Amid the tense standoff between Ren and the group of players at the entrance of the ruined temple, the atmosphere was charged with tension.
Swords gleamed, spells crackled with magic energy, and bows were drawn taut as the opposing players confronted Ren and Evie.
One of the rival players, a burly warrior with a scarred face and a rugged demeanor, stepped forward and pointed his blade at Ren. "You there, Ren, isn't it?" he snarled. "Word on the street is there's a hefty bounty on your head, and we aim to collect it."
Ren met the warrior's gaze, his expression a mix of boredom and wry amusement. "Ah, yes. The infamous bounty. I suppose you're here to cash in, then?"
Another player, a nimble rogue with a mischievous grin, chimed in, "Elena isn't here to protect you now, is she? No more EXP penalty to worry about."
And they laughed.