Three days later.
During this time, Valerius had been living quite comfortably.
At the very least, whenever he felt bored, he had Jingliu around to chat with him. It was no longer like before, when every bout of boredom sent him off looking for Bronya to talk to.
On the contrary, recently, Bronya seemed to be visiting the Goethe Hotel more frequently.
"System, start the game."
He had rested enough. Valerius decided today was the day to open the next game.
[Acknowledged… Game arena opening.]
White light descended, and Valerius found himself inside a room.
It was a reception room.
A desk stood at the center, with sofas and a coffee table to the side, and several potted plants decorating the back of the room.
"Oh? So you can even play it like this?"
The moment he entered the game, Valerius immediately understood the rules, and couldn't help but marvel.
"The system really knows how to have fun."
"System, pull the players."
[Extracting players…]
[This game's selected players are: Blade, Yunli, Argenti, Ningguang, Diluc, Alhaitham.]
As the selection completed, six beams of light descended.
[Herta: Not picked again?]
[Asta: Miss Herta, you've already been selected once before.]
[Ruan Mei: I wonder what kind of game this will be.]
[Keqing: Didn't you say there would be punishments starting this round? Perfect chance to see what they are.]
[Furina: Exactly, having people test the waters first feels much safer.]
[Jing Yuan: Be careful. The punishments may not be pleasant.]
[Sparkle: Punishment, punishment, punishment.]
"Please, have a seat."
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Valerius gestured for them to sit before continuing.
"This game is called Best Bodyguard."
"You'll be playing as members of our bodyguard company. Protecting your client is your mission."
"Here are the rules:"
"First: All of you are set at the highest combat level of this world. There are no enemies stronger than you, but your combat power relative to each other is equal."
"Second: There are no starting points. All points will be awarded based on the final evaluation given by your employer."
"Third: Your employers may be enemies… or allies. So… you understand."
"Fourth: This is a modern city world. Your employers are all 'chosen heroines' of this world—commonly known as female leads. Which means… the male leads might not like you."
"Fifth: This is a simulated world. While your actions won't cause real harm, the law still applies. Game duration: one month."
"That's all the rules. Not difficult, right?"
After hearing the explanation, everyone nodded.
The game really wasn't complicated, and the rules were clear.
"Good. Since there are no questions, go change into your work clothes next door."
Valerius casually tossed several small booklets at them.
"These are your gun licenses. Keep them on you."
Work clothes too?
That surprised them a little, but no one objected. Taking the licenses, they all headed into the adjacent room.
When they emerged again, all six were dressed in black suits with sunglasses.
They looked extremely professional.
[Yanqing: Hahaha! The others are fine, but what's up with Yunli? Isn't that suit way too big?]
[Fu Xuan: Heh, interesting.]
[Sampo: Yunli really looks like a smug little gremlin.]
[Asta: Black-suit bodyguards… they really look imposing.]
[Xingqiu: Why do I feel like they look more like thugs than bodyguards?]
[Silver Wolf: Blade kinda looks like an insurance salesman.]
[Keqing: Ningguang looks like someone selling second-hand real estate.]
[Stelle: Give each of them a shoulder bag and they'll instantly look like utility bill collectors.]
Valerius scanned them with satisfaction—until his gaze landed on Yunli.
"…Uh, Yunli, there are smaller sizes in the wardrobe."
"Ah… oh…"
Yunli had already felt something was off. Everyone else fit perfectly, while hers was huge.
Turns out there were smaller sizes.
She hurried back in.
When she came out again, the suit finally fit properly.
"Good. Since you're all ready, I'll start taking jobs."
"Oh, and by the way—the bottom three will receive punishments this time."
After reminding them, Valerius tapped the start button on his panel.
[Personnel confirmed. Game start.]
Knock, knock, knock.
Someone was knocking.
"Please come in."
The door opened.
A youthful girl brimming with energy strode in arrogantly, sat straight down in front of Valerius, and casually glanced at the black-suited figures behind him.
"So this is the 'Die-Fast Bodyguard Company'?"
"Pfft!"
The people behind almost spat blood.
What kind of name was that?
Die-Fast?!
Who would hire a company with that name?
"Yes. This is indeed Die-Fast Bodyguard Company."
Valerius pointed behind him.
"You're very lucky. All six of our company's most professional bodyguards are present today. For only 100 yuan, they can eliminate all danger for you."
We're really cheap, huh…
The six bodyguards suppressed the urge to beat Valerius up.
Setting their price this low—was he serious?
The girl's gaze swept over them one by one.
Blade first—nice. He looked murderous enough to scare people.
Yunli—no, too short.
Argenti—good. Straight posture, handsome.
Ningguang—female, no.
Diluc—also solid.
Finally, Alhaitham.
"…Hiss."
The moment her eyes met his, she froze.
Handsome, cold, great physique.
Perfect.
"I want him."
Without hesitation, she pointed straight at Alhaitham.
"Alright."
Valerius nodded and instructed, "She's your client from now on. You know the deal."
"Understood."
Alhaitham said nothing more and walked over to her.
"Nice to meet you. Alhaitham."
"Just call me Xiao Yueyue."
Xiao Yueyue stood up and led Alhaitham out, asking as they walked,
"You've got a great build. Where do you train?"
"Library."
"Huh?"
She paused, then reacted.
"Oh, I get it. Knowledge is power, right? You're pretty funny, handsome."
Watching Alhaitham leave, Ningguang finally felt something was off.
"Mr. Valerius… why do I feel like we're being picked like cabbages? Is this really how bodyguards are chosen?"
"Heh. It's an urban power fantasy."
Valerius smiled.
"Don't think too hard about it."
Just then, the door opened again.
A fashionably dressed woman with striking looks entered.
"I heard you have professional bodyguards here?"
Her tone wasn't hostile, but it was clearly domineering.
"Yes. These are all available."
"One hundred?"
"That's right."
Her gaze slowly passed over everyone before stopping on Argenti.
"I'll take him."
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