“We all share the same goal—regardless of who wins or loses this time, there’s no need to harbor hatred toward each other.” Hans smiled at Bai Youwei again. “Relax. We can be friends.”

Bai Youwei found this person terribly strange…

Once you entered the game, it was a fight to the death. How could they possibly become friends?

And the way he said it—so casual, so relaxed…

This was the third battle. Even she felt a little nervous, yet the other side seemed completely at ease. Who knew what cards he was holding.

“So this is the venue for the third battle. Seems a bit small…” Hans looked around and remarked, “I wonder what kind of game it’ll be. I hope it won’t be too dangerous.”

Shen Mo glanced at the group nearby and asked him, “Those people—are they all your subjects?”

There were ten people in the room total. Besides Bai Youwei and Shen Mo, there were eight others.

Hans smiled and nodded. “All friends I’ve made in the game. We’re united by a shared belief—as long as the world can be restored, we’re willing to accept whatever sacrifice that requires.”

He finished speaking and waved his companions over with a smile. “We’re quite strong, having already cleared Battle 10 and Battle 5. If we’d had just a few more people, we’d have joined Battle 20 this time. Let me introduce everyone—”

His companions stepped forward, and Hans introduced them one by one to Shen Mo and Bai Youwei:

“This is Dim. Don’t let his size fool you—he’s an expert rock climber, and water is no obstacle for him either.

This is Julian, our team’s encyclopedia.

This is Morlin, the bravest and most formidable warrior among us. No one can stop his fists…”

Hans introduced every member of his team, then turned to look at Bai Youwei and Shen Mo with an expectant expression, as if waiting for them to introduce themselves in turn.

But Bai Youwei truly had nothing to say.

Shen Mo offered a simple introduction: “I’m Shen Mo, she’s Bai Youwei. We’re partners.”

Nothing more was added—because there was no need.

Hans didn’t seem to mind at all, still wearing that smile. He asked, “You two are a couple, aren’t you?”

Bai Youwei froze for a moment and looked again at this man with the honest, kind-looking face.

Hans gently shook his head and said warmly, “In this game, what I fear most is encountering couples—because hurting one will cause enormous pain to the other. I hope this game brings you good fortune, and that you won’t be separated from each other.”

It was a kind thing to say. But somehow, it felt deeply unsettling.

Bai Youwei finally couldn’t hold back, and stared at Hans’s face. “Are you out of your mind?”

Surprise flashed across Hans’s eyes.

“Even if every last one of you dies,” Bai Youwei said, “my boyfriend and I will be just fine. Understood?”

Hans’s eyes widened slightly, as if genuinely astonished. His expression stiffened for two seconds—then he broke into a gentle smile, not the least bit angry.

“Your girlfriend is adorable,” he said to Shen Mo with a laugh, as though he’d taken Bai Youwei’s harsh words as a little girl throwing a tantrum.

Shen Mo gently draped his arm around Bai Youwei’s shoulder and smiled. “Yeah. She really is.”

Hans turned to leave.

“Though I think,” Shen Mo added, “she’s not wrong.”

Hans’s footsteps stopped.

After a long pause, he turned around and looked at the two of them deeply. His tone carried a mournful weight. “Why is it that none of my opponents ever understand—only by letting the world win is there a true victory for all of humanity? Hatred and hostility only blind you… I’m truly sorry we can’t reach a consensus.”

—