionship to Eva whatsoever.


    Still, it was pretty good for Max. He thought he would be clueless and had to find the library manually before.


    Smiling, he looked at the hovering camera in the air.


    "Let''s do this, chat. It''s sneaking time!"


    ¡ª Ninja time?


    ¡ª Sneaky sneaky


    ¡ª Don''t forget to bring a box! Hide in the box! BE THE BOX!


    ¡ª Enter the bush if you are spotted!


    ¡ª Sneaky Breeze¡­ Don''t forget to enter a female bathroom!


    ¡ª Shut up, creep! Breeze, don''t do that, please. The male bathroom is fine, though.


    ¡ª ¡­ Get some help.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 282: Chapter 282 – New Robot Is Meh

    Infiltrating the library was¡­ easier than Max thought. No, it wasn''t even an infiltration.


    As soon as he stepped out of the medical room, Max met with Mohawk. The man introduced himself and happily guided him to the library without asking anything.


    Max questioned whether this was a part of the story progression. He followed the man to the library before a cutscene started again. His character moved by itself, reading many books apanied by Mohawk.


    While this happened, he talked to the viewers.


    "The story is indeed pretty linear. It''s a bit interesting seeing the officer''s expression change when he learns of the AI''s wickedness, but this also feels strange to me. Is it because I never yed this kind of game before? It''s like my freedom has be so limited."


    ¡ª I know that feeling! That''s probably why I only y online gamestely


    ¡ª True. A linear story can sometimes be burdensome to some people. But part of the gamingmunity likes it, too


    ¡ª Believe me. Sometimes, you just want to follow the story and not think about the route¡­ Huff¡­ Huff¡­ I wanted to be restrained!


    ¡ª That''s also something I experience. Like¡­ You wanted to do this, but you''re unable to!


    "Right?! Being so limited isn''t fun."


    Max wanted to love this game. But it wasn''t as fun as he previously thought due to the many limits ced on him by the storyline. He was the type that enjoyed freedom more than a good story, it seemed.


    Of course, a game with freedom and a good story was better than just a good game. For example, Knight''s Journey story was good. Mercenary Quest also had many to offer as he was still at the start of the game. Neither of them limited his choice and freedom in ying.


    The officer closed thest book he read and approached the Mohawk, who had fallen asleep. He nudged the man and asked him something.


    "Can you show me where the hangar is? I want to see this Strand."


    Finally, the word Strand wasn''t censored from his mouth. After Mohawk agreed to show him, Max was able to control his body again. He followed the man to arge hangar where all Strands, humanity robots were located.


    This ce made Max change his mind again. Five robots, which looked bulkier than Mech-42, stood side by side with scaffolding around them. Many people worked on them, taking care of the robots with care.


    "How''s this?! Aren''t these Strands amazing?" Mohawk boasted proudly.


    Max wanted to say they weren''t as impressive as Mech-42 because it seemed like they had no thruster. But he kept silent and let Mohawk continue.


    "The truth is, I am one of the pilots. Mine is that red one, Strand-69! Hehe, isn''t she beautiful? The silver one is new; we just built it, and no one is piloting that unit yet. Ah, piloting is hard, though. Don''t ever think of trying even if that unit has no key!"


    As they walked through the hangar, the man kept yapping and boasting about his achievement. Max stayed silent as he focused his gaze on the corner of the hangar. Mech-42''s chest armory there. It was the cockpit.


    There was something strange with it.


    "Why is the cockpit glowing?" He asked in a low voice and looked at the chat.


    ¡ª Isn''t it natural?


    ¡ª As they say, something big and strong will glow at times Experience new worlds on M-VL-em|p,yr


    ¡ª It''s because of the story progression.


    ¡ª IT''S SO BRIGHT! UNLIKE MY FUTURE!


    ¡ª Why don''t you try to touch it?


    Story progression¡­


    Yes, indeed. That cockpit would surely trigger the next story.


    Nodding his head, Max called out to Mohawk.


    "Sir, could that be¡­" He pointed at the cockpit with his finger and Mohawk turned around.


    When he saw it, his smile brightened.


    "Ah, that! We found you inside that thing. Don''t worry; we checked it and found no AI. It seems the system was destroyed after we bombarded it, so it''s safe! Could it be that part of your Strand that got taken over by AI? Are you also a pilot?


    Woah, dude! We are amazing!"


    "Can I take a closer look?" Max asked.


    "Hmm, that would be difficult. Pops said no one can get close until he''s sure it''s safe. Sorry, bud. No can do." Mohawk made an X mark with his arms.


    At that moment, the glow around the cockpit disappeared. The story progressed.


    "I see. That''s a shame."


    Mohawk patted his shoulder and brought him to another area. They walked around the base and met with Pops in a meeting room.


    "You''re here." The scary man with arge build expelled smoke from his mouth and red at Max. "What''s your name?"


    Opening his mouth, Max was about to answer Pops with Breeze. But what came out of his mouth was different.


    "Call me Officer. That''s what my friends call me before."


    ¡ª ???


    ¡ª Was Breeze acting? HE''S ROLEPLAYING?!


    ¡ª No, it''s a natural story progression. Breeze can only answer that.


    ¡ª I thought he was roleying for a second lol. Yeah, this is a linear game. You can''t choose your name here


    Reading the chat, Max managed not to blurt out strange words and appeared calm.


    ''So even the name is forced? Talk about too stiff!''


    Even so, it was getting interesting. Pops exined something that Max ignored. No, it was more like his words moved so fast that he could only hear the important part.


    "We wee you as part of our shelter now. But you joined at a hard time. The AI and robots will attack us soon, as they found us yesterday. Thankfully, we defeated it before it could send a distress signal, so we had at least a day to move.


    "Humanity has no hope against them yet. We n to destroy their main server in a week and regain our footing in the world, but we need to push that back and move our shelter first. People from other shelters have prepared a ce for us. We will move tonight. I hope you also help us."


    A day? No distress signal?


    Hearing Pops, Max had a bad feeling. Didn''t he destroy a robot before going toward the settlement? And based on the location where that four-legged robot appeared, it seemed like it just returned from the human settlement area.


    A cutscene started so suddenly. Max was expelled from the officer''s body as the character suddenly turned serious.


    "Pops! The truth is¨C"


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion rang and shook the ground greatly.


    Beep beep beep!


    "ATTACK! WE HAVE BEEN ATTACKED BY ROBOTS!"


    Following that, the rm and the speaker on the ceiling rang loudly, informing the situation. Pops narrowed his eyes dangerously as he grabbed a rocketuncher beside his desk.


    "Tsk! How can they find this ce so fast?!" He clicked his tongue and strode out of the room. "We changed our n! We will move now. Tell everyone else."


    "Yes, sir!"


    Mohawk and the Officer followed suit. Explosions kept happening above the ground, but they didn''t stop. They went to the hangar, and Max stood to the side, looking at the hectic situation. Everyone prepared for war.


    Pops and Mohawk entered the Strand with two other people, a young man and a busty woman. They had no fear written on their faces, unlike the normal shelter citizens who were evacuated using trucks.


    Four robots quickly departed and were sent above the ground using arge elevator.


    And Max, who was left alone, stared at the panel in front of him.


    [New Objective!]


    [Help Pops and the Shelter to fend the enemy off!]


    The cockpit glowed brightly, with an arrow pointing at the silver Strand left in the hangar.


    And the officer moved toward the engineer.


    "Combine them." Hemanded in a cold tone.

 Chapter 283: Chapter 283 – Combination! Junk + Meh Robot = Good!

    Above the ground, ck robots bombarded a certain forest area. Around 20 four-legged robots were sending beam missiles toward the hiding ce.


    Each beam was packed with tremendous power, creating an explosion that kicked ck smoke into the sky. The fire spread easily, and the sky turned reddish-orange.


    The definition of hellfire fit this ce perfectly.


    Among the 10 defensive turrets, 5 had been destroyed by an initial attack. The rest and the defensive squad with rocketunchers tried to defend the area by themselves.


    Swoosh! BOOM!


    There were limits to traditional weapons. They were pretty limited in ammunition, and the damage against the rogue robots was minimal. Even taking down one robot required tremendous effort.


    3 minutes after the battle started, the defensive squad only managed to destroy 2 out of 20 rogue robots. However, their goal wasn''t to defeat them. They only bought time so the evacuation squad could escape.


    Hope returned when four Strands were deployed. They immediately took over the situation and confronted the enemies head-on. Pops and Mohawk had great control over the robot and defeated the enemies one by one.


    However, that hope was extinguished soon. Four-legged robots belonging to the AI weren''t built for battle. That was why they were pretty easy to defeat.


    But a humanoid one was a different story.


    A 5-meter robot hovered in the sky. Its metallic ck appearance and eerie red eyes pointed its sixser cannons attached to its back to the ground. Red beams were concentrated on the muzzles. Everyone lost hope.


    "We will die." Mohawk''s body trembled in fear as he sat inside his Strand cockpit. "Red is cool. But that one is not."


    "Don''t lose hope, Mohawk! Shoot with all your bullets! We just need to buy 3 more minutes!" Pops'' voice resounded on the battlefield. "Turrets, cover us! Deal with those pesky dogs. Everyone else, with me!"


    "I know, Pops!"


    Four Strands aimed their rifles toward the new enemy, a humanoid AI robot. They shot without hesitation, emptying the bullets in the chambers. Dust from small explosions covered the sky. It was cleared in just a second, and the despairing sight awaited them.


    A red spherical barrier covered the robot''s body and negate all damage it received.


    "No way¡­"


    No one knew who said that, but everyone knew their end was near. Not even Strands'' armor would be able to block those six beams. Steel could easily be melted with thatser.


    Knowing this, Pops sent out an order.


    "Retreat! Go away as far as possible. Leave the area!"


    Everyone moved at once. The defensive squad climbed onto the trucks hidden in the forest to retreat. Having everyone aboard, the pilots controlled the Strand to run and run as far as possible until Mohawk noticed that Pops didn''t follow them. His eyes widened as he turned his Strand.


    "Pops!"


    His shout echoed in the burning forest, getting everyone''s attention.


    Pops'' Strand stood under the enemy and attacked it relentlessly, even though it didn''t work just to get the enemy''s attention. Knowing his intention, Mohawk tried to hold back his tears and continued running away.


    The gathered beams were concentrated in one spot, right in front of the robot. It was about to shoot!


    "This is the end, huh?" Pops muttered inside his cockpit and puffed out smoke. "Not too bad of a life, I guess."


    The concentrated beam was shot as soon as he finished speaking. However¡­


    Boom!


    Before it reached the ground, an explosion rang. Pops looked up and saw the beam disappear, and the robot''s arm was destroyed. He didn''t know what happened, so he quickly scanned the surroundings.


    From thest elevator leading to the underground, a silver Strand appeared. On its back was a cannon crackling with blue electricity. The chest area was a bit thinner than usual Strand, making its design sleek and futuristic. Pops knew that this Strand had saved him, and he smiled.


    Meanwhile, inside the silver Strand''s cockpit, Max sat on the soft seat and grinned.


    "Strike!"


    The cutscene had ended. Before everything on the surface unfolded, he had once again entered the cutscene where Officer ordered the engineer to install Mech-42''s cockpit into the Strand.


    All was finished in a minute. It was surprising, considering that the cockpit was an unfamiliar design. The installment was unexpectedly easy. Mech-42''s cockpit was special. It could adapt to any robot and had arge energy core that could supply energy to the said robot.


    Much to the engineer''s surprise, the energy in the silver Strand was thrice the usual. It could handle the new weapon they created, a railgun.


    They also installed it in a hurry and sent the Strand out, with Officer piloting it.


    When the surface was in sight, Max first saw that the world had turned gray, and a scene shed on a screen that suddenly appeared before him. It was like a movie.


    Then, the Officer controlled the Strand with familiarity and canceled the ck robot''s attack. That was how he arrived at this situation.


    "Guys, I think that if I destroy the enemy robot without damaging its wing, I would be able to get the thruster and install it in this robot, no?" He licked his lips as he looked at his enemy that hovered in the air. "Just tell me yes or no without spoiling it. Makes me excited!"


    ¡ª Yup!


    ¡ª That''s right


    ¡ª It will be a hard battle since the enemy is in the sky. You might fail and retry, but do your best!


    ¡ª Look at that ck thruster that looks like wings! If you attach it to your unit, it will make you cooler.


    ¡ª I BELIEVE YOU CAN FLY!


    "Right. Screw the long cutscene. Fighting in a robot is why I y this game!"


    Max gripped the lever tightly, and dashed forward. He took out a rifle from his back and began shooting up. The bullets were reflected by a red spherical barrier. They were half-transparent, unlike before, a sign that the barrier energy was almost depleted.


    "No use, huh? My railgun still has a 5 seconds dy. I guess I need to survive until then." He muttered and went around the burned forest.


    The enemy robot''s eyes shed. Beams umted in 4 of the weapons from its back that were still functioning. Electricity crackled from the destroyed part, but it could still easily fight and destroy the base.


    After recognizing it as an enemy, it began to shoot toward Max''s Strand. Red beams shed for a second before the ground behind him exploded. The destruction it caused was less than the main cannon of the four-legged robot. However, its number and rapid shooting made it more dangerous.


    Fortunately, Max didn''t have a problem with speed and reaction time. Without the thruster that disturbed his movement, he was actually faster and more agile.


    After dodging a few times, he saw the railgun was ready and got into position. He made sure the crosshair locked on the enemy before grinning.


    "Get rekt!"


    With that, he pulled the trigger, and the railgun shot a long, pointy bullet toward the enemy. The bullet was crackled with electricity and shot faster than the speed of sound. When it made contact with the red spherical barrier, electricity spread all over and cracked it.


    The bullet went through the robot and created a hole in its head area where the processing core was located, rendering it down.


    [Objectiveplete.]


    The remains of the robot fell to the ground and exploded. At that time, Max''s face paled as he shouted and broke into a run.


    "Nooo! My thruster!"


    ¡ª Nooo!


    ¡ª Not the thruster!


    ¡ªAT LEAST SAVE THE THRUSTER!


    ¡ª Game be like: KEKW! Get rekt!

 Chapter 284 : 284 – Halfway to the Game

    Arriving at the crash site, Max noticed Pops'' Strand was standing to the side while holding something. When he saw it, his eyes sparkled in delight.


    "My thruster!"


    ¡ª Pops save it!


    ¡ª W Pops!


    ¡ª I decided. I like that old man kekekeke


    ¡ª Someone saved the day, and it''s not Superboy but Pops!


    ¡ª It''s me, Pops da!


    "This looks useful, so I took it. I guess you like it?" Pops approached Max in the Strand and put the thruster down. He controlled the Strand to pat his shoulder and nodded. "Thank you, Officer. You saved my life. I didn''t know you could pilot a Strand this good."


    "No no no, it''s fine. You also saved my thruster, so let''s count it fair."


    "Hahaha, you''re truly kind. I am d I didn''t kill you back then! If I killed you, I would probably die right now hahahahaha."


    "Hahaha, I am also d I didn''t kill you back then. If I destroyed this base, I wouldn''t be able to get this intact thruster!"


    The conversation went strange, but Max alsoughed with him.


    ¡ª ¡­


    ¡ª Is it just me who thinks their heads are strange? Is there a brain specialist here?!


    ¡ª I am a neurologist, but I don''t know what I should do in this situation. I will pass this on to the psychologist.


    ¡ª A psychologist here. I diagnose both of them as suffering from brain damage. X-ray required.


    ¡ª Radiologist here. I don''t think I can use X-Ray on a robot. The hole is too small for them!


    ¡ª lololol the hole!


    ¡ª Does the radiologist not use his brain? Obviously, the psychologist only asks you to X-ray the pilot!


    The chat enjoyed the situation. They talked to themselves while Max looked at the thruster as if he had found a gem. At the same time, Pops seemed to talk to himself.


    "The other dogs have retreated. Our force also managed to run, leaving only us here." The old man inside the ck Strand said as he looked at him. "We need to follow them ASAP and inform them about our victory. Our Strands will also need to be fixed. Well, we can install this thing for you if you want to."


    [New Objective Created.]


    [Objective: Move toward the new shelter with Pops.]


    "What are we waiting about then?" Max rose to his feet while taking the thruster with him. "Let''s go, ASAP!"


    "Good! Now, if you can hand me some of the Rifle bullets, that would be great. My ammunition has been depleted dealing with that bastard."


    "No problem."


    Max distributed his ammunition with Pops and moved to chase after the people who went to another shelter. ording to the old man, the nearest empty shelter where they moved was around 20 KM away.


    Chasing after the survivor would also be impossible, so he said just to meet them there. Naturally, the journey was skipped. But it was only halfway because they found a red Strand standing behind the tree. It was Mohawk.


    He managed to reunite with Pops with feeling.


    "Pops!"


    Or not¡­


    "You fool!"


    Pops scolded Mohawk for staying behind and not protecting the others who evacuated. Max used this chance to get angry with Mohawk because he was too useless¡­ He was just venting because Mohawk took too much time with the cutscene.


    After the minute-long scolding, Max handed the thruster to Mohawk and asked him to handle it with care and protect it with his life.


    They moved together, and the journey was skipped again uneventfully. The new shelter was also located underground. When they arrived, many people weed them excitedly. They were happy that Pops survived and they could move to the new shelter safely.


    [Objectiveplete.]


    Everything moved fast from then on. Literally.


    "Holy!"


    Max was ejected from the Officer''s body and watched what happened on the screen. The image was blurry as if it were yed at 10x the speed.


    "Is this normal in a game like this, guys? Why did they do this to me?! I want to fly right now. The sky is calling me!"


    ¡ª It''s normal


    ¡ª There is an uneventful time in a game. Officer is now getting used to the new life


    ¡ª Let Officer rest. He just returned from war, got stranded, and got attacked¡­ Three times! Let the man rest!


    ¡ª Officer: Finally, some rest. Breeze: YOU CAN''T REST! LET''S FLY IN A ROBOT!


    ¡ª This guy isn''t a normal human. Is it already an hour and a half?


    ¡ª Halfway to the story then¡­ This is really too short.


    ''It''s already halfway to the end?'' Max was surprised as he read the chat.


    That was fast.


    "Welp, I just need to enjoy it." He shrugged his shoulders.


    At that time, text appeared before him, exining the situation that happened in the fast-forward. It was in the form of a note that moved slowly.


    [Officer''s Note.


    A year has passed since I was stranded. I was having a good life, but I lost the way to return to my home. Myst hope, Eva, was also gone.


    On this, I gained friends and protected people while piloting a robot named Strand. There is nothing different from my previous life, except for the lifestyle.


    It was hard at first, but I got used to it soon. Fighting had been everyday life. Engineers studied Mech-42''s cockpit and upgraded all Strands. We can go against rogue robots and AI more easily.


    However, I doubt we will survive long at this point. Pops, the leader of this shelter, thinks simrly as me. Humanity dies slowly. All we can do is to crawl and hide.


    The n to attack their main server was halted after that attack. But it will resume soon.


    In three days, we willunch our first and probablyst attack. All Strands have higher specs now. We used scraps from the enemies to upgrade them. Out of 127 Strands all nearby shelters have, 30 of them can fly and use railguns.


    My Strand, which Mohawk named Stranded, is still the most advanced thanks to the technology I brought from space.


    Talking about space, the remains of my spaceship were gone. I checked a few days after moving to the new shelter to find amunication device, but nothing remained.


    This is myst diary and my will.


    I miss my home. ¨C Officer.]


    The scene changed suddenly when thest word disappeared into void. Max sat inside a cockpit, facing arge tower that pierced the sky in the distance.


    Around him, more than a hundred Strands stood fully armed. A tense atmosphere was brewing in the background.


    Looking around the cockpit, he found a flying option attached to it now, but he was still clueless how to use it.


    One thing shed inside his mind right now.


    "¡­ Are you kidding me?"

 Chapter 285 : 285 – First War, First Fly, First Experience

    "Let''s do this, Officer. Your skill is needed here. Please destroy the main antenna at the top of that tower. It''s a crucial step to raid the main server in 3 days. If we fail here, then ourrade sacrifices will be for naught! Do this for Anne and Dn."


    Max only nodded. If three small battles already covered half of the story, then only two would probably be left. And those two were big ones.


    Whoever Anne and Dn were, he didn''t care. They must be a random name that Pops threw to create a sad atmosphere.


    ''It''s really a short story.'' He thought. ''Only 5 or 6 battles, huh? I chose the correct game then.''


    "If you understand, then it''s good. Go after we make amotion." Pops continued.


    "I am counting on you, bud! Watch me from above!" Mohawk chirped in excitedly as he raised his rifle.


    The preparation to attack onlysted for 5 seconds. Everyone was ready to storm in.


    ¡ª This is the part I liked a lot.


    ¡ª Will we see Breeze rampaging now?! One vs one is too boring. He''s born for a battlefield like this!


    ¡ª This is¡­ WAR


    ¡ª WAR IS MY BLOOD! WAR IS MY FLESH! I WAS BORN IN BATTLEFIELD!


    ¡ª Born and raised. Certified warrior.


    Unlike earlier, Max was now focused.


    "Go go go!"


    The army sprung into action at Pops'' sign, leaving only 10 units behind. All of them were Max''s support to reach the top of the tower. Everyone approved and acknowledged their ability to use the thruster and fly.


    A mud-colored Strand approached Max as he observed the battle that had begun in the distance.


    "Leader, it''s time."


    Max turned around and nodded. The explosions that rang loudly had kicked some dust into the air, turning the sky brown. It was a perfect camouge for the squad. Right now, even his Strand was brown-colored. It was part of the n.


    "Let''s go."


    Nodding, the unit used hand gestures tomand the others. They began to fly one by one, leaving Max on the ground.


    Looking at the unit that had just taken off, Max breathed deeply.


    [New Objective Created.]


    [Destroy the AI''s #3 Main Antenna.]


    "Neat. It''s easy to understand." Max operated his Strand to stand up and looked at the sky. "Now, the problem is¡­ How to fly? I had never had any wings or flown anything before. Except my body, of course."


    ¡ª ¡­


    ¡ª Fly your body? How the heck?


    ¡ª Parachute, dude. But holy! Did you skydive?


    ¡ª I like how easy it is for him to say he did a dangerous sport as if it were nothing


    ¡ª To fly, justmand it to fly. The game assistant will help you


    ¡ª This game is pretty easy. No need to think much and just think of where you want to go. The game assist will help you fly.


    "¡­ Seriously?"


    That sounded fishy.


    ¡ª Yes.


    ¡ª Why do you think this game isn''t really liked by many skilled yers?


    ¡ª The skill level required to y this game is low. It''s just something you y when you''re bored


    Now that sounded right. Max decided to try it and activated the thruster. He controlled it as if he were controlling the game assist, just like when he had used Mech-42 earlier.


    A sound of me expelled from the back could be heard. The thruster was activated, and his Strand was lifted off the ground.


    The feeling of floating in the air was strange, especially since he was seated in a soft chair. It was like riding a helicopter, but it wasn''t shaky at all. This cockpit had a good shock absorber.


    "This is amazing!"


    An exhrating feeling filled him. This was fun. Adrenaline rushed through his virtual blood.


    "Nothing can stop me! Hahaha!"


    A loudughter rang in the battlefield as the muddy brown Strand that looked slimmer than the others rose to the sky. Explosions and the sound of bullets raining down among the allied Strands and rogue robots drowned it, but that wasn''t important.


    "Now, let''s get to the top." He said, "Full speed ahead!"


    Responding to hismand, the game assist system activated the thruster at full speed, sending Max flying. The Strand soared into the sky, far and beyond, without stopping. His speed was even faster than a missile due to the special thruster he got from an advanced rogue robot.


    Yet, he couldn''t stop.


    "Aaaahh! Help!"


    ¡ª I believe he can fly¡­


    ¡ª Now I don''t believe


    ¡ª He''s not flying. He''s soaring!


    ¡ª I don''t want tough, but I amughing. Lololol


    ¡ª Kekw


    ¡ª [emoji:p p p] He''s truly the best. I just realized this is aedy stream and not a real gaming one.


    "It''s a gaming stream and not aedy one!" Max retorted as he tried his best to stop his Strand. "How do I stop this? Game system, stop! I don''t want to fly at full speed. Brake! Brake!


    Brake!" He shouted loudly.


    He saw the tower get closer and closer. The parabolic antenna on top of the tower could now be seen. It was facing the sky, sending a signal to a satellite to spread the main server''smand to all robots in the whole world.


    That was Max''s target. He just had to destroy it with his railgun to finish his objective and mission. Many flying robots guarded it. However, he flew past them. No enemies could stop him, not even himself.


    "Ahh, fuck it! Railgun, ready!" He readied his main weapon, and the railgun on his back crackled with electricity, ready to shoot a bullet toward the antenna.


    After a second, the word ready shed on the cockpit''s screen. He immediately pulled the trigger and sent the bullet filled with electricity there. It created a sonic boom and shed through all the robots in the area.


    The bullet hit the antenna''s weakest point, the joint, and destroyed it cleanly. Still, Max hadn''t stopped yet. The thruster kept him flying straight toward the exploding antenna.


    There was no sign of stopping.


    Thus¡­ Max epted his fate.


    "Thank you, world. Goodbye forever."


    ¡ª Goodbye


    ¡ª It''s good knowing you


    ¡ª As extreme as usual, I like it.


    ¡ª The biggest firework is created by oneself, just like the wise man once said


    ¡ª I am looking forward to the explosion.


    Closing his eyes, Max waited for the explosion to happen. The chat began counting down as he was unable to stop his Strand. The thruster had stopped, but the force that sent him flew from the start was still carried over.


    And after the chat''s countdown stopped¡­


    [Objectiveplete.]


    The explosion never happened.

 Chapter 286: Chapter 286 – Last Battle in Main Server [1]

    "I survived?!" Max shouted excitedly as he raised his arms in a half-transparent mode. "Hell yeah! I told you guys that I am too good at this game, hahaha!"


    ¡ª Breeze in the past: Goodbye forever. Breeze now: Hell yeah! Take that, sucker!


    ¡ª Why call my name? This noble me said nothing at all! And Breeze, you suck at handling robots!


    ¡ª It seems Breeze isn''t that good with technology that uses something to assist him


    ¡ª lolol, he''s a manual guy


    ¡ª If he can''t handle this, how could he drive a hovercar?


    ¡ª ^^ Simple, just hire a chauffeur.


    In his delight, Max looked around. The cutscene had started again, showing his Strand, with some damage all over its body, slowly descending to the ground. All enemy robots were rendered useless, with no antenna ryingmands to them.


    Humanity gained significant results from this attack. Many robot parts could be salvaged for the iing attack on the AI main server.


    The flying squad apparently lost 5 members, even though Max ended the battle pretty fast before they could even reach the enemy. But it was just for a story progression. And¡­


    "Pops! Pops!"


    There was another victim in this attack. Just when Officernded on the ground, exiting his Strand, he could see Mohawk desperately digging a half-destroyed ck Strand. His expression hardened at once. Ignoring the cheers from his surroundings, he ran toward Mohawk.


    "What happened?" He asked the crying man.


    "Officer! Help me open this cockpit! Pops is¡­ Pops!"


    That was enough words. Officer immediately sprung into action and helped Mohawk pry off the steel covering the ck Strand. It was hard. Even with theirbined strength, they couldn''t do it.


    More people noticed them and gathered to help. One person used a Strand to peer open the cockpit. Only then did they manage to see Pops'' condition.


    The old man lost almost half of his body. His arm torn off to the chest. Blood covered the cockpit, turned the metal red. There was no sign of breathing.


    Mohawk''s face paled as he jumped down.


    "Pops!" He held Pops'' body and shook it, shouting desperately. "Come on, Pops! We won! Don''t joke with me, please! Pops. Pop¨C"


    Officer jumped into the cockpit and held down Mohawk.


    "Stop it! He''s already dead."


    "Get off me, Officer! Pops won''t die. He can''t die!"


    "Face the reality!"


    Silence descended. The sound of grinding teeth could be heard. Some weeping sounds could also be heard from those who knew Pops well. Everyone was sad. Pops had died a hero''s death with a smile on his face.


    No one expected this to happen. The celebratory mood turned grim when they realized more were lost. Of the 126 people who attacked the antenna, only 42 survived. The truth hit them harder than anything. And that only counted their force, not the other yet.


    A total of 652 people fell in the battle to destroy 10 antennas all over the world. 42 was a low numberpared to other forces.


    "This is crazy," Max muttered as he heard the report while in a half-transparent state. "This game''s story nner is nuts. How could he kill all those people off-screen? It''s as if they are preparing for thest battle without any survivors."


    ¡ª This is a pre-apocalypse game


    ¡ª That''s right. Every game developer is nuts! They expect us to be happy with the massacre! (PS. I am happy)


    ¡ª HAHAHA! Blood god is happy with the offering. He shall bless you for thest battle.


    ¡ª Do your best, Breeze!


    [BloodSucker has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [GET DEPRESSED! BUT DON''T. Anyway, I love seeing you suffering from this hahaha!]


    "Sorry to break it to you, sucker. But I won''t get depressed over something like this." Max smirked as he saw the game was fast-forwarded.


    Every force from the corner of the world, totaling more than five hundred people, gathered. They had no time to mourn theirrades'' death. The only thing they could offer to their soul was revenge.


    Engineers worked without sleep. They used all the salvageableponents from the enemy robots to fix the Strand and upgrade its capability. Their focus was on Stranded, Max''s robot. The engineers added beam cannons to its back and equipped it with a beam rifle.


    A photon sword for closebat was installed on the back of its arm.


    Unfortunately, those beam weapons couldn''t be equipped with other Strands due to energy andpatibility issues. It was only possible for Stranded because it used Mech-42''s cockpit.


    And three days passed quickly. Themander of the attack was a veteran wearing military clothes. His gray hair only made him look scarier, and he joined the battle directly.


    Standing in front of Officer, themander patted his shoulder.


    "We''re counting on you. Only you can pilot that Strand, and it is the biggest weapon that we ever have."


    "I''ll give everything I have." Officer answered, and the scene immediately changed.


    Max returned to the cockpit. He realized that he was hovering in the sky. This time, slowly and surely.


    "Phew¡­" He exhaled softly and promised himself not to fly at full speed anymore. "Where are we going now?"


    Just as he asked that, he noticed arge building. Maybe calling that building wasn''t correct, as it was walking toward them.


    The size was massive, even bigger than the tower they attacked before. From the silhouette that was hidden by the cloud, this walking building was shaped like a tortoise with a tower on its back.


    Just as the metal tortoise came into sight, the notification rang.


    [New Objective Created.]


    [Take down the AI''s main server, Tortoise]


    Max''s jaw dropped in surprise.


    ''That''s the main server?!'' He screamed inside his mind as he looked at the camera inside the cockpit.


    ¡ª Yup


    ¡ª I expected this reaction


    ¡ª lolol, look at his face. So funny!


    ¡ª Good thing we didn''t spoil him with the story lol


    ¡ª It''s worth it


    Seeing the chat reaction and the game''s system, Max realized his guess was on point.


    Arge metal tortoise equipped with weapons and hosts many robots¡­ Really?


    ''I have to destroy that? How?''


    When he was lost in his thoughts, a voice reverberated through the battlefield, shaking the soldier''s heart.


    "EVERYONE! Attack! LET''S TAKE BACK OUR EARTH!"


    It was a simplemand from themander. But it managed to push the morale to the highest level.


    Max looked at the Strand that ran on the ground in awe. Those who could fly went straight fearlessly.


    Enemies poured out from the back of the metal tortoise. The cloudy sky was filled with ck and deadly red color.


    Just the numbers alone gave a sense of foreboding about this being thest battle that decided the Earth''s fate. Everyone was spirited to take back their mothend from the rogue robots.


    At this spectacle, Max slowlymanded the robot with his mind. His hands moved the lever as the game assist program registered themand, and he flew a bit faster than the others. A bluish-silver sh appeared in the sky.


    "Argh, screw it! Let''s go rampaging! I came for you, motherfuckers!"


    Thus, the final battle in Stranded Mech began.


    ¡ª Oooh!


    ¡ª This is so exciting!


    ¡ª KILL KILL KILL


    ¡ª TURN THEM INTO METAL JUNK!


    ¡ª Rampage time!

 Chapter 287: Chapter 287 – Last Battle in Main Server [2]

    Flying toward therge tortoise, Max prepared the MK-III Pew Pew beam rifle. The name came from him. Because the shooting sound was simr to Pew Pew, he decided to name it like that.


    Unlike its name, the rifle''s efficiency could be proved.


    Pew!


    A red beam was sent flying after he pulled the trigger. It hit the enemy robot''s red barrier and pierced it easily, destroying the unit with an explosion and sending the nearby units away due to the shockwave.


    It gave him a chance to break through their ranks. Or so he thought.


    "Huh?"


    Max stopped midair as he looked at the ce where he just destroyed one robot. The hole caused from the break of formation earlier was already filled up. More robots gathered in the area, noticing that his rifle was dangerous for them.


    "Damn, this is going to be hard."


    ¡ª It is indeed hard


    ¡ª Thest battle is obviously the longest. Don''t expect to get lucky and destroy the main server just like before.


    ¡ª Kekekeke! DESPAIR! GO FALL INTO THE PIT OF HELL!


    ¡ª Breeze''s demise is in sight then. Hohohoho!


    ¡ª *Evilugh* No one can run! No one can hide!


    "You guys are so skeptical. When did I ever disappoint you?"


    Facing the difficult challenge ahead, Max grinned. This was what a game should be. When did it be so easy? Even the online game had challenges, such as troll teammates or skilled opponents.


    What if the enemy had an unlimited supply of robots? They looked the same and were weaker than the first two he met anyway. And¡­


    "Support Officer!"


    "Let him breakthrough!"


    The ground which was filled with four-legged robots and running Strands. Most friendly robots used photon swords, which used the salvageable energy core from the enemy, to put up an equal fight with the enemies.


    The sound of guns ring filled the sky. It filled the battlefield like a war song.


    Soon, the enemy''s rank fell. Many weapons were already upgraded to break through the red barrier. Max didn''t stay silent either. He used the rifle to attack the enemies. He also used the railgun sometime to destroy many robots at once.


    Many fireballs appeared in the sky from the exploding enemies. And then¡­


    "I see a hole!"


    There was a hole in the enemy''s defense. It would soon be filled out if he didn''t hurry. Max calcted it swiftly and knew he couldn''t reach that defense while flying at his current speed.


    Narrowing his eyes, he knew there was only one option.


    "Should I do that?" He muttered. Then, he shook his head to make up his mind. "No, there is no time to think about it. Do it, Breeze! Just do it!" He tried to convince himself.


    ¡ª OH?!


    ¡ª THAT FACE! I recognize it!


    ¡ª Let me exin! That face Breeze made is when he''s thinking of something impossible but will pull it off


    ¡ª No!! He realized the strat! Don''t do it. Don''t do it!


    ¡ª Fight more please! I want to watch you fight!


    Torn between the decision, Max didn''t read the chat. He didn''t know that his decision was ultimately the correct one.


    He only gritted his teeth and put the rifle away.


    "I have no choice."


    Getting into a position, Maxmanded the game assist.


    "Fly at full speed."


    With that, his Strand turned into a blur, leaving only a silver and blue streak as he flew toward the tortoise at full speed.


    ¡ª He did it!


    ¡ª A suicide attack! The only possible one in this situation!


    ¡ª Damn, he actually did it.


    ¡ª I thought he wouldn''t do it again after what happened earlier!


    ¡ª He''s breaking through!


    ¡ª Woah, stop stop stop! You''re going to hit the tortoise!


    ¡ª Yeaaahh!


    Maxmanded the thruster to stop once he broke through the enemy''s rank. His speed slowed down slightly, but the force behind the full-powered thruster still sent him flying faster than before.


    It would have been possible to stop if he had maneuvered the thruster to fly in the opposite direction, but it was difficult without practice. Not even he could handle it.


    So, once again, he epted his fate and let the Strand crash at the base of the tower on the tortoise''s back.


    Boom!


    A loud explosion rang loudly. ck smoke was sent toward the sky as fire spread to the surroundings.


    One would imagine Max to die after such an explosion. It was too great¡ªa hole was even created in the metal wall.


    But this was a game. And there was a game script. Miraculously, Mech-42''s cockpit was intact even though the Strand''s body blew into pieces. It was only damaged at some part, and the cockpit opened to reveal Max inside.


    "Ugh¡­"


    Holding his head, he climbed out of the cockpit with difficulty.


    "That was so painful. I don''t want to do it again."


    ¡ª lolol, of course


    ¡ª How high did you set the pain sensitivity? To think you would whine like that


    ¡ª We can set up to 80% with the new capsule. Don''t tell me you used that setting all this time, Breeze?


    ¡ª Yeah, you never talked about that.


    "Ah? I didn''t?" Max patted his body as he looked at the camera. "I set it to the highest." He said.


    Naturally, that highest was the one his capsule allowed. The pain made him feel alive. Not that he was a masochist, but he was done with a dull life for 3 months.


    "Don''t try it at home, guys. It''s so painful."


    ¡ª We''re not lunatics like you, so we won''t do it


    ¡ª 10% is a limit for me¡­ Ugh, it was hurt even with that


    ¡ª How can you handle that? Do you even use that setting for Roach? Crazy!


    ¡ª This is the first time I saw someone use a max setting on pain sensitivity. This guy''s nuts.


    "I think there is someone who uses the same setting as me." Max chuckled as he jumped down the cockpit. "Setting that aside, why doesn''t the gameover screen appear? Is this also part of the story progression?"


    He looked around in confusion.


    From what he could see, he was in a long hallway. The debris and fire from the crash closed the area behind him, so he could only go in one direction.


    "I guess I need to go that way?"


    Without much choice, he started walking in that direction. He was pretty much unarmed, so he hoped he found no enemies. If he even met a small robot, he would definitely die.


    "Please make it so that I can survive this feat."


    After walking for a while, he found an intersection. The left one headed down, while the right one headed up. There was no sign whatsoever that showed where the path went, so Max stopped between it.


    "Now, where should I head to?" He muttered to himself, unable to decide.


    Hismon sense told him to head up because the main server was likely on top of the tower, but his game sense told him to go down.


    "Ugh¡­ Why doesn''t this game tell me where to go? Like¡­ They can copse one path to show me where the main server is!" Heined loudly and sighed. "There is no choice."


    Opening his streaming screen, Max began to mess with it slightly.


    ¡ª Huh?


    ¡ª What is he doing?


    ¡ª It seems Breeze don''t know where to go


    ¡ª Yeah, but why is he opening a streaming screen?


    At the chat''s confusion, Max chuckled evilly. He indeed couldn''t make a decision, but he had an idea. And that was¡­


    "Guys, I will let you in on something fun. I don''t know where to go, so why don''t you pick the path for me?"


    To make a vote for his viewers.


    [Help me choose the way.


    1. UP = 0%


    2. DOWN = 0%]


    "Choose the one you want me to go to. I will wait for 30 seconds." He added as his grin widened.


    ¡ª Oooh! Vote!


    ¡ª Now this is what we call a good stream


    ¡ª Kekeke, to think you would give us such power!


    ¡ª Don''t regret your decision, Breeze!


    [FreakingNoob has donated 200 diamonds!]


    [Are you serious? This could end badly!]


    [NoonaBeautiful has donated 250 diamonds!]


    [Choose up, guys! UP UP UP!]


    [LovelyOtter has donated 700 diamonds!]


    [Let''s help Breeze to find the right path! Those who know the game, help me choose!]


    And the war between good and troll viewers began. While it happened, Max keptughing like an evil viin. He began to love the chaos in his chat.

 Chapter 288: Chapter 288 – Last Battle in Main Server [3]

    Everyone was eager to join the vote.


    In just 30 seconds, 8K out of 12K viewers had voted. That meant more than 65% of them joined the fun. It was honestly a surprising number. It showed how many viewers actually followed Max''s livestream without doing anything else.


    "Are you guys that free? I should''ve known that."


    ¡ª When did we say that we''re busy?


    ¡ª Hehe, you found out


    ¡ª If I am busy, I won''t be sitting in my Lobby with a beautiful AI to watch your stream


    ¡ª Police, I think the guy above me is a pervert!


    ¡ªReported!


    Yeah, they were really free. What was working? Was that tasty?


    And what was a lover? Those people didn''t understand that. They wanted to watch him!


    "Well, forget about that. I understand that you guys have nothing to do at all." Max chuckled in amusement and put his hands on his hips. "Now, let''s see the vote result, shall we?"


    Opening the streaming control panel, he disyed the vote result on the screen.


    [Help me choose the way.


    1. UP = 62%


    2. DOWN = 38%]


    "Oh?" He raised his voice slightly, "It seems many people choose to go up. Is up fun?"


    ¡ª Yeah, it''s fun!


    ¡ª Go up up up


    ¡ª We''d love to see you go up. Can''t you just climb from outside the tower?


    ¡ª I bet he will do that if the game doesn''t force him to go along with the story. What are stairs? Are they tasty?


    ¡ª We know that Breeze actually wanted to climb this tower lolol


    "I am not a savage, guys." Max shrugged his shoulders at the usement that his viewers threw in chat.


    However, that indeed sounded fun in the VR world. Maybe if he lowered his pain sensitivity slightly, he would like to climb the tower.


    ''Or I can also wait for the new game to drop and create a tower obstacle.'' He added in his mind as he looked at the stairs leading upstairs. ''And going that way is what the chat chooses. I guess I will follow their words for now.''


    "Let''s go up."


    Deciding to follow the vote''s result, Max headed up by running. He had no hesitation at all. If there was an enemy, he just had to run away or hide.


    For the record, he was unable to see the guide arrow since he wasn''t in the cockpit. However, the game''s skip feature was still working.


    Once he reached the top of the floor, the game skipped, and he found himself standing in front of double doors with glowing lines. A sphere was embedded in the middle. It was clearly a suspicious ce because it was too different from the other doors.


    Not only that, there was no way further than this hallway. This was the end of the journey to the top.


    "Should I enter this ce?"


    ¡ª Follow your gamer instinct!


    ¡ª You should


    ¡ª Is there any other way?


    ¡ª Don''t! That glowing sphere clearly says, ''Dangerous! Don''t enter!''


    From a normal person''s perspective, this door indeed looked dangerous. But for a gamer, it looked like the door leading to the final fight.


    Max extended his hand toward the sphere and pushed it. When he did that, the sphere glowed brightly, and a voice rang from it.


    [Scanning biometric.]


    [A human from space is detected. Scanning the DNA.]


    [Finished. Data acquired.]


    [Unit 62-TRS deployed to take over a named Earth wees the Commanding Officer from XO-82. Please enter themand center.]


    A whirring sound followed suit, and the double doors opened automatically with a creaking sound.


    "¡­What?"


    ¡ª What?


    ¡ª Huh? Plot twist!


    ¡ª It''s Officer''s that takes over Earth?!


    ¡ª How? Why? And this is nuts! Poor Officer!


    ¡ª Wait! What does this mean?


    Max and the viewers who watched this game for the first time were confused. What the heck was this plot twist?


    Did Officer''s home actually send the AI and rogue robots to take over Earth? That was just¡­


    "Stupid."


    Max stepped into the mand room'' and looked around. It was filled with pipes and the whirring sound from theputers. The only light from this room was the screens filling the wall. They were all connected to therge screen at the end of the room, with the control panel right in front of it.


    Looking at this room made him feel sick. Not because of the flickering lights. That was insignificant.


    This room reminded him of his old one. Chained into a chair without being able to do anything. The only thing he heard was the whirring sound of the health machine that kept him alive. And the only light he usually saw at night was hisputer''s screen.


    ''Damn it.''


    Just when he was about to forget about it, the memories came rushing back like a flood. His expression couldn''t help but melt with both sadness and frustration.


    ¡ª Breeze is angry at the story?


    ¡ª Whoa, he enjoyed the story that much?


    ¡ª I bet he felt how sad the Officer was after knowing it was his home that tried to take over Earth


    ¡ª This is some peak-level emotion. Now I am getting emotional.


    ¡ª How cute. So he''s also emotional?


    [YoungSister has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Brother, are you sad? You want me to hug you?]


    ¡ª Yes, sister. Hug me!


    ¡ª She''s not talking to you, pervert!


    The chat misunderstood what he felt. However, Max stayed silent as the cutscene started. It might be thest because Officer''s expression clearly showed anger and disappointment. He approached the control panel and mmed his hands hard, creating a loud noise.


    "Why?!" He shouted with a hoarse voice. "Why did you do this, Eva!"


    Reacting to his voice, the screen flickered before showing a beautiful woman with wavy pink hair. Officer scowled hard until his eyebrows met in the middle when he saw her. Once again, he asked.


    "Why?"


    [I am unable to answer your question. Why? The mission has to be fulfilled. My mission before I met you was to take over Earth.]


    "Cease it at once. It''s an order." He said sternly, taking no for an answer.


    [My apologies. Your position is too low to issue themand.]


    Hearing that, Officer narrowed his eyes.


    "How could that be? I am second-ranked in the uni¨C" He realized what Eva meant and stopped. "Could it be, my father? The Emperor was the one who issued themand. And you kept it hidden from me even though your separated unit realized it after extracting information from that robot?"


    He gritted his teeth hard to the point they almost snapped.


    It was all his fault¡­ His family''s fault. Everyone''s death. Pops'' death. All of it could be said to be his fault because he didn''t realize it sooner. If only he knew that Eva had been hiding something since the first fight.


    [That''s correct, Officer. If you want to stop this invasion, there is only one way. And you know it.]


    "Is there no other way? Your help will make the reconstruction easier. Please¡­ Don''t make me do this."


    [There is no other way, Officer. People from Earth will not believe in AI anymore after this. Besides, they have epted you. It''s your chance to begin a new life. I have promised you I will give you a new life.]


    "¡­You remembered your promise." Officer lowered his head and began to sob. "Was everything within your calction?"


    [Affirmative. Pleasemand me, Officer. I cannot cease the current mission, but I can receive astmand from you.]


    Officer sobbed loudly. He had difficulty saying the words that stuck in his throat. However, he had to do this. He had to end this, even by betraying his homnd. He was morefortable here.


    So¡­


    "Eva¡­"


    He gave Eva herstmand.


    "With my authority as the Imperial Prince. Imand you to self-destruct."


    Silence reigned the room for a second before the screen changed. The light turned red, and the robotic voice answered.


    [Affirmative. Self-destruct initiated in 60 seconds.]

 Chapter 289: Chapter 289 – End of Stranded Mech and a Special Surprise

    ¡ª Yoo! He''s a freaking Prince!


    ¡ª Officer Breeze is a Prince!


    ¡ª Goddamn, I didn''t know the story development would lead us to this.


    ¡ª Look at him running! He''s as fast as Breeze. No, he''s even faster! Could his body be enhanced?


    ¡ª Ah, he managed to get out before the main server exploded


    [LovelyOtter has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Congrattions! You have finished another game!]


    [officerLove has donated 300 diamonds!]


    [MommyBig has donated 250 diamonds!]


    [It ends¡­ So sad¡­ Mommy wanna cry.]


    "So they just self-destruct?" Maxmented as he saw the credit scene start. "It ends just like this?"


    Officer could be seen walking toward his half-destroyed allies in tatters as the metal tortoise exploded in the background. Mohawk protected him and brought him away from the battlefield to get medical care.


    Various forces celebrated the victory when the night arrived. They held arge party. All preserved meat was taken out. Alcohol was distributed. It was humanity''s victory!


    They did celebrate it. Max, however¡­


    "This feels empty. If only this gamested much longer and introduced the character better, it would be a good game. The story should be able to branch a lot. A shame it needs to end like this."


    He wasn''t satisfied.


    The possibility of this game being on par with Knight''s Journey was there. Unfortunately, the story was too rushed. Too many things were skipped. Like Officer''s rtionship with people on Earth and what made him dream of being free. His past was still unclear besides the fact he was a Prince of space.


    ¡ª Indeed


    ¡ª I heard the investor pulled up at thest minute when this game was developed, so they need to make it smaller


    ¡ª There was a problem with the development that caused this. Still, it''s a good game and they made profit


    ¡ª It''s not confirmed yet, but apparently, this game will get a remake in 2047, that''s in 2 years.


    ¡ª I hope Eva will get more appearance. Please! I am a sucker for a dangerous AI like her!


    ''A problem in the production, huh? For a game that experiences that, this is already good.''


    At least this game was able to be distributed and published by Biozone Entertainment. That might be the factor that saved this game from being a flop.


    More importantly¡­


    "I finished the game, huh? How long was it? Only around 2 hours? Pretty fast, isn''t it?"


    ¡ª Well, it''s mostly because you never failed


    ¡ª It''s a short game, what do you want? Knight''s Journey is around 5-8 hours, but it has many routes and is hard.


    ¡ª I finished this game in 3 hours because I died a few times. Yeah, it''s pretty short.


    "I guess it''s the end of today''s stream then." Max sighed as he was teleported back to the Lobby.


    The credit ended with Officerughing with Mohawk and other people at the party. He seemed happy to be left on Earth.


    Sitting under therge tree, Max crossed his legs and looked at the stream of donations he received. Before ending, he decided to tell the viewers about his n.


    "From tomorrow until May 29th, for a week straight, I might focus on Roach. If I have time, I will create the movement tutorial I promised, but expect it to be uploaded after thepetition is over."


    ¡ª Fine by me


    ¡ª That''s no problem


    ¡ª Focus on yourpetition, man. I watched the Scrim and you really need a lot of practice lol


    ¡ª If you''re free, do grace us with an IRL stream. Maybe a date stream with Lily [emoji: bearplease]


    ¡ª Karaoke sounds good too! It''s effortless. And we can hear LilyPixel singing!


    "I will think about it."


    That was Max''s answer before he ended the stream.


    [Livestream Ended!]


    After ending it, he logged out of the VR world. The rest was just a routine, wiping his sweat and taking a shower before opening his message and email. Afterward, it was free time, and we had the usual call with Lily.


    But before he called her, he saw a message from the same person.


    [Lily: [AttachedVideo.mp4] Max, are you free tomorrow? I wanted to make something like this together to get inspiration for lyrics needed for my new song.]


    [Lily: If you''re busy, then it''s also okay.]


    Max looked at the message for a while and clicked the video. When he finished watching it, he smiled wryly and typed a reply.


    [Breeze: Are you serious?]


    [Lily: Yes. I want to make a video together.]


    If one was wondering what kind of video and why Lily wanted to make it, one needed to rewind time for an hour.


    ***


    Just like the usual night, Lily wasposing music in her room while watching Max''s livestream. She had finished the basics and the melody but was stuck on the lyrics.


    At times like this, she usually would scroll over many videos on the inte to find inspiration. Coincidentally, she searched for a lot of couple-rted stuff in the past week, so her inte algorithm was a little bit different than usual.


    The first video she watched was a couple kissing on top of a snowy mountain. Her face flushed red due to the unexpected video and she changed it immediately. That was¡­ too much stimtion for the innocent girl.


    Following that, many travel videos appeared on her feed. From a normal scenic video to a transitional one where a person walked through different ces. It was wonderful. Inspiration dide when the person in the video met her fated one, and in the end, they hugged.


    "So cute." A small smile appeared on her face as she moved to the next video.


    The scrolling became faster and faster. She had forgotten her purpose and was absorbed into watching short videos.


    They were like alcohol. Consumed slightly, one might feel good. But if one wasn''t careful enough, they could get absorbed and couldn''t leave their ws.


    After 30 minutes, Lily couldn''t feel it, so she stumbled upon one video. It was a video about a couple. A girl and a boy were in pajamas, and the girl urged the boy to get changed. She put on a blindfold on him and danced around in a yful manner, apanied by an upbeat song.


    The boy seemed to be bothered by that. But after a few seconds, their clothes changed and the boy seemed to enjoy it. They proceeded to dance and y together.


    Watching the video, Lily unconsciously muttered her inner desire.


    "I want to do this with Max."


    When she realized it, the words were thrown out, and she messaged him with a prepared excuse. Her heart was beating hard. She knew he was still streaming, but she couldn''t stay still.


    Whether it was fortunate or not, Max didn''t stream for long today.


    ''He must''ve seen the message.'' She thought as she hugged Momo, her bunny plushie. ''I wonder if he wants to make it with me? I said it''s to get inspiration for the lyrics, but it''s actually not for that. I just¡­ want to be with him in a video.''


    Lily was troubled and nervous. A few minutes after the stream ended, the reply came from her beloved Max.


    He didn''t seem to believe her invitation, so she convinced him. She hoped it was enough. And it did.


    [Breeze: Alright, then. How about we meet in the park tomorrow morning?]


    She was happy. He epted her invitation.


    Momo was thrown to the side and Lily rose to a sitting position. Now, the plushie wasn''t her priority anymore.


    Park? There would be too many people there. She was too embarrassed to make the video there.


    Then where? Max''s apartment? No, that would be too¡­ bold. She wasn''t ready to visit him yet. Not after they affirmed each other''s feelings. Besides, the recording equipment in his apartment was a bitcking.


    The aesthetic sense was also not up to Lily''s standard.


    The VR world was a possibility. However, Lily wanted to meet him directly. The effect? She could hire an editor to work on the video. Money was something trivial for her.


    ''There is no other way.''


    [Lily: No. Let''s meet in my home. We will record it here.]


    Her face turned crimson red after she read what she typed once again. She gulped nervously and pressed send with a trembling finger.


    ''Un, it''s just because I have a lot of clothes. My brother have many unused ones too. It will be too troublesome to move them around. So, recording it here is the best choice!''


    That was the excuse she would go with if he asked why.


    ''It''s perfect!'' She nodded excitedly and giggled softly.

 Chapter 290: Chapter 290 – A Video Ideas

    The next day arrived pretty soon. Max''s heart was beating faster than usual with excitement. He was looking forward to today.


    He woke up pretty early, finished his morning routine, and went for a jog in the park.


    Last night, he promised to make a video together in Lily''s home. This morning, they would meet to exercise, just like usual, while talking about the video concept. They naturally couldn''t just copy the one Lily showed. That would be hit with copyright.


    Arriving at the park, Max started warming up first while waiting for Lily. Her home was a little bit away from It, so she needed time to arrive. And it didn''t take that long.


    "Sorry, did you wait for long?"


    Just as he finished his stretch and warm-up, Lily arrived at the park while wearing her exercise clothes, a ck tank top and pants.


    Max smiled at her and shook his head.


    "No, I just finished stretching, too. You arrived on time. I was just too early."


    "I am d." She smiled back and put her hand on the chest.


    "So, umm¡­ Shall we run and talk about that? The video." Her face turned slightly red as she brought up the topic of the video.


    She was like a cute bunny at times like this. Small and precious. Max couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight.


    "Sure." He said and they began to run together. Many people nced at them for a second before turning around. They were already used to their sight every morning and only smiled from a distance, appreciating the sight and atmosphere.


    Due to their height difference, Max had to slow down his pace and match her, but that was easy. They had done this many times before.


    While running, he decided to tease her a little bit.


    "But still, I didn''t expect you to ask me to create that kind of video together. What''s the asion, Lily? Do you miss me?"


    "Yes."


    Lily stared at him with a flushed face.


    "I wanted to meet you."


    That answer was cheating. Now his face also turned red. He wanted to tease her, but she had learned how to counterattack. The smirk on her face showed that she answered like that intentionally.


    ''Damn it. I said I would hold off until she''s ready. But if she did that to me, it would make me rethink my decision. I really want to say it right now.''


    Fortunately, Max had a high ceiling for patience. He calmed himself down and decided to change the topic to the video. Lily didn''t pursue the earlier topic and actually told him an idea. A dangerous idea.


    "How about if we start by waking up together and continue with changing clothes and having fun together? Like, we cut a frame to frame each activity. That would help me to get inspiration for the lyrics... Is it not good?"


    "Lily¡­ Did you realize what you just said?"


    Lily only tilted her head slightly at his question.


    Getting used to her innocent nature, Max let out a sigh. He thought she began to understand how rtionships worked a little, but she still needed to learn a lot.


    "If we made a video like that, people would think that we''re going out."


    When he pointed it out, her face flushed red. Smoke seemed to rise from her head, and she averted her gaze.


    "I-I know about that." She mumbled quietly.


    It seemed like there was no third-party influence this time. Max realized she was the one who got the idea. There was no way he didn''t realize it after hearing that.


    ''Seriously?''


    Somehow, he felt happy. While both hadn''t made it official yet, they knew their rtionship wasn''t normal and they were closer than just normal friends. No friends would hold hands together and sit next to each other to the point their skin touched.


    ''If that''s what she wants¡­''


    "Let''s create one video like that," Max said and smiled at her. "And let''s make another kind of video, a fun one."


    Hearing him, Lily''s face brightened. She looked at him and nodded repeatedly.


    "Un." She said with a happy smile. "What kind of fun video?"


    What kind of fun video?


    Max hummed. He remembered the ideas given by his viewers before. The problem is whether Lily would want to go with him or not.


    "How about karaoke? We can also livestream it." He proposed, "But if you don''t want to, it''s okay. You are hiding the fact that you''re White Lily, no? I can think of some¨C"


    "It''s fine." Lily interrupted him with a sly smile. "No one will realize I am White Lily. So let''s do karaoke. I want to hear you sing. And I want to sing together."


    Her expression showed how happy she genuinely was.


    They finished their exercise faster than usual and Lily returned home first to prepare for the shoot. She told him to visit the address she gave him in an hour.


    Max also returned to clean himself. He didn''t want to smell like sweat for the first shoot. And he also needed time topose himself so he didn''t cross the line he created himself.


    Then, an hourter, he visited a luxurious apartment near the Lime City Mall. It was located in the luxury district where one apartment room alone could cost more than $15,000 a month. Max''s poor soul shuddered as he hesitated to enter.


    However¡­


    "You''re here."


    Lily appeared from the lobby wearing casual clothes. Her hair was tied into a ponytail. When she got close, Max could smell a citrus aroma from her. Just like him, she also took a shower to cleanse her sweaty smell.


    "Let''s enter. The top floor is my home and my brother''s."


    A penthouse. He smiled wryly when he once again realized how rich the Spencer Family was. Enjoy more content froNovelBin


    Following Lily, they entered the apartment and went to the top floor. Seeing that she pressed her key card before pressing the top floor, Max had a feeling that her home wasn''t just ''one room'' but the whole floor.


    And that was correct. The whole floor was renovated to amodate them.


    "Feel free to consider this your home." She said with a smile as she pulled him. "We will take the video in that area. Come."


    She took him to the spacious room. The room was already transformed to shoot videos.


    A bed was ced around the lighting. Some decorations were put in ce to make the atmosphere feel alive as if someone were using this room as it was.


    "How is it? I asked my brother to send people and they changed it overnight following my idea." Lily smiled proudly as she showed the room. "We will shoot the first scene here and take other scenes on our date. Hehehe, I mean, karaoke."


    Max smiled at her. She clearly knew what he was nning, and he would leave it at that.


    "So, what should I do first? We''re shooting the wake-up scene first?"


    "Un." Lily nodded and went to the couch with many bags on it. She rummaged through one of them, took out dark blue pajamas with white bunnies patterns spread on the shirt, and spread it in front of her. "Change into this, Max."


    Max looked at the pajamas and couldn''t help but think.


    ''She really likes bunnies.''

 Chapter 291: Chapter 291 – Finished, A New Start

    Both of them changed in their respective corners and returned wearing pajamas. It was a matching one. When they looked at each other, they blushed slightly.


    "Y-You look good in that," Lily said shyly as she averted her gaze. She was unable to look straight at him now. The feeling of being a couple was very strong.


    Max also almost lost control and pulled her into his hug. If not for their promise, he would already do that.


    ''I want her to finish the lyrics today.'' He quietly decided in his mind. ''This is getting too dangerous. And she''s getting too assertive.''


    "Thanks. Let''s make it quick and go to the karaoke. It''s¡­ a bit embarrassing for me."


    "Un. Agree."


    Both of them began to move and shoot the needed scene. The cameras pointing at the bed could be controlled with a smartwatch.


    However, the difficulty of shooting the scene increased tenfold when both realized their movements were too stiff. They weren''t used to sleeping next to each other and couldn''t be natural on it.


    It took more than 10 no-good takes before they could move smoothly. Even then, both had a hard time maintaining a straight face and needed 5 more takes before they got a satisfactory result.


    Max and Lily woke up, stretched, and looked at each other while smiling gently. Then, they threw the nket away and jumped off the bed. At this point, Lily''s body blocked the camera, which gave an opportunity for an easy transition.


    "Finally." Max sighed tiredly as he watched the final product. "This is perfect."


    "Un. We look like a couple." Lily affirmed with a nod, her smile looked so happy. She looked at Max and pulled his sleeve. "D-Don''t you think so?" She asked shyly.


    No more restrain. Max''sst line of defense had crumbled for a long time now. He looked at her with a passionate gaze and opened his mouth.


    "But let''s hold on. I promise I will finish it soon."


    Before he could say anything, Lily interrupted him with a teasing smile.


    "So¡­ Sorry, Max. But can we cancel the karaoke? I want you to stay with me for a while. The lyrics¡­ I think I can finish it now."


    "Really?" Max asked her in surprise, "That''s great. Sure, I can cancel the n. We can do karaoke in the future. And sure, I will apany you until you finish your lyrics."


    "Thanks."


    Lily immediately exited the room without changing her pajamas. Max also followed her. They entered the living room, and she sat on the couch after getting headphones. She patted the ce beside her.


    "Umm, Max? I can onlypose while lying down, so¡­ If possible, can I?"


    Without needing her to spell it, Max understood what she wanted to say. He sat next to her and patted his thighs.


    "Sure. I will watch something in the meantime."


    Hearing that, Lily''s face brightened. She slowly let her head fall onto hisp.


    ''He smells so good.'' She thought as she kept herself from blushing. Her heart was beating so fast that she was sure Max could hear it. ''I need to start working. I don''t want to forget the lyrics.''


    Lily was good at concentration. Once she wore her headphones, she entered her own world. A music programy in front of her.


    Because she wasn''t in a studio, she used AI voice to create the base song first. She entered the finished melody and began typing the lyrics.


    ---


    Run and run until you reach the end.


    Time wasn''t on your side. Take this hand and run.


    Dance andugh even when the world falls.


    Love will take you far away.


    Have you tasted it? Have you felt it?


    The sweet and soft feeling.


    You''ve got it all. Breeze will take you away.


    Run and run. Be one with him. Let him fly you away.


    Oh, poor flower. Fly and see. You will dance and dance.


    In the sky above.


    Seeing something new. For a moment, you would know what freedom is.


    Oh, breeze. Take her away. Let her dance and spread her wings.


    Like a poor Lily she is. Take her away.


    Give her a new home¡ªto where she belongs.


    ---


    Lily yed her song and listened to it. The lyrics were finished. For her, it was good enough. Her new style was different from the past ones, but she was happy. This was her tribute¡ªa tribute to someone who spread her wings.


    Some people might realize her identity if they connected the lyrics with a couple who had been a viral sensation in Strike. However, she didn''t care. She felt like just her identity as LilyPixel would create a drama. Some haters would say she wanted to use Max to gain views or something.


    Having experienced dramas involving her brother, she knew how those people thought. But if they stood at an even ground, they would probably just make it headlines.


    White Lily was LilyPixel, and she was also Lily Spencer. It might bring another controversy, saying Max only aimed at her for her money. Still, that would be easy to fix. Her brother would take care of that. He had promised her.


    And StoneSword was trustworthy and never let anyone near his sister. A word from him would flip every controversy to congrattions.


    A smile graced her face as she took off her headphones. It had been a few hours. She was worried that Max would get tired of lending hisp to her.


    "Max, I am do¨C"


    She stopped before finishing because she saw him sleeping. He must be tired. Not to mention, he said he woke up early tonight.


    For some reason, his sleeping face looked cute to her. She raised her head slowly, not to wake him up, and caressed his cheek.


    "Hehe, so cute." She giggled softly and leaned forward. "So precious."


    Lily''s face was now close to him. What influenced her? For some reason, her confidence soared, and she wasn''t embarrassed to do this.


    Just as their nose touched, she spoke the words she had been keeping for long. Not even she could keep this feeling down.


    "I love you."


    And their lips met in the silent living room.

 Chapter 292: Chapter 292 – Breeze, Take Me Away

    Max was dreaming.


    It was a dream of the past, which he seldom experienced aftering to this world. A young him was running through the roof with his friends,ughing excitedly as they finished the hardest course they had just found.


    Body bruised, but none of them cares. The freedom they felt, the wind brushed against their skins¡­


    Everyone was fulfilled.


    In the past, he was just a member. His name was unknown, a stage name called Breeze. He just wanted to run away, away from his home that bound him with rules.


    Wealthy household with nothingcking. Money wasn''t a problem. His monthly pocket money was higher than some workers.


    High school was when he became less and less bound. He lived in a dorm, learning about subjects he didn''t want to. Economics bored him. The talk about money was burdensome.


    Then that ident happened. After getting freed from the family, he was now tied to a chair, unable to move. Fortunately, his family sent him to the hospital with the most advanced equipment, allowing him to survive and live.


    This was the lowest point in his life, until he found out about streaming. Then, he got a second chance and reincarnated without memories for 18 years. His personality changed slightly, and he understood the importance of money for the first time, seeking it greatly.


    He got a new friend, someone who cared for him, and someone he loved. He supported Nina with her dream, remembering his past situation. Unlike his past parents and family, he wouldn''t restrict someone from their dream with the words love or money. He wanted them to experience freedom.


    Following that, he found a girl in a simr situation as past him. He¡­ rted greatly. But her situation was unique. She could acquire freedom if she wanted to, and she did. And he was attracted to her as someone with a simr fate.


    Max only watched his dream as if it was a movie. He wasn''t afraid anymore. The scent of lily tickled his nose, calming him. He looked down and saw a beautiful girl with ck hair looking back at him. Her head was on hisp.


    It was tiring, but he didn''t dare to move and disturb her. She was at an important point of her life. Getting a bit sore on the legs sucks, but that was worth it.


    Suddenly, the girl moved. The weight on hisp was lifted. She stared at him, caressed his cheek, and leaned closer. The flowery scent became stronger as their noses touched each other.


    The tickling feeling woke him up. He opened his eyes only to see that Lily was in the same situation as he had been in his dream. Strangely, it was still vivid in his head. And then¡­


    "I love you."


    She kissed him.


    Max''s eyes widened slightly, but then enjoyed the soft sensation that brushed against his lips. It was an awkward light peck, but it was their first regardless of anything.


    After Lily backed away, their eyes met with each other. She blinked a few times before her face became as red as a tomato. Surprised, she jumped back from him.


    "Watch out!"


    Seeing how dangerous it was, Max immediately caught her by the waist and pulled her close. Thankfully, he didn''t freeze and managed to save her.


    Their bodies were squished together. They stayed still together. Max could feel Lily''s heart beating fast through their contact.


    After a while, she raised her face, still red from embarrassment.


    "Did you hear it?"


    "Yeah." Max nodded and smiled at her. "I heard you."


    "Ugh¡­ So embarrassing." She snuggled her face closer to his chest to hide it. "I thought you were sleeping."


    "I did." He chuckled, amused by her new reaction, "And I woke up when you kissed me."


    "Aaah!" Lily screamed loudly and banging on his chest.


    Her fists pounded many times, but it didn''t hurt at all. He only felt slightly ticklish about it.


    ''No, shit. Who said it didn''t hurt when their loved one hit them yfully? It''s freaking hurt!''


    He stopped her fist and held her wrist while his other hand caressed her face to hide the pain he felt.


    "Lily, have you finished your lyrics?"


    With a weak nod, she replied, "Un¡­ I finished the song."


    Hearing that, Max smiled softly, "May I listen to it?"


    Separating herself from him, she nodded and silently opened a screen using her smartwatch. She opened a music yer and connected it to the surround speaker in the room for a good experience.


    Before she yed the song, she looked at Max once again.


    "I used AI voice for now. But it''s done. Don''t expect it to be that good."


    "It''s fine. I wanted to hear the song youposed."


    "Alright."


    The soft but quick melody filled the room as soon as she said that. The lyrics started off strong but soon turned softer.


    Max closed his eyes and noticed that the lyrics were about them. He couldn''t help but smile as he felt a weight on his shoulder. Lily had leaned against him and enjoyed the song with him.


    In the middle of the lyrics, he heard another voice. Heavier than the first one, it belonged to a man. This song wasn''t a solo but a duo. Thetter part was short, only two sentences. And those two sentences were answers to the flower''s wish to be taken away.


    Lily looked at him with an expectant look, waiting for his answer. He looked back and called her name softly.


    "Lily¡­" He leaned closer, just like what the lyrics describe it. "You''re unexpectedly so naughty."


    "Did you just realize it?" Lily giggled yfully after realizing what Max meant. She guided his hand to caress her cheek, and she snuggled against it close. "I can be bold when I want to."


    "Is that so?" Max asked, not asking for a confirmation but for affirmation.


    "Un." Lily affirmed, "And as you thought, I want you to sing thest part. Can you?"


    "I will do my best."


    There was no need to say anything more. Their faces got closer and closer. At this moment, he could finally say it.


    "I love you, Lily. Will you be my girlfriend?"


    "dly."


    And they sealed their vow with a kiss, longer and more passionate than before. They parted and kissed again and again as if they had been waiting for this moment for a long time.


    Only after a few minutes did they stop. Theyughed together, happy with the progress in their rtionship.


    "Do you want to continue making that video?" Max asked her as they sat side by side on the couch, "Now that we''re a¡­ couple, I want to post the video tomemorate it."


    "I also want that. Un, let''s make it with my original idea." Lily answered, "Is snuggling okay?"


    "If you want to."


    "Then let''s make it."

 Chapter 293 : 293 – Official, Spread News

    At night, Enjoying Breeze''smunity was in an uproar.


    [I just found this short video in Breeze''s Punchtube, is this legit?]


    [Breeze x LilyPixel. Official couple? Time to investigate!]


    [We got them, boys! As I thought, they are actually a couple!]


    The reason was a short video that was uploaded to Breeze''s channel and shared in the Strike ount. It wasn''t news for those following him to know his rtionship with LilyPixel. But this video just made them sure of it.


    Post in the Strike has been shared more than 5K times already. It spread like wildfire because it was so shocking and cute.


    ¡ª I called it motherlicker!


    ¡ª Congrattions, Breeze! I hope your rtionshipsts longer than mine. My record is 3 days


    ©¸ Dude, your rtionshipst more than mine. Ist a day


    ©¸ Better than me. She epted me just to dump me a minuteter because she didn''t want to be dumped


    ©¸ F for Fck you! I was never in one


    ¡ª How dare you betray our maidenless mercenary group? I thought we would be brothers forever!


    ©¸ Dik brother?


    ©¸ You better find girls soon, brother. I think you are going too far to that side


    ©¸ Let''s not be strange. Call it Sword Mercenary Group instead.


    ©¸ ¡­ What kind of swords? Is it a dull sword with a cap on the tip?


    ¡ª The video is cute! Congrattions!


    ¡ª Are you official with this? Are you announcing it to us? Are you trying to make me jealous?!


    ¡ª Nooooo, my Breeze got stolen!


    ©¸ He''s not your Breeze, get some help


    ©¸ I am a psychologist, I can help. Contact me


    ©¸ I am also cute. How about you be my breeze?


    ¡ª LilyPixel is a burr cat. LilyPixel is a burr cat. How can she steal our Breeze?


    ¡ª That girl is wasted on Breeze! Let me show him what a real man is. Hehe,e here.


    ©¸ Get lost, pervert!


    Thement section was filled with people congratting them and those who envied Lily for getting into a rtionship with Breeze. Some trolls who liked Lily also appeared, but the fans immediately defended them and attacked the trolls.


    In a secretmunity, Secretly Handsome Lair, the girls support one of the couples. They offered congrattions and even created a thread dedicated to it.


    And¡­


    "Fweet¨C fweet¨C Look at them arriving together. Wanting to show off, eh?"


    "Fufufu, first day and wake up together? Aren''t they bold, At? We didn''t even do that, right?"


    "We did that, Fer. You dragged me to move with you on the first day."


    "Eh? Well, that might be true. But you slept on the couch, so we didn''t wake up together. So it didn''t count."


    Their Roach''s teammates teased them when they arrived together in the private room for practice. It didn''t need to be spilled that Max was still in Lily''s home, logging in using her spare VR Capsule. That was why they arrived and entered together.


    "Shut it, Flexy. Want me to show off what you did to Lisa? I have some footage of you doing something stupid in my cloud storage." Max threatened his friend as he sat on the couch for the boys while Ferin dragged Lily to the corner.


    "Now, buddy. You know that won''t work for now."


    Flexy grinned and put his arm around his shoulders.


    "We have a contract. I can silence you with $175. If you do report it to her even after I give you that much, you will be someone who can''t be trusted." He secretly transferred the bribe to Max''s bank.


    Hearing the notification from his bank ount, Max clicked his tongue.


    "Tsk! I shouldn''t have epted the deal." He said.


    "Heh, your fault." Flexy smirked at him, "So, when did this happen? Spill the tea, buddy. Let the viewers know what happened."


    "Wait, I haven''t set up my stream yet," Max answered as he opened up his streaming screen and quickly set it, changing the title and starting it immediately. "Done."


    Max''s viewers immediately gathered in his stream. Due to the fire he had spread in advance, many people gathered at once, wanting to ask him various questions.


    In just a few seconds, more than 10K people gathered.


    [Viewers: 12,1K]


    Compared to his highest point, it wasn''t much. But it would increase slowly, filled with his fans and haters.


    ¡ª Spill the tea!


    ¡ª Congrattions, Breeze!


    ¡ª Tell us. Tell us. Tell us!


    ¡ª You haven''t even told this noble me and just edited the short video by yourself. How could you?! Does this noble me useless now?


    ¡ª Justice for BloodSucker!


    Curious people. The usual chat. And even BloodSucker waited for his exnation.


    "So, what do you want to know?" Max asked Flexy with a t expression.


    Before logging in, he had talked with Lily before. He knew this would happen. There was no escaping the interrogation of a curious friend and a crowd.


    "Cough, very well. Judge Flexy here will be the representative and ask suspect Breeze questions." Flexy straightened his back and looked at him.


    "This is stupid."


    As looked like he wanted to have nothing to do with this and left to get a drink.


    "Shoot."


    Meanwhile, Max was as serious as he was about to go on an important war. There was a rule he briefed Lily with. No matter what, just answer any questions on the stream. Whether you were lying or not wasn''t important. As long as the viewers were happy with the answer, they would take anything.


    Flexy also knew his limit and only asked a few questions that didn''t touch private matters. Max answered all of them skillfully with jokes and indirect words. He also admitted that they were now in a rtionship and had a surprise soon.


    "Oh? What''s this surprise?"


    "Something big." Max smirked at his friend, "I bet you will be surprised. Because only you didn''t know about this secret in this room. Oh, and I have no intention of telling you what it is before the time arrives, even if you beg for it."


    "Stingy." Flexy clicked his tongue. Then, he smiled and patted his shoulder, "Putting that aside¡­ Congrattions, buddy. I am happy for you and Lily."


    "Thanks, buddy."


    Both of them fist-bumped and stood up, getting ready for the practice. When they didn''t check the chat, the hidden force waiting for the right moment appeared.


    ¡ª The vibe is still strong.


    ¡ª Yeah, Breeze x Flexy is still strong


    ¡ª Breezy will never falter, even with a girl between them.


    ¡ª They are destined to be together.


    As usual, the chat was filled with strange people.

 Chapter 294: Chapter 294 – Duo Stream

    Days passed quickly.


    With livestream, practice, and dates, Max didn''t realize that it was already 2 days before the tournament, May 29th. Tomorrow was a joint practice day. All 40 teams had to gather in Eden Hall for ast-time check before the actual tournament.


    Max decided to arrive a day earlier to prepare. He was sitting in a private jet across from a displeased man with a frown as his attention was focused on the passing cloud.


    That man was StoneSword, and he seemed to be pissed. And no, he wasn''t displeased because Max had a rtionship with his sister. He already epted that and gave his blessing. The cause was something else.


    "What happened?" He asked Lily, who sat next to him.


    "Apparently, someone tried to send a marriage proposal to me. It''s that idiot blond from our Scrim."


    "Should I kill him?" His expression was serious as he blurted it out. Now he knew why StoneSword was pissed.


    How could he kill that bastard? Stab? Gun? Drop him from a skyscraper and make it as if it was an ident?


    "No need." StoneSword spoke coldly as he turned to Max, "He''s already dead to me. His family''spany, too, will soon fall into my hands. Just focus on yourpetition. Make sure your team wins."


    "Hahaha..."


    ''Already dead, huh?'' Max thought as he chuckled wryly. ''I hope he doesn''t rest in peace.''


    The power of money was scary.


    Max decided to change the topic of the conversation. There was no point in talking about something that had already been decided.


    In the middle of the conversation, StoneSword suddenly said, "The family party has been decided to be held on the 15th of June."


    Lily narrowed her eyes at that information.


    "Can I not attend? It''s tiring."


    "You must attend," StoneSword said, ncing at Max. "Who would introduce him if you don''t?"


    "Oh¡­" She raised her voice slightly and nodded, "Max will also attend?" She turned to him.


    "I guess so?" Max shrugged his shoulders, not knowing what to answer.


    "Then it''s good." Lily smiled and nodded in understanding. Even a boring event would be okay if he was with him.


    Besides, they probably just had to stand on the side and let StoneSword deal with everything.


    StoneSword sighed in relief. He didn''t know how to convince his sister to attend the party next month. If she didn''t attend, then his n would go awry. But now, he could rest easily.


    ''Though I dislike the fact she changed because of him and not me.'' He thought as he looked at Max, who chatted with Lily across from him.


    Since a few days ago, Lily was clearly happier than before. She smiled a lot when she was at home. StoneSword feltplicated when he saw it. He was happy but frustrated at the same time because it wasn''t him who was able to put a smile on his sister''s face.


    ''I doubt our parents will object to their rtionship. Breeze is a good and kind man. His past is clean, and he was an orphan, meaning he would enter our family in the future. He needs to learn how business works, but I can teach him that.''


    Without realizing it, StoneSword thought that his sister would definitely marry Max. This came from his experience. People in high society would usually marry their first partner, although there was some cheating that could be heard every now and then.


    It also applied to himself. He knew he would marry his fiancee, Reba. The difference was he wouldn''t cheat on her because he loved her. He was also confident Breeze wouldn''t cheat on his sister. Surprisingly, he considered himself to be good at judging people''s character.


    ''The problem is that arrogant prick who doesn''t know his ce.'' He looked out of the window, noticing the private jet wouldnd soon. ''I guess I need to burn money to acquire 51% share faster and take over Green Life Co.''


    ***


    A private driver chauffeured both Max and Lily to Biozone Hotel, where they would stay for a few days. Before leaving for his fiancee''s apartment, StoneSword warned Max to take care of his sister and not to do something she hated.


    "You can trust me."


    Both of them entered the hotel and went to their respective rooms. As much as Max wanted to stay in the same room, it was impossible because StoneSword was the one who arranged their stay. Lily was also still too shy to stay together, so he couldn''t help but follow the arrangement.


    Afterward, Max met her in the VR room. Apparently, Lily had found a game they could y together and wanted to stream it with him.


    "So, what kind of game did you find?"


    "Un. So I stumbled upon this." Lily opened a screen and showed the game to Max. "It''s called ''Survive to the End.'' Apparently, it''s a hard multiyer game."


    "Hmm, let''s see¡­"


    Max looked at the screen and watched the trailer. Two people woke up in a strange space with nothing but water and bread.


    They navigated the path filled with light only to find they were stranded on an ind. The only way out was to finish the task given by a system. It was as if they were in a reality show where they had to ovee obstacles.


    However, this game was deadly. If one of the two died, it would be game over. The cor around their neck would blow up and shatter them into pieces.


    Round in this game wasn''t limited to clearing obstacles, but there was also a game where they had to survive mutated animals and poisonous gas or solve puzzles.


