章 39: Next simulation bet
Feeling the familiar yet cold aura emanating from Himeko, Bronya suddenly had a surreal thought.
Himeko!
Why couldn't I view your character card in the simulation?
Why did Ruan switch teams and end up in your faction?
Why did you come to find Ruan immediately after the simulation ended?
There's only one answer!
Himeko!
You're a player too!
Bronya looked at Himeko's half-smiling expression and clenched her clothes behind her back. She was so angry that she almost tore her clothes.
Why did it turn out like this...
In the simulation, Himeko was supposed to be her right-hand, and Ruan was her most respected and trusted subordinate. Together, they should have brought about a better outcome...
But because Himeko, as a player, did not play fair, she tried every way to steal Ruan after discovering his strength. It was bad enough that I lost in the simulation with AI control, but do you think I would let Ruan go to you in reality?
Dream on!
Bronya gritted her teeth and forced a smile:
"I need to see the situation with my own eyes to avoid being deceived... no need to trouble you, Himeko."
"See it with your own eyes? Fine, go find Sampo. He's waiting for you in the usual place," Himeko shrugged, seemingly indifferent. But she suddenly leaned closer to Ruan, her intentions becoming clear:
"The lower district is quite safe. If you're just going to ask the mining team some questions, you don't need a bodyguard, right?
"The geoflame has had some trouble recently, and there's been conflict between some wanderers and the mining team. I can't handle it alone, so I'll borrow your guard for now."
"No!"
Bronya stepped forward without hesitation, blocking Himeko:
"Sorry, but my guard is not available... The lower district is chaotic, and I need Ruan for my protection."
"I don't see what protection you need, Miss Upper District."
Himeko sneered, "The lower district isn't as chaotic as you think, and with Sampo guiding you, he can handle any trouble for the right price... I'll be taking your guard."
Bronya frowned, her tone becoming firmer:
"I said no, and I meant it."
"Tch, so stingy, wasting talent..."
Himeko shrugged and leaned close to Bronya's ear, whispering something.
Bronya, barely catching Himeko's words, thought back to the previous simulations where Ruan died because of her dragging him down. Her grip on her clothes tightened even more.
Taking a deep breath to calm her anger, she let go of her clothes and coldly replied:
"Unlike you, I won't send him to his death."
"Unlike you, I know how to use his talents to the fullest, squeezing every bit of value from him."
Himeko's previously calm expression stiffened, and her face turned unnatural.
"...That's still better than dragging him down every time."
She remained silent for a long time before muttering this.
Watching the two of them whispering to each other, Ruan felt bewildered—what's going on between these two? Why are they suddenly whispering to each other?
Moreover, Ruan sensed a strange tension between them, almost as if they were in direct confrontation.
Did Bronya suddenly remember her past life and decide to confront this not-so-innocent Himeko?
Otherwise, why would they suddenly be at odds?
Scratching his head in confusion, Ruan slowly backed away until he was inside his room, quietly closing the door.
Though unsure why these two were suddenly at odds, Ruan knew from experience that he should not get involved.
After all, to Ruan, Bronya was his boss, the woman who paid him a monthly salary of 1.5 million credits. Himeko, on the other hand, was a reliable teammate in the last simulation and a key figure in the lower district. Getting caught in their conflict could crush him completely.
This is reality, not a simulation—Ruan doesn't have those boosted stats here.
Self-preservation is the key.
Sighing, Ruan collapsed back onto his bed, preparing to take a nap.
Since Bronya isn't assigning any tasks, a little rest won't hurt, right?
Staying up late gaming yesterday left him with barely an hour or two of sleep. He couldn't resist a good nap...
Now that he had the chance, he would seize it!
Meanwhile, outside the door, Bronya and Himeko both noticed Ruan cautiously returning to his room, but neither stopped him. They continued glaring at each other, fuming from the verbal attacks.
After a long silence, Bronya spoke seriously:
"For my dream... Himeko, I won't give up Ruan to you."
"Ruan isn't yours to give up. Besides, everyone has dreams. I won't let Ruan go."
"...So there's no room for negotiation?"
"There never was."
Another long silence ensued.
"Arguing won't resolve this... I know you care for Belobog, Himeko."
Finally, Bronya broke the silence:
"Since it's all for Belobog, let's settle this with another simulation."
"Whoever wins in the next simulation will decide Ruan's allegiance. Deal?"
Himeko looked deeply into Bronya's eyes.
"...Fine."
"After all, there are only two players. We can determine the winner through simulations, right?"
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