Those half a dozen rednecks who approached Alan were now standing with annoyance in front of him. On the other hand, instead of answering the man's question, Alan calmly said and greeted him,

"Hi! It's good to see you are still alive."

They appeared to be a group of redneck brothers and cousins from the look of it, and the one who was leading them was none other than the veteran, Merle Rooker the Crimson Gunner.

Alan knew his real name because of his notorious popularity. The mid-thirties bulky Caucasian came for a specific demand, his precious assault rifle.

"You make me lose 2000 points! Now give back my baby, or else!"

Hearing the Caucasian speak in an annoyed tone, Alan just smiled and repeated, "or else?"

Alan's response could only bring more annoyance to the redneck. He clenched his fist tightly and tried his best to hold back his anger, because after all in this transit area, players were not allowed to hurt each other.

"Urgh!! I will find and hunt you down in the next round!" Said the redneck.

Alan calmly replied, "You can try... but I am afraid you might end up needing to waste even bigger survival points next round."

Hearing this, the Crimson Gunner suddenly recalled the memory during the last game. He was well aware of Alan's attitude and action at that moment, and it seemed like it was enough to make the Crimson Gunner feel a little threatened and made him say,

"Who the fuck are you? You are not a veteran... Are you mercenaries?"

Alan could only heave a sigh when he heard it. It was not the first time he had been asked such a question, and because it had been quite frequent, he learned to enjoy his answer and just casually said,

"I am a school teacher."

This answer surprised Crimson Gunner, as well as the monk who was standing next to him while listening to their conversation.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Y'all messing with me! Huh!"

The man felt mocked and could not hold his anger anymore. He shouted before he threw up a punch, but Alan could swiftly read it.

In a quick move, he dodged and grabbed the man's arm. Seconds after, with his power, he threw the man down, causing the Crimson Gunner to fall to the ground.

Baaammm

[Impact! Throw 0 damage inflicted]

The notification came as expected as no one could hurt anyone in this safe zone.

This, however, only made the crimson gunner become more rattled. After being thrown to the ground, he immediately stood up and took out his huge combat knife. This caused the commotion to start to bring many eyes upon them.

Following that, Alan calmly took out the crimson M16 and held it in his arm, making the Crimson Gunner's eyes shoot out "Give back my rifle!"

Alan said, "You took my gun and I took your gun... it's all fair, don't you think?"

"Huh! Your silly common gun for my superior rifle? No fucking fair!" The redneck protested as he could not accept it.

Alan quickly said, "Exactly… I am willing to trade it back with my gun."

The Crimson Gunner was surprised when he heard Alan's words just now. However, Alan was not finished yet. He then continued by saying, "Plus 5000 survival points. That's a fair trade! The gun is your trademark after all!"

Felt that he was being played, the Crimson Gunner enraged once again, "You!! I promise I will–"

However, before the Crimson Gunner could finish his words, Alan once again interrupted him.

"Wait, I have not finished yet!"

He then added, "...or we can make a bet!"

It was such an unexpected offer that made the redneck a little perplexed. However, the Crimson Gunner didn't raise any protest this time. He then took a deep breath and said, "What bet?"

Alan held the Crimson M16 rifle close and said, "Such an amazing rifle should be held with one who can use it best, you agree?" He stared at the Crimson Gunner with a challenging look.

"Fuck yeah!"

"Ok.. we will prove ourselves in the training ground, a rifle test. The one who has better rank wins the bet!" Alan briefly explained.

Hearing this, the Crimson Gunner was too stunned to speak and could only let out a laugh, so hard that he laughed together with the other rednecks around him.

"Hahhhahaha you fool a beginner who wishes to challenge me? In the assault rifle test? Yes! What are we betting on?" Asked the Crimson Gunner, still laughing in between his words.

"Easy! If you win, I will give back your rifle for free, but if I win, you will follow my order in the next round!"

The Crimson Gunner was surprised as he didn't realize Alan would ask such a thing. This time, he wasn't laughing anymore, but he gave Alan a disdainful look.

"Huh! You wanna bet an item with a promise, hahaha you fool! What makes you think I will keep my promise?"

Alan turned silent for a second. He had anticipated that the Crimson Gunner might not keep his promise, so he had thought of a way to make him follow the agreement. He then calmly said with a serious look,

"Although many people think you redneck are stupid... I know you are in fact proud breeds. I will take your words over any superior item anytime."

This word successfully made all the rednecks stunned. In this case, their pride was the guarantee, so if they broke the promise, the redneck's reputation was at stake.

"Whatever... you will never win anyway, fool teacher.. I'll take your bet!" said the Crimson Gunner confidently.

"Alright, I will see you in the training ground in an hour!"

"Huh! Ok. One hour! Don't make me wait!" The Crimson Gunner firmly said to Alan.

Afterward, the redneck group left. At this time, the central square turned much quieter than before. Right after, Alan told Nims to follow him.

"Where are we going?" Nims asked.

"Where else… Shopping!"