    And because this game was an online multiyer¡­ People actively tried to sabotage one another even when they had to work together to solve the obstacle. It was a perfect game to increase teamwork and think out of the box.


    Just like the title, you had to survive to the end. It didn''t matter how many teams or people survived. All could win as long as they survived.


    "It sounds good. Let''s y this together."


    "Then, we y it?" Lily asked with an expectant look.


    Somehow, it was strange that she was so spirited. But Max didn''t think much about it and nodded. He bought the game and downloaded it. Then, he invited Lily to his party, and they logged into the game''s Lobby together.


    Survival to the End''s Lobby looked like a jungle with wooden houses built here and there, hidden among the trees.


    The atmosphere around this Lobby was lively, more than Knight''s Journey and Roach. However, it also retained the calm atmosphere that wasn''t present in Midnight Heist''s Lobby.


    He looked at himself and noticed his clothes were very modern and easy to move in¡ªall ck to blend in the darkness.


    Looking around, he noticed some people were holding cold weapons. They were the main equipment used to survive in this game. Guns didn''t exist.


    ''This is cool.''


    Max liked it here. Now, he just had to find Lily and join the tutorial together. The tutorial center was in arge building in the main square where people gathered.


    ''Let''s see¡­ Where is she?''


    He opened the map of the Lobby to locate Lily. Finding her was easy, as they had created a party before. A green dot that showed her location was shown, moving toward him slowly.


    ''There she is. She''s behind the crowd, huh? It will take her a while to get here.''


    While waiting, he set up his stream. The loading screen appeared and he just needed to wait for her.


    After a while, he saw her.


    A girl wearing clothes simr to his appeared in the crowd. She waved her hand and got closer.


    "Have you started the stream yet?"


    "Yes. Right now, the loading screen is showing up. I can change it to the in-game screen and do an intro anytime." Max answered and brought up the screen, "How about yours?"


    "Perfectly set up." She put her index and thumb together near her face, creating an OK mark. "And there are 1K viewers waiting. It''s a lot¡­ I just put your name in the title."


    "That''s normal. It also happened when I had a coboration with Flexy in the past." He exined, smiling at her. "And don''t mind using my name. I am d that your channel grew thanks to my name."


    "Hmm¡­" She hummed, and her lips curled up slightly, "Thank you."


    "No problem." He said, "Now, shall we do the intro together? Do you have any idea?"


    At his question, Lily shook her head.


    "I have no idea. I never do any intro." She said, tilting her head. "How about doing your usual?"


    "Well, let''s just do that."


    With the intro being decided, Max changed the screen at the same time as Lily. Then, they stood next to each other, and he started the intro.


    "Hello, guys! Hahaha, today we are ying Survival to the End." He greeted them excitedly and turned the camera to Lily. "And we have a guest. It''s Lily!"


    "Hello." Lily nodded at the camera and said nothing more.


    Even so, the chat was immediately filled with booing.


    ¡ª Booooo


    ¡ª You show off! You show off!


    ¡ª We''ve been waiting for this!


    ¡ª A week and finally a couple content.


    ¡ª SUGAARRRR! YES, PLEASE!


    ¡ª I am not envious at all, damn it! I don''t need a cute girl as my couple!


    ¡ª ^^ So you need a macho guy, huh? Want my contact?


    And in response to that booing, Maxughed loudly.


    "Hahaha, cry more! I love your cry! It''s a music in my ears."

 Chapter 295: Chapter 295 – Survival to the End [1]

    After finishing the intro and conversing with the viewers, Max and Lily proceeded to the tutorial zone. They didn''t need to exin what kind of game it was because most viewers already knew about it.


    Survival to the End was a sensational game 2 years ago, reaching a monumental Punch''s 1 Million concurrent views in its first week. Most viewers already knew the gamey. For those who didn''t know, the tutorial was said to exin the game to them.


    In summary, the goal of the yers was to escape this facility where they found themselves without much information. Many maps would be unlocked when they managed to escape, continuing to the end.


    The tutorial was pretty simple for a VR game. It only taught the yers how to solve puzzles, loot weapons, and unlock a crate that was apparently filled with useful things, such as healing items and antidotes for poison, and was spread across the map.


    Not only that, the tutorial zone also exined the importance of teamwork. Two people were one. They weren''t separate entities.


    Max managed to finish the tutorial with Lily in a short time. The climbing tree tutorial, which was the difficult part for other yers, was pretty easy for them. They cleared it in a breeze.


    Firstly, Max climbed the tree by jumping twice, reaching the thick branch where he hung himself down. Then, using his hands as a swing, he helped Lily get up.


    ¡ª We need to nerf them


    ¡ª Breeze aside, LilyPixel has a crazy movement, too. That''s why she''s in the top 30 in the SR ranking.


    ¡ª Find something they do badly! I want to believe that they''re not perfect!


    ¡ª ^^ Easy. Breeze is a money grubber lol. No normal human loves money more than him


    ¡ª True true, I can attest to that. This noble me has lost more than 5K to him


    ¡ª That''s just your fault, BloodySuckery.


    "Indeed, we''re by no means perfect humans, guys. What are you talking about?" Max retorted to the chat as he exited the tutorial center.


    Just as he exited, he noticed that some people stared at them. Some of them had a hologram screen in front of them, clearly watching their livestream.


    While Max didn''t mind giving a fanservice, he was worried that Lily would be ufortable with them. So, he walked into the forest with Lily to get away from all the stare people gave them.


    "That tutorial was fun and all, but how about we go into the real game now?"


    "Un. Let''s go."


    [Match found!]


    Starting the matchmaking was easy. It was simr to other games: open the game screen, press start, and the yers would be transferred into a truck where they had to wait for the others.


    Max stood next to Lily. Their clothes had changed from in ck clothes into camo clothes. There was a number written in front of them, showing 18/20. The game only needed two more pairs before it started.


    "It''s just as the tutorial exined earlier. We will be dropped off in a random location, and we need to find 5 tes with the corresponding images of lion, snake, eagle, elephant, and chicken to open the door to the next map."


    "Easy to understand." Lily nodded at Max''s exnation, "And to get the te, we need to finish the games or survive and find it, no?"


    "True. The game we encounter will be random, but the system will inform us of the type of game we will y. As for the rules¡­ Well, it seems we need to figure it out ourselves."


    "That''s inconvenient and cruel."


    "Right? But it''s part of the puzzle system, so we can''tin."


    ¡ª Cruel, lol


    ¡ª What an apt word to describe this game system


    ¡ª That''s the charm of this game. You won''t know what will wait for you, hahaha!


    ¡ª Fear the unknown. Embrace the despair.


    ¡ª An element of surprise in this game is the big rofl


    [BloodSucker has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Finally, I can see you suffer many times. Hahaha, the editing of this part will be fun. Fufu¡­ kufufufufu.]


    ¡ª How could BloodSucker manage to gross me out every time? The talent is so scary! So cruel!


    ¡ª Cruel!


    Somehow, the word became a meme in the chat immediately. When Lily saw that, she blushed in embarrassment while Maxughed out loud. No matter how many times he saw it, blushing Lily was cute, especially since it contrasted greatly with her usual cold look.


    And it wasn''t only him who thought that way.


    ¡ª Oh no¡­


    ¡ª Now I understand why Breeze left our maidenless group. No men can handle that


    ¡ª I forgive you, buddy. I am sorry for creating a doll of you and throwing curses at it everyday. I was wrong


    ¡ª Yeah¡­ I would also fall if I were him. I will throw my voodoo doll away


    ¡ª Too bad¡­ My project was about to finish, but I guess I will stop it since the maidenless brotherhood has forgiven him.


    "What the heck did you do?" Max felt a shiver down his spine when he read the chat.


    They weren''t doing ck magic, right? Because of the system''s existence and the fact he had memories from his past life, he became a bit aware and afraid of supernatural stuff. What if that mock ck magic worked? Would he really be cursed?


    Thinking about it alone was scary.


    ''I don''t want to get cursed, damn it. I hope these guys aren''t serious.'' He prayed sincerely.


    [All yers have gathered. Deploying to the survival zone.]


    Just as he was lost in thoughts, two pairs entered the matchmaking, and it started. The truck they were in shook slightly before it stoppedpletely. Following that, light seeped out from the gap that appeared from the door.


    Looking at each other, Max nodded at Lily and pushed the door open. He stepped out of the small space and looked around.


    They were in a jungle full ofrge trees and bushes. Some animal trails could be seen, and bird cries could be heard from above, along with the shouts from monkeys. Based on the vegetation and the wet dirt, it looked like they were in a rainforest.


    "Ma¨C Breeze. Doesn''t the tutorial say we will get starting equipment?" Lily asked curiously, patting her chest because she was just so close to calling his real name. She took a breath and continued, "I checked my body, and there is not even a GPS in my pocket."


    "That''s right. We should at least get two survival knives and a GPS based on what the tutorial said." He answered and looked around before finally finding something. "Oh, isn''t that the equipment?"


    A backpack was hung on the crate the truck used to transfer them to this forest. He took it and checked inside. True to what the tutorial told him, there were two survival knives and a handheld GPS inside. He handed one knife to Lily and she strapped it behind her back while he put it on his chest strap.


    After getting ready, Max looked at the GPS and found many marks on it, with two blue triangles showing their location in the middle of the screen. The mark ranged from two swords crossed against each other, a lion head, a ck circle, a mushroom, and a golden lightning.


    He looked at Lily and showed her the GPS. There was no point in a multiyer game if he made the decision by himself.


    "Which one did you want to visit first?"


    Lily peeked at the screen and put her index finger on her lips, humming softly. The sonar beeped every second, showing how close they were to the location where the marks were.


    After thinking for a second, she pointed at a certain mark.


    "I want to visit this."


    Her decision was caught on camera and shown in both of their livestream, inviting the chat''s reaction.


    ¡ª Oh?


    ¡ª Good decision


    ¡ª This would be fun


    ¡ª No backsies. Go there and follow your GF, Breeze!


    ¡ª *Deep voice* THERE WILL BE HELL!


    Somehow, Max got a bad feeling about this.

 Chapter 296: Chapter 296 – Survival to the End [2]

    Max cut small branches and bushes that were on his way. The goal that Lily chose was 200 meters away from their starting location. However, the straight path toward that location was filled with vegetation.


    "How long have we been walking?"


    "5 minutes."


    "And we haven''t reached the destination yet?" Max grunted in frustration as he cut the bushes in front of him. "The forest is too dense. Now I understand why they said hell is waiting for us."


    ¡ª Hehe, he tasted leaves hell.


    ¡ª It''s only the firstyer of hell in Survival to the End.


    ¡ª More is waiting for you. It WiLLnoTeND!


    ¡ª Dude, learn how to type. It''s hard to read MF!


    Just like Max, Lily also grunted in irritation as she cut all the leaves that were on her way.


    "I shouldn''t have chosen that spot. We better follow the animal trail next." She said, swinging her knife with another grunt. "Or just climb trees."


    "Agreed." Max nodded as he swung his knife, cutting through thest bush before he arrived at arge clearing.


    Looking at the clearing, he sheathed his knife.


    "It seems we''ve arrived." He said, looking around as Lily followed right behind him. "But, why is there nothing here?"


    The clearing had nothing. No mark, no box, nothing that indicated this ce was indeed the location within the GPS.


    But¡­


    "Breeze, look up."


    Lily pointed at the sky. Max followed her finger and saw something¡ªa golden lightning mark along with a brewing dark cloud that circled above the clearing, crackling ominously with blue lightning.


    As if the lightning was waiting for both of them to look up, it struck the ground at the perfect time.


    [Trial Commence!]


    Boom!


    The grass in the middle of the clearing turned ck, and a pedestal appeared, with a te hovering up and down slowly.


    Focusing on the te, Max noticed an elephant head drawn on it. There was no doubt. It was the first te they needed to move to the next map. He stepped forward toward it, his feet touched the shade created by the dark cloud.


    Just as he did that, lightning began to strike furiously. He immediately jumped backward andnded a bit away from the shade.


    Ding!


    [Thunder God is furious at the thief''s attempt to steal his Elephant te.]


    [No one shall pass!]


    "I see, so that''s how the system told us. How convenient." Max threw a sarcasm as he wiped the dust off his body.


    ¡ª He said it was convenient, but his veins twitched on his temple


    ¡ª Lolol, he got pissed off because the warning came after the attack


    ¡ª How convenient, indeed. The system is so cruel


    ¡ª So cruelly convenient.


    ¡ª Indeed, so convenient.


    [ConvenientGuy has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [So convenient.]


    "Stop it, guys. That''s not funny. And thanks for the donation, ConvenientGuy."


    Max tried to stop them from repeating his words, but that was useless. They even repeated hisst warning and used it to have fun.


    He could only sigh and approach Lily.


    "What do you think?" He asked her opinion.


    "The lightning strikes strangely." She said, narrowing her eyes. "It strikes more frequently the closer its distance to the te. Also¡­"


    Bending down, she picked up a small rock and threw it to the center of the shade. Just as it entered, a small electric current was created to the area where it entered and a lightning stroke that said area a secondter.


    "As you can see. The lightning will strike whatever enters the area."


    "Oh? That saves us trouble." Max looked at her with a respectful gaze. But then, he grew curious. "How did you know about this? Did you watch a walkthrough before we y?"


    Lily looked back at him with a strange gaze, as if she had expected him to know where she had gotten the information. But sensing he was serious, she answered him.


    "My chat told me. Did your chat not inform you about something like this?"


    At her answer, Max could only shrug his shoulders in defeat. What could he say? He didn''t even want to look at his chat at this moment. He could imagine they med him for stopping them from giving spoilers of games he yed.


    "My chat is a bit¡­ special. But let''s forget about them. Do you know how to deal with this?"


    "Yes, it seems that we just need to move from two different sides and approach the te. The lightning will stop once we get it off the pedestal."


    "¡­"


    Hearing that, Max couldn''t help but look at his chat.


    ¡ª What?


    ¡ª He''s stopping, he must be looking at the chat


    ¡ª HAH! We won''t give spoilers! We''re good chat


    ¡ª Tell LilyPixel''s chat to stop giving spoilers. It ruins the fun!


    ¡ª Yeah, poor streamers. They can''t even enjoy the game and experience the thrill of finding out the new obstacles.


    ¡ª Tsk tsk tsk, they need to learn from us


    ¡ª I am going to that side for now! Wish me luck guys o7


    ¡ª o7 good luck soldier


    ¡ª o7 stop them by any means.


    ¡ª Wish you luck o7


    "Oh?" Lily raised her voice as she blinked a few times. "Umm, thank you for the 10K diamonds. Please don''t give a spoiler because Breeze hates it. What does that mean? I mean¡­ I don''t mind. But if Breeze hates it, it''s better to stop."


    Confirmed.


    ''My chat donates 10K to my girlfriend just to warn them not to help us¡­ What a fucking good person.'' He thought, emphasizing the fucking instead of the good person. ''Whatever. They can do as they please.''


    "Let''s try the strategy your chat tells you. I will go to the other side. When I am ready, I will swing my arm down. We will run toward the te at the same time."


    "Un. I will be waiting here."


    Max circled around the shade, trying not to touch it and got to the other side. He stretched his arms and legs first, and Lily imitated him. They had been doing it together since they exercised together. Discover exclusive tales on m,v l''e-NovelBin


    After a while, he stood up straight and raised his arm. Lily was ready to run and give a nod.


    Max grinned. He really could count on her.


    ''I am so blessed.''


    Then, without hesitation, he swung his arm and ran toward the te. His first step generated an electric current. He looked at it and immediately leaped forward.


    A secondter, lightning struck where the electric current he created earlier. Thunderous sound echoed in the surrounding, but his smile didn''t falter.

 Chapter 297: Chapter 297 – Thunder Rain

    The sudden lightning wasn''t the only problem that Max had to dodge. The static lightning still struck the same ce in the interval. He had to dodge them while also moving fast. That was easy; he could see the scorched ground to know where it would strike.


    At the same time¡­


    "Lily! To the left!"


    "Un!"


    Lily followed his instruction without hesitation and turned to the left. As she did that, lightning struck the ce where she stood earlier.


    "Right!"


    This time, Lily was the one who shouted at him. He immediately moved to the right as electric current was created at the ground where hest stepped.


    It happened many times. They couldn''t really think where to move and look at the ground. They could only move their body, dodge the lightning, and proceed to the center.


    In just a few seconds, they managed to clear half of the course.


    ¡ª Their teamwork is impable.


    ¡ª Let''s agree with that


    ¡ª The hardest part is to find where the next lightning struck. Looking at your feet will make you move slowly.


    ¡ª My usual strategy is to move one step at a time, dodging the lightning slowly. But these guys¡­ They freaking run!


    ¡ª ThunderGod: NO ONE SHALL PASS! Breeze: Is that yourst word?


    The lightning struck more frequently as they got closer to the te. Just a few more meters and they could get it. However, they couldn''t see any possible path besides bulldozing it through.


    "I can do it. Signal me."


    Lily also thought simrly. They were stepping left and right to dodge the targeting lightning right now, waiting for the right chance to snatch the te.


    Nodding, Max decided to trust her. She smiled at him and turned serious. Her chance to get the te was higher than him, as she wore no backpack that restricted her movement. Enjoy new stories from m-v l''e|-NovelBin


    Thest wall of lightning struck in a circle. After one lightning struck one ce, another one immediately followed suit right on its side, circling thest ce in a second interval.


    Based on the timing, they only had a second or less to pass the wall of lightning.


    An electric current gathered under Lily''s feet. At the same moment, the lightning wall struck the area right in front of her.


    "Jump!" Max shouted loudly, and Lily followed his signal.


    She leaped toward the te while he jumped back to reduce the frequency of the lightning striking.


    And¡­


    "Got it!"


    Lily managed to snatch the te and rolled on the ground in front of Max to stop herself. She stood next to him and showed the te with arge smile.


    "Good job." Max praised her and opened the backpack to put the te in.


    At this moment, the lightning had stopped striking. There was no more electric current under their feet.


    And as they just prepared to move to the next destination, the notification rang.


    [Thunder God is gritting his teeth as his te is stolen. He leaves the area by stomping his foot.]


    [His wrath is iing.]


    "What?!" Max raised his voice in surprise. He looked up and noticed something was about toe. "Lily, move!" He pushed her away slightly and jumped back.


    "Huh?"


    Lily was dumbfounded but realized the reason soon. The dark cloud in the sky converged at one point. It was concentrated right above Max. An electric current that disappeared returned and appeared right on Max''s body.


    Noticing that, she raised her voice to warn him.


    "Throw your backpack!"


    "Got it."


    Without hesitation, he took it off and threw it away. He also ran in the opposite direction as soon as he did that.


    A gurgling sound rang in the sky. A golden sh appeared in the sky, and what could be called the thunder god''s wrath struck the ground. Everything turned golden, and a deafening sound echoed in the surroundings.


    Lightning, many timesrger than before, struck the ground, turning almost a quarter of the clearing into a charred mess.


    Max raised his body from the ground and looked at where the lightning struck. The backpack was strangely fine, sitting in the middle of the ck ground like something unnatural.


    "Crazy!"


    ¡ª BAM!


    ¡ª BOOM!


    ¡ª BLING!


    ¡ª WTF was that?!


    ¡ª Damn, the lightning was so massive!


    ¡ª GROUND DIVE! Goddamn, that was close


    ¡ª Somehow, I want to see charred Breeze


    ¡ª Is charred Breeze tasty? I want to see it


    If Lily hadn''t warned him, he would have absolutely be a charred human in that ce. It seemed like thest lightning struck the te to kill anyone who didn''t know about the mechanic.


    The dark cloud in the sky disappeared as Max picked his body up.


    "Are you okay?" Lily asked worriedly, knowing that her boyfriend set the pain sensitivity to the maximum.


    Throwing himself to the ground like that was painful¡­ Really painful.


    "Yeah, I am okay," Max answered, smiling at her. "More importantly, that was close. Thanks for the warning."


    "Thank god¡­" She sighed in relief and looked at the backpack, approaching it.


    She took it and looked inside. Max peeked from behind him and noticed everything was perfectly fine.


    "So this backpack is an immortal object?" He asked in interest.


    "Immortal object?" Lily asked back, handing the backpack to him. "What is that?"


    "It''s an object that can''t be destroyed in a game. A key quest item if you want to use an MMORPG term." He exined and put the backpack on. "In short, no matter what we do to this item. Throw it, sh it, burn it¡­ It will remain intact, with the item inside it too."


    "Ah, like a portable safe?"


    "Something like that." Max nodded and took out a GPS.


    The lightning mark in his location had disappeared, along with some other marks in the GPS. There were still too many to count, but the other pairs also seemed to finish some trials.


    "The lightning mark is an elephant te. That''s good to know." He said, turning to Lily. "Do you mind if I choose the next one?"


    "Un, I''ll let you choose."


    "Thanks."


    He looked at the remaining marks and decided to choose another one. He pointed at one and looked at Lily.


    "How about this?"


    "The sword mark? I don''t mind."


    "Alright then. It''s pretty close, so let''s go there."


    ¡ª Both of them proceeded to the next destination without resting. Their survival knives were ready to cut all the branches and bushes in their way


    ¡ª However, due to their previous experience, they decided to choose an animal trail instead. What will await them in the next trial?


    ¡ª Look forward to it!


    ¡ª Why the heck are you guys narrating for them?


    ¡ª Well, it seems fun. The bush hell, the thunder hell¡­ What kind of hell is waiting for this couple next?


    ¡ª Stop narrating, motherlicker!


    [BloodyAxe has donated 300 diamonds!


    [I have returned. And I shall wait for a bloody duel.]

 Chapter 298: Chapter 298 – Next Slate

    The crossed sword mark was located 150 meters away from the previous lightning trial. Max already had an idea of what kind of trial and game they had to finish in order to get the next te.


    Following the animal trail proved to be the correct choice. All trails were connected from one mark to another. Choosing the straight path would only slow them down.


    Unlike the lightning mark earlier, the double cross sword was pretty easy to spot.


    "Whoa¡­ This is amazing."


    "Un. It looks like a pyramid without the tip."


    What waited for them in the next mark was arge structure made from rock blocks, with stairs on each side heading to the top, which looked like arge square area. The crossed sword mark floated right above that square area.


    There was nothing else around them, and the trial hadn''t started yet, even when they got close to the building.


    "It seems we need to go to the top and trigger the notification first." Max guessed based on the situation and his game knowledge.


    "Maybe. Want to take a look?"


    "Sure."


    They began to climb the stairs slowly. There was no notification yet, so they proceeded to the top of the structure. When they reached the top, the structure suddenly shook as if an earthquake had shaken it.


    "What the¨C?"


    "Hya!" Lily lost her bnce due to the unexpected shake, but Max was able to catch her and pulled her into an embrace.


    "Are you okay?" He asked worriedly.


    "Un. I am fine." She answered as she backed away.


    ¡ª SHOW OFF!


    ¡ª Tsk, should I take my voodoo doll back from the trash?


    ¡ª Now I am considering getting a girlfriend too. Who wants to be with me? I am half as handsome as Breeze


    ¡ª Cough, just half?


    ¡ª Bro has no confidence lol


    The shaking stopped after a few seconds. Max regained hisposure and looked around. When he did that, he noticed that the stairs behind him were gone, and the structure became taller than before, jutting out to the sky like a tower.


    Following that, the notification rang.


    "I guess we can''t turn back." He said as he peered down with Lily. "It''s so high. Probably around 30 meters? We would die if we fell. Like¡­ st. Yeah, that''s not a good idea."


    "I don''t want to be sttered."


    "Right?" He said.


    He turned around and looked at the pedestal in the middle of the structure.


    "And that''s the te we''re searching for. Is it chicken?"


    "Seems like so." Lily narrowed her eyes to look at it better, "Want to take it? There seems to be no trap."


    "Well¡­" Max grinned and approached it slowly, "Only one way to find out."


    He didn''t want to rush this as he didn''t know the rule yet.


    Nothing happened even though he was already close to the pedestal. There was also no notification, which was slightly strange.


    However, he soon realized the reason.


    "There is something written here." Lily pointed out at the pedestal''s body as she traced it with her fingers. "Help the chicken fly. Reach the ground safely with the te. We believe that you can make our dreame true. What does that mean?" She looked at Max curiously.


    "That means we''re free to take the te, but there will be obstacles that try to stop us." He answered and took the te. "And when we do this¡­"


    Rumble rumble¨C


    The tower shook again. This time wasn''t as bad as the first one.


    Sreeech¨C


    Following that, the sound of rocks scraping against each other could be heard closely. Max and Lily stepped back as they saw the pedestal got eaten by the tower. The ground under it moved, revealing a spiral staircase leading down the tower.


    Torches were lit, giving the newly opened staircase an eerie feeling. The feeling it gave was like those of dangerous dungeons often found in fantasy games and fiction.


    ¡ª Ooooh!


    ¡ª That looks cool!


    ¡ª Eerie spiral staircase. It undoubtedly will lead to the depth of hell


    ¡ª From the looks alone, I can attest it''s simr to a dungeon.


    ¡ª So, can chicken fly or is it just a metaphor? They literally just need to walk down the stairs and reach the bottom?


    ¡ª Darkness¡­ This noble me loves darkness


    ¡ª Blood God has detected many amounts of blood inside. HAHAHA OFFER THEM TO HIM! Only HIM can SAFE you


    ¡ª But still¡­ Isn''t this too easy for them?


    ¡ª Yeah¡­ No one stops them from doing something else.


    [ILoVeRocK has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Climb down the tower without going through the staircases.]


    [Reward: 2,000 diamonds.]


    ¡ª Bruh said ''Let me do it'' in the most direct way.


    Indeed. Their task was just to reach the ground safely. There was no rule that forced them to go through this spiral staircase that certainly would be filled with traps.


    "Say¡­" Max looked at Lily and grinned, "Do you want to learn how to climb down a wall with small gaps?"


    ¡ª As expected


    ¡ª This crazy b4st4rd!


    ¡ª He still prioritizes money over his lover!


    ¡ª Still, can LilyPixel climb down the wall with him?


    ¡ª You must be new. Lemme tell you a story¡­


    ¡ª No need. LilyPixel can move as crazy as Breeze. She''s that talented. They are just too scary


    "Climb down the wall?" She asked with sparkling eyes, her interest was piqued. "Can we do that without any equipment?"


    "We can. I will instruct you and use this chance to teach my chat, too."


    "If you say so. Please teach me. It sounds¡­ interesting."


    "Alright. Let me show you how it''s done, then."


    Saying so, he went to the edge of the structure and looked down. It was a bit scary. Just thinking about what would happen if he felt adrenaline pumped into his blood. There was nothing more exciting than the thrill of the extreme sport.


    ''If only this is in real life¡­'' He thought, but he immediately shook his head. ''No, I shouldn''t do that. I will worry Lily if I do this in real life. Yes, the VR world is good enough.''


    A shame, but he didn''t want to risk it too much like in his past life. He was satisfied with his current life. Not to mention, there was also a VR world where he could experience everything with just a slight difference.


    "First of all¡­" He spoke loudly to distract himself from useless thoughts and got into the real business. "Throw your bag down."


    He threw his backpack without hesitation. It soared in the air and hit the ground with a thud. After itnded safely, Max looked at the camera and spoke.


    "That''s the first step. By calcting the weight and the speed of the bag, we know how tall this tower is. All equipment in the bag and the backpack itself is around 1 KG, and it reached the ground in less than 5 seconds. With the gravity being 10m/s, you can just count it yourself."


    ¡ª Yeah, we don''t know.


    ¡ª Isn''t that like around 50 meters?


    Experience more on m-v|l e''-NovelBin


    ¡ª How can he calcte it like that? I mean, I am not confident saying my backpack is 1KG


    ¡ª Tell us how you do it.


    "It''s easy." He smirked as he prepared to go down the tower. "I just lied to you guys."


    ¡ª This MF


    ¡ª WTF


    ¡ª I trusted you!


    ¡ª How could you betray us like this¡­ I thought we were friends¡­


    ¡ª Lying is easy. Indeed.


    "Anyway, that is that, and this is this. You need to slowly grip the edge of the structure like this and lower your body. Let yourself hang for a few seconds and getfortable with it."


    Max moved as he exined how to do it to his viewers and Lily. He hung on the edge of the structure and looked up at Lily, who was peering at him.


    "Do you think you can do it?"


    Nodding, she replied, "I can try."

 Chapter 299: Chapter 299 – Black Circle of Death [1]

    Max continued going down slowly as he taught Lily the safe path down. It was pretty easy as the tower was made from rocks ced on each other and was actually slightly nted. The gaps were pretty big for them to put their fingers and feet.


    Still, it took a long time for them to do this. To reach the ground, they needed around 30 minutes. There were some parts where Lily was about to fall. Fortunately, she managed to regain her footing, and they safely reached the ground.


    When their feet touched the ground, the area shook once again, and the tower got eaten by the ground. Nothing was left of it, leaving only a clearing.


    Afterward, Max took the stream mission reward.


    [Missionpleted!]


    [2,000 diamonds have been donated!]


    Easy 2,000 diamonds.


    "Done. Isn''t it easy?"


    "Yes. Surprisingly easy."


    ¡ª As I thought, they were crazy


    ¡ª No one said it''s surprisingly easy after climbing down a 50-meter tall tower with a straight face¡­


    ¡ª Mymon sense is tingling, saying this isn''t actually easy


    ¡ª Heh, you peasant. I can go down faster than them. In just 5 seconds


    ¡ª ^^ I KNOW ^^ You just jumped down.


    ¡ª lolol, that''s indeed faster than climbing down.


    ¡ª Still, they took a long time. They would probably only spend 20 minutes maximum if they went through the staircases.


    Indeed, it was a bit of a problem. They only had 2 tes, the elephant and the chicken. They still needed a lion, snake, and eagle. Furthermore, they had to find the door that led to the next map hidden from the GPS.


    However¡­


    ''I don''t mind. Taking it easy is fine.''


    There was something written in the game before. One had to survive against the other. Some games also had one to use their brain and work together with other teams.


    The trials and each game were different, so he had no idea if there was a need to work together in the next trial. If they had to work together with other teams, they would have to wait for the others regardless of what they wanted, so waiting was necessary.


    Also¡­


    ''The most important thing is to survive to the end. There is no time limit to finish this game. We can spend a whole day sitting around and won''t be eliminated.''


    In short, he didn''t need to worry about the other team finishing it first. There could be multiple winners.


    "Where should we go next?" Max asked Lily and opened the GPS. "All three marks we need are slightly far from where we are. But the ck circle will be close if we head to a lion head mark or vice versa. However, we had to walk quite a bit to reach the mushroom mark."


    "The ck circle looks ominous," Lilymented. "Let''s finish that first."


    "Got it. I also think we need to beat this mark first before continuing." He agreed and looked toward where the ck circle was shown in the GPS. "It''s that way, around 400 meters away."


    Nodding, Lily followed Max through the animal trails once more. The dense forest covered the artificial sky above that flickered with blue light asionally.


    For a VR world, this forest looked really alive. Max could see some bugs and small animals crawling on the ground and something shiny behind bushes.


    Something shiny?


    Explore more at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "Wait." He raised his hand and stopped on his track. Without exining to Lily, he crouched and reached toward that shiny thing.


    "Hmm?" Lily hummed in confusion as she watched him.


    "Got it."


    Before long, he smiled and got something pretty incredible. It was a stack of arrows in a quiver alongside a ckpound bow.


    "A bow?" She asked curiously as she looked at what he held.


    "It seems so. Chat, tell me about this. Just the rules and don''t tell me what I can use the bow for."


    ¡ª Oooh! Compound Bow Obtained!


    ¡ª Look at what he found: a bow!


    ¡ª That''s neat. The bow will be useful no matter what they do


    ¡ª So lucky. He found a hidden item scattered through the forest


    ¡ª In this game, you can find some items hidden behind the bushes. When it is hit with the sunlight, it will shine and be easy to spot


    ¡ª It''s like an extra supply, just like your survival knives and GPS. However, the items you can find are random. The bow is one of the most useful ones.


    Reading the chat, Max nodded in understanding.


    "It seems there are some items scattered through the map. We can find them easily when the sunlight shines on them." He exined to Lily.


    "I see. So they can help us in the trial."


    "And fend off hostile yers," Max added as he handed the bow to Lily. "I am fine with a knife. You can use the bow. Please watch my back."


    "Un, leave it to me."


    Lily immediately slung the quiver on her back and held the bow in her left hand.


    They continued moving toward the ck circle mark while looking around carefully to avoid missing any items.


    Finding them wasn''t as easy as Max previously thought.


    By the time they almost arrived at the ck circle mark, they found no item at all. The clearing could be seen from afar.


    A smallke with a small bridge leading to the center with a pedestal was apparent. The path leading to the middle had many symbols and looked like a maze, making it difficult to pass. Not to mention the two rotating des that could cut one''s legs if they weren''t careful.


    This trial was the hardest to clear among the two they had finished before. It could even be called by another name.


    ¡ª ck circle of death!


    ¡ª This is true hell. They can''t go fast because they will miss the timing to dodge the de, and the symbol on the bridge has something


    ¡ª The bridge also has a railing that prevents people from jumping over it.


    ¡ª In short, this is the hardest trial for someone like Breeze!


    ¡ª I hope he dies!


    The chat was excited. They were looking forward to it.


    Max could only chuckle wryly when he read them. He didn''t think he would die, but he had to be careful.


    When he was about to reach the end of the forest, Lily pulled his sleeve to force him to duck. He did it without hesitation and looked at her, asking for an exnation.


    "There are people outside the forest." She warned quietly as she pointed out at the forest to their left.


    Max didn''t notice it as he was looking at the chat before. He followed Lily''s fingers and noticed two men sitting behind the bushes. They were looking at the clearing and hadn''t noticed them yet.


    "You''re right." He whispered quietly.


    "Should we kill them?" Lily inquired as she raised her bow. "I think I can snipe one of them from here and disqualify their team."


    "No, wait." Max raised his hand to stop her. "Let''s watch them for a bit. It seems they are nning something, and I want to know what it is."


    Nodding at him, Lily lowered her bow.


    Max''s eyes narrowed like an eagle, looking at the hiding yers like prey.

 Chapter 300: Chapter 300 – Black Circle of Death [2]

    ''Now, what kind of strategy do they have? They must''ve seen a guide or something. Maybe they don''t approach the trial because it''s too dangerous, or they have no means to beat it. Which one is it? If it''s the former, then I would like to kill them and try the trial. If it''s thetter¡­''


    If the trial required a special item to clear it, then he had to wait just like them to see the situation. Ambushing other yers wasn''t prohibited.


    While Max was keeping an eye on that team, Lily noticed something else. She found another team walking toward the clearing where theke was.


    "There is someone else over there." She whispered at Max and pointed at where she saw the other team.


    "They are approaching the trial." He said as he observed them for a while before turning to the ambushing team from earlier, "They seem to be happy with their appearance. As expected, the trial might be too hard for them to beat. They might prepare themselves to ambush the new team."


    "So they want to steal the te from the new team?"


    "Most likely." Max nodded, "We will stay here and ambush them after they ambush the new team. At worst, if they fail, we will know how the trial works."


    There was nothing to lose by waiting for a while. It might be boring to the viewers. Out of worry, he decided to check on them.


    ¡ª What do you think?


    ¡ª Yeah, the new team has 2 girls, and they wore skirts instead of pants like LilyPixel


    ¡ª So, as expected? They are streamers, right?


    ¡ª Confirmed. They are THAT KIND of streamer


    ¡ª Good stuff. I will look forward to it.


    Somehow, it was busy with something that he didn''t want to get involved in. He definitely knew what they were thinking about when he read skirts.


    ''I swear I won''t allow Lily to wear skirts when we''re streaming together.''


    He secretly closed the chat and saw the two girls step into the thin bridge. Only one way was open, so they had to go through that and clear the maze before reaching the te.


    They marched without hesitation and reached the first intersection with a symbol written on it. One of them pressed the symbol and a hidden mechanic was triggered. The maze-like bridge was moving. The movement was divided into three.


    The inner section was where the pedestal was, and the middle section and the outer section were. The inner and outer moved clockwise while the middle section moved counter-clockwise, renewing the maze.


    One girl pointed at the new path they could traverse and continued.


    "So the symbol activated traps. I couldn''t see the symbol clearly, but it looks like a number 3." Max muttered aloud so Lily and the chat could hear it. "And the symbol is present in every intersection.


    Before long, they arrived at another intersection and passed by the symbol. This time, even without them touching it, the trap activated. The bridge was shaking greatly as the railing suddenly disappeared.


    "Hyaaa!"


    "Hold on!"


    Read new chapters at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin


    They desperately tried to bnce themselves, holding each other. Wind blew from somewhere and once again disturbed them. Their clothes fluttered, and Max suddenly could see nothing but darkness.


    "Don''t look." Lily''s firm voice rang beside him.


    Even if she said ''Don''t look'', he had an idea what happened from the chat that was still visible on the corner of his vision


    ¡ª Oooh!


    ¡ª LONG LIVE BLACK CIRCLE OF DEATH!


    ¡ª This is what we''ve been waiting for!


    ¡ª An unexpected harvest in Breeze''s channel


    ¡ª lolol, LilyPixel covered his eyes so he couldn''t look. Sad Breeze


    ¡ª kekeke, this is why you should y with men instead of your girlfriend


    ¡ª True lol!


    ¡ª These girls are holding better than I thought. They managed to stay until the end.


    Just as he read that chat, his vision returned. He looked at Lily and saw her pouting.


    "Why?" He asked in confusion.


    "Nothing." She shook her head in denial, "I just don''t like you looking at them. I will observe them; you look at the guys that hide behind the bush."


    ¡ª lol she''s jealous


    ¡ª Cute jealous LilyPixel


    ¡ª The way she pouts is so unexpected


    ¡ª She''s easy to get jealous lol. You must have a st teasing her


    ¡ª Haa¡­ Haa¡­ Guys¡­ I love observing guys¡­


    ¡ª Hello, mental hospital? Yes, one of your patients escaped. He''s here.


    "Fine¡­" Max sighed as he observed the guy. He definitely didn''t follow her request just because she looked cute. Yes, that wasn''t not it.


    Anyway, the girls continued to challenge the trials, unaware that two teams watched and observed them like an eagle observing rats that entered their sight.


    One trap after another was finished. There were a total of 9 symbols, starting from 1 to 9. They were lost for a while, but the symbol that got activated earlier didn''t activate again, which was a blessing for them.


    To finish all the symbols, they needed around 20 minutes.


    "We got it!" One of the girls cheered excitedly as theke was filled with ground and the railing disappeared.


    "That''s hard, isn''t it? I don''t think I want to do it again!"


    "Right, I totally don''t want to do it again. The wind is blowing up our skirts. Ah, thank you for the donation! We''re cute at that time? You''re such a flirt~ Thank you, MindBlowing82."


    Their voices were loud enough for it to reach where Max and Lily were. Thetter pointed at them, confused at what they were talking about.


    As a good boyfriend and streamer, he exined it to her.


    "That''s how girls usually livestream."


    "No way!" She gasped audibly, her eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡ª The shock!


    ¡ª Her reaction is so honest and fresh, lol. Did she never watch any female streamers? The cute ones like them?


    ¡ª Cute streamers who sell face and entertainment instead of skills are usually like them, using cute words and gestures


    ¡ª Protect her innocence no matter the cost!


    ¡ª kekw. LilyPixel be like: Seriously? Are you serious? No kidding?


    "That''s how it is." Max nodded repeatedly as her reaction amused him.


    Then, he turned serious and looked at the hiding team. They approached the two happy girls slowly.


    "They begin to move. Lily, prepare your bow."


    "Un. I am ready." She knocked an arrow to the bow and aimed at the approaching team.


    The girls were still unaware even though the men had gotten so close. They were holding arge knife in their hands. Apparently, they also got an item from the forest.


    With a fast movement in their hands, they stabbed the girls from behind.


    "Ack!"


    "Kyaa!"


    The girls screamed just when they noticed it. Their bodies were covered in an eerie red light before turning into pieces. Just like that, they died. Their backpack disappeared, leaving two tes fallen onto the ground.


    "Lucky, they have 2!"


    "Yeah, we will be able to move to the next map in this game, hahah¨C"


    Crash¨C!


    Before the second guy could finish his sentence, an arrow was lodged in his head, and he disappeared into pieces. A secondter, another arrow found its way toward the remaining guy''s chest and killed him.


    All belongings in his hand, except for the two tes, tworge knives, and two arrows from earlier, disappeared into thin air.


    Max and Lily appeared from the bushes and approached the loot. He picked up the tes and looked at them.


    "Snake and eagle, lucky. We now just need the lion te to finish this game."


    He grinned widely and let out an evil chuckle. Because the atmosphere seemed to fit, Lily also joined and giggled evilly.


    After getting satisfied withughing, he put the tes inside his backpack and took therge knife with him, raising it to his face. He could see his reflection on the shiny de. His smile looked like a viin''s.


    Just like before, the atmosphere seemed to fit the situation, so he said something cool, or cringe, depending on the person hearing it.


    "All ording to n."


    It was satisfying.

 Chapter 301: Chapter 301 – Lion Head Trial [1]

    "We just need thest te now, the lion one. Based on this, should we head to the lion mask one?"


    Max suggested to Lily as he opened the GPS. When he did that, he narrowed his eyes because he realized the closest lion head mark was already gone.


    Some marks beside that also disappeared, but they weren''t useful for him anymore.


    Looking at the screen, he noticed the closest lion mark from their location was around 500 meters away from the direction where they came from.


    "It seems we need to return," Lilymented as she looked at the screen and raised therge knife she took from the ground. "Or we can find someone who finished the lion trial and snatch their te."


    ¡ª Is it just me, or did she just casually say, ''Let''s rob the other team'' in an indirect manner?


    ¡ª It''s not your imagination, she clearly said that


    ¡ª And she said it with such a straight face. Scary


    ¡ª Cute and Scary, Cury¡­ Now I want to eat some curry¡­


    ¡ª Why does it happen that way?


    Stroking his chin, Max deliberated the choice for a while. Go to the lion head mark and finish the trial to get a te that might not be the lion te, or just find other yers and steal their te.


    Both were possible strategies in this game. Still, the former could excite him as he was curious about the trial. When he thought about it that way, his choice was leaning towardpleting the trial himself.


    He turned to Lily and scratched his cheek.


    "Sorry, Lily. I am curious about the trial. Do you mind if we walk to the lion head mask?"


    "Un. No need to apologize, I just give ideas." She said, "Let''s go then. It''s a bit away, so we should be fast, no? We don''t want other yers to arrive first."


    "You''re right. Let''s run then."


    After deciding that, they began to sprint. Lily''s speed had decreased considerably because she held the bow, and Max also had some baggage added with tworge knives that he couldn''t stash away.


    In the end, he threw the knives into the forest because he had no use of them. They were too heavy and didn''t fit his fighting style, which used his speed as the main weapon.


    The story would be different if it was a handheld axe like the one he used in Knight''s Journey; he would use it.


    Anyway, they managed to reach the lion head mark after roughly a minute and a half. When they arrived, they had no choice but to stop behind the bush just like earlier and observe the clearing where the mark was located.


    Compared to the other clearing, it was many timesrger.


    The clearing had a square area made from concrete surrounded by a body of water. Many pedestals were on top of that square. On top of them, tes with lion images were hovering up and down slowly, waiting to be taken.


    Many yers were already in that square, but they were still unable to get one te. The reason? It was simple.


    The pedestals were on a tower-like structure the people had to climb. The only path leading up was narrow stairs without railing. Before reaching the top, there was a smaller arena, around 10 meters big, with an actual lion guarding the path to the top.


    Most yers didn''t want to risk getting the te by themselves. They were wary of each other, looking like hyenas who were ready to pounce at those who got the te.


    A fight could break out anytime. It wouldn''t be strange if that happened. But most knew that they couldn''t start anything. If they did sh, then no one would be willing to take the challenge and get the te for them.


    "This is nasty," Maxmented while narrowing his eyes. Find exclusive stories on m_v l|e-NovelBin


    "Un. It would be different if there is only one te or only one pair. But there are 5 tes here and 7 pairs waiting around the arena clearly."


    "It''s clear what''s on their mind." He added, "And we can''t start a fight either. If we kill one of them, the others will definitely gang up on us."


    Following that, he looked at his GPS and couldn''t help but sigh. He felt lucky after getting 2 free tes earlier, but that luck didn''tst long. No lion head mark could be seen in the GPS except for this one. The others had disappeared.


    "Karma is a bitch."


    ¡ª Indeed


    ¡ª You kill a killer, and now you are put in a situation where you can''t kill.


    ¡ª There is no choice but to either wait for them to fight or risk it


    ¡ª lol, indeed. They are b1tches! Karma is a b1tch!


    "Language." Lily scolded him with a stern voice.


    "Sorry." He apologized and scratched his cheek, "Still, I am in a bind now. What should we do? Kill? Hide? Wait? That''s boring."


    "Hmm¡­"


    They hummed and looked at the arena. There was no right answer in this situation. If that was the case¡­


    ''Let''s just go with the most exciting one to entertain the viewers.''


    "I think we just need to go there and snatch the te before running away."


    "Let''s get the te and run away."


    Both of them said at the same time and looked at each other in surprise before bursting intoughter. They had the same idea in mind and rose to their feet.


    They stepped out of the forest and created a noise. The seven original pairs in the arena turned around and looked at them curiously. They stood out a lot because a pair of boys and girls were seldom seen in this game.


    At most, the pairs were usually created between friends of the same gender. Lovers often fought when they faced difficulty, so they were not often seen.


    "Huh? More people appeared."


    "Haa¡­ now there are 8 pairs here. What''s the point of waiting around? Someone, go ahead and take the trial."


    "We don''t want to. You guys will just steal our te and run with that."


    "Our team also refuses. We will go second, thank you."


    "What are you guys going to do? Watch here with us?"


    Thest question was directed at Max and Lily.


    Max looked at them and only smiled, not answering their question. He walked past them with his girlfriend and didn''t even spare a nce behind.


    "Tsk! How arrogant!"


    "It seems they n to try the trials."


    "We will target them when they get the te. Don''t let them slip."


    The other pairs didn''t even try to lower their voices. Max was able to hear them all.


    ¡ª Look at those guys


    ¡ª I bet $500 Breeze will kill them all


    ¡ª I bet $300 they won''t be able to even touch Breeze


    ¡ª Huh? This noble me is willing to bet his month''s pay that they won''t even realize that the te has been taken


    ¡ª Damn, BloodSucker goes big or goes broke, huh? I am in. Same bet as Sucker.


    ¡ª I think LilyPixel will shoot them from above. That''s the best tactic. They will have a lion to protect them.


    ¡ª True, those guys will definitely camp the stairs.


    ¡ª HAHAHAHA! MORE BLOOD! GOOD, GOOD. My right arm is aching for a massacre! Give me more!!!!!


    Naturally, the chat didn''t think Max would be caught.


    Looking at Lily, he asked, "Are you nervous?"


    "I am not." She answered shortly, "But I am a bit scared of the lion. It looks dangerous."


    "Well¡­" Max looked up at the lion that stared back at him, growling loudly, "We can only try to outrun it using the small space above. And that''s a 15-meter tall tform without a wall to climb, as it floated on four pirs, so we can''t climb up. Though it''s possible to slide downter."


    "So rush it?"


    "Yes. Rush up and kill people. That''s our best bet."


    He nodded at her, and they sprinted up the stairs together.


    Seeing two people rushing up the narrow stairs, the lion raised its majestic head and roared loudly. The deafening sounds caused some pairs on the ground to falter.


    However, Max and Lily kept pushing and ran up the stairs. The lion didn''t try to get close to the stairs. Instead, it stayed at the end where the stairs leading above were located. It only moved when Max reached the first tform.


    At the same time, the notification rang.


    [Lion King loves brave individuals. Subdue or pass the lion to prove your worth.]

 Chapter 302: Chapter 302 – Lion Head Trial [2]

    "So straightforward," Maxmented as he stopped on the tform. He walked around with Lily, countering the lion''s movement. "But it''s hard. One of us needs to distract it while the other goes to take the te. You go, Lily. I need you to be on top first."


    "Are you sure?"


    "Yeah." He nodded, "Kill some of those onlookers, preferably 3 pairs, before you take the te. I don''t know what happens if you take the te. This tform might disappear, and we won''t be able to use it to our advantage. As soon as you reach the top, I will run down this ce and help you kill them all."


    "Got it. If the lion can go up, I need to take the te and use the pole to slide down, right?"


    "No, you must forget the te. Just slide down, and we will think of another strategyter. Give me one arrow."


    "Here."


    "On my mark."


    The strategy meeting was over with that. Max stopped and took and held the arrow given by Lily. He was prepared to throw it. His hand was pulled back, and he swung it at a fast speed. The arrow flew toward the lion at a fast speed and hit its feet.


    "Roaaarrr!" It roared in pain and leaped forward.


    "Now!"


    As soon as he shouted that, he started to run around the tform, keeping the lion''s attention focused on him. He could hear Lily''s footsteps getting away from him as she went to the next tform.


    The lion, still roaring in pain, followed Max. It was quick and agile, befitting its title as the king of animals.


    Max was also agile. He dodged and weaved around the tform, staying just out of reach of the beast''s w. He ducked, dived, and even jumped around just to keep its attention. It was surprisingly easy, as the lion was programmed to have a limited attack tform.


    "Hahaha, what''s wrong, big guy? Get me if you can!"


    ¡ª This guy is dancing with the lion


    ¡ª Lol his movement is inhuman


    ¡ª How can he duck like that? The timing!


    ¡ª This lion has a programmed movement, maybe that''s why he can dodge them like that


    ¡ª Just remember its attack pattern and you will be fine


    ¡ª But guys¡­ This is Breeze''s first time going against this lion


    ¡ª Heh, he saw through its pattern in one nce. Leap with a w attack and bite when close. It also made a big leap after a roar


    Indeed, the attack pattern was pretty simple because this lion wasn''t put in this ce to kill yers but to stall and scare them. It was still lethal to those who didn''t know. But after going against it a few times, yers would be able to pass through it.


    ''Monsters in Mercenary Quest are far harder than this cute lion.'' Max thought as he continued dodging.


    Meanwhile, Lily had reached the top of the stairs, at the second tform, and was taking aim at the unfriendly onlookers. Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she knocked an arrow into her bow.


    Taking a deep breath, she pulled it as hard as she could and released it. A loud pang rang, followed by the sound of wind getting split. The first shot hit the first guy in the chest, shattering his body and teammate.


    She quickly took aim and fired again, taking out another pair.


    "Shit! She''s shooting at us with an arrow!"


    "That little shit! We let them go first, and they actually fired at us!"


    "This is our chance. Let''s get the te from other tforms." Experience more content on m v|l e''-NovelBin


    "DoggoBigDungus, let''s go."


    "Let''s not get involved."


    Two pairs ran toward the tform where Max and Lily were, while the other three went to the empty tform in the distance. It was just as Max had nned.


    Earlier, there were only 5 tforms for 7 pairs. No matter whether they managed to take the te or not, two teams would definitely be eliminated. With their arrival, the previous 7 became 8, and thepetition became stricter.


    Max''s instruction to take at least 3 pairs was to minimize the chance of them getting ganged up by teams. He believed that some of them were rational enough to know the danger of getting sniped by an arrow instead of passing the lion.


    ''So that''s why he wants me to take at least 3 pairs. But it seems that I need to take out 4 instead of 3.''


    Lily continued to shoot toward the iing hostiles. The first shot missed, but the second shot managed to graze one of the yer''s legs, causing him to slow down. She shot another one and took another pair that ran in front of the one she shot in the leg.


    Without waiting for him to recover, she quickly sent the fifth arrow flying. However, it missed as the injured yer''s teammate pulled his friend away. The arrow lodged on the concrete ground with a thud.


    At that moment, she realized that she had finished all her arrows. She only had 5 from what she found earlier and couldn''t kill them.


    Still, she didn''t need to worry.


    "Good job!"


    Max was already on the ground without the enemies noticing as they were too focused to dodge her arrow. He sneaked behind them and stabbed the healthy guy in the back, killing him immediately.


    Seeing what happened in such a short amount of time made Lily smile. He waved at her and gestured for her to take the te, which she did.


    Once she grabbed it, a set of stairs that led to the ground from the second tform was created. She looked at it in wonder and realized that it was the direct path that was safe from the lion that licked its paw on the first tform.


    She quickly went down and met up with Max. When she reached the ground, she raised her hand and high-fived him.


    "We did it!"


    "Un! We did it!"


    ¡ª What a fight


    ¡ª What a massacre


    ¡ª Fight? If that''s a fight, then what I did was a war!


    ¡ª Childy as usual


    ¡ª Heh, this noble me won the bet


    ¡ª As expected, betting on them is the safest

 Chapter 303: Chapter 303 – Escaping the Forest Biome

    Staying around the clearing with 5 tes was a bad idea, so Max and Lily quickly went inside the forest. Of course, they didn''t forget to recover her 5 arrows. They could still be useful.


    They hid behind arge tree and crouched.


    "Based on what the tutorial said, once we get 5 tes, we need to put them on top of each other. That will allow our GPS to get a certain signal that shows where the exit to the next map is. Am I right this far?"


    "Un, that''s what I heard as well." Lily nodded, confirming his words. "I don''t know how that works, though. But let''s try it."


    "Alright."


    Max took out all the tes he had gathered and arranged them like a tower on the ground. Starting from the size of the animal. The biggest animal, the elephant, was on the ground, followed by a lion, chicken, snake, and eagle.


    When he did so, the tes trembled slightly for a second. That might be the sign that it seeded. He took out the GPS and put it above the eagle te, and the disy changed.


    Previously, the GPS screen only showed marks and lines indicating how far it was. But now, a door mark appeared with the number 628 written under it.


    "That must be the exit," Max said as he pointed at the map. "Based on its position, it was located at the end of this map, 628 meters away from here. It''s pretty close. We can reach it in under 2 minutes if we run. Or we can walk leisurely and enjoy our time."


    "Let''s just run. We don''t want to meet other yers again, no?"


    "That''s true." Max rose to his feet and put all the tes inside his backpack again.


    When he did that, the GPS disy reverted back to the usual. That didn''t matter, though, as he roughly knew the door''s location.


    He began to run, with Lily following closely behind him. They followed animal trails and arrived at a dense forest with vines growing from the branches. The surrounding area was clearly different from the forest from earlier.


    However, there was nothing that indicated a door in the surrounding area. He could also hear footsteps from the surroundings, although he couldn''t see their sources.


    To be safe, Max decided to hide with Lily behind bushes. They crouched and blended with the scenery. Your next chapter is on m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    "The door is hidden, and there are people here. It''s more dangerous than I thought." Max whispered as he began to arrange the te one by one. He wanted to make sure they were in the right spot.


    "Why?" Lily asked.


    Just from that one word, he knew that she asked why there were people here. When one thought about it, there was only one possibility.


    "They are waiting for a pair who have 5 tes to arrive. And based on them walking away from us, they probably only have a rough idea that the door is here. It''s just a guess, but because this biome is different from the forest we came from, they must think the door is located in this area."


    "I see. So they are trying to ambush people but can''t find the door yet."


    "Yeah." He confirmed with a nod as he took out the GPS. "And that''s because I think the exit will only appear when someone with 5 tes gets close to it. Most probably in a 1 to 3 meters range."


    ¡ª This guy is smart


    ¡ª Without our information, he can know that much lol


    ¡ª Handsome, skilled, has a high SR, and smart. What does this guyck?


    ¡ª Don''t forget he has a skilled, beautiful, and rich girlfriend too


    ¡ª Hecks a sense of money. He''s so greedy!


    ¡ª How could he know the door won''t appear unless they get close to it? The way he processes the information he has is incredible.


    ¡ª No need to mention that!


    Max became sure of what he said after he looked at the chat. Honestly, he wasn''t sure and just said his idea out loud.


    ''To think I am right on the money. Lucky me.'' He thought as he smiled.


    He looked at the GPS and found that the door was still 15 meters from him, just right in the direction of 7 o''clock. He just needed to be careful and approach it, and then they would be able to escape.


    "Let''s move slowly." He suggested as he stashed the tes and the GPS. "Not only will the door only appear when we are close, but it might also need time before it appears¡ªone to two seconds."


    Nodding, Lily agreed with him. They began to move slowly toward the 7 o''clock. 15 meters meant around 15 to 20 steps away from them.


    And what was located in that location was a tree smaller than anything else. Its branch bent on an arch, creating something that looked like a gate. While the mark in GPS looked like a door, it wasn''t defined what kind of exit would appear in the game.


    The couple looked at each other and approached it. When they got close, the arch shone brightly and buzzed.


    The scenery beyond the gate changed, showing a desert-like biome. Max was impressed. When he looked at it closely, the area around that gate reflected the scenery behind him like a mirror. This was the end of this map. And this must be the reason why those people stayed around here.


    ''It''s not the biome. They knew that the end of the map would always reflect the area on its opposite side. And the door will undoubtedly appear at the end of the map.''


    It was a pretty interesting concept that could help yers to ambush others. All functionality and design were apparently thought of carefully in this game.


    "Is that it?" Lily asked.


    Max was about to answer that question for her but had no chance to answer it as words appeared on the arch.


    [Congrattions on clearing the first trial. You have been freed from the Forest of Trial. You may proceed to the outside world.]


    "It seems so." He smiled at her.


    Tak tak tak tak!


    At that moment, hasty footsteps could be heard approaching their area. Max looked at their direction briefly before turning to Lily.


    "Our guests are here. Let''s exit this ce."


    "Un. Let''s go."


    And they walked through the gate, arriving at the desert biome. The gate behind them couldn''t be seen.


    Dry air, scorching heat¡­ They felt so real.


    Still, no matter how much he wanted to continue, it wasn''t possible. The time had shown 4 PM already, and they had a n for tonight.


    Max had eye contact with Lily, and they understood what each other was thinking. The girl nodded softly and left it to him.


    "Well, we finished the first map already." He put his hands on his hips and looked at the camera. "It''s time we finish today''s stream, guys. We have a st ying it. It''s a fun game. Too bad that we have ns after this so we can''t continue for now."


    ¡ª Already?


    ¡ª Well, it can''t be helped.


    ¡ª It ends? Goodbye!


    ¡ª That was fun, we enjoyed it


    [ajkdhu has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [LovelyOtter has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Streamhunter has donated 1,500 diamonds!]


    [That was fun! I enjoyed the stream!]


    Many donations poured in on both Max and Lily''s channel. After thanking the viewers, they ended the livestream and exited the game.


    [Livestream Ended!]

 Chapter 304: Chapter 304 – That’s my Brother

    Max exited his VR capsule slowly. Just like usual, his body was drenched in sweat, and his clothes were wet. It was ufortable and stuck to his skin.


    That was why he was prepared beforehand.


    "Good work, Max."


    Lily, who exited first, gave him a towel as she wiped her sweat. Her clothes also stuck to her body, just like him. It made him have a hard time looking at her.


    "Ah, thank you." He said and wiped his face first.


    After drying their bodies, Lily first went to the changing room while Max just changed his clothes in the VR room as there was no one there. Preparation was indeed the key. They didn''t need to get out drenched and be the center of attention to the guests of Biozone Hotel like this.


    Lily changed into a cropped ck shirt and long pants, while Max just changed into a navy shirt. They exited the VR room and the hotel together. As they walked, Lily asked him a question.


    "Are we going to Flexy''s apartment now?"


    "Yeah, that''s the n. I heard he wants to invite us to a private party or something. The one with our team sponsor."


    "That party is today?" She raised her eyebrows and looked at her body, "But I haven''t changed my clothes and fixed my makeup yet. And what about As and Ferin?"


    "Both of them will go straight to the venue after finishing their job." He said, "And if you''re worried about the dress and makeup, Lisa actually prepared a salon and everything ready. We just need to show up."


    "I see." Lily nodded at him.


    Max was actually looking forward to this party. He wanted to see Lily in the dress that Lisa prepared, so he kept it a secret from her. Of course, she knew there would be a party to greet the sponsor and continue having fun together, but she didn''t know it was tonight.


    ''Though it is called a party, it''s more like a business dinner. I also want to use this opportunity to bring up our space suit color¡­ Orange just stands out.''


    Flexy said he would take care of it, but Max didn''t believe his leader.


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    ''If it''s that guy, he would agree with the main sponsor that orange is a good color. That orange hair that I know will definitely do so.''


    Going to Flexy''s apartment was pretty easy. Max and Lily hopped on a hover taxi and gave the driver the address they needed to go to.


    The orange-haired streamer''s apartment was massive,parable to the one Lily lived at. However, the facility and where he lived were clearly inferior to hers. Not only did he not live in a penthouse but a floor below that, but he also only lived in onerge room instead of the whole floor.


    Naturally,paring someone who got rich from hard work and someone whose family was already rich was not a brainer. But Max couldn''t help but do it mainly because he was impressed by his friend.


    ''That damn bastard lives in a nice house.''


    It was a good motivation. His $3,000 apartment couldn''t even bepared to it. And yes, he didn''tpare himself with Lily''s because that was useless.


    Both of them talked to security and told the middle-aged man about their purpose for visiting, and they were allowed to enter easily. Apparently, Flexy had told the security about his friend, Max, and asked him to let him enter anytime, even when he wasn''t home.


    Somehow, Flexy trusted Max enough to do that. It became such a burden because Max didn''t trust Flexy regarding the negotiation at all.


    ''Well, this and that are different. I won''t mind him entering my apartment, too. Even if he sees the [Miracle Ticket], he will probably think it''s just a scrap of paper.''


    Anyway, they went to the second highest floor. Max knocked on the door with ''Marco'' written on the handle.


    The door was opened shortly, and an excited Flexy spread his arms.


    "Wee to my humble abode, buddy! Hahaha, enter. Lisa has prepared some drinks for my tired friends."


    "Thanks for having us, but what are you talking about?" Max asked curiously as he entered.


    Flexy led them inside.


    "I had nothing to do but wait, so I watched your stream. You were going all out, even at a fun stream, huh? Dodging that lion must''ve used considerable energy, seeing how high your SR is. That''s why I have Lisa to prepare something to drink, as I know you will directly go to my ce."


    "That''s a good student. You have done your research about me."


    "Of course. You''re so straightforward that it''s so easy to guess what you think."


    Max felt like that was an insult and red at his friend, who smirked at him. He decided to ignore their taunt and entered the lounge.


    The sky had turned dark. Twilight had arrived.


    A ss wall faced directly to New Eden City, showing bright lights from buildings and the business of the road. As the biggest city in the United Nations, it wasn''t strange that it was brimming with activities.


    Lisa walked into a lounge after them, holding various assortment and putting it on the table where various drinks wereid. Starting from alcohol to orange juices.


    "You can''t drink alcohol, right? Just enjoy the orange juice like a kid." Flexyughed as he poured wine into a ss.


    "Don''t underestimate me, I can handle it a little bit now." Max scoffed and sat next to him with Lily. "What do you want to drink, Lily?"


    "Just an orange juice is enough."


    "Alright. I will also get that then."


    "And you said you can handle alcohol." Flexy didn''t let this chance to make fun of his friend pass.


    Max wondered why he wasn''t tired of that. He changed the topic into the private dinner preparation as they only had 3 hours before the meeting.


    "It''s okay, there is no need to rush."


    Flexy easily waved his hand and said that.


    "The private dinner is canceled. We will hold our party in an all-you-can-eat restaurant. Our sponsors suddenly have an urgent matter to take care of. They didn''t tell me the details, but I heard someone took over one of the nutritional supplementpanies. And that caused a stir in the economy.


    "I don''t know who did it, but the e-sport scene is expected to also get affected by this."


    "That''s my brother doing."


    "I see, your brother, huh? So he took over onepany."


    After Flexy said that, he froze and looked at Lily. Max also looked at his girlfriend, who was sipping her juice casually after dropping a fact bomb.


    "Wait... StoneSword?" The orange-haired streamer asked and blinked his eyes. He couldn''t believe what he heard and stillgged.


    Lily nodded, "Yes. Green Leaf Co., owned by George Family, is now my brother''s. I just got his message."


    "Crazy¡­"


    While Flexy was surprised, Max now understood something. He remembered when he was on the private jet.


    ''That''s why StoneSword said that the blond-haired yer is dead. To think he will take over his family''spany¡­ That''s too ruthless.''

 Chapter 305: Chapter 305 – Cute Drunk

    Lily was getting interrogated but sat still without answering Flexy''s question. Max had to put a stop to it because she looked ufortable and only told his friend one thing.


    "Evan George tried to get to know her forcefully, but she didn''t like it. That''s why StoneSword, who Ferin informed, did this."


    There was no way to know whether that was the real reason or not, as it was the Spencer Family''s business, but that should be the main reason StoneeSword did what he currently does.


    Flexy appeared to be satisfied with that. The orange-haired streamer knew StoneSword''s difficult personality and his love for his sister.


    The drinking continued for a while until a notification rang from a group chat. Max checked and noticed Ferin sending a picture of her and As in a fancy ce with a message under it.


    [Ferin: We''ve arrived at the venue! Where are you guys? There is no one here.]


    Max looked at Flexy and noticed his guilty expression.


    "Could it be¡­" He asked cautiously, and Flexy onlyughed wryly. "You forgot to inform them?"


    "Hahaha¨C Maybe?"


    "You¡­" Max sighed tiredly as he looked at Flexy. He didn''t know anymore.


    However, there was someone who saved the day.


    "Please don''t worry. I have informed them and asked them to wait in that ce."


    Lisa appeared in the living room again, dressed in a business suit and long pants. She looked at Flexy and flicked a card.


    "Marco¡­ 3 days."


    "Fine¡­ You deserve it as you have saved me." Flexy replied, turning to Max, "Well, everything is okay in the end. Let''s meet them, shall we?"


    ***


    Because Flexy drank wine earlier, he wasn''t allowed to drive. Lisa took the steering wheel and drove the group to the restaurant where As and Ferin were waiting.


    The restaurant was located on the city''s outskirts, where the buildings were slightly sparse. Although it was called sparse, it still had more skyscrapers than a normal city. The surrounding area was filled with beautiful scenery.


    This area was called the Resort District, based on what Max saw on the map. Many high-ss restaurants and entertainment, such as golf and bowling, could be found in this area.


    They stopped in one of the small restaurants. Despite how small it was, the design was exquisite. It was a high ss restaurant that served Eastern food called Sitting Dragon. The building was made from wood, which was rare in this age.


    Max held Lily''s hands as they entered together, walking behind Flexy and Lisa. Right now, they weren''t boss and secretary but just normal lovers. He finally understood why Lisa called his friend by his name and said 3 days earlier.


    ''She asked for 3 days'' rest and just wanted to have fun together.''


    Since earlier, the strict-looking Lisa was smiling happily. Her stern mask was slipping off because she was off duty now.


    When they arrived on the roof, Ferin greeted them excitedly and they had a fun party. Drinks were ordered, and dishes filled the round table, which could spin.


    Their conversation never touched on tomorrow''s joint practice as if it was not important. No, they indeed really thought the joint practice wasn''t important at all.


    "Soo~ We will throw tomorrow and hide our strategy, alright? We will y just as usual and don''t show our new strategy."


    Flexy raised a ss full of wine as he spoke with a sultry tone. His cheek was red. He drank too much and refused to drink the water Lisa gave him.


    "Oooh! I know. I won''t use my shotgun too. I will do boom bam bang! All with sniper rifles, alright?"


    Not only Flexy, but Ferin was also drunk. She gulped beer and mmed the empty ss down the table.


    "Hahaha, those peasants aren''t worth my shotgun! Just be grateful to be shot by a sniper at a close range!"


    "Fer, drink some water."


    "Noo~! I am having fun, don''t stop me! Hahahaha!"


    "Right! Don''t stop us, As! Hahahaha."


    Somehow, both Flexy and Ferin now looked like long-lost brother and sister. The girl was slightly older than him, so she was the elder sister.


    As sighed in defeat at the sigh of his girlfriend getting too drunk, and so did Lisa. Both understood each other''s pain and nodded before turning to Max and Lily, who grilled meat quietly and ate it.


    "I am somehow jealous now," Lisa muttered in a low voice, and As nodded.


    "Breeze is lucky. And so is Lily. Their alcohol tolerance is too low, so they don''t drink."


    "As a result, they appear to be so innocent and calm. Unlike our partner."


    As two people who talked less in the group and had energetic partners, Lisa and As feltradery. They drank just a little bit while watching Ferin and Flexy dancing around the table.


    After a while, they got tired and sat down again. This time, they drank water and not alcohol because they didn''t feel that good.


    "Heh, that''s why you don''t drink. You won''t embarrass yourself if you are sane."


    Max smirked as he sipped an iced tea. It was delicious. Better than any burning substance that could make him lose control. Or so he thought until he gulped it down. Discover hidden stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "Huh? It taste strange."


    Unable to understand the taste, he sipped it again.


    A bitter taste and burning feeling that flew down his throat was pretty familiar. He looked at the tea in his hand with a dazed gaze. It wasn''t tea, but it was...


    "A fucking whiskey?" He raised his voice, andughter burst from the orange-haired guy.


    "Hahaha! You got trapped, idiot! This is going to be fun."


    "Yey! He finally drank!"


    Both Flexy and Ferin high-fived like a child. The former expected his friend to get drunk and do something funny.


    Unfortunately for Flexy, today''s Max was different from the past. He actually gained some alcohol tolerance after drinking alone in the past.


    Getting him drunk would require more than this.


    "Flexy." He called out to his friend with a grin, "Too bad, but I won''t get drunk from this. You need stronger alcohol."


    "I am not dumb, buddy." Flexy crossed his arms and nced at the girl beside Max, "But she''s a different story."


    "Max¡­"


    At that moment, Max heard a soft voice from Lily. A shiver was sent down his spine as he slowly looked to the left.


    There, Lily was looking at him with a flushed face. She was clearly drunk.


    "Max." She called out to him again and suddenly climbed on hisp, hugging him, "Hug me tight."


    "Lily, there are many people here!" Max was flustered, unsure what he should do.


    "No!" But Lily was insistent. She backed away slightly and held his cheeks, "I want a kiss now."


    Looking at the spectacle, As pretended not to see them. Ferin took pictures of them whileughing. And Lisa jumped at Flexy and punched his head.


    "Marco! I told you not to y such pranks!"


    "Aah! I surrender! I surrender! It hurts, Lisa! Stop it, please!"


    "Max, kiss me¡­"


    "Wait, Lily! Not here."


    "This is chaos¡­ Haa¡­" As sighed and closed his eyes, hoping that it would be over soon.

 Chapter 306: Chapter 306 – I AM RICH! HAHAHA!

    In the end, Max returned to the hotel with clingy Lily in a taxi. Lisa dragged Flexy to the nearby hostel to spend the night recovering from their drunkenness while Ferin and As continued drinking.


    For the first time, Max was able to find out that Lily was a clingy drunkard. He would definitely not allow her to drink unless they were alone.


    She wasn''t easy to shake off. Even when they arrived at their hotel, she still held him tightly.


    "I want to sleep together." She begged with puppy eyes, and he was unable to refuse. She looked so happy when he didn''t push her away.


    And so¡­ morning arrived. The first thing Max saw when he woke up was his girlfriend''s face. He observed her sleeping face for a while until she woke up.


    "Morning." He whispered quietly.


    "Huh?" Lily was still confused and blinked her eyes.


    Then... realization struck her. Find exclusive stories on m_v l|e-NovelBin


    "Ah!" She looked at their situation. "Kyaa! W-What am I doing?"


    Lily screamed as soon as she understood the situation and noticed that she was still hugging him on the bed. Her cheek turned red from embarrassment, and she hid her face with both hands as he sat down. She remembered everything fromst night.


    "Ugh... That was so embarrassing. Please forget about it, Max."


    Max smiled at her. He didn''t dislike it at all. Rather, he was happy that he knew her other side and how pampered he could be.


    "I won''t forget my girlfriend''s cute act. I can spoil you whenever you want, you know? Just tell me when you need it." He teased with a smirk as he traced his finger along her neckline. "Do you still want the kiss? Or a hug and headpat?"


    Lily''s embarrassment peaked when she heard that and jumped off the bed.


    "I am going to take a shower in my room!" She screamed and ran away like a rabbit.


    He couldn''t help but chuckle and got off the bed, too. Nothing happenedst night except for her acting spoiled and pampered, as if she had released her inner child.


    ''I want to see her like that often¡­ Without other people watching, of course.''


    Morning preparation was easy. He didn''t work out this morning because he had to do intense joint trainingter. It started at 11 AM to 5 PM, followed by a barbeque party before the real tournament started tomorrow.


    He did look forward to the tournament. But, there was something he was looking forward to more.


    "Alright."


    After finishing his morning routine and changing his clothes, Max sat on a sofa and opened the Punch website. Today was May 30th. Something big happened today.


    "It''s my second, third, and fourth pay!" He eximed excitedly and rubbed his hands together.


    Entering his password, he entered the payment section. The withdraw button was in this section, lined with gold color.


    With a trembling finger, he pressed it, and a notification popped up.


    [Your pay has been sent!]


    [New email has arrived!]


    His heart beat faster as he opened the email.


    Taking a big gulp of his saliva, he looked at his ie with wide eyes.


    "I am rich¡­" He muttered in a low voice.


    [Ie: $85,137]


    [Donations: $51,921


    Ads: $33,216]


    80 grand. That much money was unprecedented for a month of streaming. His streaming had no big event yet, but he got so many. If he did something likest month, tutorial and stuff, his ie would be more than this.


    But¡­ it wasn''t finished yet. Max noticed he could scroll the email, and there was one more notification.


    [Punchtube Ie: $12,721]


    It was from Punchtube. All his videosbined made him more than 12K. It hadn''t been a month yet. However, due to the viral announcement and the ad BloodSucker worked so hard for, he managed to get more than 10K.


    "I AM RICH!" He repeated what he said loudly and threw his arms up.


    Just as usual, he did his happy dance around the room, circling the table. Itsted until Lily returned and found him.


    ***


    Crimson Eden Hall.


    It was the second biggest hall in the Eden Convention Exhibition.


    Roach''spetition would be held here with an expected 2000 live spectators. Preparation started 3 days ago, and today was thest check to ensure the joint tournament would go without any trouble.


    Trey rk, the production executive responsible for Roach from Biozone Entertainment, sat on the VIP spectator seat and oversaw thest preparation. He extinguished his cigarette in a portable ashtray as he noticed someone walking toward him.


    A smile was apparent when he saw that someone was his old friend.


    "Now, now. Isn''t this Taka?" Heughed wholeheartedly, stroking his goatee, "What brings you here? Aren''t you busy with your new Manager position?"


    The approaching man, Mr. Taka, stopped and sat down next to Trey without asking for permission.


    "I have finished all the preparations and documents that my predecessor left me with." He answered and pushed up his sses. "And as to why I am here, I just have free time. Two of our affiliated streamers will join thispetition, so I want to ensure everything went well."


    "Oh? I remember them. They are on the OrangeSquash team. Flexy and Breeze, aren''t they?"


    "Indeed. I thought you don''t remember anything that''s not rted to cockroaches."


    "That''s a harsh statement from you, Taka." Treyughed out loud.


    "I remember them because they brought change to e-sport. After seeing how useful it is, I heard that the most active e-sports team will now do Scrim. And yeah, they are on a smaller scale, but still a Scrim regardless. It will not be much at first, but I believe it will increase."


    Mr. Taka''s lips curled into a smile, like a proud father who heard about his son''s achievement.


    "Is that so? It''s good that our affiliated streamers'' names rise and are remembered as people who made a change in the e-sport scene."


    "You seem happy," Treymented. He lit another cigarette after putting it in his mouth.


    "Yeah. It''s just between us, but the marketing team has prepared something special for our affiliated streamers before the Streamer Wars inte July. We will focus on increasing Breeze''s fame. Our goal is to make him win the new streamer award¡­ Though that won''t be hard."


    "Fuu¡­" The man with the goatee puffed smoke into the air, "I don''t know what you''re talking about, but you seem to like that boy a lot."


    "Heh, that''s natural." Mr. Taka smirked and pushed his sses again. It reflected the light from the stage, glistening. "Breeze is my, our Gold. He''s a walking bank that gives us profit. And the marketing team is like someone who brings us profit."


    "You''re just as greedy as usual."


    Both of them looked at the stage where 40 VR capsules were put adjacent to each other, with some kind of barrier separating them by 4.


    Trey couldn''t help but think about what his old friend, Taka, had said. The Marketing Team loved profit and money. Then, what would he, as a production executive, like?


    The answer was pretty simple.


    "We will make sure to use that money to grow thepany more by making this event sessful. And bring the proposal about that program to promote the new streamer and other affiliated streamers."


    "Sent. It''s nice working with you, Trey."


    The man with the goatee looked at Mr. Taka, who smirked at him.


    "Damn it." He muttered and rummaged his hair, "You''re too decisive. And sly."


    "Thank you for thepliment."

 Chapter 307: Chapter 307 – Joint Practice

    "Wee to Roach''s Competition joint practice! We''re back with me, Grand, and¡­"


    "Nature! Hahaha, we are invited to be the host of thispetition. Those who watched the Scrim a week ago will probably be familiar with us."


    "Indeed! We''ve been hosting the Scrim held by Flexy a week ago. Still, this time, our role is just as a host and to talk before and after the game. Jack and Paul will help us cast the whole yter."


    "Whoa? So, do we have an easier job this time? Neat!"


    Grand and Nature, whose hosting ability was proved in Scrim and was part of its sess, was once again invited to host the joint practice.


    This joint practice was live-streamed on Roach''s official Punch ount, with an amazing number of viewers that reached more than 60K, not counting the watch party by other streamers.


    "Nature, do you know what made this different from the Scrim in the past?"


    "Of course! All 40 teams,ing from the whole world, will join us this time. Many teams with unknown strategies will be separated into 4 groups. 10 top points earners from the 4 groups will advance to the next stage, the final. We will use the tournament format this time!"


    "I see, so it''s not elimination-based but a point-based tournament, right? Teams with the highest points from Annihtion and Survival will definitely advance to the next round. I wonder how teams will umte points. Will they try to survive until wave 10 or just destroy other teams?"


    "I think the survival n is the most effective way to earn the highest points. Why? Because theypete not only with the other 9 teams in their group but also with different groups. A team that survived until wave 9 alone will have more than 8K survival points, which is a lot!"


    "The wave boss from fifth to tenth will also give a total of 5K annihtion points. Will we be able to witness a new world record for the highest total points in this tournament or even in today''s joint practice??"


    "I hope so! And not because of a bias¡­ Personally, I think the OrangeSquash team will have the highest chance of achieving it. And the other strong contender would be the MiceMice team. As we can see in the Scrim, both teams managed to survive until the ninth wave. The former even killed some wave bosses."


    "This time, I have to agree with what you said, Nature. I would be a fool if I said OrangeSquash is just a new team after I saw what happened in the Scrim. Also, they have probably improved since then. I hope I am able to see the legendary tenth wave this time!"


    "It''s not just you, but I also want to watch it. And I also believe the viewers want to witness the tenth wave live."


    ¡ª We do!


    ¡ª OrangeSquash! OrangeSquash! OrangeSquash!


    ¡ª MWRifle! You can do it!


    ¡ª Tenth wave? We can witness it live! Damn, I want to see it


    ¡ª Yooo! This year''spetition is lit! It''s more exciting thanst season!


    ¡ª Many new teams reced old ones. We won''t know who will win this time


    ¡ª MiceMice! Go strong, defend strong!


    The livestream viewers were excited.


    Unlike the Scrim, the yers weren''t allowed to do an individual stream, so the chat on the main Roach channel became like a warzone between fans and haters.


    ¡ª MiceMice is overrated! THEY SUCK.


    ¡ª ^^ You suck. You sukhisdik


    ¡ª Naaah, Team Vorpal is already fcked before they even y lol. Gant got kicked out yesterday lolol


    ¡ª No one said anything bad about OrangeSquash or I will squash your PP


    ¡ª Try me. Their orange jacket is tacky! It sucks. Their orange space suits too. More like orange obsessed lol


    ¡ª That Flexy was high on orange


    "I am not orange-obsessed! And I am not high."


