Space station 41: Stelle: Silver Wolf is taking on Su Qing's shape now!

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Su Qing agreeing to Silver Wolf's continuous challenges and even meeting offline wasn't merely for amusement.

To achieve his goal for this simulation, he needed a teammate.

After observing their confrontations, Su Qing had concluded that while Silver Wolf's skills might have room for improvement, her innate talent placed her among the top contenders in Punklorde.

Given time, she was destined to become a legendary hacker.

Thus, Su Qing extended an invitation for her to join his team.

[Stelle: Su Qing has invited Silver Wolf. Please choose: a. Accept, b. Decline.]

[Firefly: Silver Wolf, go for option b!]

[Kafka: Definitely b.]

[Himeko: B.]

[Silver Wolf: Laughing. So if I choose b and part ways with Su Qing, you'd be happy, right?]

[Seele: True enough.]

[Silver Wolf: But too bad, you can't make the choice for me. ?]

"Teammate?"

Silver Wolf's initial reaction was to inquire about his objective. "First, tell me what you plan to do after forming a team."

Su Qing responded succinctly, "Simultaneously challenge all hacking organizations in Punklorde."

[March 7th: Wow! What an audacious goal!]

[Firefly: Su Qing is so bold, I love it~ ?]

[Qingque: ...I feel like no matter what Su Qing says, Firefly would react the same way.]

[Stelle: Beyond saving! Firefly's fully obsessed now!]

[Silver Wolf: If hackers aren't daring, they might as well go back to farming sweet potatoes or become corporate lackeys.]

[Firefly: Exactly, exactly~]

If aiming to complete the simulation, naturally one would strive for a perfect run.

How does one become a legendary hacker and gain maximum renown?

Su Qing's response outlined the most direct and effective path.

Upon hearing this, Silver Wolf's breath hitched.

In truth, Su Qing's goal instantly captivated her, stirring her eagerness to give it a try.

Their thoughts aligned serendipitously; since Silver Wolf viewed life as a game, pursuing a perfect completion was only logical.

However, she suppressed her excitement. "Since you're inviting me to join, I assume you've already assessed me and found me suitable?"

Su Qing nodded. "Of course."

"Then can I also assess you?" asked Silver Wolf.

Su Qing nodded again. "Absolutely."

Fairness was paramount to him.

"I happen to have a commission with decent difficulty."

Silver Wolf's mind rapidly processed the situation. "Moreover, even if we do team up, there's still the question of who should be the captain, right? This is a perfect opportunity to decide that as well."

[March 7th: They claim it's an assessment, yet they're already debating who should be the captain!]

Prior to this encounter, Silver Wolf had searched for "Su Yu" online.

The results mainly pertained to hacking activities, with little information about actual combat experience. This suggested...

Su Qing might specialize solely in hacking and lack any battle expertise.

[Seele: No combat experience.]

[Stelle: Su Qing: Why does everyone assume I can't fight?]

[Bronya: Ha ha, probably due to your gentle demeanor.]

"That alone isn't interesting enough; let's add a wager."

Silver Wolf gestured emphatically with a thumbs-down sign: "Not only will the loser have to follow the captain's orders, but they must also loudly declare three times: 'I'm so incompetent yet so arrogant, truly sorry!'"

"How does that sound?"

A mocking smile curled at the corners of Silver Wolf's lips as she addressed Su Qing, "Dare you accept the challenge?"

[Stelle: She has that mischievous grin again.]

[Firefly: Her confidence is back.]

[Bronya: She thinks she's got this once more.]

[Himeko: Between options A or B, Silver Wolf chooses C: suffer another humiliating defeat before joining forces.]

[Sparkle: Entertaining.]

[Seele: Delighted.]

"Why wouldn't I dare?" Su Qing smiled back confidently. "Deal—let's bet on the captain position and this declaration of defeat."

[Sparkle: @Silver Wolf, please oh please~ can you win just once?]

