Infinity, The Arcade Age

The tank, clad in heavy armor and boasting an imposing physique, was undeniably a burly man.

However, at this moment, he looked pitifully weak as Priest Aludo easily hoisted him across the table.

Before the tank could recover from his shock, the elven ranger Labelle swiftly moved to press a dagger against his neck.

"Cut the nonsense! We're not interested in pleasantries. Leave or die—your choice!"

Clearly, the duo had mistaken Qin Ming's group for competitors.

To be fair, their anger wasn't unjustified. As mercenaries—or, as some called them, "heroes"—they lived a life of blood and steel. Constantly fighting monsters, it was only natural for their tempers to run hot.

The two had traveled far to assist this village, only to hear upon arrival that the invading orcs had already been driven off. Not only had their efforts been for naught, but the reward that should have been theirs had been snatched away. That they hadn't outright attacked was only because Qin Ming's group outnumbered them, making a direct assault unwise.

While adventurers didn't generally share camaraderie—sometimes even treating each other as prey—Qin Ming's group, for now, shared a tenuous alignment of interests.

As soon as their comrade was grabbed, Qin Ming and the others sprang to their feet, glaring at the duo.

Air Cannon quickly moved back, energy swirling in his hands as he adopted a charging stance, a glowing energy ball forming between his palms.

Meanwhile, Hawkeye nocked an arrow and locked sights with Labelle, who raised his own bow in response.

Qin Ming and Twin-Guns also drew their firearms, aiming directly at the intruders.

The atmosphere grew tense as the two sides stared each other down, unblinking and silent. No one dared to make the first move.

Watching the two fierce protagonists, sweat dripped down Twin-Guns' forehead. She couldn't wrap her head around how their plan to team up with the protagonists to take down the boss had turned into this standoff.

Just then, footsteps echoed from nearby.

The village chief approached, carrying a tray. His expression froze when he saw the scene but, after a brief hesitation, he stepped forward and gently placed the tray on the table.

Rubbing his hands nervously, he turned to Qin Ming's group with a small smile. "Honored guests, thank you for saving our village from the orcs. This is a token of our gratitude. It's not much, but I hope you heroes won't find it lacking."

As he spoke, the old chief pulled away the red cloth covering the tray, revealing a pile of gold coins.

Qin Ming and his team couldn't help but raise their eyebrows, their eyes glinting with interest.

Across the table, the Priest and Ranger's pupils narrowed as greed flashed in their expressions.

Looking at the coins, Qin Ming suddenly understood why this mission had started with such a dangerous orc raid. This was an unlisted hidden task outside the Nightmare Space's usual records.

The gold on the table was worth 1,000 points, redeemable after the mission's completion.

In other words, just by surviving this introductory scenario, each of them had earned 200 points.

It also explained the hostility of the protagonists. Without the adventurers' interference, this reward would have gone to them.

Glancing at the money, Twin-Guns exchanged a look with her team before stepping forward with a sudden smile.

"Gentlemen, we have no interest in this money. We came here solely to help the villagers. Since you say this was meant to be your reward, why don't you take it all? Consider it a gesture of friendship."

The others grimaced slightly at her words, reluctant to part with the points they had just earned. However, understanding the mission's difficulty, they bit their tongues and remained silent.

Hearing this, Aludo and Labelle's eyes lit up. They raised their brows and turned to Twin-Guns.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course! We love making friends with heroes. What's a little money compared to meeting fine warriors like you?"

Seeing Twin-Guns' radiant smile, the once-hostile Priest and Ranger's faces softened into broad grins. Aludo even released the tank's collar and helped straighten his crooked armor.

"Well, why didn't you say so earlier? We thought you were a bunch of frauds! Turns out we're all heroes! What a coincidence!"

As he spoke, Aludo gestured energetically while Labelle scooped up the gold and pocketed it with practiced efficiency.

With the money secured, the duo's demeanor changed entirely. Their hostility evaporated, replaced by a surprising warmth. They even shook hands vigorously with Qin Ming's group.

Seizing the moment, Twin-Guns pressed on.

"Gentlemen, the reason we're so determined to eliminate the orcs, even without a reward, is personal. One of our comrades lost a loved one to these monsters. We're here solely for revenge."

She clapped Hawkeye on the shoulder as she spoke.

The newly "bereaved" Hawkeye froze for a moment before quickly adopting a pained expression. He even wiped at the corner of his eye for effect.

Seeing this, Qin Ming and the others joined in, patting his shoulder as if offering comfort.

The Priest and Ranger exchanged a glance and shrugged. They didn't care about the adventurers' tragic backstory; it wasn't their business. They were here for the money, after all.

Twin-Guns noticed their indifference but didn't mind. She had laid the groundwork for her real proposal.

"So, how about this—why don't we work together this time?"

"Work together?"

"Yes. The Orc Chieftain serving the Red Dragon commands a large force and is incredibly strong. It'll be hard for either of us to defeat him alone. Why not join forces? Don't worry—we don't want any rewards. The money and points are yours. We're only here for vengeance!"

Aludo and Labelle exchanged another look, their expressions growing serious.

Turning to Hawkeye, Aludo asked gravely, "Brother, may I ask—who was this relative of yours that the orcs killed?"

"Uh? Oh! My brother!"

"Your brother…?" Aludo's eyes gleamed as he slammed his flanged mace onto the ground with a resounding thud.

"Then your brother is my brother! Let's avenge my brother together!"

"FOR MY BROTHER!" he roared, raising his mace dramatically.

(Chapter End)