    Inside the OrangeSquash waiting room, Flexy suddenly shouted after he read the chat. Maxughed loudly as he pointed at his friend''s funny face.


    "You''re high, alright. Just admit that you''re addicted to orange, buddy."


    "Not you too¡­" Flexy''s shoulders slumped in defeat as he drew something on the floor using his finger. "I just like oranges¡­ You know? Like how you like ck or blue. At least I have changed our space suit to gray, you know? Praise me a little."


    "That''s not a praiseworthy feat. If anything, it''s a normal thing to fix your mistake." Max retorted coldly, "You do know having an orange space suit will only make us stand out like a sore thumb in the gray desert, right?"


    "Tsk, my appeal didn''t work, huh?"


    "Fufufu, that''s a weak appeal, leader. You should look at him with puppy eyes instead. That always works against At."


    "I see. I will take a note." Flexy nodded at Ferin, who gave him strange advice, while Lisa held her head.


    "Please don''t. That''s disgusting." She spat coldly.


    "Max, here is some drink."


    "Thanks, Lily."


    The atmosphere in the waiting room was just as silly as usual. No tension could be felt.


    Just like they discussedst night, they would y around in this joint practice to prepare for the serious y tomorrow. It was out of consideration for two people, Max and Lily, who weren''t used to their SR yet.


    As and Ferin were fine, as they were hardcore gamers who had more than 3 years experience of non-stop gaming in Horizon Online. No matter how high their SR was, they were already used to it.


    At that moment, a staff member entered their waiting room.


    "Excuse me, the practice will start soon. May I ask the OrangeSquash team to prepare themselves in the corridor?"


    "Alright. Thanks for filling us in." Flexy replied as he fixed his image immediately.


    The staff tilted his hat and smiled, "It''s just my job."


    Afterward, the staff left and Flexy coughed loudly to get the group''s attention.


    "Well, because it''s just a joint practice, and we n to y around, I don''t prepare a nutritional supplement. I will give a B-Grade supplement for tomorrow''s match instead. Our budget is unexpectedly cutting it close with our sponsor getting busy over¡­ something."


    "Hmm, it''s not a problem. We have enough of it already." Ferin nodded excitedly, but her eyes were squirming around as if she felt guilty about something.


    Max noticed that and sighed.


    ''I guess she had something to do with StoneSword''s action.''


    Still, he wasn''t really disappointed that he got no B-Grade supplement today. He already nned to use his A-Grade supplement before the match tomorrow, so he couldn''t stack it with that supplement.


    ''I will save the one Flexy give me tomorrow for next month''s workout regime.''


    Lisa, who was secretly gone earlier, returned with the team''s jackets. Everyone donned it and exited the waiting room.


    The four main yers, Max, Flexy, Ferin, and As would y in the first match while Lily would stay with Lisa to make notes of what they realized from other teams.


    "Good luck, Max." The girl waved at her boyfriend and smiled.


    Turning back, Max gave her a bright smile and raised his hand.


    "I''ll win."


    And the joint practice started. The team was transported in the gray desert. Their base was located next to a sand dune, which was pretty bad as they could be ambushed.


    Thanks to the leader, Flexy''s skillful negotiation, they wore gray space suits with their sponsor logo on their chest instead of bright orange space suits.


    However, they still became the center of attention for a different reason.


    Much to the hosts'' and viewers'' surprise, all of them were holding the same weapons.


    "What! The OrangeSquash team appeared with 3 sniper rifles and 1 machine gun in hand! Is this a part of their strategy?!"


    "New meta? I am curious how they will proceed!"


    ¡ª Strategy? More like no strategy


    ¡ª kekw, 3 SR in joint practice? What madness do they bring this time?


    ¡ª Is this truly a new meta? I know 4 MG, but 3 SR and 1 MG? They are nuts!


    ¡ª I bet they are drunk on orange juices!


    ¡ª As if! I bet they are just trolling!

 Chapter 308: Chapter 308 – Strategy: Make Them Mad

    Read new chapters at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin


    To sum it up, the first match of the joint practice could be described with CHAOS and SCARY. The roaches'' army didn''t cause the chaos, and the scare wasn''t because of them either.


    It was due to a certain team that this joint practice became dysfunctional.


    "Leave the base to me. You guys go have fun."


    Flexy confidently dered as he held his machine gun with a straight pose.


    7 out of 9 teams they were up against were unfamiliar for them, as they didn''t join thest Scrim. They didn''t know their strategies or strengths. The information was limited.


    That was why they wanted to y around. Max noticed that the best way to find out their opponent''s strength in Roach would be by looking at their reaction to an invisible enemy shooting their teammate.


    Every team had a different reaction. The yers who got involved might not realize it, but their coaches or observers would definitely notice their opponents'' reaction to how they moved after one of their teammates was knocked down.


    As such, the trio from the OrangeSquash departed for their mission to harass other teams with a sniper. The n was simple... There was no n. Just harass them and make them regret going against them.


    Just as the first wave started, the game the OrangeSquash team wanted to y also began. It happened unexpectedly when one''s guard was at the lowest point.


    Boom!


    Without the team noticing, one of their teammates suddenly got downed and the other two were hurt from the explosion. Their vitals decreased considerably, leaving only half of them.


    "What the fuck?!"


    "Sniper! There is a sniper! It''s from that way!"


    "Cover me and find the sniper. Leave the wave to me! I will hold them off for a few seconds."


    Their reaction was pretty fast. They found the general location where the sniper was and two people began to shoot indiscriminately after using a healing pod. They emptied their first and even second magazines before stopping.


    They stood a bit away from each other to ensure they didn''t get the damage if one of them got hit again. However, the second shot never arrived, even when theirrade had stood up once again.


    "What happened?"


    "Just why?"


    "That motherfucker disappeared like a ghost!"


    It didn''t only happen on one team, but three teams simultaneously. They got hit by one shot of a sniper rifle and that was it. The shooter then disappeared like a ghost, as if they had never been there before.


    As a result, those teams got their walls damaged by the cockroaches. However, no significant damage had been done beyond that. It ended at that¡­ harassment.


    The caster of this game, Paul and Jack,mented excitedly at what happened.


    "Look at that! Three yers from the OrangeSquash team harassed team M24, KingLayer, and RH4 with one shot from a sniper rifle."


    "That''s so nasty!" Jack added with a chuckle, "Sorry, I didn''t mean tough. But that stalled those three teams a little and made them waste their ammo that''s supposed to be used against the wave. And the fact such a surprise can happen anytime will make them wary to venture out of the base now."


    "Indeed. If the member they leave when they search for the wave boss is downed and killed without them noticing, their base can fall easily."


    "But the same is true for the OrangeSquash team. They only have one member in their base, which is Flexy. If the other teams attacked now¡­"


    "I don''t think they will risk it. They probably think it''s a trap so they won''t even chase the ghost that downed one of their members without killing. It''s so obvious."


    "You''re right." Jack nodded in agreement, "Ah, the first wave is over. The boss will spawn soon. I wonder what will happen now? Will those teams risk it for 100 annihtion points or will they stay in their base, cooped up, afraid of other attacks?"


    The spectators who came to watch the match cheered loudly, shouting the name of the team they supported. Some came with a banner and held them to show their love.


    A man with a ck circle around his red eyes sat impatiently among them. He tapped his feet against the floor, recording everything with the small camera he brought.


    "What strategy? It''s clear they don''t take it seriously. These casters are dumb. They don''t understand at all!"


    BloodSucker grumbled loudly like a grumpy old man. The people around him looked away from him without saying anything, pretending to hear nothing.


    "That man only has one strategy, and it is to win in an unexpected way." He added as he clicked his tongue, "Still, he won''t record this fun stuff? I will get angry if he doesn''t give me his PoV footage to edit. This is too precious to be left out."


    He only shut up when the screen showed Max running toward another base in the distance and repeated what he did.


    In another ce, a dark room with screens floating in the air, Lisa and Lily watched the screen showing Max killing one member and running away. They noted the behavior, response, and the opponent''s team reaction when they got hit.


    So far, 6 teams have been hit by them. And out of them, only 1 was brave enough to venture out.


    "Team RH4 said that Breeze''s attack at the start seems to risk getting attacked once again. They sent 3 out of their 4 members to find the wave boss while the others chose to stay in their base in fear of the unknown sniper."


    "This might be a good strategy for the realpetition¡­ I think I can pull it off like Max did." Lilymented as she watched Max and As meet up to harass yers who were ready around the boss.


    "It won''t work." Lisa shot her idea down almost immediately. "If it''s an elimination based on thest surviving team, it might work. But thispetition adopts a point system, taken from the total pointsbined from annihtion and survival. To advance, our team needs to survive until the 9th wave.


    "Bringing 3 SR is a bad idea if we want to survive that long. Only by using our usual strategy will we have a chance to. That''s why we will deploy you instead of Miss Ferin for the first match. And in the final, where the tournament uses an elimination system, we will deploy Miss Ferin to destroy the opponents."


    "I see. That''s right." Lily nodded in understanding. Lisa''s reasoning was correct.


    Her eyes were focused on the screen once again. It showed both Max and As killed the wave boss and caused three teams that targeted it to fight against each other.


    Explosions and shes could be heard and seen everywhere. Both of them seemed to have fun after causing chaos and left. Then, they resumed harassing other teams and made them frustrated.


    It was part of a strategy Flexy called, ''Make Them Mad,'' or MTM in short.


    ''It works so well that I think the other teams participating in this match will target us at the start.'' Lily thought, smiling softly. ''That will make my work easier.''

 Chapter 309: Chapter 309 – Unexpected Meeting

    "Cheers!"


    Max raised his ss at Flexy''s words. Five simr sses touched and created clear nging sounds as the liquid inside moved slightly.


    The after-party for OrangeSquash''s team started early. The first match had ended. And thanks to a certain trio who harassed many teams, no one from their group advanced to the next match and were eliminated early.


    No teams were willing to risk going against the second wave boss onward after the chaos. Most who were hit twice decided it was better to focus on defense, while those who lost team members in the chaos around the first-wave boss were afraid to venture out.


    Still, that didn''t stop the trio from harassing them. They changed tactics and went together to destroy many other teams, leaving them with only one or two members. Their opponents got used to their tactics and were able to retaliate.


    Every time Max got damaged, he immediately fled the scene without second thoughts. The same went for Ferin and As.


    Due to their harassment, not many teams could follow their real strategy, and they were forced to improvise. That improvisation ended in the third wave when the group started to pull mobs. Max and As discarded their sniper rifle to run faster, while Ferin was in charge of disturbing other teams.


    The crowd gathered by the mob train increased as many bases fell. No team got the extra 500 annihtion points from destroying the base because the roaches destroyed the cores.


    Following the increased size of the third wave, all bases fell, leaving the OrangeSquash team to stand alone. However, their umted points still fell shortpared to the other three groups that managed to survive until the 7th and 8th waves, so they couldn''t advance to the next practice.


    They have be the center of attention in the barbeque party held on the EDE rooftop. Many yers looked at them with intrigued gazes, while some who noticed they were the culprit behind the harassment stared at them with hate.


    "Hyaa! We have be the center of attention. I still think we should wear our leader''s signature orange space suit for our prank earlier to make it funnier!" Ferin eximed loudly without caring about their gazes and sipped the juices in her hand.


    "Told you so! If we wear an orange, they will recognize us faster and scream our name out loud!" Flexy added and gulped a juice in one go.


    Both of them weren''t allowed to drink by Lisa after yesterday''smotion. Not to mention, tomorrow was a big day. As was tasked to ensure his girlfriend didn''t drink, while Max was trusted to keep Flexy at bay.


    Due to that ban, both of them began to coborate to mess with Max.


    "It''s a shame someone doesn''t understand the charm of oranges. Tsk tsk tsk, and that someone is my own buddy. Truly¡­ a shame."


    "You don''t need to repeat it many times." Max sighed in defeat as he looked at his friend.


    "Come on, a bit of orange won''t hurt you," Flexy said, dragging his tone.


    "Right, right. It was just for fun. We won''t use it in actual tournaments. No one hurts because of this." Ferin added.


    At that moment, As twirled the ss in his hand, watching the liquid move, and looked at his girlfriend.


    "Actually, a few magazines ask us to promote their fashions. The themes are orange." He said, smiling softly, "They believe we love orange after seeing us being good in orange jackets and space suits. They even want to make an orange section in their magazine that features you."


    Hearing his words, the tinum-haired girl paled. Her eyes wandered around as she stepped away from Flexy.


    "When I think about it again, practicality is the best. We blend in well with the gray sand and cannot be found thanks to that. Yes, we can''t do that with orange space suits."


    "Wha¨C?! Traitor!"


    Everyoneughed at Ferin''s antics, and they had their own fun. Lily stayed silent and looked at the meat on the grill, carefully cooking it before giving it to Max.


    "Aaa." She fed him as if it was natural. "How is it?"


    "Good. The best grilled meat I ever tasted." Max praised her with a bright smile.


    He wasn''t lying. The meal quality prepared by the staff members was the highest. They were the finest cut imported from other countries.


    Their actions brought jealousy from the others. Most teams wereposed of full men. They were the type of people who seldom stepped outside to meet girls. When they found a flirting couple, their hearts would burn, and they would hate them.


    Noticing that, Max decided to show off instead, adding more mental damage so they would target their team tomorrow.


    "You should eat too, Lily. Here." Max fed Lily a thin cut of beef, and she munched it slowly like a cute hamster. "Good?"


    "Un."


    It continued until the party ended. As and Ferin also joined to burn the other teams'' jealousy for the sake of their strategy.


    Some guys tried to feed their friends just to mock the couple, but it only backfired.


    "Hahaha! Look at them feeding each other." Ferinughed loudly while pointing at them, causing these people to turn red in embarrassment. "I have to post this in my Strike ount. Ah, please do pose again. I will make you famous in no time! Even if I look like this, I have more than 5 million followers."


    After the barbeque party ended, Max left with Lily first. They walked out of the venue, which was sparse of people because it was midnight, and were about to call a taxi when a voice rang from the darkness behind a pir.


    "Took you long enough."


    Max turned to the source of the voice while shielding Lily behind him. Who was it? Calling someone in the middle of the night while hiding behind the pir was only something that a strange or crazy person did.


    Still, the voice was slightly familiar to him, that was why he stopped.


    "This noble me is hurt that you don''t respond, you know? Even a Viscount like me can be sad when his greeting isn''t answered."


    A figure appeared from the pir. He was a rather skinny man with unkempt hair and red eyes that somehow glowed in the darkness. His hand was put around his chin as he smirked.


    "Aren''t you too cold, Breeze?"


    "Y-You!" Max pointed at the figure with a trembling finger, "Idiot sucker!" He shouted loudly.

 Chapter 310: Chapter 310 – Scary BloodSucker

    "Who''s an idiot ? It''s BloodSucker! Viscount BloodSucker!"


    "Hahaha, I was just joking." Maxughed and rxed, "What are you doing here? Rather, it''s our first time meeting directly, right? I prefer if we meet normally and not like this, though."


    BloodSucker scoffed as he pulled something from his eyes, groaning painfully.


    "Damn it, these glowing lenses are stupidly hot." The vampire-wannabe grumbled loudly before he finally smiled when he managed to pull out the lenses from his eyes.


    Then, he pretended to be calm and coughed.


    "You were asking why am I here?" He asked Max with narrowed eyes, "It''s to work. You didn''t send me anything for the past few days. The footage I can edit is limited, mind you? Do you want to seed at all? It''s the time for your channel to grow, but you focused on this stupidpetition instead!"


    Somehow, BloodSucker began to scold him over work. The editor, who had nothing to do, visited the streamer and told him to give him work.


    This was new for Max. So, he could only smile wryly and scratch his cheek.


    He thought the videos he sent to BloodSucker would still be enough to be uploaded as content in Punchtube for 15 days. There was no need to mention that the video of his stream was cut into many parts to make it easier for people to watch.


    "Umm, Max? Who is he?"


    When he was lost in thoughts, Lily pulled his sleeve and asked. He turned to his girlfriend for a second and realized he had never introduced BloodSucker to her.


    "Ah, right," Max eximed in realization. "Let me introduce you, that man is BloodSucker, my editor. And Sucker, meet Lily. You surely know her, right?"


    "Yeah, I know. But let''s talk about the footage!"


    "We can talk about thatter¡­ Isn''t the footage I sent you enough for the next month already? We can also upload the VoDs into another channel on Punchtube."


    "The problem is that I have edited everything. Give me more footage already!" BloodSucker screamed like a madman who was on a withdrawal. Experience exclusive tales on m v|l e''-NovelBin


    Max was troubled. He didn''t know what to do in this situation. It was foreign.


    Usually, an editor would ask for a raise or edit the video fast so they could rest. But this¡­ This man was different.


    Not only did BloodSucker blow almost all the money he got and donate it back to Max, but he asked for more work desperately. He was truly a rare breed of a man.


    ''I can''t possibly give him more footage. I don''t have it at all.''


    All his ns and footage would probably not be enough to satisfy the hungry BloodSucker. His gaze said it all that he wanted to edit more. Money wasn''t the problem. He just wanted to show off his editing skills.


    Then, Max remembered something. Wasn''t Lily nning to release a new song? That meant she would require a music video.


    She probably already had a contract with a studio or an agency to shoot the music video, but it was already proved that BloodSucker''s skill was probably better than those professionals, if the ad he edited could serve as proof.


    "Wait, Sucker. Let me think about it for a while." He said before turning to Lily. "Lily, do you need a music video for your new song?"


    "Yes, I do." Lily nodded softly at his question, "Why?"


    "How about trusting the editing to BloodSucker? Even if he looks untrustworthy, his skill is the real deal. If you watched my NoFeet ad, then you surely know what I am talking about."


    BloodSucker''s slightly pointed ears twitched. He had better hearing than most people and heard what Max whispered about. Feeling shy, he rubbed his nose and puffed his chest proudly.


    Lily looked at BloodSucker for thest time before looking back at Max.


    "Can I really trust him? That guy looks¡­ scary."


    Scary¡­ The vampire-wannabe froze a little before his body trembled. That was good. He was pretty happy when he heard that.


    ''Vampire should be scary!''


    Viscount would spread fear and awe to those looking at him.


    "Hehehe¡­" A lowugh escaped BloodSucker''s lips.


    Max turned at his editor and shuddered.


    ''What''s that guy doing?''


    Maybe he should let Lily hire a studio and professional video editor instead. BloodSucker now made him feel uneasy.


    Still, he trusted that vampire-wannabe. Without a doubt, his editing skills were top-notch.


    "Can we really trust him?" Lily asked once again, feeling that her boyfriend''s editor might be beyond help.


    "I¡­ don''t know," Max answered her with uncertainty.


    "Kukuku, no worries. You can leave editing to me, Breeze. I just need extra pay if I take on a special project, though. Do note that." BloodSucker said, "Ah, midnight has arrived. It''s time for me to drink. Please wait a minute."


    After saying that, BloodSucker took a bottle filled with thick red liquid and popped the lid open before downing it in one go. The gulping sound was audible.


    Combined with the creepy atmosphere of his bearing and clothing, Lily took a step back in fear. She wasn''t good with this kind of thing, especially in real life. A zombie was fine, but a creepy guy wasn''t good.


    "M-Max, let''s return. Just let him edit it. As long as it''s good, then I don''t mind it." She pulled his sleeve and wanted to leave the ce as soon as possible.


    "Alright," Max answered. Today''s meeting with BloodSucker was enough.


    Next time, he would meet his editor alone, seeing how scared Lily was with him.


    "Sucker, let''s continue our talk after thepetition. I will get you some interesting footage tomorrow. I n to make a vlog before thepetition begins to see our opponent''s reaction."


    BloodSucker finished his drink and looked at Max. He nodded at his employer.


    "It''s a shame you can''t record thepetition itself, but I will download the live stream''s VoD and make do with that." The vampire-wannabe said and swiped his arm exaggeratedly. "Now then, this noble me has to leave also as the bright light hurts me. Have a good night."


    "You too."


    Max stood with Lily and watched BloodSucker walk away into the darkness. The vampire-wannabe stealthily went away, staying in the pir''s shadow.


    When he was gone, Lily muttered, "He''s a strange fellow. And he''s so scary."


    "I think he''s just a bit awkward." Hemented, "But yeah, I won''t deny that he''s a bit strange. Let''s just return to our hotel and rest for tomorrow."


    "Un¡­ I don''t think I will be able to sleep after that. I hope he won''t appear in my dream. That would be scary."


    "That indeed is a plot for a horror game."

 Chapter 311: Chapter 311 – Fight Fire with Fire

    After returning to the hotel, Max entered his room with a sigh.


    He finally had time alone to review tomorrow''s strategy.


    "Let''s see¡­" He sat on a soft sofa on the balcony and opened a file given by Flexy a week ago. "It''s this."


    The file was only filled with words. There was no flowery image or stuff that could make it friendlier. In the title section, ''Orange Strategy'' was written in bold. Following that were a few steps that could possibly lead to their victory.


    Firstly, they started the strategy in joint practice, which was today. The n''s name was Make Them Mad. The goal of this n was simple: attack the other team''s mentality and make them think they would also harass them in the actual tournament.


    At this point, people who read this strategy would probably ask. Why? What was there to gain from making the other teams angry at them? It would only lead other teams to target them in the wave boss scramble, right?


    The answer lies in the second step.


    "If they are enraged and experienced being harassed, they would change their strategy and focus on defense. They are professional yers. Surely their desire to win far outweighed their personal feelings."


    Some yers would probably attack them once they were in sight, but that would be the minority. At most, one or two teams would dare to attack them tantly.


    "The groupposition of the joint practice will be the same as the actualpetition. That''s why this n is possible."


    Lastly, they had to survive. ording to all factorsbined, it might be possible to survive until the 8th wave. To ensure they could advance to the final, they had to take 3 or 4 teams and 3 wave bosses from the fourth onward.


    That job was left to Lily, who would use a sniper rifle to steal the kill. Max''s job was to harass the teams and annihte them if possible. He would be supported by As, whose job was to find enemy bases.


    As usual, Flexy would defend the base with his MG.


    "This is good. We survived until the 9th wave with thisposition, so we should be able to do it again. If possible, though, I''d love to see thest wave, which is said to be unbeatable due to therge amount of cockroaches pouring from all sides."


    After reading all the ns, Max looked at his extra quest''s progress.


    <Quest:


    - I Can Do it Better!


    Ads video? Meh, you are a streamer! Your job is to stream and shoot videos!


    Prove that you are better than a professional by getting your original version more likes than your first ad video!


    Progress: 275,571/112,346


    Reward: Secret Reward.


    Deadline: 16/30 days (Counting after the ad is released)


    This is a bonus Quest. Failure will result in nothing!>


    Just 14 more days, and he would receive the reward. It had already been 16 days since midnight had passed. He wondered if the system would give him another quest while this was still ongoing. He surely wanted more reward, hopefully, a useful one.


    Thinking that it was already toote, he headed to the bed and fell asleep.


    ***


    In the e-sports scene, some yers were bound to know each other and exchanged contact. They also often made group chats to exchange information with each other.


    [KillingSpead: Hey, what do you think about OrangeSquash?]


    [MoriYes: Kill them. They are so cocky!]


    [mmAmm: Agree. Their strategy is also wicked. How could they do that to teams in the first match?]


    [KillingSpread: I don''t know. Their strategy seems to work. But¡­ What do you think, AntiMG? Your team is in the first match with them.]


    [AntiMG: Please, just let me forget. It''s so frustrating that I want to shoot their heads.]


    [TresBen: That much, huh? Are they truly invisible? Can''t you find the sniper based on where they shoot?]


    [GroundedMom: That''s what I thought as well. A sniper can''t hide that easily. Once they shoot, the shockwave will send the dust flying. You will be able to find them just by looking at the dust.]


    [AntiMG: We obviously know that, but they run so fast. Once they shoot, they will disappear. Even looking at the dust is useless because they are no longer there.]


    [MoriYes: That''s troublesome.]


    [TresBen: Indeed. I doubt they will use that strategy again in the actual tournament, seeing no one from Group 1 advance to the next match. But if they do¡­]


    [AntiMG: I will call them trolls and make a petition to ban them from professionalpetition in the future.]


    [KillingSpread: That''s too much. I understand you''re angry, but that''s a real strategy. If they advance to the final and use that strategy, they might emerge as the winners.]


    [mmAmm: Agree, I think you shouldn''t report them. You might receive bacsh. Instead, why don''t you or one of your teammates use a sniper rifle? Fight fire with fire.]


    [TresBen: That''s a viable option. Unlike rifle and SMG, SR has a scope. You might be able to see the running enemies through it. And as long as you are wary, you won''t get harassed any more.]


    [KillingSpread: I guess I need to talk about this to my teammates too. If, by chance, we meet the OrangeSquash team, we will prepare an SR beforehand. The weapon itself isn''t bad.]


    [AntiMG: We have talked about it and that''s our decision as well. I can use SR, too. As long as it''s not the freaking machine gun, I will use whatever weapon to fuck them back.]


    [GroundedMom: As expected, that''s the only strategy.]


    [KillingSpread: I know, right? Thinking about other countermeasures will be hard. This is the easiest one that we can think of. Of course, if they don''t use this strategy, we will be fucked.]


    [mmAmm: Our strategy needs to change either way if we meet them. Good luck, AntiMG.]


    [AntiMG: Yeah, we will prevent them from advancing no matter the cost.]


    The chat ended after that and they talked about different subjects. Thus, many teams talked to their members and reviewed today''s joint practice.


    Flexy''s n worked. They sessfully nted a suggestion that other teams needed to counter their y and change their strategy.


    This would give the OrangeSquash team an advantage.


    Time passed quickly. The morning had arrived, and teams began to arrive at the EDE for thepetition.


    May 31st.


    Roach''spetition officially started with 2000 spectators.


    "The first group has entered the stage and is now preparing the VR capsule. Nature, who do you think will advance to the final among the 10 teams in this group? Or do you think no one will advance just like the joint practice yesterday?"


    "I wonder. If the OrangeSquash team decided to troll like yesterday, then that''s a possibility. However, did you notice that they changed their roster? They took out Ferin and reced her with LilyPixel. I think they n to win this round."


    "Right. In the Scrim, they managed to survive until the 9th wave with thisposition and beat the favorite, MiceMice team. I think we can look forward to this match."


    "Hahaha, I think so too, Grand. I wonder how other teams prepare themselves tobat OrangeSquash''s harassment?"


    "That would be something to look forward to."


    The host talked excitedly as the clips from yesterday yed in the background.


    "It seems all yers are ready. We will pass this to Jack and Paul on the stage!"


    "Thank you, Grand and Nature. We will take care of the casting from here."


    All yers entered their VR Capsule and were ready to defend their bases from cockroaches. Everyone was transported to their respective base.


    Max, who had just been transported, immediately checked his teammates. Everyone was here holding their respective weapons. Their base seemed to be located in the middle of a desert with no dunes or boulders around. It was the best ce they could ask for.


    "The infamous OrangeSquash has appeared in their base. Let''s see¡­ Oh? They are holding normal weapons this time!"


    Unlike the joint tournament, Max was holding a mock P90 MSG. Flexy was still with his MG, but As held a normal rifle instead of therge sniper rifle like the one Lily had.


    "Indeed, they have changed their strategy. It seems they were truly trolling in the match yesterday."


    "That''s for sure. However, look at the effect. All 10 teams have at least one person holding an SR. Even those with a defensive strategy using 4 MG have slightly changed their tactic. They are probably afraid of getting harassed anymore."


    "That changes everything, no? With this, they can only send 2 people to kill the wave boss instead of the usual 3. The running speed of those holding a sniper rifle is slower than others. It''s too heavy."


    "Indeed. I am still wondering how the yers in the OrangeSquash team aren''t affected by the weight. Breeze aside, as he has a 98.5 Synchronization Rate, how high is those yers'' SR? Even LilyPixel was slightly affected by the weight of the sniper when she was running."


    "Now I am curious. But there is a game we need to cast. The countdown of the first wave has started ticking. All teams are in their position. They have prepared extra ammo above the wall for easier reloading. Their sniper has prepared themselves for an attack."


    True to what the caster said, the team asked their sniper yer to look for the harasser. They were wary of an attack.


    However¡­


    "Alright, let''s not attack them."


    Flexymanded his team to stay still in the base.


    "We will y tricks on their minds. Let''s focus on defense and wave boss until the third wave. Then¡­ We will destroy them."


    Their real strategy started.

 Chapter 312: Chapter 312 – Competition (Prelimination)

    The first and second waves went pretty smoothly for Max and the group. They easily defended themselves against the cockroaches and even killed the two wave bosses, giving their team an extra 300 annihtion points.


    "Life is good. No yers from other teams are trying to kill the wave boss." Maxmented casually as he ran around the gray desert to return to the base.


    Running beside him was Lily and As. They had just returned from killing the second wave boss and were prepared to follow their next n.


    "Lily, good luck." He said to his girlfriend when they reached arge boulder. "Make sure you stay out of their range. It will be trickier now that they use sniper rifles to try to find you."


    This was where they separated. The harassment would start now until the fifth wave.


    "Un, I will. Good luck to you too, Breeze." Lily nodded with a smile, "Destroy them with As."


    "Leave it to us." Max grinned as he high-fived her. He ran in another direction with As to finish his own mission.


    While running, he looked at the blond-haired man.


    "How many bases do we need to destroy before the fourth wave?"


    "Based on our current points, I say a minimum of two to ensure our victory."


    "Two, huh? That''s why we go Southwest of our base."


    "Indeed. There are two bases that are close to each other. It''s fortunate we spawn on the edge of the map."


    "You''re right."


    Their running speed wasn''t affected at all, even when they were talking. Both of them were pretty casual for yers who yed in a franchise tournament, the highest one in Roach''spetition.


    And their strategy was¡­ too bold for a team that risked themselves to reach this far. Mainly, it was all due to the fact they weren''t actually supposed to be here. Only Flexy had the qualifications to enter and had been serious about thispetition before.


    "DizzyTop, TipsyCar, and theadman is it? Flexy especially asks us to drill their heads if we see them." Max chuckled in amusement as he remembered theirst strategy meeting this morning.


    "Can''t say I don''t understand his feeling of getting betrayed." As added, with his usual calm tone, "I will take that task if you don''t mind. Though I don''t think we can find out about them."


    "We can just kill everyone we see and say that one of them is those people."


    "Genius. Let''s do that."


    ¡ª Did they just have a rather casual conversation?


    ¡ª They are hrious


    ¡ª Everyone is so serious. Meanwhile, both of them are like: Who should we kill now? How about these three?


    ¡ª It''s hrious.


    "They are like kids on a pic, having no sense of danger as they march into the enemy base. Can you believe them, Paul?"


    "I heard their conversation too, Jack. And yes, they are too calm andcking for someone ying in apetition."


    Unbeknownst to the duo, their conversation was caught on the main camera. Everyone in the audienceughed at their casual look, in contrast to everyone else.


    At the same time, they were surprised that they wanted to destroy 2 teams before the third wave. Their confidence was amazing, considering there were only 2 of them against 4 professional yers at once in each team.


    However, their surprise was soon turned into amazement. Max and As reached the first base they saw. There were many boulders to hide from the enemy''s gaze. The defender was unlucky to be spawned in this terrain. It made the duo infiltrate easier.


    As a result¡­


    "Anyst word?"


    "Fuck yo¨C"


    Zzt¡ª!


    A clean sweep of the first team.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team M24.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    "How dare he say fuck you. He''s gay and it seems he likes you, As." Maxmented as he put his SMG and walked away from the crumbling base.


    "There is nothing wrong with gay." Asmented, "As long as that doesn''t concern me. I already have Fer."


    "That''s true. Let''s hurry, then. I want to meet Lily again."


    With that word, Max began to run, followed closely by As. Due to the change in camera earlier and how fast the base fell, what happened was reyed on the main screen, and their conversation wasn''t heard.


    "They are amazing! Did you just see that?" Paul eximed loudly, turning to Jack.


    "Breeze and As entered the base using grappling guns from two different spots. They immediately rounded the enemy when they were recharging their magazines from the warehouse. It''s just clean! As'' rifle pierced the enemy''s head one by one, and Breeze got close to the sniper rifle to riddle his body with bullets!"


    "Clean! No matter how we saw it, it was clean! They only took less than 30 seconds to destroy one base! The third wave will start in 2 minutes and 26 seconds. Will they be able to destroy another base before that?"


    The rey ended, and now the screen showed Lily. The amazement didn''t stop there as it continued. Paul''s voice boomed excitedly.


    "LilyPixel has returned after harassing a team. She made a stop at another base and downed another yer before running away! Her target is the sniper! They have no chance to find her if their sniper is down! What a beast! No, stealth!


    She''s like a cockroach! Disappear when someone find her."


    ¡ª Don''t call LilyPixel a cockroach, you stup1d caster!


    ¡ª Breeze and LilyPixel are a couple, right? They are¡­ crazy. Crazy good!


    ¡ª They make thispetition like a child''s y. Are they actually that good or do other teams suck?


    ¡ª They suck dik too much.


    ¡ª No, it''s because OrangeSquash applied a strange strategy that the other teams aren''t used to it.


    ¡ª The element of surprise is too sudden. Their strategy changed so much from the Scrim and Joint Practice, making the others perplexed


    ¡ª Use simple words.


    As the viewers, audience, and castersmented on other teams, Max and As had arrived on second base. They were expected toe, and were raining bullets immediately on sight.


    Max was forced to hide behind a boulder, but it probably wouldn''tst long, considering the sniper rifle could destroy it. Not to mention, the enemy team had two MGs and one rifle. If they stayed behind the boulder, unmoving, only to wait for them to deplete their bullet, they would eventually die.


    He looked at the blond-haired man and took out five live grenades. As did the same, as he also thought of the same strategy.


    "I throw to the left, you to the right."


    "I will make sure they reach their wall," Max added with a nod.


    Bullets kept raining on them, and a loud explosion sometimes rang from the sniper rifle''s attack. The ground shook slightly from the impact, and the boulder was chipped away.


    However, bullets weren''t infinite. They had to reload at one point. Still, they were professional. They left two people to rain bullets while the other two reloaded. But they were also humans. There was something called human error.


    And it happened more often than one might think.


    After a while, the bullet rain stopped. Max and As spent not even a second hesitating and threw 10 live grenades, scattering them on the sand desert between them and the base.

 Chapter 313: Chapter 313 – Miscalculation

    All grenades exploded at once when they touched the sand, sending a great deal of dust into the sky, filling the air with gray. The sand and dust reached the top of the wall and obstructed the enemy team''s vision.


    "Shoot shoot shoot!"


    The team leader shouted and shot his guns everywhere. shes parted the dust away, giving a bit of vision to the team above the wall.


    Naturally, due to the thick dust, they were still unable to locate Max and As. Muffled with the sound of shooting, they couldn''t hear footsteps approaching them to the side.


    When the team realized it, they had already been downed, left with the only sniper rifle that survived the assault because he was in a prone position. Two muzzles were pointed at his head, one short and one long.


    "I gi¨C"


    Zzt!


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team QQ8QQ.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    Watching the screen, the spectators were filled with excitement.


    "Ooooh!"


    "They did it!"


    "They managed to destroy 2 bases right on time."


    Flexy read the notification andughed loudly with his hands on his hips.


    "Hahaha, we did it! We can win this game!"


    So far, the n went smoothly. The orange-haired streamer was able to see Lily return safely to the base after harassing other teams. And in the far distance, he could see his buddy and As running back after getting an extra 1000 annihtion points.


    In the sky, the countdown to the third wave had reached 10 seconds. It was enough time for them to return, but they would have no time to rest and get new ammo and bombs.


    "We were a bitte, my bad." Max said to Flexy as hended beside him.


    Following him, As and Lily alsonded next to him.


    "Can you handle the third wave alone for a few seconds?" He asked his orange buddy, eliciting a scoff from him.


    "Hah, I have defended this ce alone in the previous game until the fourth wave. Just a few mutated cockroaches will be able to touch the wall with me here."


    "I''ll take your word then," Max smirked and jumped down.


    "Please don''t damage the wall," Lily added before she followed Max. Her ammunition was fully depleted from hitting many ces earlier.


    As only nodded before following the couple to refill his equipment and magazines.


    "Hahaha, they are underestimating me."


    When the countdown reached 0, a horde of cockroaches appeared from the East. Flexy immediately took some magazines on the ground and ran to the East wall. The machine gun was heavy, so his running speed was slower than everyone else.


    However, he managed to reach the East wall easily before the horde was halfway to the wall. He immediately threw two bio-chemical grenades and let them blow in two ces, guiding the roaches to go through the gap.


    And waiting in that gap was his machine gun muzzle.


    Zuzuzuzuzuzu!


    Energy bullets were sent flying at a fast speed, filling the air. It created small explosions everytime it hit cockroaches, thinning the horde little by little.


    "Hahahaha!" A shrillughter filled the air. "Too easy! This is too easy!"


    ***


    While team OrangeSquashughed loudly, saying the match was too easy, AntiMG in team RH4 was in a bind. He was downed without even realizing it.


    "It''s useless. Having a sniper rifle is useless if I am the one who dies first." He grumbled loudly as he shot the third wave horde in the distance. A loud explosion rang when the bullet hit the cockroaches. "This weapon sucks. I better use a rifle."


    "Don''tin, Anti! We need to survive this and go beyond." RH4 team leader bellowed back, "We will change our n after this. Two people in the base while you and Nagan go find the third wave boss. We can''t allow any loss anymore. Let''s risk it."


    "Got it." The man called Nagan nodded.


    "I guess I will stay in the base then." Kokoko shrugged his shoulders, feeling disappointed that he was on guard duty.


    "You want me to go out? With this heavy stuff?" AntiMG asked in disbelief, "Don''t you think I should protect the base instead?"


    "Negative." The leader shook his head as he reloaded his rifle. "The enemy will definitely involve their sniper to get the world boss. While heavy, it has the biggest damage out of all weapons. We will have a higher chance of killing the boss with a sniper rifle. That''s why you go."


    "That makes sense." AntiMG nodded, feeling convinced by his leader''s reasoning. "Alright, I will go."


    "Good. Let''s kill them all and find the wave boss."


    With a newly thought n, team RH4 began to annihte the horde earnestly. Following that, AntiMG and Nagan departed to find the third wave boss. They scouted the area around their base before going toward where they thought the boss was.


    As professional yers, they could find traces and estimate where the boss spawned based on that. They didn''t need to use gueri tactics or run around to find it.


    A minute had passed since they left the base, and they managed to find therge cockroach behind arge boulder. They didn''t approach it recklessly, as some teams apparently started to fight for the boss.


    Just as RH4''s team leader had guessed earlier, all yers who went to the boss had a sniper rifle. No one tried to hit the boss first, afraid that someone would get thest kill.


    It became a stalemate between 4 teams, 5 if AntiMG counted his team.


    "Most of them have 3 yers. Maybe they haven''t been harassed yet." Naganmented as he observed the people in the distance.


    "Four teams with 3 people in the wave boss¡­ I doubt they haven''t been harassed yet. Based on their tense atmosphere, they probably have been hit and now just risk getting the extra 500 points from the wave boss. Just like us, but riskier."


    AntiMGmented and clicked his tongue.


    "I have a bad feeling about this."


    "Bad feeling?" Nagan asked his teammate and looked at him. "Why?"


    "Because¨C"


    [Team OrangeSquash has destroyed Team KingLayer.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team 99XX66.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team D-Day.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    AntiMG''s words were cut off by 3 notifications. The teams surrounding the third wave boss disappeared one by one, leaving only 3 confused yers there.


    Those yers'' faces paled immediately after realizing what happened and they ran away, ignoring the wave boss. Their base''s safety was at risk. They couldn''t linger any longer and risk getting eliminated.


    "That''s why." AntiMG finished his words without exining and Nagan nodded.


    "What should we do?"


    "Do you need to ask?" He stood up and slung his sniper rifle behind his shoulder, "We need to return. Can''t let Kokoko and the leader die."


    "Alright."


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    In the end, no one killed the wave boss due to the fear of getting hit by the OrangeSquash''s sly attack.


    Only 5 teams were left in the first match. Currently, OrangeSquash''s team led the match with more than 5000 points at the end of the third wave.


    "HOLY MOLY!" Paul and Jake screamed at once after seeing their godly y and strategy.

 Chapter 314: Chapter 314 – Manipulation is the Key

    The 5th wave arrived, with the remaining teams wary of each other.


    Even the OrangeSquash team made no move. They stayed on their base and only went out to kill the wave boss.


    Extra points were always weed. And due to the fear of being eliminated quietly, no teams were willing to risk it anymore. Thanks to that, getting the wave boss'' kill was pretty easy.


    "Should we go and find the 5th wave boss?" Max asked as he reloaded his SMG and sat down on the edge of the wall.


    The defense was a sess, and the cockroaches were annihted. The change in the terrain around them was proof of how much bullets and grenades they spent to defeat them.


    "Let other teams have the 5th wave boss," Flexy answered. The orange-haired streamer picked up extra ammunition on the ground and reloaded his machine gun.


    "We have enough points and are certain to advance as long as we survive the 7th wave if we based them on joint practice yesterday. Isn''t that right?"


    The person he asked was Lily, and she nodded. Lisa shared information with her, and they analyzed the results of the joint tournament when the others were busy.


    "We will have more than 12K to 14K points if we survive the 7th wave. We can get more annihtion points, if possible, by helping the other team clear the wave. Then, we can just survive as long as we can or die to preserve our energies. As for me, I can go as long as I want because Ferin will rece meter."


    "I have no problem staying." As chipped in as he arrived on the wall with extra magazines from the warehouse, "I am used to gaming for 24 hours straight. Raiding in Horizon Online is harsh and requires yers to stay up for long. So this is not a problem. I also drank a B-Grade nutritional supplement before." Continue reading at m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    "I also have no problem ying two games." Max added with a smirk, "After all, only I drank an A-Grade nutritional supplement among us. My body is filled with energy."


    "¡­ I don''t know what to say." Flexy sighed at their response, but he secretly grinned proudly. "As much as I want to say let''s survive until the 10th wave, I don''t want to risk our next match. We will aim to get 13K points and then retire. We need to let at least one or two teams from this match advance."


    Flexy said that not because he was kind enough to allow teams from their groups to advance. No, he just wanted to add more tension, and it seemed to be fun meeting the same team again in the final. A team who knew their terror and stayed out of the fire, not bothering them.


    "Fine. But let''s get 14K points just to be safe. Meaning, we need to annihte the 7th wave before ying around." Max shrugged his shoulders in response and stood up, "With that said, I am going to prepare more magazines and grenades."


    "Me too," Lily added, and they jumped down the wall using the grappling gun.


    In the Crimson Eden Hall, the spectators were watching another scene. Another team, GorrXX, has confronted the 5th wave boss. They risked it because they wanted to have the upper hand over the remaining four teams, save for OrangeSquash.


    "Pros aren''t afraid."


    So far, they have been passive and have observed the situation carefully. However, as time passed, the leader, GoriGori, knew they wouldn''t advance to the next match if they didn''t at least kill one wave boss.


    Currently, all points were tied. They were sitting at around a total of 5700. An extra 1000 points from killing the 5th wave boss was too enticing to pass.


    "Team GoriXX has moved! They found the fifth wave boss and began to attack them!" The caster, Paul, spoke excitedly. "Their weapons were rifles and MGs, perfect for this situation. Three yers surrounded the boss."


    "Look! They use a bio-chemical grenade to weaken the boss. It''s now moving slowly, and they rain it down with bullets! If it continues like this, they will be able to take the second rank in this match with an extra 1000 points! Where are the other teams?! Won''t they stop them?"


    "OrangeSquash''s team can be seen chilling in the base. It seems they already have more than 9K points, enough to advance to the next match if we look at the previous joint practice. Their strategy paid off nicely."


    "It''s all about endurance then. Will they survive until the 10th wave?" Jack added and the spectators screamed.


    "Breeze! Breeze!"


    "OrangeSquash!!"


    "Kyaaaa! You can do it!"


    "It seems the spectators believe so. Ah, the GoriXX has managed to kill the 5th wave boss! They are now returning to their base with smiles blossoming on their rough faces!"


    "The 6th wave will start soon. Everyone has prepared for it, especially since they don''t need to go out at all. Their preparations are immacte."


    Unlike the usual match, magazines filled the top walls of the team''s base. All yers could focus on replenishing their supply. This would undoubtedly allow them to waste ammo and focus on annihting the enemy.


    This efficiency would definitely allow them to guard their base until the 8th wave without scrambling around and returning to the warehouse often.


    "Is this what the OrangeSquash''s team nned all this time?" Paul was surprised when he watched all teams'' preparation for the endless 6th to 10th waves.


    "It could be. They force other teams to think out of the box and survive as long as possible. It will be useless if the OrangeSquash team is the only one alive. If all teams are annihted in the 7th wave, they will lose the extra 1000 survival points from the 8th wave."


    "Terrifying. They perfectly control this match and put the other teams to where they want them to be. How can someone think of this strategy? Their leader, Flexy, might be better than other people thought. They are ying mind games!"


    Inside the game, on top of the wall filled with magazines and grenades lying around, an orange-haired man spread his arms as he stood on the edge. His expression was filled with bliss.


    "Ah, I can hear praisesing to me. Keep iting. Say Flexy is the greatest mastermind in thispetition!"


    Seeing their leader''s figure, Max and the other two could only hide their faces in shame. Flexy would definitely have a better image if only he stayed quiet.


    ''The second-hand embarrassment is real.'' Max thought as he jumped down the hall once again so he wouldn''t be seen with Flexy by the camera.

 Chapter 315: Chapter 315 – Ticket to Final Secured!

    Defending against the 6th wave onward wasn''t easy, even for professional teams. Large mutated cockroaches began to appear in the horde.


    However, the yers somehow felt that the wave was easier now. They knew the reason very well and rejoiced. Confidence sprung forth. Many thought they could easily survive until the 8th wave with this.


    That feeling wasn''t just from mere confidence. It was from their experience as yers who had already yed this game for over a year. Their dedication allowed them to know that they would pull this off.


    "All teams survived the 6th wave easily, save for the GoriXX team. Their walls were almost breached, but they fortunately were able to recover. They have to replenish their supply quickly or they won''t survive the next wave!"


    Because the GoriXX was the only team that risked themselves to get the wave boss, the sixth wave proved to be a challenge for them. It was truly unfortunate. If they had only focused on supplying magazines and grenades, they would have had an easier time.


    However, they managed to hold on and resupply. Their depleted ammo was soon replenished, although not as much as other teams.


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    "Get as many grenades as possible! Prepare a healing pod too. The 7th wave will have them. Flying cockroaches!"


    Everyone''s nightmare. When the ck, shiny bugs began to fly, that was when hell descended.


    "We need live grenades forrge mutated cockroaches. Make sure to get as much as possible and throw it to their face! Sniper, focus on thoserge cockroaches. It''s effective against them, as proved in the Scrim a week ago!"


    Sniper rifle might be bad for most teams because it was too heavy and not too useful in the first few waves. However, the meta had changed. Teams who said that sniper rifles were bad earlier now were grateful they had one.


    The OrangeSquash team had destroyed anymon sense and created a new meta. Sniper rifles were now a necessary weapon to bring in each team.


    Before long, the 7th wave arrived. The horde arrived.


    In OrangeSquash''s base, the atmosphere wasn''t as tense as any other. Their points were already enough to advance to the next match. They just had to survive this wave for an extra 1000 survival points and the freebie annihtion points from those cockroaches.


    "Shall we y then?" Max used his grappling gun to drop outside the base and plunged himself into the horde. "Lily, cover me!"


    "Un, leave it to me."


    Bam!


    An explosion rang as soon as Lily pulled the trigger. Sounds of energy bullets sent flying from the MG and rifle echoed together withughter.


    "Hyahaaaa! Die die die!" Flexy had gone crazy after having too much fun. His strategy worked wonderfully and they managed to survive this long. "Tonight''s dinner is a cockroach grilled by explosion!"


    "That''s gross," Asmented and nced at the orange-haired streamer. His hand wasn''t stopping. Every time the magazine was depleted, he immediately reloaded it skillfully.


    "Please take 3 steps away from me," Lily added with a disgusted expression as she cocked the sniper.


    Bam!


    "Or I will make you a charred orange."


    Usually, Flexy would get hurt by this. But adrenaline that rushed into his head from too much excitement made him dumber. He justid his feelings bare.


    "Hahaha! No matter! Burn me, grill me! I am having fun right now and that''s the most important thing! Tonight''s dinner is on me!"


    "Alright, bet!" Max shouted from inside the horde. He pulled the live grenade pin with his teeth and shoved it inside arge cockroach''s body without stopping on his track. "I want A5 wagyu steak!"


    Boom!


    The explosion created a small crater and scattered the cockroach''s body parts everywhere. Even when being shielded by a space suit, Max still felt disgusted by the blood that turned the gray sand green.


    ''Whoa, I shouldn''t do that. I thought it was cool, but it''s so gross.''


    Discarding his thought to make a cool montage for BloodSucker, he continued destroying smaller cockroaches while Lily covered him and killed therge mutated ones with a thick shell. Nothing could stop him.


    ''The horde is thinning.''


    Unlike at the start, Max could see a gap between the cockroaches'' bodies. He maneuvered quickly and threw three grenades at once. Of course, while he gave up with a cool montage, he still wanted to look cool. So, he pulled all the pins at once using his teeth.


    "Kekeke, take this." Heughed like a madman and threw the grenades at the most crowded area.


    The rampage continued. Max returned to the base once he finished his fifth magazine. He resupplied and engaged in the fight once again. His presence below the base slowed the horde down.


    Everyone knew about this trick, but it wasn''t practiced because it was dangerous. Unless one was so skilled with their movement, doing this kind of stunt was essentially a suicide.


    "Just a bit more!" Flexy informed from above as he reloaded his MG. "Fuck you, DizzyTop, TipsyCar, and theadman. Eat my ass! Hahaha, we advance to the final!"


    With thest explosion from Lily''s sniper, thest mutated cockroach was killed and the 7th wave was annihted.


    The ticket to the grand final tonight was in their pocket. They didn''t need to try hard anymore. Max cheered as he ran around, shooting his SMG to the sky.


    "Hell yeah! I will win this time!"


    Nothing needed to be done. Even if they were eliminated now, they still advanced. 15K total points weren''t something to scoff at, and that 5K was purely from killing enemies and the first four wave boss.


    So, what was left?


    The answer was simple.


    "Hey, Flexy."


    Just as Maxnded on the wall, he called out to his friend and tapped his shoulder.


    "Can we have fun now?"


    Competition or not, the game was a game. The essence of ying a game was to have fun.


    Just following strategy wasn''t fun, that was why Max asked Flexy to promise him something. When the n seeded, the orange-haired streamer would allow him to do anything he pleased. Flexy agreed easily as he trusted him.


    "Sure." He nodded at his buddy and extended his hand. "It will be good if you can kill the 7th wave boss while you''re at it."


    "Hahaha, I will try." Max bumped his fist against Flexy''s andughed.


    And thus, he discarded all knowledge he knew about this game and trusted his instinct to have fun.

 Chapter 316: Chapter 316 – Free Time Before Final

    Max died.


    That was the conclusion of the first match. Going against the 7th wave boss without any backup was indeed not possible. His SMG couldn''t even pierce its outer shell and his bullet just bounced back without dealing any damage.


    "As expected, SMG isn''t going to work." He shrugged his shoulders as he walked down the dark corridor with Lily and the others, "We do need MG or SR to kill the 6th wave boss or onward. SMG can only damage it after its outer shell is destroyed."


    "It''s not worth it," Flexymented, his hands behind his head. "Besides, we will change strategy in the final as a team in our group will surely advance with us. I think team RH4, which survived until the end of the 8th wave, will also advance. They get 12.4K total points."


    "They are the most cautious," As added with a nod. "But they aren''t a team we need to worry about. MiceMice is more dangerous than them."


    "Un, you should destroy them first." Lily agreed.


    They kept sharing ideas on how to approach the final match. Before long, they reached their waiting room and were greeted by Lisa and Ferin. They had prepared drinks and towels to wipe their sweat.


    Because they were in the first match that started in the morning, they had time to wait until the final, which was held in the night. The team decided to rest instead of training with other ranked teams.


    The strategy meeting was also held off untilter. Replenishing energy was the most important thing now.


    "With that said, I am going to watch with Lisa. You guys go have fun." Flexy said so before he left the waiting room with Lisa, who wore a cold expression.


    She asked for a 3-day leave but still had to work to support her boyfriend. It looked unfair. But she actually rested enough, as she didn''t need to deal with external talk.


    "At, let''s get something from outside. I want that roach hat merchandise!"


    Following Flexy and Lisa, Ferin pulled As'' hand, and they disappeared from the waiting room, leaving only Max and Lily.


    Looking at them, Max could onlyugh wryly.


    "They are too carefree." Hemented as he leaned his back against the couch.


    "Our team is so fun." Lily added with a small giggle, "Yesterday, I saw other team coaches trying their best, racking their heads. While Lisa and I only noted something like their weapons and danger level. It shows how serious they are in thispetition."


    "Yeah, I can feel that. It''s fun but suffocating. I might refrain from the e-sport scene for a while and focus on my streaming. There are also two ad offers that need a bit of time to finish."


    "Ad offers?" Lily inquired curiously, her hair fell as she tilted her head. "Another filming? Or just a simple endorsement?"


    "Hmm, maybe you can call it endorsement?" Max hummed, unsure how to exin it. "Like¡­ There is this brand that wants me to shout out its name at the start of my stream. And the other one¡­ Well, they want to use me as a model for their product. It''s a sports clothing brand."


    "Ah! Like Ferin." She nodded in understanding. Then, she smiled brightly and pped her hands, "Does that mean I will be able to see you in a magazine?"


    "Hahaha, I don''t know. I might just be in the inconspicuous corner."


    "There is no way that''s the case!" Lily raised her voice and leaned closer to him. "I will protest if they put you in the corner."


    "Come on, Lily. That''s unreasonable." Max raised his hands in defense and backed away slightly. "They surely have professional athletes in the spotlight. I am just a newbie streamer with an average of 10K viewers, you know? My name hasn''t spread that far yet, so being in the corner is enough right now."


    "That''s¡­" She backed away slightly, looking sad. "Unreasonable."


    "The entertainment industry and the world are always unreasonable." He exined with a soft smile. "Haven''t you realized that yet? You surely have many ad or sponsor offers as White Lily."


    "I don''t." She answered quickly and shook her head, "Or rather, I never did any ads and only take sponsors such as recording equipment and audio brands. My brother doesn''t allow me to do any ads, and I need to maintain my anonymous presence at that moment as an indie music producer and singer."


    "Oh¡­" He eximed and scratched his cheek, "I didn''t know."


    "It''s okay. I also didn''t know how the entertainment industry works outside of what Ferin told me. And¡­ you know? She was always on the front page¡­"


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    "And that made you think being on the front page is easy." He now understood why she reacted like that. The culprit was that tinum-haired girl all this time. "But, well. I believe I will get a bigger ad offer soon. And you will get more sponsors after you drop that new song, no?"


    "Un." She smiled brightly, her mood improved as soon as he mentioned her new song. "And I will open the anonymous veil with the new music video. I am already an adult, and it''s time to increase the scale of my production. Also¡­"


    Lily paused slightly and looked at him.


    "Also?" He asked curiously as she suddenly stopped mid-sentence.


    "Hnn, nevermind." She shook her head. "Anyway, do you have nothing to do until the final? It''s still a few hours away."


    Max was still curious why she suddenly changed her mind. However, he didn''t pursue it. She might have a reason to stop.


    ''Something to do before the final¡­'' He mused in his mind as he touched his chin.


    There were many things he wanted to do. But he didn''t want to go out there, especially since the waiting room was so cozy. Everything, including food and drink, was avable in this ce.


    So the answer was set in stone.


    "I will just stay here and rx. What about you, Lily?"


    "Me too." She answered and leaned against him. "I might take a nap for a bit. I couldn''t sleep very wellst night. A vampire chased after me in my dream."


    ''Damn, must be BloodSucker.''


    His girlfriend was bad with horror and supernatural stuff. BloodSucker''s strange appearance and way of talking scared her.


    ''I will work him to the bonester. I got some good footage that he could edit earlier.''


    Huffing coldly, he patted Lily''s head and pulled her closer.


    "Feel free to sleep. I will be here when you wake up. No vampire will chase after you in your dream."


    "Un, I know. You will¡­ protect me."


    "Yeah, I will."


    He kept stroking her head until she fell asleep.


    This kind of time was precious to him. Calm and apanied by his loved one without any kind of problem.


    ''I hope we can enjoy time like this more often.''


    ***


    The second to fourth preliminary matches went as expected. The team''s average total points was 13K, which is still way less than what the OrangeSquash managed to get.


    10 teams that advanced to the final had been decided.


    1. MiceMice


    2. OrangeSquash


    3. bigSACK


    4. Jokegon


    5. MWRifle


    ¡­


    9. RH4


    10. MoMaMi


    Team RH4 was barely able to enter with 12.4K points. And just as everyone had expected, the favorite to win, team MiceMice was able to advance with a slight point difference from team OrangeSquash.


    More than half of the teams that advanced to the final were those joining the Scrim. The hosts, Nature and Grand, hyped it up pretty well and promoted the idea of the Scrim for allpetitive e-sport.

 Chapter 317: Chapter 317 – Carefree Team is Fun

    "Everyone ready?"


    Flexy entered the room after he finished watching the fourth team and found no one there but Max, who was reading a novel online, and Lily, who slept on hisp.


    Looking at the empty waiting room, the orange-haired streamer entered with Lisa and asked his friend.


    "Where is that crazy couple?"


    Without needing an exnation, Max knew his friend referred to Ferin and As.


    "After you went away, they ran out of this room. Maybe they are in the rest area or blend in with the spectators?" He answered and closed the screen.


    "Huh? I must''ve missed them then. I will try to call them and ask them to return. Our enemies have been decided and we need to discuss our strategy. MiceMice has fought against us many times, so they have a pretty good idea of what we can do. We need something new to win."


    "Something new, huh? Sounds interesting." Max grinned, "You call them. I will wake Lily up."


    Flexy raised his hand and stopped Max, "There is no need to. Let her sleep if she''s tired. We can discuss it among ourselves."


    "You''re right. She needed the rest."


    "Hmm, I will call both of them then. We do need to talk about this, or we will have a hard timeter."


    After saying so, Flexy called the couple. As'' tired voice and Ferin''s excited one ovepped from the speaker.


    "Roger."


    "We will be there soon! Ah, I will bring ice cream for all of us! Hehehe, this one is so good."


    The call ended with just that and Flexy clicked his tongue.


    "A good ice cream. They must be in the Eden Grand Mall." He grumbled, "They are too carefree."


    Max looked at his friend in disbelief. Carefree? Who? Ferin and As?


    ''You''re carefree too!'' He retorted inside his mind.


    Did this orange-haired guy not see the mirror this morning? If he did, then the epitome of carefree would be reflected in it.


    ''He should be self-aware of it.''


    Waiting for the couple to arrive didn''t take really long, much to Flexy''s surprise. They only had to wait 10 minutes before the tinum-haired girl burst into the waiting room while holding 6 cups of ice cream.


    But when Max shushed her because Lily was still sleeping, she immediately covered her mouth before putting her index finger in front of it.


    "Shhh¨C"


    At least Ferin was someone who was really sensitive to her surroundings and could read the air well. She quietly took a picture of Lily''s sleeping face from many angles. Max couldn''t stop her because he was now acting as a pillow.


    All he could do was to make an X mark with his arms, but that only made Ferin''s grin widen. What would be more fun than taking a picture of someone unwilling to be in it?


    As a result, she got many interesting expressions and sighed in satisfaction.


    "Fufufu, this will enter my ''Cute Lily'' folder." She giggled yfully and snapped her fingers, "Do you want it, Breeze? I got many of Lily''s pictures from when she was in high school, too. The price is to allow me to save these pics."


    "Sold."


    Max shook Ferin''s hand and they made a deal. What was the use of his embarrassment? Pictures of Lily were more important than his own embarrassment.


    ''These are good.'' He thought as he scrolled the files in the new folder sent by Ferin. ''I''ll look at them againter.''


    "Haa¡­ Are you done yet?" Flexy sighed in defeat as he patiently waited for the deal to finish. "If you are, then let''s continue to the strategy meeting."


    "We''re done." Both Max and Ferin answered at once, and they gathered around the couch and began the strategy meeting.


    In the end, they decided not to change anything and went with a 2 SR strategy. It was a big gamble on their part. If they could not win before the 7th wave, they would risk failing in their defense.


    To make it official, Flexy decided to give this strategy a name.


    "Let''s call it ''True Harassment,'' an evolved strategy derived from ''Make Then Mad.''"


    And thus, they were ready. Other teams didn''t know what wasing for them.


    ***


    Night quickly arrived and spectators who had ample rest returned to watch the final match. Crimson Eden Hall was quickly filled once again.


    Grand and Nature took their seats behind the host desk, and the camera started rolling once again.


    "All right, roach fans! The final that you''re waiting for is here! 10 best teams from all over the world have gathered to prove they are the best, the top among the top!"


    "It''s so exciting. Every team has a different strategy and approach to get as many points as possible in the preliminaries. But now, the final will be held with an elimination system. No matter how high their point is, thest one standing on the moon''s sand will be the winner!"


    "Now, that''s an interesting point to talk about. Unlike the preliminaries, we will be able to watch another strategy these best teams have cooked."


    "Indeed, who do you think will cook better strategies? So far, these past two days, we have seen team OrangeSquash doing something unpredictable. They have prepared a mind game for their enemies. Do you think they will affect other teams in the final, Grand?"


    "If I have to guess, then they will probably brute force this. Maybe we will finally see a team that utilizes 4 sniper rifles? But I don''t think they will be able to win easily this time. Why? Because 7 out of 10 teams this time have joined the Scrim. They know a bit about OrangeSquash''s strategy."


    "You''re right. That''s why it''s exciting. Personally, I think team MiceMice will win. However, I also want to see the OrangeSquash team win. Just for fun."


    "Hahaha, right. Let''s see how this goes. yers have entered their capsules. The final match will start soon! Let''s hand this over to Paul and Jack."


    The screen changed, showing two guys standing side by side on the stage. They nodded with bright smiles and sped their hands.


    "Indeed, the final match is starting! All teams have spawned in the battlefield. They began to prepare something. And the team that became our focus, OrangeSquash, once again changed their strategy. They appeared with 2 SR and 2 rifles! What''s their strategy, I wonder?"


    "I don''t know. But looking at their expressions, I believe it''s nothing good. Look, Breeze and Ferin have started moving. 2 snipers from the OrangeSquash team have run away from their base in the same direction! This¡­ I feel like we will see an elimination before the first wave."


    "That''s no way. This is the final match. The team joining this match is the best of the best! If the OrangeSquash team can eliminate a team before the first wave starts, I will give you 5 grand. If they can''t, you give me 5 grand."


    "Deal!" Jack agreed to Paul''s bet without hesitation.


    Paul didn''t know what wasing for him. Just a minuteter, when the countdown in the sky showed 1 minute 16 seconds, a notification that shook everyone rang.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team MiceMice.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    Max and Ferin managed to annihte the favorite team to win when they were at their most vulnerable moment.


    The final match was kicked with two bangs from the sniper rifle that annihted an entire team.

 Chapter 318: Chapter 318 – True Harassment Strategy

    True harassment.


    Just as its name implied, the strategy revolved around harassing other teams and making them think they weren''t safe.


    This job fell to Max and Ferin, as both of them had sniper rifles in hand. Before the 1st wave started, they stumbled upon a base with the yers stumbling up and down to get magazines to the top of the wall.


    They didn''t know which team this base belonged to from the top of sand dune. And they also didn''t care enough to see their logo before bursting their heads into a paste with sniper rifles.


    Just two shots from each sniper was enough to annihte them. Only then did they know which team this base belonged to.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team MiceMice.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    "¡­"


    Speechless, Max looked at the notification with a nk stare.


    "Yay!"


    Meanwhile, Ferin eximed excitedly and threw her arms in the sky.


    "We annihted the strongest team!"


    This was truly something to celebrate. Their worst match-up, a team that could hold themselves until the 9th wave if they wanted to, was eliminated pretty early.


    Max med them for lowering their guard in the final and focused on resupplying instead. Getting annihted early on was definitely their fault.


    "We''re pretty lucky." He said as he rose from his prone position and slung the sniper rifle on his back. "Let''s move and find more bases, Ferin. We will locate all of them in this 1st wave."


    "Got it, Captain!" Ferin mock saluted him and imitated his movement. "Soldier Ferin is ready!"


    "Good. Let''s split and report our findings through themunication device."


    "Got it!" She repeated and turned around. "Soldier Ferin taking off!"


    With that, she ran and kicked the dust into the air. Max looked at them for a second before running in the opposite direction.


    Finding enemy bases in the first wave would be pretty easy. He just needed to find a swarm of ck bugs instead of a base that blended with its surroundings.


    3 to 5 minutes. That was how long the professional teams usually annihted the first wave''s cockroaches. He didn''t have that much time to find up to 9 bases with Ferin.


    Still, he truly didn''t expect this. The final match''s RNG was pretty good.


    Almost all bases were separated at a simr distance. It was evenly spread on the battlefield and didn''t spawn in a random location like usual.


    Also, there were many high sand dunes and boulders Max could climb to get a vantage point of everything in the surrounding area.


    "One on my left and two on my right. There is also one in front of me and one on my back; a total of 5 bases can be seen from here. What about you, Ferin?"


    (I found them all, too. Fufufu, there are 3 bases here near ours. At, be careful. It seems one of the bases sends someone out to scout or something. I can only see three people from here. Based on their logo, I think they are from team RH4.) Continue your journey on m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    Ferin replied to Max''s question and reported what she saw to the team.


    (No problem. I spotted that guy and killed him.) As responded to the report calmly. (They must be panicking now. It''s your chance to harass them. If you can''t kill them all, then just run and meet up with Breeze.)


    (Bam! I killed two. I am going in now.)


    Before long, the notification appeared once again.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team RH4.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    (Fufufu, explode. The grenade is truly useful to harass them when they revive their teammates.)


    Ferin was giggling like an evil viin as she walked away from a crumbling base. One mistake and other teams were done. OrangeSquash spread terror to the remaining teams, making them more sensitive to their surroundings.


    And that made them gather together instead of spreading in all four directions. Max eyed the closest base in front of him through the scope.


    "Ferin, I need you here. Head to the East of our base, and you will find a tall sand dune. I am on top of that dune between two boulders. We might be able to destroy another team before the 2nd wave arrives if you arrive on time."


    (Huh? But there are still 2 bases in this direction. I can harass them to make sure they know their ce.)


    "That would be too risky. We will strike these teams right when the second wave starts and let the cockroaches loose. If we manage to kill at least two people from each base, then that would definitely be enough."


    (Oooh! I know what you mean. Got it, I will arrive in a minute.)


    (Be careful, you two.) Flexy warned sternly, giving a sense of urgency. (This is final match. We only caught two teams off guard. Don''t push too much; we can use the True Harassment strategy up to the 5th wave. We have time.)


    "I know. Waiting for you, Ferin." Max said in a calm tone as he yed with the trigger using his finger.


    Waiting for Ferin was a bit long. He wasn''t patient enough to miss a chance that was presented in front of his eyes.


    ''Shall I risk it?'' He mused in his mind as he rested his finger on the trigger. ''Two quick shots are all it takes to kill them.''


    "Hmm¡­ Well, this is a final match. I need to be patient."


    Just a minute. There was nothing wrong with waiting for that long.


    As much as it tormented him, Ferin finally arrived.


    "Where is the enemy?" She immediately asked as she prone beside him.


    "That way," Max answered and pointed his finger at the base around 300 meters away from them. "You can hit the left? I will hit the right and kill the two people between them from the crossfire."


    "Easy peasy." Ferin grinned and set her finger on the trigger. "On three?"


    "On three."


    Max nodded and began counting. When it reached three, they shot at once.


    Bam¨C Bam!


    Two heads exploded at once. They were downed immediately without any chance to resist. However, the two people who got caught in two explosions in the middle somehow could still stand.


    "Over there!"


    They reacted at once, and one of them pointed their sniper in Max''s direction. In response, Max pulled his trigger once again, but that was toote.


    "Oh no." Ferin''sst word rang before her head exploded.


    The explosion hit his body and pushed him away slightly. He grunted in pain and looked up. The base was crumbling into dust.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team MoMaMi.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    The notification came, but he didn''t look at it. Instead, he looked at Ferin, who crawled on the desert with a wry smile.


    "They got me." She said with a weak smile. "Can you revive me? I don''t think we can afford to wait."


    "You''re right." Max nodded and proceeded to revive Ferin by injecting a needle into her arm. The process needed 5 seconds, and he couldn''t move until then.


    However, he could still move his head around to survey the surroundings. And the situation isn''t that good.


    "Four teams sent their members to our locations. They will sh if they meet, but we will get caught if we stay here any longer. Our choice is to fight them or flee. Which one do you prefer?"


    The revival process was gone, and he proceeded to heal himself with a healing pod.


    "Do you even need to ask?" Ferin slowly raised her body and healed herself with a healing pod. "Fight is good."

 Chapter 319: Chapter 319 – Fight On Sand Dune

    "Heh. I thought you would say that." Max scoffed as he raised his sniper rifle. There were 3 bullets left in the chamber, and there were 6 enemies iing.


    Ferin still had 4 bullets in the chamber as well as a secondary weapon, a shaved-off shotgun with 2 bullets.


    To win, they either had to make them fight each other or finish them in one or two shots.


    "This might be hard, but let''s do this. No time to reload." He took a prone position once more and instructed Ferin. "I will take care of the ones on the East while you take care of those on the South. We don''t need to be worried about the West for now, as they will sh first. And, cover me."


    "Got it. So we both take care of two people for now. Easy to understand." Ferin answered as she propped her sniper rifle and aimed at two yers approaching them from the South.


    Without waiting any longer, she shot the ground where the yers would step next. They were caught off guard and were sent flying back by the explosion. Quickly, they pushed their bodies up, but it was toote.


    Another explosion followed suit, killing one yer immediately. The other one got caught in the explosion, and his vital was almost depleted. Just one indirect explosion would kill him. And that was exactly what Ferin did to lower his team''s morale.


    "Bam!" She said and pulled the trigger, killing the yer in question.


    Now, the two of them tried to crawl back to their base while she reloaded her sniper. After reloading, she finished them cleanly so they couldn''t be revived.


    "I got them. What about you?" She turned around to look at Max, but was surprised when she didn''t find him.


    "Huh?" She eximed and looked around. It was then she found him in the West, engaging with a yer closely.


    His sniper rifle sent an explosion toward the yer and bounced him back and forth. There was one yer crawling near him, but he ignored that yer and focused on the other one.


    "Ah, he''s having fun." Ferin said with a yful giggle, "What a bad habit. I can see that yer''s teammates fuming in rage." She added and looked at the base in the West through her scope.


    Three people stormed out of the base in rage, brandishing their guns and shooting Max, who finished with the yer. He was grinning and pointed his sniper at them.


    "Ferin, shoot."


    (Fufufu, I know. You first.)


    "I did."


    Bam!


    One yer in the distance exploded once Max pulled the trigger. The sniper''s bullet was faster than any weapon and could travel way farther than them.


    Following the first explosion was the second one. Ferin had shot the second guy and immediately incapacitated the third one.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team GGP.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    The second team, with the base located not too far from the newly annihted team, changed their mind. They were about to save their members but realized they could be a free target if they showed up.


    Staying alive was more important in this case.


    "We''re done here," Max said as he looked at Ferin, who walked toward him. "These teams will fight each other soon. Two teams with two members and a team with three members. It''s easy to imagine what will happen."


    "Really, this harassment steps up from the joint practice," Ferinmented with a happy giggle. "Not only do we make them afraid of us, but they also have their members killed. There are only 2 teams left with full members. Shall we hit them next?"


    "Of course."


    The duo, who didn''t even finish the dishes, four bases around them, set out to harass the other three in different directions.


    A total of 7 teams were left in the final match.


    The casters, Jack and Paul, who witnessed what happened, were speechless for a second.


    "OrangeSquash has perfected their hit and run strategy. They weren''t ying. They actually finished their enemies before moving on to the next one!"


    "Indeed. But Jack, don''t forget one thing. They do this with only two yers while their teammates protect the base. Flexy and As even begin to y rock-paper-scissors due to boredom. Look at their nonchnt faces while their teammates are working their ass off."


    "Tsk tsk tsk, you''re right." Jack shook his head, "However, I don''t think they can afford to do that anymore. Team Jokegon, who have prided themselves in PvP, has begun to move. The bigSACK alsostarted their expedition for the 1st wave boss while everything was happening."


    "Oh, you''re right. Looking at their direction, they will meet each other. The location is¡­ Oh! How interesting. It seems their target isn''t the wave boss! Based on their movement, they are going toward OrangeSquash''s base.


    Both teams apparently have the same thing in mind. Destroy OrangeSquash!"


    "A total of 6 yers with high skill levels are prepared to fight. This is going to be hard. Will Breeze and Ferin arrive at Jokegon and bigSACK''s base first, or will yers from both teams destroy OrangeSquash''s base first? No one knows!"


    "The 2nd wave will arrive in a few seconds, but yers from Jokegon and bigSACK are still advancing. It''s really amazing that 3 teams have been annihted in such a short time. What is this game? Why are the yers so aggressive?"


    "I think they got influenced by the OrangeSquash''s team. They have to adapt or get killed, just like MiceMice''s team. Even bigSACK team, which focuses on defense, is now on offensive."


    "Can''t argue with that. OrangeSquash''s base is in sight. yers from bigSACK hide themselves behind the cover. I think they are waiting for the 2nd wave to arrive now. It''s too risky to attack head-on without any information!"


    ¡ª Crush them!


    ¡ª Annihte those arrogant yers who do underhanded strategy. Go go, Jokegon!


    ¡ª bigSACK! Your courage is as big as your sack!


    ¡ª Don''t talk nonsense. OrangeSquash''s team still has Flexy and As!


    Continue your saga on m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    ¡ª What can those two who y rock-paper-scissors do?


    ¡ª They can beat your mom


    [Mom69 is banned permanently.]


    ¡ª lol, to think he says that in an official ount.


    As usual, the chat was divided into two groups: those who trusted OrangeSquash''s team and those who were fans of other teams.


    However, the two yers in question didn''t realize that.


    "I won." As grinned as he grabbed his rifle. "Then, I will go first. Hold the fort with your best ability, leader."


    "Noo! Damn it! I also want to show off my skill!" Flexy shouted loudly as he held his space helmet.


    "Haha, maybe next time. I need to get a little serious, or people who watch me will think that I am such an easy target. It will be troublesome as I have a lot of haters in Horizon Online, you know?"


    "Ugh, fine. I can probably buy you 2 minutes. Can you finish it ande back before that?"


    "Easy peasy," As answered while imitating his girlfriend. "I have removed the SR limiter in my VR Capsule this time. Winning this fight will be a child''s y."


    With that said, he ran at a speed that could be called exceeding human nature and disappeared from the top of the wall.


    No matter how Flexy saw it, that man was absurd. He had heard about it before the game, but this was still too much.


    "100% Synchronization Rate¡­ What a fucking joke." He spat out those words before holding his rifle tightly. "He''s even faster than Breeze if he''s serious. Now I understand why StoneSword rmended him in the past. He''s a monster who has both skill and luck."


    Still, that monster was his teammate. A grin appeared on Flexy''s face as he walked in a different direction from where As was gone.


    "Even with 92% SR, I can do better than those guys."


    No one would underestimate him and call him baggage after this. He would show off the skill he practiced everyday. Many grenades were prepared around his feet, ready to be used.


    ''Normal people have a normal way to fight. And in terms of defense, I am second to none!''


    Before long, the 2nd wave arrived. The horde appeared from a different direction from the one that Flexy guarded.


    At the same time, three shadows that hid themselves earlier showed up. They were yers from the bigSACK team.


    Whether he liked it or not, Flexy had to protect the base from two different directions alone. This would be hard. However, he trusted himself and his abilities.


    "Let''s do this, you pests!"

 Chapter 320: Chapter 320 – Cheat Called Talent

    As stood on a sand dune without trying to take cover. He scanned the area quickly before looking at some boulders in the area.


    "There is no need to hide." He said calmly, "It''s 3 v 1 anyway. Let''s get it done quickly."


    His words didn''t manage to convince the enemies. They were still wary of him and his skill. No one underestimated this man, especially the teams who joined the Scrim.


    ''It seems they don''t want to show up.'' As thought as he sighed, ''This is so tiring, so I don''t want to do this. But it seems I have no choice.''


    Find your next read on m_v l|e-NovelBin


    Having 100% SR wasn''t something good. The load in the brain was worse than usual, so he usually limited his SR to 98 or 98.5% at maximum by using the VR Capsule setting. That way, he could y the game longer.


    However, this was a final match. At most, this match would onlyst for an hour. Pushing himself a little bit wouldn''t be a problem, though he had to drink another nutritional supplement right after.


    ''Two behind the big boulder on my right and one behind the smaller one on my left.''


    Having senses no different, even enhanced from IRL, he managed to locate his enemies based on the track they left behind on the sand.


    As took out a bio-chemical grenade and immediately threw it to the left, at the lone enemy hiding behind the smaller boulder. The effect spread fast. Green smoke rose from the grenade and covered the area.


    While it couldn''t damage a yer due to their helmet and air-tight costume, it worked wonderfully to disturb their sight. He immediately moved once the smoke spread and lunged inside. His rifle was ready in hand, and he shot a moving shadow once he saw it.


    "Ahh!"


    The shadow raised his voice as the bullets riddled his body and downed him. His vitals turned red at once, and he did not get a chance to react.


    "Shit!"


    Two people hiding behind therge boulder stepped out.


    "I told you we should stick together!" One of them bellowed and rained the small boulder with bullets.


    Another one stepped forward to cover the downed yer and tried to revive him. But once he was separated from his friend, another bio-chemical grenade burst open and green smoke filled the air.


    As didn''t shy away from the chance he created and dashed forward. He sent bullets flying toward the guy in the front as a grenade flew in the air toward thest guy. It exploded mid-air and sent the man flying, stopping the cover fire.


    Using this chance, he killed the guy who tried to revive the first one and shot thest guy straight in the head. 30 seconds were all he took to take care of them. He used another 10 seconds to kill them permanently before running back to the base to assist Flexy.


    Explosions rang in the distance. Gray dust sent flying into the air, creating a strange spectacle for everyone to see.


    Seeing this spectacle, As couldn''t help but chuckle.


    "What a way to defend the base." He said, "I don''t think I have to assist him. Everyone will die from that amount of explosions."


    After a few seconds of running back to the base at full speed, As climbed the wall with a grappling gun. He looked at the situation from above and found that Flexy was sitting with his knee up and looking at him.


    "Yo, took you long enough." The orange-haired guy smirked and raised his chin. "I am done with this ce way before you arrive."


    "It seems so," As replied as he approached him and looked down to see the damage done to the surroundings.


    Many deep craters formed here and there, with some carcasses and blood from cockroaches spilling everywhere.


    "You really go all out, huh? Not even a single cockroach survives."


    "Heh, art is an explosion."


    "I can''t say I disagree. I also use many explosions in Horizon Online."


    "Hahaha! I know that you would agree." Flexyughed freely and stood up. "But that''s done. We just need to rx and deal with the waves. Those two will be able to finish everything alone, right?"


    "They should be if Ferin didn''t mess up. I was a bit worried when her vital turned red for a moment."


    "That was really scary. I heard she got caught off guard, and the enemy retaliated a little." The orange-haired streamer exined as he took some rifle ammo from the ground and resupplied his backpack. "Breeze is doing pretty well reacting to that."


    "You''re right." As agreed with it.


