AFM 42 Part 2

At this moment, all the fabrics, lanterns, and even every trace of color at the wedding turned red.

The groom revealed his evil spirit form before the kiss, which was almost unheard of in this map. What was noteworthy was that the groom, now possessed by the evil spirit, seemed more powerful than ever, with an absurdly thick health bar.

It was as if he had become too powerful, and his body could no longer maintain its original form, forcing him to reveal himself prematurely.

In an instant, the teammate blocking Jing Mian’s path was torn apart.

Jing Mian’s pupils contracted.

His body reacted faster than his mind, and he quickly stood up, still holding the bride, and ran in the opposite direction.

The evil spirit was hot on his heels.

Perhaps due to the Holographic Glasses and the earpiece, Jing Mian could hear the character’s frantic panting and the pounding of his heart.

He hadn’t expected this round to be so hellishly difficult, full of surprises, and even Greek couldn’t break through.

While thinking, Jing Mian ran while looking back to see if the evil spirit was catching up.

However, when his gaze fell on the area the Boss had passed through, he saw that Greek’s remaining teammate hadn’t run away but was instead watching the spectacle. As the evil spirit passed by him, that player was instantly torn to pieces.

Jing Mian: “?”

Indiscriminate attacks?

This didn’t make sense.

The possessed groom wasn’t supposed to attack his own team. That was the default rule, and it was also the chance for the groom’s team to escape. But now, this system-set rule had been blatantly broken.

There seemed to be only one reason.

Jing Mian’s eyelashes trembled slightly as he suddenly realized something—the opponent must have used an item!

The Boss had suddenly become unusually strong, the bride had been continuously bewitched, Greek’s inexplicable disappearance, and the attacks that didn’t distinguish between friend or foe…

Jing Mian held his breath.

Greek and the groom had swapped souls!!

This was a highly risky move. Not only was it not guaranteed to work, but it also required precise timing and skill. The player had to use the item at the exact moment the groom was possessed by the evil spirit, demanding both speed and timing. Any slight mistake would result in both parties failing, wasting a rare item and costing their lives.

But Greek had done it.

This was perhaps the strength of the second-ranked player on the leaderboard.

Jing Mian’s forehead broke out in a fine sweat. He thought that Greek probably wasn’t doing this for the first time. Perhaps in countless previous practices, Greek had already mastered this playstyle, but this time, he had truly applied it in a match.

Now, only Greek and Jing Mian remained, each alone. Greek was the groom enhanced by the evil spirit, while Jing Mian was the unlucky one who couldn’t let go of the bride.

With the evil spirit’s enhancement on the groom, Greek seemed to have turned into a hunter. He could summon the bride and freely attack Jing Mian.

But Greek didn’t seem to be in a hurry to chase Jing Mian. Instead, he moved at a leisurely pace, as if dealing with something already in his grasp. Occasionally, when Jing Mian’s stamina dropped, Greek would slow down and launch a sneak attack.

Before long, Jing Mian heard the sound of his health bar rapidly decreasing.

At this moment, Jing Mian happened to run onto the wedding stage.

His stamina was now depleted, forcing his character to stop. He crouched on the ground, holding the bride, utterly exhausted and gasping for breath.

Greek circled around and came to stand before Jing Mian.

He reached out, his long, shadowy hand gripping the top of Jing Mian’s head.

Then, the health bar, which had already been reduced to half, began to plummet rapidly and violently!

Soon, it dropped to a sliver of health.

Even at the last moment, Jing Mian did not let go of the bride. As his health bar was plummeting, in the most critical moment, he suddenly heard a complex and deep sound effect, mingled with the desolate sound of wind.

It felt strangely familiar to Jing Mian.

In fact, he had heard this sound just three days ago.

He suddenly realized something.

His heart skipped a beat.

Behind him, a continuous stream of wind began to blow, sweeping through his hair. The maple leaves beneath his feet started to swirl, and countless bird calls silently passed by, creating a solemn and profound atmosphere.

At this moment, the audience below the stage gasped in astonishment, as everyone realized what this moment signified.

Ash had been awakened!!!

That was Jing Mian’s Shadow Guard!

Since this was a provincial-level competition, to ensure fairness, the number of times a Shadow Guard could be awakened was limited. It could not appear more than three times in a single match, and only one use was allowed. In national competitions, the Shadow Guard mechanism was completely prohibited.

Jing Mian had triggered his most crucial Shadow Guard at this moment, elevating the match’s entertainment value to its peak. Everyone’s hearts were in their throats, unable to look away from this pivotal moment.

