Teammate: ?

“What the h*ll are you even saying? Why are you acting like he’s already a martyr?” The teammate had never known Jiu Tian to have such a dark sense of humor.

“I told you, unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t provoke him. Stay away for now.”

Jiu Tian said expressionlessly.

“I wasn’t provoking him, I just wanted to chat a little, try to make contact. Want to join me?”

“Who knows, maybe we could work together later or something. It’s rare we’re in the same Game, and right now he’s being rejected by everyone—shouldn’t we seize the opportunity?”

Jiu Tian: ......

He didn’t respond, just took a step back, clearly showing his stance.

“....Wait, what kind of attitude is that?”

“The Organization also said that once in the Game, life comes first—don’t risk it,” Jiu Tian replied.

After all this time observing, he also knew that the different Mask colors of “Sin” definitely represented different personalities.

This Mask… felt even more hostile than the last time’s Gluttony. The other party might not even recognize him.

His mind turned quickly as he spoke:

“Yan Hong, if you really want to talk to him, I suggest you be polite, and don’t butt heads with him.”

“As for me... I’ll be cheering you on from here.”

“Be careful. Don’t put too much faith in the Game Rules when you’re in front of him.”

Saying that, he gestured for Yan Hong to go ahead, and immediately shrank back, completely shameless.

It was obvious—he was pushing his teammate to be the cannon fodder.

Yan Hong’s scalp tingled. He thought, this guy actually called me by my full name for once… that’s never a good sign.

“Spineless b*stard...”

He muttered, touching the four Stars on his chest and pulling one out.

“Just one Star... win or lose, it’s just for contact...”

He steeled himself and stopped overthinking. He lifted his feet and walked toward “Sin.”

Behind him, Jiu Tian gave him a thumbs up and muttered in his heart:

“Good job, brave warrior...”

.......

In the Game Field, Lu Ce’s figure was always prominent, with not many people around. Yan Hong quickly reached his side.

“Hi, nice to meet you. I’m with Jiu Tian—we’re both from the Official Organization. Don’t know if you still remember him.”

As soon as he got close, Yan Hong took the initiative to speak, stretching out his hand.

But he didn’t get to stand in front of “Sin”—a few Fake Humans surrounded him, blocking his approach, just like bodyguards.

Except, their actions were basically pointless. After all, with “Sin’s” Combat Power, it’s hard to imagine he’d need bodyguards.

Probably the most useless job in the world.

From one perspective, their interception seemed more like they were protecting Yan Hong.

Lu Ce glanced at this guy in red clothes, looking him up and down, then his eyes landed on the extended hand.

Behind the Purple Mask, a mildly disgusted expression appeared.

“Did you wash your hands?”

Yan Hong pulled his hand back very naturally, not looking embarrassed, and let out a casual laugh like he didn’t care much.

“Jiu Tian huh... kinda rings a bell. Seeing your outfits, I figured.”

“Red-masked man Organization? Why is it that your aesthetic still hasn’t improved even now?”

Hearing that, Yan Hong’s smile instantly froze—how did he end up getting lumped in as a red-masked man in just a few lines?!

God knows how many colleagues were watching the Livestream... he definitely lost face with that one...

“Keep your distance, thanks. So, what do you want?”

Despite the disgust, Lu Ce still held back harsh words under rational control. After all, they were part of the Official Organization, which made them slightly less of strangers.

“Why didn’t that guy come?” Lu Ce nodded subtly toward the far-off Jiu Tian, who was peeking over.

“Him? He’s been talking sh*t about you behind your back,” Yan Hong seized the chance to snitch, badmouthing his teammate.

Far away, Jiu Tian’s ears were sharp. He heard everything and instantly started shaking his head violently—no idea if “Sin” could see it.

He’s slandering me!!

That little comedic act quickly passed, and Yan Hong got to the real issue:

“I came to ask—you seem so sure you won’t lose, even without knowing how the Game will develop or what the Rules are.”

“Do you have some kind of gambling-related ability? Or what?”

Lu Ce looked up strangely, swept his gaze over him, and spoke:

“Are you a reporter or something? What is this, A Date with Luyu?”

“Where am I even acting confident? It’s just a logical conclusion based on facts. I’m the strongest—there’s no possible way I’ll lose.”

“If you’re here to chat, then step aside. Don’t disturb my gameplay.”

As he spoke, Lu Ce picked up a piece of sashimi from his meal tray and put it in his mouth.

Watching his refined eating manner was a stark contrast to what Jiu Tian had seen last time—he could hardly believe it...

Meanwhile, the Fake Humans had started pushing Yan Hong away again, seemingly following Lu Ce’s earlier attitude.

“Wait!......”

“Then let’s place a bet!”

Seeing the other party had no interest in chatting, Yan Hong panicked and pulled out his trump card.

“Just one Star, head-to-head!”

The Fake Humans stopped pushing, finally allowing Yan Hong to stand before “Sin.”

“Sin” sneered, “You’ve got guts.”

Then he pointed to the big ×2 above his head and said: “But you’ll lose two Stars.”

“What do you want to bet on?”

“Let’s make our own bet terms. I don’t think I’ll lose,” Yan Hong smiled.

“I know you’re strong, so let’s play something fun.”

“Guess the time!”

Yan Hong spun around, pointing off into the distance, and whispered:

“See those people over there playing the slot machines?”

“Yeah.” Lu Ce replied disinterestedly.

“See that guy in green?”

“If you’ve got something to say, just say it all at once! Don’t drag it out.” The voice under the Lust Mask sounded rather annoyed at Yan Hong’s pacing.

“We’re going to bet, without letting him know.”

“Guess how long he’ll stay at that slot machine. We each guess a time, start the timer, and whoever’s guess is closer—wins!”

“Dare to try?”