    If Ferin was alone, she tended to mess things up at the most critical moment. That was why they made her work together with Max as much as possible. The best decision Flexy had ever made as a leader.


    "The elimination system is really kind to us." Flexy grinned.


    ***


    "It''s over," Paul said as he looked at the game that was ongoing on the screen. "Team Jokegon and bigSACK lost 3 members. MWRifle and the other 3 teams also lost 2 members. They begin to fight each other to get top ranking. They know they wouldn''t survive past the 6th wave."


    "Indeed. This is indeed a massacre. Did you see As'' movement earlier? Is that even possible for a human being? That''s just¡­ too fast! My eyes can''t even follow it.


    He likes a blur after he throws that bio-chemical grenade."


    "Me too, I can''t see it. I also wondered if that''s humanly possible. I even screamed to the security and the staff to check his VR Capsule!" Paul exaggerated with a loud voice. "But that changed after I got this information from the Spencer Manufacture. Please look at this."


    On top of the screen, which showed a tense waiting between four teams that got hit by Max and Ferin, a status appeared. It showed OrangeSquash''s team members'' names and their respective Synchronization Rates.


    "Flexy has the lowest of 92% SR. That''s impressive for a professional yer already. And we know Breeze''s SR. He has the second-highest SR in the world and the fastest time in the Synchronization test. However, look at the others, especially at As."


    "Is this real?" Jack couldn''t believe his eyes. And so was the chat.


    As ¨C 100%


    Breeze ¨C 98.5%


    Ferin ¨C 98.3%


    Flexy ¨C 92%


    ¡ª NAAAAAHHHHH


    ¡ª GOD! GOD! GOD!


    ¡ª HOLY SHIET! He''s the GOD!


    ¡ª This is ridiculous. LOOK AT THEM!


    ¡ª Flexy: Heh, I might be bad, but look at my teammates! Monsters! Hahahaha!


    Their surprise wasn''t unfounded.


    Three people with the highest SR in the world joined hands in one team. Not to mention, they had the skill to back up their high SR, which allowed them to be better than other yers.


    "We have confirmed this with the Spencer Association, thepany that takes care of the world record list of Synchronization Rates and Tests. The website has been updated. The anonymous first and third rank have revealed their name. Their names are As and Ferin. The crazy couple."


    "This is exceptional! Otherworldly! I can''t have a word to describe this. And¡­ I can understand now. The higher their SR, the faster they can react in the VR world. It''s a natural cheat named Talent.


    No one can doubt them now."


    "If there are still people who say they are cheating, they are ready to take the 1 v 1 challenge after thepetition ends, Flexy said. It seems their leader knows how viewers think very well. Hahaha!"


    "How confident!" Jack eximed.

 Chapter 321: Chapter 321 – Epic Comeback?

    "Setting that aside, let''s return to the game. The tension rises, and the four teams in the sand desert face each other. They have made their moves. It''s not a fight to determine the winner. They have set their mind to bing number 2!"


    "Breeze and Ferin have reached bigSACK and Jokegon''s base to deliver the final nail to the coffin. It seems that the winner has been decided with this."


    "Not so fast. Who knows if there is an epiceback from thest team? We won''t be sure until thepetition truly ends."


    ¡ª Can the remaining teams make aeback?


    ¡ª I mean¡­ We probably should ban Breeze, As, and Ferin from ying together. They are like cheat codes


    ¡ª Hope is lost. But those yers inside don''t know this information, so they are still striving.


    ¡ª Maann, I should''ve ced my bet on OrangeSquash instead of MiceMice.


    "Hehehe."


    Someone in the spectator seat chuckled lowly. His body was trembling, and his fingers moved strangely.


    "I am rich. RICH!"


    That someone was BloodSucker. He looked at the small screen he opened. On the screen was a betting site for thispetition. And he put all his money into it, totaling more than 20 grand, into team OrangeSquash.


    The return was more than 5 times. Meaning he got a lot of money.


    "This noble me truly brings luck. The team that I choose will definitely win. Hahaha, Breeze should be thankful to me."


    Even when the game was still ongoing, BloodSucker was sure the team wouldn''t lose. His luck was heavenly! Or so he believed.


    "Oh, look at them. Three teams destroyed each other and managed to destroy that bigSACK and Jokegon''s base. What a child''s y. They need to prepare to get featured and be a drama with this kind of y. No one will be satisfied with this kind of final."


    The 9 teams became something like a joke. Even the favorite team was utterly destroyed, unlike what happened in the Scrim.


    Two teams were left. MWRifle and OrangeSquash. The former only had one person left, and he desperately tried to hold the fifth wave alone. Somehow, for some reason, that yer screamed loudly to boost his own morale. It seemed like he still wanted to win.


    Team OrangeSquash, who gathered in their base, didn''t want to disrespect thest team. Max went out of the base with Ferin to finish their job after helping Flexy and As deal with the fifth wave.


    They headed to where the massacre scene happened just a while ago. When Max arrived, he saw a man walking toward him with a rifle in hand.


    "He''s showing up," Ferin said as she readied her sniper. "Shoot him?"


    "Wait." Max stopped her by raising his hand.


    He looked at the approaching man with narrowed eyes. The atmosphere was serious, as if he wanted to have a fair fight at the end of this final match.


    The man from MWRifle walked like a warrior marching into a deathmatch. His expression behind the visor was serious.


    Looking at him, Max also stepped forward, a sniper rifle in hand. His expression was rigid, like a cowboy marching into a fair duel.


    Both of them stopped within the 15-meter range without any prior agreement. Sand moved slowly. The atmosphere couldn''t be described in words. This was the final match! The final stand!


    A silent agreement was made. Max nodded, and the enemy nodded back. They held their weapons tighter, finger in front of the trigger. Onest shot that determined the oue of this match.


    Who woulde out at the top¨C?


    Bam!


    An explosion resounded as Max gathered his will and preparation to shoot the enemy. The man in front of him had his head explode and his body turned to dust. He gazed at the spectacle in disbelief.


    [Team OrangeSquash has annihted Team MWRifle.]


    [500 Annihtion Points have been rewarded.]


    [Match Over!]


    The notification woke him up. Max turned around and saw Ferin pointing her muzzle toward where the enemyst stood.


    "Too slow!" The tinum-haired girl cried out as she threw her sniper rifle away. "What''s with that silent stare? Are you cowboys? This is a seriouspetition. Why are you ying?"


    "..."


    Max was speechless. The end was supposed to be good, but it was ruined!


    ''Return my seriousness!'' Heined in his mind.


    Sighing deeply, he muttered to no one.


    "Damn Ferin¡­"


    His body was covered in blue light, and he was transported back to the base. The match was over, and he couldn''tin about the end anymore. Win was still a win.


    Reappearing on the wall, he noticed there was a podium for them to stand at. Flexy was already standing on the podium andughed loudly. Ferin followed suit and posed beside the orange-haired streamer.


    Meanwhile, As approached Max and patted him on the shoulder.


    "Did Fer do something?" He asked, noticing Max''s disappointed expression. "Sorry if she did."


    "No, it''s okay. I just had my moment ruined, but it became a goodedy in the end. I am satisfied with this win."


    "Somehow¡­ Sorry. I will scold herter." The blond-haired man said with an apologetic expression. "Let''s join the others. We are in this together, so let''s enjoy this victory."


    "I guess so."


    Max and As stepped up to the podium and waved at the screens that appeared in the sky. Those screens showed the situation on the stage.


    Colorful confetti rained down from the air. Fireworks filled the starry sky of the moon, celebrating the victory of thest standing team.


    Spectators cheered. Most of them left due to disappointment because their teams didn''t win. It was sad and disappointing. Max made a face, but Flexy quickly elbowed him.


    "Hold on. We have no fans in thismunity, so they are leaving." The orange-haired streamer whispered quietly. "And our strategy is not exactly¡­ kind. So, this is normal."


    "I know." Max hissed, "But this is frustrating. Can''t they just stay for a while to watch us lift the trophy?"


    What allowed him to stay calm after that was BloodSucker. The vampire''s strange figure stood out among the remaining crowd. He wasughing like a madman while being shot by a camera.


    ''Well, good job sucker. Seeing him being here is enough, I guess.'' Max thought as he felt a hand on his shoulder.


    Discover stories with m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "This is life, buddy. Wee to the professional scene." Flexy grinned andughed.


    After a bit of celebration after the game, all yers exited the capsules. Some were ring at them, but MiceMice''s team leader actually approached and gave their congrattions.


    "Hahaha, we''re really taken off guard. I hope to see you guys again next year." The slightlyrge manughed in a friendly manner as he shook Flexy''s hand.


    "Me too, Asmo. Let''s meet again next year if we have a chance."


    "Great. We won''t lose next time."


    That became an icebreaker, and other teams approached them to say congrattions. Following that, Jack and Paul came over to interview the team. Lily was also called up to get interviewed, as she yed in the preliminary stage.


    The questions were about their feelings and how they reached this stage, which were easy to answer. After the interview, the team gathered together and lifted the trophy. As a leader, Flexy was given the chance to lift it first, followed by the others, with Lily beingst.


    Max felt happy when he lifted it as if he had aplished something big. He had made his mark in this world. His name would be remembered and mentioned in the future.


    ''This is a strange feeling.'' He thought.


    Spectators pped their hands. The chat was moving so fast with messages.


    ¡ª Congrattions!


    ¡ª Happy for you guys!


    ¡ª Your tactic is strange, but you deserve this win


    ¡ª FERIN!! You dirty little girl. I like your way!


    ¡ª Last shot by Ferin is so epic. lol. I clipped it


    ¡ª Breeze and RifleLife getting serious. Then Bam! Ferin killed RifleLife. That was so epic lololol


    ¡ª Congrattions, OrangeSquash!


    ¡ª Breezee!!


    Reading the chat, Max''s lips curled into a genuine smile. While a lot of spectators left their seats without watching them lifting the trophy, he was d there were still more than 100K people in their home or VR world watching it.


    "See?" Flexy smirked as he appeared on his side. "This is life. You lost something small but gained something big."


    "Heh, you talk big for someone who only does this for fun." Max scoffed and put his hands inside his pocket, "But I guess you''re right. This is life."

 Chapter 322: Chapter 322 – Party and Spreading Heat

    "Cheers!"


    "C-Cheers¡­"


    After victory came celebration; this was a natural way of life. It was held on Sitting Dragn''s roof.


    Max sat on the end of the table and joined to drink something light. There was no need to refuse drinking in this kind of situation, especially since he already had someone looking out for him and staying sober.


    "Hahaha, everything is on me! Drink more, guys!" Flexy was lost in happiness andughed loudly.


    "He''s really happy with the result," Maxmented as he looked at his happy friend, "I am also satisfied, though. Don''t you think so, Sucker? I got many good footage you can use, right?"


    "Why is this noble me here?" BloodSucker deted as he sipped wine in the ss in a ssy manner, "At least the drink is passable." He licked his lips.


    "I am d you''re enjoying yourself." He chuckled after seeing his editor before turning to Lily. "And, Lily¡­ This man isn''t that scary, no? You watched him acting like a kid on the spectator seat earlier."


    "Am I feared?" BloodSucker asked with a tint of happiness in his voice.


    "Shaa!" Lily hissed as she hid behind Max, ring at the vampire-wannabe. "Take 10 steps away!"


    "Come on, you''re not a cat." Max sighed and turned to a certain tinum-haired girl. "And Ferin, please don''t take pictures."


    "Tsk, I was found out." Ferin clicked her tongue and silently returned to her seat. "But, yeah. Is he your editor? This man looks¡­ unique. Say, do you want to work in my agency as a model? I can promise a good pay."


    Hearing the top model''s offer, Max was surprised. He knew BloodSucker looked a bit¡­ better than other men. But getting an invitation to join Ferin''s agency wasn''t that easy. He knew about it because Lily shared a story about her agency beforehand.


    He looked at his editor curiously. Would he ept it? And if he did, how about the job as an editor?


    However, he didn''t need to worry at all.


    BloodSucker moved the ss in his hand slowly, watching the wine move inside.


    "Sorry,dy. But this noble me''s figure is not for everyone to enjoy. Besides, light kills me and I love my current job. So, no, thank you."


    "A shame." Ferin shrugged her shoulders, "You can be famous among gothdies, you know? With your unique style and this vampire cosy."


    "Huh? Cosy?" The vampire-wannabe raised his voice and red at the top model, "Let me tell you something! I am not cosying. This is art. My true self! Viscount BloodSucker, thest vampire at your service.


    Be honored at meeting this ted figure!"


    This time, it was Ferin''s turn to be speechless. She pointed her finger at BloodSucker, who kept yapping about his lineage, and turned at Max.


    He could only nod at her. There was no cure to his editor''s fantasy and delusion. It was at an acute level already.


    The party continued. After watching BloodSucker''s strange and unique behavior, Lily''s fear toward him had lessened. She settled on the thought that he was just one of those crazy people on the street and just thought of him as a walking editor for her boyfriend.


    While that wasn''t wrong, it hurt the vampire-wannabe''s heart slightly when he heard it. But then, heughed maniacally.


    ***


    While the yers were out partying, Roach''s forum was aze. The reason was just one. An unexpected winner and an underwhelming final match.


    [The final match ended at the 6th wave. Really?]


    [Fraud winner! They employed a sly strategy to win.]


    [Cheat or not? OrangeSquash''s gamey analysis!]


    [Let''s talk about the final.]


    ¡ª WTF! That''s my reaction


    ©¸ kekw, me too. That''s my honest reaction too


    ©¸ No one mes you for not trusting it. Especially after what they showed us


    ¡ª The MiceMice team got annihted first. And then a least favorite team with 3 of their members reced managed to snatch the win. Can someone exin it to me? HOW?!


    ©¸ Just because


    ©¸ Because they are better than the 3 members that left the team!


    ©¸ Is that so hard to understand? It''s clearly because the new members are skilled. GODLY!


    ¡ª Final? Isn''t that just ast preliminary? I thought thepetition would only start next month


    ¡ª It''s so ridiculous that I can''t fathom what happened. Will we see such a strategy often from now on?


    ©¸ Say less, my teammates all use Sniper Rifle now


    ©¸ No one defends my base! I was left alone dealing with the wave and they just died. Fck them!


    ©¸ High MMR people now try OrangeSquash''s strategy. Their winning rates increased by 20% at first, but now they can''t win.


    ©¸ That strategy can only be used once, dude. And it requires a high skill ceiling.


    ¡ª I say it''s bull. They don''t deserve the win!


    Many people were dissatisfied with the result. New strategy and new champion. No one wanted to ept it. They chose to talk bad about the winner instead because that was way easier for them.


    The head didn''t only reach Roach''s forum. Strike was also buzzing after the anonymous first and third rank in SR ranking were revealed.


    A certainmunity stepped forward from their cave and shared this news first. Thismunity was made up of yers who yed Horizon Online, As and Ferin''s main game, totaling more than 50 million active yers worldwide.


    [I knew it! Those crazy couples are indeed crazy! Look at As'' SR. A fucking 100%! Dude, is he even human? How could he achieve that SR?] Stay updated with mvl


    [It''s not humanly possible. 100% SR? Do those scientists have any exnation? Is his brain made from data?]


    [As, first confirmed 100%. GOD is the crazy couple from Horizon Online and a top model As!]


    [No talk from the doctor or scientist. 100% SR. Real or fake?]


    Due to the gravity of the situation, no one knew how to react and thought it was exaggerated. Max also didn''t believe it at first, but Lily had a perfect exnation that no other people knew besides a select few.


    "As was the one who helped the Spencer Family tune our new VR Capsule. It''s made with him as a base, that''s why he can reach 100% SR. Before this capsule was released, his SR peaked at 98.2%, while Ferin had the same SR as the one she had right now. Ah, this is a family secret."


    After slyly putting her finger in front of her lips, Lily grinned at him. He knew why and couldn''t help but pull her into a hug and give her a kiss, even in front of everyone. She was too cute to imply she shared this family secret with him.


    That made her blush furiously, and she ran away first. Max chased after her and practically ended the party for the night.

 Chapter 323: Chapter 323 – New Season Arrived

    Everyone returned to their respective home and hotel. The next day, he returned home with Lily using Sky Rail.


    It was a fulfilling week.


    But streamers had no word ''rest'' in their dictionary. Tomorrow was just another day for them.


    ***


    June arrived.


    Summer had arrived with a full st, and the temperature outside had increased significantly.


    Many scientists stepped forward and put their theory regarding As'' SR on Strike.


    The Roach''spetition news was buried thanks to that, not that it mattered because the OrangeSquash''s team received too much hate from the game''s fans due to their strategy. Instead, it was good news for them because they didn''t receive any bacsh or haters.


    3 days had passed since Max returned from thepetition. He was home already, and he felt rather¡­ empty. He had finished one ad offer Michael gave him, a shout-out to an energy drink brand. It was really easy because all he had to do was put up their brand logo and talk a little bit.


    ''That''s the easiest 10 grand that I ever made in my life.'' He sneered as he enjoyed a cold orange juice in his living room.


    He wanted to visit Lily, but she was busy creating new songs from the new album. Now, without anything to do, he was just chatting with his friends while rxing.


    Amelia, MadLad, Princess Peach, almost all he talked to in the new streamers gathering messaged him a day after the tournament, and they still contact each other today.


    "No one is online at this hour. Might as well take a nap and get some rest."


    Ding!


    Just as Max finished saying that and standing up, he got a new message. He stopped in his motion and decided to check it first.


    [Peach: Peasant! Are you free on the 6th of June, on Saturday night? Be grateful that I will bring you to a fun VR world. Reply to me within a minute, or I won''t invite you any longer. Also, you can invite that girlfriend of yours. I''ll allow it.]


    Peach, better known as Princess Peach, embraced her role pretty deeply even when she wasn''t streaming. She acted like a haughty princess whocked nothing.


    "Fun VR world?" Max muttered in wonder as he looked at the message.


    Just a secondter, another message arrived.


    [Peach: I know you''ve read my message! Come and reply. There are only 4 of us, and we need 2 more. It''s a reality show with a big channel from our agency, Bamboo TV. If you''re interested, I can tell you the details of the show.]


    ''This girl was too pushy.'' He thought as he wrote a reply, not trying to be polite with how she talked to him. It was the way she also preferred because she was apparently not good with polite stuff. ''Strange for a Princess to be bad with polite stuff. Is she even trying?'' He added with amusement in his mind.


    [Breeze: Am I even allowed to join? You said there are 4 of you. Who are they?]


    [Peach: Finally, you replied! With me is my Vtuber junior, a new talent chosenst month. Then there are Lightning912 and Tiamat55. You know them. Lightning is your fan, and Tiamat is his friend.]


    "Hmm, so it''s both of them." Max nodded. He recognized both, especially Lightning. "He donated a generous amount of money to me. A good guy who never contacted me again since that day. Well, I know his feelings. He probably doesn''t want to bother me¡­ Unlike Princess Peach." He chuckled.


    Still, there was no reason to refuse. Princess Peach also mentioned inviting Lily, and he was favorable to ept her invitation because of that. However, he still had to hear what kind of reality show it was.


    [Breeze: Can you spare me a little bit of detail about this reality show? Is it a one-time event, or has it been aired before? I have to hear it first before making a decision. And what do I gain from this? You know, my reputation after the Roachpetition isn''t exactly stable.]


    [Peach: I figured that out. You don''t want to create any drama, right? Don''t worry, it''s just a simple variety show about cooking. The show is called Heavenly Dish. Because of ourck of newbies and reputation, we decided to invite 2 guests. Of course, there will be an appearance fee.


    We can talk about thatter.]


    Now, that was a real talk. Max was interested in the event and was about to consider it seriously. But then, he remembered that this was an agency event and not a personal one like a streamer gathering. He was also about to appear as a guest, so he couldn''t ept it easily.


    ''I have to talk to Michael about this. Even if I look free, I am still affiliated with Biozone Entertainment. I was about to agree easily due to how she rushed me. Damn, that was close. Princess Peach is such a good roleyer.''


    [Breeze: I will talk with my assistant from the Biozone first. If I get an OK, I will tell you immediately.]


    [Peach: Hmm, understood. Peasant does need to report to their superior before epting an invitation. I will wait until tomorrow. Do bring me good news.]


    That should settle it.


    "Let''s call Michael now." He said, pulling out his contact list. "But still¡­ Cooking? What a coincidence. I should ask Chef Rush to teach me if Michael allows me to join this."


    With that, he called the person responsible for him in Biozone and exined the situation. Michael didn''t stop and even pushed him to join this event because it could foster a rtionship between him and Bamboo Talent.


    Max could''ve epted and sent a message to Princess Peach immediately, but he held it off forter. She said she would wait until tomorrow, and he would sell himself high so he wouldn''t appear to be a cheapmodity.


    Stay updated via mvl


    "The weather is so good. Let''s make some tutorials using monkey bars on the roof. Oh, I should also call Lily and tell her about it. I hope she agrees to join this event with me."

 Chapter 322 - 322 – Party and Spreading Heat

    "Cheers!"


    "C-Cheers¡­"


    After victory came celebration; this was a natural way of life. It was held on Sitting Dragn''s roof.


    Max sat on the end of the table and joined to drink something light. There was no need to refuse drinking in this kind of situation, especially since he already had someone looking out for him and staying sober.


    "Hahaha, everything is on me! Drink more, guys!" Flexy was lost in happiness andughed loudly.


    "He''s really happy with the result," Maxmented as he looked at his happy friend, "I am also satisfied, though. Don''t you think so, Sucker? I got many good footage you can use, right?"


    "Why is this noble me here?" BloodSucker deted as he sipped wine in the ss in a ssy manner, "At least the drink is passable." He licked his lips.


    "I am d you''re enjoying yourself." He chuckled after seeing his editor before turning to Lily. "And, Lily¡­ This man isn''t that scary, no? You watched him acting like a kid on the spectator seat earlier."


    "Am I feared?" BloodSucker asked with a tint of happiness in his voice.


    "Shaa!" Lily hissed as she hid behind Max, ring at the vampire-wannabe. "Take 10 steps away!"


    "Come on, you''re not a cat." Max sighed and turned to a certain tinum-haired girl. "And Ferin, please don''t take pictures."


    "Tsk, I was found out." Ferin clicked her tongue and silently returned to her seat. "But, yeah. Is he your editor? This man looks¡­ unique. Say, do you want to work in my agency as a model? I can promise a good pay."


    Hearing the top model''s offer, Max was surprised. He knew BloodSucker looked a bit¡­ better than other men. But getting an invitation to join Ferin''s agency wasn''t that easy. He knew about it because Lily shared a story about her agency beforehand.


    He looked at his editor curiously. Would he ept it? And if he did, how about the job as an editor?


    However, he didn''t need to worry at all.


    BloodSucker moved the ss in his hand slowly, watching the wine move inside.


    "Sorry,dy. But this noble me''s figure is not for everyone to enjoy. Besides, light kills me and I love my current job. So, no, thank you."


    "A shame." Ferin shrugged her shoulders, "You can be famous among gothdies, you know? With your unique style and this vampire cosy."


    "Huh? Cosy?" The vampire-wannabe raised his voice and red at the top model, "Let me tell you something! I am not cosying. This is art. My true self! Viscount BloodSucker, thest vampire at your service.


    Be honored at meeting this ted figure!"


    This time, it was Ferin''s turn to be speechless. She pointed her finger at BloodSucker, who kept yapping about his lineage, and turned at Max.


    He could only nod at her. There was no cure to his editor''s fantasy and delusion. It was at an acute level already.


    The party continued. After watching BloodSucker''s strange and unique behavior, Lily''s fear toward him had lessened. She settled on the thought that he was just one of those crazy people on the street and just thought of him as a walking editor for her boyfriend.


    While that wasn''t wrong, it hurt the vampire-wannabe''s heart slightly when he heard it. But then, heughed maniacally.


    ***


    While the yers were out partying, Roach''s forum was aze. The reason was just one. An unexpected winner and an underwhelming final match.


    [The final match ended at the 6th wave. Really?]


    [Fraud winner! They employed a sly strategy to win.]


    [Cheat or not? OrangeSquash''s gamey analysis!]


    [Let''s talk about the final.]


    ¡ª WTF! That''s my reaction


    ©¸ kekw, me too. That''s my honest reaction too


    ©¸ No one mes you for not trusting it. Especially after what they showed us


    ¡ª The MiceMice team got annihted first. And then a least favorite team with 3 of their members reced managed to snatch the win. Can someone exin it to me? HOW?!


    ©¸ Just because


    ©¸ Because they are better than the 3 members that left the team!


    ©¸ Is that so hard to understand? It''s clearly because the new members are skilled. GODLY!


    ¡ª Final? Isn''t that just ast preliminary? I thought thepetition would only start next month


    ¡ª It''s so ridiculous that I can''t fathom what happened. Will we see such a strategy often from now on?


    ©¸ Say less, my teammates all use Sniper Rifle now


    ©¸ No one defends my base! I was left alone dealing with the wave and they just died. Fck them!


    ©¸ High MMR people now try OrangeSquash''s strategy. Their winning rates increased by 20% at first, but now they can''t win.


    ©¸ That strategy can only be used once, dude. And it requires a high skill ceiling.


    ¡ª I say it''s bull. They don''t deserve the win!


    Many people were dissatisfied with the result. New strategy and new champion. No one wanted to ept it. They chose to talk bad about the winner instead because that was way easier for them.


    The head didn''t only reach Roach''s forum. Strike was also buzzing after the anonymous first and third rank in SR ranking were revealed.


    A certainmunity stepped forward from their cave and shared this news first. Thismunity was made up of yers who yed Horizon Online, As and Ferin''s main game, totaling more than 50 million active yers worldwide.


    [I knew it! Those crazy couples are indeed crazy! Look at As'' SR. A fucking 100%! Dude, is he even human? How could he achieve that SR?] Stay updated with mvl


    [It''s not humanly possible. 100% SR? Do those scientists have any exnation? Is his brain made from data?]


    [As, first confirmed 100%. GOD is the crazy couple from Horizon Online and a top model As!]


    [No talk from the doctor or scientist. 100% SR. Real or fake?]


    Due to the gravity of the situation, no one knew how to react and thought it was exaggerated. Max also didn''t believe it at first, but Lily had a perfect exnation that no other people knew besides a select few.


    "As was the one who helped the Spencer Family tune our new VR Capsule. It''s made with him as a base, that''s why he can reach 100% SR. Before this capsule was released, his SR peaked at 98.2%, while Ferin had the same SR as the one she had right now. Ah, this is a family secret."


    After slyly putting her finger in front of her lips, Lily grinned at him. He knew why and couldn''t help but pull her into a hug and give her a kiss, even in front of everyone. She was too cute to imply she shared this family secret with him.


    That made her blush furiously, and she ran away first. Max chased after her and practically ended the party for the night.

 Chapter 324: Chapter 324 – Apprentice Cooking

    Lily epted the invitation and was looking forward to it. Max was d that she did because he could show off his skill then.


    The day passed quickly. He streamed IRL, showing off some moves that he could do using monkey bars on the roof. He ced the camera in a way so people couldn''t recognize the scenery around him. The stream was pretty short because he needed to do something at night.


    After ending his stream, he took a shower and went out of his apartment. He wanted to meet Chef Rush and asked him to teach him for a week. It could also be content and promote the restaurant if it went well.


    Arriving at the restaurant, Max hesitated a bit. It looked so foreign, and no energetic girl was greeting him. Instead, a young man acted as a waiter and took orders from a few people. He was probably a new guy who was employed by Chef Rush to take Nina''s position.


    "Wee!" The waiter greeted him excitedly. "Do you want to dine in or take away?" He asked.


    "Ah, I don''t need them. I am here to meet Chef Rush. Is he inside?" Max answered softly to the waiter, who didn''t recognize him.


    "Chef Rush? I am sorry, but he''s busy¨C"


    "Boy? Come inside."


    Before the waiter finished his sentence, Chef Rush appeared from the small window connected to the dining hall, and his voice boomed.


    Max looked at the chef briefly before turning to the waiter.


    "Excuse me."


    He walked past the confused young man and entered the kitchen with familiarity. Yes, familiar. However, once again, being here without Nina''s presence felt slightly strange.


    Entering the kitchen, the aroma of all spices hit his nostrils. It was too thick that he frowned slightly before locating Chef Rush, who was cooking alone in the kitchen. Therge man was wearing a hat and mask for sanitary purposes.


    "What do you need, boy? If you''re free, move your hand and give me a little help while we talk."


    It was strange and sudden, but Max didn''t refuse. He immediately threw an he took from the bench on and helped Chef Rush prepare the menus.


    The preparation included cutting vegetables, taking out the prepared dough from the refrigerator, and cutting it to be noodles¡­ It was hard.


    Not experienced in it, Max struggled at first. He made some mistakes and even shattered one te because his hand slipped. Everything was rushed.


    ''Holy shit, this is hard.''


    Probably because it was a dinner rush, many orders came after one another. There was no end to the preparation and cooking.


    At some points, Chef Rush shouted loudly to make him move.


    "Boy! You haven''t cut the onion yet! We need it ASAP!"


    "Coming!"


    Sweat poured from Max''s forehead as the heat from the stove got onto him. He definitely didn''t expect this and wasn''t prepared at all. He nned just to ask today and start tomorrow.


    ''Ah, fuck it! This is so hard. How can Chef Rush handle this alone? I am impressed.''


    In fact, with him being here, the cooking speed has decreased. He wasn''t aware of it.


    The rush continued until 8 PM. Orders started to slow down, and finally, thest customer had been served.


    Max could finally rest for a while and took some breaths. Chef Rush said they could talk while preparing stuff, but he was too busy to even say something.


    "Good work. You helped me a little." Chef Rush said as he approached him and took off his chef''s hat. "So, what do you want to talk about?" Therge man took a seat next to him and stared directly into his eyes.


    Max smiled wryly and exined why he was here today and about the cooking event that was held in three days. Chef Rush listened quietly and nodded at the end.


    "Cooking show, huh? What is your n about it? Making my special noodle?"


    "Yes." Max quickly affirmed it. "I wanted to make Rush Noodles in that show. Also¡­ If possible, may I help you like today while streaming about it until D-day? I believe it will increase the sa¨C"


    "Boy." Chef Rush interrupted him with a low voice.


    Looking at the serious chef, Max gulped involuntarily. The pressure was strangely suffocating.


    ''Is it no good?'' He thought, nervously hoping that wasn''t the case.


    If he hadn''t been allowed to stream about helping the chef, he might have had to streamte at night after helping. His body would be really tired, but there was no choice.


    However, what came out of Chef Rush''s mouth next wasn''t a rejection.


    "You don''t need to ask for my permission for that. As long as you can do the job, you can stream, flip, or even sleep in the kitchen. Do what you want. I don''t care about sales or anything. I am d to see your face and get free help. That''s enough for me."


    The Chef stood from his chair and patted his shoulder before walking away.


    "I need you in the morning tomorrow if you don''t mind. Come in time."


    Max turned around and shouted, "Yes, Chef."


    "Good. Bring some dough and spices with you before leaving. Try to make your own noodles at home for practice. I will teach you the recipe tomorrow."


    "Yes."


    Chef Rush left the kitchen to rest for a while since the customer stoppeding. Max followed what he said and took some dough and spices to create his version of Rush Noodle.


    ''Let''s see, maybe it''s M and some mixed spices. I also need some chicken and broth. Yes, this is all. I won''t take the pork char siu because that will be too much, and I don''t n to make the taste tooplicated for myself. I am not confident of making them all in the cooking event.''


    He didn''t know how much time he had in the event, so he nned to make it simple but good.


    After getting everything he needed, he left the kitchen and bid farewell to Chef Rush and Kevin, the new waiter.


    When walking home, he looked at the sky and thanked the chef in his mind.


    ''I am eternally grateful, Chef Rush.''


    Not only was he willing to help him immediately, but he also allowed him to make good content.


    ''I will make sure those guys know how delicious your noodles are!''


    At that moment, his stomach grumbled. Max had missed dinner earlier. He hurried back to his apartment and made the Rush Noodles using the ingredients he brought from the restaurant.


    Putting everything together wasn''t that hard, especially after he helped Chef Rush earlier. He recreated a simr taste to the original, although he felt it stillcked something.


    Still, he didn''t mind. The appearance was close to the original, too. He snapped a picture of it and posted it to his Strike.


    [I will apprentice as a chef tomorrow! Look forward to the livestream! This is my take on one of the menus in the restaurant.]


    [attachedImage.jpg]


    His followers immediately flocked to the post and liked it while leavingments. Some said they woulde to the restaurant tomorrow if he did livestream it.


    ''Well, it seems a busy day will wait for me.'' His lips twitched upward as he rested his body on the couch. ''I have to tell Chef Rush to prepare more ingredients tomorrow. And I also need to message Peach about my participation.''

 Chapter 325: Chapter 325 – Customer Rush

    Max woke up earlier than usual to head to the restaurant. He saw a message from Nina when he checked this morning. His best friend thanked him for helping her father and said good luck.


    At first, he thought the good luck he needed was limited to preparation like yesterday. Maybe it would be a bit busier with his viewersing to the restaurant after seeing his post, just like when he promoted the restaurant for the first time in the past.


    However, he was wrong. No, he just underestimated his influence. An average view of 1K and 15K was way too different. The scale just couldn''t bepared.


    "Holy!"


    When he arrived at the street where the restaurant was located, he noticed a long queue and immediately hid himself. Thankfully, he wore a mask and chef''s clothes he boughtst night, so no one noticed that it was him.


    "What the hell?"


    The line was so long that he couldn''t even see the restaurant. At a nce, there were more than 100 people waiting already. And he was sure it would just increase more than this.


    ''Shit. What should I do? No, would we be able to handle them? I should go to the restaurant through the backdoor for now.''


    Thinking so, he used an alternative way to reach the restaurant. He immediately entered and found Chef Rush standing in the kitchen.


    "Chef!" Max called out to therge man, "Outside."


    "I know." Chef Rush replied calmly without showing any panic. "There is a line. I have called both Kevin and Anna to work early today. They will bring extra ingredients, too. In the meantime, read the recipe on that table and learn it. Unfortunately, I have no time to teach you today.


    We will learn on the fly."


    The instructions were clear and precise. Max nodded and began to read the recipe. At the same time, he set the action camera and strapped it to his chest. The wireless microphone was clipped on his cor. He was ready to livestream anytime and just needed to start it.


    ''Let''s see.'' He mused while reading the piece of paper. A little bit traditional, but it might be put this way to avoid a leak of the secret recipe to the inte. ''There are 3 dishes Chef Rush wanted to teach me, huh? The Hell Noodles, Rush Noodles, and Gentle Noodles.''


    The name was based on the ingredients used and how spicy they were¡ªstarting from the spiciest, Hell Noodles to the least spicy, Gentle Noodles. Rush Noodles was a specialty of the shop and was the mostmon one.


    ''Why did he only teach me 3 recipes? I remember there are many in the menus.'' Max wondered as he squinted his eyes.


    At that moment, Chef Rush exined it.


    "We will only serve those 3 dishes today. There is not enough time to prepare a variety of dishes when we handle a lot of customers, so I cut down the menu. Side dishes like Char Siu will be served as usual. They are already prepared in the fridge and you just need to torch them."


    That made sense.


    "Yes, Chef."


    Everything went fast after that. The waiter and waitress, Kevin and Anna, arrived with extra ingredients from the backdoor. The waitress recognized Max and greeted him before preparing to open the restaurant with Kevin.


    Chef Rush immediately took the new ingredients and worked on them while Max learned the recipe. 5 minutes before the restaurant was open, therge man called out to him.


    "Boy, try to make one. You can start your livestream or whatever now, too. I will give you 1 minute to start it."


    "Got it!"


    After getting permission, Max set up his livestream. He looked at the screen and made sure his voice and the camera took everything.


    Once he did, he started it, and viewers began to flock. Because this was still morning, only around 6K viewers jumped right into it in the first minute.


    "Morning, guys! Can you hear me?" He greeted them as he walked to his station to make the first noodle.


    ¡ª Nice and clear!


    ¡ª Is that kitchen I see? Chef Breeze is on duty!


    ¡ª Yo, morning! When will the restaurant open? I''ve been waiting in line for 20 minutes now!


    ¡ª 30 minutes for me! Hehe, I snatched the first spot!


    ¡ª Woah, look at that chef cutting the vegetables! He''s full of muscle and so tall. His hands also move so fast lol


    ¡ª Impressive. The kitchen is so clean. I will go there after eating breakfast.


    ¡ª What''s the use of it? lol. Why eat before going to the restaurant?


    "It will open soon. For now, I will make the first noodle." He said and began to work, creating the noodles first from the fresh dough.


    Some were already cut, but he wanted to show his viewers that everything was made and prepared by the restaurant and not bought from the supermarket. A certain group didn''t want to eat processed and frozen food, only preferring the ''fresh'' ingredients they could see.


    ''I bet some only wanted to eat animals that they saw alive too. Well, not my problem, but I need to do this to appeal to more people.''


    After turning the dough into noodles, he boiled them and prepared for the spice. He added them into a bowl and stirred it with hot oil before putting the ready noodles in it. The process was easy because all the preparations were finished.


    When the noodles and the spices had been mixed, he added broth, spring onions, aroma oil, and chicken to finish the dish. Because it was the first dish he made, he made sure the ting was perfect and showed it to the camera.


    "It''s done! Rush Noodle with chicken cutlets!"


    ¡ª Oooh, it looks good


    ¡ª The broth looks so red. Is it spicy? I can''t handle it


    ¡ª Mother hell, I want to eat that!


    ¡ª Mom, make me one like that!


    ¡ª Now I am hungry. Having spicy food for breakfast is gonna train my stomach!


    Max nodded in satisfaction as he managed to follow the recipe. He saw Chef Rush approach him and look at the noodles before taking a spoon and sipping the broth.


    The atmosphere was tense. Did he mess up the spice? Why does Chef Rush stay silent after tasting it?


    A secondter, the chef took a chopstick and slurped the noodles. He chewed slowly and surely, making sure the texture was correct.


    After a while, he hummed and nodded firmly.


    "We can serve this to customers." The chef said. He turned to Max and patted his shoulders. "I am counting on you, boy."


    Hearing that, Max beamed with a smile. It was a small aplishment of just putting everything together, but he was happy to be praised and acknowledged.


    "Thanks, chef!"


    ¡ª Breeze isplimented!


    ¡ª Good for you, Breeze


    ¡ª Damn, the chef''s voice is so deep. I am trembling in fear


    ¡ª That is what you call a man. TRUE MAN!


    ¡ª Somehow, I became tense when Breeze was waiting for the judgment. Good thing he passed!


    ¡ª Meh, just putting everything together is easy.


    ¡ª Easy? Try to do it in front of that chef. I bet you will be trembling in fear and unable to move!


    The chat burst with fever like usual. Max didn''t read them and continued his preparation. The front area was ready, and Kevin told the kitchen that they would open the restaurant soon.


    Max was ready. He was confident he could take all orders without any problem.


    "We''re opening it!" Anna''s voice was booming from outside as they opened the shutter.


    Once the sign was turned open and the door was unlocked, the people from outside began to enter like a stampede and filled the area. Orders began to arrive without stopping.


    War had begun.


    "Alright! I will feed you guys until full!"

 Chapter 326: Chapter 326 – Madness of Kitchen

    "Boy! Make 3 more Rush Noodles! Don''t even stop for a second or you will be fired!"


    "I got it, Chef. 3 Rush Noodles are ready. What''s next?"


    "2 Hell Noodles with Char Siu topping. Give extra spring onions!"


    "Alright."


    The kitchen was in chaos. Chef Rush and Max moved to prepare dishes without stopping. Sweat dripped down his forehead from the heat, forcing him to stop every now and then to wipe it clean before continuing to serve the customers.


    There was no end to the rush. Even after an hour passed, there was no sign of stopping. Most customers took a takeaway because the ce was full, but that only contributed to more chaos in the kitchen.


    A few hours of cooking without rest was¡­ insane. 11K people who watched the livestream were amazed.


    ¡ª So this is the kitchen?


    ¡ª The Chef is yelling every time. It''s so scary. It''s amazing that Breeze hasn''t fallen yet.


    ¡ª They move so fast without stopping. It''s been 2 hours since they started cooking and it doesn''t look like they will stop soon.


    ¡ª Is something like this normal?


    ¡ª No, this is worse than rush hour. I work in the kitchen and never see a customer lining up like that. Even if they make simple dishes, it''s so exhausting.


    ¡ª And yet, they don''t forget the sanitary. Respect for both, especially Breeze


    ¡ª He''s so focused he didn''t even look at the chat. This is the proof. Breeze can''t cook! He won''t respond.


    ¡ª True lol. Rather, he has no time to respond to us.


    The work was too much for even Max, and it became hard for his body. He probably couldn''t continue tomorrow.


    ''Please make it stop!'' He desperately wished in his mind.


    That wish came pretty quickly as Chef Rush walked to the window.


    "Kevin, get more ingredients from the store. We''re sold out. Tell the customers outside to either wait for 20 minutes or they can return after lunch. As for the orders that were alreadying, we can finish them. Please wait a little."


    "Yes, Chef!"


    Kevin ran out of the restaurant immediately, and all responsibility for serving the customers fell to Anna. It became busier as lunch approached. They closed the restaurant for a while for extra preparation.


    The line outside was still too long, so Chef Rush decided to stop taking new customers and tell Kevin to stop them by putting on a sign that they had sold out. Max also announced it in his livestream as he rested and got a nice cold drink.


    "Please stoping for today, guys. If you want to try the noodles, you can do it tomorrow. I am dead, and Chef Rush is tired. Look, he''s even sweating when he usually is not. You see how hard today is."


    ¡ª Suffering from sess¡­


    ¡ª So only people lining up outside will be served? Damn, I amte because I had breakfast.


    ¡ª ¡­ You actually eat breakfast first?


    ¡ª Poor people who line up outside¡­ They must be under a hot sun. Why is the restaurant doing nothing?


    ¡ª Shut your trap. I am now lining up outside and they gave us cold drinks for free. The restaurant takes care of us enough to the point they resupply to serve us!


    ¡ª Yeah, the cold drink is nice. I am willing to line up just to try the noodles. I am salivating, dude


    "Thanks for the rification, guys." Max chuckled and pulled his mask down as he looked at the camera. "Yeah, Chef Rush is someone who cares about his customers a lot. While he looks scary, he''s actually kind inside. He was someone who helped me from nothing until I became like this today."


    ¡ª Good guy then


    ¡ª Respect to Chef Rush o7


    ¡ª o7 respect


    ¡ª That big man has a big heart o7


    ¡ª Sad I can''te today, but I wille tomorrow. Will there be a limit?


    "Limit?" Max hummed, "I don''t know. I will askter when the restaurant closes."


    After saying that, he stood up and headed to a fridge to get something light to eat. There was an apple and he ate it. Chef Rush allowed him to take anything from this particr fridge outside the kitchen.


    Then, he headed to the kitchen once again and helped with thest preparation. Preparing everything for lunch was hard work with a different meaning than serving customers. It required a lot of cutting and washing vegetables.


    Max felt like his arms would fall off if this went any longer.


    And yet, the suffering continued. Lunch had arrived and the restaurant opened once again. Outside, 70 hungry people were waiting for their order.


    Moving his arms and legs faster than before, he made their orders without making any mistakes. He could make one order as fast as Chef Rush, which was an improvementpared to the start. One dish every 2 minutes. And he had to make 5 dishes simultaneously so the customers wouldn''t wait long.


    Speed was the key. But focus was also required.


    ¡ª I am fast AF, boy!


    ¡ª Damn, this looks like an action movie. Is cooking always this exaggerated?


    ¡ª Yeah, no. Usually, the kitchen job is a bit chill, with only one or two ordersing every 10 minutes. This is Hell


    ¡ª Hell''s Kitchen. Thankfully, our Breeze isn''t an idiot sandwich


    ¡ª True true, he''s a true kitchen warrior. But I am curious why he suddenly does a cook livestream like this


    ¡ª Maybe a change of pace? But yeah, you''re right. He can always cook in his home. Why be a real chef in a restaurant?


    Many viewers began to wonder about Max''s reason for apprenticing himself to Chef Rush and cooking in the restaurant.


    Some viewers began to reason with themselves and guessed it.


    ¡ª Maybe he wanted to help Chef Rush? Like¡­ look at the customers. Even I want to eat the noodles after seeing this stream


    ¡ª Ah, a promotion? Maybe that''s the case.


    That was only partly correct. The Bamboo TV event hadn''t been announced yet. It would only be posted on their official ount tomorrow night.


    But Max couldn''t answer that. He had no time to.


    "Last order, boy. 3 Hell Noodles, take away."


    "It''s done, Chef! I just need to te it!"


    After putting everything in a container, he made sure the lid wouldn''te loose and spill the packeted broth inside. Finishing thest order, he put them on the window and heaved a sigh of relief.


    "It''s done!"


    ¡ª Nice!


    ¡ª Congrattions!


    ¡ª You did it. The first day is over!


    A satisfaction washed over him as he turned to Chef Rush. Therge man nodded firmly and gave him a thumbs up.


    "Good job."


    ¡ª Oooh!


    ¡ª The chef recognized him! MAAAANNN


    ¡ª He''s a man. Caesar? Naah, Chef Rush is the real man


    ¡ª Hutch or Caesar can''t bepared. This¡­ Guys, we need to strive and be Chef Rush!


    ¡ª I ate my noodles, that was fire! I will be a regr


    ¡ª Kuh! This can''t be. I will return tomorrow!


    Everyone cheered in the chat. Max smiled when he saw the positivement. He was d this ce was more recognized.


    ''Now I just have to do my best tomorrow too.'' He thought, putting his hands on his hips. ''Well, restes first. I am so freaking tired.''


    The job wasn''t over yet with that. He helped to tidy up the restaurant before going home to prepare for the next day.

 Chapter 327: Chapter 327 – Announcement!

    The second day of his apprenticeship wasn''t that much different from the first day. However, Chef Rush was prepared and limited to one menu per person to amodate everyone.


    At least the restaurant could serve around 500 to 600 servings on a normal day. But on June 5th, the second day, they managed to serve around 900 servings and pumped the sales. Everyone was tired, and Chef Rush gave both Anna and Kevin a rest day on June 6th.


    Unlike the first day, the restaurant finished ratherte, at 3 PM. Max immediately returned to his apartment to clean himself. Then, he met up with Lily at a caf¨¦ to talk about tomorrow''s event.


    "Max, are you sure you won''t just rest? You look tired." She asked worriedly after they sat on the chair in the corner of the caf¨¦.


    Facing her, he gave a smile.


    "It''s okay. I can handle this much."


    "You sure? Don''t push yourself, okay. What if you get sick?"


    Discover stories with mvl


    "At that time, you will take care of me, right?" He teased and grinned, taking her hand.


    Yes, he was still scared of getting sick and being in a hospital. But having someone next to him just made that fear trivial.


    Hearing his teasing, Lily''s cheek blushed slightly, and she looked away from him.


    "Please don''t joke around." She said, pulling her turtleneck''s cor to hide her lower face.


    Both of them enjoyed the atmosphere between them for a while until the waitress brought their order. She had calmed down considerably and changed the topic.


    "Still¡­" She said, looking at him strangely. "Isn''t $3,000 too much for our guests'' appearance fee? I mean, I am not that great of a cook. And I am not that famous, with only 3-4K average viewers¡­"


    "I think it''s pretty reasonable." Max answered as he nibbled on a croissant he ordered, "I mean when you''re in my channel, it boosts the view up to 2K. With both of our viewsbined, it''s more than 16K. Not to mention, I have close to 900K followers now and keep going. 3K is reasonable for our fee."


    He wanted to say that they probably would earn more once White Lily''s real identity was announced, but he kept that to himself because his girlfriend still couldn''t ept the fact they got $3K for just attending an event.


    ''I was like that at the start too. I guess I have gotten used to it.'' He thought. ''Still, I thought 3K would be nothing for her. But she looked happy about it.''


    Maybe it was the sense of aplishment of getting paid for her own effort. He was happy for her.


    They talked more about the event and what they expected from it. Their guess was it was a group cooking. The cooking itself would be fun without any kind of winners.


    "If it''s indeed a group cooking, then I can teach you how to make Rush Noodles. But there is a chance that we will be paired with someone else, so at least we can make something simple but stand out in the VR World."


    "That''s a good idea." Lily nodded in agreement and sipped a juice. "I can make simple dishes, thanks to the high school lesson. Instant noodles and fried eggs are things I am good at." She added proudly and smiled at him.


    Max was speechless. Instant noodles and fried eggs.


    ''Aren''t those too basic?'' He thought but didn''t voice it out loud to avoid disappointing her.


    "That look." She pouted and puffed her cheek. "You look down on me, I know it. You thought instant noodles and fried eggs were too easy. But don''t underestimate me! What I make is delicious. I can make it for you tonight if you don''t believe it."


    "Haha, I believe it." He chuckled at her, but she didn''t stop sulking.


    "Uuuh¡­ You don''t believe me."


    "I do." He assured her, still chuckling.


    Lily threw her face away and Max realized he was too far at teasing her. He didn''t want her to be angry, so he agreed to have her cook him dinner tonight to prove her skill. Only then did she calm down and forgive him.


    At 5 PM, the announcement they had been waiting for was posted on Bamboo Talent''s official ount.


    [Surprise! The Cooking Talent Show has returned!


    We will bring the Cooking Talent Show back for this summer''s Talent Show. Princess Peach, Knight Leticia, Lightning912, and Tiamat55 will participate in this time''s Talent Show. We will also have Breeze and LilyPixel as special guests!


    Anticipate their appearance tomorrow at 11 AM on our official channel!]


    [AttachedLink]


    Max and Lily immediately shared the post, and it blew up immediately.


    ¡ª Cooking talent show? Is this what he prepared for?


    ¡ª Two days working in a restaurant for this? For this talent show?


    ¡ª Breeze and LilyPixel in a talent show. This is interesting!


    ©¸ Yeah, this will be wholesome.


    ©¸ Agree!


    ©¸ I will definitely watch it.


    ¡ª With Bamboo Talent, eh? Nice. They are pretty good


    ©¸ Yes, I know some talents there and have a good rtionship with them (Breeze)


    ¡ª Aaaah! This is why he learned to cook under Chef Rush.


    ©¸ Now I understand it


    ©¸ Will he bring that skill to the talent show?


    ©¸ Now, we will see Breeze shout at those guys, saying they aren''t good enough.


    ©¸ I can imagine Breeze shouting, "Do it, boy!" in Chef Rush''s voice.


    ©¸ I won''t do that, you know? (Breeze)


    The post was immediately filled withments from his followers. He replied to somements.


    Lily also read thements she got, but she didn''t reply to anyone.


    After a while, they decided to move to Max''s apartment. It was time to show off her cooking skills!


    Didn''t need to say it, but Max had no expectations. He only watched her making fried eggs with judging eyes. If it was about cooking, he would be strict with it! That was what Chef Rush had taught him in the past 2 days.


    When Lily was done, she gave him the simple fried egg with a proud expression. Max couldn''t be more disappointed, but he tried it nheless. He ate a quarter of it and had to admit it.


    ''Yeah, this is a disaster.''


    "It''s good." He tried his best to give her a thumbs-up in appreciation.


    Some talents were indeed meant to be buried. This was one of them.

 Chapter 328: Chapter 328 – Meeting Other Crews [1]

    Max groggily woke up and tried to remember what happenedst night.


    After tasting Lily''s fried egg, he apparently made a slightly disgusted face and she noticed it. With a burningpetitive spirit, she began to cook many things by looking up the recipe on the inte, but that didn''t work, leading him to have the worst stomach ache in history.


    Unable to continue being a guinea pig, he decided to stop Lily, which led her to be angry and cry. Calming her down took a long time. Only when he offered to teach her immediately did she calm down and nod.


    That was the true beginning of hell. Mistakes after mistakes were made. The kitchen became a mess, and he even had to restock ingredients just to help her learn how to cook. Praise to the drone delivery for 24/7 services.


    In the end, it took them a few hours to get a dish right. When they were done, the clock showed 2 AM, and he had Lily to stay after he called StoneSword. He still remembered his brother-inw''s warning right now.


    (If you do something that she doesn''t like, I will make sure you regret it.)


    Yeah, that was scary, especially since Max knew what happened to someone who made Lily ufortable.


    Thankfully, Lily was in a happy mood and even happier when he offered her to stay. She immediately called a drone delivery to send her something from her house.


    ''Ugh¡­'' Max groaned as he struggled to wake up. He felt a weight pulling his arm and looked to the left. Lily was hugging his left arm in her ck bunny onesie. Explore more stories at mvl


    "Lily." He called out to his girlfriend and shook her body softly. "Wake up, it''s morning. We will bete if we don''t prepare right now."


    "Hnn, just a bit." She snuggled closer with a sloppy expression. "Momo, so warm~"


    It seemed like she muttered in her sleep and thought his arm was her bunny plushie. Max''s lips curled upward, but that wouldn''t do. He woke up toote, and it was now 8 AM.


    "I am not Momo, youngdy. Get up and change your clothes. We will be returning you to your home, and log in to the VR World ASAP!"


    "Unn, Max?" Lily asked as she slowly opened her eyes. She was still half-asleep as she raised her body and looked around. "Where is Momo?" She looked at the arm she hugged and wondered.


    "There is no Momo, there is only Max." He answered with a chuckle and pulled her hand away.


    "Ah!" She let out a voice that sounded disappointed.


    Max sighed. He knew that Lily needed time to fully wake up in the morning and enjoy looking at her spoiled behavior. Still, they were busy today.


    ''I have no choice.'' He thought as he leaned forward and gave her a kiss.


    Lily''s eyes widened in surprise at the sudden stimtion. Her brain was fully awakened now, and she looked at Max, smiling softly at her.


    "Are you here now?" He asked softly.


    "Un." She nodded, still a bit out of herself. She wanted more and spread her arms. "One more?"


    "Couldn''t be helped."


    Max let herself get pulled in a hug and gave her another kiss, a deeper and more passionate one. Lily was satisfied and went to the bathroom to change her clothes before they headed out to her apartment. They nned to log in from the same ce to arrive together.


    Although the distance between Lily''s apartment and his was slightly far, they chose to walk together. It was topensate for theirck of exercise this morning. While walking, Max made sure to reviewst night''s cooking lesson, which was a disaster.


    "I know¡­ I can''t cook, but I can sing!" Lily proudly puffed her chest.


    One talent stood out more than the other. That was what she wanted to say. Max didn''t retort or anything and just praised her.


    Before long, they arrived at the empty penthouse. StoneSword was still busy reorganizing his newpany and stayed in the New Eden City until the private party was held at ater date.


    Max didn''t immediately log in to the VR World after he arrived at Lily''s apartment. Instead, he waited for her to take a shower while he made some breakfast. The fridge was filled with fresh ingredients, so he could make anything from it.


    The dish he chose was, without any question, Rush Noodles. He ate this same thing for a long time, but he wasn''t tired.


    Making the broth was tricky, but he could use a packeted broth instead of making it from scratch for now. He had to make do with it.


    "Done." He put down two bowls on the dining table and waited.


    It didn''t take long for Lily to show up in her jumpsuit and join him, still with slightly wet hair. They ate the noodles together, and she seemed to like them.


    "It''s so delicious, Max."


    "I am d if that''s the case."


    "Un, I like it."


    They continued to eat in silence and washed the dishes together. If one looked at them, they might mistook them as a newlywed. No one would doubt it.


    The couple logged into the VR World after that. They already had the code given by Princess Peach to one of the private meeting Lobby, so they went ahead and entered ahead of time. However¡­


    "You''rete!"


    A pink-haired girl in ringlets wearing a dress shouted at them with her hands on her hips once they showed up. Max and Lily were speechless, and the former looked at the clock.


    10:20 AM.


    Pretty sure they arrived more than half an hour earlier than the promised time. But Max realized his error when Princess Peach continued.


    "Everyone has arrived before 10 AM and is already preparing themselves for the set. The staff is briefing them right now. It''smon sense to arrive an hour early before an event. Have you guys never learned of that?"


    Max looked straight at Princess Peach and retorted, "Yeah, I never learned something like that. I always show up 30 minutes before the ''promised'' time, which someone told me is at 11 AM. I wonder whose Princess it was that said, ''Come before 11 AM in this Private Room! Make sure toe before that!''"


    He imitated Princess Peach''s voice, which made her blush in embarrassment while Lily giggled in amusement.


    "W-Wha¨C So, it''s my fault?!"


    "Yes, it''s your fault."


    "Un, agreed."

 Chapter 329: Chapter 329 – Meeting Other Crews [2]

    Indeed, it wasn''t Max''s fault that he didn''t know the briefing started an hour before the promised time. It was his contact''s fault, meaning Princess Peach''s.


    Both of them nodded and pinned the me on Princess Peach.


    The roleyer looked shocked and took a step back, but she managed to maintain her persona without breaking it.


    "F-Fine, that was my fault." Princess Peach said while pointing her finger at them. "But that''s not important! I am never wrong. We just have mimunication. So, forget about it, and let''s go to the shooting Lobby. Yes, we don''t want to bete."


    The one who was responsible formunicating threw away the responsibility and the me with roley.


    "You''re right." Max agreed with her. He didn''t want to hold the schedule any longer. "Let''s head to the shooting location."


    "Umu, look at your message. I will send them now."


    With that, Princess Peach operated the hologram screen and typed something before a notification rang from Max''s message. He looked at it and saw another code, which he forwarded to Lily.


    "You get it?" He asked her, eliciting a nod from his girlfriend.


    Then, he entered the code and entered another Lobby. This Lobby looked like a filming set, with all equipment ready. Many staff members walked around, setting the Cooking Talent Show props in the middle of a mock room in the middle of the studio space.


    Lily appeared next to him and looked around curiously.


    "It''s like a Knight''s Journey program." Shemented nostalgically and smiled. "That was where we first met."


    "You''re right. The atmosphere is simr to that time." He nodded at her and looked around to find Princess Peach.


    The said roleyer appeared next to him not long after. She immediately looked around and stopped her gaze at three people on the side of the kitchen prop with a secretary-like person talking to them. Find more to read at mvl


    Princess Peach turned to Max and Lily and pointed at the group.


    "Let''s get over there. They have started their briefing already."


    "Alright."


    Max and Lily followed Princess Peach to the group. They walked behind the nervous Princess. Putting all the me on her might be a little bit too much.


    ''Now I feel bad. I will console and help herter if the person responsible is angry.'' He thought, making up his mind.


    Stopping a bit away from the group, everyone looked at them.


    "The guests are finally here." The secretary-like person said, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Finally, we can go into a briefing."


    "Miss Misa, my apologies. The guests arrivedte because of my mimunication." She said while biting her lips, feeling bad about it.


    "It''s my fault for not double checking it. I thought I had to arrive before 11 AM." Max added with an apologetic tone.


    Miss Misa, the one responsible for this event, nodded at them.


    "It''s alright. Fortunately, the guests arrived 30 minutes before our program." She said, turning to Princess Peach. "I hope this won''t happen again in the future. Please learn from this and make sure to give our guests a detailed schedule."


    Turning around, Miss Misa approached both Max and Lily. She stopped before them and smiled, extending her hand.


    "Hello, my name is Caroline Murray, and I am Bamboo Talent''s third-generation manager. Thank you for epting our offer to join our quarterly newbie talent show."


    Max''s impression of Miss Caroline changed. He thought she was someone like Lisa, cold to everyone. But, she now looked like a big sister responsible for naughty siblings her parents asked her to watch.


    "Likewise." Max shook her hand and smiled. "Thank you for inviting us to join friends from Bamboo Talent. I really like an event like this. In fact, I even learned how to cook just to prepare for this event."


    "I am aware." Miss Caroline smiled at him, "I''d like to talk more, but our time is a bit pressed. We have to start our briefing from the beginning, introduction, and change your appearance to fit the theme of this talent show. I am sorry for the error on our side that makes us rush things."


    "It''s fine. I am used to it." Max chuckled and scratched his cheek.


    He said he was used to it because he was rushed to making noodles in the past 2 days, but Miss Caroline probably thought differently as she looked at him with an understanding gaze.


    "We will make sure there is no other error in the event. I promise. Let''s introduce you first to the other crews. I believe you have met Lightning912 and Tiamat55. So, only Knight Leticia left, I guess?" Miss Caroline said as she guided Max and Lily to the other teams.


    Princess Peach walked next to them and said in a low voice, "Hmph! You have my gratitude for your assistance."


    "No problem."


    Following the schedule, Max and Lily were introduced to other participants. Tiamat looked happy meeting him again, as he was a fan. Lightning912 nodded at him, recognizing his face.


    Max nodded back at them and looked at the blonde girl in a white uniform. She wore a metal breastte, and a sword was strapped to her waist, right on top of her skirt. A floral hair clip was on the side of her long hair, and she looked pretty nervous.


    ''She''s Knight Leticia, I guess.'' Max thought after finishing observing her.


    "H-Hi." She waved her hand like a small animal at them. "U-Umm, it''s nice to meet you. I am a fan!" She added, looking at Lily.


    Surprised, Lily pointed at herself, "Me? Not him?" She added, pointing at Max.


    "Yes! I watched your V-Shelter stream and thought you were really cool. Ah, you''re also so beautiful. I admire you and have tried to be strong since that day!"


    ''V-Shelter stream¡­'' Max mused in his mind, ''Ah when I entered my viin arc. Lily was indeed cool at that time, although a horde of zombies killed her. Now I feel bad¡­ I was too caught up in my role at that time and pushed everyone to the corner.''


    Max secretly looked away and talked to Lightning and Tiamat as he let Lily converse with her first fan and Princess Peach. They talked for a while before Miss Caroline pped her hands for attention.


    "Sorry, but let''s resume our briefing. We are pressed for time."


    The participants stopped at once and sat on the seat conjured by Miss Caroline. They listened to the briefing quietly. While it was called briefing, it was just an introduction to the talent show. What the talents could do and what they shouldn''t do. Miss Caroline exined them all.


    Then, the participants were asked to change into a chef costume. Princess Peach still kept her tiara, and Knight Leticia still had her sword, which was part of their identities.


    As for Max, he chose a chef outfit that he was pretty familiar with, simr to the one he wore in Chef Rush''s restaurant. Lily chose a simr style to him.


    Staff members ran frantically as 11 AM closed by. They did thest preparation and made sure all cameras were connected to the Punch streaming.


    Then, the event started.


    "Hello, peasants! Wee to the Cooking Talent Show! It''s me, your lovely Princess Peach!"

 Chapter 330: Chapter 330 – Cooking Talent Show

    "Princess, that''s not the correct way to greet people!" Knight Leticia retorted with a panicked face. "I am sorry, everyone, and good afternoon. I am Knight Leticia, Princess Peach''s personal knight! Today, we have some friends with us!"


    The blonde girl took over the introduction pretty smoothly. Her stuttering image from earlier was gone, reced by a lovely girl.


    She stood next to Princess Peach behind a kitchen set. The camera was zoomed in, so the two pairs on the sides weren''t visible in the camera, focusing the viewers'' reaction to both of them.


    ¡ª Afternoon!


    ¡ª Leticia! As expected, the only one who can stop Princess Peach!


    ¡ª Finally, the cob I am waiting for.


    ¡ª Princess! You look beautiful in that chef garb!


    ¡ª They look so cute together. The duo we don''t expect but deserve.


    ¡ª Will Breeze be there?


    Seeing the chat''s positive reaction, the staff gave thumbs up and Princess Peach continued.


    "Leticia, that''s not nice. It''s disturbing my introduction." She said while puffing her cheek and chest. "But yeah. It''s special for today. I will be nice to you peasa¨C guys because we have guests! You better thank me for that."


    Even with Leticia present, Peach still didn''t change her way of talking. Her haughtiness was still in glory, and a smug smile adorned her face.


    Max was impressed by the act. Just earlier, she looked afraid of angering Miss Misa. And now, she could smile haughtily and pull off her roley just fine.


    "She''s amazing," Lily whispered next to him as she looked at Peach and Leticia''s exchange to start the events. "I won''t be able to be that cheerful in front of cameras."


    "You don''t need to try to be someone else. You are perfect the way you are."


    "I know." She grinned at him. "I just thought that it would be nice to smile more."


    "If that''s the case, then I don''t think it''s a problem?"


    "Un. It''s not a problem."


    At that moment, Max noticed the staff was making a gesture that they would enter the screen soon. Peach and Leticia''s intro was almost finished.


    He stopped speaking to Lily and focused on the event.


    "That''s our cue."


    "Alright, Princess. That''s enough for the intro. We have to introduce our friends who joined us at the talent show today!"


    "Umu, I guess you''re right. Let''s introduce our friends." Peach nodded in agreement, pointing to her left. "We have participants from the same generation as me, Lightning912 and Tiamat55!"


    The camera was zoomed out and showed Lightning and Tiamat. The former only nodded, and thetter waved his hand excitedly behind a kitchen set.


    "Hello! I will do my best to cook the best dishes!"


    "It seems that our challenger is spirited." Leticia giggled at the camera.


    "Hmpf! He''s nothing. I can cook better than a 5-star chef. Just give me the dish name, and I will know its recipe!"


    Discover exclusive content at mvl


    "Heh, it seems you''re confident in your cooking skills despite being a Princess." Tiamat sneered and crossed his arms. "However, our judges this time are hard. One of them has a high-ss pte, while the other has gone through grueling training in a restaurant to develop his taste buds! Look at them!"


    The camera moved to show Max and Lily sitting on soft sofas. Both of them were embarrassed by Tiamat''s introduction. They didn''t hear about this. All they heard from Miss Misa was the introduction was left to the participants.


    ¡ª Oooh? High-ss pte? Grueling training in a restaurant?


    ¡ª It''s LilyPixel and Breeze. Their introductions are over to the top lol


    ¡ª Kekw, grueling training. I can''t say I don''t understand.


    ¡ª So they are judges in this event. It makes sense since both are qualified for it, especially Breeze since he has gone through grueling training


    ¡ª What a cinema! The plot twist is something that I don''t expect


    ¡ª Breeze: O_O


    ¡ª Breeze be like: I apprenticed and ved myself for two days and became a judge?


    ¡ª lolol, the grueling training is true. There is also an instructor called Chef Rush


    ''I will kill that guy.'' Max silently swore as he looked at Tiamat, who innocently gave him a peace sign.


    Still, he had to maintain his professionality. He could make a joke here, but he decided to go on a flow.


    "My name is Breeze." He nodded at the camera. "As a judge, I will give my most honest opinion about their cooking. VR World has made cooking easier and won''t cause me to have stomach aches, but I hope the participants can really cook edible food."


    ¡ª So harsh


    ¡ª He means he has no expectations from the participants lol


    ¡ª ''As long as it''s edible, you win.'' What a kind judge


    ¡ª lolol, it''s okay as long as it''s not a poison xD


    ¡ª O_O makes it edible. Damn, that''s lowkey insulting. I like it


    Everyone on the set was speechless. Some staff were trying to hold back theirughter at Max''s apparent mocking.


    ording to Miss Misa, as long as he didn''t publicly curse, then everything was fine. That was why he decided to spice thepetition up by saying those words.


    ''It works.'' He thought as he nced at Lily. It was her turn to introduce herself to the 35K viewers watching.


    "Lily." She nodded at the camera. "Please make the best dish. At least, it needs to be better than what I can make."


    "She means as long as it doesn''t upset our stomach, you have a chance to win," Max exined what Lily meant so everyone knew her cooking level, but that got him an elbow from her girlfriend. "Ugh. No violence, please. I am pretty fragile."


    "Hmpf!" Lily threw her face away and puffed her cheek cutely. She still hated being teased about her cooking. It seemed like her pride was hurt by it.


    "Now you act like Princess Peach? Come on¡­" He shrugged his shoulders.


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahaha."


    "Wha? How can that be simr to me? Hey, is that an insult?"


    Leticia and Tiamat burst intoughter while Princess Peach was confused. Lightning only sighed in defeat as he took a knife to his hand.

 Chapter 331: Chapter 331 – Chaos-filled Cooking Show

    "Please don''t underestimate me, Breeze. I don''t know about the others, but¡­"


    A cutting board with a tomato on top of it appeared as the sses man pressed a button. He looked at it and began to cut it with skillful movement. Afterward, he put the knife down and pushed his sses up.


    "I have studied in a culinary school for 6 months. Saying I can''t cook something edible is the same as mocking me."


    "It seems one person is spirited," Maxmented with a smirk, rubbing the rib that Lily had elbowed earlier. The pain was gone, but he had a feeling this would give aedic purpose.


    "It''s good to be spirited, but I believe you guys haven''t heard of the dish you have to make, right? I heard I can choose what kind of dish the participants have to make."


    Everyone nodded at his words. Miss Misa left the dish''s choice to him. Rather than limiting what a content creator could do, she felt that leaving the decision to the judge would be better for achieving a genuine result. It wasn''t called a reality show for nothing.


    ¡ª What kind of dish is it?


    ¡ª I bet Breeze will have them make noodles or something spicy


    ¡ª He said nothing that can upset his or LilyPixel''s stomach, so I doubt it will be something spicy


    ¡ª It can also be a specific dish, like Fried Rice or something


    The viewers were curious as they waited for Max to reveal the dish the two pairs had to make.


    Having to decide it in a short time was hard for him. He also only had a few minutes to talk with Lily about it. And they arrived at a conclusion.


    Looking at each other, they nodded softly and Lily spoke, revealing the dish they had to make.


    "Make us an omelette rice, an eastern dish. The recipe and the tutorial video have been put on the screen above your kitchen set."


    "Feel free to be creative," Max added with a grin as he crossed his legs. "It''s a simple but difficult dish. Make it spicy, salty, or sweet. Add meat or patties as much as you want. We will only judge from two things: the aesthetic and the taste."


    "Do your best. You have 90 minutes to make it." Lily finished the exnation with a nod. She pressed a button, and the countdown appeared on the set without waiting for the participants to prepare themselves.


    5¡­ 4¡­ 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­


    "Start cooking!" Find adventures at mvl


    The participants scrambled and began cooking. Max and Lily gave somementary every now and then. But, they seemed to give up after a few minutes and fell silent.


    To describe the situation after Max and Lily started the cooking show in one word, it was chaos.


    ng!


    "Aah! The sauce! Ugh¡­ Now we have to redo it."


    "Princess, you should be careful! This Lobby is set to be simr to the real world, except we can take out items. Heat and everything are transferred with 80% sensitivitypared to real life. Use gloves to take the pan out of the fire."


    "Fuu¡­ Fuu¡­ I know. I definitely didn''t forget about it!"


    Peach and Leticia''s pair messed up after making their sauce. The former dropped the tray of the finished product, and they had to redo it once more from scratch.


    Meanwhile, Lightning and Tiamat''s pair also messed up something. Tiamat was in charge of the rice part. And that was where he messed up.


    "So salty. What the heck? The rice in our omelette is supposed to be sweet. Why did you put so much salt in it? You''re supposed to use sugar."


    "Eh? Isn''t this supposed to be sugar? Look here, 3 tablespoons of white sugar. I put 3 tablespoons just as instructed."


    "Yes, sugar. But you put in salt!"


    "Really?" Tiamat eximed and tried the rice. "Ptui, you''re right. It''s too salty."


    "Sigh, you can''t even do something right? There is abel that says it''s salt. How can you mistake it? And you''re supposed to taste it when you''re cooking. You won''t make a mistake that way."


    "My bad, my bad." The blond-haired man raised his hand and apologized. "I will do it again."


    "Do it again with the right recipe."


    Max watched what transpired and chuckled. He didn''t think that his guess was correct.


    "They really have no teamwork or skill to cook."


    One skilled person and one clumsy person. Whoever put them on the same team was a genius.


    ¡ª His insight is scary. He knew they couldn''t cook before they even cooked!


    ¡ª He cooked them even before they cook


    ¡ª lolol, Princess Peach is so clumsy. New trait unlocked


    ¡ª How can someone mistake salt for sugar? And 3 tbs? Bullsh1t. That''s too much!


    ¡ª I wonder about that. Lightning has done a lot of stuff only for Tiamat to mess up kekw


    ¡ª 20 minutes have passed, and both teams started from scratch again. They won''t be able to make the egg until thest step


    ¡ª Yeah, the egg will be the hardest one. Breeze and LilyPixel are demons for making this challenge.


    Reading the chat on therge screen, Max couldn''t help but grin. The recipe and dish looked so easy, but the finishing would be hard.


    ''I said they are free to add anything. But in this case, they probably won''t be able to do anything more than finish the base dish.''


    The two pairs were bickering with their partners each time someone messed up. It didn''t stop once or twice. Too many mistakes had happened already until Lightning shoved Tiamat away.


    "Just crack the egg and stir it. I will finish the rice."


    "O-Okay."


    That was the correct answer. Their work became twice as fast as before, with Lightning taking over themand.


    Watching that pair, Leticia also did the same thing.


    "Princess. It''s unbing of you to cut something with a knife. Please handle the ting and let me finish the egg."


    "U-Umu, you know your stuff. A Princess shouldn''t cook. Hn hnn, that''s right." Peach nodded many times with a smug smile.


    Even so, Max could feel that she felt guilty for messing up too many times.


    "They are worse than me," Lilymented on the side with her lips curled up. She turned to Max and continued. "I told you, I am a good cook."


    "I can''t deny that after seeing this." Max scratched his cheek in trouble.


    At least Lily didn''t burn the egg, and it was actually edible, although the taste was a bit questionable. As expected from someone who wanted to have blue noodles.


    Before long, the two pairs finished their cooking. It was ting time, and both pairs did wonderfully. Princess Peach was unexpectedly good at making the food appetizing.


    90 minutes had passed since the start. When the countdown ended, the bell rang loudly.


    Ring ring ring ring!


    "Hands in the air!" Max shouted as he rose from his seat.


    Every person in the set raised their hands, stepping away from the kitchen set. They all had a satisfied look, except for Lightning, who thought he was stillcking.


    Looking at them briefly, Max nodded and continued.


    "It''s judging time. Bring the dish to our table."

 Chapter 332: Chapter 332 – Da Bomb

    Princess Peach and Tiamat brought their team''s dishes to the judging table before joining their pairs.


    Max looked at two omelette dishes in front of him. He hummed as he judged their looks with Lily.


    "The left one is Princess and Knight''s team, and the right one is Lightning and Tiamat''s team." He said, stroked his chin in wonder. "From the ting, I think the Princess team did pretty well. The egg is still runny and covers the te. While the Lightning team''s egg has some crack on it."


    "Un. The former is also decorated with greenery and makes the color good. 9/10. As for the second¡­ Not appealing. 5/10."


    After Lily said that, Princess Peach puffed out her chest proudly and looked down on her opponents.


    "Hohoho, it seems that my ability to te is better than yours, peasants. The winner has already been decided. Right, Leticia?"


    "As you said, Princess. We will win this talent show easily."


    "Hah! Don''t be happy so early." Lightning looked at the Princess and raised his chin. "Look, that number is just a quarter of what a dish is. The most important thing is the taste. Please, Breeze. Do taste ours first."


    "Alright." Max agreed to Lightning''s request.


    There was no reason to refuse it. He looked at Lily for a second before taking a spoonful of the egg and rice that was covered in brown sauce. Putting it in his mouth, he chewed a few times and gulped.


    A silence was brewing. The only sound ringing in the set was him putting the spoon down and wiping his lips with a handkerchief.


    "You can eat it, Lily. It''s not poison."


    "Un." Lily replied and took a spoonful, munching on it with her hand hiding her lips. "It''s edible." Stay updated via §Þ??


    "¡­" Lightning looked at them in disbelief while Tiamat pumped his fists.


    "That''s a win!" The blond-haired man eximed happily.


    ¡ª Not a poison = win. That''s in the bag already


    ¡ª This Tiamat guy is so funny. He''s so optimistic that I can''t find a fault


    ¡ª Nah, the taste is edible. It won''t give them a stomachache


    ¡ª But, what if Princess and Knight''s dish can get delicious from one of them?


    ¡ª Thepetition isn''t over, guys! The girlies still have a chance


    ¡ª Go go, girl power! Ah, I am a guy, tho. But I have girl power!


    ¡ª I think someone needs a mental doctor.


    Just as the viewers mentioned, thepetition wasn''t over yet.


    "Hmpf! I was the one who gave it a finishing touch. Our dish is beautiful and delicious!" Princess Peach eximed as she pointed at Max. "Try it. I believe it will take you to heaven."


    Leticia nodded, agreeing, "I believe it''s at least delicious."


    "If you''re that confident, then I will try it with a slightly higher expectation than before," Max said as he took a new spoon and looked at the dish for a second.


    Unlike Lightning and Tiamat''s, the sauce Peach and Leticia used was red. It reminded him of ketchup, but he doubted they would use it for an omelette. The recipe clearly said worcestershire sauce.


    ''Maybe they changed the recipe. Hmm, the creativity is there, but how is the taste?''


    His expectation was raised after knowing they didn''t just blindly follow the recipe. He decided to ignore the mess they created when cooking and tried a spoonful. When it entered his mouth, his eyes widened in surprise.


    "Oh?"


    Peach looked at him and smirked.


    "Umu, it seems you''re bewitched by the tast¨C"


    "Ueegghh!"


    A bad sound interrupted Peach''s sentence. Max lurched forward and spat out what he had just eaten into a trash bag he had conjured.


    "Ptui! What is this? How can it be so spicy?!" Heined and looked at the pair of girls. "If this is real life, then I would have the worst stomach ache I ever experienced. This is not a dish. This is a bomb!"


    "How did you know? I used Da Bomb as the sauce!" Peach looked surprised, not at Max''s reaction but at the fact he got the sauce correct.


    "What are you thinking?!" Max and Leticia shouted at once, shocked by what Peach said.


    "Da Bomb?" Lily asked curiously, looking at Max, who profusely wiped his lips.


    "It''s a hot sauce with over 130 thousand scoville units. One drop of it is 10 times spicier than Hell Noodles created by Chef Rush," Max exined as he looked at Peach in disbelief. "And I just ate a spoonful of it."


    Lily put down her spoon and stepped away from the dish. Even if she liked something strange, she didn''t have a death wish.


    Max''s tongue felt like it was still burning as he looked at Knight Leticia shook Princess Peach''s body.


    "I told you it''s delicious!" Peach eximed as she fixed her clothes. "And I am not wrong. Hmpf! You peasants just don''t understand that it is the most delicious sauce a modern human ever made."


    "Please, Princess. I told you to follow the recipe!" Knight Leticia sighed in defeat, slumping.


    Delicious sauce? What kind of dish did she eat? Maybe it was part of her roley to hide that she messed up again. If that was correct, then he was once again impressed by her.


    The staff also stared at Princess Peach in disbelief.


    ¡ª Da bomb¡­ I had that once and got admitted to the hospital


    ¡ª Just hearing the name makes my stomach churning.


    ¡ª Damn, Princess Peach has defeated Breeze in a different way.


    ¡ª lolol, Princess Peach wants to kill Breeze. So funny


    ¡ª Delicious¡­ From here, we know that Princess Peach is a monster. Da Bomb is delicious for her¡­


    ¡ª So, who is the winner?


    After reading the chat, Miss Misa had a worried look; her expression said everything she was about to do to Peachter. But the shoot was still on air.


    Max coughed. He had to be professional about it.


    "Let''s get into the judging result." He said and gained the attention of the participants.


    Looking around, he could see various expressions. Lightning and Tiamat grinned on the side. Knight Leticia clearly looked tired, while Princess Peach still proudly puffed her chest with her hands on her hips.


    "Hmpf! Just say that I win. I even used the secret sauce to add some spice!"


    Max wanted to retort so badly, but he didn''t do so and just sighed. There was no meaning in talking about it with a roleyer. He nodded at Lily and she nodded back. Both had the same team in mind.


    "The winner is¡­"


    Pausing a little, he created tension between the two teams. Audible gulps could be heard from Tiamat, adding to the suspense.


    "Team Lightning and Tiamat!" Max pped his hands as he looked at the two boys.