Greek felt a surge of astonishment.

Because he saw that the tall figure behind Jing Mian now had a blurred outline, but the single-shouldered cloak slowly rose, exuding an overwhelming sense of pressure. He deeply realized the opponent’s strength and indomitability, just as he had felt during their recent PK match.

Unconsciously, it felt as though he had returned to the fear of that day.

Greek swallowed hard.

Without hesitation, he began to control the groom to attack Ash!

However, before Jing Mian could even dodge, he found himself already protected within Ash’s domain. Around him, it was as if he had been marked into an untouchable zone. Even the blood and sparks from the battle with Greek did not touch Sheep in the slightest.

In the next moment, Ash moved.

If Shadow Guards could have emotions, then at this moment, it would be best described as murderous.

His moves were precise and ruthless, forcing Greek into a continuous retreat. The fear of being utterly crushed seemed to infect every spectator watching the match. Ash looked down at him, black and gold flames erupting from his hands as he mercilessly struck at Greek. From the audience seats, all that could be seen was Greek, completely unable to fight back, and his health bar, thick but rapidly plummeting!

【Too strong】

【I can’t breathe anymore…】

【This will be the most heart-pounding and thrilling match of the provincial competition】

【Ahhhhh I can’t bear to blink!!】

【Ash protecting his wife at all costs!!】

At the last moment, countless rays of light transformed into a sharp force, slashing toward the evil spirit where Greek stood. In that instant, people forgot to breathe, because as they looked at Jing Mian now, it was as if he had merged with the towering Ash behind him. That Shadow Guard, who seemed more like a soul-reaping evil spirit than the enemy, was fiercely, coldly, and emotionlessly guarding his one and only Sheep.

It was like a cold painting, interwoven with light and shadow.

In such a situation, even without victory, people felt that the reversal of this match was simply breathtakingly brilliant.

Finally, the dark night evil spirit on Greek’s body was split in two, and from within, a torrent of fragments surged outward. The tide of the match turned, and Greek’s health points rapidly dropped to zero at that moment due to the failure of the parasitic possession.

At this time, the bride jumped down from Jing Mian and ran toward A’zhu, her joy akin to that of surviving a disaster. She hugged her surviving lover and wept silently.

Not far away, a door appeared, faintly emitting a dazzling light.

Jing Mian raised his head, and it was the brightest presence in his field of vision. He was slightly startled, then squinted his eyes.

The health bar was at its bottom, but the severely injured character had already seen hope and redemption.

An indescribable sensation welled up in his heart.

Jing Mian thought, if his character could speak, he might say… Ash, let’s go.

But when he turned around, Ash’s figure had already disappeared.

Jing Mian was dazed for a few seconds.

Then he stood up.

He took a step forward, his feet stepping over the yellowed maple leaves on the ground, and walked somewhat unsteadily toward that door.

The match was over.

There were two more matches in the next two days, but having won two in a row, as long as they didn’t lose too badly, with Me.’s current points, they were already one foot into the national competition.

Although his heart was already boiling with excitement, he still forced himself to stay calm. He didn’t go out for a big celebration meal either. Everyone celebrated enthusiastically in the lounge for a while, then dispersed to rest and relax freely.

Song Xianyang realized he had left his jacket in the spectator seats, so before leaving the venue, he hurried back, telling Jing Mian to return to the hotel first.

Jing Mian hooked his finger on the edge of his mask and pulled it up a bit. He put on his jacket and left the esports arena under the cover of night.

However, as he passed by a café that was on his way, he vaguely noticed a tall man leaning against the glass window, a faint mist swirling around his lips.

It didn’t seem like mist, but rather the smoke from the cigarette he held in his hand.

Jing Mian was slightly stunned, and his figure paused.

Because this profile seemed familiar, as if he had just seen it.

…It was Greek, whom he had just battled against!

His Adam’s apple moved inexplicably. Jing Mian wasn’t good at dealing with people he had conflicts with, and his fingers unconsciously curled up. He lowered his gaze, silently detoured, planning to pretend he hadn’t seen Greek.

But just as he was about to leave the café, he suddenly heard the man’s voice speak:

“Sheep?”

Jing Mian’s footsteps halted, like a student who had failed to escape a classroom question, and he sighed heavily in his heart.

Jing Mian turned around, and his gaze met Greek’s.

The man was tall with black hair and slightly blue eyes, wearing an earring. Seeing Jing Mian respond, he smiled faintly, silently extinguished his cigarette, and walked up to Jing Mian, his gaze slightly lowered, showing no signs of anger or obvious hostility.

