Round 2: Encounter

Gifts materialized out of thin air and hovered before everyone, shimmering with a magical glow that captivated the crowd.

"Wow," the fox girl murmured, her eyes wide with astonishment. Her expression lit up when she saw an energy boost potion floating before her.

It was a high-quality potion, a very rare item that many sought after but few ever acquired.

'If I got this incredible item, then what about him?' she wondered, glancing at Eli, who had a frowning expression. He looked perplexed as if he were about to question why he hadn't received any gifts. However, before he could voice his thoughts,

Macro, the block creator, stepped forward and announced, "The first prize, I will personally give to Mr. Eli later." His gaze never fell on Eli; instead, he addressed the crowd with an air of indifference, as if Eli were insignificant.

The fox girl's brow furrowed in concern, but Eli simply shrugged it off. He hadn't come here for the gifts... So He was fine!

Falcone stepped forward and declared, "Now, for the grand finale... You will be randomly paired with others. As I mentioned earlier, all you need to do is showcase your skills to the best of your abilities."

Everyone nodded in agreement, anticipation building in the air. Soon, the participants were instructed to take a short break, giving them a moment to prepare mentally and physically for the upcoming challenge.

...

...

Back in the bustling stadium,

"What's your name again?" Eli asked with genuine curiosity, his expression animated as he balanced the snacks and drinks provided by the diligent staff.

"Hmm? Didn't I tell you last time?" The fox girl frowned slightly, her mind racing. 'Did he already forget me?' she thought. However, after he explained that she had vanished before he could properly hear, she smiled and introduced herself,

"My name is Amber Fox."

Eli nodded thoughtfully, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Amber... Just like your name, you are really fierce."

Hearing that, Amber's cheeks flushed with a deep blush. "Hmph, that's why my mother named me that!" she retorted, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Yeah, she must have known her daughter would grow up to be a rebellious brat!" Eli teased playfully.

Amber sneered at him, just like a cute little fox.

He reached out and pinched her cheeks gently, adding, "You are a cute fox!"

Amber froze for a second, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. She glared at Eli, growling, "GGRRRRRRRRRR!!!!"

"Oops!" Eli quickly withdrew his hand, realizing he might have overstepped. He didn't want to truly upset her.

'W-What's wrong with this man?!' she screamed inwardly, frustration bubbling up. Eli's lack of respect for personal space was infuriating..... personal space.... something important she just remembered, she clenched her fists, ready to punish him for touching her without permission before...

"Eli," a soft yet firm voice called out. A pink-haired woman appeared, carrying boxes of refreshments for the participants.

Eli's attention shifted, and he saw Ania approaching with a determined look on her face. Seeing her struggling with the load, he instinctively moved to help her.

"No! I cannot allow the participants to do my duty!" Ania said, her tone strict and unwavering.

"It's fine," Eli insisted, finishing the snack in his hand and taking one of the heavy boxes from her. 'Hmm... This is heavier than it looks,' he thought, glancing at Ania's slender arms.... He couldn't help but comment, "You are really strong."

"Hehe... I take that as a compliment," Ania giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She finally turned her attention to the fox girl standing beside Eli.

"Hello," Ania greeted warmly, bowing slightly. She reached into the box and handed a refreshment to Amber, who politely declined, saying she wasn't hungry.

"I see..." Ania nodded, then leaned closer to Eli, whispering into his ear, "Who is she?"

"She is... a friend," Eli replied, his tone casual. Ania nodded in understanding and was about to return to her duties when Eli stopped her.

"I'll help you," he said, tagging along with Ania. He glanced back at Amber, "I'll be back"

As they walked away, Amber frowned and snorted, her displeasure evident before she turned and walked away in the opposite direction.

"Are you sure?" Ania asked, noticing Amber's visible displeasure.

"Hmm? What? I'm just helping you since you helped me before," Eli responded, slightly confused.

"Fine then," Ania shrugged, a faint blush colouring her cheeks, 'He came to help me...' she thought, feeling a flutter of excitement.

Together, they distributed the refreshments to the participants, with Eli efficiently holding the box for her. Thanks to his assistance, they almost emptied the box within a few moments.

Meanwhile,

"Marie, get one for me too!" a girl with whitish-purple hair demanded, eyeing the green-haired girl next to her.

"Tsk," Marie clicked her tongue in annoyance. It was obvious Luna wanted some alone time with Alexander, who looked unusually gloomy.

Alexander never imagined he would end up in second place. Even more shocking was that 'Eli,' an unfamiliar name to him, had bested him. He had never heard of any NPC character achieving such a feat, and it gnawed at his pride.

"It's fine, Alexander! As the chosen hero of our kingdom, there's no need for you to feel sad. You're still in the growing phase," Luna said, patting Alexander's back in a comforting gesture.

'You don't understand, bitch!' he screamed inwardly.

The first prize was something special granted by the system, an item crucial for his growth. Losing it to an unknown NPC was a hard pill to swallow. He gritted his teeth in frustration, not only had he lost contact with the fox girl, but also the prize. Today was undeniably not his day.

Desperately, he searched around for that NPC but couldn't find him.

'I need to talk to him!!' Alexander was really desperate for the first prize.

Luna's face fell, seeing how devastated Alexander was.

Meanwhile,

"Eli, wait here. I'll bring even more refreshments," Ania said, flashing a cute smile before walking away.

"...," Eli blinked for a few seconds before sighing and shaking his head. He felt he was being seduced by a cunning pink fox.... He looked down at the now-empty box just as a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Mister, are there any refreshments available?"

"Please wait a little, my friend will bring—" Eli froze mid-sentence when he saw the green-haired girl. She, too, froze upon seeing Eli's face.

The world seemed to turn silent for both of them as they stared at each other, time stretching into what felt like an eternity.

"A-Ash?" Marie mumbled, her voice trembling.