 Chapter 333: Chapter 333 – New Friends and Overprotective

    "Yahooo!"


    Tiamat jumped and threw his hands in the air while Peach looked shocked and took a step back.


    "No way!"


    ¡ª Well, it''s clear


    ¡ª No matter how beautiful a dish is packaged, if it''s not edible, then it can''t be eaten


    ¡ª It''s a cooking talent show and not a decorating talent show. Princess Peach has entered the wrong contest


    ¡ª Don''t mind, Princess! Your taste is amazing. I tried Da Bomb immediately and my tongue is still tingling from happiness!


    ¡ª I don''t know you, but I think you need to check your taste buds and go to the hospital ASAP.


    ¡ª Agreed


    ¡ª Breeze has made a reasonable decision. Respect¡­


    ¡ª Don''t judge a dish by its appearance¡­ I don''t think someone would prove it like this


    ¡ª o7 your sacrifice at judging those guys will not be forgotten


    ¡ª o7 have a nice milk


    With that, the talent show was concluded.


    "We''re truly sorry."


    As soon as the talent show was wrapped, Miss Misa approached and apologized to Max and Lily. She also brought Princess Peach, the culprit behind Da Bomb, with her.


    "Our talent has done a bad prank and endangered our guests. Truly, we apologize."


    "Uhh¡­ I am sorry. I didn''t know people can''t handle such spice."


    Princess Peach apologized, her persona couldn''t be seen. Tears welled up in the corner of her tears. She was scolded harshly as soon as the stream ended earlier.


    Find adventures at §Þ??


    "No, it''s not a problem. It was just a bit surprising, but there is no harm." Max raised his hands, troubled by the excessive apology.


    He knew the other party had to do that to maintain a good rtionship with him, a rising neer in the streaming world. On top of that, he knew both were sincere in their apologies. He didn''t want to make this into a big problem.


    ''Thankfully, it''s VR World. If it happens in IRL and I am admitted to the hospital, I will definitely ask forpensation.''


    "No, it''s a problem." Miss Misa said seriously, "On top of the mimunication, we also made a big mistake that endangered you. We will definitelypensate for this."


    Max was silent for a few seconds.


    ''They willpensate for this?''


    Compensation equals money.


    Money equals good things.


    Good things meant he could ept it!


    There was no need to refuse it. He smiled and was about to agree when Lily stepped forward.


    "It''s okay. We had fun and got paid." She said with a bright smile. "If there is any event like this, please invite us again."


    Max felt slightly betrayed. But seeing his girlfriend''s happy expression, he held it back and turned to Miss Misa.


    "Just as Lily said. It was fun for us, so you don''t need topensate us. Instead, please invite us again if there is a future event like this."


    "You guys!" Princess Peach looked at them with sparkling eyes. She took Lily''s hands and shook them greatly. "I will. I will invite you if I have a big event. It''s a promise!"


    "Un, promise." Lily nodded, "Umm, can I get your contact info? I''d like to talk more with you."


    "Me too! Let''s exchange it then."


    Looking at the girls, Max couldn''t help but smile.


    ''Well, this is also an investment for the future, I guess.'' He thought.


    At that moment, Miss Misa approached him and spoke in a low voice.


    "I am grateful for what you said. However, it''s still wrong if we don''tpensate for it. Please let us include it in your pay. Is that alright? Just think of it as our goodwill."


    He turned to her and smiled, "I have no reason to refuse if it''s goodwill."


    "I am d that I don''t have to persuade you." Miss Misa smiled at him.


    They had a short talk while Lily talked with Peach and Leticia, who joined after seeing the situation was settled. The three of them talked with smiles, dropping all the roleying they did on the camera.


    After a while, Miss Misa was called by another staff member to wrap everything up. She left Max alone after saying that she would send the pay as soon as possible.


    Left alone, Max considered calling Lily and leaving. But seeing her happy face, he reconsidered it.


    ''She finally made new friends. Let''s leave her alone with them for now. Princess Peach might not be the best person to befriend when she''s roleying, it is. But seeing her innocent smile like now, it seems she''s kind. And Leticia is Lily''s fan. She can also read the air, so she''s also fine, I guess.''


    He felt like he had be overprotective of Lily. StoneSword''s personality must''ve rubbed on him slightly.


    If he was asked why he felt worried about leaving Lily alone, he would answer that his girlfriend seemed like the kind of girl who would follow a stranger if she was given something interesting.


    ''Well, she stayed with me, an unknown man at that time, for a while because I did something interesting. I kind of understand why her brother bes so overprotective of her, ignoring the fact he''s a siscon.''


    In the end, Max spent some time browsing alone in the corner while waiting for Lily. He wanted to talk with Lightning and Tiamat, the boys, but they were still interviewed on the other side of the Lobby after they won the talent show.


    ***


    In Biozone Entertainment''s HQ, Mr. Taka closed a screen in front of him and looked at the man before the table.


    "How is he? Worth the investment, no?" He asked the mysterious man. "What do you think can increase his worth before the Streamers War? Tell me something."


    The man hesitated before answering Mr. Taka. He opened his mouth, and the wordsing out were something Mr. Taka had also thought of.


    "That''s what I nned. Do you think you can get ess to the staff?"


    "I can." Was what the man''s answer. The confidence in his expression and voice elicited a nod from the marketing team manager.


    "That''s good. Give me the result in a week. This is a hard challenge, but I am counting on you."


    The man nodded and left the office afterward. Mr. Taka smiled and watched the man''s retreating figure. After he was gone, the marketing team manager leaned back against his chair and sighed.


    "Having a subordinate that''s toopetent in their work is pretty hard." He muttered as he opened a hologram screen.


    He called someone, a staff member who had the samepetency as the one who had just left his office earlier. The call connected almost immediately.


    "How is the matter?"


    "It''s going pretty smoothly, even with the slight mishap, sir. Bamboo Talent has just contacted us with gratitude. And the offer from that sports brand has increased. They know that $10,000 will not be enough to secure a ''good rtionship'' with us and Breeze."


    "Good. Keep pushing Breeze in the direction where he will gain more poprity, Michael. Our side willunch his promotion soon, so ask him to give a bit of his time on the 14th of this month for a photo shoot."


    "Yes, sir. I will ry this matter to him."


    "Alright. That''s all. Thank you for your hard work."


    "It''s my job, sir."


    The call disconnected after that, and a small curve was formed on Mr. Taka''s lips. His golden talent was growing pretty nicely.


    ''I just need to be careful and steer him in the right direction. If possible, I''d like to get LilyPixel, but StoneSword won''t allow that. Let''s do what we can do right now. To the best of our abilities.''


    Another day passed. The marketing team was just as busy as usual. There was still no rest for them.

 Chapter 334: Chapter 334 – Getting Mad and Spoiled

    Max was confused.


    As soon as he exited the Lobby with Lily, his girlfriend refused to talk to him. She was always pouting and seemed to dodge him.


    Usually, when they sat down on the couch, she would get close and snuggle at him. However, this time, she was sitting at the end of the couch and indulged herself to perfect her new song without ncing at him.


    "Hey, Lily. Are you mad?"


    "No."


    "Alright, you''re mad. Is it because I called you a bad cook in the show earlier?"


    "No. It''s just your imagination."


    ''Yeah, she''s mad.''


    Max thought that she wasn''t mad because she still talked to him earlier. But that was just her professionalism that kept her calm. In truth, she was mad at him because he teased her too much.


    "Look, Lily. I am sorry, alright? I was just trying to make the show fun."


    "It''s okay." She replied shortly without looking at him.


    "Come on¡­" He shrugged his shoulders, unable to guess what she wanted. "I''ll get some drink from the caf¨¦ down below. Do you want any?"


    "Americano."


    "Alright." Max rose from the couch and walked out. At least she still cared enough to request something.


    ''Not that mad, then.''


    He decided to give her time alone and went to get some coffee.


    The automatic door was opened and closed as he stepped out. When Lily heard that, she peeked her head up and threw her headphones away, hands clutching on her head.


    "Why did I do that?" She muttered in a troubled tone. "Uuu¡­ Stupid Max."


    This was the first time she felt embarrassed, angry, and cared about something as much as she did right now. She couldn''t understand why, but she didn''t want him to say something bad about her.


    "I want him to praise me. I want him to hold me. And I don''t want him to look at another girl."


    It sounded selfish, even from her perspective. Was being this possessive okay? She didn''t think that even Ferin did this to As.


    Then, was she strange? She didn''t know. But one thing was for sure.


    "I am not acting like myself right now." She said as she rose from the couch. "I can''t stay like this. What if Max hates me? No¡­ I don''t want that. But I want him to praise me first. Ugh¡­ What should I do? Find your next read on §Þ??


    I hate this."


    Praise andpliments were something that came naturally to Lily. She had been called talented so many times. She hated it. The empty words from people who didn''t know her best, who didn''t know her hard work.


    But, just today¡­ She wanted to hear praise from Max. And it troubled her, making her unable to think straight.


    ''I want him to call me a good girl. I want him to say I did good in the show. I want him to say I am the cutest girl.''


    "Aah!" She suddenly screamed and threw the pillow she grabbed with full strength.


    The pillow flewically toward the door, prompting the automatic sense to open the door leading toward the main hallway. Itnded right in front of Max, who had just returned with two cups of coffee in hand.


    He looked at the ground before turning to the couch, where Lily still froze in a position after throwing the pillow, hand outstretched. She hoped he didn''t hear the scream.


    "What was that scream earlier?" He asked softly as he put one cup on his arm and took the pillow with him.


    All hope was lost. He heard her.


    Max slowly approached the couch and got closer to her. She wanted to scoot over, but he leaned forward after putting the cups on the table and closed her escape route.


    "Now, we will talk. If you don''t tell me why you''re angry, then I don''t know what to do. If you refuse to talk, then I will stay like this until you''re willing. Feel free to test my stamina."


    Backing away was useless. Her back was pressed against the backrest and Max''s face was too close to her, causing her to blush in both embarrassment and anger.


    "Uhh¡­ So unfair." Lilyined and threw her face away.


    "Am I unfair? Isn''t that you, Lily? Look at me straight in my eyes. Are you angry because I teased you? If so, then I apologize. But if that''s not the case, please tell me."


    "I am not angry." She answered with a pout.


    "You are." He retorted, sighing. He sat next to her and looked straight at her eyes, but she turned away and was about to escape.


    Without much choice, Max had to hold her hand and sit her down again.


    "Please, Lily. At least tell me what I can do for you. I am dull in terms of judging myself. If you never say anything, I won''t be able to understand what I did wrong."


    Lily could feel her defense crumble every second he leaned closer. With a small voice, she spoke.


    "Hold me."


    Even she was surprised by what she said. Her face was beet red, she knew it. However, upon seeing Max''s soft smile after a while, she felt like it was worth it.


    "Alright." He answered and hugged her softly, petting her. "What should I do next?"


    "Tighter." She answered, letting her childish desire take over. "And close your eyes."


    "Fine."


    Max followed what she said and pulled her closer. He could hear her breath near his ears, and he could also feel her warmth.


    "Listen." Lily whispered, "I am a selfish girl. I¡­ don''t want you to look at someone other than me. I am also dull and can''t be honest. I hesitated¡­ a lot. I was angry when you said I wasn''t a good cook. I was angry when you made fun of me.


    But I am also happy. I want you to praise me. Care for me. Can you praise me?"


    "Of course," Max answered and realized his mistake. "I also want to do that."


    He thought she hated being praised.


    When he listened to her in the past, she said she hated being praised. But now, she wanted to be praised.


    ''Let''s shower her with enough praise from now on.''


    Stroking her hair gently, he whispered into her ears.


    "You did great, Lily. You worked so hard. I know you did. You said you were selfish? For me, you''re not selfish at all. Please be more selfish in front of me and tell me what you want.


    I am your boyfriend, you can trust and depend on me. Even if everyone hates what you do, I will always be by your side."


    "Un."


    "And, look. You''re the loveliest girl in the world for me. You have done many great things. I know you were mad the moment you elbowed me, but you managed to mask that and act professional. Not all people could do that, be proud of it."


    "Un, I know. Am I a good girl?"


    "You''re a good girl, Lily. The one I love the most in this world."


    Hearing that, Lily''s lips curled up. She backed away and put her hands around her neck.


    Both of them looked at each other briefly before she kissed him and pushed him onto the couch. All desires took over. Happiness overflowing.


    "Max¡­ I love you."


    "Love you too, Lily."


    Snap!


    The room suddenly turned dark with a snap of Lily''s fingers. Only two cups of hot coffee on the table witnessed their backs as they disappeared into another room.


    ***


    Max left Lily''s apartment once morning arrived. His face beamed with a bright smile as he walked on the street. He could as well say that he was the happiest man in the world.


    ''I didn''t expect that.''


    Lily was mad not just because of him teasing her, but also because she wanted more attention. She looked so cute and precious when she asked him to praise her. Well, one thing after another led to a bigger thing. He wanted to y it slowly, but she was unexpectedly craving more attention.


    After everything was said and done, Lily was just a normal girl. She also wanted affection from her boyfriend and getting praised normally¡ªjust not excessive praise with an ulterior motive, but a pure and genuine one.


    ''I am happy knowing that she cares so much about me and my attention. Let''s shower her with more love in the future.'' He thought as he made his way back to his apartment.


    Today, he nned to continue his Mercenary Quest. Because today was Sunday, he nned to stream as soon as he hit home.


    ''Well, I wanted to go on a date with Lily, but it''s impossible now. She said she can''t walk normally and needs to rest.''


    Not that it was his fault. She seduced him first.


    ''Ah, I miss her already. It''s just a few minutes since we parted, but I can''t stop thinking about her.'' He thought, looking at the sky. ''Let''s fight some monsters and let this go off my head. If possible, I want to finish the main story today.''


    With that, he half-run toward his apartment.

 Chapter 335: Chapter 335 – Mercenary Quest Return

    [Let''s meet ckie again! Mercenary Quest resume. I will hunt Colossal-ss Monster! #MercenaryQuest #Breeze #MonsterHunt #Storyline #MainStory]


    [Livestream Starts!]


    Max started the stream as soon as he entered his Lobby and sat on his usual chair.


    "Hello, guys! Hahaha, wee to my stream. Today, we will continue our Mercenary Quest. Having cooked too many noodles, now I want to cook some monster soup."


    ¡ª Wee back, chef!


    ¡ª We''ve been waiting for this! Let''s continue the main story


    ¡ª Took you so long to return from the moon where cockroaches are.


    ¡ª Let''s gooooooo!


    "Yeah, you are right. Just when I returned from the moon, I took up cooking as a job. But now I have returned to hunt a Colossal-ss monster." Heughed merrily. "Now then, let''s get into the game."


    After saying that, Max pulled out the game screen and logged in. His vision changed almost immediately and he stood in a ranch where hest logged out. Arge cat-like monster, Capu, was sitting next to him with its tail moved around.


    His body was covered in the armor, the weight of the greatsword could be felt on his back.


    "ckie!" He eximed, spread his arms, and began to stroke his fur.


    Experience more content on §Þ??


    "Meow~ Prrr¡­~" ckie purred and snuggled close to him.


    "Hahaha, did you miss me? There, there." He continued stroking ckie in a good mood.


    The viewers didn''t miss the overly happy disy he showed them and began to specte.


    ¡ª Hey, didn''t he look so different from yesterday?


    ¡ª Now that you mention it, he''s so cheerful today. Even though he ate Da Bomb yesterday


    ¡ª Strange¡­ Something is fishy.


    ¡ª Ah, my bad! I just returned from harbor and hadn''t taken a shower yet. That''s why it smell fishy


    ¡ª That''s not it, dumb4ss. It''s fishy as if something happened to Breeze


    ¡ª Hey, I am just saying, but¡­ They did it, right?


    ¡ª Totally. He did it¡­


    ¡ª I will fetch my voodoo doll from the trash real quick! Don''t wait for me!


    ¡ª Let me fetch the hair I took from the restaurant. I believe it''s Breeze''s


    ¡ª So gross lol


    Max was sweating when he read the chat. How the heck?


    ''Are those guys able to read minds? Scary. Viewers are scary.''


    At that moment, heavy footsteps rang from the distance. Max turned around and saw the grumpy Old Man Righ walking toward him.


    "Tsk! Take this." The old man threw a whistle to him, which he caught easily. "Tie a fur of your Capu in the hole of that whistle. If you blow it, your tamed monster wille running immediately. And because you''re a fool, I will tell you this. It won''t work if you''re too far from the monster."


    "Ah, thank you," Max said as he did what Old Man Rig told him. He plucked one fur from ckie and tied it to the hole at the end of the whistle. "Done."


    "You''re a fast fool. Now, move it! Get out of my ranch quickly. Rent for space is 1,000 Gills a week. Don''t forget to bring money next week for your Capu."


    "I have to pay?" Max asked in surprise.


    ¡ª Obviously lol


    ¡ª Old Man Rig''s ranch isn''t just ranch you can use without paying


    ¡ª You essentially rent a ce. 1K Gills is pretty cheap


    ¡ª Yeah, cheap. Just hunt 2 monsters and you can pay it


    ¡ª Just ept it. Your title has evolved to young fool. If you pay, you will be called young boy, the 3rd highest title known from Old Man Rig!


    "I can''t deny that." He shrugged his shoulders and looked at Old Man Rig. "I will return next week."


    "Good. Leave your pet to me. If you want to take him somewhere, just tell the station guy. They will contact me and take your mount."


    "Alright. Thank you, old man."


    "Hah! Quickly get out of my ranch."


    "I will, don''t rush me."


    After getting rushed and pushed by the grumpy old man, Max exited the ranch. As soon as he did that, he saw a lump of light waiting for him.


    "Let''s see the next mission, shall we."


    He approached the light and let it guide him. It moved toward the station, just like usual. The ranch was close to the entrance, so reaching his next mission giver was easy.


    And when he saw the question mark on top of that person, his expression immediately soured.


    "Yikes, I have to hear his yapping again. Why does the mission giver always Jamal the Yapper?"


    ¡ª lolol, Jamal the Yapper


    ¡ª Quite a fitting name for Jamal. I will call him that from now on.


    ¡ª Yapper! Skill: yapping for more than an hour and attacking mentally. Damage: great. Danger: High Danger


    ¡ª Good luck, I will mute the stream for a while¡­


    "Oh?"


    When Jamal saw Max getting close, he raised his voice and waved his hand.


    "Newbie,e here. I just heard some interesting news when you''re gone from the Tromax extermination squad."


    "Oh?" Max asked curiously, as it seemed like Jamal had no intention of yapping this time around. "What is it?" He continued, stopping in front of the energetic mercenary.


    "Listen and don''t be surprised." Jamal lowered his voice and turned serious. "It seems they have found a trace of a Medium-ss monster leaving Misty Forest and heading to Flora Hill. Based on the track, they guessed it''s either Marauder or Grandmoo."


    "Marauder or Grandmoo¡­" Max repeated what the mercenary had said.


    "Yeah, both of them span more than 10-meter long and 5-meter big. It''s different from Small-ss monsters." Jamal nodded and continued, "Marauder is fine. This monster will stay in one area and eat Small-ss monsters as food. The problem is Grandmoo."


    Pausing briefly, Jamal created tension in the air. His eyes narrowed as if he remembered something bad.


    "Grandmoos'' size can exceed 20 meters depending on their age. It would continue to eat grass as it kept moving without stopping. Based on the track found by the extermination squad, this monster headed straight to Flora Hill. That same direction would lead them to one of our important railways."


    Hearing that, Max immediately understood where the problem was. If the monster that left the track was Grandmoo, then it could risk one railway being destroyed from getting stepped on. That would be a disaster that cost a lot of money.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 336: Chapter 336 – Grandmoo? Medium-Class Monster Subjugation! [1]

    "Is there anyone who can deal with the monster?" He asked, prying for more information.


    "A team has been assembled. We just need to hear a report¨C"


    "Emergency! We''ve confirmed Grandmoo''s sighting. Its size is 25 meters. I will repeat. A 25-meter big Grandmoo has been spotted! Assemble as many people as possible!


    We need at least 30 mercenaries and deal with it ASAP!!"


    Before Jamal finished his sentence, someone shouted loudly from inside the train and reported the sighting. The timing was immacte.


    "It seems that settles it. Let''s go, newbie. You should get experience fighting Medium-ss monsters. This is a rare chance to do it with other mercenaries. Just participating will give you a good reputation and monster parts. Using them, you can upgrade your gears and fight the Medium-ss by yourself!"


    [Ding! A new mission is generated.]


    [Grandmoo Subjugation]


    [Join the subjugation squad and kill Grandmoo before it reaches the railway.]


    Max looked at the notification in front of me and sighed. It was a main story, so he clearly couldn''t refuse it.


    The reward seemed to be money, reputation, and monster parts if what Jamal said could be trusted. That was great.


    "Alright. Let''s go!"


    "That''s what I want to hear!


    And he departed with Jamal to subjugate Grandmoo.


    Usually, in Mercenary Quest, the train ride to the next station would be skipped. But because this was the main storyline, a cutscene started as soon as Max stepped into the carriage with Jamal. They easily gained ess because they were part of Stronghold Mercenary.


    He found himself seated beside Jamal among many seasoned mercenaries.


    "We will immediately confront Grandmoo. 15 people are in charge of tying it down. The others will kill it. I know our equipment is bad. That''s why we will use our numbers to kill it."


    A middle-aged mercenary with a body full of scars took the position of amander. He was apparently used to killing Medium-ss monsters and briefed the strategy. His name was David.


    "All participants will be given a part of the monster to create weapons or armor. Choose wisely. The biggest contributor will be given the chance to choose first."


    In short, if Max wanted to get the monster part he wanted, he had to make the biggest contribution. He had to either deliver thest kill or weaken the monster.


    "It''s so easy to understand." He said to the viewers in a semi-transparent state, watching the cutscene.


    The exnation continued for a while.


    ¡ª All exnations in this game look like it''s designed for 1diots. It''s easy to understand.


    ¡ª Not only that, it''s also detailed.


    ¡ª In short, thest reward depends on the contribution. If Breeze manages to deal a lot of damage, he will be given more rewards.


    ¡ª The mercenary group called Catchy will be in charge of tying the Grandmoo down. And the monster''s weakness is located in its belly


    ¡ª That''s tricky. If Grandma ain''t tied, cutting the belly from below might be doable. But this¡­ Do your best, Breeze.


    ¡ª This mission is actually a sure sess. As long as he hits the monster once and doesn''t die, it''s a win


    Reading the chat, Max became sure of his guess.


    ''This is probably a mission that will lead me to change my equipment, a part of the tutorial. After that, I will have enough of a reputation to take higher Quest from the board.''


    Unlike Stranded Mech, Mercenary Quest had a better system. Everything was thought of delicately, a proper game with a long storyline and freedom.


    "This is fun."


    Before long, the train stopped with a bell sound. Max regained control of his body and looked out of the window. It didn''t stop at a station but in the middle of a railway.


    "Let''s go!" David''s voice boomed inside the carriage he was in.


    The door was pried open, and mercenaries ran out.


    "Hyahaa!"


    "Hahaha, I''ll take the win!"


    "I won''t let you. Catchy will tie it easily. We are biggest contributor, baby!"


    "No one is faster than me! I am the wind! I am flying! Hyahahahaha!"


    A hill filled with greenery and flowers could be seen in the distance. And beyond that hill, arge head resembling a bull with thick fur peeked through.


    Max could see two massive horns jutting out, almost reaching the sky. A heavy step caused the ground to tremble. The head that was hidden by the hill earlier appeared, and its back, which was filled with rock, could also be seen.


    His eyes widened slightly.


    "That''s Grandmoo? The monster we need to take care of?"


    ¡ª That''s big, I know


    ¡ª Bigger than mine, 25 is just massive


    ¡ª I bet yours is only 5 cm. But dirty talk aside, Grandmoo indeed looks unreasonable from our eyes


    ¡ª Wee to Mercenary Quest. You''ve graduated from being a small dik to a real adult.


    ¡ª Adult have adult enemies to fight. Good luck, mercenary. You''ve stepped into the adulthood stairs.


    "Fuck." Max could only say that before he felt a hand on his shoulder.


    "Come on, newbie! We won''t get enough contributions if we don''t hurry."


    Jamal jumped off the train while holding tworge daggers in his hands. He had a childish smile on his face as he began to run at a speed impossible for a normal human to achieve.


    While the man was a master at yapping, apparently, he was also a master at work. No wonder he called Max a newbie.


    "Could Jamal be a strong mercenary?" He asked uncertainty.


    ¡ª No normal mercenary can enter Stronghold mercenary


    ¡ª We will not spoil it. Jamal the Yapper is great, that''s what you need to know.


    ¡ª Good thing you understand that already.


    ¡ª Now, you need to join them. They have almost reached the hill already!


    "You''re right. I can''t stay here." Max jumped off the train and ran toward the Grandmoo.


    The monster was still walking. It didn''t seem to notice 30 humans running toward it, or it just didn''t care.


    From the look of it, Grandmoo just focused on marching forward like a train. What was the reason? Why was it only marching forward?


    Suddenly, Max was curious about the monster''s lore. He would read about itter.


    "That first rank in contribution belongs to me!" He shouted excitedly and got his greatsword ready. "Hyahaaa!"


    ¡ª I think Breeze has gone crazy


    ¡ª Yeah, he got infected by Hyahaaa illness. It happens quite a lot with Mercenary Quest''s yer


    ¡ª Their brain has been infected. Hyahaaa!


    ¡ª Hyahaaa!


    ¡ª Hyahaa!"


    For a while, ''Hyahaaa'' filled the chat.

 Chapter 337: Chapter 337 – Grandmoo? Medium-Class Monster Subjugation! [2]

    The other mercenaries had reached the monster first. Catchy Mercenary Group took out a harpoon tied to a sturdy rope and began to attack Grandmoo, trying to tackle it down.


    Sharp harpoons dug into the monster''s flesh, eliciting sharp screams from it. Red blood was drawn, and the sturdy rope was dyed by its color.


    "Pull!"


    15 strong mercenaries pulled the rope at once to topple the giant monster. Two people were in charge of its hind legs, and they moved skillfully. Their experiences had taught them how to stop Grandmoo and tackle it.


    Boom!


    The monster fell on its belly with a loud sound. The ground shook from its sheer weight. Cracks formed around where the monster got tackled, but all mercenaries could hold their ground and pull the ropes with all their strength to keep Grandmoo in its ce.


    All this happened while Max was running toward the monster, just reaching the flowery hill. He was able to watch everything and was in awe.


    "Attack!" David shouted as he raised his greatsword in the air.


    "Goddamn! They are awesome!" He eximed as he slid down the hill with the other attackers.


    ¡ª They are so efficient. It reminded me of a military squad.


    ¡ª No, even the military won''t be able to take down such a big monster with just a rope tied to a harpoon!


    ¡ª Superhuman mercenaries. They are so scary when they work together


    ¡ª But, guys. Imagine this¡­ Caesar can do this alone. Heck, he will punch Grandmoo to the sky without any problem!


    ¡ª Yeah, that''s so absurd.


    "I don''t care about Caesar''s power right now. Some mercenaries have reached Grandmoo, I have to hurry!" Max said as he increased his speed. Jamal was right in front of him, and he passed the yapper.


    The monster was struggling to get loose, causing the mercenary to back away slightly. But with another strong pull from 15 mercenaries from Catchy, it calmed down once again, giving them a chance to attack.


    Max used this chance to jump on top of Grandmoo and began to hack its neck.


    Swoosh!


    The greatsword cut the air and bounced against the monster''s fur. The force from the bounce caused Max to lose bnce for a second before he recovered it, his eyes widened in surprise.


    "What the? I can''t cut it!" He eximed and tried to cut it again, but his sword bounced again. "Why?!"


    ¡ª Your sword is too dull


    ¡ª If you can''t sh it, then punch it


    ¡ª Nah, with this, you''re unable to choose the reward lol


    ¡ª lolol, cling ng cling ng! Try to hit another ce, lol


    ¡ª Sword: stooopp! Don''t torment me any further! I can''t cut it. I can''t!


    The chat wasn''t helpful at all. But at least there was onement that made sense. Max decided to move from the next area to the back area, where it was filled with rock. He raised his greatsword and stabbed it down, intending to pierce its thick fur.


    However, no matter how much force he exerted, the sword refused to budge. It only drew a bit of blood and stopped a few centimeters on the surface. The fur was too thick! The Large Sword with Rarity 1 was unable to pierce it.


    "Damn it! Am I supposed to just stab it like this and hope for the best?" Max asked as he looked around.


    Some mercenaries did exactly like what he did and were unable to pierce the fur either. However, they looked determined and twisted their swords, trying their best to wound Grandmoo.


    "What''s up, newbie? Your sword isn''t good enough?"


    At that moment, Jamal appeared next to him while holding two bloody daggers. Max looked at the weapons for a second before looking at his face.


    "Yeah, no way you hurt Grandmoo with a steel sword. Wait a second, let me help you a bit."


    After saying that, the yapper jumped toward the next area and made a cross-sh. The daggers turned into a blur, and blood spurted into the air. A chunk of flesh was sent flying. A nasty gnash was left in a diamond shape in front of Jamal.


    "How about this, newbie? You can hurt the monster here and get some contribution. I don''t know if this is enough, but I will be off now. No one can kill this monster without me, hahaha!"


    Jamal ran toward the back while dragging his daggers, injuring the monster as he ran.


    Max only watched with a dropped jaw. He still couldn''t process what happened.


    "Hey, is Jamal¡­ really strong?"


    ¡ª Yes, I told you. Stronghold Mercenary won''t ept any members that don''t reach a certain qualification


    ¡ª Everyone in Stronghold Mercenary is strong. Wait, strong is just an understatement. They are 1/10 of Caesar


    ¡ª The fact Stronghold Mercenary is the only one sessful in hunting Colossal-ss monster with just one mercenary troop show how strong they are


    ¡ª Don''t underestimate your corp, Breeze. They are full of hunk¡­ cough, I mean strong monster.


    "Yeah, I can see that now."


    At first, he didn''t know how strong Jamal was. But after seeing this, he wouldn''t underestimate the yapper. That energetic guy who called him a newbie was a monster.


    "Well, he has made an opening for me. Let''s dig in and kill the monster!"


    The only obstacle from injuring Grandmoo was its thick and strong fur. Max''s de could tear the flesh without any problem without the fur. He dug into its neck in search of the nerves and blood vessels.


    He and other mercenaries began to attack the ce that Jamal had opened for them. They hacked and shed, eliciting a scream full of pain from Grandmoo. It trashed around and attempted to throw them off but was unable to.


    When Max severed therge blood vessel that he found around its neck, arge amount of blood began to gush indefinitely. He was forced to jump away before he was drowned in the chunk he created.


    "Run! Someone has cut its artery! Help Catchy people to hold the ropes!"


    Someone''s shout reverberated on top of the monster, and all the mercenaries jumped down the raging Grandmoo that made itsst desperate attempt to kill them all.


    Max helped to hold the rope with them. The ground shook greatly as if a strong earthquake hit it. The cracks spread wildly. Some ces sunk and caused the binding to loosen a little bit, but that wasn''t any problem anymore. The monster was unable to get up by now.


    "Run away! Or you will get caught on its rampage and die!"


    David gave out instructions with a clear voice. Everyone followed without questioning, running away from Grandmoo. They watched as the monster moved around and destroyed Flora Hill. The flowers and beautiful greenery were trampled.


    However, they managed to save the important rail.


    After rampaging for what seemed like a few seconds, Grandmoo stopped moving all together. Its body twitched, thest movement from its muscle.


    Looking at it, David stepped forward and raised his sword.


    "We won!"


    "Woooo!!"


    "Awooo!"


    "Hyahahaha we win!"


    Laughter immediately filled the space. Everyone cheered, including Jamal. Max was caught up in the atmosphere and joined.


    "Hahaha! That was fun!"


    ¡ª Ooooh!


    ¡ª Nice! You did it


    ¡ª No die run. What a miracle


    ¡ª It''s the first time Breeze didn''t die in a mission lol. His skill improved.


    ¡ª Now, how is his contribution?


    That was the real question.


    A notification popped up in front of Max.


    [Grandmoo Subjugationplete!]


    [Reward: 1,000 Gills, A chosen monster part.]


    [Your contribution is¡­]


    "Huh?" He let out a confused voice as he looked at his contribution rank.

 Chapter 338: Chapter 338 – New Weapon and Armor!

    [Your Contribution is 7%. You have the 3rd highest contribution.]


    [You may choose:


    1. Grandmoo''s Fur


    2. Grandmoo''s Rock


    3. Grandmoo''s Bone.]


    ¡ª Ooh, rank 3!


    ¡ª It''s average. He didn''t manage to get rank 2 and get the tusk or horn. Those are good materials for weapons


    ¡ª How can he get the third rank? Is it because he''ste at finding the blood vessel?


    ¡ª Breeze is a few secondste at finding the artery and immediately ran away when he''smanded. If he stays a little longer, rank 2 will be his.


    ¡ª A shame, but it''s already good. He can make a sword with bone or armor with fur. It''s a win already


    ¡ª Choose fur! Fur is superior! Believe me.


    ¡ª Why? Bone Sword will be more useful. I think he should take bone


    ''Rank 3?''


    "7% contribution is rank 3?" He asked, "It''s higher than I thought." He continued, stroking his chin as he looked at the notification.


    There were three choices. Based on his understanding of monsters, the most important part would be the tusk or the horns. Both choices were missing from the ones he could choose, meaning the first and second rank had already chosen them.


    "What should I choose?" He pondered greatly and looked at three options.


    The first choice would be great as armor. The second was something he didn''t know what to use for. And the third¡­ Maybe it could be a bone sword?


    ''While it will increase my attack power because of its material, I don''t think bone sword will have good durability. It will definitely be lower than the tusk or the horn, so it''s not that worth it. On the other hand¡­''


    His gaze darted to the first choice¡ªthe fur.


    ''Increasing my defense would be good. I can hunt Small-ss monsters and get monster material to create a better sword. Garrador''s beak or w will make a better sword than Grandmoo''s bone. I can also find good orester. Besides, one of the chats said it''s a shame I didn''t get the tusk or horn.''


    Nodding, he looked up at the camera.


    "Alright, I''ve decided. I will take the first choice, the fur!"


    After he made the choice, the mercenaries began to move toward the monster to dismantle it. Jamal approached him and stopped next to him.


    "You did it, newbie. Hahaha, I never thought you would get the artery¡ªgood judgment and power. Hahaha." The yapperughed loudly and patted his shoulder. "Your reward will be given once we arrive at the station. I will show you how to use themter."


    Max feltplicated. If he said yes, he would definitely hear Jamal''s yapping again. But if he said no, he would be clueless. His viewers couldn''t be trusted either.


    "A-Alright. I am counting on you, Jamal."


    He decided that it would be safer just to follow the professional yapper rather than being clueless. It was probably a part of the tutorial. This man was a plot device through and through. An NPC prepared by the game to help the yers navigate through the plot and teach them everything.


    While the experienced mercenaries butchered and dismantled Grandmoo, the rest returned first to get a monster wagon to store the meat and everything. The ride to Utopia onlysted 3 seconds, as it was skipped by default.


    Max stepped out of the train with Jamal, who had an exmation mark above his head. The yapper had a big grin on his face and pointed at the cksmith''s direction with his thumb.


    "This way, newbie. Let''s make new armor and weapons for you. Hahaha, I got the tusk, so I will share it with you before selling it. What kind of weapon do you like?"


    "Huh? You will share the tusk with me?"


    "Of course! Hahaha, you''re a good newbie for me. I will take care of you on behalf of Caesar. Besides, seeing you struggling earlier invoked a seniority in me! I must give you a new weapon, I thought."


    Now, this was surprising.


    If this was the natural development of the game, then Max made a good choice.


    ''I will get both new weapons and armor with this.''


    "Thanks, Jamal!"


    He followed the yapper to the cksmith and heard his exnation. To order a weapon was pretty simple. You just needed to tell the cksmith the main material of your new weapon and what kind of weapon you wanted to create.


    Then, the cksmith would give you the list of required materials beside the main one. When you gathered all of them, just pay a required fee and he would create your desired weapon in a minute.


    ''Pretty simple system.'' Max thought as he looked at Jamal talking to the cksmith.


    Apparently, for this first time, Jamal would provide all the materials he needed to create a new great sword and fur armor. The yapper told him to only pay 500 Gills, which he certainly had, as a cksmith fee.


    After he paid 500 Gills through the system window, the cksmith called a few people from the station. Max wondered what he did, but apparently, the cksmith was calling on people to bring the material to him.


    Which was strange. Would the material that was dismantled earlier have already arrived? But Max didn''t need to worry about that.


    No matter how realistic and how much freedom this game had to offer, it was still a game. Just like the skipping feature, all materials were already in the warehouse when the yer arrived at Utopia.


    Many muscled men brought Grandmoo''s tusk and fur alongside some ores and pelt. They threw them behind the cksmith and therge man began to work. He threw everything into a hot furnace and hammered the ore.


    Everything looked pretty real, but the process was fast. Before long, a new fur armor with a dirt color and arge sword shining against the furnace lighty in front of him.


    "There you are, Grandmoo Tusk Sword and Granmoo Fur Armor. Analyze them."


    Nodding, Max equipped both of them after putting his old armor and weapon in his inventory. He opened up the equipment menu and checked the new equipment.


    [Grandmoo Fur Armor ¨C Rarity 2]


    [An armor made from a Grandmoo''s stiff fur and monster pelt, protecting the wearer from a slight cold and heat. Defense +15]


    The same screen appeared when he clicked on his sword.


    [Grandmoo Tusk Sword ¨C Rarity 3]


    [Sword created from Grandmoo''s hard tusk and Mirite Ore. Strong and durable]


    [Sharpness: 150]


    [Durability: 250/250]


    Looking at the status, which was way better than his old equipment, his lips curled up into a happy smile.


    "This is great!"


    ¡ª Damn, everything looks great


    ¡ª Jamal is the guy! I told you Jamal isn''t just a random yapper!


    ¡ª You must apologize to Jamal, Breeze. You''ve vited his good name!


    ¡ª Jamal the Yapper! Or more like, Jamal the guy!


    ¡ª The sword will be able to split my dik into half


    ¡ª Kekeke, the armor will allow you to go into a hot area now. It resists a slight heat.


    ¡ª Apologize! Apologize! Jamal the guy!


    [TheGuy has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Apologize to the guy. He''s a good senior, not just a yapper.]


    Max grunted as he read the chat. He knew that his act toward Jamal was unwarranted¡­ or not. The guy was truly yapping a lot, so he wasn''t at fault!


    "Thanks for the donation, TheGuy. But I won''t apologize. The guy himself doesn''t know what I call him. Hmpf!"


    ¡ª What the?! Did you just pout?


    ¡ª Naahh, it''s disgusting


    ¡ª Don''t do that. You can''t imitate Princess Peach or LilyPixel. It''s so disgusting, dude


    ¡ª Naaah, my eyes! MY EYESS!!!


    ¡ª HOW DARE YOU VIOLATE MY EYES!


    [LovelyOtter has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [I am sorry, Breeze. But this donation is for you to never do that again.]


    [FreakingNoob has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [If you''re high, then please stop the stream and take some pills. Don''t vite your fans'' eyes.]


    Now that was rude. But it was something worth apologizing for.


    "Sorry¡­"

 Chapter 339: Chapter 339 – Butcher’s Mission

    After getting his weapon and armor, Max walked around the station to find the next mission. Jamal disappeared somewhere after saying he heard a beauty in the need, which was a bit absurd. That was why he was a bit in a bind.


    ''I can''t find the guiding light.''


    The clue to the next main storyline. The lump of light that would lead him to the next mission giver. Somehow, he wasn''t able to find it this time.


    Not only that, even when he walked around the station, he was unable to find someone with a question mark above their head.


    ''Should I follow where Jamal went? Maybe it''s that way.''


    "Hmm, this is troubling." He hummed and stopped in the middle of the station, looking around. "Where should I go next?


    ¡ª What''s the matter?


    ¡ª Kekeke, he''s unable to find the clue to the next mission


    ¡ª This is the most troublesome part of this game¡­ You don''t know anything when the yapper leaves you


    ¡ª Guide will help you a lot at times like this, but¡­ Why don''t you explore more?


    "Explore more? I walked around this station and found nothing. What''s there to explore? Where to?" Max asked the chat as he read their suggestion.


    Most of them were silly suggestions, but some made sense, and he decided to pry more. He was half given up on finding the clue himself after finishing his round in this station.


    ''If only there was a map with some marks as a guide.'' He thought as he read the chat again.


    ¡ª Outside? I mean, it exist. I am surprised you can be dumb sometimes


    ¡ª My man, the map isn''t just limited to the station


    ¡ª It seems you forget that Utopia is arge city, not limited to the train station


    ¡ª How dare you forget ckie and Old Man Rig! If you say that looking around the station is everywhere, then you can think they don''t exist either!


    ¡ª Breeze has dementia lol


    ¡ª Cough, are you by any chance an introvert who thought your room is the whole world? It''s okay, I understand


    "Oh. I-... I have no excuse..."


    Only then did he realize his mistake. He had been confined in this station and thought that the mission would be limited around this ce. His inexperience at ying open-world games was truly apparent here.


    "You guys are right. Shit, I should''ve realized that sooner. Jamal makes everything easier by giving me a mission just by talking to him. He''s a convenient man. I hope thosedies he heard won''t use him for nothing good."


    After realizing his mistake, Max walked out of the station. Just as he exited, he saw what he desperately wanted to find: a lump of light floating in the middle of a street.


    Upon seeing that, his eyes widened in surprise.


    "I have to say, you guys are lifesavers." He said as he approached the light.


    ¡ª You can express that more directly, you know?


    ¡ª Yeah, yeah¡­ Cough, like dropping 50 premium Punch ounts


    ¡ª That would be wonderful *nod nod*


    ¡ª Forget 50, 10 is enough. Do drop it kekekeke


    "As if. I am already poor as is."


    When Max approached the light, it recognized his presence and began to move. He followed it going into the city. Passing the street and intersection, Max arrived at what seemed like a butcher shop with many meats disyed on the shelf and hung on the ceiling.


    A troubled-looking man resting his head on his hand could be seen behind the counter. He had a question mark on top of his head. Max guessed that this man would be the next quest giver.


    "A butcher?" He asked quietly and approached the butcher. "Is there something wrong?" He asked the man, and he raised his head.


    "Ah? A mercenary?" The butcher''s voice was low and dispirited. "What do you want?" He looked unfriendly, most probably due to having something in mind.


    "I asked if there was something wrong, Mr. Branch," Max asked once again, using the store name he saw behind the man to address him. "I saw you slumped over. Is there something I can help you with?"


    "Something to help me with¡­ Yeah, it would be great if there is someone willing to help without asking forpensation." The butcher, Mr. Branch, muttered.


    "But just talking might help me. You see, the Cuckoo''s meat has been decreasing in the market. It''s all because of that Altacroz is nesting near Cuckoo''s nest. As a result, my store has been in red for a week already. If this goes any longer¡­ Ahh! I need to close my store and won''t be able to feed my family!"


    "Altacroz?"


    "Yeah, that monster. Its favorite food is eggs. Because Cuckooys eggs every day, it decided to stay near its nest and enjoyed it. If this goes any longer, the Cuckoo''s poption near Utopia will decrease. Mercenaries won''t look at it before it bes a problem. But I know, sooner orter¡­"


    Mr. Branch paused for a little before raising his head.


    "Now that I see your weapon, it seems you''re quite a strong mercenary. Say, are you willing to y Altacroz for me? I can''t promise you a lot of reward except for the monster''s material and a bit of money. I ask this not for me but for all people in Utopia who love Cuckoo!"


    It sounded like a main mission. The mark above the butcher''s head was also gold, meaning he had to finish this to continue the main story.


    Max nodded, "I can help."


    [Ding! A new mission is generated.]


    [Altacroz Hunting]


    [Altacroz has made its appearance around Utopia Cuckoo''s nest. Mercenaries haven''t helped yet because the situation isn''t urgent. However, if this situation is ignored, Cuckoo''s poption will decrease! Chase Altacroz away or kill it to prevent the disaster!]


    "Oooh! Thank you, good mercenary!" Mr. Branch beamed with a smile as he shook Max''s hands.


    After a while, he pulled away and gave Max a direction.


    "Altacroz has been sighted near the West area. Just exit the west gate and go toward the first mountain you see. There, you will find Cuckoo. I believe the monster is hiding in the forest around that area. Please¡­ I beg you, please chase it away!"


    "Alright. Just leave it to me!"


    Max walked away. The quest was pretty straightforward and pretty easy. It would be perfect to test his new sword and armor.


    "The first mountain in the west, huh?" He muttered as he looked at the west gate. It could be found easily because the gate had arge W written on top. "I guess I have to stop by Old Man Rig to get ckie. It will be our first hunt together."

 Chapter 340: Chapter 340 – Altacroz Hunting [1]

    ¡ª ckie!


    ¡ª Oooh! Hunting with mount sounds fun


    ¡ª Good luck. I miss ckie!


    ¡ª Cute, cute ckie.


    [CatLover has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [You better not injure ckie! I WARN YOU! GOD OF CAT IS WATCHING.]


    "Thank you for the 500. I don''t know anything about hunting with a mount yet, so I can''t say I won''t injure him. But trust me. I will not use ckie as bait." Max reassured the viewers as he entered Old Man Rig''s stable.


    He quickly found the old man sitting in a box near the entrance, just as he found the grumpy man the first time.


    "Good afternoon, Mr. Rig." Max greeted the old man with a refreshing smile. He knew that something like this worked with NPC, especially a grumpy man like Rig.


    The old man huffed and turned to him, "What do you need, young fool? Are you here to take your pet for a walk?"


    His response was swift and experienced, as if anyone who visited him had asked the same question.


    "That''s right. I have a mission to hunt Altacroz near Cuckoo''s nest in the west. It seems the monster is disturbing the ecosystem. I need ckie to reach the ce faster."


    "Hmm, I have heard that." Old Man Rig jumped off his wooden box and turned around, "Wait here. I will get your pet."


    Max watched as the old man walked inside without asking extra questions. He stood there, waiting for the old man that returned with ckie in less than a minute.


    "Nyaa~!"


    Upon seeing him, ckie jumped and rushed forward. It nuzzled its nose against his face as its three tails moved around happily behind.


    "Hahaha, did you miss me, ckie? It''s just a few hours since I left you."


    "Meow!"


    The Capu acted really spoiled and kept rubbing its cheek against him, seeminglyfortable with his presence. Was it instinct or something, he didn''t know. But he appreciated the soft fur.


    "Keh! Don''t just stand around in my entrance, young fool! Go, you have a monster to hunt. And you, pet. Get down!"


    Old Man Rig disturbed their bonding with a hoarse voice. ckie stopped at once and lowered its body after hearing the old man''smand as if gesturing for Max to get up.


    "Meow~"


    "Please don''t rush me, Mr. Rig. I want to enjoy this a little." Max sighed in defeat as he walked next to ckie. "But, yeah. I need to hurry. Thanks, Mr.


    Rig."


    "Hah! No need to say thanks. Just get out of my stable now."


    "Hahaha, I will. Let''s go, ckie!"


    Laughing, Max jumped on ckie and sat on the saddle. The Capu stood up and purred before running at full speed. Miraculously, even when he didn''t hold onto the stable, his body was stable and wasn''t affected by the wind, except for his fluttering hair and fur armor.


    "Wohoo! This is fun!"


    ¡ª Oooh! Running ckie!


    ¡ª Cute ckie running on the street. This is a precious sight


    ¡ª Noo! I want to ride ckie too!


    ¡ª Breeze seems to enjoy the breeze a lot. Pun intended


    ¡ª Damn, solo action? He''s wild.


    Ignoring the chat, Maxmanded ckie to go to the west gate. Commanding ckie was pretty easy.


    "Go left!"


    ckie turned left.


    "Go right!"


    ckie turned right.


    "Hahaha, it''s fun."


    Voicemand was the preferred way rather than using a rein. Some people might prefer to do it manually, but Max was someone who was bad at driving or riding something. So, this was better for him.


    In just a few seconds, he reached the gate and exited the city. No one guarded the ce, as the wall only served as protection against monsters.


    An exceptional sceneryy as soon as he stepped out of the gate. The wind felt great on his face, and the feeling of moving at high speed pumped his adrenaline.


    Taking a quick look at his surroundings, Max was able to see the mountain that Mr. Branch talked about. He patted ckie andmanded it.


    "Go to that mountain. Full speed ahead."


    "Meow!"


    Listening to hismand, ckie increased its speed. It went at full speed, twice as fast as when it was inside the city.


    The scenery became a blur. Before Max realized it, he was already close to the mountain, arriving at the base just before the forest.


    He blinked a few times, confused.


    "Is that a skip feature too?" He asked himself.


    "Nya!"


    ckie''s voice pulled him out of his thoughts, and he noticed the chat went as usual.


    ¡ª Surprised by the mount skip? First timer kekeke


    ¡ª lmao! He looked confused


    ¡ª At least he arrived without us having to watch a boring travel


    ¡ª True, let''s get Altacroz quickly and save Cuckoo''s poption!


    ¡ª Talking about Cuckoo, look to his left.


    Max immediately looked to the left as he read thest chat. Inside the forest, he could see arge white shadow moving at a fast speed. It was a blur, but he managed to see its general shape when it passed an area sparse of trees.


    "Arge chicken?" He eximed, unable to contain his surprise. "Cuckoo is a meterrge chicken?!"


    That was why they couldy eggs every day, and their meat was valuable. If the chicken poption around arge city decreased because of a monster, that would be a disaster for everyday life. Not only that, the ecosystem would change, and new monsters would take ce.


    "I am surprised that mercenaries won''t kill Altacroz before it bes a problem. I heard they only take ''urgent'' missions, but I wonder why. Is it because an urgent mission pays more?"


    ¡ª There are just too many monsterspared to active mercenaries. They have to choose


    ¡ª The danger is just not worth it. An urgentmission usually needs to be made because it can affect a whole country and not just change people''s diet.


    ¡ª The ratio between monsters and mercenaries is around 10 : 1. It''s 10 monsters for 1 mercenary. They need to choose missions


    ¡ª Priority. Urgentmissions and missions usually have a higher degree of danger. They also do so to prevent the birth of another Colossal-ss monster


    ¡ª They are justzy and afraid to get injured lolol


    The chat''s exnation made sense, eliciting a nod from Max. That satisfied him, but he still wanted to find a library or book that could exin this world''s lore. The more he learned about it, the more interesting it became.

 Chapter 341: Chapter 341 – Altacroz Hunting [2]

    Max headed inside the forest to find the Cuckoo''s nest. He left ckie to stand by outside the forest. If he needed the Capu, he could call it using the whistle he got from Old Man Rig.


    He followed the animal trail he found in the hope he would end up at the next at the end of it.


    "This forest is too sparse. Is it because the tree is so big? I can go between them without any problem, unlike the forest in that survival game." He said as he looked around the surroundings.


    ¡ª Flora in Mercenary Quest has mutated to match the world, amodating to herbivore monsters. That''s why they are big


    ¡ª We have exined it before, yet did you forget?


    ¡ª Heh, because the world loves big trunks a lot


    ¡ª Yooo, you''re so sus. Keep it down, dude


    ¡ª to be fair, this will help the yer swing theirrge weapons toopared to normal forest.


    ¡ª Breeze, let me give you some advice¡­ You better look above.


    "Huh? Above?"


    Trusting the chat, he looked up and was amazed. Sunlight seeped out from therge gaps in leaves. Veins connected from one tree to another, creating a makeshift bridge that a human could possibly use to cross.


    The sight was otherworldly, not possible to be seen in the real world. This was why VR World was fascinating.


    "That''s a good one." He said, lowering his gaze, "But I have to find Altacroz quick. Lunch is just around the corner, and I don''t want to miss it. I haven''t had breakfast so I am quite famished."


    ¡ª You skipped breakfast? Hmm, sus


    ¡ª Breeze has been sus since the start. I told you heid


    ¡ª Now that''s a problem. Go ahead and kill Altacroz (lol) before your stomach grumbles (lol)


    ¡ª Your first step is correct. Just follow the path. I suggest you run through it


    Running was a great idea. His stamina was also higher than in the real world. He would be able to find the nest fast.


    ''I prefer to climb the tree and find it from above, but it''s impossible to climb thisrge trunk without any help. A rope or something would be perfect.'' Max thought as he continued.


    He had to cut some bushes and small branches on his way.


    Based on what he read on the chat, which contained a little bit of a spoiler, Altacroz was apparently a Small-ss monster with a hardness simr to that of a Medium-ss monster. It was a perfect monster to test a mercenary that wanted to advance from hunting the small monster to the next stage.


    ''And they give me this mission after I can make a new weapon. Truly, this game has nned everything.''


    Thinking so, he kept looking around until he found a footprint.


    "Hmm?" He looked down and crouched.


    The footprint was around 40 centimeters in diameter. And it showed four wed-like hands instead of the thin bones Cuckoo had.


    Seeing it, a grin appeared on Max''s face. He looked forward and found simr footprints advancing to what seemed like dense vegetation. A sh of white could be seen beyond that, belonging to Cuckoos that moved around.


    "It seems I found Cuckoo''s nest in time." He said, grabbing his Grandmoo Tusk Sword from his back. "And their predator at the same time."


    The ground trembled as soon as he did that. Sharp cries from Cuckoo could be heard from beyond that vegetation. Something that moved past was holding an egg in its mouth.


    When it passed through the dense vegetation, chased by four Cuckoos, Max was able to see its shape.


    Altacroz, boasting its defense, was covered in hard leather skin. Its appearance was simr to a Komodo dragon with hard spikes running across its back. The head, looking like a snake, had its long tongue slithered around arge white egg.


    It was moving pretty fast for a 2 meters monster. Max looked at the sight in front of him and his eyes widened. They didn''t seem to stop advancing.


    ''This is bad!''


    "Whoa!" He eximed as he jumped to the side, and rolled on the ground a few times beforeing to a stop.


    The five monsters passed the area where he stood earlier. The ground had changed, filled with their angry footprints.


    "That''s bad. I will lose them."


    Max immediately picked himself up, sheathed his sword, and chased after them.


    Using their numbers, Cuckoos continued to chase Altacroz. Unfortunately for therge chicken monsters, the thief was too fast and they soon lost it when it crossed a river.


    However, Max was able to find where Altacroz went. He jumped over arge boulder to cross the river and looked for its footprint.


    "There it is."


    Having wet feet meant it would leave a noticeable mark when it moved. A water trail could be seen extending into a rather dense forest ahead. He followed the trail and found a small opening leading into what seemed like a vast cave. The entrance was hidden by growing moss.


    "Is that its nest?" He asked quietly as he hid himself, watching Altacroz enter the entrance with care.


    ¡ª Congrattions! You have found Altacroz''s nest


    ¡ª That''s a tiny entrance for a monster. But stillrge for a human regardless


    ¡ª Inside that nest should berge enough for you to fight the monster, if you want to fight it inside that is


    ¡ª CHOOSE, YOUNG MAN! Enter, or not Enter


    "Hmm, in my opinion, it will be safer for me to bait it outside and ambush it. I mean, if I enter, then I could be ambushed and killed¨C"


    [TrueHunter has started a mission.]


    [Stream Mission: Kill Altacroz inside its nest.]


    [Reward: 5,000 diamonds.]


    "But that''s unnecessary worry! I am a great mercenary, fearing nothing. Even if death waits for me, I shall march inside with my great sword and hunt the monster!"


    Max''s voice was cut off by a notification and he immediately stood up afterward. What was the difference between killing it inside or outside its nest? There was no difference, but the stream mission changed everything.


    ¡ª He changed his attitude as fast as lightning.


    ¡ª So he still likes money, huh? I thought he was rich already


    ¡ª lololol. I amughing, still good old Breeze


    "What are you saying, guys? I am just a good, old mercenary who loves danger. Besides, there is no way Altacroz can ambush me if I am ready. I bet it''s enjoying its egg snack right now."


    Max rose from his hiding position and approached the nest. He entered through the entrance and found himself hunched. The entrance was a bit long, leading into an open space. There was no sign of Altacroz yet.


    ''Maybe it''s inside?''


    Just as he thought that he arrived at the open space and immediately heard a hiss from the side. Without much thinking, he grabbed his sword and put it in front of his body.


    "Shit!"


    A hard impact sent him flying. His back crashed against a wall, a loud crack could be heard. However, he wasn''t dead yet.


    "Thank god I have new armor. Still¡­ An ambush? Really?" Heined. "It freaking sucks."


    Lowering his sword, Max looked at the culprit that attacked him. He saw Altacroz crawl down the wall while hissing loudly. It approached him slowly, giving him a chance to drink the health potion in his inventory, and returned to full health.


    And just as he was about to stand up, he heard another hiss from the side and had to jump. A loud crash rang in the ce where he sat earlier, the ground rock was destroyed.


    Only then did he notice the second Altacroz on the side, with a bulging belly and runny egg around its mouth.


    "Holy moly macaroni¡­ There are two Altacrozes."

 Chapter 342: Chapter 342 – Two Altacrozes

    Was this why TrueHunter gave him a stream mission to hunt the Altacroz inside? Because that viewer knew there were two Altacroz inside the nest.


    ¡ª Two Altacroz? Well, well¡­ That''s bad.


    ¡ª One of them has a bulging belly. Is it a female one? Damn, even the monster has a wife


    ¡ª The Maidenless club cried in silence. We lost to a mere monster¡­ How could they be a couple?!


    ¡ª Pregnant Altacroz. That''s why they made a nest and stole Cuckoo''s eggs.


    ¡ª hehehe, you have fallen into TrueHunter''s trap. We, who have yed Mercenary Quest before, will not give you spoilers


    ¡ª Hahaha, get rekt! Die die die! Get eaten!


    "You got me," Max said as he readied himself between the two Altacroz.


    He nced at them and began to think about how to handle two monsters in this rather narrow space. His movement was limited and he couldn''t run out. If he tried to crawl through the entrance, Altacroz would be able to get him.


    ''They are faster than me in a narrow space. If it''s an open space, I might be able to run away. But when hunching over? My legs will be gone before I can touch the sunlight outside.''


    The only choice he had was to fight the iing Altacroz. There was no need for mercy against a monster!


    Max charged toward the pregnant Altacroz, raising his sword above his head. With a powerful swing, he brought the de down onto the monster.


    ng!


    The impact was fierce, causing sparks to fly into the air. The pregnant Altacroz'' stumbled backward, its hard skin chipped off.


    However, Max couldn''t lower his guard. The second Altacroz lunged forward and sunk its teeth into his shoulder. He grunted in pain, almost dropping his sword in the process. But he managed to hold on due to his new armor enhancing his defense.


    ¡ª Ugh, that must hurt.


    ¡ª Breeze! Lower your pain sensitivity, dumb4ss!


    ¡ª This guy¡­ That grunt is genuine. Did he use the usual pain sensitivity while ying Mercenary Quest?


    ¡ª Damn this guy''s nuts. I don''t believe this at all


    At that time, the pregnant Altacroz recovered from the initial blow and began to attack Max as well, hissing dangerously. He tried to fight back, but with a monster biting his shoulder, he was at a disadvantage.


    He racked his brain and forced his body to move. He managed to dodge and throw the first Altacroz away while swinging his sword to block the pregnant Altacroz''s attack. The searing pain made him stumble for a second, but he was smiling.


    Both Altacroz was now in front of him. They tried to circle him. Max knew he couldn''t let them do that, so he faced them, swinging his sword in a wide arc. The Altacroz was caught off guard. His sword cut through one of their tails and made it yelp in pain.


    Still, the monster was relentless. They counterattacked and lunged toward him at once, sending a w attack and trying to bite him. He raised his sword and attacked them back.


    Clinging of swords against ws and hard skin rang in the open cave. Max''s equipment was created to assist him in hunting a Medium-ss monster. It saved him from being killed immediately by Altacrozes'' attack. Still, injuries still found their way to his body.


    Taking this fight for a long time would be bad for him.


    Good news, it wasn''t only him that got injured. The two Altacrozes had wounds all over their bodies. Their skin cracked, and their green blood spilled.


    "Man, this is hard," Maxined as he drank health potions.


    So far, he had used 3 to keep him alive, but his stamina was the one that took the toll.


    "I need to finish this fast."


    ¡ª Hard, he said


    ¡ª Yeah, hard for someone who is able to solo 2 Altacrozes at once lol


    ¡ª You''re lying, right? You''re lying.


    ¡ª No way! If that''s hard, then everyone never has an easy fight!


    ¡ª Go go! The pregnant Altacroz seems to be weakened. It''s your chance!


    Just as the viewer had said, the pregnant Altacroz''s movement had slowed down. Since the start, it was weaker than the male one. Its protruding belly caused its movement to be slower too, making Max able to react to all of its attacks.


    If there was anything about the pregnant Altacroz, then it was its annoying timing. When the male attacked, it would support it and make the fight harder.


    Now that both monsters had weakened, they refused to attack first. From the look of it, they nned to run when given the chance.


    "No, you can''t. For my diamonds!"


    Shouting, Max jumped at both. He swung his sword and attacked them, continuing the fight. Dodging their attacks had be easier, and he would always strike back when he had the chance.


    Eventually, the pregnant Altacroz fell to the ground after he cut its head. He deliberately did so to avoid seeing what was inside its belly.


    Max turned to face the remaining Altacroz, the male one. It was injured and angry. Just as the book said, the cornered animal was the most dangerous. That was its state right now.


    "You''re angry, huh? Try to kill me, then."


    "Ssshhh!"


    The monster lunged at him, opening its mouth wide. Max took a deep breath and charged forward, his sword covered in green blood.


    With one final thrust, Max struck the Altacroz down, defeating it once and for all. His sword pierced through its body and appeared on the other one. He stood there, raising the monster before letting it fall to the ground. He had defeated them.


    [Missionpleted!]


    [5,000 diamonds have been donated!]


    The notification of missionpletion rang in his ear. Putting his foot on the yed Altacroz''s head, he raised his tusk sword and screamed.


    "I DID IT!"


    ¡ª Oooh!


    ¡ª Congrattions! That was epic


    ¡ª This is the closest battle I have ever seen. Injured and dirty¡­ Wait, that came out wrong


    ¡ª The sticky liquid covering your body mixed with your sweat¡­ Wait, it also came out wrong


    ¡ª Tsk tsk tsk, you guys¡­


    [NUasy has donated 300 diamonds!]


    [LovelyOtter has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [BloodSucker has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Now this is worth editing. Good job.]


    [Bigititi has donated 250 diamonds!]


    [Nice.]


    Donations poured in as he finished the hunt. Max grinned widely as the sound he liked the most became music in his ear.


    "Ah, the sound of money. I can hear it. The hard work is worth it."

 Chapter 343: Chapter 343 – Getting Advice From an Experienced Person

    Max returned to Utopia with ckie after doing a dismantling on the two Altacroz. Dismantling them for material was pretty easy. He found the guide in the menu. And when he followed it, his body moved automatically and dismantled the monster easily.


    All materials automatically entered his inventory. He could put them in the warehouseter so that when he tried to use them, the system would recognize that he had the item.


    "I don''t want to fight two monsters at once again," Max grumbled as he made his way toward the butcher after leaving ckie in Old Man Rig''s care. He had also left all his monster materials in the warehouse in the station.


    ¡ª Totally


    ¡ª If you want to fight two monsters like that at once again, I will think you''re really crazy.


    ¡ª Not gonna lie, anyone will feel the same way as you do.


    ¡ª I want to see you doing two monsters solo again. That would be fun


    ¡ª Altacroz is a Small-ss monster with a defense simr to a Medium-ss monster. Of course, it''s hard.


    ¡ª I bet 5 Punch premium ounts that Breeze will fight against 5 small monsters at once in the near future


    ¡ª I bet 10 Punch premium ounts that he will do that¡­ With a knife only.


    "Nah, I won''t do that." Max said seriously, "Not with my current pain sensitivity, at least. Getting hit with 80% pain sensitivity was¡­ Hell."


    ¡ª So he would do it if he lowered his pain sensitivity¡­


    ¡ª Good to know that he can still feel pain. I thought he''s a superhuman or a masochist


    ¡ª Thetter is most likely *nod nod*. I am also one, after all.


    "Nah, what are you talking about, guys? I am not a masochist. I just enjoyed the feeling of being alive." He exined as he got close to the butcher. An exmation mark floated above Mr. Branch''s head. "Now, let me finish this quest first and I will rest.


    I am getting tired after fighting 2 Altacrozes."


    Approaching the store, Max stopped in front of the butcher and called out to him.


    "Mr. Branch. I have returned from killing the Altacroz."


    Hearing him, Mr. Branch''s face lit up with happiness.


    "Ooh! Yes, yes! Thank you, mercenary. You have helped me a lot! This is not much, but please take these!"


    [Altacroz Huntingpleted!]


    [Rewards: 1,000 Gills, 250 Reputations, 5x red meat.]


    "Many monsters love this meat. If you throw it at them, they will focus on eating this instead of chasing you. I hope it helps you in hunting these monsters!"


    Max looked at the notification and smiled. That was something useful, alright. Not only that, he got a lot of reputation. This would be enough for him to get a mission to hunt a Medium-ss monster from the board.


    "Thanks, Mr. Branch."


    After saying his goodbye, Max turned around and returned to the station. He was talking to the chat while walking, joking and entertaining them.


    Arriving at the station, he found the clump of light for the next mission. That would help him a lot for the next session.


    "Alright, guys. We''ve been ying for a few hours already. Let''s end it here and see you tomorrow!"


    ¡ª Good work!


    ¡ª Thanks for the time!


    ¡ª Nice, that was fun.


    [NiceLud has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Lolimorph has donated 250 diamonds!]


    [MiopaNia has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [That was fun, Breeze! Thanks for streaming! See you tomorrow.]


    "Yeah, see you tomorrow!"


    Many donations poured in. Max made sure to thank everyone for their donation before ending the stream.


    [Livestream Ended!]


    ***


    "Hnn¡­"


    In a room filled with bunny plushies, Lily groggily woke up and opened her eyes. She blinked a few times then blushed after rememberingst night and her current condition. She was only wearing a baggy shirt without anything under it.


    "Aaah!"


    Screaming, she immediately buried her face in her big plushie, Momo. It was still unreal for her. To think she was the one who initiated it. Never in her mind would she imagine herself doing something like that.


    "Stupid me. Stupid me. Stupid me!"


    She rolled around her bed, still embarrassed. Even when she had calmed down and cleaned herself thoroughly, the lingering feeling fromst night was still there. And she somehow couldn''t forget it. She was happy, but also troubled at the same time.


    "Ugh¡­ What should I do?" She muttered, hugging Momo tightly. "I won''t be able to face him like this."


    Thankfully, Max had returned home after making sure she was okay. He had a livestream today, which she somehow missed because she fell asleep soon after he left.


    That helped the pain she felt, and now she was as fresh as new. Still¡­ She needed help.


    "Ferin¡­ She might know what I should do."


    When you were troubled, you would seek an experienced person to ask for advice. Ferin, Lily''s good friend, always gave her good advice and helped her for a long time to get closer to Max. She believed the experienced girl would know what to do.


    Still having a red face, she called the top model and waited for her to take it. It didn''t take long, and the face of the tinum-haired girl with a photo studio-like background appeared on the screen.


    "Heya, Lily! How have you been since that day? Are you good?"


    "Un, I am good. Sorry to call you suddenly, Ferin. But I need advice."


    "Advice, huh?" Ferin smirked and giggled yfully, "Looking at how sloppy you dressed¡­ I bet you did it, right?" She raised her pinky, moving it around with a strange gesture.


    Knowing what Ferin tried to say, Lily once again felt blood rush into her face and got embarrassed. Why did she call her friend when she knew Ferin would tease her? But she had no other choice. There was no one else to ask advice from.


    "I¡­ did." She answered meekly, like a small animal cowering on the corner. She put her index finger in front of her lips. "P-Please keep it a secret."


    "W-What is this?" Ferin looked surprised before beaming with a wide smile. "Who''s this cute little bunny? Girl, why are you so honest now? I can''t¡­ I just can''t. My Lily just became so honest and cute!"

 Chapter 344: Chapter 344 – No-Good Advice and Lily’s Decision

    "Ferin! Shh! Shh!" Lily tried her best to shut her friend up, "Please, this is so embarrassing."


    "No way, you''re just so cute!" Ferin eximed as she got closer to the screen. "Tell me, what do you want to ask? Feel free to ask this experienced Ferin anything." She puffed her chest proudly and rested her hand on it.


    "Umm, actually¡­" Lily began to tell Ferin the problem she faced, on how she wasn''t sure how to face Max from today onward.


    Maybe when they were together, they wouldn''t think of anything. But just the thought of meeting him made her blush.


    After hearing the girl''s confession, Ferin nodded her head in understanding.


    "That''s easy." Ferin snapped her fingers and grinned. "Just live together."


    "Live together¡­" Lily repeated what Ferin said to her and began to imagine it.


    The two of them live in the same apartment, cooking and watching movies together. Then, at night, they would livestream on their own ord, maybe a coboration. Afterward, they would sit on a couch and share funny stories about their livestream before sleeping together.


    Red made its way toward her face. She was boiling inside.


    "W-Wa¡­ Live together!"


    "My, it seems that idea is still too early for her." Ferin sighed in a troubled tone as she shook her head after she saw Lily''s reaction.


    ***


    Max''s day was busy. After finishing his stream, he created another parkour tutorial video to make the most of his skill. If he was toote at creating it, many other Punchtubers would create their own version and ride his fame to gain views.


    He was using the monkey bar on the roof, which he could ess easily, thanks to security''s permission. Because he was always polite to them and did not betray their trust, they already trusted him not to do stupid stuff.


    "Huff¡­ Huff¡­ That should be enough. I will ask BloodSucker to blur the background and keep anything that can expose my location out of the video. His censorship can be changed to that energy drink logo. I still owe them one thing."


    Approaching the makeshift chair near the door, Max took the towel on it and wiped his sweat. His sweatshirt was drenched, making it ufortable.


    ''I have to change now. And maybe walk a bit around the city to get something refreshing.'' He thought as he entered the elevator and returned to his floor. ''Maybe I should invite Lily too. Who knows if she wants to go together? That would be great.''


    Arriving on his floor, he entered his room and took a quick shower to refresh himself. Then, he sat in his living room and called his girlfriend.


    Usually, Lily would take the call in just a few rings. But this time, his call failed and he looked at the screen.


    "Is she still feeling under the weather?" He muttered worriedly, extending his hand to close the screen.


    At that time, the screen in front of him blinked and a call entered. It was from Lily. He immediately epted the call and saw Lily''s face popping up on the screen, her hair was still wet and she looked like inside a bathroom. Only her face and hair were visible, so he wasn''t sure.


    "M-Max? Sorry, I was still showering earlier. But now, it''s fine. I have moved to the bath."


    That confirmed it. Before, he might have been blushing when he saw Lily''s condition. But now, he only admired her and thought she was beautiful even without any makeup and in the most defenseless position. It reminded him ofst night.


    "Yeah, well¡­ cough." He coughed to hide his dirty thoughts and cleared his throat. "I n to go out to the city, walking around while vlogging casually. Do you want to tag along?"


    "Walking around the city?" Lily asked, her voice sounding excited. "Un, I want to join. Shall we meet near the park? I will take a Taxi there."


    "Hmm, that''s a good idea. But I am thinking of meeting near the Lime Mall. It''s near your apartment and also has a good range of assortment. The ce is also huge enough to offer a lot of interesting things to see."


    "Ah, you''re right. Let''s meet there."


    "Alright. Meet me in two hours near the fountain then. Is that enough time for your preparation?"


    Lily smiled at him, happy that he considered her preparation time.


    "Un, more than enough. I don''t need a long time to prepare." She said, "Ah, also¡­ I have something to say, so hear me outter, okay?"


    "Sure. See youter."


    "See youter. Love you."


    [Video Call ended.]


    Max sighed, holding his face. While he was confident he wouldn''t blush, that video call from earlier stimted his mind and made him imagine something that shouldn''t be said.


    "Man, she needs to learn some awareness." He sighed again, then realized something. "No, wait. Maybe it''s because she''s aware that she did that intentionally. She teased me while knowing I would overthink it."


    Lily had definitely grown, in a way that he didn''t expect. He stood up and scratched the back of his head. Even if he had two hours, he wanted to arrive first.


    ''I want to prepare a gift if possible.''


    With that said, Max''s preparation was quick. He took a Taxi instead of walking to arrive faster and chose a good gift for Lily, matching rings they could wear anytime. He would visit that storeter to buy it together.


    This was probably good enough to show off that they were a couple. He wanted to show the world that Lily was his.


    ''30 more minutes.'' He looked at the clock as he sat on the bench near the fountain in the Mall.


    The promised time was still 30 more minutes. However, he saw a girl silhouette that he wouldn''t mistake for anyone else walking toward him. She smiled and waved her hands as she strode faster.


    "Max, did you wait long?" She asked as she stopped in front of him.


    Max took a good look at his girlfriend. His mouth was agape because she dressed differently from usual.


    Instead of wearing pants, she wore a ck skirt that stopped before her knees. For the top, she wore a white off-shoulder frilly shirt and a ck handbag. Her hair was done in a crown braid, making her look elegant.


    "Do I look weird?" She asked nervously, fidgeting and holding her hands together. "T-This is the first time I dress like this. Ferin rmended it to me."


    It seemed like Max had to praise a certain girl for this.


    ''She has be a bit useful.'' He thought as he stood up, smiling at her.


    "Not at all. You look beautiful, Lily. If I have to be honest, I want to keep you in my house so badly now."


    Hearing that, Lily''s eyes went wide. She stayed silent, making Max panic.


    ''Did Ie out too strong? Or did she misunderstand my exaggerated praise as me being weird?''


    "Look, Lily¨C" Chapter Find:


    "Really?" Lily eximed with happiness stered over her face. "Then, I will move tomorrow. Phew¡­ I was afraid of how to ask you whether you wanted to live together or not. Thank god you invited me, Max. I am so happy."


    "Uh, yeah?" He said, confused.


    ''Live together? Huh? How did this happen? And why?''


    A certain tinum-haired girl shed inside his mind, knowing that she might influence her girlfriend, but that must be just his imagination.


    All he could do right now was to process what had just happened and find out the detailster.

 Chapter 345: Chapter 345 – Moving

    Max walked around the mall with Lily on his side. He canceled his n to make a vlog livestream after the bomb dropped by Lily earlier.


    He used his brain at full capacity to understand the situation and arrived at an answer.


    ''Lily wanted to live with me and didn''t know how to ask. Most probably, she is either jealous of Ferin living with her boyfriend or that tinum-haired girl affects her decision by giving her so-called expert advice. Yeah, both are possibilities.''


    Looking at Lily''s response and how she actedtely, he believed in thetter more than the former.


    ''Reading her mind is like ying a puzzle.''


    Fortunately, Max was good at games. At least he hadn''t made a big mistake yet, and he hoped he wouldn''t.


    "Max, is there something wrong?" Lily asked, peering right under his gaze.


    "Ah, there is nothing. I was just wondering about the movingpany to help you move your clothes and necessities. Should we just use drone service?"


    He quickly made an excuse to prevent her from knowing what he truly thought. And because of her massive trust in him, she didn''t even question it.


    "Hmm, that''s alright. I don''t have a lot of clothes and necessities. I can always buy new clothes when I need to."


    Rich had their way of doing things. This quote was probably the best to exin what she had just said.


    ''It''s still surprising how easily she is willing to spend a lot of money when she can save it. Not that I don''t understand, but she really needs to learn how to be down to earth sooner orter so she won''t regret itter when she can''t use her money. Just like in my previous life.''


    He had to do it for her and his sake. Money wasn''t unlimited no matter how much they were. But now that they had a lot, they had to do it to make their lifefortable.


    "But we still need another bed for you. Shall we find some¡­¨C" Max''s words trailed as he looked at Lily''s pouting expression. He racked his brain and immediately found the problem. "You want to sleep together?"


    A small nod like an animal came from Lily.


    "So we''re just getting a bigger bed instead?"


    Another nod.


    "Are you sure?" He asked for thest time to make sure of it.


    "Un." Lily finally answered, "I-I want to get used to it¡­ Being near you, I mean."


    Alright, that wasn''t a problem at all. Max didn''t really mind that, rather it was something he weed.


    From video calling until morning to sleeping together everything. The evolution was too fast.


    They decided to visit a furniture shop first. The leisure walk they nned had changed into shopping together due to the absurd conversation from earlier.


    Lily also wanted to decorate a little bit, so she bought somemps and a multi-purpose desk for the bedroom. After everything was done, Max brought her to the store he had found earlier.


    "What do you think of matching rings, Lily? We can wear them on our middle finger or something. Just¡­ You know? To show off we''re a couple." He suggested while walking, and Lily nodded rigorously.


    "I want it."


    "That''s good to know." He grinned and entered the store together.


    Inside, a variety of essories were disyed. Lily''s eyes sparkled as she looked around in interest. She was a girl no matter how she acted, and she liked essories as much as the others were.


    Max chuckled when he watched her running around and called out to her, showing the rings he nned to buy. The design of the ring was pretty simple. Both had carvings of wings that became a pair when put together, perfect for a couple.


    "How about this?"


    "Un! This is good. Can I choose which one I get?"


    "Sure."


    That wasn''t a problem. Whether he got the ck or white, he wouldn''t mind at all.


    "I''ll choose the ck one," Lily said, taking the ck ring from the box. "The wing design is one on the left. And you get the right one. Hehe, it''s as if you''re the right one for me."


    Max looked at her in disbelief. Sometimes, she just said some embarrassing things without thinking too much and blushed when she realized it.


    This time was also like that. She was blushing and hiding her face with her hands, peeking through the gaps in her fingers.


    The store''s employee stared at them with a warm gaze. They quickly bought the rings and left the stores.


    Following that was just a series of shopping before Max walked Lily back to her apartment. Everything they bought would be sent to his apartment tonight, so he would be busy and had to return soon.


    "Then, see you tomorrow, Lily. Make sure to tell your brother about it!"


    "Un, I will. See you tomorrow."


    Max returned to his apartment by walking. He arrived after 40 minutes or so and began to work, moving around all the appliances to make room for the bigger bed and new stuff bought earlier.


    He disassembled and dragged the bed out himself. This was a good workout, or at least he thought so until he was sure he couldn''t do this alone.


    In the end, he asked security for help and they happily epted. When he exined the reason behind the sudden renovation, he told them that his girlfriend would move with him soon. Theyughed and teased him, saying that it was nice to be young.


    Maxughed wryly, unable to say anything more.


    The bed and furniture he bought arrived just as the sun disappeared on the horizon. He moved everything in with the security and bought them meals afterward as his thanks. They refused to be paid because it was part of their job to help the tenant, but they happily epted the free dinners.


    Some of the securities had already married and shared a story of how their dating lives were and how it was too different from when they were already married. The kind man even advised Max on something he could and shouldn''t do when cohabiting with his girlfriend.


    Max wasn''t sure whether that worked with Lily or not, but he thanked him nheless.


    Chapter Your:


    Tired, he went to bed early after calling Lily. The girl couldn''t wait to move tomorrow. And she had gotten permission from the strict StoneSword, much to his surprise.


    At that same time, a new message popped up in his app.


    [StoneSword: Don''t make her cry.]


    As expected.


    After talking with Lily for a while, he drifted to sleep. He was woken up the next day by the ring of a bell.


    Ding dong!


    Max groggily opened his eyes and made his way to the entrance. When he opened the door, he saw her standing there, smiling shyly and fidgeting. The way she couldn''t hide her excitement looked pretty cute.


    "Wee, Lily." He greeted her with a smile, his sleepiness slipped away immediately upon seeing her figure.


    "Morning. Hehe¡­ This is making me a bit nervous." She said, scratching her cheek. "But please take care of me, Max."


    "Likewise." He replied, "Don''t just stand there. I prepared everything yesterday. It''s ready for you to live in."