[Silver Wolf: Hmm? Although I will indeed win, why have you suddenly started supporting me?]

[Sparkle: Because I want to hear Su Qing say those words, haha.]

[March 7th: ? Sparkle, how mischievous of you!]

[Sparkle: Well, honestly, I expect Silver Wolf to face another setback. But thinking about it, hearing her say it could be quite entertaining too, hehe.]

[March 7th: And regardless of who wins, Sparkle always finds amusement! Two feasts from one fish!]

[Fu Xuan: That's typical of Masked Fools; even their own setbacks seem like entertainment to them.]

***

To Silver Wolf, defeating Punklorde was a significant milestone she aimed for.

She represented Punklorde with a symbol of a shimmering planet, followed by smaller icons depicting the arcade, junkyard mountain, and neon city.

After meeting Su Qing in person, Silver Wolf grew more serious and created a separate section dedicated solely to him above Punklorde's entry.

At the very left of this new section, there was Su Qing's avatar, resembling a stylized Q, flickering delicately.

To the right of these icons, there was a symbol of goggles representing the hacker domain, with one battery bar filled.

After some thought, Silver Wolf added another icon to the right—a crossed sword and shield symbolizing combat prowess, currently displaying zero bars.

Since overtaking Su Qing in the hacker domain seemed out of reach for now...

It's time to forge a new battleground!

Silver Wolf believed that after this mission, her combat domain should at least gain two or three battery bars, possibly even filling it entirely.

[Bronya: She's so confident; if only I could be as self-assured as Silver Wolf...]

***

Filled entirely? Well, who knows... It might just happen...

Silver Wolf watched intently from nearby.

Su Qing effortlessly caught the mechanical prosthetic arm of his towering adversary with one hand and, with a swift motion, detached it completely. He swung the heavy prosthetic mercilessly, sending the enemy flying before hurling it like a discus with tremendous force. In an instant, the makeshift projectile claimed another unfortunate victim standing afar!

Overwhelmed, Silver Wolf momentarily forgot to attack.

Wait, aren't you supposed to be a hacker?! What's with this berserker warrior move?

The crossed sword and shield symbol rapidly filled with question marks, mirroring its owner's astonishment.

Filled entirely? Not quite yet!

Just moments ago, they arrived at the abandoned factory to commence this mission.

Initially, Su Qing adhered strictly to hacking techniques for combat, almost as if practicing, resulting in relatively low efficiency.

Silver Wolf couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. While also utilizing Ether editing, she swiftly dispatched enemies with her smart pistol, confident of their advantage.

However, when elite monsters appeared—tall, muscular figures augmented with mechanical prosthetics—Su Qing raised an eyebrow and immediately switched his combat style.

[Stelle: Su Qing: Excellent! Finally, worthy opponents!]

As Su Qing shifted to primarily close-quarters combat, using hacking as secondary support, his battle efficiency skyrocketed.

Unmatched ferocity combined with remarkably skilled fighting prowess. Even occasional masterful touches, such as infiltrating and disabling enemy prosthetics, were visually captivating.

If Su Qing's strength was limited to close combat, Silver Wolf wouldn't have been concerned; it wasn't her domain after all. Let him excel where he may.

But having witnessed both his ether editing skills and now his proficiency in melee, Silver Wolf began viewing these as attributes of a formidable hacker, considering Su Qing a serious rival within her own field.

Involuntarily drawn to Su Qing, Silver Wolf watched his combat movements, feeling an even deeper surge of excitement...

[Kafka: Uh-oh.]

[Kafka: Is little Silver Wolf secretly into this, enjoying being dominated by Su Qing?]

[Sparkle: What's with the masochism?]

[Silver Wolf: As I've said, it's just excitement from encountering a formidable opponent. Don't get too imaginative now.?]

The battle swiftly concluded, and the outcome was clear without needing to state. In terms of scoring, elite monsters yield high points, making it evident that Su Qing won.

