Dancer might not be a spring chicken anymore, but her way of thinking could still be a bit childish. Or maybe it was just that women weren't cut out for pondering all this kill-or-be-killed strategy stuff. Still, the fact that she'd mentioned "Fukushima City" – the main stage for the Illusionary Realm's plot – proved she'd done her homework in the lead-up.
"That's because the Chinese military isn't exactly optimistic about this mission," a warm male voice interjected, cutting off Luo Jie just as he was about to explain things to Dancer.
The team instinctively turned. A young man in a sharp black military-style security uniform was approaching. He had a handsome face and a warm, spring-like smile that just made you feel at ease.
But Luo Jie's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He knew this guy all too well – it was Jia Shuai, the one he'd seen at the buffet earlier.
Reaching them, Jia Shuai nodded politely to Chief and the others before continuing, "Despite the detailed Illusionary Realm data provided by the Japanese Ministry of Defense, those two consecutive failed clear attempts speak volumes. There's some international mutual aid agreement for responding to Illusionary Realms, so the Chinese military couldn't refuse Japan's request. But they can still pull some strings, like limiting the number of participants. That way, even if the players they send get wiped out, it won't cripple their overall strength."
"Who are you?" Chief and the other two asked, eyeing this uninvited stranger with confusion.
Jia Shuai placed a hand on his chest, a gentlemanly gesture. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the captain of the 'World Student Union' team. You may address me as 'President.'"
"Oh, right. I'm Ivory Mountain Chief's team, callsign Chief," Chief replied, shaking Jia Shuai's hand despite his confusion. After all, you don't hit a smiling face, and besides, they didn't even know the guy.
Upon hearing Chief's self-introduction, Jia Shuai's lips twitched noticeably. He barely suppressed the urge to mock that ridiculous team name, forcing a smile. "A pleasure, a pleasure! You're Chief, I'm President… we're practically destined, aren't we?"
"What do you want?" Boxer cut in abruptly, his face cold. Maybe it was a clash of personalities, but he clearly had no liking for this smooth-talking, smiling guy.
Jia Shuai knew better than to overstay his welcome. His smile faded slightly, and he spoke earnestly, "Here's the thing. Since this is an away mission, I thought it'd be good if us Chinese players formed an alliance – watch each other's backs, work together. I've already run this idea by several other team captains, and they're on board. What do you say?"
"Oh, that sounds like a good idea. I—" Chief was about to agree when Luo Jie, not caring if he was overstepping, cut him off.
"This is a big decision. We need to discuss it first," Luo Jie said to Jia Shuai.
Boxer stepped up, placing himself between Jia Shuai and Luo Jie, extending a cold hand. "Yeah, we'll need to talk it over. Please leave."
"Well… suit yourselves," Jia Shuai replied, maintaining that practiced smile despite the setback, showing no obvious irritation. "If you decide to join, feel free to add me as a friend anytime. I'll take my leave then."
As Jia Shuai turned to go, Luo Jie caught a distinct, meaningful glance thrown his way.
So, I'm on his blacklist now, huh? Luo Jie thought with an indifferent smirk. Let's just hope the guy knows better than to mess with him. Otherwise, he'd make him experience the true meaning of despair under absolute power.
"You two…" Chief was still confused, clearly not getting why Luo Jie and Boxer had shot down the idea.
"Sorry, Chief, for speaking out of turn," Luo Jie apologized first. He figured he owed them an explanation. Chief was a laid-back, generous guy, but over time, unresolved issues could fester and erode trust.
"There's something I didn't mention. That 'President' and I… we survived the same Illusionary Realm before. I've dealt with him. He's got a huge ego and a controlling streak. It's not that he's impossible to work with, but he's far from ideal."
Chief, Dancer, and Boxer looked surprised to hear Luo Jie knew the stranger.
"But what he said made sense," Chief argued, still puzzled. "There are Japanese players in there too, and we can't tell friend from foe. Why wouldn't Chinese players team up for mutual protection?"
"'Watch each other's backs...'" Luo Jie murmured, his eyes momentarily distant as if recalling something. He fell silent for a beat, then sighed. "Everyone has their own agenda. It's one thing with your own team, but expecting two groups of strangers to risk their necks for each other without hesitation? That's easier said than done. This so-called alliance would just be a pretty empty shell."
Chief was simple and honest, not stupid. Luo Jie's words made the gears turn. He frowned. "You're right… But if this player alliance is so useless, why's that President guy working so hard to round people up?"
"Information," Luo Jie stated flatly, pinpointing Jia Shuai's true motive. "Information is everything in an Illusionary Realm. Once the alliance is formed, as its founder, he'd be at the center of an intelligence network made up of over a hundred Chinese players. He wouldn't even have to lift a finger, and he'd be calling the shots from a position of absolute safety, making all the plans that benefit him most. 'Watching each other's backs' is just smoke and mirrors to hide what he's really after."
The air grew quiet. Luo Jie noticed the three of them were looking at him strangely. Chief's expression was the most exaggerated – his normally tough-guy face was contorted into something resembling Edvard Munch's The Scream, his mouth hanging open wide enough to cram in a whole egg.
"Not bad!" Dancer, despite her delicate appearance, had the heart of a straightforward tomboy. She gave Luo Jie's shoulder an affectionate, hearty pat, her praise unstinting. "That's some solid analysis, Nightmare! I wouldn't have guessed you had it in you. If you hadn't said you were a newbie, I'd swear you were a veteran spouting intel!"