    Nodding, she entered the room and Max closed the door, locking it.

 Chapter 346 - 346 – A Gentleman Must Act Classy

    Everything was set up quickly. Max and Lily rxed on the balcony. At first, he thought that it would be awkward at first, but there was nothing like that at all. They surprisingly got used to it soon.


    "What are you nning to do today?" Lily asked curiously, holding a cup of iced water in her hands. "Are you streaming today?"


    "That¡¯s the n." Max nodded, sipping his iced tea. "I wanted to invite you to stream together, but your personal VR Capsule hasn¡¯t been sent yet."


    "Hnn, that¡¯s okay. I n to create more songs for my new album today." She said, lowering the cups. "Just out of curiosity, but what are you ying today? More Mercenary Quest?"


    "Most probably, yes. I want to finish the main storyline and see the Colossal-ss monster. I am also curious how big the Large-ss monster is. The game is so exciting that I want to y it again."


    "Hmm, is it that fun?"


    "Yeah, you should try it too."


    "Maybe I will."


    They talked for a while and Lily returned to the bedroom first because she wanted to concentrate. Max didn¡¯t mind, as he nned to hop into his VR Capsule now and continue the Mercenary Quest.


    "Then, see youter, Lily. If you need something, just call me. I will log out immediately." He looked at the bed where Lily made herselffortable with herrge plushie, Momo.


    His girlfriend waved her hand at him, "Good luck."


    Smiling, Max closed the capsule and dived into the VR world, in a better mood than usual. He appeared in his Lobby, sitting on the chair under therge tree. It had be a habit to start the livestream here before entering the game, like an intro of some sort.


    Opening the livestream screen, he set the title and started it immediately.


    [Who¡¯s the best? I am the best! Oh, yeah. Let¡¯s hunt monsters! #MercenaryQuest #MainStory #Storyline #GreatswordUser #Viral]


    [Livestream Starts!]


    A flock of viewers joined once they got the notification. Because he always streamed around the afternoontely, his viewers had already expected it. Still, its number was still lower than when he streamed at night, peaking at around 11 to 12K only.


    ¡¯That¡¯s still a good number, but I want to grow more. I probably need to make an event or hold a subathon. The former will cost me money, but thetter will cost energy. The fact Lily now sleeps with me also makes it harder to stream 24/7 for it, as I don¡¯t want other people to see her sleeping face.¡¯


    It was a dilemma, but he would just think about itter. At least, he nned to hold either one in the near future before the Streamer Wars to boost his viewers and followers.


    After a few seconds, he changed the screen from the loading to the one floating before him.


    A wine ss materialized in his hand, filled with red liquid that he moved around. In this condition, he greeted his viewers.


    "Good day, people. You have managed to return to my dwelling. Today, we shall hunt another monster, with your best yer, Breeze. Cough, I believe you guys are ready for today¡¯s adventure?"


    ¡ª ?!!


    ¡ª Who are you?


    ¡ª Gentleman, may I know your name? Breeze we know is greedy, selfish, not that polite, and not gentlemanly.


    ¡ª Guys, I think the channel got hacked. Report it to Cyber Security! We need to rescue Breeze, he¡¯s in a bind!


    Your journey continues with NovelBin.C?m


    ¡ª Who is this gentleman from the romance story? What happened to you? Who did this to you, Breeze?


    ¡ª Baron?! Is that you, Baron? This noble me has known for a long time that you¡¯re a ssy guy!


    "People, no need to fret. I am no more than Breeze that you know. It¡¯s just¡­ I have matured a lot. I have someone to take care of now, so I have to change. You will know the feeling when you experience it yourself."


    Closing his eyes, Max sipped the liquid in the wine ss. It tasted sweet, just like grape juice. His conduct was filled with ss, like an old medieval noble. The fact he wore a suit only made him look like his role.


    ¡ª what the heck?


    ¡ª That doesn¡¯t exin why this happened


    ¡ª Roley? Are you trying a roley?


    ¡ª Damn, this is nuts. Breeze has be crazy


    ¡ª Return our Breeze! My lovely Breeze!


    ¡ª Naaah, this is trippy. Dude, stop the roley. It¡¯s cringey!


    The corner of his lips twitched. Max knew his viewers were blunt, but he didn¡¯t expect them to call him crazy and cringe.


    ¡¯Come on, I also want to roley every now and then.¡¯


    ¡ª Besides¡­ You¡¯re not a gentleman. You¡¯re a rough mercenary


    ¡ª Imagine a mercenary sipping wine or tea after they hunt monsters, their body still covered in blood.


    ¡ª Yeah, not the best sight. If it¡¯s a serial murderer, then it might feet. But mercenary? Yeah, no.


    Max tried to imagine it and he shuddered. The image was just too far from what he liked.


    "Yeah, my bad." He said, dropping his roley easily. "That¡¯s disgusting, cringe, and makes me look like a crazy man. But hey, at least I am not a bad roleyer."


    He stood up, throwing the wine ss away. It spun in the air and hit the ground, shattering into pieces of light.


    "Anyway, guys. I am in a good mood now, so I will y rather crazily. I won¡¯t care about defense or strategy. Rush and kill is my strategy."


    ¡ª So, just like the usual


    ¡ª Yeah, the usual


    ¡ª That¡¯s not much different from your usual strategy, fight and win


    ¡ª Somehow that will work out. That¡¯s the power of the main character, and Breeze is the yer


    Now, that wasn¡¯t surprising. He was indeed like that.


    And he intentionally said his new strategy to get a reaction, which worked like a charm.


    "Now, now. If you¡¯re a gentleman, you must act ssy. You shouldn¡¯t nitpick at something small like that."


    Saying so, he opened Mercenary Quest¡¯s game menu. The intro should be enough. 12K viewers had gathered to watch him y a monster.


    "Now, as a gentleman myself, I will start the game immediately. I don¡¯t want to makedies wait."


    His vision shifted as soon as he started the game.

 Chapter 347 - 347 – More Quests!

    Before logging off thest time, Max had found the clue to the next mission. As soon as he appeared in the station, he immediately followed the light and found Jamal in the corner. The yapper looked rather down, his eyes downcast.


    Max approached him. No matter how he saw it, thedies that he mentioned before he parted ways hurt him one way or another. And unfortunately, this yapper was the next quest giver. So he had no choice but to talk to him.


    "What¡¯s wrong, dude? You got dumped on?" He asked with a tint of yfulness in his voice.


    "Oh, newbie?" Jamal asked, the energy in his voice was gone. Sighing, he looked on the floor. "It¡¯s not that, newbie. If it¡¯s just that, I won¡¯t be this sad. It¡¯s worse."


    "What happened?" It sounded pretty urgent and dangerous.


    "Hear me. There is a sighting of a Colossal-ss monster."


    Jamal began the story with a solemn expression.


    "When I met thedies earlier, I saw them crying their eyes out. Their hometown was destroyed overnight. Only two of them, siblings, survived. They didn¡¯t know what to do and were under massive stress. After staying still for a few minutes, the younger one dragged her sister to ask for help."


    Holding his face and gritting his teeth, the yapper continued.


    "Man, I almost broke when I heard their story. The houses around them looked as if they had been trampled. Ground turned intova, and crops were burned. Hills were ttened, and trees were flipped. Everything was destroyed without any mercy."


    Max tried to picture it and shuddered. An image appeared in his vision. It wasn¡¯t just his imagination or illusion, but a real one. The game had shown him the vige¡¯s destruction.


    "This is the trampled vige?"


    ¡ª Well, this isn¡¯t fun.


    ¡ª That certainly is ¡¯destruction¡¯. No pun intended.


    ¡ª The game shows the scene of destruction. Now this is a good game. Still, is that real? Poor viges.


    ¡ª To think the yapper shows such intense emotion.


    Max was able to look at the trampled vige from the sky, giving him the perfect view of the destruction. Just as Jamal described earlier, the scene could even make a grown man cry.


    "Their description reminded me of my past. I had directly seen and experienced the scene that they described before. That¡¯s why I am sure they aren¡¯t lying."


    Jamal¡¯s voice rang in the surroundings as the scene faded away. The yapper raised his head, looking at Max.


    "This is without a doubt the work of a Colossal-ss monster. I will inform Caesar about its existence and we probably will send a scout soon. That¡¯s why, prepare and train yourself. You might be forced to join the expedition soon."


    [Ding! A new mission is generated.]


    [Colossal-ss Sighting!]


    [Colossal-ss monster has been sighted destroying one vige. An expedition will be nned soon. Prepare and hone yourself. Take 3 Quest and kill a total of 3 Medium-ss monsters from the board.]


    Max looked at the notification and took everything in. When he closed it, Jamal stood up and patted his shoulder.


    "I will go first. If you¡¯re ready, head to our base in Daigon Valley."


    With that, Jamal boarded the train and it left. Just as the train left, a new one arrived with a loud honk.


    "Just how does this train work?" Max asked curiously, wondering how the station worked.


    ¡ª It¡¯s a mystery


    ¡ª Don¡¯t ask, pretend not to see it


    ¡ª One train left, and one train arrived. It¡¯s easy to see how it worked, no? No need to question it


    ¡ª Rather than that, you need to take 3 Quests today before you can proceed to the main story


    "Well, I know that. But I am just so curious. If we can implement this in the real world, won¡¯t public transportation evolve to a new height? You don¡¯t need to wait for another Sky Rail to arrive. Imagine how good that will be."


    The viewers called him an idealist and had a good imagination for a streamer. There was no way that system could be implemented. It was just a dream within a dream.


    Sighing, Max decided not to continue with the topic. It might be taken wrongly as criticizing the government, and he didn¡¯t want that.


    ¡¯Better not make any controversial stuff regarding the government. They already did a better job than the one from my previous life.¡¯


    Thinking so, he walked toward the board and looked at the list of quests. He had more than 300 reputations now, so he could take various quests without any problem.


    To advance the main story, he had to take the quest above #100, which involved a Medium-ss monster. What kind of monster he fought wasn¡¯t restricted. He could find the three weakest Medium-ss monsters and finished the requirement with them.


    However, he also had to think of his equipment.


    "I have no headgear yet, and I prefer to have one before the next main story, which probably involves a Colossal-ss or Large-ss monster. Which monster will give me good material for it?"


    When in doubt, ask someone knowledgeable. He decided to involve the chat. It was also one way tomunicate with hismunity.


    ¡ª Altacroz has good hide to make a good headgear, but it¡¯s considered Small-ss monster


    ¡ª Probably a monster with a crown-like head? Their crown will be a good material for headgear. And you will only need a few ores to mix.


    ¡ª Leather-based headgear is good. Reptile or bird monsters will give you good materials. Maltrax sounds perfect to be your target.


    ¡ª If you want an easy target, then I rmend Pilzari. It¡¯s a 7-meter big Medium-ss monster and has a soft hide. Not that good for material


    There were many options given by the chat. However, the leather headgear sounded good. There was a quest regarding Maltrax among the papers posted on the board.


    [Quest #088 ¨C Hunt Poisonous Maltrax in Foray in near Mott Vige.]


    [Reward: 2,500 Gills, Maltrax¡¯s material, 5x health potions, 3x Rub Cream]


    "Poisonous, huh? It will be a good experience. Let¡¯s kill Maltrax." Max said as he ripped the quest from the board and boarded the train.


    The journey was skipped as usual. He arrived at a local station in a vige. When he exited the train, he found the guiding light on the side. It began to move toward a certain direction and he followed suit.


    Because the quest was an annihtion quest with a target, whose location was known, the light guided Max to the in instead of to someone who could provide him with information.


    Finding a Medium-ss monster in such a in was pretty easy. Itsrge size made the monster stand out.


    A bird, resembling a vulture, without feathers ate a whole cow in the middle of the in. Its wings were spread wide, made from leather. He didn¡¯t know whether it could fly with that or not, but he would fight it while thinking it could to avoid any surprise attack.


    From its beak, green liquid dripped down. The cow that got covered in the liquid seemed to be in pain and tried to move desperately.


    ¡¯Poison, and probably acidic.¡¯ Max thought as he stopped, watching the scene. Before he realized it, the light had disappeared already.


    He was alone, a hundred meters away from the said monstrosity.


    ¡¯It can melt the cow¡¯s hide, but the effect is slow. However, if that hits my hand or skin, I don¡¯t think I will be able to handle the pain. It will definitely melt my skin in a matter of seconds. Antidotes I have will also be useless. Maybe not so much, but it won¡¯t be able to protect me from the acid.¡¯


    The cow couldn¡¯t move any further when Maltrax put it inside its mouth. The acidic liquid also had a paralyzing effect, which could only be cured with Antidote.


    ¡¯Maybe I can cure the wound if I drink the Antidote and health potions at once. Hmm, this is doable.¡¯


    After observing his target for a while, Max gripped his tusk sword and grinned. Find more to read on NovelBin.C?m


    "Well, let¡¯s hunt a poisonous bird, shall we? Its meat might be bad, but my goal is that leather skin. The neck looks hard, so I will target its heart or any organ on its chest."


    ¡ª Hmm, so we¡¯re now watching a smart Breeze. This will be fun.


    ¡ª Smart Breeze? What are you talking about?


    ¡ª Let me exin, new guy. Breeze has 2 sides, silly and smart. This one you see is the smart one. The silly one was the gentleman from earlier


    ¡ª This guy casually analyzed the monster¡¯s capability just by seeing it eating a cow lol. He¡¯s smart but pretends to be normal


    ¡ª I love both Breeze, hehehe. Marry me!


    ¡ª In your dream. Breeze already has LilyPixel, you hag!


    The viewers mored like usual.


    Max ignored them and concentrated. Right now, he wanted to finish the fight as soon as possible.


    Approaching silently wouldn¡¯t work. Maltrax already had its eyes on him since the start, eyeing him like a predator finding a nice, juicy prey.


    That was why, he¡¯d rather use this situation to make a funny moment instead of trying to surprise attack it and fail.


    Standing in attention, he raised his sword above his head.


    "Give me your pelt, you cowlicker! Or I shall y you!" He dered openly as he stood a bit away from Maltrax. "Hah! Announcing my presence like this is gentlemanly. Let¡¯s have a nice duel!"


    ¡ª Correction, it¡¯s silly Breeze


    ¡ª lololol, duel with a monster


    ¡ª Gentleman? I mean¡­ Are you sure Maltrax is a male?


    ¡ª You just one-sidedly dered a duel. That¡¯s not a gentleman¡¯s behavior¡­


    "Forget the small matters! Here I go!"

 Chapter 348: Chapter 348 – Absolute Cinema

    Max rushed toward Maltrax without fear. He raised his sword and jumped.


    The monster looked at him while it tried to eat the cow. It reacted prettyte, only raising its wings when Max was already swinging his sword toward its neck.


    "Be my headgear!"


    His sword cut the hide pretty easily and drew green liquid. The monster made no evasive maneuver at all and didn''t even cry when its neck was cut.


    Instead, it looked like it took the hit deliberately. The green liquid spewed out from the wound was sshed at Max. He had no way to avoid them in the air. And at that moment, he felt his skin burning and his nerves locked.


    The blood also contained the poison!


    ''Shit!''


    Just as he realized that Maltrax attacked him using its wing, sending him flying far. His body bounced and rolled on the ground a few times before it stopped.


    From the pain he felt, he seemed to break a few bones. But in this game, broken bones weren''t any problem. He immediately stood up while grunting loudly and drank 2 health potions and an antidote. His body was battered.


    Even though the wound had disappeared, the lingering pain still attacked his mind and he couldn''t stand straight. He was wobbling around and forced to use his sword as a support.


    "Fuck, that hurts." A curse word escaped his mouth.


    ¡ª Hey, are you okay?


    ¡ª That must hurt.


    ¡ª Ouch! It hurts just by looking and knowing he has 80% pain sensitivity


    ¡ª What?! 80% pain sensitivity (new viewer here)


    ¡ª This man is so crazy. How can he still stand after that? The pain must be otherworldly. It''s better if he was killed immediately


    ¡ª And he still drank health potions¡­ Nuts¡­ I like it


    [toothFairy has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Pain Pain Go Away! If you are in pain, it''s okay to stop.]


    "Heh." Max looked at the donation and sneered. "This much pain is nothing." He said, preparing tobat Maltrax once again.


    The monster rushed toward him. The wound on its neck was visibly closed already.


    "Fast regeneration? Damn, I need to kill it soon while getting poisoned then." Heughed like a madman.


    As a bird-type monster, it was pretty fast. And for some reason, it didn''t fly toward him, and chose to charge instead.


    In response, Max charged toward Maltrax, sword in hand. He had the height advantage and could target its chest easily.


    The monster raised its size and strength to full advantage. When Maltrax got close to its prey, it spread its wings and attacked with its beak.


    Max was quick on his feet, dodging the monster''s beak filled with poisonous liquid while trying to find an opening to strike. Right now, its chest was so close to him, and he thrust his sword with a powerful push.


    The swordnded a hit on the monster''s chest. However, the de didn''t prate deep enough, and Maltrax retaliated with a powerful wing attack that sent him flying in the air.


    After rolling on the ground a few times, just like earlier, Max got up, panting heavily. He drank another health potion and antidote, the bruises in his body disappeared at a visible speed after being covered in a soft light.


    Looking at where he stabbed Maltrax earlier, his lips curled up into a wild grin.


    "Aha! So the chest area has no poisonous blood and the regeneration is slower than the area near the heart, eh? As expected. A monster will definitely have a weak point no matter how strong they are."


    A cry came from Maltrax when it realized it was injured. The cry was loud enough that Max wanted to close his ears, but he couldn''t afford that. He charged toward Maltrax once again, this time with more determination.


    ¡ª Gooo!!


    ¡ª Goddamn, this is so tense. Why do all his battles alwayse so close like this


    ¡ª Knowing he felt pain almost simr to the real world makes this exciting and scary¡­


    ¡ª Please, Breeze. Don''t get hurt anymore! Be careful!


    ¡ª Kill that bird! Make it a Satay or grilled bird!


    The viewers were excited as the battle continued. Max''s body was covered in bruises and Maltrax''s blood. His movement became a bit sluggish from the paralyzing poison, but it was still possible to fight.


    This was a battle of endurance. Maltrax''s wings were fast and precise. Max had to dodge it or he would be sent flying even if he blocked it. After a while, the opening he was waiting for finally appeared.


    "There!"


    He swung his sword with all his might, aiming for the monster''s hearth. Maltrax tried to dodge, but Max was too fast. The sword pierced through the monster''s chest, and Maltrax let out a loud death screech.


    Pulling his sword, covered in green blood, he watched the monster copse onto the ground. His breathing was rough and short. His body was heavily injured and exhausted, but he had yed the vulture monster.


    ¡ª Wooooh!


    ¡ª He won! He won!


    ¡ª Finally, he did it!


    ¡ª Breeze! Breeze! Breeze!


    [Hunters has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [KissMyLips has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [LovelyHead has donated 250 diamonds!]


    [JustDoIt has donated 750 diamonds!]


    Many donations poured in. The viewers cheered for him, and Max took a deep breath as he looked at the donations pouring in. He had triumphed over a Medium-ss monster. This was the first time.


    He looked at his sword, still stained with the monster''s blood, and knew he had to finish this with a bang.


    Walking toward the monster''s corpse, he stood on top of it and stabbed his sword down.


    "Fuck yeah!" He screamed loudly, making the chat grow more exciting.


    ¡ª Breeze Breeze Breeze!


    ¡ª Wooo! That was amazing!


    ¡ª ABSOLUTE CINEMA!


    ¡ª I didn''t know that you could move while being covered in poisonous blood. This is amazing. I clipped it!


    ¡ª Clip! Clip! Clip!


    ¡ª Amazing Breeze!


    Max climbed down the monster''s corpse and began to dismantle it. His body moved automatically and the corpse disappeared, entering his inventory.


    After that, he drank an antidote. This made the third Antidote he drank.


    "Now then, let''s return to Utopia and buy more Antidote before taking another quest to hunt Maltrax. I want to be able to kill him without getting injured."


    ¡ª That would be neat


    ¡ª Nice! So we''re doing Maltrax any % now


    ¡ª Show the bird who''s the boss!


    With chat''s encouragement with him, Max returned to the station to reset the quest.

 Chapter 349: Chapter 349 – Easier Done Than Said

    After buying Antidote in Utopia station, Max departed once again to kill the second Maltrax. There were a total of 4 Maltrax-rted quests on the board, and he nned to finish 3 of them to advance to the main story.


    Killing the second Maltrax was easier than the first. He remembered some of its attack patterns and managed to kill it after getting hit only once. He only drank an Antidote once for this quest.


    The third time was even easier. He only got grazed by its wing and managed to kill it faster than before. He didn''t even need to drink an Antidote.


    "It''s done!"


    Max heaved a relieved sigh as he arrived at Utopia Station after killing the third Maltrax. A notification popped up in front of him as soon as he finished the quest.


    [Mission is updated!]


    [Colossal-ss Sighting!]


    [You have proved yourself by killing 3 Medium-ss monsters and finished 3 quests! Head to Daigon Valley and meet Jamal to gain information regarding the Colossal-ss expedition.]


    "Oh? The mission is updated. I have to meet Jamal in Daigon Valley base to continue the mission." He said, "Can I make the headgear in Daigon Valley''s base?"


    ¡ª Ooh! We''re away from the birdie now!


    ¡ª Daigon Valley! It''s been a long time since you visited this base.


    ¡ª The yapper again! I miss the yapper, it''s been 2 hours since west met!


    ¡ª Dude¡­ You missed a guy you saw 2 hours ago?


    ¡ª Yeah, there are cksmiths in Daigon alley too. You can make your headgear there.


    ¡ª Would you climb the base again, Breeze?


    Reading the chat, Max let out a wry chuckle.


    "Alright, that''s good to know. Also¡­ Climbing the base? Which stupid person did that? There is a Garudama service we can use to reach the top of the base." He said, pretending to be oblivious as he headed to the train.


    He had to find the conductor to head to Daigon Valley, who always stayed in the front carriage.


    ¡ª Look at him, suddenly having amnesia.


    ¡ª A sudden amnesia episode!


    ¡ª Not surprising. He''s trying to be humble, guys. He doesn''t want to brag about his stupidity!


    ¡ª Guys, do the thing! BloodSucker, I choose you!


    ¡ª You can''tmand this noble me. But it''s on the way.


    [BloodSucker has started a mission!]


    [Stream Mission: Climb the base in Daigon Valley in under 5 minutes.]


    [Reward: 5,000 diamonds.]


    ¡ª W BloodSucker!


    "Nay, you can''t tempt me with money," Max said as he neared the train and found the conductor. "I will only climb it when I am in the mood. Right now, I want to finish the mission as soon as possible and be done with it. Not even 5,000 diamonds can tempt me."


    [ClimbThatShiet has added 10,000 diamonds to the stream mission.]


    A notification stopped Max from walking. He looked at it and was considering taking the stream mission. After all, it wouldn''t take 5 minutes to finish climbing something he had climbed before.


    However, he shook his head at the devil that whispered into his ears.


    "N-No, I won''t climb it. Not even 15,000 is enough to tempt me! I want to see that Colossal-ss monster and rest for today. I am pretty tired already."


    [ClimbThatShiet has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [How much do you need for you to climb it? This is my first time watching live¡­ Here because a clip from the past¡­]


    ¡ª This guy is serious!


    ¡ª Damn, finally someone who can match BloodSucker in terms of donation!


    ¡ª Finally¡­ A worthy opponent for this noble me


    ¡ª I just want to see him climb¡­ I want to see the technique¡­


    "Thank you for the donation, ClimbThatShiet. However, as I said earlier, I won''t climb anything unless I am in the mood. I was pretty tired before starting the stream, and getting injured when killing the first Maltrax further pushed me. I think I won''t be able to finish climbing in 5 minutes even¨C"


    [ClimbThatShiet has added 10,000 diamonds to the stream mission.]


    "No, as I said¨C"


    [ClimbThatShiet has added 25,000 diamonds to the stream mission.]


    "Wait, stop! I told you already¨C"


    [ClimbThatShiet has added 50,000 diamonds to the stream mission.]


    "Fine!"


    After the stream mission''s reward had reached 100K diamonds, Max finally gave up and stopped it. If he didn''t do it, then he felt this viewer would just add more diamonds to the mission to make him climb it. That would be a problem.


    ''That''s already $2,000. He spends that much just to see me climb?'' He thought as he heaved a sigh. ''He must be either my hardcore fan, someone like BloodSucker, or someone who is curious about how I climb the base. Either way, he''s rich.''


    ¡ª Biggest dono since BloodSucker!


    ¡ª Will BloodSucker''s throne be toppled by this new guy? Hahaha, this is fun


    ¡ª N-No, this noble me has started the mission! You can''t steal my spotlight like this!


    ¡ª That''s not my intention¡­ I just want to see him climb¡­


    The new viewer seemed to be adamant about seeing him climb.


    "Well, I will climb it, alright? But don''t expect me to climb down. That''s harder than climbing up." He made a deal with the viewer and headed to Daigon Valley.


    [ClimbThatShiet has donated 5,000 diamonds!]


    [Thank you.]


    Even his thank you was worth $100. Maxughed wryly and scratched his cheek.


    "No¡­ Thank you." He said as he boarded the train.


    ¡ª He felt conflicted


    ¡ª lol. Facing a lot of money makes him really humble


    ¡ª Now that''s what we call humble. Just say thank you without saying anything more


    ¡ª Ding! Breeze has been tamed by money


    ¡ª His brain can''t process all of this. On the one hand, he likes money. On the other hand, he didn''t want his viewers to donate too much money


    Arriving at the Daigon Valley, the first thing Max found was the guiding light. It went toward the tall base and went up. When he looked up, he found Jamal on the top balcony peering down, waving his hand at him.


    "Thankfully, my quest giver is on the top floor so I don''t have to climb down." He said as he began to stretch his body. "Prepare the countdown, guys. I won''t take off the sword either, as it''s part of my equipment. Do you think I can finish this in 5 minutes?"


    ¡ª You can


    ¡ª It''s a lie if you say you can''t


    ¡ª No, wait. His sword is heavier than before, so it''s not sure whether he can do it or not.


    ¡ª Nahh, he can definitely do it


    ¡ª A premium ount if he can do it


    ¡ª Bet, a premium ount if he fail


    The chat began to bet with each other. Max smiled as he read it and went to the base. He looked up and remembered the path he had taken before. 5 minutes¡­ It was doable as long as he didn''t mess up.


    "ClimbThatShiet¡­ You better watch this."


    Saying that, he began to climb, starting it with a big jump. He grabbed a pipe and began to climb like a monkey. His movement was smooth and skillful.


    Reaching the middle of the base was pretty easy as there were many pipes. But thetter half was slightly difficult as he had to avoid the balconies that jutted out of the buildings.


    Max didn''t know how long it had been. However...


    "We reach the top!"


    ... He was sure he did it.


    "What''s my time, chat? Tell me that it''s under 5 minutes!"

 Chapter 350: Chapter 350 – Information Regarding Colossal-Class Monster and Plan

    ¡ª It''s 04:12! You did it, Breeze!


    ¡ª Under 5 minutes! Damn!


    ¡ª You have gotten faster.


    "Hahaha, thank you, thank you. I will get the reward now then. I hope you don''t mind."


    Someone in a jungle-like Lobby looked at the screen that showed Max and typed on the keyboard.


    ¡ª I don''t mind¡­ It''s helpful¡­


    ClimbThatShiet smiled. He stood up, raising his toned body, and looked at the cliff behind him. He was a professional climber, attempting to climb the steepest cliff in the United Nations. And right now, he was in a bind and couldn''t continue. Even climbing in VR World didn''t give him a good result.


    However, the video was very helpful. Watching the streamer called Breeze climb the building left gave him inspiration. He had learned something new.


    "The way he gripped the thin ledge and how he moved his legs¡­ It''s different from me¡­ He''s flexible and focused on speed¡­ Maybe I need to lose some of my muscle and focus on that training."


    Finally getting something that he could try, ClimbThatShiet began to try climbing the cliff once again.


    ***


    ¡ª I don''t mind¡­ It''s helpful¡­


    Max looked at the messagest sent by ClimbThatShiet and epted the mission reward.


    [Missionpleted!]


    [100,000 diamonds have been donated!]


    The amount could make any streamer droll. This was the biggest donation he had ever received.


    ''$2,000 baby! Even with tax and the cut, I will still get around $1,700 or more.''


    While he was happy, he couldn''t show it outside because he was ''forced'' to climb the base. He coughed and continued the stream.


    "Thank you for the donation. As I said earlier, I won''t climb down the base. I will now talk to Jamal and continue the mission."


    Saying so, he approached the yapper who had been looking at him since he arrived at the balcony.


    "Jamal!" He called out to him.


    "Newbie, you made it on time! The scouting team has just returned from their mission. Let''s hear the details in the meeting room. Follow me."


    "Alright."


    As soon as Max answered, a cutscene started. He could see his character following Jamal inside, where many mercenaries had gathered.


    Caesar stood at the end of a long table, crossing his arms. His body was still as impressive as ever, standing more than 2 meters tall.


    Many parchmentsy on the table surrounded by mercenaries. Jamal and Max joined the others.


    "Everyone is here. Tell them what you see." Caesarmanded a lean mercenary next to him.


    "Yes, sir." The lean mercenary stepped forward and grabbed a long stick, pointing at a map on the table. "We have confirmed the Colossal-ss monster, Behemoth, near Grook Desert. Just as the witnesses'' information brought by Jamal, it had passed by several viges and destroyed them."


    Mercenaries around the table gasped and mored.


    Behemoth, just the name alone sent shivers down their spine. Even Caesar narrowed his eyes.


    ¡ª This is serious!


    ¡ª Everybody in the room is serious!


    ¡ª Everyone is gangsta until Caesar narrows his eyes


    ¡ª This is so scary! Mom! Help!


    "Well, yeah. That''s somehow scary."


    Seeing it the first time, Max couldn''t help but mutter so. The pressure exuded by the man named Caesar managed to shut everyone down.


    "Continue." A low voice escaped his lips and the lean mercenary nodded.


    "From what we observed from afar, the Behemoth was going straight to Paradise Ind. We don''t know what it''s doing there, but we can see that its belly is bulging slightly. We guessed that it''s about to give birth."


    The room was filled with mor once again. Giving birth? Was the Behemoth a mammal?


    Max was now curious how this Behemoth looked. From stories he read, Behemoth was described as a huge creature with long tusks. Its body looked like a gori, and its head was abination of rat and elephant, having a long nose.


    Having lived for a long time. Behemoth''s body was covered in rock and moss. It was said that even trees grew on itsrge back.


    Its size could bepared to a city. Just one step was enough to kill millions of people in its wake.


    "That''s the Behemoth I know. Is it the same as the one in this game?" He asked the chat as the cutscene continued with the scout giving out reports one by one.


    ¡ª Something simr


    ¡ª There are 3 types of Behemoth known in this game. The first one matches what you described. But the one in this mission is different


    ¡ª Did you forget about the image you saw before you departed to kill the Medium-ss monster? At least this Behemoth has fire legs.


    The chat was correct. ording to the scout''s report, the Behemoth''s limbs were covered in what seemed like activeva. They guessed it was from Volcanic Ore that stuck on its body.


    It didn''t feel pain from getting burned as its body was protected by manyyers of rock underneath, and the Behemoth naturally had high heat and cold resistance.


    "Isn''t this monster a cheat creature? How can we even kill something like this?" Max asked in horror as he listened to the talk about Behemoth''s traits.


    ¡ª Cheat creature¡­


    ¡ª Yeah, you can describe a Behemoth with that. That fit its appearance perfectly


    ¡ª No matter what, don''t say that in front of them. Look at their excited faces. Stronghold Mercenary is filled with masochists!


    ¡ª You are against a cheat creature¡­ But, did you forget you have a cheat character with you?


    ¡ª Yeah, Caesar can solo behemoth without a problem


    "You''re right." Max crossed his arms and nodded repeatedly.


    The scout finished rying the information they gathered and stepped back. Everyone''s attention shifted to Caesar. Therge man mmed his fist against the table. A loud sound resounded as the table cracked under the force.


    "We will stop it before it reaches Paradise Ind. Behemoth will be the most vulnerable at this point. Don''t let it get into the sea and boil the water. Many marines will die from that and we won''t be able to fight it on a boiling sea. We will stop the monster at Norfatu Valley. It will definitely pass this ce."


    "Oooh!"


    "Prepare fireproofs made from Grandmoo''s fur and the spike from Sharkari."


    "We need a heat-resistant pelt. Prepare a lot of health potions and heat resistance potions too!"


    The people in the room began to run around busily. Caesar grinned at the sigh and looked at Jamal.


    "Gather 5 people under you, Jamal. Your team will be responsible for taking care of Small-ss monsters on Behemoth''s back and destroying its spike. Strip it naked."

 Chapter 351: Chapter 351 – Stopping the Behemoth [1]

    "Got it, leader!" Jamal eximed with an excited smile. He turned to Max''s character and patted his shoulder. "You''reing with me, newbie."


    [Mission is updated!]


    [Colossal-ss Sighting! Behemoth!]


    [Colossal-ss monster, Behemoth, will destroy everything if left alone. Join the extermination squad and destroy the spike that fuses Behemoth''s rock armor and its body with Jamal.]


    The extermination began. Max found himself in another location. He stood on the edge of the cliff, looking down at arge valley that was even bigger than the Grand Canyon.


    At this moment, he could move his body again and felt the strong wind from the valley. His hair and fur armor fluttered. Even standing still was slightly hard.


    "Whoa," Max eximed as he stepped backward.


    "That was dangerous. Be careful, newbie." Jamal spoke from behind, and Max turned around to see the yapper.


    He was fully equipped, with fiery double daggers on his back.


    "I know that you''re curious about the Colossal-ss monster, but you shouldn''t be so close to the edge. You will be able to see it once it arrives in the valley."


    "I know," Max grumbled.


    He wasn''t an idiot who would stand on the edge of the cliff without any safety device. Well, this was a VR world, but that didn''t matter.


    ''I only spawned there, MF. Don''t tell me what to do.'' Heined in his mind.


    "It''s good that you understand," Jamal said, nodding like a good senior. He fished out a sk from his pocket and handed it to Max.


    "Everything will be so hot that it''s unbearable, so take this heat-resistant potion. We will climb on top of that monster''s back, kill some Small-ss monsters, and then destroy the spike connected to the Behemoth''s spine. We will move as a team, though. Don''t worry too much about your back. I got you."


    "Thanks."


    Max took the heat-resistant potion and waited for the Behemoth to appear. Just as he took it in his hand, the ground shook greatly. A loud sound resounded from the distance.


    "It''s here." Jamal had a strained smile as he looked to the right.


    From behind a tall mountain, seemingly bigger than Mount Everest, a figure d in rock and moltingva appeared. Smoke rose from behind the figure as it moved, burning the trees and everything in its wake.


    Looking at the Behemoth that stood a bit shorter than a mountain gave Max a chill. The description was just like he knew. A creature with a gori''s body with elephant trunk andrge tusks that almost reached the ground. The way it moved was simr to a gori, using its legs and arms as support.


    "That''s a Colossal-ss monster?!" He eximed as he used his sword as a support to keep standing. The ground quaked every time the monster took a step. "We''re going to stop that and divert its breeding ground away from Paradise Ind?"


    ¡ª It''s beeg!


    ¡ª That''s a Behemoth? Holy cow! Wait, holy gori! That thing is big!


    ¡ª Wait, how could a group of mercenaries,posed of 50 people, take down that stuff? Even the tank might not work


    ¡ª This sounds impossible.


    Indeed. Killing that monster was impossible. At least not with a single mercenary group. Even if they were strong and had a cheat character like Caesar, the size difference alone made it impossible for them to reach the monster''s vitality.


    To kill such a monstrosity, one would need to spend a lot of resources and time, bombarding it with cannons to strip its defense slowly. Only by making it die from bleeding did humans have a chance to kill a Behemoth.


    "Among Colossal-ss monsters sighted before, Behemoth has the toughest defense. We will be unable to kill it, only divert its course. No matter what, Paradise Ind needs to be protected. It''s the source of many rare ores and materials. If the Behemoth reaches that ind, everything will be destroyed."


    Jamal exined the reason why they had to stop the Behemoth once again.


    "After we strip it naked, Caesar will be responsible for making it walk in another direction. Our goal is to take the monster away from human settlement. If it goes to the Dark Area, that will be the best for us. It can breed and strive there without affecting us."


    "That''s indeed a good idea." Max''s strained smile was evident as the Behemoth got closer. "If the mother is that big, I can''t imagine how big the kid is. The ecosystem in Paradise Ind will definitely be destroyed if that monster arrives."


    ¡ª Indeed. That will be a disaster


    ¡ª I am curious about something, but it''s strange, but I will say it. Who impregn4te that monster?


    ¡ª ^^ Precisely my question. How big is the PP to make that monster pregnant?


    ¡ª Guys, your question is so strange that I didn''t know how you could focus on that. Appreciate how cool the monster is!


    ¡ª Ur mom is cool. I bet you also wondered how you came to this world lol


    ¡ª SAVAGE!


    Actually, Max was also curious about that. But Lily might have watched the livestream, so he tried his best not to ask such a suspicious question. Thankfully, the chat asked first and there was no actual answer. It was still a mystery.


    ''Is there a male Behemoth? Or is the Behemoth actually hermaphrodite and can make a baby without a partner? Now that''s something curious. I am thinking about something stupid in the middle of an important battle thanks to the chat¡­''


    "Newbie, here ites. Drink the potion now and follow me."


    At that time, Jamal''s stern voice pulled him out of his strange thoughts. The Behemoth was already close. Just one more step and he could climb it with Jamal and the others.


    Nodding, Max drank the heat-resistant potion and followed Jamal and the other four guys running toward the highest point of the cliff. There, he waited for a few seconds while hiding, waiting for the perfect time to jump.


    And when it was the time¡­


    "Jump!"


    Jamal sent out the order and Max followed him. He ran at full speed and jumped without hesitation. He was so close to the Behemoth''s shoulder.


    And therge monster noticed the flies closing on to its body. With a nce, it raised its right hand and made a wide movement.

 Chapter 352: Chapter 352 – Stopping the Behemoth [2]

    "Shit! Dodge!"


    Jamal''s voice was filled with urgency as he threw a rope made from the monster''s fur toward a rock jutting out of Behemoth''s body as arge arm closed in. The rope tied nicely, and he grabbed Max before pulling it, altering their course in the air.


    "Whoa!"


    Suddenly moving at a fast speed, Max let out a surprised voice. He still couldn''t process what happened. As soon as his body was pulled by Jamal, arge gust of wind threw them right toward Behemoth''s body.


    Both of them rolled on the hot, sharp rocks before stopping by arge boulder. Bruises filled their bodies. However, miraculously, Max didn''t feel pain at all as if the sensitivity was forcibly altered due to the forced event.


    Still, that didn''t mean the alteration worked permanently. Just as he moved, the bruises created from the rolling earlier began to sting. He immediately drank a health potion to heal them.


    "You okay, newbie?"


    Max heard Jamal''s voice from the side and turned around. The yapper had an empty vial in his hand. He also drank a health potion to heal his body.


    "I am okay." Max answered as he stood up, "What happened? I just saw Behemoth move its hand and then a strong wind blew us away."


    "It''s Behemoth''s hand. It just thought we were bugs and tried to shoo us away."


    "Shoo us away?" Max asked, wearing a wry smile.


    "Yes. Just like this." Jamal moved his hand over his shoulders as if he was chasing away a fly. "And he got 4 flies, killing them. Shit¡­ I should be more careful. Now there are only two of us left. We need to destroy the spike as soon as possible so there won''t be more casualties."


    Just a simple movement killed 4 people. Max felt his blood turn cold just by imagining it. This was a game, but the horror was real.


    "This is a Colossal-ss monster¡­" He muttered under his breath as he looked at the ground he was standing on. It was shaking greatly. "And I am on his back."


    ¡ª Behemoth be like: There are bugs, let''s chase them away


    ¡ª It casually kills 4 strong mercenaries¡­ This monster is nuts.


    ¡ª Nah, will Caesar be able to chase it away? I doubt it now


    ¡ª Humans are flies¡­ Now I am curious how big the spike Breeze has to destroy. I never watched Mercenary Quest before


    ¡ª Go, Breeze. It''s not the time to stand around!


    The chat was correct. It wasn''t the time to appreciate it. As soon as he stepped on the Behemoth''s body, a countdown started ticking.


    [Countdown: 00:28:27]


    Jamal stood up, dusting his clothes. He grabbed his dual daggers and looked at Max.


    "Let''s go, newbie. You see that jutting rock down there? The spike we have to destroy is inside. Leave the Small-ss monster to me. Just run at your full speed toward that area. Be careful of Behemoth''s movement, though.


    Sometimes, you have to grab onto a rock and hang for a while when it hunches its back."


    Taking the warning to his heart, Max nodded to Jamal. They began to run toward therge rock that looked like a small mountain in the distance.


    When they got into a rocky area, located further down the shoulder area where they stood, some monsters began to appear. They were 3-meter big Raxor and Garrador, two monsters that Max had seen before. It was amazing that both species could live here, but Max had no time to think about that.


    He gripped his sword tightly, ready tobat them. But¡­


    "Just focus on running, newbie! Your sword will be perfect to destroy the spike, don''t chip it against those small fries!"


    Jamal ran past him like a gust of wind and swung hisrge daggers many times. From an outside perspective, it was as if the yapper was dancing with the monsters. When he stopped and continued running, Raxor the kangaroo and Garrador the goose were cut into pieces.


    "¡­ Is it so easy to kill them? He cut them as if they were butter."


    ¡ª Jamal the Yapper! Long live!


    ¡ª He''s so strong and quick. His daggers are also so sharp


    ¡ª WORSHIP HIM, MORTAL! He''s trusted by Caesar to lead a group. Trusted by Caesar = strong! You''re the man!


    ¡ª You need to step up your game, Breeze!


    Saying Jamal was strong would be an underestimation. When three Raxors jumped at Max, the yapper appeared from the side and cut them all whileughing. He did that to forget the grief from losing 4 mercenaries under him.


    "Come on, newbie! Faster! Faster!"


    "I am trying!"


    Even while Max ran at full speed, he was still behind Jamal. This was the first time he was slower than anyone else. And it was somehow frustrating.


    "Goddamit! How is he so fast? Does eating monster meat increase your body strength?" Heined loudly as he looked at the camera. "Scientist! You better develop a meal that can increase our strength! Make us superhuman!"


    ¡ª lol heined to a scientist


    ¡ª He wanted to be superhuman in real life lol


    ¡ª Unfortunately, that hope is forever lost. A superhuman experiment is banned. The world didn''t want to see people destroy public facilities with a punch.


    ¡ª As much as I want to be superhuman, I don''t want the first superviin to appear. No thanks!


    ¡ª Just roley as a superhuman in the VR game. That would be enough to satisfy you.


    "For your information, my current character is a superhuman. But I lost to that yapper in terms of speed, which I prided myself on the most!"


    The truth was sad. Some NPCs were usually stronger than the yer. However, they still wouldn''t be able to beat them, as there was something called plot and the yer had plot armor which was the strongest shield in the universe.


    And no matter how strong the NPC was, they were bound to make an intentional mistake. A monster that looked like arge monkey sprung up behind Max. He noticed it due to the sound and quickly turned around, hacking its neck with his tusk sword.


    While he couldn''t deliver a clean cut, it was enough to send the monkey flying. Looking at what happened, Max had a guess.


    ''I have be stronger?''


    Maybe it was just his imagination. But facing a Small-ss monster was hard for him before he changed equipment.


    ''Yeah, my body has also be stronger. Is this caused by the story progression or the fact I have killed a Medium-ss monster? I don''t know, but this is great. Though, I am still not as fast as Jamal.''


    "Not bad, newbie. You handled that like a pro."


    The said person appeared next to him and praised him with a good-natured smile.


    "However, it''s now the main part. Unfortunately, we have no leeway to chat."


    Jamal''s expression turned rigid and serious as he looked forward. Following his gaze, Max found therge rock right in front of his eyes. The entrance was located way up, they had to climb this up.


    However¡­


    "Yeah, this is hard."


    Many monsters appeared from the hole in therge rock. They looked like a mole with a drill on their heads. While they looked soft, weak, and small, theirrge numbers and the terrain would prove a problem.


    At that moment¡­

 Chapter 353: Chapter 353 – Destroying the Spike and Caesar’s Might

    Rumble rumble¨C!


    The ground rumbled greatly. No, it was Behemoth''s body that rumbled. The footing was tilted and the gravity shifted.


    "Hold onto something!" Jamal shouted loudly as he held the strong rock under his feet and positioned himself to be ready for the shift in footing. His dual daggers were already sheathed behind his back.


    Max imitated what Jamal did and grabbed the rock under him. When the footing shifted, his body hung around. His hand gripped the rock tightly as he looked down. The new ground was around 4 meters away. Just jumping down would be doable.


    However, he wanted to know what happened when the ground suddenly shifted.


    "Behemoth stood up," Jamal said, looking in the distance. "The team has sessfully captured its feet and hands. This will make our job easier."


    "You''re right."


    Defeating the mole with a drill on this condition was possible. There was no need to fight them while climbing. Instead, they could just run toward the entrance while cutting them up, like before.


    "Let''s go!"


    Jamal didn''t say anythingplicated. With a simplemand, he dropped down to therge rock and began to run. Hesitation couldn''t be seen in his movement as he unsheathed his duel daggers once again and began to cut the mole.


    "Drilly''s weak point is at the base of their drill! Just poke it and they will die!" Jamal informed as he kept running.


    Following right behind, Max raised his voice.


    "Drilly? Who gives them such a cute name?!"


    He had a problem with the monster''s name.


    ¡ª Obviously the developer?


    ¡ª Yeah, there is no one but the developed


    ¡ª Its name fits its appearance. Why? You don''t like it? Hah! A shame, but it''s already decided! ¨C Developer, maybe


    ¡ª What''s wrong with its name being cute?


    "I mean¡­ Ha!" Max read the chat and advanced without stopping, killing a Drilly after his sword stabbed its weak point. "This is a monster hunting game, you know? Not some catch the monster game. What''s in their mind giving such a monster name Drilly? Die!"


    While exining, he killed another one. They had reached halfway from the entrance, and Jamal left more Drillies'' corpses behind him.


    "The name is too cute, damn it! What if the yer doesn''t want to kill something cute? There are people like that, no? They will be like: ''Come here, Drilly! Aaaah!'' and got stabbed by those drills. At least name them a bit scarier, like Garrador or Raxor.


    Make it Drillix or Driller or Drill Master!"


    ¡ª Somehow¡­ that doesn''t make sense that it''s starting to make sense.


    ¡ª How? He''s spelling nonsense but he actually said something incredibly human.


    ¡ª The design is inhuman. This shouldn''t be allowed!


    ¡ª CUTE AGGRESSION! This is definitely lethal¡­ Truly fit a Mercenary Quest


    ¡ª Mercenary''s job is to kill and hunt everything. They won''t care whether the monster is cute or not. All they did was hunt


    "Wait, that''s correct," Max said, thinking deeply about what the chat said.


    "My bad, it was myck of wisdom that made me say something strange. You guys are right this time. The design is incredibly inhuman because it''s to test yers'' will! Sorry, it''s nonsense, I know. I just want to talk to divert my attention hahaha."


    ¡ª No worries, Breeze. I know you''re weak to cute thing


    ¡ª Naah, it''s probably just him being silly like usual


    ¡ª I doubt he actually cares about cute things or names. Ah, save for LilyPixel.


    "That''s harsh, guys," Maxined about the chat that used him of lying. "Anyway, we''ve arrived at the entrance. It''s so deep, like an abyss, but¡­ is that glowing thing the spike?" He peered down the hole as Jamal killed the Drilly that was left behind them.


    Before long, the yapper joined him and looked down.


    "That''s right, newbie. That''s our target." He said as he took out a rope and tied it to a sturdy rock. He pulled it a few times to make sure it was tight. "Alright, let''s head down and destroy that. We only have 5 minutes left!"


    5 minutes sounded like a lot of time, considering what had happened all this time. He quickly took the rope and rappelled down. Thankfully, he had the knowledge of how to from his past days filled with curiosity.


    In no time, he quickly reached the base and looked at the ''spike'' in front of him. Upon closer inspection, this spike was more like arge nail. And he also just realized when it got closer, but¡­


    "This is beating. Like a heart."


    It glowed for a second and dimmed for another. Ifpared to a heart, this spike seemed to be alive, a part of Behemoth''s organ.


    Thud! Crash¨C


    Arge thud and crash rang from behind. Jamal directly jumped without using the rope and cracked the ground underneath him. He looked pretty fine as he gripped his dual daggers.


    "Well, it''s time for work. We have to destroy, or at least chip a part of this spike in 5 minutes. You take the left and I will take the right. We have no time so let''s get into work immediately! Strike when the light dims. The spike will be a bit softer at that time."


    "Got it."


    They began their work immediately, striking therge spike at intervals. Each time the light turned dim, they hit the spike and stopped when the light returned.


    As they struck the spike in an attempt to destroy it, the ground shook greatly. The Behemoth felt the pain of its important organ being attacked.


    Even if it thought humans as mere bugs, having bugs chipping your important organ would still hurt. It screamed and rampaged. The mercenaries outside tried to keep it still by pulling the sturdy rope they set to tie the Behemoth down.


    At some point¡­


    Crack!


    Some cracks appeared on the spike. Jamal''s eyes widened as he screamed.


    "Just a few more strikes, newbie! The spike has already cracked! Let''s hit it together on three!"


    Without waiting for his answer, Jamal immediately counted.


    "1¡­ 2¡­ 3¡­ Strike!"


    Max swung his sword at full might at the signal.


    Bam!


    Boom!


    The spike shattered into pieces once three des made contact, bursting and sending debris. His vision immediately turned white as he felt a momentary pain attacking him.


    A secondter, his vision shifted. He was floating in a semi-transparent state, looking at two figures getting blown away from the back of Behemoth as the rock armor crumbled to the ground, revealing the monster''s true body as it screamed in agony.


    Two mercenaries caught the figures, they were Max and Jamal. Their bodies were battered and severely injured. The rescue team immediately administered health potions to them, forcing them into their mouths.


    Their injuries were visibly closed as they gulped the health potions down. When that happened, a loud stomping footstep could be heard in the distance.


    Someone wielding an axerger than its body stood the ground, facing the Behemoth that changed its perspective of humans. If humans were bugs before, now it has evolved into annoying bugs.


    Caesar who stood in the Behemoth''s way clearly knew it, but he wasn''t afraid. Instead, he inhaled arge amount of air into his lungs and leaped into the sky. He managed to jump more than 50 meters and arrived in front of Behemoth''s chest, swinging his axe down.


    "Don''t underestimate humans!"


    Swoosh!


    With a loud shout, arge wound appeared across the monster''s chest. It stumbled backward as blood gushed out from the nasty gash.


    Landing on the tall tree, Caesar used his hand as a support as he narrowed his eyes at the monster.


    "Go away! Go to the dark area. I know you can understand me."


    The Behemoth looked at Caesar and changed its evaluation once again. Humans weren''t annoying bugs. They were predators.


    Grumbling loudly, the Behemoth turned around. It changed its direction to the right, moving toward an unpopted and unexplored area beyond human settlement as the wound in its chest began to heal. The only reason why itplied was because it wanted to give birth.


    If the situation was slightly different, and it wasn''t pregnant, an all-out war might have happened in this Norfatu Valley.


    Watching everything in the VIP seat, Max couldn''t help but exim.


    "Holy shit! Caesar is the guy!"


    ¡ª TOLD YOU!


    ¡ª GODDAMN! You should learn how to use War Axe from Caesar, Breeze! That way Knight''s Journey will be easy!


    ¡ª He casually injured Behemoth with just a swing!


    ¡ª CAESAR! CAESAR! CAESAR!


    ¡ª THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND!


    Cheers filled the chat, praising Caesar''s feat. There was no doubt the man was the living legend.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 354: Chapter 354 – Approaching the Last Storyline

    "Cheers! For our sess and for our fallen brothers!"


    "Cheers!"


    All mercenaries returned to the base in Daigon Valley. They had a party and drank ale and mead, drinks preferred by people in this era.


    The cutscene still yed and Max watched from the side, grumbling.


    "This is the chance to taste the alcohol in this game, why am I here instead?"


    As someone who couldn''t handle a lot of alcohol in IRL, he wanted to at least be forced to drink in the game by the storyline. However, the game didn''t seem to allow it and even the restaurant didn''t provide alcohol. The reason was pretty simple.


    ¡ª This is a PG-15 game lol. No drink in forced story is permitted


    ¡ª What do you expect? If the game doesn''t use the cutscene for this part, many children will drink. That''s a no-no in PG-15 game


    ¡ª Mercenary Quest Dev: Let them drink! Children who y: HUEHEHEHE mead! Police: GET OVER HERE!


    ¡ª ^^ This exins why the drinking scene is only in a cutscene. It shows mercenaries also drink while preventing underage yers from doing so


    ¡ª There is mead in the bar if you want to drink. However, you have to verify your age first


    "Meh, that''s not fun. I just want to feel the atmosphere of finishing something big and then celebrating it together." He said, getting close to his character and sitting next to him. "Anyway, this kind of celebration seems to work like a meeting. Is Caesar going to review our performance?"


    The atmosphere didn''t seem like people celebrating their sess. It was natural since they lost 20 people, but mercenaries already knew about that. Which meant there was another reason why they looked rather bleak.


    Caesar gulped a barrel of mead straight from it. His stomach was bulging from the liquid he took. He finished the barrel in just one big gulp.


    Bam!


    mming the barrel on the ground, Caesar wiped his lips with his wrist and looked at everyone else.


    "We have sessfully altered the Behemoth''s course. We have lost 20 courageous men. As they also have people to take care of, we will use some money from our treasury to help their family."


    No one objected. Stronghold Mercenary would always give properpensation to the deceased''s family. If their family members had no job, sometimes they even offered to work in the base as a waitress or porter.


    "Now that''s one danger avoided. Now, we have another problem." Caesar narrowed his eyes, "Behemoth is a highly territorial monster. The only reason why it didn''t continue on its track is because I made sure to tell it that area is my territory. So, how could such a monster leave its own territory?"


    Everyone looked at Caesar. They stopped drinking and the atmosphere seemed to freeze at once. The quick-witted mercenaries immediately understood what he implied.


    But, unexpectedly¡­


    "There is a monster stronger than Behemoth that drove it out of its territory."


    Max''s character spoke with his voice. The game''s Artificial Intelligence had collected enough samples for them to replicate it, surprising even Max.


    "I am speaking!" He eximed in surprise.


    ¡ª Of course, duh. You can speak


    ¡ª lol no, he means it''s his character that speaks


    ¡ª obviously, smart sheet. Everyone knows that. The person above you is just trolling


    ¡ª This is amazing, though. Not all games implement this kind of stuff.


    ¡ª The character now looks like an intelligent person in the game lore! This is fun


    ¡ª Breeze: I am speaking! My reaction: So what did you do until now? Whistling?


    "That''s not the point." Max retorted, "Let me focus on the cutscene now. It''s getting to an interesting point."


    No one denied the idea. While humans ssified monsters into 4 sses, from Small to Colossal, there was still a hierarchy among those monsters. For example, Raxor and Drilly. It was clear the former was far stronger than thetter.


    Wild life had no concept of sses. They only understood that stronger creatures would reign on top.


    And there was such a creature out there, stronger than even a Behemoth that humans couldn''t help but fear. Just its existence brought dread and destruction. So¡­ what kind of creature was it?


    "Grandfirma." Someone muttered in horror, his whole body trembling in fear just by saying its name.


    "It could only be that monster." Another one agreed, fear was clear in his eyes. "There are no other monsters that can possibly drive a Behemoth away. That flying lizard is the only one."


    "Grandfirma?" Max raised his voice curiously, stroking his chin. "From the flying lizard description¡­ Is this monster a dragon?"


    ¡ª Yes


    ¡ª Grandfirma is the oldest dragon out there, feared by many and its food is mostly Large-ss and Colossal-ss monster


    ¡ª It gained a moniker of Colossal Eater due to how it only targeted giant monsters as food source


    ¡ª While it helps protect human settlement by eating Large and Colossal-ss monsters, it doesn''t mean that it''s friendly.


    ¡ª Moniker: Destruction Bringer, Glutton Dragon, Colossal Eater.


    "That''s scary. I now understand why those experienced mercenaries tremble just by hearing its name."


    Caesar nodded heavily.


    "It''s as I feared. Grandfirma has be active once again. Meaning, that the tribtion era has arrived. Monsters from the Dark Area will be more active. Expect more sightings near the border." He said, "Report this matter to mercenary guilds. We won''t be able to handle it alone."


    "Got it!" Jamal replied in a serious tone. He was the one responsible for connecting Stronghold Mercenary with the outside. That was why he stayed in Utopia station instead of the base.


    Looking around at his member, Caesar raised a new barrel filled with mead.


    "Even if the tribtion era arrived, I believe you won''t have any difficulty. The mercenaries I gathered are all strong! We will survive and be humanity''sst stronghold! CHEERS!"


    "Cheers!"


    Everyone raised their mugs and shouted loudly.


    At that moment, the cutscene ended and Max could move his body again. The notifications that were held from the cutscene finally appeared in front of his eyes.


    [Colossal-ss Sighting! Behemoth! Completed!]


    [Rewards: 25,000 Gills, 1,000 Reputations, Behemoth''s Spike Shard, Behemoth''s Rock, Behemoth''s Pelt.]


    [The main storyline (part 1) has ended! Please wait for future updates to continue.]


    [All avable maps are open. Reputation is high enough to ept all quests on board.]


    [Have fun hunting, yer.]


    "It''s over¡­" Max muttered as he looked at the notification.


    [Niuda has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [LovelyOtter has donated 1,500 diamonds!]


    [TrueHunters has donated 700 diamonds!]


    [NoOneCare has donated 650 diamonds!]


    Many donations poured in and he thanked every single one of them. Moving on, he focused on one part of the notification.


    "That was part 1? It''s worth around 10 hours of story, maybe more if we add the fighting. Still, it was fun while itsted. I can''t wait for part 2. Is there any information about it?"


    ¡ª In Q3 this year


    ¡ª They will update this soon, it''s been more than a year since it released


    ¡ª The DLC will be released soon, don''t worry!


    ¡ª You shouldn''t worry about that. You better hunt for better equipment first. Your equipment is trash!


    ¡ª Take quests and get some new equipment first, Breeze. Part 2 will be increasingly difficult


    "That''s a good idea." He nodded as he epted the viewers'' suggestion. "But that''s it for today. I will probably livestream material grinding in the future. For now, let''s end it for today and see you tomorrow!"


    ¡ª See you tomorrow!


    ¡ª That was fun


    ¡ª Finally, it''s over!


    ¡ª See you!


    After reading the chat for a few seconds, Max operated the screen and ended the livestream.


    [Livestream Ended!]

 Chapter 355: Chapter 355 – Party Date and Ordering a Suit

    Exiting his VR Capsule, Max was greeted by Lily holding a towel for him.


    "Good work."


    Taking the towel from her, he smiled brightly, "Thanks."


    It was nice having someone taking care of you without asking them to. He wiped his sweat as Lily kept looking at him with a slightly flushed face. She averted her gaze every now and then.


    It was a bit awkward, so he decided to start a conversation.


    "Have you finished your song? You nned to create 5 or 6 for your album, right? Is it going well?"


    "Hmn¡­" Lily shook her head, "I haven''t yet. When you live-streamed earlier, I got a call from my brother. He told me about the family party date and location."


    "Oh, finally?" Max raised his eyebrows.


    He would finally meet with Lily''s family. He didn''t know how they would see him, considering he was just an orphan that rose from streaming. However, he would make the best impression if possible.


    "When is it?"


    "It''s on Saturday night, June 20th." She answered, "The location is Lime Grand Hotel. This city is my family''s hometown, that''s why the party is always held at the same ce."


    ''5 days after my extra quest finished. I wonder if it''s a coincidence or if the system knows something more. After knowing this, I can somehow guess what I will get from the mysterious reward. Maybe a set of branded suits or something that will get me epted by her family.''


    But a suit seemed to be too cheap for his mysterious reward. Because¡­


    "We have to get you a suit soon. The party will be held in less than 2 weeks."


    "You''re right." Max nodded at her, remembering his past life before he ran away. Even if it was called a family party, it was a formal one with a strict dress code. "And you need a new dress. Well, I will take a shower and change my clothes first. We will talk about itter."


    After saying that, he went to the bedroom, oblivious to Lily''s reaction.


    At the mention of the dress, she twitched slightly. She didn''t really like such clothing. Something like a onesie or slightly boyish clothing with long pants was more to her liking. She also only wore a skirt thest time to impress her boyfriend, which was a big sess.


    ''Oh, right. I wonder if he likes to see me in a dress.''


    That somehow made the thought of wearing a new dress exciting. She was willing to dress up if it was for her beloved. Why? Because she certainly wanted to see Max dress up too. She imagined him being in a dress and had his hair done and blushed.


    ''Un¡­ I will get a new dress to make him flushed. I want him to praise me.''


    She decided.


    After Max finished showering, both sat on the bed and talked about the party n. Following that, Lily made an appointment at the boutique she frequented for tomorrow. They had to measure their sizes and choose the perfect fabric for their clothes.


    Everything was perfectly nned shortly.


    ***


    The next day, Max and Lily took a taxi to the boutique located in the shopping district near the mall. This district was filled with luxurious stores that not many often frequent. The price was so extraordinary that not many people could afford it with a month''s pay.


    Max didn''t mind spending 10K today just to get his suits and Lily''s dress. It was also an investment in case he was invited to a party with a sponsor in the future.


    Not that he had a sponsor now, but Michael told him they would arrive sooner thanter. He was unsure if that was truly the case, but he trusted his manager.


    Arriving at the boutique, Max looked at the entrance. Various samples were disyed, and all of them were of high quality. The price tag on the left chest showed the range from $1,500 to $5,000.


    His poor soul told him not toe into the store. Save your money! It wasn''t worth it. There were ready-made suits that cost only $100 to $500 and were already good enough to attend parties in the future!


    ''No, this is needed. I need this one.'' He convinced himself and looked at Lily.


    "Shall we enter?"


    "Un." Lily nodded and both of them entered.


    Tiring ring~


    The bell installed on the door rang when they entered. The employee, ready to serve, immediately answered them.


    "Wee to Miracle Boutique!" She greeted them with a great business smile, which only deepened when she saw Lily.


    "Ah, Miss Spencer. We''ve been waiting for your arrival. Our team is ready to take your order in the VIP room. And I believe you''re Mr. Charles? It''s nice to meet you.


    My name is Georgina Gill. It''s a pleasure for us to help you find your perfect suit."


    The greeting was so professional that Max couldn''t help but smile back.


    "I am counting on you. This is my first suit, so I want it to be perfect."


    "Naturally! We will do our best to meet your expectations." Georgina pped her hands in front of her chest before gesturing them to enter. "Now, now¡­ The gentleman please head to the left while Young Miss to the right. We will measure you first and hear your opinion about the suit and dress you prefer."


    They followed Georgina''s instructions and entered their respective VIP rooms. Max didn''t know whether he deserved this treatment. However, knowing he came with Lily, he had to get used to this. The Spencer Family was too big and famous not to be recognized by luxury stores.


    When he entered the room, he was greeted by a man who immediately took his measure. He was asked a few questions regarding the suit he wanted to make, from the material and how it looked.


    Everything took him around 30 minutes to finish. The man said the suit would be done in around 3 days to a week and cost him $3,500. A really expensive suit, as some materials were made with genuine leather instead of a synthetic one.


    When he was out, he noticed that Lily was still inside her own room, taking her time. He decided to wait in the area specially prepared for it and enjoyed the free beverage for the customer.


    Meanwhile, Lily was taking this seriously. She asked various things to the designer, who was also excited to follow her request. They only finished an hourter, and the designer looked pretty happy with it.


    "Wow, Young Miss. This is great. A bit bolder than usual, but still pretty casual and elegant for a family party. I believe your boyfriend will fall for you again if you wear this dress! It will be $22,500 with the essories ordered. Is that okay for you?"


    Hearing the designer''s assurance, Lily blushed slightly. Her cheek turned red as she nodded.


    "Un. Please do your best."


    "I will!" The designer eximed.


    Lily exited the room and met up with Max after, and he proceeded to pay for both of them, not knowing how much Lily''s dress cost, even though Lily said she would pay for herself.


    It was only when he heard how much Lily''s dress cost did his brain short-circuit for a while. However, as he already promised to pay for her, he still proceeded with the payment.


    Still¡­


    ''22 grand for a dress¡­ What kind of dress is it? Is it made from human skin?'' He wondered as they left the boutique. ''Thankfully, I just got my pay at the start of June so I can pay it. I have to work harder from now on. Maybe also investing in business to get more money.''


    Just as they said, having a girlfriend made one change. And Max also changed since he dated Lily. He became greedier and wanted more money to make their lifefortable.

 Chapter 355 - 355 – Party Date and Ordering a Suit

    Exiting his VR Capsule, Max was greeted by Lily holding a towel for him.


    "Good work."


    Taking the towel from her, he smiled brightly, "Thanks."


    It was nice having someone taking care of you without asking them to. He wiped his sweat as Lily kept looking at him with a slightly flushed face. She averted her gaze every now and then.


    It was a bit awkward, so he decided to start a conversation.


    "Have you finished your song? You nned to create 5 or 6 for your album, right? Is it going well?"


    "Hmn¡­" Lily shook her head, "I haven''t yet. When you live-streamed earlier, I got a call from my brother. He told me about the family party date and location."


    "Oh, finally?" Max raised his eyebrows.


    He would finally meet with Lily''s family. He didn''t know how they would see him, considering he was just an orphan that rose from streaming. However, he would make the best impression if possible.


    "When is it?"


    "It''s on Saturday night, June 20th." She answered, "The location is Lime Grand Hotel. This city is my family''s hometown, that''s why the party is always held at the same ce."


    ''5 days after my extra quest finished. I wonder if it''s a coincidence or if the system knows something more. After knowing this, I can somehow guess what I will get from the mysterious reward. Maybe a set of branded suits or something that will get me epted by her family.''


    But a suit seemed to be too cheap for his mysterious reward. Because¡­


    "We have to get you a suit soon. The party will be held in less than 2 weeks."


    "You''re right." Max nodded at her, remembering his past life before he ran away. Even if it was called a family party, it was a formal one with a strict dress code. "And you need a new dress. Well, I will take a shower and change my clothes first. We will talk about itter."


    After saying that, he went to the bedroom, oblivious to Lily''s reaction.


    At the mention of the dress, she twitched slightly. She didn''t really like such clothing. Something like a onesie or slightly boyish clothing with long pants was more to her liking. She also only wore a skirt thest time to impress her boyfriend, which was a big sess.


    ''Oh, right. I wonder if he likes to see me in a dress.''


    That somehow made the thought of wearing a new dress exciting. She was willing to dress up if it was for her beloved. Why? Because she certainly wanted to see Max dress up too. She imagined him being in a dress and had his hair done and blushed.


    ''Un¡­ I will get a new dress to make him flushed. I want him to praise me.''


    She decided.


    After Max finished showering, both sat on the bed and talked about the party n. Following that, Lily made an appointment at the boutique she frequented for tomorrow. They had to measure their sizes and choose the perfect fabric for their clothes.


    Everything was perfectly nned shortly.


    ***


    The next day, Max and Lily took a taxi to the boutique located in the shopping district near the mall. This district was filled with luxurious stores that not many often frequent. The price was so extraordinary that not many people could afford it with a month''s pay.


    Max didn''t mind spending 10K today just to get his suits and Lily''s dress. It was also an investment in case he was invited to a party with a sponsor in the future.


    Not that he had a sponsor now, but Michael told him they would arrive sooner thanter. He was unsure if that was truly the case, but he trusted his manager.


    Arriving at the boutique, Max looked at the entrance. Various samples were disyed, and all of them were of high quality. The price tag on the left chest showed the range from $1,500 to $5,000.


    His poor soul told him not toe into the store. Save your money! It wasn''t worth it. There were ready-made suits that cost only $100 to $500 and were already good enough to attend parties in the future!


    ''No, this is needed. I need this one.'' He convinced himself and looked at Lily.


    "Shall we enter?"


    "Un." Lily nodded and both of them entered.


    Tiring ring~


    The bell installed on the door rang when they entered. The employee, ready to serve, immediately answered them.


    "Wee to Miracle Boutique!" She greeted them with a great business smile, which only deepened when she saw Lily.


    "Ah, Miss Spencer. We''ve been waiting for your arrival. Our team is ready to take your order in the VIP room. And I believe you''re Mr. Charles? It''s nice to meet you.


    My name is Georgina Gill. It''s a pleasure for us to help you find your perfect suit."


    The greeting was so professional that Max couldn''t help but smile back.


    "I am counting on you. This is my first suit, so I want it to be perfect."


    "Naturally! We will do our best to meet your expectations." Georgina pped her hands in front of her chest before gesturing them to enter. "Now, now¡­ The gentleman please head to the left while Young Miss to the right. We will measure you first and hear your opinion about the suit and dress you prefer."


    They followed Georgina''s instructions and entered their respective VIP rooms. Max didn''t know whether he deserved this treatment. However, knowing he came with Lily, he had to get used to this. The Spencer Family was too big and famous not to be recognized by luxury stores.


    When he entered the room, he was greeted by a man who immediately took his measure. He was asked a few questions regarding the suit he wanted to make, from the material and how it looked.


    Everything took him around 30 minutes to finish. The man said the suit would be done in around 3 days to a week and cost him $3,500. A really expensive suit, as some materials were made with genuine leather instead of a synthetic one.


    When he was out, he noticed that Lily was still inside her own room, taking her time. He decided to wait in the area specially prepared for it and enjoyed the free beverage for the customer.


    Meanwhile, Lily was taking this seriously. She asked various things to the designer, who was also excited to follow her request. They only finished an hourter, and the designer looked pretty happy with it.


    "Wow, Young Miss. This is great. A bit bolder than usual, but still pretty casual and elegant for a family party. I believe your boyfriend will fall for you again if you wear this dress! It will be $22,500 with the essories ordered. Is that okay for you?"


    Hearing the designer''s assurance, Lily blushed slightly. Her cheek turned red as she nodded.


    "Un. Please do your best."


    "I will!" The designer eximed.


    Lily exited the room and met up with Max after, and he proceeded to pay for both of them, not knowing how much Lily''s dress cost, even though Lily said she would pay for herself.


    It was only when he heard how much Lily''s dress cost did his brain short-circuit for a while. However, as he already promised to pay for her, he still proceeded with the payment.


    Still¡­


    ''22 grand for a dress¡­ What kind of dress is it? Is it made from human skin?'' He wondered as they left the boutique. ''Thankfully, I just got my pay at the start of June so I can pay it. I have to work harder from now on. Maybe also investing in business to get more money.''


    Just as they said, having a girlfriend made one change. And Max also changed since he dated Lily. He became greedier and wanted more money to make their lifefortable.

 Chapter 356: Chapter 356 – Returning to V-Shelter Survival! Revenge Date!

    Days passed quickly.


    Daily lives weren''t that different from usual. Max live-streamed hunting some material in Mercenary Quest while Lily tried her best to finish her album. Out of 7 songs she nned to release, she had finished 3 already. It seemed like it would be done inte July or early August.


    It was now June 14th. The couple visited the boutique once again in the morning to get their clothes. Lily was so secretive. She didn''t even let Max see her in her new dress, saying it wasn''t the time yet.


    While he got the suit home, Lily decided to leave the dress in the boutique so they could take care of it until the party day. This district also had the salon she frequented for makeup, so it was perfect.


    After getting his suit delivered home, Max and Lily enjoyed a short date until sunset. They returned home and continued what they had to do, meaning work. This time, Lily was tired of making music so she decided to livestream after a while.


    "Should we y Survival to the End again?" Max asked Lily as he climbed into his VR Capsule.


    Lily''s capsule had arrived not long ago. It was ced right beside his, and she was tinkering with the setting inside.


    "Hmm, how about V-Shelter?" She suggested hesitantly, looking at him with hope. "We''ve not yed it much."


    "V-Shelter, huh?" Max mused, remembering the second game he yed as a streamer. It might be good to return to the game and set up a proper server for his viewers. "Sounds good. Should we make a new world? I kinda forgot what I have in the game already."


    "Un! That would be great."


    "Then I will set the server. Let''s log in now."


    The capsules closed with a whirring sound. Max''s vision shifted from darkness into that of his Lobby filled with parkour obstacles. He wanted to make them prettier soon, but he decided to postpone it forter.


    He swiftly created a new server lobby, bigger than before, by paying $200. He nned to host all his friends here in case they wanted to y together again. As for themunity server, he could set it slowlyter after the livestream was over.


    Entering the server, Max found himself on the outskirts of a dpidated city. The bleak atmosphere, heavy smoke rising, and the gray sky were really familiar and contrasted with the bright scenery from Mercenary Quest.


    A wave of nostalgia spread. He took a deep breath to enjoy the pungent smell this game had to offer.


    "Hmm, this is enough to enjoy it. I have to invite Lily and build a Level 1 Shelter before the night arrives." He said, operating the hologram screen and inviting Lily.


    While waiting for her to ept the invitation, he set up his livestream.


    [We''re back to V-SHELTER! Let''s kill zombies and Infected now. #V-Shelter #SurvivalGame #Zombies #Massacre]


    [Livestream Starts!]


    Just as the loading screen that showed his old V-Shelter clips yed, Lily appeared next to him with a sh of blue light. Unlike in the past, she was wearing cargo pants and a brown outfit belonging to a beginner.


    "I am here." She announced her arrival, "And I have started streaming. How about you?"


    "I am about to change the screen. Shall we do the intro together?"


    "Un, let''s do that."


    Without waiting any longer, Max changed the screen and did the usual intro.


    "Yo, guys! We''re back with V-Shelter Survival!" He eximed energetically, slightly imitating Flexy. "This is a revenge date from the past. We shall ughter all zombies and Infected we found on the way."


    "Un. Let''s kill them all."


    ¡ª Breeze''s idea of date and LilyPixel''s enthusiasm is really strange¡­


    ¡ª This is nuts lol


    ¡ª Only this couple has a date in a survival game. Didn''t they do it before? In Survival to the End


    ¡ª If Horizon Online has the As x Ferin pair, the streaming world has the Breeze x LilyPixel pair. Crazy couple


    "Hey, we''re not crazy." Max retorted to the chat, "I mean, not as crazy as As and that girl."


    "Un, that''s right." Lily didn''t know anything, but she guessed that Max talked to the viewers and agreed with him. "We''re normal."


    No viewers trusted what she said and only agreed because she looked cute. Max suddenly wanted to hit them for some reason. s, he was unable to, as they were outside of his range.


    ''I will find a game where I can hit them. A battle royale¡­ Or maybe a war game. That''s perfect.'' He thought as he sighed.


    "Well, we''ve spent around 10 minutes here now. Only 50 minutes left before the sky turned dark. We have to move and build our first shelter soon." He said, looking around.


    "Thankfully, we spawned in a ratherrge area. There are no obstructions to views, and there are walls here and there. Perfect to build a shelter."


    Lily followed his gaze and nodded, "Un. So, we move to find Woods and nks now? Should we split?"


    "That''s a good idea."


    Knowing Lily''s skill, Max had no reason to worry about her getting killed. She would do wonderfully alone, and it was faster to gather Woods and nks needed to build the Level 1 Shelter if they split up.


    "I will go in that direction while you go in that direction. If there is a warehouse, loot it first. If there is none, prioritize finding an abandoned factory orrge house. Finding a heavy loot area will be beneficial for us in the early run."


    Max exined as simply as possible, and Lily listened quietly as if she was taking a ss. She nodded every now and then.


    "Our priorities are Woods and nks. If there is a weapon, make sure to get them. Take all ammo too, and herbs and antidotes. If there is armor that would be great. Oh, Scraps are also useful to buy the Woods or nks we need if we can''t find any."


    "You mean everything?" Lily posed a question, which made him stop for a while.


    He blinked and scratched his cheek awkwardly.


    "Hahaha, that''s right. I mean, everything is useful."


    ¡ª Lolol


    ¡ª Breeze is a master yapper after meeting with Jamal a few times


    ¡ª kekw, poor Lily. She listened attentively and all she got was ''Loot all of them!''


    ¡ª Don''t confuse poor Lily with your bad exnation!


    "Ugh¡­" Max groaned after reading the chat.


    He had to admit. This time, he was at fault. But there was no way he admit it!


    "I-It''s not my fault, okay?!"

 Chapter 357: Chapter 357 – Miraculous Luck Strike Once Again

    "A-Anyway, let''s meet here in 30 minutes. We have to build a shelter before it gets dark." He continued, hiding his embarrassment from showing the tsundere disy earlier. Thankfully, the chat justughed him off, and Lily didn''t really think of anything about it.


    "Un. Got it!" Lily eximed, pumping her fists in front of her chest. "Good luck."


    "You too."


    With that, they went to their respective area to find loot. They only returned 30 minutester, as promised, and showed what they managed to gather to each other.


    And the loot was...


    Lily''s Loot:


    Scraps: 5


    Woods: 10


    nks: 19


    Bread: 3


    Water: 2


    .99 mm bullets: 60 / 5 full mags


    1x shlight


    1x Handgun


    Max''s Loot:


    Scraps: 27


    Herbs: 2


    Antidote: 1


    Woods: 1


    nks: 1


    1x Old Gloves


    Both of themid their loot on the ground and looked at each other. Lily smiled wryly and raised her fist.


    "Don''t mind."


    "Just kill me! Bury me! Burn me!"


    "It''s okay."


    Max oddly felt embarrassed with what he brought back. In terms of quantity, he brought a lot more than Lily. However, the majority of what he found was Scraps, which wasn''t that useful in the early game unless he could scam the Merchant.


    Miraculously, both of them didn''t find any Infected, although they also didn''t find a heavy loot area.


    ¡ª At this point, Breeze''s luck is legendary


    ¡ª I don''t understand. In other games, he''s really lucky. But in V-Shelter, his luck is¡­ Well, unfortunate.


    ¡ª Ding! You have gained a new title: Scraps Collector, Breeze!


    ¡ª Should Iugh? Hey, am I allowed tough?


    ¡ª Even LilyPixel tried to console him. She patted his head like a kid.


    Right, Lily felt bad for bringing good materials while Max only had Scraps. She patted his head and stroked it softly, trying to calm him down.


    "Don''t feel down. Look, you bring herbs and an antidote. Those are useful, no? The Old Gloves can be useful for defending against zombies too!"


    Max regressed like a child. Usually, he would be happy. But now he only felt bad when he heard the encouraging words. He was disappointed in himself¡­ At his luck.


    ''I fail to look cool in front of her.'' He thought.


    "You can stop now, Lily."


    "Oh, okay." She sounded a little bit disappointed as she pulled her hand away. "Do you feel better?"


    "Yeah, thanks." He smiled at her and patted her head back. "Payback."


    "Ugh, stop it." Lily grabbed his hand and looked upward. "Many people are watching. It''s embarrassing."


    "Is it embarrassing? Now you feel how I felt when you patted my head earlier."


    "Sorry¡­" Her eyes were downcast, she felt guilty. "But you looked pretty down, so I want to make you feel better."


    "I know." Max pulled his hand away and looked at their loots. "We have more than enough material to build Level 1 shelter. Should we do it now? I think putting it near that wall is perfect. We have an extra defense against zombies attack with that."


    Recovering from her embarrassment, Lily nodded and they began to tidy the loot. Following that, they built the shelter. It was a simple process. By clicking a menu, the shelter was built. Even so, they enjoyed the process of watching it getting finished.


    Meanwhile, the chat was infected by something.


    ¡ª Too much sugar! Ah, I think I have diabetes! I need to scan my body!


    ¡ª Scan me too, dude! My mouth feels really sweet since earlier. What is this? Am I sick?


