But Greek himself knew all too well that continuing like this would not only result in a massive loss of experience points, but more importantly, if the three matches were completed, he might not even be able to hold onto his second-place position on the PK leaderboard.
In Glory, the ranking on the PK leaderboard represented the value of an esports player.
Since Ash had been away from the game for many years and did not participate in the competition, Greek, who ranked second, had always been the undisputed top-tier player in Glory, with no one able to challenge his position.
But in just one night, everything changed.
The first PK match ended.
The system unsurprisingly displayed the prompt:
— [Player “Ash” wins!]
Greek clenched his teeth, his face dark.
After a few seconds of contemplation, he suddenly threw down his gun and slowly walked out from the respawn point.
This time, Greek did not seek any cover, which indicated that he had no intention of engaging in a fight with Ash.
It seemed… he wanted to negotiate.
Ash did not lower his gun.
Clad in pure, intense black, the character remained motionless, expressionless, and simply glanced around without responding, exuding an increasingly powerful and cold aura that made people wonder who was controlling Ash on the other side of the screen.
Greek stood still and typed a few words on the screen:
【I accept my loss.】
【Your skills are superior, I am no match for you.】
It was clear that Greek wanted to end the match, avoid the losses from the next two rounds, and find a way to save face.
Jing Mian pursed his lips, his gaze shifting to focus on the tall figure.
To be honest, having liked Ash for so many years and having watched countless recordings and seasons, he could somewhat guess what kind of person Ash was.
But at this moment, he couldn’t predict what would happen next or how Ash would react.
However, the next second.
He saw Ash raise his gun and headshot Greek.
Jing Mian was so shocked that he swallowed hard: “…”
Well, that was completely different from what he had guessed.
At that moment, the system prompted again: [Player “Greek” has died.]
Then, the next message appeared in the top left corner of both players’ screens:
[Proceed to the second PK match?]
While Greek was both angry and surprised, he suppressed his humiliation, returned from the respawn point, and typed another question on the screen:
【Ash, what is your goal?】
【Why did you choose me for a PK after logging in?】
Greek directly asked in front of all the players:
【I remember, I should have never provoked you.】
…
A few seconds passed.
Ash still did not respond.
Greek’s eyes filled with anger, but he couldn’t help but look up nervously at the second match prompt in the top left corner, fearing that Ash would click “start” at any moment.
Unexpectedly, this time, Ash suddenly moved.
Greek’s heart tightened, but he noticed that Ash did not raise his gun this time, or rather… Ash wasn’t even looking in his direction.
Ash’s attention…
Greek frowned slightly, following Ash’s gaze.
He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but Ash’s attention seemed to be focused on the spectator seats on the other side of the arena.
And the direction Ash was walking towards,
Confirmed Greek’s suspicion!
At this moment, Jing Mian was holding his laptop.
Before the second match began, he was focused on the movements of the two players in the arena.
Unexpectedly, after Greek directly raised his question, Ash not only didn’t answer but completely ignored him, instead walking straight toward the spectator seats.
At first, Jing Mian was a bit confused.
Until Ash got closer and closer to him.
At a certain moment, Jing Mian suddenly realized that Ash seemed… perhaps, maybe, possibly… to be heading in his direction?
Jing Mian: “…?”
This was obviously unlikely.
It wasn’t until Ash used his authority as the arena host to lock onto Jing Mian’s character, transforming him from a phantom back into a solid entity, that Jing Mian finally realized Ash was indeed coming for him.
Upon realizing this fact, Jing Mian felt his heart skip a beat.
Then it began to pound violently.
Even his breathing tightened.
What was going on?
Did Ash… need something from him?
But they barely knew each other.
Jing Mian was stunned. In the brief moment of confusion and hesitation, his mind started racing. Suddenly, he thought of the biggest connection between him and Ash: he had obtained Ash’s Shadow Guard after Ash quit the game.
Could it be that Ash… wanted his Shadow Guard back?
Since there had been no precedent for this before, Jing Mian wasn’t sure about the process or how he should respond.
But soon, Ash stood before him.
From Jing Mian’s perspective, Ash’s character was tall and imposing. Being in the top three of the PK rankings, the Glory system had granted him special accessory skins.
…Like a single-shoulder cape.
Whether it was because of this or not, when the two locked eyes, Jing Mian’s character had to tilt his head slightly upward, as Ash’s character appeared towering.
The combination of the skin and his strength made Ash look even more cold and heroic.
Their gazes met.
Jing Mian’s Adam’s apple moved slightly, and he couldn’t help but feel nervous.
Jing Mian hesitated, wondering if he should speak first, but the next moment, he heard a familiar, low sound effect mixed with the sound of wind, as if Ash had triggered something.
By the time he realized it.
A tall Shadow Guard had appeared behind him.
It was Ash’s Shadow Guard!
At this moment, the Shadow Guard’s outline was slightly dark and blurry, yet it exuded an overwhelming aura. Even though it wasn’t a moment of life-or-death crisis, the Shadow Guard had appeared abruptly and unexpectedly.
Jing Mian: “!”
He vaguely realized that the Shadow Guard’s sudden appearance was likely related to Ash.
But then, he felt the Shadow Guard behind him lean slightly forward.
The wide cape draped over his shoulders.
Jing Mian held his breath.
He didn’t understand what was happening.
Meanwhile, Greek, who had been ignored, noticed that Ash was walking toward someone in the spectator seats. As Ash got closer, he realized… it was Jing Mian?!
And at that moment, Ash, who hadn’t responded to any of his messages, suddenly had a line of text appear on his screen:
[Do you still want to play the second match?]
Greek shuddered, as if the inexplicable oppressive aura had affected him too. He swallowed slightly and replied: [No.]
Ash said:
[Apologize to him.]