Jing Mian did not relax his tension.

After all, their recent interactions online had not been pleasant, and today they had faced off as fierce opponents in the provincial competition, unexpectedly defeated by Me.

Jing Mian bowed slightly and said, “Hello.”

Greek replied, “Yes, hello.”

“You played very well today. I was planning to use that prop card in the national competition,” Greek smiled. “But since my opponent was you, I didn’t let my guard down.”

Although in the end, not only did he not win, but he also wasted a precious prop card.

Jing Mian felt slightly embarrassed and could only say, “Your performance was brilliant, I was just lucky.”

“No, even with the Shadow Guard, it was well-deserved.”

Greek lowered his gaze, “After all, not everyone can win against Ash’s Shadow Guard. I know how much effort you’ve put in behind the scenes. You’ve worked hard.”

It must be said, Greek was very good at conversation. In just a few words, he could make people feel at ease and let down their guard.

Jing Mian didn’t know what to say, so he politely responded, “Thank you, you’re too kind.”

Greek suddenly asked, “Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”

Jing Mian was taken aback, “?”

Greek seemed a bit embarrassed and smiled, “Actually, I want to apologize for what happened on the forum not long ago.”

“Li Shengwen and I are friends in real life,” Greek paused for a few seconds, sighed, and continued, “Maybe I’ve been too caring towards him in life, which led to some misunderstandings.”

“I just didn’t expect it to make him develop extreme biases and misunderstandings towards you. It’s my fault for not making things clear,” Greek scratched his head and said softly, “I’m sorry for hurting you, who was innocent.”

Jing Mian’s brow furrowed slightly.

At this point, even if it was related to Greek, there was no reason to pick a fight, because whether sincere or not, the other party’s words were very candid.

Jing Mian’s eyelashes were slightly misty as he spoke, “Since it has nothing to do with you, there’s no need to apologize to me.”

Greek shook his head, “No, it still has a little to do with me.”

“So let me buy you a cup of coffee,” Greek was somewhat awkward but still said, “Although it’s not worth much and doesn’t count as a treat, it’s my gesture. Let’s consider the previous misunderstandings and grievances settled, okay?”

Jing Mian hesitated for a moment, realizing there was no room for refusal.

So he nodded lightly.

Greek smiled, pushed open the door of the café, and turned to say, “It’s cold outside, come in and wait for a while.”

Jing Mian felt the chill in his fingertips and the soles of his feet, thought for a moment, and followed Greek into the café.

Near the esports arena, there might be many fans who came to watch the competition and live broadcasts, so Jing Mian had not removed his mask, even in front of Greek.

Greek seemed to respect this as well, letting Jing Mian sit by the window while he went to the counter to order coffee.

Jing Mian watched the flowing street scene for a while, then lowered his gaze, opened his phone to see if Mr. Ren had sent any messages at this time.

Just as he unlocked his phone, Greek had already brought the coffee.

The coffee was placed in front of Jing Mian.

Jing Mian was taken aback. He suddenly realized that if they were to drink coffee together, would he have to remove his mask in front of Greek?

Greek noticed Jing Mian’s expression and quickly said, “It’s alright, I won’t stay here. Take your time and enjoy your coffee.”

He added, “Good luck with your match tomorrow.”

Jing Mian glanced to the side and softly replied, “Thank you.”

Greek pushed open the door and left the café.

Jing Mian reached out, his fingertips touching the rim of the coffee cup. The warm, slightly scalding sensation spread from his palm.

The coffee wasn’t for takeout, so it was served in a handle-equipped mug, without any latte art on top.

Jing Mian picked up the coffee.

Greek stepped out of the café, the cold slowly creeping over him, but he seemed oblivious. With just a turn, he returned to the glass window at the side of the café.

From this angle, he could see Jing Mian’s figure from behind.

Jing Mian had already pulled down his mask.

Although only his profile was visible.

His heart began to beat.

Thump, thump, it pounded against his chest.

Greek’s gaze fixed, watching as Jing Mian’s lips touched the rim of the cup. The light brown liquid slid into his mouth, and Jing Mian took a sip of the warm coffee, his Adam’s apple moving slightly.

Greek watched Jing Mian, his own Adam’s apple bobbing in response.

The small bottle, no larger than a thumb, containing a transparent liquid, was thrown to the ground by the man, emitting a crisp, faint sound.

By Zephyria

Hello, I'm Zephyria, an avid BL reader^^ I post AI/Machine assisted translation. Mostly BL. Check my Ko-fi for more HSA chapters~

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