    ¡ª Caution: Too much sugar in the content


    ¡ª Kyaa! They are so cute together. The fact Breeze can get embarrassed and want to pay back is so cute!


    ¡ª Beware, there is too much sweetness. Infection is bound to happen. Maidenless Club is suggested not to watch


    ¡ª Toote¡­ The Maidenless Club has got the damage. Dammit! Heid traps in ces we never expected him to.


    The situation wasn''t much different in Lily''s livestream. They teased her and encouraged her to do more cute things with Max, which made her get embarrassed once more. The chat truly couldn''t chill when they found something interesting.


    The base was soon finished and both of them entered. At that moment, he remembered that they needed another bed for them to pass the night.


    Making it was simple, as it was made from Wood only. It was quickly finished and another bed appeared next to the original one inside the base.


    At that moment, night had arrived. The sky turned dark and zombies'' growl could be faintly heard in the distance. Max looked at Lily and suggested.


    "Shall we skip the first night?"


    "Un."


    They decided to sleep and skipped the night. Max''s vision went dark before he could see again. Today was the deciding day. They had, no matter what, to find weapons and possibly level up the shelter to Level 2.


    "Now, then¡­ Ugh¡­" Stretching his arms up as if he was just waking up in the real world, Max walked out of the shelter. "Let''s move together this time. We might meet with an Infected this time, so it''s safer that way. Besides, we''re not pressed by time anymore with a shelter."


    "Is it fun hunting time?" Lily asked, tilting her head to the left.


    "That''s right." He nodded, grinning. "You can use the handgun, Lily. My knife will be enough for now. But if we find a Crawler, we will run. Turret is a bit manageable because I know its weakness. And no matter what, don''t get close to Screamer!"


    "Ah, the Infected you used to kill us all." She eximed in realization with a bright face. "That scared me."


    "Haha-ha¡­ I meant, I wanted to get back to Flexy and did it. Sorry that it scared you."


    "Hnn, it''s okay." She shook her head. "That was fun."


    ¡ª Ah, Screamer. Good old viinous Breeze days.


    ¡ª I remember that good, old day. I hope I can watch more Breeze and friends y


    ¡ª More multiyer games would be good


    ¡ª Screamer is nasty¡­ Please don''t approach Screamer for god''s sake


    ¡ª Come to think of it, LilyPixel showed crazy movement when she was cornered lol


    ¡ª I remember she fell from the building and decimated the zombies and Infected a floor below.


    That was indeed incredible. Max remembered standing on top of the Hunched Giant while watching it. Come to think of it¡­


    ''The Hunched Giant won''t appear before the 10th day along with stronger Infected. We have to upgrade our shelter to Level 5 and have at least a material sniper rifle before that to kill it.''


    Naturally, it was a thought for the future. Day 10 is equal to 10 hours of gamey or more. They had plenty of time to prepare.


    Looking around, Max pointed in a certain direction and spoke.


    "Let''s head to that direction where we hadn''t checked yet. Let''s hope there will be a warehouse with many weapons there."


    "Un. I didn''t find any warehouse in the direction I went to earlier."


    "Me either. It''s filled with residential areas, hence the Scraps. It will be good if we can locate the Merchant too. Even if he always scams his customers, he will be a big help to secure weapons. Watch out for the ''Shop'' neon sign. You won''t miss it."


    "Got it! I will also cover you." She eximed.


    And thus, their real survival date began. With a more surprising element than they had never expected.

 Chapter 358: Chapter 358 – Infected is Scary

    Max proceeded to the center of the city with Lily. On the way, they encountered a few zombies and some loot on the side, which he left for Lily to take because he didn''t trust his own luck.


    As a result, they gained some good haul even before they reached their main destination. 3 Woods and another full mag of .99 mm bullets for a handgun.


    After walking for a while, they finally found a building.


    "Finally, a warehouse!"


    A warehouse with two floors and a space filled with wooden boxes.


    "There might be an Infected inside. Prepare your gun and knife, Lily. I will take the lead as I have Old Glove to reduce a bit of damage done to me."


    "Are you sure? I can also take the vanguard."


    "I am sure. Let me act cool sometimes." He said and winked, causing Lily to blush slightly as she nodded.


    ¡ª He''s smooth


    ¡ª Smooth criminal of love


    ¡ª I will take note of this. Act silly and cool sometimes. Praise the girl and make sure she''sfortable. Got it


    ¡ª ^^ You forgot you have to have a girl for that


    ¡ª ^^^ He also forgot he has to have at least a semi-decent face to get close to a girl first


    ¡ª You guys are destroying him kekw. I want to join. ^^^^ You have to be human to get close to a girl


    ¡ª ^ False! This noble me is a vampire, but he''s offered by Ferin to be a model!


    ¡ª Don''t lie, BloodSucker.


    Noticing an interesting chat, which wasn''t a lie, Max decided to tease his editor slightly.


    "Nah, he''s telling the truth. I was there when BloodSucker was offered to join her agency. He refused, though."


    "Un, he''s telling the truth," Lily confirmed with a nod as she followed Max inside the warehouse. "Ferin is my best friend and she did offer that¡­ man to join her agency."


    Lily was still a bit afraid of BloodSucker. Her body still twitched a little bit when she remembered his unique appearance.


    The chat broke into another chaos. They still didn''t believe that the BloodSucker, the biggest donator and also someone who called himself ''this noble'' was given such an offer.


    "If you don''t believe it, I can show you his picture. You will definitely change your mind then."


    ¡ª No, don''t you dare! That''s privacy! You have no right to share it!


    ¡ª Show us! Show us! Show us!


    ¡ª Hehe, BloodSucker''s face? I am curious how Vampire-like he is


    ¡ª Or you can just invite him to your stream sometimes.


    That was a good idea. Max''s eyebrows raised as he read thatment. However¡­


    "Breeze¡­" Lily called out to him in a low voice, seemingly tense. "Look up."


    Max stopped on his track and looked up. Spider web filled the first-floor ceiling, closing in the holes of the floor. The web seemed to extend to the second floor where fewer boxes could be seen from the gap of the web.


    "Well, we''re unlucky. The second floor seems to be the Crawler''s nest." Heughed wryly as he realized the situation they were in. "What do you want to do? Find another building or try to take the Crawler out?"


    "We have put our loot in our shelter, right?"


    "That''s right." Max nodded, "If we do get killed, we will only lose the one we brought and found on our way here. There are no other risks other than that."


    "Then let''s fight it," Lily answered with determination as excitement shing in her eyes.


    It was kind of strange. She wasn''t afraid of abomination like Crawler but she was scared of BloodSucker.


    ''Maybe BloodSucker has something that''s unique for him, and that scares Lily.''


    No, Max shouldn''t think of that. He had to concentrate on fighting Crawler in the darkness.


    ''What''s its weakness, I wonder?'' He wondered as he gripped his knife tightly.


    "Follow me from behind. Weck light and there are so many webs."


    "Un. I will be careful."


    For now, Max ignored the loot and stars he saw inside the warehouse and headed to the second floor. He was careful not to touch the web, as it would alert the Crawler before he could even find the Infected.


    When he reached the second floor, he grimaced.


    "The area is filled with webs." He groaned as he looked around. "There is almost nowhere to step on."


    "What about there?" Lily asked as she pointed at the boxes stacked around.


    For some reason, they weren''t touched by the web. Seeing that, Max and Lily had the same thought.


    "It''s like ying floor isva." They blurted out, remembering one part of a reality show where Max had to test the new game with Flexy and Evelyn.


    Surprised, they looked at each other and burst outughing.


    "Let''s do it, Lily. Be careful. Even if the box''s surface isn''t touched by the web, there are still many in the air. We need to locate Crawler without touching them."


    "Got it."


    Slowly, they got up to the boxes and scouted the second floor. The limited vision made it harder. Not to mention, the warehouse itself was big. While they wanted to do it slowly, they had to move a bit faster.


    Thankfully, Max had a pretty good adaptability skill which could be applied to this situation. He got used to moving on top of the boxes pretty fast and could scout faster. Lily wasn''tgging behind either.


    ¡ª Damn, they are using the boxes as a foothold


    ¡ª It''s a good idea, but they will be troubled if Crawler attacks them at this time


    ¡ª Where is the Crawler, though? I can''t see it


    ¡ª God, this is so dark. Please get a shlight or something, Breeze!


    ¡ª ^ Just use night mode lol


    ¡ª This is so creepy. Imagine finding Crawler on the side of the box when he is about to jump to another lol


    ¡ª That would be novel


    Max quickly moved around the second floor to find the Crawler while the chat made it scarier. However, they didn''t see the Infected. Instead, they found around 15 loots lying around between boxes and the web. Max wanted to get them, but he knew it would be dangerous.


    And this Crawler seemed to be good at hiding.


    Having no other choice, Max decided to take a risk.


    "Lily, do you trust me?"


    "Un." She replied without missing a beat, knowing what he nned. "I will cover you."


    Smiling, Max proceeded to the stairs where they came from earlier. This ce was not that heavily covered with web, and they could always run to the first floor if it was dangerous.


    And as they stepped on the steel floor again¡­


    "I will touch it."


    Max carefully touched the web, intentionally provoking the Crawler. The effect was immediate.


    Creepy footsteps rang on the second floor. Max''s guard was raised, and Lily was ready to shoot with the handgun. They looked around with caution.


    ¡ª Holy cow! The sound is creepy


    ¡ª 8 legs grinding against a metal floor is creepy¡­


    ¡ª Damn, Crawler will be put as one of the scariest monster in my encyclopedia


    ¡ª Be careful! It''sing


    "Where is it?" Max raised his voice urgently. The footstep had stopped, but Crawler still couldn''t be seen. "Where is it?!" He repeated.


    At that time, Lily''s eyes widened. She pointed her handgun toward him¡­ More specifically right behind him.


    "Behind!" She shouted and Max immediately reacted.

 Chapter 359: Chapter 359 – Crawler’s Defeat!

    Turning around, he saw arge head hanging on the ceiling with eight legs growing on the sides like a spider. Just as his gaze met hisrge eyes¡­


    "Aah!" He screamed like a kid.


    ¡ª Lolol


    ¡ª The scream! I just can''t


    ¡ª Clipped! Breeze''s rare scream


    ¡ª As expected, he''s not that brave. He''s scared of Crawler lol


    ¡ª ^ Everyone is when the Infected sneak into our back. Imagine having a head asrge as your body and eyes asrge as your head staring at you closely


    ¡ª Dude, stop. I am getting chilly here. I lived alone!


    Even while screaming, his reaction was quick. He changed the way he gripped his knife into a backhand grip and swung his arm wide. The knife lodged into the Crawler''s eyes, causing the Infected to scream maniacally and retreat away, creating the same creepy footsteps from earlier.


    "!@#$%"


    The scream was iprehensible, but it was so loud that Max had to step away from him. He looked at where the Crawler ran to and clicked his tongue.


    "He got my knife."


    "Here!" Lily immediately handed the knife she had to him. "Use this."


    "Thanks." He didn''t hesitate to take it and be prepared again. "Now it wille to us with the intention to kill. Crawler is a pretty chill Infected, unless it''s disturbed or attacked. And we just did both."


    "You did both." She corrected him with a t tone.


    ¡ª Yeah, it''s your fault Breeze!


    ¡ª Don''t drag Lily as if it''s her idea


    ¡ª She only followed you! She''s innocent! Linent!


    ¡ª Un, Un! Don''t me Lily!


    ¡ª Goddamn Breeze! You were the one that touched the web and screamer like a kid. Don''t me LilyPixel!


    Max felt betrayed by her and the chat. He turned around in her direction and found a yful grin on her face. She just teased him.


    "I was just joking. We''re in this together¨C"


    Just as she said that, suddenly, her eyes narrowed as she fired her handgun.


    Bang!


    "!&214!@#$"


    Following the shot, another scream rang. This time, the footsteps didn''t go away, but got closer instead.


    "It''sing!"


    "I know," Max responded and turned around. He could talk with Lilyter.


    Coming for him was Crawler. No matter how he looked at the Infected, it was really gross. He didn''t want to fight it if possible, but the loot was too valuable to ignore.


    "Come here, big head!"


    Crawler was getting closer, its eight legs carrying it swiftly across the web.


    When it got close enough, Max lunged forward, aiming for Crawler''s other eyes with the knife. But Crawler was faster than he thought, dodging the attack and striking back with its legs. He managed to dodge and Lily immediately gave a cover fire.


    Bang!


    The bullet lodged into the Crawler''s head but stopped before it could reach its brain. The head had a thicker skull than a zombie, acting as a natural defense against handguns and small caliber guns. Lily fired a few shots, but they only seemed to anger Crawler even more.


    Screaming, Crawler retreated once again, disappearing into darkness. It left behind a ck trail, the blooding from its eyes and the wound caused by Lily.


    ¡ª Damn! It''s not dead yet!


    ¡ª The blood is gross! Can we censor it?


    ¡ª It''s a PG 17 game, there is no censor!


    ¡ª Go go go! Kill the Crawler!


    ¡ª Crawler: Ah~ I got shot~


    ¡ª Dude¡­ Get some help¡­


    "Reloading," Lily announced, reloading her now empty handgun with the new mag they found earlier. "Did we do it?"


    "No," Max answered immediately and narrowed his eyes. "And you shouldn''t raise a g, Lily. It''sing once again!"


    Angrier than ever, Crawler screamed and shot webs. Max saw it and dodged it with minimal movement. The web hit the wall behind him, spreading a sticky substance on it. If he was hit by that, he would be unable to move.


    ''That was close,'' He thought as he turned back to Crawler.


    The web area around him was already destroyed by their confrontation from earlier, giving him more space to work with. He rushed forward, confronting Crawler directly. The Infected''s legsshed out with deadly precision.


    "Lily!"


    "Yes!"


    Lily was ready to cover him. She shot Crawler''s legs which were about to strike Max. It stumbled, but it wasn''t defeated yet. However, an opening was made.


    Using it, Max dived into its range and stabbed its leg, making it stay in ce. He then pulled the knife stabbed in its eye in quick session and used it to stab the other one.


    "#$#!%$"


    It didn''t end at that. The Infected was tenacious. Lily decided to empty her clip at Crawler''s head as Max jumped away.


    Finally, after two full mags and a fight that could break one''s nerve, Crawler fell to the ground, defeated.


    ¡ª Oooh! IT''S DEAD!


    ¡ª IT''S UNMOVING!


    ¡ª IT''S SLEEPING!


    ¡ª Nah, guys. It''s napping. It will respawn again tomorrow


    [FreakingNoob has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Epic battle! Good coordination!]


    [BUGexterminator has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Damn, the fight is just top-notch! That was exciting!]


    [¡­]


    [SpiderDie has donated 2,500 diamonds!]


    [DaddysGirl has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    Many donations poured in as the fight ended. Max pulled the knives from Crawler''s decayed body. The spider-like Infected wrinkled and dposed. Before long, its body and the web filling the warehouse disappeared, leaving only a trace of ck blood on the floor.


    Max looked at the floor for a second before turning at Lily and returning her knife.


    "Thanks for the cover, Lily. That was perfect."


    "Un. Good job."


    Both of them looked at each other and smiled awkwardly. If it was Flexy, he would definitely high-five him. But with Lily, he didn''t know what to do to celebrate their victory.


    ''Hugging her is also a no-go. She will get embarrassed in front of 15K people. I don''t want the others to see her cute expression.''


    He decided to just high-five her, and she happily pped his hand. Theyughed for a while before Max turned around.


    "Now, it''s loot time!" Max eximed, raising his hand in the air. "To make it efficient, I will loot the second floor while you loot the first floor. Let''s do this, Lily."


    "Un. Leave it to me!"


    ¡ª Wait


    ¡ª No, you can''t do that. STOP IT RIGHT NOW!


    ¡ª Breeze! YOU WILL REGRET THIS!!

 Chapter 360: Chapter 360 – Scraps Master

    The chat was right.


    Max regretted his choice of looting the second floor. He got garbage items namely Scraps, totaling 12, and a full mag of .99 mm bullets.


    Meanwhile, Lily found 5.56 mm bullets and an M4 Rifle, which boosted their firepower, as well as another handgun and a few Woods and nks. Not only that, she also found a Grenade and shbang that could help them escape a horde of zombies in case they were ambushed.


    Overall, Lily''s loot was 10 times better than Max''s. No, it could even be said they weren''tparable at all.


    Following that, they returned to the base, with Max being the porter as he felt guilty for not getting good loot.


    ¡ª We warned you


    ¡ª You little scoundrel! You know your own luck the best, but why did you loot it?


    ¡ª Naahhh, Breeze did Lily dirty. Look at her, good loot and give you extra firepower. She even got you Grenade and shbang!


    ¡ª Tsk tsk tsk, if only Lily loots the second floor, it will be massive. What a greedy man¡­


    ¡ª From now on, Breeze is banned from looting!


    "I know. I won''t touch any loot again." Max raised his palm, "I swear on money!"


    "You don''t need to do that," Lily said as she looked at him. "I want you to have fun too."


    "Lily!" He called out to her, feeling happy inside as she understood him.


    "Un, don''t hold back. Just have fun."


    ¡ª She''s an angel!


    ¡ª Goddess Lily! Aah, this is the birth of a benevolent goddess


    ¡ª LilyPixel is wasted on Breeze!


    ¡ª She''s the only one who understands him. Sad Breeze


    "I know that you''re the only one who understands me." He nodded repeatedly as he stabbed the zombie approaching them.


    "Now, let''s skip to the third day and fight more Infected. It will be great if we find a hospital so we can get some Herbs and Antidotes before the fifth day when the Infected be more active. We probably also want to make a chest to keep our loot. Yes, let''s do that. We have enough material. 2 Woods 4 nks."


    "Let''s do that. We can rest easy and bring the minimum outside if we have a chest."


    "Exactly!"


    Arriving at the base, Max immediately built the chest next to the bed and put all the loot inside. In their body, they only brought a handgun, two full mags, a knife, a Herb, and an Antidote each. The bare minimum to survive.


    Lily also brought a shbang while Max had the Grenade, as he was the main fighter while she supported him.


    After that, they went to bed and skipped the day.


    The third day wasn''t that different from the first and second. They changed their priority from finding Herbs to finding Woods and nks to upgrade the Shelter to Level 2. They managed to collect enough from Lily''s first looting location.


    Just as he promised earlier, he didn''t take even one loot even when Lily asked him to. He didn''t want to screw up his n because of his selfishness.


    The day ended just as they returned from the city, but they managed to upgrade the shelter before that. It became bigger and had a fence that protected the surroundings.


    Following that, on the fourth day, they decided to find the hospital. It was a bit away from their Shelter, taking 15 minutes by walking. However, on the bright side, they managed to find the shop right beside the dpidated hospital.


    "There it is, the Merchant. We need at least 100 Scraps before trading there and getting decent items. With the one we found in thest three days, we still need 54 more." Max said as he shifted his gaze from the neon sign to Lily. "After we get 5 Herbs and 5 Antidotes, I will loot the remaining to get Scraps."


    "Got it." Lily nodded, "We also need a decent item to protect ourselves, after all. And finding them is harder than finding Scraps."


    "You''re right. Leave it to me, Scraps Master!"


    ¡ª He gave himself a title lol


    ¡ª kekeke, truly fit him


    ¡ª Scraps Master Breeze! You find loot? I found a Scrap! As I am Scraps Man!


    ¡ª Nah, it''s SCRAP MASTER! You want Scrap? Just find me, the Scraps Master!


    No one doubted him to find 50 Scraps in one day. If he was willing, he could definitely do that. He was the Scrap master, after all.


    However, there was one problem. There were various glowing flesh in the hospital''s hallway.


    "Ugh¡­ The blobs are disgusting." Lily''s face morphed into a disgusted expression as she tried her best not to step on the glowing flesh on the floor.


    "Hahaha, indeed. They are called Blobbies, formed from dead zombies'' flesh. If we return to where we kill the zombies in a week, they will apparently grow there."


    "That''s disgusting. Ugh¡­ Please don''t step on it. I think it will burst if you do."


    "Don''t worry about it, they won''t¨C"


    Ssh!


    Just as he finished speaking, one of the Blobby in the distance burst open, spilling green pus everywhere.


    Both of them stared at it for a second before turning to look at each other.


    "Not bursting?" Lily asked, tilting her head.


    Scratching his cheek awkwardly, Max let out augh.


    "M-Maybe it got an update. Yeah, that must be the case." He nodded to convince himself.


    Not knowing anything, Lily had a look of realization. She believed in him.


    "I see. That''s a possibility."


    "That''s right. It''s because of an update." Max was relieved. "Anyway, let''s get all the first-floor loot and head to the second floor.


    The first floor was filled with Herbs and Antidotes they needed.


    Out of 15 loot they found, after killing some zombies and entering the room, 7 of them were Herbs and 5 of them were Antidotes. Thest 3 were nks and Scraps. Because they didn''t need any more nk, they decided to leave it and just took the 2 Scraps with them.


    And then, they headed to the second floor to find more loot. As soon as they stepped on top, Max had a dreadful feeling. He heard stomping from the first floor and remembered his first y in the past.


    "Dodge now!"


    He leaped to the side immediately as he shouted that. Following his order, Lily also jumped but in another direction. They hadn''t coordinated where to jump yet, but that didn''t matter. Because that just saved their lives.


    Boom!


    The ground where they stood earlier was destroyed by arge arm from below. The creature¡­ The Infected that caused the destruction were visible, standing more than 2 meters tall. This creature, known as Rocket, was an Infected.


    Its feet were small. Its body was swelling all over the ce, and its blood vessels popped up from the swelling, turning its skin dark.


    One of its arms was tiny evenpared to the normal one, but its right arm wasrger than even its body. Its muscles twitched uncontrobly as it headed to the second floor.


    Overall evaluation: as gross as usual.


    And when it reached the second floor¡­


    "Shit."


    It immediately charged at Max without giving him a chance to stand up.


    "Haauuurrr!!"

 Chapter 361: Chapter 361 – Experienced Player Now

    "M ¨C Breeze!"


    "Don''t mind me. Kill all zombies you find and focus on looting. I can handle this alone."


    Max shouted back as he dodged the iing Rocket. It passed him and went to the end of the hallway, crashing against the wall.


    "Then at least take this!" Lily shouted and threw something at him.


    Catching it, he found a shbang in his hand. It was useful.


    "Thanks!"


    After hearing him, Lily nodded and ran in the other direction, disappearing into the darkness.


    He stood up and looked at Rocket. The Infected was ready to rush like a bull again to crush him into a paste.


    However, he was calm. He put the shbang in his backpack and took out his handgun, holding it in his left hand. Even though it was useless against Rocket, it would help when zombies appeared to bother him.


    "Come, big shit. I have killed you once and know your weakness. This will be eas¨C"


    Before he could finish his sentence, Rocket propelled itself with his arm. It was spinning in mid-air, doing the famous spin attack that pulverized everything in its way.


    Seeing this, Max dodged immediately, jumping down to the first floor through the hole the Infected created before. He wasn''t afraid it would chase after Lily. After all, he had gained its aggro after taunting it.


    Just as he had expected¡­


    Crash! Thud!


    Rocket dropped down with a heavy thud, following him. The Blobbies around the hallway near the stairs were crushed at once. It was growling like a child, dragging its heavy arm as it approached him.


    The spinning attack was strong. However, the Infected couldn''t use it repeatedly. It probably also damaged its body. That was why it moved slower than before.


    Bam! ng!


    Max fired a shot at its head, but it blocked it with its giant arm. The sound was like a bullet hitting a metal and bouncing away.


    "No use, eh? As expected, this is still surprising." He said as he gripped his knife tighter. He rushed toward Roket fearlessly.


    In response, the Infected raised its arm. It knew that Max was getting closer. And when it saw him in its range, it swung its hand down without mercy.


    Swoosh!


    Due to its size and the gravity''s pull, the fist was fast. It also brought all its force that could destroy a wall in one punch.


    However¡­


    "It''s too simple!"


    Max stopped before he reached Rocket and jumped back. The fist made contact with the floor and shook the area. Blood burst from the veins that popped out from the Infected''s arm, paralyzing it for a second.


    Using this chance, Max dived once again and threw a cylindrical thing behind him. The pin was released, and a bright light filled the area along with a deafening sound.


    "Hauuurr!" Rocket screamed in pain as it stepped back slightly.


    As it screamed, its mouth was wide open. Max, with a precision that was simr to a professional baseball pitcher, threw a grenade straight into its mouth. It entered perfectly.


    Rocket couldn''t take the grenade that lodged into its mouth. Its one arm was too small, while the other was too big. As a result¡­


    Boom!


    The grenade exploded and scattered its head alongside its weakness, its brain.


    "Bam!" Max made a pose and watched as Rocket decayed into nothingness.


    ¡ª Damn, it''s faster than before


    ¡ª He got used to VR and has the equipment necessary to kill it. That''s why it''s faster


    ¡ª He''s not using knife-only this time lol


    ¡ª Handgun is useless, but he fires it either way to make Rocket raise its hand. Truly, a good strategy


    ¡ª That was a bit anticlimactic, but I like fast battles too


    "Indeed. I am now getting used to VR World and can move pretty fast inside. I think I will be able to solo Turret without any problem too."


    It wasn''t just a baseless confidence.


    Unlike his first month ying, he had gotten used to how he should move and could stay in VR World way longer. His estimation told him that he could probably y for around 6 hours without any problem, 8 hours if he drank a B-Grade Nutritional Supplement.


    His experience in VR World allowed him to move better than when he confronted Turret, the centipede Infected, at that time.


    ¡ª We believe in you


    ¡ª Well, you''ve got the experience, I admit that


    ¡ª If you don''t do betterpared to that time, I would call you cheating lol


    ¡ª People grow with time. We all turn into an adult and our experiences grow. However, my status will stay as Maidenless


    ¡ª Good good. You''ve grown pretty well. Blood God is satisfied.


    "Hahaha." Maxughed as he read the chat, "Now, let''s meet up with Lily. I wonder if she''s alright up there."


    Max headed for the second floor again and went to where Lily went. As he walked down the dark corridor, he could hear asional gunshots in the distance. It seemed like his girlfriend confronted something that needed her to use the handgun.


    Based on his understanding of her skill, she would only need to use it when she either got surrounded or faced a strong enemy, like an Infected. He didn''t know her situation at all, but the chat was different.


    ¡ª Breeze! Go help LilyPixel! She''s in danger!


    ¡ª What are you standing there for, stooped boyfriend? Your girlfriend is in danger! Help her. QUICK!


    ¡ª THIS IS SERIOUS!


    ¡ª No joke at all. Go right now!


    ¡ª FULL SPEED AHEAD!


    The urgency that was brought by unknown viewers that suddenly appeared in the chat seemed serious. Max didn''t think for long and sprinted at full speed toward the direction of the gunshot.


    After running at full speed for a while, he arrived at a slightlyrge room that looked like a waiting room. The ground and the ceiling were half destroyed. Holes could be seen here and there. Smaller holes could be seen around therger ones, these were from bullets.


    Standing in the middle of the room, with a knife and a handgun in her hands, Lily looked around with full attention. She noticed him almost immediately and shouted.


    "Watch out!"


    "Kikikiki!"


    As soon as she said that, something appeared from the hole near his feet. A small figure with a scythe-like hand and a sharp head like a drill could be seen crackling madly.


    And as soon as he noticed it, the Infected swung its sharp hand at his legs.


    Swoosh!

 Chapter 362: Chapter 362 – Unfortunate RNG

    A blur.


    That was what Max could see from the new Infected''s movement. It wasn''t exaggerated to say that this enemy was the fastest one he encountered in this game.


    Usually, one wouldn''t be able to react to such a surprise attack. However, Max, high on adrenaline from fighting against Rocket earlier, moved his body faster before his brain even processed it. He immediately threw his knife to the ground and kicked it, blocking the scythe perfectly using the metal


    ng!


    A spark flew as the knife and the scythe hand made contact. The Infected lost in terms of strength and faltered slightly.


    ¡ª WHAT THE?!


    ¡ª Is that even humanly possible? Like¡­ DAMN!


    ¡ª CLIP CLIP CLIP CLIP!


    ¡ª This is absolute cinema!


    ¡ª What the heck did you do, Breeze? No¡­ What did you drink before this?! How can you do that?


    ¡ª What happened?! I saw him throw the knife, but then it was on his sole, and he used it to block, and then a spark appeared! AAH


    ¡ª That''s peak! How? I mean¡­ HE''S THE GOAT!


    Not even he understood what happened. His body just moved and he did that impossible thing.


    Bang bang!


    Lily immediately fired 2 shots and hit the Infected''s arm, making it cry in pain before disappearing into the hole once again.


    "Are you okay?" She asked worriedly and ran toward him.


    Only then did he snap out of his daydream and shout.


    "Holy crap! What the heck?!"


    ¡ª ¡­?


    ¡ª Did he just get confused about what he did?


    ¡ª This is funny. Truly cinema!


    ¡ª So it''s just an unconscious reaction? Damn. Some wild instinct he has


    ¡ª So funny yet so incredible


    ¡ª CLIP CLIP CLIP CLIP CLIP!


    ¡ª Clip man, no need to say it. I am on it already!


    Ignoring the chat, Max looked at Lily urgently.


    "What was that? Can you fill me in on the details?" He asked, taking the knife he had thrown to the ground earlier and putting his back against hers.


    "Un. Chat said it''s called Hider. It will only appear in a ce we can''t see and attack us, like what it did earlier." Lily exined.


    "That''s troublesome. But from what I saw earlier, it seems you can injure it."


    "Handgun can kill it." She confirmed with a nod, "We just need to hit the head."


    "Good to know." He chuckled as he looked at all the holes in the ceiling and the floor. "Only if it shows up, though. How about the loot? How much did you get?"


    "Only 5 on this floor. I was attacked and inbat since then." She said, "Sorry."


    "No, don''t be. You have got enough loot already." He said but he didn''t take his eyes off the holes, especially the one on the floor. "This one is tricky. Let''s get out of here immediately. It''s not worth the risk."


    "Un."


    After hearing her confirmation, Max immediately broke into a run. Lily closely followed behind him. As soon as they entered the dark corridor, a mad chuckle rang from behind.


    "Kikikiki."


    The Infected, Hider, showed itself and chased after them. However, it maintained a distance as Max asionally looked behind to keep it away.


    The stairs leading to the first floor were close to them. And when they reached it, he stopped and turned around.


    "Jump, Lily. I will follow soon."


    "Yes."


    Lily jumped down immediately as soon as she confirmed it and looked up. There, she saw Hider crawling out of the wall near Max. Her eyes widened and she was about to scream.


    "Br¨C"


    "There."


    That was unnecessary. Max deliberately made an opening for himself by asking Lily to jump. He knew that the Hider would attack from that side.


    Bang!


    The bullet went straight for Hider''s body. It lodged inside and elicited a loud cry from it as it retreated into the fresh hole.


    ¡ª OOOOHHH!


    ¡ª That''s a good body shoot


    ¡ª NICE


    ¡ª Now that''s not just luck but a strategy!


    ¡ª BLOOD! RED BLOOD! THAT INFECTED HAS RED BLOOD! Want it¡­ The Blood God want it¡­


    Still, an Infected wouldn''t die easily unless their weak point was destroyed, their brain. And Max wasn''t a fool who would pursue a useless fight unless he did a challenge.


    So, he immediately jumped down andnded next to Lily.


    "That will keep it away for a while. Let''s get the hell out of here."


    Lily was in disbelief, but she was also happy. She nodded and followed him out of the hospital by running at full speed.


    Hider didn''t attack them anymore once they were out. But they didn''t stop running. They had spent too much time in the hospital. The night would arrive soon, in only 9 minutes.


    "Can you go faster?" Max asked as he looked next to him. "There are more Infected than I thought. I prefer to return to the base by now before it''s toote."


    "Agreed." Lily said with a nod, "But, sorry¡­ This is my fastest speed."


    "Ah, no problem at all. We probably will be able to safely reach the shelter before night at this speed." He responded with a toothy smile. "And Lily¡­ No apologizing. We''re ying to have fun, so just enjoy it."


    Looking at his smile, Lily couldn''t help but smile back. "Un. I am having fun."


    They continued their journey in silence, save for the few gunshots they had to release as a group of zombies appeared on their way.


    When they reached the Shelter, Max immediately put all the loot into the chest. Lily also put her new loot, 3 Herbs, an Antidote, and another full mag of .99 mm bullets into it.


    Following that, they sat on the bed and strategized.


    "Hospital has 2 Infecteds, and one of them is troublesome while the other one is tough. We should avoid going there unless we need to. And even so, let''s stay on the first floor unless we have the necessary equipment to defend ourselves."


    "I also thought so." Lily agreed. "Warehouse looks better, but there is a Crawler. We can get more nk and Wood from the first floor."


    "That''s right." He nodded.


    "We have no more pressing matters besides our defensive equipment. We might as well just loot casually until the ninth day, gathering Scraps, and then get our equipment from that shady merchant. Of course, if we find police headquarters, that will be good. That''s our source of ammo and grenades."


    Lily listened quietly and nodded every now and then. She wasn''t that experienced in this game yet and knew nothing besides what Max and her chat told her.


    No matter the game, she didn''t really care. Just ying alone made her happy. Exciting things made her happy. And more importantly¡­


    ''Hehe. Max is so cool when he''s serious.''


    She could enjoy the look of her boyfriend getting serious in the game, which she liked a lot.


    That much was enough. But her image of him was soon shattered on the fourth day. They spent the day by looting Scraps, which made Maxugh like a madman.


    "HAHAHAHA! Scraps again! I am too good. Scrap God has blessed me. Huahahaha!"


    Lily looked at him with a nk gaze. She was happy earlier, but now she had aplicated feeling.


    ¡ª Look at that. It''s the gaze of someone who has lost hope


    ¡ª LilyPixel be like: Is he truly my boyfriend? I thought he was a cool man who ran and jumped around. Ah, he can also run on the wall

 Chapter 363: Chapter 363 – Accepting Weakness is Not a Sin

    ¡ª Girl¡­ Just wave your hand if you give up


    ¡ª There are still many fish in the sea. AH, but there is only one Breeze.


    ¡ª Cough, you can ask me if you need help


    ¡ª Girl, call me. This is my number


    [MilfMAX has been banned permanently!]


    [Lo3l1eJa has been banned permanently!]


    ¡ª lolol 2 banned


    ¡ª Breeze hase to his senses lol. This is fun


    ¡ª So he''s just pretending. Tsk, what an actor.


    ¡ª o7 F for respect. Those guys sacrificed themselves for us


    ¡ª F o7


    The chat was quickly filled with lol and ''F'' for respect.


    "Indeed. No one hit on Lily in front of my face. I won''t give you a warning and will just ban you immediately." Max said as he returned to Lily''s side. "Sorry to make you see my bad side. But that''s necessary to weed out bad people in my chat." He continued, smiling softly.


    As innocent as Lily was, she already knew her boyfriend''s silly side and epted it. It was just a little bit of shock that she witnessed it directly because he usually only showed her his good side.


    But, she remembered her best friend''s words.


    ''If he shows you the side he hid from you in the past, that means he''sfortable with you and wants you to ept his bad sides too. What you can do is to reassure him that you won''t leave him!''


    Smiling softly, Lily tilted her head to the side.


    "It''s okay. I know that you act crazy from time to time."


    Hearing that, Max froze in ce. Even his smile stopped halfway.


    ¡ª lolol kekw hahahahah qqq 555555 I CAN''T!


    ¡ª This can''t be. LilyPixel is really Breeze''s bane lol


    ¡ª The way she smiles when she calls him crazy is so precious


    ¡ª Breeze''s brain froze lol. His girlfriend just called him crazy, after all


    "Are you okay?" Lily asked innocently as she leaned forward. "You suddenly stopped moving altogether. Should we end it here? We''ve been ying for at least 4 hours."


    Snapping out of his frozen state, although notpletely, Max only nodded at her like a robot.


    "Yeah."


    "Are you sure you''re okay?"


    "Yeah."


    "5 plus 8 equals to?"


    "Yeah."


    "Ah, he''s broken," Lily said, looking surprised. Then, she panicked. "W-What should I do? Chat, tell me what I should do!"


    She began to seek the chat''s help. Even if her viewers weren''t as much as Max, it had grown to the point it reached 1.5K. And most of them were supporting her instead of trying to trap her. Her fanbase was truly different from Breeze.


    That was why she trusted them slightly. Especially since the chat was dominated by fellow girls from the secretmunity she joined.


    ¡ª How about pping him? That works with my boyfriend!


    ¡ª Or maybe you can whisper love words? Kyaa that would be great!


    ¡ª Better yet, just kiss him!


    "Oh, that works," Lily eximed. Her face was now so close to Max''s.


    When watching that, Max''s chat began to move faster.


    ¡ª Oooh! She''s doing it!


    ¡ª Go girl!


    ¡ª DAMN! Making me jealous!


    ¡ª Look at her face. It''s like a tomato now lolol


    ¡ª So cute. I hope I can get a girlfriend like her. On my dream alone is enough!


    ¡ª I am d that you understand your limitation, young man. May Dao of Maidenless be with you


    Kissing him on the lips might not be a problem when they were alone, but it was too much in front of many people. That was why she chose to give him a peck on the cheek.


    "Huh?"


    Feeling the soft sensation, Max''s brain functioned normally again. He looked at Lily, who backed away from him with a flushed face.


    "Have you returned?"


    "Yeah, but¡­ Are you okay?" He asked back, noticing that she was really embarrassed to the point even her ears turned red. "Your face is so red."


    "I-I am fine. Un. No need to worry." She got flustered and turned around. "A-Anyway, let''s return to the shelter and log out. I got inspiration now."


    And then, she broke into a run.


    Inspiration. It was important for Lily. But he knew that she was running away because she was embarrassed.


    ¡ª What happened?


    ¡ª Why is she running? And what''s inspiration


    ¡ª Kekeke inspiration to cough of course! Censored! Safe!


    ¡ª I see... But I see... I don''t know... But I see...


    ¡ª I heard, I read, I breathe... I am maidenless leader!


    Many viewers in the chat were confused, but Max didn''t exin why she was in a hurry.


    "Well, you guys will understand sooner orter." He said so as he followed Lily. "More importantly, wasn''t se so cute? She couldn''t handle the staresing from the camera and ran away."


    ¡ª Don''t boast about your girlfriend


    ¡ª We know she''s cute, so enough!


    ¡ª Please, don''t add more sugar!!


    Maxughed loudly. He managed to catch on Lily and they returned together. When they arrived at the base, they quickly skipped to the fifth day and Max said goodbye to the viewers.


    "Forget everything that happened at the end of the stream! Let''s meet again tomorrow if we have a chance!"


    [Livestream Ended!]


    ***


    Two VR Capsules opened at once in the room. Max climbed out only to find Lily dashed onto the bed while she was still drenched in sweat.


    "Aaah!"


    The girl shouted loudly into Momo, her bunny plushie.


    Watching his girlfriend''s strange behavior, he was confused. He didn''t know what led to this. The shock from getting called crazy by innocent Lily was a bit too much earlier, though he recovered and wouldn''t get into another shock.


    He silently took towels from the back while letting Lily scream to her satisfaction. When he returned to the bedroom after changing his clothes and drying his sweat, Lily was sitting on the edge of the bed with a red face.


    "Are you satisfied yet?" He asked with a teasing tone as he sat next to her.


    The red on her face intensified as she nodded like a small animal.


    "If you know that you would get embarrassed kissing my cheek in front of the viewers, why did you do it?"


    "Uuuh¡­ I thought you would like it. I just called you crazy, and I knew that wasn''t right."


    "Well, that was indeed a shock, but I don''t mind. Rather, I''d like you not to push yourself, okay?"


    "Un¡­ Sorry."


    "It''s good that you understand." Max smiled softly and patted her sweat using the new towel he took with him.


    Lily stayed silent and let him help her. It feltfortable. Because of howfortable it was, she even sought his touch and got closer to him. Before she realized it, their shoulders touched.


    "Hey, Max¡­ You know?"


    "Yes?"


    "Even if you''re crazy, I will still love you."


    Hearing her honest words, Max smiled. The urge to hug her was hard to resist, and he pulled her into his embrace.


    "I know. And Lily, you know?"


    "Un. What?"


    "You''re so cute when you''re embarrassed. The way you try to hide like a bunny when you are overwhelmed is also cute. I love you. I like the way you act. Even if you''re sometimes not perfect, I still love that imperfection."


    "I know." Lily smiled yfully and looked up.


    No more words were needed. epting their partner''s weakness was something natural. It wasn''t a sin or something detestable. Instead, it was a blessing reserved for a special one. epting each other, with their imperfection, was the next level of a rtionship.


    The night was special. It was a sleepless one.

 Chapter 364: Chapter 364 – Mysterious Card From the System

    Max leaned against his pillow as he looked at the notification in front of him. This was a special one, with a slightly different screen from the hologram one, and couldn''t be seen by other people.


    <Bonus Quest ispleted spectacrly! Your reward will be sent to your address!>


    <An extra reward has been added due to the streamer''s massive growth.>


    <Greatest Streamer System is upgraded. A New Quest will be generated in 5 days!>


    He clicked the small X on the edge of the screen and looked down. It had just arrived, delivered by a drone, a small box in his hand.


    For some reason, he hesitated to open it, especially with Lily still sleeping next to him. He decided to get off the bed, wore shorts, and went to the living room to open the box.


    Sitting on the couch, he looked inside. A card wasid on top of a soft cushion. Beside the key was a ticket, something he knew pretty well.


    "A <Miracle Ticket>." He muttered, looking at the ticket. He hadn''t used the first one yet, but now he got it again. "I will bring this one with me the whole time for emergency and one will stay in the house in case I need it in the future."


    He put the <Miracle Ticket> on the table and looked at the card. This was the real problem. He had no idea what this silver card could be used for.


    But then, when he flipped it, his lips curled into a grin.


    "Wow¡­ System, I was wrong for calling you stingy. So this is the reason why I don''t get any quest on top of the existing one for a month."


    The reward was better than he thought.


    ***


    The next day, Lily chose to stay at home to finish her songs again while Max ventured out. His destination was the physical bank in Lime City.


    Even though everything was online now, a physical bank was still needed to deal with a more formal matter, such asrge amounts of transactions or a reward exchange.


    Max nned to visit for thetter.


    "Thank you very much."


    He exited the taxi and headed to the building in front of him. When he entered, he saw the bank was pretty empty, different from the usual bank in his past life.


    Only a few employees worked there. He immediately headed to the teller. When he got close, the teller stood up and smiled.


    "How can I help you?"


    "Ah yes. Can I exchange a card reward here? I got one from my friend, but I have never exchanged it before so I am quite confused."


    "Yes, of course. I can help you with that." The teller said, "May I see the card?"


    "It''s here." Max handed the card he got from the system to the teller and she began to check it.


    When he got it and read the back, he was honestly surprised. This card was what people call a ''Reward Card'', often given from one person to the other as a gift. They verified the gift and entrusted it to the bank with a fee.


    Because of its surprising nature, many people chose to make their gifts into this Reward Card instead of gifting it directly to another person. The gifts exchanged into this card could vary from a simple item to even an intangible one, like money or vacation.


    "I have verified it." The teller returned after scanning the card and put it on the table. "This Reward Card can be exchanged for a 3-day vacation to the southern ind for 2 people. Everything is paid for already, including the lodging and travel. Shall I exchange this card for the tickets?"


    "Yes, please," Max answered with a happy tone.


    The system really knew what he needed. The stress from the party would definitely get into him. What was better to relieve it than a vacation with his loved one?


    ''I am really lucky.''


    "Please wait for a second."


    It really finished in a second. The teller just pressed the card against the hologram screen and she moved it to his front. He entered his email address as instructed by the teller and it finished just like that.


    The Reward Card was saved by the teller, and he was free to go. When he checked his email, two vacation tickets were indeed there. He could use them to board a private jet to the southern ind on the 21st.


    "Well, this is pretty easy." He muttered as he exited the bank.


    Initially, he thought the process would beplicated. While he trusted the system, as he got many rewards already, he wasn''t sure whether this one would go through because there was a third party involved.


    However, the process was pretty fast. It didn''t even take 5 minutes.


    For the record, Max nned to stay out all day. So he was in a bind without any n now.


    ''Should I just return and apany Lily?'' He thought, scratching his head, as he walked down the street. ''ying V-Shelter now is also not that fun without Lily. Yesterday we yed too much and encountered too many Infected at once. Haa¡­ That was exhausting.''


    Just like any other person with no n or job, Max decided to stop by the park he found and sat on the bench, enjoying the morning sun. He wasn''t sitting by without any thought. On the contrary, he had many things to think about regarding his stream.


    ''I have to y games with my viewers or coborate with other streamers. My viewers are so stagnant now, with many joining and leaving. With my followers that reach 900K now, I should be able to reach at least 20K viewers once.''


    Unfortunately, he was too focused on ying with Lilytely because it was fun. He enjoyed it a lot, but he also had to pursue his dream to be a big streamer. He had promised himself that.


    ''The problem is, what kind of game allows me to y with my viewers? V-Shelter? That will be too chaotic. I need a game that clearly sets the people into teams so we can coordinate. Shooting games aren''t good either. Something like Knight''s Journey might be better.


    A realistic game with cold weapons.''


    Just as he groaned, unable to find the game that perfectly fit his requirement even when he jogged his memories, he got a message. Ignoring it would be wrong. So he checked it.

 Chapter 365: Chapter 365 – Viking’s Era

    [MadLad: Dude. Want to join a game with other streamers today? We need a lot of people. I know you will like this game. Feel free to bring a lot of people if you decide to join.]


    Well¡­ His n today was decided. He replied immediately.


    [Breeze: Count me in.]


    Right after replying, MadLad sent the game''s details. Max read the message as he sat in the taxi to return home.


    [MadLad: There is an event held by a streamer called OperationMLF today at 11 AM, the link is here. <AttachedLink>. It''s a wide event that invites all streamers into a certain game''s server.]


    [MadLad: The streamers will be separated into 5 teams in arge arena. Each team isposed of 100 people. Probably, there will only be around 30 streamers joining this event, so the rest will be picked from the viewers who join the server first.]


    [MadLad: This game is called Viking''s Era. All yers will be given a choice between using Axes, Battle Axe, Sword, Sword & Shield, or Arrow. It''s a fullbat game where yers just kill each other and get high points based on kill scores.]


    After reading MadLad''s exnation, Max hummed and stroked his chin. This game scratched all he needed. He could y with other streamers as well as viewers. Not only that but the chaos that ensued within could even be imagined, knowing its gamey was simr to Knight''s Journey.


    No extra game skill and only focused on cold-weapon duels. What a perfect game.


    ''Viking''s Era, huh? Based on the name, I can guess the team will be based on a Viking settlement or something. And most probably, the map will be filled with snow and water. So there will be a naval battle too.''


    That sounded exciting.


    Arriving at his apartment, he immediately entered and greeted loudly.


    "I am home."


    No one answered. Max entered and found Lily sitting on the balcony in her onesie, a noise-cancetion headset covering her ears as she was busyposing music. He smiled and made some drinks for her.


    Ice tea was a great choice. Both of them loved it.


    Opening the sliding ss, Max stepped onto the balcony. Only then did Lily notice him.


    "Ah." She raised her head, looking at him in a daze. "I didn''t realize you entered."


    "It''s okay. Ah, here is an iced tea. I bet you''re thirsty from concentrating a lot."


    "Thank you."


    "You''re wee." He replied as he put the drink on the table. "And, Lily. I am about to join some kind of streamer event with MadLad after this. Do you want to join? We will y a game called Viking''s Era. The gamey is simr to Knight''s Journey but the mode is different."


    "MadLad¡­ That loud guy?" She asked curiously, humming lowly as she nced at the musicposing application that was still open next to her.


    Noticing that, Max smiled softly. "You don''t need to join if you''re busy. There will be a lot of streamers this time and I am not sure that your friend will also join. Just focus on what you want to do."


    Hearing that, Lily smiled and nodded, "Un. I think I will stay here. Have fun."


    "I will."


    After saying that, he returned inside and climbed into his VR Capsule. By the time he arrived home, it was almost 11 AM. And he nned to meet up with MadLad and his friends first.


    Once he dived in, he immediately bought and downloaded Viking''s Era. Then, he messaged MadLad to ask for the Lobby he had to join, to which the man replied pretty fast.


    Max immediately joined the new Lobby as soon as he prepared his livestream. The Lobby was unlike any other. It looked like a cozy room with a warm light.


    Secretly, he was thankful it wasn''t a bar again.


    In the room, MadLad was sitting with two other guys, whom he immediately recognized as Lightning and Tiamat. When he appeared in the room, the attention immediately shifted to him.


    "Yo." He casually greeted them with a smile and approached. "How are you guys since that reality show?"


    "Haha, we''re good." Lightningughed merrily as he shook Max''s hand, "How about you?"


    "Fine," Max answered as he proceeded to shake Tiamat''s and MadLad''s hand. "Thanks for inviting me, by the way. I don''t have anything to do today and am bored. Hahaha, your timing is really good, MadLad."


    "Tsk, of course." MadLad scoffed and crossed his legs. "Though even if I said that, I was just thinking maybe you would be interested. You always say yes whenever we invite you to do something."


    "So I am just a convenient guy?" Max asked, pretending to look hurt as he looked at MadLad.


    "What''s this, disgusting?" MadLad reacted and backed away, "You know that''s not what I mean. In a way, you are simr to that Flexy guy. You always go on board with something interesting and fun."


    Maxughed. He didn''t deny that he was simr to Flexy in that part, as long as it involved game and streaming. He certainly wouldn''t trap his friend just for fun.


    "Well, you''re not wrong."


    Everyoneughed and they talked about various things to pass the time. MadLad, the one who found out about this event, exined how this would go and the rules they had to follow. There was nothingplicated.


    "In short, the rules are like this. 1. Don''t cheat. 2. Don''t stream snipe. 3.


    You can''t work together with the other team, even if it''s your friend."


    "Ah, so the team is randomized?" Max asked, seemingly interested in the team''s randomization.


    "We might not be on the same team even though we came from the same Lobby," Tiamat added. "That''s fair."


    The conversation continued. They asked Max for advice on how to grow their channel, as he was the one with the biggest followers in the room. He told them what StoneSword told him back in the day, about making interesting content and streaming regrly.


    After a while, the time arrived. All of them logged into the Viking''s Era and chose the server where the server was held after starting their livestream.


    [Livestream Starts!]


    Max''s vision shifted and he appeared in what seemed like arge arena covered in white. The sky was gray, and snow fell heavily. Many people, dressed in what seemingly Viking attires stood around him.


    ''Whoa, this is nuts. There are many streamers, and I recognize some of them.'' He thought as she looked around. ''Damn, this is really a chance to grow my fanbase. There should be at least 500K viewersbined.''


    The event was on a bigger scale than he thought.


    ¡ª This is¡­


    ¡ª Viking''s Era?! AXE BREEZE RETURNED?!


    ¡ª AXE AXE AXE AXE AXE AXE!


    ¡ª Finally, my blood axe will return to its glory!


    ¡ª Viking''s Era? And this ce must be that event guys! He''s going to rampage!


    ¡ª I am joining! Where is that OperationMLF''s link?! GIVE ME!


    The viewers instantly recognized it even when Max didn''t even put the game''s title on the screen. Instead, he just put a really clickbaity one.


    [My Axe craves blood!]


    A simple one, but managed to attract everyone''s attention.

 Chapter 366: Chapter 366 – Streamers Gathered! Fight Prepared!

    Viking''s Era scenery was easily noticeable due to the character''s design and the fact the setting came from a Viking''s time.


    yers could choose their weapons from the selection as soon as they entered the game. Max chose two tomahawk axes without hesitation, the kind that he used in Knight''s Journey. It was not only to pump up his viewers, but he had also gotten used to using it, making it the mostfortable weapon.


    The others had also finished choosing their weapons. The mostmon was, as expected, sword and shield. Following that were dual swords and then bow & arrow. War axes were alsomon, but not as many as the three weapons. Axes


    Max looked around and saw various choices. Unfortunately, he was separated from the boys. He could see Lightning''s blond hair in the distance, but the boy was stuck between many streamers withrge weapons.


    ''I guess we won''t be able to meet them now.''


    At that moment, someone climbed a tall podium in the center. The man had long blue hair and looked charismatic as he held arge war axe over his shoulder.


    Standing atop the podium, he mmed the axe on the ground, creating a loud sound.


    "Please be quiet!"


    Everyone focused their attention on the blue-haired man. However, there was no way to shut all the streamers'' mouths. They were the loudest people in the group, and there were around 100 of them gathering here.


    ''It''s like a traditional Chinese market from my past life.'' Heughed wryly as he looked at them.


    From the viewers'' perspective, though, he looked so confident andughed at the other streamers.


    ¡ª I bet 10 premium ounts that he thinks ''I will crush them all, hehehehe.''


    ¡ª I bet 5 PA that he thought ''Bow in front of me, peasants! I have more viewers than you! And I am only 3 months old!


    ¡ª Naah, I know he''s searching for his target to cut their heads


    ¡ª Or split them


    ¡ª *Nod nod*


    ¡ª He is counting his victims!


    The chat''s bet and words didn''t escape Max at all.


    "I read all of that, chat. And no, I just think it''s funny that someone tells streamers to be quiet." He exined as he looked at the blue-haired guy that he identified as OperationMLF, the event organizer. "He looks troubled. Poor him. I feel bad and want to help, but what can a small streamer like me do?"


    ¡ª So you can feel bad?


    ¡ª Damn, so Breeze is human confirmed? I thought he was a robot or an alien.


    ¡ª No silicone skin? So he has feelings?! I thought he was the Blood God''s apostle. Tell me this isn''t real!


    ¡ª NOOOOO!


    Max wanted to punch the chat so badly. No, he wanted to throw his axes at them.


    ''What do they think I am?'' He screamed in his mind and gritted his teeth.


    Anyway, that wasn''t important.


    Understanding that he couldn''t make the streamers quiet, OperationMLF tweaked the waiting room''s system for a while and made his voice louder.


    "Ah- ah¡­ Can you hear me?"


    The loud voice from earlier became louder. Everyone was quiet for a second. Max covered his ears because it was too loud. He could see the others also did the same.


    "Ah, my apologies," OperationMLF spoke once again, this time quieter than before. "I believe this is good?"


    Someone nodded at him.


    "Great." The blue-haired man nodded in satisfaction, "Now, everyone. It''s nice to meet you all! Those who know me already and those who haven''t met me, I don''t differentiate between them. Please, I hope you guys will have fun in this small event I held."


    No one paid attention, but OperationMLF knew his voice was heard so he continued exining the event once again. His exnation was roughly the same as what MadLad told Max, how the teams divided and that there would be 400 viewers joining.


    The code would be shared once the streamers team entered. Each team would have roughly 20 streamers and 80 viewers. There would be 10 minutes of peace after they were divided so the team could choose a person who would act as a leader. The leader was expected tomand the team.


    Naturally, that leader woulde from one of the streamers.


    ¡ª Somehow, I feel like Breeze won''t be chosen as this leader. He''s too wild and straightforward.


    ¡ª The leader is probably a streamer with the highest influence in the group. Well, this will be fun


    ¡ª Naah, I bet some guys won''t listen to the leader''smand


    ¡ª If I enter Breeze''s team, I will follow him even if he''s not a leader!


    ¡ª True true. Even if he usually does ''Go go go'' strategy, he actually has a good head and can think of ''Harass Them'' strategy!


    Most viewers probably thought that way. They would follow their favorite streamer instead of the team leader. Unless everyone cooperated, the team would be bound to fail to followmands and fall into chaos.


    "Haha, I hope you can join my team," Max said with a low chuckle. He didn''t n to follow any leader that would be chosen.


    Of course, if themand was simple like go to the right or left wing, he would probably just follow it. But if the leader had a big ego and wanted to control the team¡­


    ''I''d say fuck it and go kill the other team alone. Probably with some of my lucky viewers.''


    Crazy viewers, or so he called them. Max had a feeling that they weren''t normal. Rather¡­ Some of them knew too much about games and the skills needed to clear obstacles easily. And he had seen some of his viewers'' skills in Midnight Heist. Even LovelyOtter was skilled enough to escape unharmed at that time.


    ''I can count on these crazy idiots.''


    "Make sure to join the server as soon as the code is spread. And remember, if you end up on another team, don''t hesitate to attack me."


    ¡ª Don''t worry, I will just target you


    ¡ª Kekeke, if I were on other teams, I would kill you first. Why should I hesitate?


    ¡ª No worries! My arrow will end up in your head!


    ¡ª I-I won''t hesitate. Hehehe, Blood God wants me to get your blood


    ¡ª That would be great. This noble me can''t wait for Breeze''s body to get impaled with various weapons. Do it, guys. I am counting on you


    Right¡­ That was how they were.


    Fortunately, the winner was based on the kill count. This was a fun event, so there were noplicated rules at all.


    "Alright! Without further ado, I will start the game!" OperationMLF eximed loudly and raised his hand. "The server code is M1LFU1STH3B3ST! Let''s start the game!"


    He brought down his hand and pressed a button on the hologram screen.


    As soon as he did that, Max could see his body was engulfed in a bright light and his vision shifted. When he opened his eyes again, he was standing on top of a mountain, covered in thick snow.


    The area was covered in blue light, around 150 meters in diameter, and the words ''Team 3''s Safe Zone'' were written above.


    And following his realization was a loud scream from a hundred people that was transported into the area.


    "Wooooooo!"


    "I DID IT! I managed to join!"


    "This is sick!"


    The viewers had joined. And among them were those crazy idiots.

 Chapter 367: Chapter 367 – Speaking or Typing, Chat is Chat

    "Ah! That''s Breeze!"


    "Breeze?! Where? Where is he?"


    "I am on the same team as Breeze?! Tsk! I can''t kill him then!"


    Unexpectedly, there were many of them. These people immediately swarmed him. At just a nce, there were around 40 people who recognized him and were probably his viewers.


    "Hey, guys! Back away! We be the center of attention."


    He tried to calm down the crowd, but couldn''t. They had too much energy. However, not all of them were like that. He could see some viewers trying to calm them down. They were FreakingNoob and LovelyOtter, two of his earliest viewers.


    The energy from other viewers was too much, though, so they were unable to do anything.


    Max looked around, trying to get some help. He saw other streamers were also squirmed by a crowd, although not asrge as him. They would be unable to help then.


    ''I have no choice.''


    "Whoever doesn''t back away in 3 seconds will be banned permanently!" Max spoke loudly, to the verge of shouting. "3¡­2¡­¨C"


    Just as he counted, the viewers backed away and stood still. Their names were visible on top of their heads, so they were afraid that they would get banned. That was one way to ruin their fun. Unable to ess chat while watching a livestream was pretty harsh of a punishment!


    ¡ª lolol, the threat worked


    ¡ª Of course. Most of them are probably active in the chat, so they are afraid to get banned


    ¡ª Ah! I recognize some of their names. FreakingNoob. LovelyOtter. And there is that BloodAxe guy!


    ¡ª They are pretty lucky. Sad me to meet a full server


    ¡ª Their fingers are really fast lols


    The chat moved slower than usual, probably because most active chatters had managed to join the server. And by luck, most of them had joined Max''s team.


    Holding off a sigh, he looked at roughly 40 people in front of him. FreakingNoob let out a sigh. He was a man with slightly long brown hair. When their eyes met, he offered a slight nod and an awkward smile.


    While LovelyOtter waved her hand at him with a smile. They had met once before in the MidnightHeist, but this was the first time Max saw her face. She was unexpectedly a little bit cute and had a chubby cheek, the type that people wanted to fondle and pinch.


    Looking at them, a thought shed in his mind.


    ''The two of them might be good moderators. The way they tried to calm those ruffians is pretty good, although they have no power to stop them. Give them power and they will be perfect.''


    He would definitely contact themter.


    For now¡­


    "Alright, this is good. Peace is good, don''t you think so? Look at the other streamers. Their crowd is pretty chill, unlike you guys." He said, turning to the people a bit away from them.


    The crowd followed his gaze. There, the other streamers were talking to their fans with a pretty chill tone. They seemed to have a nice conversation with each other.


    ''How nice.''


    However, when he said that, Max noticed that their crowd had no more than 5 people. Compared to his¡­ He looked at his crowd once again and they smiled smugly.


    "It seems the leader is decided."


    "Naah, no way they will be leaders when almost 50% of the team will follow Breeze without question."


    "Yeah, this is an easy game."


    "Commander! Tell us what we need to do!"


    For some reason, the viewers were proud. Their confidence shot up immediately, and they became the center of attention at once. Everyone looked in their direction.


    "Haa¡­ I have to talk to the other streamers first about the leader position. I can''t just im I am the leader just because there are many of you guys here, no?" Max said, pretending to be a good individual although he never nned to follow this leader.


    Once again, the image was important for a streamer.


    "Wait here for a minute, guys. Let me talk to them."


    As soon as he said that and walked away, the crowd began to salute at him like a soldier.


    "Yes, leader!"


    "Got it,mander!"


    "You can count on us!"


    Hearing them, Max became embarrassed and muttered.


    "This is Viking''s Era and not the military era, idiots!"


    ¡ª lol


    ¡ª Chat or VR, they never change lol


    ¡ª These guys are hrious. I wonder whether I would be like them if I meet Breeze kekeke


    ¡ª This is too funny. I can''t imagine they bring their chat behavior even when they are speaking directly kekw


    Seeing Max and some guys approaching, the other streamers decided to stop their fan service and gathered.


    "You have quite a crowd." One of the five female streamers in the team said as she looked at Max. "How many are there? 40? 41? Wow, that''s almost half of this team."


    "Of course. That''s the rising star, Breeze." Another streamer, a bald man with a tribal tattoo on his head spoke. He extended his hand toward Max. "It''s nice to meet you. I have seen some of your clips and your Synchronization Test video. My streamer name is Bald13Tattoo."


    "It''s nice to meet you." He shook his hand with him and the other streamers.


    Surprisingly, 15 out of 20 streamers recognized him through clips, videos, livestream, or the billboard that showed up in the past.


    They talked about small things for a while before Max decided to move into the main topic.


    "We have to choose a leader, right? What should we do about this?"


    "At first, I was about to suggest a vote, but¡­" Bald13Tattoo looked at the viewers who acted like soldiers standing a bit away from them. They looked at them intensely, with stares that could even make grown men scared. "I think you will be a good leader, Breeze. I will trust your skill."


    The streamers who knew his feat also agreed. The first girl who spoke earlier seemed to disagree, but her voice was overruled by how many people already agreed for Max to be the leader.


    Max was troubled by the trust and judgemental eyes he received. He turned around to see his viewers either rubbing their noses or smiling smugly.


    ''These guys. They must''ve done something that makes the baldie suggest that I be the leader.''


    The expectation he received from the streamers didn''t wane. They seemed to genuinely believe he would be a good leader.


    ''I don''t want to, though.''


    Holding off a sigh, Max decided to agree.


    "Well, please take care of me."


    And the viewers in his team cheered and chanted his name.


    "BLOOD!"


    "Give us blood!"


    "Kill them all! It''s massacre time!"


    "Wohooo! This is fun!"


    "Breeze! Breeze! Breeze!"


    "Long live Breeze!"


    "Commander Breeze!"


    Hearing their energetic shout, Max couldn''t help but get embarrassed.


    "Somehow¡­ Sorry."

 Chapter 368: Chapter 368 – Marching into War

    The countdown of the 10 minutes of peace had approached the end. 30 more seconds before the all-out war between 5 teams.


    Other teams prepared their strategy. Their leaders took their role seriously and made a n for how to win this event and get the glory.


    Some nned to move together, and some nned to spread out and kill yers who got separated from the group. All kinds of strategies were talked about to see the pros and cons.


    Two groups nned to send spies and scouts to find other teams andunch a surprise attack. Everyone was serious about finding the best tactic.


    Meanwhile, Team 3 was slightly different from the others. Following a leader who could be called the type of ''screw ns and march forward'', everyone''s morale was pumped by a speech.


    "Remember! When you meet an enemy, gang him up! Punch him! Bash him! Stab him! Chop him!


    Show him no mercy and instill fear on them!"


    "Ou!"


    "Repeat after me! We will march together and make amotion! Bring the enemy to us! Screw hiding. Screw n! We will kill them all!


    Let''s sing it!"


    "Ouuu!!"


    "Let''s go!"


    As soon as Max shouted that, the countdown reached zero. He walked on the side of the 100 people crowd. The streamers were in the front and the back, bing the beacon and leaders for the march.


    What was better than a normal Viking? It was a trained Viking. People might think that marching together like an army was useless. But it wasn''t true.


    Having teamwork would prove to be useful in this kind of all-out war. So¡­ Max devised an idea. He remembered a video of an army marching in the past and decided to use it. While the viewers might not be able to work together perfectly, that was still fine.


    What was important was giving them a sense of belonging to the same group. As long as they could work together a little bit, they would definitely win. What they needed wasn''t a leader thatmanded them.


    No¡­ They needed a sergeant. A demonic drill sergeant who made them do something they couldn''t refuse.


    And so¡­


    "I left my home! To fight the war!"


    He began to sing loudly as he brought them down the mountainous slope. Everyone repeated what he sang and walked at the same pace with the same leg. If one person moved using their left leg, the others would follow suit.


    ¡ª Naaaahh!!


    ¡ª How, Breeze?! Just how! What can''t you do? Assembling an army? Viking Army?!


    ¡ª This is a nut. They began to sing following him lol. And look at their marching!


    ¡ª Breeze: I am not a leader! I am your superior!


    ¡ª Go go army! Go go army!


    ¡ª As someone who loves watching an army, this is new to me. Marching like that is hard lol


    It was an unbelievable sight for a newly created group. This was only possible because of Max''s charisma, his viewers'' trust in him, and the other viewers and streamers didn''t want to mess this up.


    "The day I left! Our family cried! They thought that we! Would surely die."


    Team 3 arrived at the base of the mountain and entered the white forest. The path leading to the clearing In the front was clear of any obstacles.


    "But who are we?! We''re no cowards!"


    Everyone was so spirited. They began to raise their weapons, ready to strike anything at sight.


    "We left our loved one! In our house alone¡­ Seeing we leave! Made them cry so hard! Right march!"


    The group turned to the right as Max saw a in in the distance.


    "We kill them all! To show we are fine!"


    "¡­ show we are fine!"


    "No matter what! We will survive this war!"


    "¡­ survive this war!"


    The morale was really high right now. Some even swung their weapons in the air. And as he was in the middle of singing and marching¡­


    "Stop. Enemy spotted!" Max informed the other as he noticed a group of people, around 20, appeared in the distance.


    Without hesitation, hemanded the group.


    "Go!"


    "Ouu!"


    "Hu ha! Hu ha! HUUUHH AAA!!!"


    "KILL THEM ALL!"


    Like people under brainwashing, 100 people rushed at once, weapons in hand. They didn''t care about casualties. The fallenrades would respawn after a minute.


    Max led them. He was running in the frontmost, followed by the girl streamer from earlier, whose name was ArcherGirly, and FreakingNoob. He looked at him and nodded, which was responded to by a nod back.


    The enemy in the distance was caught off guard by the iing train of 100 people. Their leader, or what seemed like chosen as the group''s head, immediately issued amand.


    "R-Run!"


    Usually, it was a logical choice to run when chased by 100 people. But this time, it was a mistake. Why?


    Because Max was fast. Before the group could even reach the enemies, he was already close to them. He threw an axe and it made a beautiful arch in the air before it stuck into the back of the enemy''s head, killing him immediately.


    A red rectangle appeared on top of his head. A skull symbol was drawn in the rectangle, a sign that the yer was dead.


    At the same time, it appeared¡­


    [Team 3 +1 point!]


    A notification rang in Max''s ear. He grinned and leaped forward, taking the axe he threw earlier. Following that, the two that followed right behind him had arrived and began to chase after the running enemies.


    The arrow flew in a straight line and hit one yer''s body, causing him to stumble from the pain. FreakingNoob rushed faster and stabbed his chest with a sword to deliver the final blow.


    [Team 3 +1 point!]


    Another point was received.


    "Oooh! Kill them all!"


    "Don''t let them run! GO GO GO!"


    "We kill them all! To show we are fine!"


    The group arrived after that. They began to confront their enemies fearlessly.


    Knowing they couldn''t run away, the enemy leader immediately told them to at least get a kill. Swords met against each other, and the de met with flesh.


    Max didn''t need to interfere in this fight. He watched from afar with a content expression. His underling followed his n perfectly. They didn''t engage in one versus one fight and used numbers to overwhelm the enemies.


    As a result, the enemies were annihted pretty quickly. Team 3 gained 25 points from the fight and Team 1, which they just confronted, only got 2 points from a lucky kill. The unlucky two were caught off guard and got stabbed by the enemy''s de.


    After they finished, they made lines like an army once again.


    "We lost 2 people, but we managed to kill 25! That''s an achievement." Max praised them with a smile, "Just as nned, the dead will stay in the safe zone until we lose 50 people. After that, FreakingNoob or ArcherGirly, whoever dies first, will takemand of the dead yers and move as a different team."


    "Yeah, I know," ArcherGirly responded, her tone was softer than before. She had to admit that the man standing in front of her made a good leader.


    And from Max''s words from earlier, he never considered himself to make a mistake and die before FreakingNoob or ArcherGirly. He was that confident.


    "Great, let''s follow that n. Those who diedter will convey it to those two idiots who died a foolish death."


    This was a n that protected smaller numbers while still able to move as arge group. This way, they could still kill enemies and maintain their defense.


    "We will rejoin at the base of the mountain just right after that. For now, let''s continue our march! Magots! Repeat after me! WE LEFT OUR HOME!"


    "We left our home!"


    They began to march once again, trying to find another group of enemies.


    "To join this war!"


    "To join this war!"


    No one was afraid. Feral grins decorated their faces. Even the streamers were affected by the energy that Max gave off.


    In response to that, Max viewers were left bbergasted.


    ¡ª What the heck did I just see?


    ¡ª This is Viking''s Era, right? Why do I feel like Breeze is making an army?


    ¡ª It''s unreal¡­ No, how? There are only 40 of us there, but he managed to make the streamers follow his words


    ¡ª The charisma he brought is just on another level


    ¡ª Breeze at the start: Somehow¡­ sorry. Breeze now: HEAR ME YOU LITTLE MAGOTS! I am your freaking leader. You follow me!


    ¡ª I want him to call me maggot¡­ Haaa¡­ I am just a maggot¡­


    And so, the death army moved to find other prey.

 Chapter 369: Chapter 369 – Face Off

    MadLad was d he was on the same team as Lightning, someone he knew. Not only that, he was also put in the same Team 1 where OperationMLF, the event organizer, was. This was a good chance for him to show off and get some viewers.


    "Hey, we''re lucky, aren''t we?" Lightning spoke to him as they moved in a small group of 25 people.


    The strategy OperationMLF made, after he was made the leader, was to split the team into four and engage in smallerbat against other enemies. He believed that no one would be foolish enough to move as one big group, as that would be difficult to manage and not too efficient.


    Therefore, moving a smaller group with a sub-leader was the most optimal. MadLad was somehow chosen as that sub-leader for this group because 5 of his viewers unexpectedly joined. Lightning was put in the same group with his 3 viewers.


    There were some streamers also, but none of their viewers managed to join because they forgot to stop their 1-minute dy in their livestream, which proved to be fatal.


    Moving on, their group was pretty solid. Everyone followed MadLad''s instructions pretty well, although there were some people who wanted to stray away because they believed they found enemies. However, that was a fake call.


    Overall, MadLad was pretty satisfied with his group and managed to score a few points by killing a stray enemy, probably scouts, as they moved together.


    Indeed, it was a pretty good oue. Until¡­


    "Hey, MadLad. Look in that direction."


    A streamer with long ck hair, ksophim2, called out to him and pointed in a certain direction where the snow was pretty thick. It was hard to see in this weather. MadLad had to squint his eyes to find what ksophim2 pointed at.


    At the end of his finger, arge group of people could be seen running toward them. Three people were in the front, with one of them moving pretty fast despite the snowy terrain. That man had a fur coat around his shoulder and two axes in his hands.


    His ck hair was ruffled, moving back and forth from the wind. A grin decorated his familiar face. MadLad recognized him in just one nce. There was no way he didn''t recognize him.


    "It''s Breeze!" Lightning screamed excitedly as he held his twin axes in hand. "MadLad, give us instructions? Run or fight? I think we better fight because we won''t be able to run from him!"


    "I know. That bastard is fast." MadLad shouted back, "Guys, we are facing Breeze''s group. We won''t be able to run against him, so we will confront him now. Make sure to kill some of them, just one kill each person is enough. That fucker is that strong, you hear me?!"


    "Is he that scary?" Someone asked, it was Mar, another streamer who joined them beside ksophim2. "There are too many of them! Can''t we just run away? It''s suicide."


    "I would do so if we met another group. But it''s Breeze''s group." MadLad ground his teeth in frustration. They didn''t know how scary the streamer called Breeze was. "Look, he''s almost here! Brace yourself. Kill that fucker first and we can kill the other easily!"


    "I agree! That''s Breeze we''re taking. Kill him!"


    "Blood God is waiting for his blood¡­ Give him to me. I will kill him! AAAAHHH!!!"


    "Ooh! Kill him! Offer him to the Blood God!"


    Everyone rushed at once, ready to confront the iing attack. The first person who began to attack was Max.


    Just like earlier, he threw his axe from the long range.


    MadLad looked at what he did with a wry smile.


    ''This fucker is really insane!''


    Being a sub-leader meant he had to stay calm and give outmands.


    "Shields!"


    6 people who brought a shield immediately stepped forward to block the axe. They made a line and protected those behind them.


    The axe thrown by Max earlier hit one of the shields, the one in the middle.


    Tak!


    The sound rang and MadLad immediately gave out the nextmand.


    "Char¨C"


    Thud!


    Before he could finish it, he saw someone standing on top of the shield-bearing yer in front of him. The axe in his hand was lodged onto the next person''s head, drenched in frozen blood.


    It was Max. And he had the friendliest smile as he found out about his friend.


    "Hello there, MadLad." He greeted him casually as he pulled out his axe. "And goodbye."


    After saying that, Max swung his axe horizontally. The de became a blur, and MadLad couldn''t react fast enough.


    ''I am dead.'' He thought silently as he epted his fate.


    However¡­


    ng!


    His vision never shifted. A blondie suddenly got between him and the de and used his sword to block the axe. Even though he was pushed back, he still managed to save him from the jaw of death.


    "Hehehe, you can''t do that, Breeze! MadLad is our sub-leader so he can''t die!" The blond guy, Lightning, grinned excitedly.


    Max looked a bit surprised by the blond''s reaction time, but he grinned back. This battle wouldn''t be as easy as he imagined.


    Moreover¡­


    "Give me your blood!"


    A crazy-looking red-haired man suddenly appeared behind him. He was swinging arge war axe without thinking about his teammate.


    Max jumped to dodge the attack. Even though he was wielding an enormous axe, his movement was pretty fast, although not as fast as him. The axe passed by right under him, just above Lightning''s head.


    But it didn''t end there.


    "Kill him!"


    Swoosh!


    Three arrows were flying toward him while he was in the air. The timing was pretty much perfect as if they had practiced it a few times.


    Max was forced to block them with his axe. His hand moved at a fast speed, like a blur, and he managed to block the arrow that went directly to his head. The other two just nicked his arm and leg, creating a small wound.


    Still, the attack continued. Lightning''s axe was already swung from below. It would definitely hit him as he couldn''t dodge.


    "I got you!" Lightning eximed as his grin widened.


    Swoosh! Tak!


    That was thest expression he had on his face before an arrow pierced his temple. He couldn''t even finish attacking and fell back down.


    Max used this chance to back away. He stepped on the red-haired man''s head and jumped backward,nding beside ArcherGirly who lowered his bow.


    "You saved me." He said as heughed. "Thanks."


    "You''re wee. I will have you shout out my name as thankster."


    "Hahaha, that''s not a problem. My chat is filled with your name now. They say that I should say thank you more sincerely." Max said, "Hey, chat. I was already sincere, alright? What do you want me to do? Huh?


    Bow? Nah, I won''t bow. That''s just too much! I won''t kneel either!"


    "That sounds great. I wanted to see that too."


    "Hell, no. Keep it in your dream, thank you."


    Two groups faced off. While Max sounded pretty rxed, MadLad was overwhelmed by the suddenness.


    Everything happened in a sh. The attack, the counterattack, and the retreat. Two people in his group had fallen, that included Lightning, his friend. And no one from the other group died. Even Max survived.


    "Damn it!" He cursed loudly.


    There was no other choice. Direct confrontation was unavoidable since the start, so why would they hesitate?


    "Attack! Kill them all!


    Rushing toward the enemy was the best choice here.

 Chapter 370: Chapter 370 – Set it on Fire!

    "Leave it to me, Breeze." FreakingNoob stepped forward and passed by Max with some people who caught up to them. "From the look of it, their target is you. It''s better if you stay behind and not get hurt."


    "Thanks, then." Max said and smiled, "One of them, with therge axe, shouted Blood God earlier. He''s one of you, so teach him some manners."


    "One of us, huh?" The brown-haired man smirked.


    "Yup. Also, after the game, I have something to talk about a little, so can you tell me your private contact? Of course, if you don''t want to, we can meet in one of the Public Lobby too. Please tell LovelyOtter about this too."


    "Well, that''s fine. But are you sure you''re going to raise a g like that?"


    "Hahaha, it''s fine." Maxughed merrily as he stepped backward. "Look, they have arrived. I am counting on you."


    The sh began right after Max began to sprint away. Some enemies tried to chase after him, but therge group that arrived blocked them by shoving them away and cutting them up.


    Blood sttered around as the yers killed each other. This group was even stronger than the previous one. And because they were ready to confront them, they never hesitated to attack and swing their weapons.


    As a result, there were 10 casualtiesing from Max''s group. Even then, the fight wasn''t over yet. MadLad and the red-haired guy from earlier were still standing. The former fought against ArcherGirly while thetter was against FreakingNoob.


    Their fights were pretty equal. Their weapons shed, and there were a few moments where each person almost got killed.


    No one knew who would win. The group stopped in their ces to watch them dance. However¡­ That ended when two axes flew toward both the red-haired man and MadLad.


    The former managed to block it using hisrge axe, but MadLad couldn''t do it. The axe hit his shoulder, causing him to flinch. That opened the path for ArcherGirly to end his life by piercing his neck with an arrow.


    FreakingNoob also didn''t waste the chance when the war axe covered his enemy''s whole body. He quickly moved behind him and stabbed his heart, ending his life.


    "Blood¡­ God¡­" The red-haired man muttered before he fell onto the snow and changed surroundings into red with his blood.


    [Team 3 +1 point!]


    [Team 3 +1 point!]


    As soon as the battle was over, Max shouted loudly at the group. "You maggots! What did I tell you before? We will use our numbers to fight the enemies! Why are you standing there like a useless statue? Huh?


    Tell me!"


    "Sir, yes, sir! We were wrong!"


    "The fight was too exciting to watch, sir! We are betting!"


    "I saw a chance to make money so I stopped helping, sir!"


    "Call me chief, not sir! We''re freaking Vikings." Max retorted to them and picked up his axes.


    What was too exciting? And a chance to make money? Why wouldn''t they invite him in that case?!


    ¡ª Poor Breeze, he has to deal with our kind directly


    ¡ª Hahaha, and there are 40 of them!


    ¡ª o7 Yes, chief. If you remember you''re Viking, why did you march with the army choir?


    ¡ª lol, exactly my question.


    "I did it because it was fun, obviously," Max answered the chat and moved to their front.


    He looked around the area and noticed arge body of water in the distance. Whaty ahead couldn''t be seen as it was covered in thick fog, but he believed it would lead to another ind simr to where they were.


    ''Maybe there is another team there. And looking at that shore, we definitely will be able to find a boat or a ship there.''


    Staying on this ind would limit their options. He had to split this into two groups, the explorer and the hunter to achieve good results.


    From what he had seen earlier, FreakingNoob could be a good leader.


    "What should we do, leader?" ArcherGirly approached him and looked at the sea in the distance.


    "The teams are definitely sent to a few inds. From this map''s terrain, this might not be a sea but just argeke. The fog makes it look like an ocean. However, some teams are definitely in the middle of that."


    That referred to at sea¡­ No, at thergeke that could be mistaken as a sea. Getting a ship would definitely cut their travel time to the other side.


    After considering the pros and cons of whether they should spend time to find a ship, he made a decision.


    "Let''s go around theke. We will find the port and take the ships. If there is one ship, we will take it and go around the shores until the fog gets cleared. If there are two ships¡­" He paused a little and grinned, "We will set one on fire. We can''t have our enemies getting a free ship, no?"


    "Ouu!"


    "We will follow you, chief!"


    "Chief! Chief! Chief Breeze!"


    Hearing their excited chants, Max nodded and raised his arms.


    "Let''s go!" He shouted, "Valha is calling for us! Pull together for the n and kins!"


    "Oooh!"


    "Let''s go!"


    They moved once again, going down the hill. The snow had stopped falling and the sky cleared up slightly.


    "Blood and glory await us! Bash their heads with shields and axe! Send them into the Odin''s Hall! Wind and the waves will set them free."


    Arriving at the shore, they circled it and quickly what could be called a port. Threerge ships were tied to strong pirs, keeping it at bay.


    On the ship''s body, many cannons could be seen jutting out from the windows. It was a warship!


    Seeing them, Max''s face lit up. He turned to the group behind him that halted as soon as he stopped. He looked around to find someone and speak.


    "FreakingNoob and ArcherGirly, I trust you to take themand of those maggots. I have my own duty to finish. Only I can do this one. Set the other two on fire."


    "Got it."


    "So I am the leader now? Nice." ArcherGirly smiled and patted his shoulder, "You don''t need to return either. We will get a lot of kills even without you."


    "Hahaha, that''s reassuring."


    Maxughed and stayed in the ce until all of the group boarded. They used alcohol to cover the other two ships and lit them on fire. They became the best campfire that burned above the water.


    After seeing everyone left, Max turned around and put up his fur armor.


    "Now, then¡­" He walked away from the shore and headed toward the heavy snow area where he confronted MadLad''s group earlier. "Let''s do an assassin stuff. I''ve always wanted to do this since I heard this game''s name, hahaha. Viking''s Assassin. Cool, right?"


    ¡ª Yeah, yeah¡­


    ¡ª So this is why you don''t want to be the leader lol


    ¡ª How irresponsible. He just threw themand to FreakingNoob and easy-to-please streamer and went ahead by himself lol


    ¡ª Sounds fun! Show us how you do an assassination!


    "Hehe, I have watched gamey about an assassin in the Viking era before. I know I can pull it off with parkour."


    Naturally, Max was talking about a certain masterpiece in his past life, but he worded it in a way that his viewers didn''t doubt his words.


    "God bless barbarians!"

 Chapter 371: Chapter 371 – Assassin is Silent and Deadly

    Tracking back where MadLad came from was pretty easy. The snow was thick enough that it left a deep trail. The rain was also over, meaning there was no new snow hiding the trail they left.


    The hooded Max returned to the battlefield where they shed. There, he found some weapons lying around. He picked up two swords, an extra axe, and a shield before continuing.


    The trail headed upward, toward the forest area, opposite to the forest they passed by when they went down the mountain.


    "Hmm, so they areing from that way. I can smell my opponents." Max muttered as he followed the trail, acting like a real assassining to kill all Vikings.


    ¡ª Is he ying an assassin?


    ¡ª Damn, the way he followed the trail by stepping exactly on the footprints is neat


    ¡ª Assassin Breeze in a Viking''s Era, huh? This would be fun.


    ¡ª Would he be able to handle a lot of people by himself, though? The battle from earlier was pretty close


    ¡ª Hehe, I wonder how he will kill them. Who wants to bet against me?


    ¡ª ¡­ No one. Those who love to bet are all inside the game


    ¡ª Poor them. They want to y with Breeze but he leaves them and goes to the enemy camp by himself


    Right. Max also thought it was a shame to leave his viewers alone. But there would be a next chance. They had moved together for 30 minutes, while the game onlysted for 90 minutes. He nned to move alone for 30 minutes and joined them againter.


    That way, he would be able to say that he stayed with them for 2/3 of the gamey.


    ''Hmm, I can say confidently that I yed together with my viewers if we moved together for that long. Besides, I never said that I would move with them, right? So it''s not my fault.''


    What he had to entertain was the 15K viewers who watched his stream. The fanservice could be continuedter.


    "Don''t worry, guys. I will only kill a few people before joining them back." He said as he stopped.


    He had entered the forest area. The trees were either whitened or had their leaves covered in snow. However, Max could see that they were pretty much simr to each other and their branches were still strong.


    Because they were densely packed, it was possible to move from one to the other without any problem. That gave him an idea.


    "Following this trail is pretty easy, but I need to be careful not to leave any trace myself by stepping on their footprint. But now¡­ There are many trees around me. Do you know what I mean?"


    ¡ª It''s monkey time!


    ¡ª REJECT HUMANITY RETURN TO MONKE!


    ¡ª Uh Uh AACK AACK!


    The viewers knew it. Max grinned and jumped, grabbing the nearest branch and using it to climb onto the stronger one. Then, he proceeded to run while hunching to avoid the leaves on top of his head.


    Each time he stepped, snow fell from the top of the tree. If he wasn''t fast, he would be buried by it, that was why he couldn''t stop for even a second.


    From the other''s perspective, Max looked like an animal going through from branch to branch. Still, that had to end soon because the way out of the forest could be seen.


    He stopped three trees before the exit and had hisnding. Then, he quickly hid himself in the snow because he could hear people''s conversation.


    "Man¡­ I hope I was in the same team as SpeedyMon. That would be a st. And I won''t have to walk around for 5 minutes like this."


    "It''s just 5 minutes. I was killed 10 minutes ago because I met a friend from another team. Apparently, they made some people a scout and had them run around the area to find enemies!"


    "Woah, that''s nuts." Someone eximed, "I was also killed 15 minutes ago by arge group of people. I heard them saying Breeze, so it must be a streamer. Their Team goes together as a group and seems to have fun. All of them have smiles on their faces as if they enjoyed this."


    "Damn! That team sounds fun. Why am I on Team 1?"


    Max stayed silent as he observed three people walking right outside the forest. They didn''t notice him hiding behind the tree. He looked at them conversing about how their team sucks for assigning them to walk around the safe zone after getting killed.


    Silently, Max held an axe in his left hand and a sword on his right and followed them from the forest. He wanted to see where their safe zone was so he could kill them away from it and disy their remaining corpse to attract attention.


    Assassin was silent and deadly. Assassination was an art where someone killed the target without letting others notice them.


    Or at least that was the traditional assassination.


    Woosh!


    Max leaped from the forest and swung his sword, immediately killing two people on the left and mid. The fall that was softened by the snow only produced a soft thud, but that was enough to make thest guy wary.


    He immediately gripped his sword and unsheathed it, ready to confront the assant.


    "Damn yo¨C"


    However, he was toote.


    Max''s axe had already found its track toward its neck. It sliced his head cleanly and made a fountain of blood sprayed from the stump. He looked at his third victim changing the snow''s color to red with his spilled blood.


    [Team 3 +1 point!]


    [Team 3 +1 point!]


    [Team 3 +1 point!]


    "Quick and swift, just like an assassin I am." Max quoted cool words before jumping into the forest once again, hiding under the snow with only his face visible.


    ¡ª This dude¡­


    ¡ª He''s enjoying this roley too much


    ¡ª Nah, he''s like: Kill 3 and hide.


    ¡ª Hey, this is Viking''s Axe, right? Why is he ying an assassin roley? Where is the blood and gore? The man-to-man fight!


    "Shh!" After reading the chat, Max made a hushed sound as his eyes narrowed like an eagle. "Assassin must be quiet. He needs a silent environment. It''s all for the creed."


    ¡ª ¡­


    ¡ª HOSPITAL! WE NEED TO ADMIT HIM TO MENTAL HOSPITAL ASAP!


    ¡ª Where is LilyPixel when we need it?!


    ¡ª Guys, who knows LilyPixel''s contact? Tell her that her boyfriend has gone really crazy!


    ¡ª F for Freak!

 Chapter 372: Chapter 372 – Live Like a Viking

    A minute had passed in silence. Even the chat changed their way of speaking after 30 seconds.


    ¡ª Ssh! Do something fun


    ¡ª Ssshh! How long are you going to stay there?


    ¡ª Sssssshhh! This is making me anxious. When will he move?


    ¡ª SSSSSSHHHHHH! Won''t he get hypothermia in this case? It''s been a minute!


    ¡ª SSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHH!!! Keep silent.


    ¡ª What the heck are you guys doing?


    It was fine at first, but it became unbearable to read after a while. Not to mention, the words became longer and longer each time a new guy typed.


    "Guys, can you stop that?" Max became irritated by how they typed and rose from his hiding ce. "The enemy will be here soon. They surely have been revived and ran to this ce with reinforcement."


    That was the only reason why he hid. But due to the chat, he decided to show himself.


    "You want to see something exciting, fine! Assassin y is over now. It''s time for a real Viking to fight."


    Max walked out of the forest and stood tall with many weapons on his back like a real Viking. He lowered his hood and waited for the enemies to arrive.


    It didn''t take long. Only 30 seconds were needed before he could see shadows in the distance. There were a total of roughly 10 people running toward him. Two of them were pretty familiar, they were MadLad and Lightning. There was also the red-haired man from before.


    That said, the man''s eyes widened when he saw Max. His lips split from ear to ear like a madman and ran faster while brandishing arge axe twice his size.


    "Blood God demands your blood!"


    The Blood God guy started swinging his axe. The snow was sent into the air from the sheer force alone.


    Seeing it, Max smiled wryly.


    "Are you satisfied now? How should I defeat that guy in directbat?" He asked the chat while shrugging his shoulders in defeat. "That''s not a human."


    ¡ª Umm¡­ Good luck?


    ¡ª Y-You can do it. Blood God guy isn''t that scary!


    ¡ª Yeah, I totally am not scared of him! Maybe¡­ Perhaps¡­ I lied. I am scared of him. He''s crazy¡­


    ¡ª I must admit¡­ That man scares me


    ¡ª There is BloodSucker the Viscount and there is now this cult follower... I have to admit Breeze have various kind of viewers...


    The red-haired guy was faster than anyone. He was like getting a boost from an illegal drug.


    Max prepared himself and threw the sword he looted from the corpse. One. Two. Three.


    They flew toward the Blood God guy at a fast speed, each having a different trajectory. One aimed at the head, two at the chest and arm.


    Facing them, the red-haired guy wasn''t even flinching. He casually waved hisrge axe and blocked the three swords. Therge weapon was indeed slow but it worked best as a cover.


    But again, Max already knew about that.


    When the Blood God guy raised hisrge axe, it created arge blindspot for him and his friends.


    "You fool!" MadLad shouted with a tinge of madness mixed in his voice.


    Everyone besides the Blood God guy and Lightning was confused. They didn''t know why MadLad sounded urgent.


    But soon, they understood when they saw Max''s head peeking from therge axe''s de. He swung his axe toward the red-haired guy who was caught off guard.


    "Just offer your own blood instead of mine."


    Swoosh!


    "Ah, you''re right."


    With thatst realization, the Blood God guy died with a smile. He fell onto the snowy ground while Max grabbed therge axe from his hand, raising the weapon.


    "Damn, this is so heavy." He said as he threw it away. "I won''t be able to use that."


    Two axes would be more versatile than the war axe. The remaining enemies had gotten close to him and began their attack. Max dodged the first attack by stepping to the side and blocking the second with his axe.


    He pivoted using his right leg and made a wide horizontal swing. The axe hit the person''s side, lodging deep into his rib. That, however, didn''t kill him immediately and resulted in his axe getting stuck.


    "I got you!"


    Lightning eximed as he jumped from behind Max. The blondie swung his axe, but it didn''t find its target. Max ducked to dodge it and Lightning''s axe hit his teammate''s instead.


    His other hand had made a swing as he spun his body midair. The axe went straight at Lightning''s neck, effectively beheading him cleanly.


    "Eh?"


    That was thest thing the blondie said before a skull symbol appeared on top of his head. Seven more people left.


    However, Max wasn''t free yet. He rolled on the snow to get away from being cornered. He only had an axe and a sword left. Once he stood up again, he gripped them tightly in his hand and rushed forward.


    "Stop him at once!" MadLad gave out the order, "Surround him. Don''t try to attack one by one. Just attack at once."


    One vs seven. It would be hard.


    Max plunged into the enemy''s rank without any hesitation. His arm was cut and his body bled. However, he kept advancing and attacking the enemies around him. One swing would result in one victim. The strongest among his enemies was MadLad.


    The guy had strength and good swordsmanship technique. Unlike Max, MadLad was clearly trained in the art ofbat. He probably took a martial arts ss.


    But¡­


    "Just fall down!"


    Max stayed strong. His left arm was gone. It was only time before he died. Only one enemy was left, and it was MadLad.


    "Heh, don''t talk big. Come at me. Are you afraid of a one-armed man, MadLad?!"


    "Tsk! Don''t underestimate me!"


    MadLad rushed toward him with his sword raised high in the air.


    Facing it, Max prepared himself. An axe was what was left in his right hand. He could see a countdown in the corner of his vision, showing that he would die soon from blood loss. Before that happened, he wanted to kill MadLad.


    ''24 seconds, that''s enough time.''


    Just as he thought that MadLad was already in front of him. The sword was swung down, aiming at his shoulder. Max didn''t even try to evade. He took the sword without fear, taking his enemy by surprise.


    "You have to sacrifice something to achieve something bigger!"


    Max''s axe hacked MadLad''s ribs from the side. The impact was enough to rupture his inner organ and force him to the knee. In just a few seconds, he would definitely die.


    Looking at MadLad, who groaned in pain, Max smiled. Then, he looked at the camera and raised his middle finger.


    "Are you not entertained? That''s how a Viking fights!"


    After that, Max felt strength left his body and he fell face first on the snow.


    [You have died!]


    [Team 3 +1 point!]


    ¡ª GG


    ¡ª We are entertained, indeed


    ¡ª 1 vs 10, is truly a Viking way of fighting


    ¡ª Did you mistake it for Sparta? Vikings don''t fight a losing battle¡­


    [TheRealViking has donated 5,000 diamonds!]


    [I am entertained.]


    [OdinEyes has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [Come to Valha, warrior!]


    [DidImissSomething has donated 500 diamonds!]


    [Did I miss something?]

 Chapter 373 Chapter 373 – Leader isn’t the Main Character

    In this event, Max wasn''t the main character. Even when he died, the fight still continued. FreakingNoob and the others had arrived at the other side of theke. They disembarked from the ship and headed toward arge group of enemies they found in the distance.


    "Light the ship on fire. We won''t return no matter our condition after this fight." FreakingNoob said as he tightened his grip on his sword.


    Someone affirmed themand and began to light the ship on fire.


    Meanwhile, ArcherGirly took all the archers in the group and made a line behind all melee fighters. As the fastest after Max, FreakingNoob naturally took the frontline.


    The enemies were around 90. They were pretty equal in numbers.


    Both advanced toward a wet field filled with small rocks and pebbles. The ground was slippery, but none of them cared.


    "Archers!"


    "Shoot!"


    Bothmanders issued the same order. Arrows were released into the sky.


    As the arrows rained down, both groups charged toward each other, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. FreakingNoob and the enemy''smander met in the center, shing their swords together with a loud metallic ring.


    "Heh! You were the one who issued themand, but howe I don''t recognize you?"


    "SwordFreak, huh?" FreakingNoob responded with another question.


    As someone who had watched many noob streamers'' livestream in the past, he recognized the person in front of him.


    "You don''t recognize me maybe because I am not a streamer, and I am no leader either. But don''t worry, I recognize you and the extent of your skill."


    "Then you should know that fighting me will only lead to your loss."


    "Really?"


    FreakingNoob chuckled. He did say he knew his enemy''s skill, but he never said he would lose.


    "Let''s test it."


    His sword was swung with precision and strength. The enemy was surprised and quickly raised his sword to block it.


    ng!


    "Kuh!"


    It didn''t end there. FreakingNoob sent another thrust and swing. He had the skill to judge noob streamers, he wasn''t a viewer who just talked shit without having something to back him up. His movement was swift and calcted.


    The enemymander was equally skilled, but he was clearly struggling. Their swords nged together as they fought for dominance.


    Behind them, the yers fought just as fiercely. Shields shed against shields, swords met leather armor, and axes hacked at flesh. The sound of battle echoed across the wend, drowning out the cries of the wounded.


    All of Max''s viewers had set their pain sensitivity to 80%. They went crazy and spared nothing when ying with their favorite streamers.


    In the back line, ArcherGirly and the other archers continued to rain arrows down on the enemy, picking off the nk and weakening their ranks. But the enemies fought back with their own archers, sending a hail of arrows toward FreakingNoob and his group.


    "Someone, kill those archers first!" She shouted loudly toward quick melee dealers, "If we take them out, we will be able to win!"


    Her cry was drowned by the others. However, a certain shield bearer heard her and quickly made his way toward the enemy''s back line. He wasn''t seen because of his small stature.


    In the middle of the raging battle, FreakingNoob fought on. His sword was a blur as he shed against the enemymander. The fight was taking its toll, and he could feel his strength waning.


    At the same time, the enemymander''s condition was worse than him. Just a little bit more and he would win.


    And it happened a few secondster. Themander slipped.


    FreakingNoob didn''t let this chance go and ended his life at once with a stab through the neck.


    [Team 3 +1 point!]


    "Sorry, but being skilled in swordsmanship means your movement bes predictable, unlike a certain someone." He said to the corpse before turning around.


    "The enemy leader is dead! Kill them all without leaving any behind!"


    "Oooh!"


    Find your next read on empire


    "FreakingNoob did it! As expected of the OG!"


    "Hahaha, he''s truly one of the four Breeze''s horsemen of apocalypse!"


    Horsemen of apocalypse¡­ A title that was given to 4 of Max''s original viewers who had stayed since his first livestream.


    As much as FreakingNoob wanted the title to be stripped away from him, the others wanted it to stay because it was funny. By the way, LovelyOtter was one of them too.


    "Good job, Noob." Otter approached him after she cut an enemy''s throat. "Everyone''s morale is so high right now. We''ve lost around 30 people, but we managed to kill more."


    "That''s good. We will push and spawn camp them. Don''t ever let them step 500 meters away from their safe zone. As for scoring¡­ Well, I think Breeze will have that covered. We just need to send someone from this side to exin it to him."


    "Hmm, someone already did. Our job is to kill them all now."


    Nodding, FreakingNoob started to rush toward the surviving enemy. Their rank had long since breached and became chaos. Some began to flee across the field once their archers'' line was broken by the shield bearer who sneaked behind them.


    "Don''t let them run!"


    "Hyahaa!! Kill them all! MASSACRE THEM!"


    "Fuck them in the ass!"


    "Hey, thatst shout is strange! At least say stab them in the ass!"


    The yers, headed by Max''s viewers, chased after the fleeing enemies. They hunted them down, cutting them, stabbing them, stomping their heads without mercy.


    And when thest enemy fell, everyone let out a triumphant cry, their weapons raised high in the air.


    They had won the battle, but 34 yers fell. Many were also injured, their bodies strewn across the wend.


    However, they advanced. They didn''t care about pain, they only sought points. Only one thing shed in their mind.


    Spawn camp them!


    With the same goal in everyone''s head, they began their search of their enemy''s safe zone. They indeed couldn''t do anything when the enemies stayed inside, but they could always harass and taunt them to get out of their safe zone.


    This was a strategy FreakingNoob and the others learned from watching their favorite streamer, Breeze.


    ArcherGirly and the other streamers wondered whether this was a good thing for their livestream or not. But when they saw their viewers getting excited, they just followed the group to find the enemy''s safe zone.


    ''Well, screw it.'' She thought. ''This is much more exciting than I thought it would be.''

 Chapter 374 Chapter 374 – Three Ways Battle [1]

    Back in the safe zone, Max just respawned after getting killed in the fight. He noticed the team''s points had increased by 89 from thest time he checked, excluding the extra 10 he got from ying MadLad''s group.


    "Whoa, what happened?" He eximed, wondering what happened in the few minutes he spent fighting and a minute he spent staying in the darkness. "Did arge fight break out in their end?"


    There were only a few people, who he knew had died before, hanging around in the safe zone. But then, just a secondter¡­ Many people appeared one by one.


    Max watched them respawn while being covered in a blue light.


    "Aaah!"


    "I died! Damn it! I only managed to kill one person."


    "I didn''t kill anyone. Shit, I should''ve thrown my sword."


    Those who respawned shouted their regret one by one. They mostly regretted not being able to kill an enemy.


    Max nodded in satisfaction. Some of them weren''t his viewers, he recognized those guys. But they began to act like them, so they might follow his viewers to his livestream.


    ''Good, good. They should follow my ount too, all three from Punch, Punchtube, and Strike.''


    His viewers weren''t necessarily bad, after all.


    Still¡­


    ''There are 52 people here, including me. That''s a lot of numbers. It''s enough to create a second group.''


    No matter what, the game was still ongoing. Based on the time, there were still 39 minutes before the game ended.


    Find your next read on empire


    p!


    "Can I get your attention for a second?"


    Max pped his hands and shouted loudly. Everyone looked at him at once.


    "Ah, it''s Breeze."


    "So he died, huh? Tsk tsk tsk, I thought he would get 500 points and return to the group. But I guess not even him can fight many people at once."


    "This is the limit of humans."


    ¡ª True


    ¡ª While 1 v 10 is amazing, it''s nothing


    ¡ª Hmph! I expected more for someone who killed many barbarians in Knight''s Journey. Your enemies are the same barbarians, but you can''t even kill 10


    ¡ª It''s disappointing, ngl


    The viewers among the respawned people began toment, andbined with the chat, they teased Max.


    "As if you guys didn''t die." He retorted back skillfully with a smirk, "And I bet it''s from 1 v 1 fight. As for me? Hah! I killed all my enemies before dying from blood loss, unlike you losers!"


    At hiseback, many could be seen wince. They understood the difference and which was more pathetic, so they couldn''t continue teasing him.


    "Anyway, follow me. We will move as the second group and kill the other teams." Max continued, looking around with a serious face, "Right now, we have 158 points and stay in first rank, probably. We can''t see the other''s ranking, so that sucks. But¡­ We don''t want to be in second rank, no?"


    A collective ''yes'' could be heard from everyone.


    "That''s why we will get 300 points! We will go in a new direction, find another team we haven''t killed yet, and then massacre them!" He raised his arm high, "Who''sing with me?!"


    "Let''s go!"


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"


    "That number one is ours!"


    "It''s nice to hear you say that." Max grinned and turned around, stepping out of the safe zone. "Let''s go, mongrels! It''s time to climb the mountain!"


    "Climb climb the mountain! Kill kill! Kill all the enemies!"


    "We''re the strongest! The baddest! And the deadliest!"


    Even without Max''s lead, they began to sing together while following him. The lyrics were just a bunch of nonsense, but they somehow made sense whenbined together.


    The mountain they climbed wasn''t that tall, but it gave Max enough vantage points. The sky was now clear, so everything could be seen.


    Max stood on top of a boulder and put his hand above his eyes while looking around. Without a binocr, it was impossible to see a person clearly, but what he wanted to find was a movement. That was enough to find an enemy.


    "Breeze! Look here."


    Someone called out to him from the side and he turned around. He approached him to see what happened.


    "Over there. It seems arge battle is about to break out in the forest. Tworge groups are closing in against each other."


    Max looked over the ce he pointed at and noticed a small movement between the trees. Just as he thought they would sh soon, he saw arrows pierced leaves and rained down at a certain spot.


    "They have started." He muttered as he saw the movement be more apparent.


    Taking his eyes off the battle, he turned around at his 50 Vikings waiting formands.


    "Alright, guys. I don''t need to exin what you need to do. There are battles in the forest in my 6 o''clock direction. Don''t take sides. We will crush both teams without any mercy! Take the archers first, they are troublesome.


    Then, you may run or die trying to kill others. You hear me?!"


    "Oooh!"


    "MASSACRE!"


    ¡ª Time for chaos!


    ¡ª I want to see this!


    ¡ª BATTLE! BATTLE! BATTLE!


    "We will send those Vikings to Valha as our tribute to Odin! I am sure the god will be pleased! It''s the call from Asgard!" Max shouted once again, reeling the spirit of the yers. "Let''s go! Screw formation, screw tactic! Just swing your weapons!


    Roll it, boys!"


    "Uwoooh!"


    "My axe is hungry for blood!"


    "Send them to Odin''s hall!"


    Everyone rushed down the mountain without trying to hide their track. But, the enemies had already engaged and were too busy to notice the iing third power.


    Max followed right behind them, using a nk to slide down the snow. He was snowboarding down.


    "Yahoo!"


    He was going down faster than the people who ran. Those whom he passed shouted that he was unfair, while some began to find their own nk to snowboard.


    Soon, many guys in Viking garb could be seenughing while using nks as a snowboard. They even did a flip and trick when they found a small mound.


    The remaining guys who couldn''t find a nk decided to just roll down like a ball. The snow followed them, and soon manyrge snowballs rolled down like avnches, even faster than the snowboarding guys.


    It was a surreal sight.


    ¡ª What the heck did I watch?


    ¡ª Vikings snowboarding and some roll like a ball, creating a snowball cannon¡­


    ¡ª Can someone exin to me what Breeze had started?


    ¡ª This is confusing¡­ Are they going to war or are they going to y? PICK ONE FOR GOD''S SAKE!


    Not even chat understood what happened.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 375 Chapter 375 – Three Ways Battle [2]

    The two groups never saw iting before it was toote.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Sounds resembling explosions rang asrge snowballs crashed against trees. Thick snow advanced like an avnche toward the group that fought inside the forest.


    The two groups that got taken off guard began to panic. Some tried to run, but the snow was too deep and they struggled to move. Others still tried tobat their enemies, but they were pushed away by the iing snow.


    Following that¡­


    "Kill them all!"


    "I survived! Hahaha, I can kill them all!"


    "Damn! I thought I was on a suicide mission, but I survived! Hahaha, prepare yourself! I aming!


    Many people emerged from within the snow. They jumped out and began to kill people who got caught in the snow and were unable to move.


    Some lucky people fought back. They didn''t notice that the newly arrived group belonged to a new team as there was no indication that made them different. A yer could only recognize allies by the names that floated on top of their heads. Anyone who had no name was an enemy!


    Max and the others, who had been snowboarding down the mountain, arrived at the scene just as the chaos was unfolding. They quickly took advantage of the situation and began to attack the disorganized fighters.


    "Don''t forget! Take the archers out first!" Max gave outmands to his team as his axe buried into his enemy''s shoulder. "We will kill them all without mercy! Don''t spare anyone!"


    There was no more safe spot in the forest. Chaos had raged on. Max chased after running enemies. He grabbed a weapon buried in the snow and threw it. It flew and pierced the enemy''s back, causing him to stumble down. Then, he jumped and delivered a deadly stomp, ending his enemy''s life.


    [Team 3 +1 point.]


    The battle continued for a few minutes. Two initial groups that shed earlier noticed the third group''s existence once their archers were decimated. But it was toote.


    "That''s my twelve''s point!" Max shouted as he killed another one. "And this is thirteenth!"


    There were no more enemies left. Most of them had already run away.


    Max put away his weapons and looked around. His body was riddled with small wounds, but overall he was okay. The battle wasn''t as hard as he thought because the enemies were all confused by the sudden avnche.


    ''Having those fools ying around proves to be more useful than I thought. I would never think of that suicide strategy that involves making yourself a giant snowball by rolling around.'' He thought as he looked back at where 48 surviving yers from his team stood.


    They were grinning excitedly, their bodies and weapons were covered in frozen blood. He offered them a grin and raised his arm.


    "We won!"


    A second of silence ensued before the area shook by the deafening scream. At that moment, their victory was practically secured. Even now, their point was still increasing because the other group did a good job at killing enemies.


    While it was a shame that Max didn''t find the event organizer, it was fine. He had gotten good footage for BloodSucker to edit. There was no need to be disappointed.


    There were 5 minutes left before the game ended. Max decided to allow these guys to have fun, and they began to sing and dance together in this forest located between the two teams'' safe zones fearlessly.


    Nothing bothered them. Even when a scout from other teams found them, they didn''t even try to get close. The appearance of blood-covered people was enough to intimidate anyone closing in.


    Not to mention, 5 minutes was too little time to hold anotherrge-scale battle. All they did was just surrender extra points to this group of madmen.


    When the game was nearing the end, the two teams from earlier approached their locations. Everyone was already in a singing mood, so they didn''t really care and let them sh. Max''s team became a background sound that was drowned by the cry of battle.


    It was fun and all, but it had to end eventually.


    "I am d to have you all with me. Let''s y together again in the future!"


    With Max''sst words, the game ended and everyone froze. A screen showing thest score popped up in front of them, along with other notifications.


    [Game Ended!]


    [Congrattions! Team 3 has won this game!]


    [Leadersboard:


    Team 3: 342 Points Team 5: 234 Points Team 4: 198 Points Team 1: 169 Points Team 2: 62 Points]


    The point diversity from the top 4 teams wasn''t that big. But¡­ Team 2 was a little bit pitiful. Max didn''t know how they managed to only get 62 points.


    His body was covered in blue light and was transported back into therge arena from before. The surrounding was filled with voices. All streamers were gathered based on their team.


    Most of them were looking fresh as if they had just respawned. Some had blood on their faces or bodies. Especially the streamers from Team 3. There were none who weren''t covered in blood. Even ArcherGirly''s body was covered in frozen blood and mud.


    Somehow, some of them grinned while raising their middle fingers toward Team 2, who shouted iprehensible stuff toward them.


    ''What happened?'' Max wondered.


    The answer soon came from his chat.


    ¡ª Your teammates spawn camp Team 2 lol. Once the enemy stepped out, they would kill them immediately


    ¡ª ArcherGirly took many kills from Team 2 by spawn-camping them. Lolol it was so funny. Team 2 streamers are raging because of unfair y


    ¡ª One step one kill.


    ¡ª That was absolute cinema. Iughed when I looked at their stream


    [FreakingNoob has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [That was my idea. It was fun and we got a lot of kills.]


    [LovelyOtter has donated 1,000 diamonds!]


    [It was fun ying with you Breeze! Unfortunately, I followed FreakingNoob spawn-camping enemies, so we can''t move together :(]


    Max''s lips curled into a wry smile. He looked apologetic, but the game was a game. There was no rule for spawn camping.

 Chapter 376 Chapter 376 – Studio [1]

    Rather, why didn''t the enemy fight the campers together? There were only less than 50 of them. Annihting them would be doable if they did it right.


    ¡ª Fck you FreakingNoob! I will kill you in the next game!


    ¡ª Shiet! How could you do this to me, fellow viewers?! I wanted to have a fair 1 v 1 duel!


    ¡ª This damned game is unfair! My neck just got cut slightly and I died


    ¡ª The arrows rain is cheating, I tell you! It''s cheating! We can''t even move at all!


    Well, the answer was in the chat too. Selfish individuals made teamwork impossible. Especially, since the safe zone wasrge enough for people to spawn, gathering them before they could run off alone was probably impossible.


    ''It will be chaos, indeed.'' He thought as he watched OperationMLF climb the podium once again.


    The blue-haired streamer offered congrattions to the winning team and some words that sounded came from an entertainer. Then, he offered the streamers to enjoy themselves here and said that those who didn''t want to stay were free to go.


    Max had no other reason to stay. After saying goodbye to his teammates and exchanging contact with some of them, he left the Lobby and returned to his.


    And thus¡­ Today''s streaming came to an end.


    [Livestream Ended!]


    He felt more drained than usual even though it was just a 90-minute gaming session. He returned to MadLad''s Lobby and chatted with the other three for a while, hearing themining about his ruthless n and game style.


    However, they also had to admit that Max was pretty good. Lightning was idolizing Max again, asking for many tips and tricks.


    Max decided to share a little bit before he logged out. It was time to re-learn more knowledge about party etiquette and spend time with Lily.


    ***


    A few dayster, two days before the party.


    Lily suddenly shouted out of nowhere.


    "I did it!"


    She jumped from the couch she used to lie down on and threw his arms in the air.


    Max looked at her in confusion, raising his head from the hologram screen. He didn''t understand what happened, but it must be rted to the song she wrote.


    "Have you finished them all?" He decided to ask as Lily looked pretty happy for it to be just a simple achievement.


    "Un! Finished them all!" She beamed with a bright smile as she answered. "7 songs, including the remaster for the first one. It''s all finished."


    He became happy for her.


    Having seen her hard work for the past few days, not even streaming at once and spending her time in front of the screen, he could guess how hard it was to create them.


    ''The rest would be recording, remixing, and then shooting the music video. There is still much work, but at least she can rest for a while now.'' He thought.


    "I am happy I can finish before the party." Lily said as she took off her headphones, "I want to at least record that song with you and release it in the morning. Umm, do you think we can record this together today?"


    "Today?"


    "Un. I want to prepare for the party tomorrow and¡­ Can that scary man make the MV in just a day?"


    What a quick-moving schedule. And did she want to abuse BloodSucker that much? Asking to make a music video in just a day.


    ''Well, he will be able to do it as long as all footage needed to edit it is prepared.''


    "I think so," Max answered and rose from his seat, "Are you nning on revealing your identity in the music video too?"


    "That''s the n. I will rent the studio first." She said as she went to the balcony and called someone.


    "So we have to take footage of her singing, then." He muttered while stroking his chin, thinking about things they could do to make this music video memorable.


    While Max knew nothing about music, he had learned how to make a good video to support his streaming career. In his past life, he spent most of his time watching tutorials and many videos.


    If he had to say, he knew how to make a video that was out of today''s clich¨¦ and temte. And that said much because most of today''s music videos looked simr to each other when he checked them.


    ''They count on real VR assets too much and neglect what''s important. Simplicity.''


    A good video didn''t need to beplex. Even a video taken from one camera at the same angle could be good if the concept was fitting.


    Anyway, they could talk about the music videoter. The most important thing was, he had to be careful when revealing Lily''s identity as the singer, White Lily. They had to do it with a bang and at the end of the video.


    Lily returned from the balcony.


    "I have booked it." She eximed, getting closer to him. "It''s in 2 hours, so I need to prepare fast."


    Max smiled wryly. When Lily decided on something, she wouldn''t stop until it became reality. He hade to realize this after living with her for a few days.


    "Alright, I will also prepare." He said, "My parts didn''t change that much, right?"


    "Un, well¡­ I added a few parts to make it longer. Is it okay?"


    "It''s okay. I have tried to sing a lottely, so I believe my vocal is also warmed up and could take it."


    The moment he sang a lot was when he sang Cadence in Viking''s Era and then just a casual hum when he was live streaming.


    "If I need help, I will definitely ask you, teacher Lily." He grinned at her, making her pout at his teasing attempt.


    "Teacher¡­ I am not a teacher."


    "But I need you to teach me how to sing." He added, patting her head, "That makes you a teacher, no? I will mess up a lot, so please don''t me me for it. I will take a shower and change my clothes now. You prepare what you need for the recording in the meantime. I will also tell BloodSucker about the MV."


    Lily watched him leave and enter the bathroom while still pouting. When he disappeared, that expression immediately changed into that of shyness.


    "Teaching him¡­ It''s the first." She muttered, clenching her fist. "I will make sure he''s able to sing. Un, I won''t hold back at teaching him. I will be a teacher."

 Chapter 377 – Studio [2]

    The studio that Lily rented was pretty close to where they lived. It only took 5 minutes to walk to the location.


    Max was pretty surprised when he arrived and found out why Lily was in that park when he visited.


    "I was just returning from recording a song I never released and decided to exercise in the park." That was what she said.


    Putting that aside, the studio was pretty small. It had a private feeling instead of being open to the public or to argepany. This was probably built by putting indie music creators in mind.


    The price written on the glowing hologram screen near the entrance showed an affordable price, both at an hourly rate and a project rate.


    The hourly rate was self-exinable.


    As for the project rate, it was different depending on the project. A single, an EP, or a full album like what Lily tried to make. The package received was also different.


    The former was only for renting the studio. But if one took a project package, the studio''s producer would also help mix the song with the vocals so one didn''t need to hire another remixer anymore.


    Lily took the album package deal, often called a t deal.


    Max wondered how much she paid for the recording studio for 7 to 8 songs. And when he asked her, Lily answered pretty casually.


    "Hmm, each song is around 3 to 10K depending on the difficulty and how many revisions I want. Myst album cost me around 50K, I think? I don''t know how much I will spend on this album. But I believe Zaza-P would price me fairly. We have worked together many times before, and my brother trusts him."


    "So he''s a certified good artist?" Max said.


    Getting StoneSword''s trust was more difficult than meeting your favorite streamer or celebrity. Hell, it might even be more difficult than meeting a country''s president in person.


    Having that siscon''s trust meant that the person was either that skilled or had a good attitude. Most probably both because he wouldn''t trust someone who had a bad attitude, especially when it concerned Lily.


    Entering the studio, they were greeted by a pretty starking man with bright green hair. His clothes also¡­ stood out. He was like a fashion model with a pretty unique sense of color and decoration. Light green was his choice, and glitter was the decoration to go.


    "Oh, my! Wee, lil Lily. Been a long time since you visited."


    The man cat walked toward them and stopped a meter away, putting his hands on his hips. He looked at Max and his eyes sparkled.


    "My, oh my!" His long eyshes moved as he got close to Max. "Who is this cute guy over here?"


    Feeling an immediate danger, Max jumped backward. He almost crashed against the wall but managed to stop himself with his hands.


    This was the first time he felt something far more dangerous than a Behemoth in Mercenary Quest.


    "Zaza-P." Lily''s voice was lower than usual, her eyes narrowed dangerously as she looked at the feminine man. "Distance. Don''t get too close to Max."


    "Ah! Forgive me." The green-haired man, Zaza-P, put on a troubled look as he stepped back. "I have bad eyesight, you know? And I am afraid of surgery, so I live this way. Ah, sses destroy my aesthetic, so I never wore them except when I was working."


    ''Then how do you know that I am cute? Or rather, why am I called cute?!'' Maxined in his head as he approached them again, standing behind Lily as a protection.


    Zaza-P didn''t seem to have a bad intention at all, so he braced himself.


    "For context, I love cute guys. Are you taken?" Experience new tales on empire


    Scratch that, this man was dangerous. Max put him on top of the danger list.


    "He''s mine," Lily eximed, taking Max''s arm and hugging it. "Don''t touch him."


    Max looked at Lily and saw a pair of bunny ears pping around on top of her head. Of course, it was just his imagination, but if she had them, they surely would''ve stood up right now to protect what was hers from other people.


    In response to her threat, if it could be called that, Zaza-P put his hand on his cheek.


    "How cute. Lil Lily is grown up, huh? You have a boyfriend now." He said with a giggle. "Is he the reason you were able to write songs again? If so, I must thank this boy. Recovering from a slump can be hard for a musician, especially a talented one.


    Thank you for pulling her out of it."


    Hearing the sincere words from Zaza-P, whose first impression wasn''t really good, made Max a little troubled. But he was trusted by StoneSword. And from what transpired earlier, he seemed to care about Lily too.


    "I didn''t do anything."


    At least Max would try to talk to him without judging and forget about what happened earlier.


    "No, you did help her." Zaza-P continued, turning to Lily. "Come on, lil Lily. I won''t touch your man, alright? Let''se inside and see your sample. Is it another solo for her as usual? Ah, your boyfriend knows, right?"


    Lily nodded at the question. "Un. And the first song is a duet. With him." She said, pointing at Max. "I also n to reveal my face on my singing channel. I am old enough now and want to be serious with it."


    The man''s face morphed. His jaw dropped as his casual tone disappeared.


    "Are you serious, lil Lily? If you show your face¡­ Many problems that were buried because you were anonymous will be open directly to you, you know?"


    "Un, I am serious," Lily answered.


    Sensing the tense atmosphere, Max added.


    "Please don''t worry about that. Ston¨C I mean, Peter and I will do something about them." He confidently said with a bright smile. "Rumors or dramas¡­ They are pretty easy to take care of."


    Both Zaza-P and Lily looked surprised. The formerughed merrily while thetter blushed, unable to handle Max''s confident statement.


    "Hahaha, you''re right. There is Peter boy backing lil Lily. There is nothing to worry about."


    The green-haired man continuedughing as he turned around, opening a door leading into the recording studio.


    "Well, please enter, lil Lily. Send the samples to my email and let me listen to them for a minute. After that, we can continue with the recording, just like usual. Sounds good?"


    Recovered from her embarrassed state, Lily nodded. "Un. Sounds good."


    "Great!" Zaza-P sped his hands together. "Now, wee to my studio, Max boy. And wee back, my greatest little Diva. Let''s create an epiceback, shall we?"

 Chapter 378 – Suck at Singing

    Inside the recording room filled with audio equipment and many floating hologram screens, Max sat on the site while watching Zaza-P bobbing his head at the melody Lily sent as a sample. The girl stood proudly on the producer''s side as if she had no worries that Zaza would call it bad.


    After a while, the green-haired man took off his headphones and raised a thumb up.


    "This is good. Different from your usual style, but I can feel the sincerity in it. The lyrics you send also fit the melody. Is it a duet with Max boy? You''re pretty bold, lil Lily~" Zaza-P giggled as he yed with a device in front of him. "How about doing it like this?


    Max boy''s voice is a bit deeper than you, so¡­"


    The music yed. Soft sound weaved to be a melody. There was no vocal, just music. Max was familiar with it but somehow it was different. It sounded more¡­


    ''Complete. Yeah, that might be it.''


    As if the missing piece had been filled up, the music turned out way better than the sample. However¡­


    "No, it''s not good. The pitch is over the ce." Lilyined with a straight face. She pushed Zaza-P away and began to mess with the device before clicking a button to start the music again.


    There was not much difference. At least that was what Max, a beginner, could take. But somehow, Zaza-P looked pretty focused and serious, nodding a few times throughout the song.


    "Hmm, you''re right. It''s better like this. But itcks a kick! A kick, lil Lily!"


    "Un. I thought so too. I want to ask you about it, Zaza. Do you have any idea?"


    "Idea, huh? How about turning it like this~ We add it here and there¡­ Boom! Like this."


    Their conversation became more practical and difficult for Max to understand. He even tried to find some of the words they spoke in the browser, but they were just too fast and passionate.


    And then¡­


    "Max, can you try singing these parts?"


    Lily called out to him. It was perfect timing. He was about to get bored to death and run away from this room.


    "Sure." He rose from his seat and approached them. "Which part should I try? I can''t promise it will be good, though."


    "Surely, you jest." Zaza-P giggled yfully. "Lil Lily will be disappointed if it''s not good, you know?"


    "I won''t. I will just teach him." Lily said, turning to Max. She smiled softly and pointed at some parts of the lyrics. "It''s this part, Max. You should sing it like this."


    Lily raised her chin slightly and began to sing. Max listened quietly and was amazed by her vocal range.


    Not only that, she also changed the lyrics. From the simple one, she sang in the past into proper lyrics that could be sung to anyone.


    He understood. She made this melody for him to sing.


    He felt like he could do it.


    "How is it?" Lily asked as she finished singing.


    Experience new stories on empire


    Max apuded.


    "That was amazing." He genuinely thought so, which made Lily blush red. "Can I try it?"


    "U-Un. That was embarrassing. I''ve never been praised directly like that¡­ Ugh¡­"


    "Fufufu, how cute and precious," Zaza-Pmented from the side.


    Ignoring that, Max inhaled and tried to sing his part. His voice was cracked, he wasn''t used to it yet. Stopping, he cleared his throat and tried once again.


    This time, his voice flowed smoothly. He was getting used to low and slow chords. When he finished, he looked at Lily and Zaza-P to see their reactions.


    "H-How is it?" Somehow, he was getting nervous just waiting for their answer.


    Lily looked troubled, not knowing what to say. On the other hand¡­


    "That was terrible. If lil Lily gets 9/10, you only get 1.5/10. Extra 0.5 points for effort."


    Zaza-P was more direct as he was the producer and one who would control the production''s quality.


    "Ugh¡­"


    While Max knew he was badpared to Lily, he didn''t think it was that bad. And the producer was too blunt!


    "My tiny heart is shattered."


    "Umm, Max. Don''t mind! I will teach you."


    "Thanks, Lily. That makes me feel better."


    "Now, now. If you want to teach Max boy, do it quickly. We only have today to record this song, no? I remember you wanted someone to hear it." Zaza-P urged them.


    Someone to hear the song. Lily had nned it since she sang the first time. She wanted her parents to hear and know what she did.


    They were pretty indifferent toward her. Not loving, not hating. She just existed and they had to take care of her to maintain their image.


    Max couldn''t say he understood her feelings, but he would support her in anything. The neglecting parents were not the worst. They were just¡­ not that interested in having kids in the first ce. It should''ve ended with Peter, but something that happened in the past made them have Lily.


    ''But it''s not like Lily hates them or anything. She just wants to prove that she exists and is talented enough to be recognized by the world. Even that isn''t her priority. She''s happy the way she is now, surrounded by caring people and making new friends.''


    If it had to be exined in words¡­


    ''Maybe it''s just ate rebellious phase.'' Max chuckled.


    Pak!


    However, he was in the middle of practice. He had gotten a p on his hand because his concentration broke.


    "Max! Please take this seriously. You promised me!" Lily''s cheek inted as sheined to him. "Focus, okay."


    "Yes, teacher!"


    In the end, under Lily''s grueling teaching, which could even be called cute and pretty rxing, Max learned how to sing. He realized his mistake of putting too much force when trying to sing.


    After an hour or so, he tried again and got an OK from Zaza-P, although it wasn''t perfect yet.


    "Well, it isn''t something that can''t be fixed with my touch. But you have to get better in case she''s having a live performance, got it? I know she will have it sooner orter."


    "I know. I n to continue my training even after this." Max responded.

 Chapter 379 – First Music Done!

    Being able to sing would be a plus point for a streamer. No one disliked streamers who could sing well.


    "That''s a nice attitude, Max boy~" The producer grinned, "Okay~ Both of you enter the booth. Let''s start the real recording, starting from lil Lily."


    And the real recording started.


    At first, he thought it would be easy as he had gotten a training from Lily, but how wrong was he?


    Recording a vocal wasn''t as easy as Max had thought. Even when his voice got an OK, he still had to repeat one part many times because it was still imperfect. His respect for Lily increased, as she was at most only repeated two or three times. And she was the one who requested it herself!


    A few hours had passed since Max arrived at the studio. Finally, what seemed like an endless retake was over. They were freed from that suffocating studio room. Zaza-P didn''t want anyone inside his studio when he was mixing the tape.


    The reason was simple¡­


    "I don''t want anyone to see me wearing the ugly sses. My, oh my¡­ That would make me kill myself."


    Just a preference.


    But, the green-haired man said the music would be done tonight in around 8 hours. So they should just rx or do something that they have to do.


    Standing on the sidewalk, Max spread his arms, feeling the nice sunlight on his skin.


    "Ah, this is what life feels like. How nice." He muttered like a person deprived of sunlight his whole life.


    "You''re exaggerating, Max." Lily smiled softly beside him, "You did a good job for the first time. I couldn''t even finish recording in a day back in the past."


    "Haha, that must be because I have a skilled teacher today." He teased her with a smile, making her smile wider.


    "You always said that. But it''s all because of your own effort."


    "Because that''s the truth." He responded. "Should we eat out today? To celebrate the first song recorded together."


    "Un, good idea. Can we get pasta?"


    "Sure. Let''s get authentic pasta."


    Both of them walked while holding hands to find the desired restaurant.


    ***


    The restaurant they found was a decent one, not too fancy and not too shoddy. They ordered pasta as they nned and talked about various things.


    "After this, we have to make the Music Video, no? I have an idea when to show your face, do you want to hear it?"


    "Hmm?" Lily hummed, tilting her head curiously.


    "I saw that many of your movie videos tell about a character''s story, which is great. We will keep that part on your MV, but we willbine it with a real-world¡­ Or rather, your real character in Lobby."


    "Un. That''s what I have in mind as well." She said, putting down the utensil in her hand. "This song¡­ Our duet is about our story, Max. I actually want to make us the characters in the MV. But¡­ I want to blur your face until the part where youe in. And, if possible, include the parkour element."


    "Won''t that expose my identity immediately?"


    "I always followed the trend to make my songs. This time, parkour is the trend. Many parkour videos popped up after you posted your tutorial." Lily exined, "Isn''t the tutorial one of your most-watched videos now? And do you think we can hide our identities with the lyrics having Breeze and Lily?"


    "You have a point." He smiled wryly.


    It wasn''t like they wanted to blur their face to hide their identities. It was just to add an aesthetic sense.


    They talked about the MV n and Max ryed it to BloodSucker.


    [Breeze: Up to a Music Video challenge? I want it to be done before June 20th.]


    [BloodSucker: Are you crazy?]


    [Breeze: That''s why it''s a challenge. How about it?]


    [BloodSucker: No, why should I make it? It''s not like this is YOUR music video too.] Continue reading at empire


    [Breeze: I will pay you $5,000.]


    The message stopped for a second after Max sent it. He grinned under his shadow, thinking that he got the vampire already.


    And as expected¡­


    [BloodSucker: Send the footage. I will finish it in 6 hours. This will be the greatest music video you will ever hope for.]


    BloodSucker also loved money, a little bit less than he did, but liked them anyway.


    "We got him, Lily." He said, high-fiving with his girlfriend. "The video editor is secured. All we need to do is to shoot the footage. Shall we do it in my Lobby?"


    "Un. And we can use your toy on the apartment''s roof too. That will be good for the ending. I want a touch of reality in this MV."


    "That''s a good idea. But we will need clothes that fit the music."


    "Don''t worry. We can order them online and get them delivered in just a few minutes."


    With everything settled, Max paid for the food and they left the restaurant. They spent the whole night taking the footage inside the Lobby. Max had to inform his viewers through Strike that he couldn''t stream tonight because of this.


    All kinds of footage were taken, but it was mostly a simple one. One footage showed Lily running, and one footage showed Max sitting. It was all just simple videos.


    After taking everything, Max logged out of the VR world. Thest footage was impossible to take tonight, so he would do so tomorrow morning. The sunrise would be a wonderful touch for the ending, signifying a new day and new freedom that Lily just obtained.


    At that moment, Lily got a new message.


    "Oh, it''s from Zaza." She said, opening the messaging app. "It seems the song is finished. He sent 2 samples, should we hear them?"


    "It''s done already? He works fast. It''s just 7 hours since we left his studio."


    "Un, he always does this when he''s spirited. And by working fast, it allow us to ask for revision. This isn''t the final mix yet."


    "I see. That makes sense from the client''s perspective."


    "Indeed. And the beat won''t be that much different so we can start the music video making now."


    Max realized that Zaza-P was a good producer, probably more than he initially thought.


    ''The service is also good for the price Lily had to pay. It''s worth it.'' He thought.


    Lily sat next to Max after she downloaded the WAV file. When they listened to it, they couldn''t help but be surprised.


    The result was¡­ better than expected.


    "This is good."


    "Agreed. There aren''t many revisions that I want to ask. Maybe just at one or two ces." Lily said, stopping the music. "You can send this to that¡­ guy."


    "Alright. I will let him work then. We can just send thest part tomorrow as a finishing touch."


    With that said, he sent the music to BloodSucker for him to edit, along with some words of encouragement.


    [Breeze: If the music video turns out unsatisfactory, I will cut your pay.]


    That would surely motivate the vampire.


    All they had to do was wait and schedule for the music to be uploaded when the party started in two days.

 Chapter 380 – Party Day

    June 20th.


    The party day had arrived. With them busying themselves with recording the songs and footage, days passed quickly.


    Right now, Max was in Miracle Boutique''s changing room, looking at his reflection in the mirror. A nice suit covered his body. His hair was done and waxed, slicked back neatly.


    Unlike the usual him who had a slightly wild look, his current reflection reminded him of the time when he was in his old house.


    "My! You look wonderful, Mr. Charles. It''s as if you''re born to wear a suit!" Georgina Gill, the owner of the boutique, praised him with an ted voice. "We just need to put a handkerchief in your left pocket and¡­ There. It''s perfect!"


    Max smiled wryly as he looked at the owner''s beaming expression.


    "Thank you for thepliment, owner. It felt a little bit strange to dress formally like this."


    ''And suffocating.'' He added in his mind.


    Whether he wanted it or not, he had to get used to it if he nned to stay with Lily. StoneSword had warned him too.


    ''I guess I will see myself in this suit often.''


    "No, it''s not apliment. I honestly thought that you look good, Mr. Charles." Georgina said, holding her cheek in her hand. "May I take your picture for promotion?"


    ''A picture for promotion?''


    Max hummed. This might be something that he had to consider seriously, knowing he was a streamer. He couldn''t agree to anything that used his face and name for free unless it gave him something.


    "We will provide a discount and give you a VIP membership as an exchange. And we can talk about sponsorship at ater date. I know that you''re a professional streamer, fufufu."


    As if reading his mind, Georgia offered something that made him interested. A sponsorship from a famous luxury brand.


    "I guess I don''t mind having my picture taken." Max smiled softly at her, "But please put the name ''Breeze'' if you decide to use the picture."


    "We can arrange that."


    ''Sponsorship, get!'' He eximed happily in his mind. Stay tuned with empire


    After reaching an agreement, Georgina called a photographer. The changing room was aesthetic enough to be a background. They took his pictures in a few poses before wrapping them.


    "Thank you very much. You may wait for Miss Spencer in the waiting room. Our staff will prepare beverages for you to enjoy while waiting."


    Max epted the offer and went to the waiting room. Lily would take a while before she finished. Her dress apparently needed a little bit more work.


    He knew ''a while'' that Georgina talked about earlier would at least be an hour. How did he know? He just knew.


    That was why he made himselffortable and drank the coffee provided by the staff. Because it was made from the highest grade of beans, the smell and taste were heavenly, different from the normal coffee he enjoyed.


    He also opened a novel reading website. Reading a light fantasy novel was something he''d love to do to pass the time. The story he found was fanfiction about the Horizon Online game, which allowed him to know the game''s mechanics, monsters, and how most yers react in an event or raid.


    Of course, because it was fanfiction, the main character was shown to be the greatest yer with 99.1% SR. However, even the main character''s fanfiction was depicted to never be able to defeat the crazy couple, As and Ferin.


    ''They even appear in a fanfiction, huh? And what the heck? The overpowered main character is unable to defeat them? How strong are they in the game? Are they cheating?'' That was his reaction when reading that part.


    An hourter, Georgina exited the female changing room.


    "Mr. Charles." She called out to him. "Miss Spencer is ready."


    Hearing that, Max raised his head and stood up. The curtain behind the owner opened.


    A beautiful girl, with a dress as dark as her hair, and essories glimmering like her eyes, stepped outside. The nk of high heels resounded in the empty boutique.


    The dress hugged her curves gracefully, neckline dipped modesty, entuating her corbone and showing off a stunning ne with sapphire. The side of her skirt was slit up to her thighs, allowing her to move easily.


    Her hair was styled into a regal crown braid, making her to look like a princess. Side bangs were let loose, framing her face elegantly.


    Lily, in her new dress, stood shyly in front of Max. She raised her head slightly, a hint of makeup was apparent. Her pink lips were now dyed red. Her cheek was red, not only from the blush but also from shyness.


    "H-How is it?"


    Max couldn''t answer. Was this the same girl who always wore a onesie in the bedroom? Was this the girl who only wore long pants on their first date?


    Yes, he knew it was the same girl, his girlfriend. But the difference was just so stunning that it froze him for a second.


    "Max?"


    "A-Ah, yeah." He was pulled out of his thoughts by the impatient voice he heard. "Honestly, I have no words. You look so stunning and beautiful. I even wondered whether you''re the same girl I fell in love with or not. Turns out I was right. And I have fallen in love once again."


    "I-I see. Un. Y-You also look cool in the suit." Lily stuttered. The embarrassment she felt was just too great for her to stay calm.


    On the side, Georgina giggled in a low voice and muttered.


    "My~ Mr. Charles is so smooth with his words."


    The owner let the two youngsters admire each other for a while. They looked pretty shy but not awkward.


    But that short time had to end when a limousine stopped in front of the store. Max and Lily turned around when they heard the screeching of its wheels, something rare in this age where almost all cars were hovering in the air.


    A middle-aged man wearing a tailcoat exited the car and opened the passenger door with a white heron drawn on it. The man looked at them and bowed as if he were urging them to enter the car.


    "I guess that''s our chauffeur," Max said as he turned back to Lily.


    Prior to this day, StoneSword told him that he would send someone to pick him up. But he never expected that Lily''s brother would send a limousine instead of a normal hover car.


    "Un. That''s indeed our family symbol." Lily confirmed, nodding at Max.


    "So it''s time for us to go." He smiled at her before turning to Georgina. "I thank you for everything, Owner. The suit and the dress turned out perfect."


    "It''s an honor for you to say that. We look forward to your continued patronage in the future. And please have fun at the party."


    "We will."


    Max extended his hand to Lily, which she took. They linked hands together and began to walk out of the store.


    Outside, he helped Lily to enter the car first before following suit. The chauffeur closed the door for them and began to drive without asking a single question.


    ''It''s so fucking nerve-wracking. I hope I don''t mess up with anything at the party.''

 Chapter 381 – Spencer Family Party

    Lime Grand Hotel.


    A 5-star hotel stood in the heart of Lime City, close to the Mall and various tourist attractions in the city.


    This hotel had arge hall for a party venue. This venue was often used by apany, family, or for a celebration due to its sheer size.


    The room could hold up to 2500 guests. The hotel''s staff were professional. They provided everything from the preparation to the food and drinks. They also took care of the decoration ording to how the client liked it.


    That was why many people chose this hotel as a party venue. Not only was it convenient, but the service was also top-notch.


    Arriving at the hotel, Max didn''t need to show anything. The limousine with the white heron symbol had served as his identity. Not to mention, Lily apanied him. Her face alone allowed them to enter the party hall without invitation.


    Having said that, there was a face recognition system installed near the entrance. It detected all the guests'' faces and informed the guard whether there was an uninvited one.


    Naturally, Max''s face was inputted into the database already, under ''inw'' for the youngest daughter of Spencer''s main family. It was StoneSword who inputted it.


    Talking about the guy¡­


    "You''re here."


    Lily''s brother appeared as if he had been waiting for them. He was wearing a simple but luxurious suit. Beside him stood a beautiful girl with blonde hair. She wore a red straking dress that entuated her beauty and elegance. Her arm was linked with StoneSword.


    ''She must be his fianc¨¦e.'' Max thought as he nodded slightly at her when their gazes met.


    "I''ll introduce her to you," StoneSword said as he looked to his left. "She''s Reba Ludger, my fianc¨¦e."


    "I am sorry for being impolite. My name is Max Charles, it''s nice to meet you."


    "Hello, it''s nice to meet you too." Reba smiled softly at him, her long ringlet hair moved as she spoke. "And it''s been a long time, Lily. You look way cuter than west met. And you smile more. I am happy."


    "Un. Been a long time, Sister Reba." Lily answered with a smile on her face. "It''s all thanks to Max."


    "My~ It seems that you have changed quite a bit too." Reba approached Lily and began to hug her.


    "S-Sister."


    "Just a minute, ''kay? Can''t help but miss this after hard work."


    "F-Fine."


    Max looked at them before turning to StoneSword.


    "They are pretty close, huh? And she''s your fianc¨¦e? I never imagined it."


    "What did you imagine?" StoneSword asked back with a straight face.


    "Well, seeing how you behave¡­" Max paused slightly as his lips curled into a smile. "I thought you would have a ck-haired girl with blue eyes as your fianc¨¦e."


    Enjoy more content from empire


    "What do you think I am?" StoneSword narrowed his eyes at him in displeasure.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Max answered honestly, "An overprotective brother who only has his little sister in his mind." He smirked. "But putting that aside, should I call you brother just like Lily calling your fianc¨¦e sister here?"


    "No, please don''t," StoneSword answered, his expression twisted. "Just call me Peter. I will also call you Max while we''re here. We have to show everyone we''re getting along well. For those people, calling each other with a tag or professional name shows that we''re putting distance between each other."


    "It seems the people here are difficult to deal with." Heughed wryly as he looked around.


    Only then did he notice that they had be the center of attention of the guests in this party hall. All of it was because the main hosts hadn''t arrived yet, so they were looking at the second most important people.


    "For now, I will act ording to your instruction. Have any tips when I meet your parents?" Max asked as he turned his attention to StoneSword.


    "Just be polite. Just like me, they hate someone who sucks on them, seeking profits from their connection and wealth." StoneSword answered in an obvious manner.


    "As long as you show enough politeness and not put on any excessive act, you will be fine. I will do the rest of the job. For now, we should just stay here, in the center of attention. We need to have everyone remember your face. Maybe there will be people greeting us, you can introduce yourself at that time."


    "Alright. I am counting on you¡­ Truly."


    Max had a foreboding feeling his introduction wouldn''t be that smooth.


    Why? Because he hadn''t gotten the system''s quest yet.


    ''Maybe the quest is to convince Lily''s parents or something. But that''s not rted to streaming, no? Should I not worry too much?''


    Worrying too much would only make him tense.


    As StoneSword said earlier, some people began to greet them. It was started by a new guest. They were a pair of husband and wife, apparently a CEO of one of Spencer''spanies. Thepany the man headed was a technologicalpany, focusing on hardware.


    Max introduced himself to the CEO, saying his name and his rtionship with Lily. This happened many times to the point he was tired of having to smile all the time. He knew Lily''s feelings now. His girlfriend also showed a tired expression, and her smile was so strained that it sometimes disappeared.


    StoneSword and Reba were amazing. They were able to maintain their smiles. A lot of people didn''t even hide their intention to get closer to them to get profit. Max could feel that intention clearly. That was why he was amazed by StoneSword who was able to put up an act even when he clearly disliked it.


    After greeting a few guests, the venue suddenly turned quiet. Two sets of footsteps rang from the entrance. Everyone''s attention was taken by a middle-aged couple that just entered.


    The man had slicked back hair like everyone else, but there was a hint of gray in his ck hair. The woman was wearing a midnight dress, simr to Lily, but was bolder. Her ck hair was tied into a bun.


    Just by entering, they changed the atmosphere in the room. StoneSword and Reba stood in attention, while Lily got close to Max and whispered.


    "They are my parents. Scott Spencer and Nicole Spencer."

 Chapter 382 – The Hardest Quests

    "Father, Mother. Wee." StoneSword, or Peter greeted them courtly. Reba also curtsied beside him, greeting them with a smile.


    "Peter¡­ How have you been?" Scott asked curiously without changing his expression.


    "I am fine. Thank you for asking, Father."


    "That''s good. Don''t work too hard. Use your subordinates well and have enough rest." Nicole added.


    "I will remember that, Mother."


    As they conversed, Max approached them with Lily. Even when StoneSword had already epted him, his status was after all still Lily''s boyfriend and not her fiance yet. He had no formal position in the family and had to be introduced.


    "Wee, Father, Mother." Lily also greeted them, bowing while holding her skirt like a noble in the past.


    "Hmm, you''re also here, Lily," Scott said before turning his attention to Max, who clearly stood next to him. "And is he¡­"


    The man didn''t finish his sentence and waited for Lily. She noticed it and continued.


    "Yes, he''s my partner."


    That was Max''s cue.


    "My name is Max Charles. Pleased to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer." He bowed slightly to show his respect toward them.


    Scott cast his narrowed eyes on him. Looking straight at them, Max didn''t budge down and was determined not to look away. That would be disrespectful toward the man.


    After a while, the Spencer family head nodded. He put on a t expression again, but the wife smiled softly at Max and said.


    "Take care of our daughter."


    "I will do my best," Max responded and saw them leave.


    StoneSword followed them quickly and left Max and Lily alone, but not before whispering something.


    "Great job. Now you can just enjoy the party with Lily."


    That was¡­ underwhelming but nerve-wracking.


    ''Did that mean I passed their judgment?''


    And¡­ They didn''t seem to be indifferent toward Lily. Scott was more like¡­


    ''Awkward. And Nicole seemed to care about Lily but couldn''t express it in words.''


    "We did it, Max." Lily smiled brightly as she got close to him.


    "Yes, we did." He answered and smiled back at her.


    It ended just like that, right?


    ***


    There was nothing to do but enjoy the party as it continued. Scott and Nicole were talking about businesses with the rtives and guests. As the heir, StoneSword also joined the conversation.


    Meanwhile, Max and Lily escaped to another room to rest. This room was provided for the guests in case they were overwhelmed. And they were pretty much tired already. When StoneSword left, many people took that advantage to try and get close to Lily.


    Max did his job pretty well at making those people retreat. He used his old knowledge to deal with them by ttering them to the point they felt ufortable.


    "Phew, that was tiring." Max sighed as he threw himself on the couch, popped open a cold can of c, and drank it.


    "Good job, Max. And thank you for protecting me." Lily sat close to him slowly. Her dress limited her movement quite a bit even when it was designed to make sure the wearer wasn''t ufortable.


    "You look pretty experienced at dealing with people like them."


    "Well¡­" He smiled wryly at her, unable to find an honest answer without telling her about his past life. So, he had to get creative. "I just did what I think makes me ufortable. And that actually worked. I was a bit surprised, honestly."


    "I see." Lily nodded innocently, believing what he said.


    Max felt a little bit guilty for lying, but he had no choice.


    Anyway, all the burdens he felt before were lifted. The quest hadn''t arrived yet, but he could wait without worrying about it being a difficult one¡­ He hoped.


    Ding!


    As if responding to his wish, a notification rang in his ear. It was the kind of notification that excited him, as it came from the system and not his smartwatch.


    <Quest:


    - I Am the Best! Aren''t I?


    Are you the best? Prove it!


    A newbie streamer with less than 3 months of experience has no way to gain a sponsor. Get 3 sponsors before the deadline to prove your capability. Proof that you are the best!


    Progress: 0/3


    Reward: Funds to create a streamer event. Max $500,000.


    Deadline: 0/7 days


    Failure will result in bad rumors about yourself spreading in Strike and other social media.>


    Max didn''t know whether he should feel lucky that the quest was to gather a sponsor or feel miserable that the quest was exactly this. This was probably the hardest quest he had ever received.


    But the reward¡­ He couldn''t miss this.


    ''Fund to create my own streamer event¡­ I just muttered that in passing, but the system caught it?'' He wondered, holding his chin as he stared at the screen. ''And why is the progress 0? Haven''t I already had a deal with Miracle Boutique? Is it because we have no contract yet? That must be the case.''


    "Max?" Lily called out to him, wondering what he was thinking. He looked so serious all of a sudden. "Is there something wrong?"


    "Yeah, there is something that bothered me a little," Max answered without hiding his inner distress.


    "I suddenly remembered when I calmed down. I wanted to hold arge event for my viewers, but I have no funds. To get funds, I need to get at least 3 sponsors. I already secured one, so I just need to find the other two."


    "Sponsors¡­ Is that what worried you?"


    "Yes." Max nodded, "And I can''t choose carelessly too."


    Even though it was for a quest, he didn''t want to seek a sponsor purely just to finish the quest. No. If possible, he''d like to have a sponsor who supported him and was active at events and the other so they would invite him to perform. Explore more adventures at empire


    ''Finding a random sponsor will be left in thest 3 days. I will do my best in the first four days to get a good sponsor.''


    He told what was in his mind to Lily and she understood what he meant. Then, she gave him an idea.


    "Why don''t you ask my brother this? He''s acquainted with manypanies. I believe he can give you some advice."


    That¡­ might be a good idea. Max decided to keep that in mind and ask StoneSwordter.


    ''I hope he has a rmendation. I don''t want to impose on him and make him think that I want to use him. That will go against my principles and my words.''

 Chapter 383 – Song Premiere

    After talking with Lily for a while, Max decided to ask StoneSword for advice instead of help. Then, he changed the topic.


    "When will you make your song public? You have already scheduled it, right?"


    Lily looked at the clock before answering.


    "It''s in 30 minutes, right when the dance ends. Brother will show the premiere in the party hallter. He said our parents have given their permission."


    "Oh, that''s nice. The timing is perfect." He said, "Should we return to the party hall now? I have enough rest already."


    "Yes, sure. I am also rested enough."


    Max rose from his seat and exited the rest room with Lily. He headed back to the party hall, where soft music apanied the smell of food that was brought out for the guests to enjoy.


    Some people were dancing in the middle, enjoying a slow waltz. Lily looked at them with a slightly nk look, as if she wanted to join them.


    ''Does she want to dance?'' He thought, guessing what was in her mind.


    That wasn''t something he was capable of. Dancing was¡­ something he took on the go.


    Indeed he had seen people dance waltz before, but he had never experienced it himself. He would only embarrass himself if he went there and danced with Lily. But¡­


    "Do you want to dance?"


    Max wasn''t someone who ignored his partner''s feelings. Even if he had to embarrass himself, he''d like to give Lily what she wanted. Dancing was just moving his arms and legs, no? Simr to parkour in a way.


    However¡­


    "Hnn, no." Lily shook her head and looked at him. "I was just appreciating the music. It can be arranged slightly and be good music."


    She only thought about music and not the dance.


    "I see."


    Smiling wryly, Max turned his attention back to the dance floor. There, StoneSword danced with Reba, and they became the center of attention. The man could really do anything. His dance was also graceful with no mistakes.


    Still, StoneSword''s face was cold while Reba seemed to shine brightly, like a sun. That bright smile forced the man to smile slightly.


    Looking at them, he was somehow reminded of something.


    "Warm sunshine melted the ice." He muttered, and Lily giggled on his side. He looked at her. "Could they be the inspiration for your second song?"


    "Un. Aren''t they a good couple?"


    "Yeah."


    Not going to lie, Max honestly thought they fit each other. The overprotective brother and an active fiancee. Probably no one other than her would be able to handle the cold StoneSword.


    And the second song that Lily made was about two characters, a warm sun and Antarctic ice. They had gained sentience and became humanoid when all humans were gone.


    The cold ice never changed his expression, not to mention smiling. But the warm sun managed to melt his face slightly to make him able to change his expression.


    "All my songs in this album are about something that is precious to me," Lily exined as she gazed at her brother and his fiancee. "The first song is about us. The second is about my brother and sister Reba. The third is about my dream. The fourth is our lives. The fifth is about our time together."


    The sixth and seventh were about hope and wish for the future, she continued.


    "That''s why the album name is Precious. Because it''s precious to me."


    ''And that''s why StoneSword didn''tin about this premiere.'' Max added in his mind, ''That guy is happy that he''s included in her song too.''


    The music filling the hall stopped, and everyone dancing bowed to their partner. The guests pped their hands. Max also did so because he was impressed by the dance.


    At that time, StoneSword raised his hand and someone strode over to them quickly while bringing what seemed like a microphone. After handing it to him, the man went away.


    "May I have your attention a little?" StoneSword''s voice rang in the hall. "First of all, I extend thank you for attending the annual Spencer Family party. Here we are¡­"


    The speech began absurdly. Max wondered what he was trying to pull here. But then¡­ He realized that StoneSword did so to change the move. Many people moved in and out of the party hall, changing the decoration to fit the song.


    ''He''s gone through length just to make the premiere have as much impact as it could.'' Max thought as he chuckled in realization. ''As expected of him.''


    After everything was changed, including the flower on the tables that got changed into white Lily, StoneSword raised his right hand.


    "Please, everyone. Enjoy the premiere of my little sister''s song."


    The room dimmed and the flowers glowed. The atmosphere immediately changed oncerge four-way screens appeared in the middle of the room. A video was yed on it.


    A girl with her face covered up in blue crayon appeared on the screen. Just from this, no one knew about her identity. She walked slowly in the middle of a white lily field, humming a melody. Soft violin soon followed suit as she opened her mouth.


    Run and run until the end draws near,


    Time''s fleeting, but with you, I have no fear.


    Take my hand, let''s flee this ce,


    Together we''ll run, in love''s warm embrace.


    Max felt a goosebump as the girl''s hand reached the air. This was his first time watching the video. He especially asked BloodSucker not to show him, only Lily. He wanted this to be a surprise.


    And he had to admit.


    ''That fucker did it better than my ad video.'' A hollowugh escaped his lips. ''Good job, Sucker. I guess you have a raise this month.''


    Following the girl''s voice, a man with his face covered in ck crayon appeared. He looked at the girl from a towering rubble.


    Your journey continues at empire


    Dance andugh, despite the world''s strife,


    In your arms, I find new life.


    Love''s gentle touch, something we seek,


    Let me help you free.


    His voicebined with the melody bnced with each other.


    Have you felt it? Have you known?


    Both sang together. The man stood up, and the girl ran.


    The sweet embrace of love''s soft tone.


    Breeze, take me away,


    To a ce where love holds sway.


    The song continued. With a quick nce at the guests, Max noticed some of them began to sway together with the song.


    In the boundless sky, we''ll find our ce,


    In love''s sweet breeze, we''ll embrace.


    No longer bound, to earthly fears,


    With you, my love, I''ll dry my tears.


    Entering the ending, the crayon covering their faces began to fade. Lily''s face was decorated with a princessly smile. She ran away from the flower field, entering what seemed like a yground. She met with Breeze and they began to y.


    He brought her to many ces, showing new things, and teaching her new skills.


    Finally, both of them were tired. Dawn had drawn near, sun began to peek from the horizon.


    Sitting on top of a structure made from pipes, their hands intertwined, and their faces got closer. As their silhouette darkened, and the sun was right behind them¡­


    In your love''s embrace,


    Together, somewhere beyond the universe.


    They kissed and the video faded away in white.

 Chapter 384 – Lily’s Development

    The party ended after the host, Scott, and Nicole left. Max wanted to consult with StoneSword right away, but he was swarmed with people. So, he just left a message to him before leaving the party hall with Lily.


    [Breeze: I need some advice regarding sponsorship and streaming. Can I ask you some? I still don''t understand perfectly how they work and am afraid to make a mistake in the contract.]


    That should be enough to get his attention. And this shouldn''t make him look like he wanted to use StoneSword''s connection to secure sponsorships.


    The reply didn''te until Max and Lily arrived at his apartment. And that was saying much as they stopped by Miracle Boutique once again to change back to their normal clothes. Lily also wiped her makeup clean and now she looked like the usual.


    [StoneSword: Sorry, I was too busy. Let''s talk about that tomorrow. Is that okay?]


    [Breeze: It''s okay. I am in no rush.]


    [StoneSword: Good. I will contact you tomorrow when I am free. It''s around afternoon.]


    [Breeze: Got it.]


    "Is my brother willing to give advice?" Lily called out to him as she sat next to him, putting an iced tea on the table. "I saw you smiling."


    "Yeah, we will talk tomorrow regarding that. I am d that he''s willing to help."


    "Un. Brother will always be willing to help the person he took a liking to. Though people often mistake him as a cold person because he seldom changes his expression."


    "Just like you in the past?" Max asked in a teasing tone, which made Lily pout.


    "I am not that cold¡­ I just¡­ don''t like to smile much. Or talk." She shyly continued, her voice became lower and lower when she realized that she was just like her brother. "Un¡­ Looking back, I was a bit cold. Even in our first meeting."


    "Ah, I remember that time. You suddenly talked to me and gave me a can for the lesson fee. I was pretty surprised."


    "Well, I mean¡­ I have no excuse."


    "Thinking back, you felt like a fairy back then. A beautiful girl who had this wall around her. But now, you aren''t afraid of getting approached, right?"


    "Un. Having friends is fun."


    Both of them talked for a while before they decided to sleep as midnight approached. Once again, Max didn''t stream today. Thankfully, his viewers understood his situation, especially after Lily dropped her song.


    ***


    As the couple went to sleep, the inte burst into chaos after White Lily uploaded it after a long time. It was aeback song. Her fans went nuts and shared the music video even before they read the description or even watched it.


    And boy¡­ When they watched the video, they were in for a big surprise. The face reveal was too surprising to the point a certain tag became number 1 and 2 trending on Strike.


    [Surprising! White Lily''s face revealed! #WhiteLily #LilyPixel #FaceReveal]


    [White Lily is LilyPixel! Breeze appeared in the new Music Video! #WhiteLily #LilyPixel]


    [This couple needed to be stopped! White Lily''s actual identity is streamer Lily Pixel!]


    [Music fans were surprised! White Lily''s face is revealed! #WhiteLily #FaceReveal]


    Many posts about the face reveal popped up on Strike. Not only that, but many Punchtubers also created videos talking about the face reveal.


    [Let''s talk about White Lily.]


    [The mysterious singer with 2 million subscribers has shown her face! She''s beautiful!]


    [A beautiful diva''s face reveal.]


    Everyone joined the bandwagon, not going to miss viral and juicy news. They brought up everything Lily did in the past to thetest news where she had a rtionship with Max.


    Naturally, there was some disappointment from the fans who loved to listen to her anonymous music. Some also openly stated they would no longer support White Lily after knowing that she had a boyfriend.


    That was something normal. Such was the life of a diva. Where there was fame, there would be hate. It was like aw of this world.


    However, the badments were all covered up by goodments. A certain privatemunity was especially active tonight.


    [Huge news! Our youngest sister is in fact a famous diva! [AttachedImg.jpg]]


    ¡ª She and Breeze have a duet! That''s why he didn''t stream for 3 days straight!


    ¡ª It''s now trending on Strike!


    ©¸ It is! #WhiteLily is now still on trending #1


    ¡ª I have followed her too. Is that truly our youngest sister? What a surprise!


    Find adventures at empire


    ¡ª Don''t blow it up too much, sis. We have to respect her private affair. (Vice-Leader)


    ©¸ Got it, Otter sis! Don''t worry about it!


    ©¸ All is good! This will stay here!


    ¡ª I was also surprised! She has such a nice singing voice! And Breeze too! They make a good duet!


    ©¸ Yes! I never expected this duet!


    ©¸ My Oshi and my favorite streamer! I can''t be more excited than this!


    ¡ª Our youngest sister isn''t here. Is she tired, I wonder? I saw Breeze''s post on Strike saying they were at a party. By the way, he looked so cool in the suit and Lily looked so beautiful!


    ©¸ Agreed! They look like a perfect couple!


    ©¸ I wish them happiness


    ©¸ I wonder what kind of party they attended.


    They showed a supportive spirit for their youngest and newest members. Unfortunately, that said member was too tired and currently sleeping.


    Anyway, that wasn''t all. As they said, Max had uploaded ast post about him attending a party with Lily. Thement was now filled with Lily''s fans who had watched the uploaded song. Most of them were praise, but there were some hurtfulments mixed in them too.


    Those new haters underestimated a streamer''s viewers too much. Long story short¡­ They were obliterated.


    ¡ª Get away from our diva, you no one!


    ©¸ No one who has a better voice, better face, more money, and 2 more world records than you


    ©¸ No one who can kick your ass without even moving his legs


    ©¸ No one who has me who can be your dad and ask you for rent


    ¡ª Who do you think you are?


    ©¸ Your dad


    ©¸ Your Master


    ©¸ Your sister. I sleep with her by the way


    ©¸ Your mom. Come here, you ungrateful kid!


    ¡ª Break up with White Lily!


    ©¸ Break up with your mother!


    ©¸ Break up with your legs!


    ¡ª This nobody thinks he can date the diva lololol


    ©¸ This nobody thinks he has a brain lololol


    ©¸ This nobody thinks he''s a big shot lololol


    ©¸ Excuse me, but¡­ Who are you?


    ©¸ ^^ I am just a kid whose mother was cucked by yours truly


    Max''s viewers didn''t hold back and used their words against them. As a result, thements became a battlefield¡­ A one-sided battlefield where the viewers held absolute control.


    No one was harmed but the pride and tiny heart of unimportant haters.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!