[Stelle: Knew Silver Wolf would win.]

[Seele: Not even close to winning!]

After leaving the abandoned factory, they reached a quiet spot.

Su Qing temporarily avoided discussing the victory, instead expressing curiosity about Silver Wolf's intelligent pistol, which stood half as tall as her, with four glowing miniatures around it.

Silver Wolf introduced them, "This smart pistol is called Prometheus, equipped with four distinct personalities. The first one is named Friend..."

A hint of sympathy flickered in Su Qing's gaze.

Silver Wolf looked puzzled.

She hastily explained, "In Punklorde, it's challenging for individuals to secure tasks. I merely assembled these AI personas into a team to accept external commissions more easily!"

[Firefly: Oh, so that's how it is.]

[Firefly: I thought it was because Silver Wolf didn't have any real-life friends back then, hence the name.]

[Silver Wolf: Clearly not, right?]

[Stelle: hhh, Firefly can be a bit sly at times.]

Silver Wolf continued, "The second personality is called Demon King, while the third and fourth are Worker and Slave, respectively. There used to be another one named Kindergarten Mate, but I later deleted it."

Su Qing nodded, indicating his understanding.

Following this brief silence, Su Qing spoke up, "So, are you prepared now? Ready to fulfill our bet?"

[Seele: Ah, I see. Asking earlier was to give Silver Wolf some time to mentally prepare.]

[Qingque: Ha ha, that's quite considerate of him.]

Silver Wolf's expression shifted slightly but replied, "Of course."

"Excellent! A true sport!" Su Qing praised her and naturally pulled out his phone. "Let's get started then."

This time, Silver Wolf's expression changed even more dramatically. "If you're going to compliment me, at least don't record it!"

Su Qing smiled. "Impossible, this momentous occasion must be documented." He paused briefly before adding, "By the way, it's not just audio; it's video recording."

Silver Wolf nearly choked on the spot, almost spitting blood.

[Sparkle: Hahaha, I love this about Su Qing! When there's fun to be had, he never holds back!]

The audience eagerly watched as Silver Wolf delivered her defeat declaration.

In the first attempt, Silver Wolf clenched her fists, bowed her head, with strands of gray hair obscuring half of her face. Her tone carried a hint of reluctance, and her voice was barely audible: "For being so... incompetent yet still... so arrogant... truly sorry..."

Holding the phone, Su Qing prompted, "Your voice is too soft. Also, please face the camera directly; otherwise, it won't capture clearly."

[Firefly: @Silver Wolf, speak louder! That's weak, can hardly hear you!]

[Kafka: @Silver Wolf, darling, why so quiet? Did you forget to eat? Want me to treat you to a meal?]

[Himeko: @Silver Wolf, your voice still sounds resentful; I detect lingering defiance. You should be more sincere, conveying a genuine sense of remorse.]

[Silver Wolf: ...I'm truly grateful for your input.]

[Seele: HAHAHA, dying from laughter, are they giving Silver Wolf a group military training?!]

Heeding Su Qing's request,

on the second attempt, Silver Wolf slightly raised her head, hands tightly clenched into fists. Looking straight at the camera, she took a deep breath and said, "Being so inexperienced yet arrogant... I am truly sorry."

"Hmm..." Su Qing rubbed his chin. "The volume is still not loud enough, and put more emotion into it."

Just as Silver Wolf was about to speak again,

Su Qing interrupted, "Oh, right, I forgot to mention this earlier. If the third try isn't satisfactory, we'll have to start all over from the beginning. No problem with that, right?"

Silver Wolf stared incredulously.

[Qingque: Hahahaha!! This is getting serious, Su Qing really makes it feel like filming a movie!]

[Himeko (smiling): Su Qing knows how to set expectations well.]

[Himeko: If he only asked for Silver Wolf to speak louder on the third try, she might not comply willingly.]

[Himeko: But by stating that if she doesn't speak up, everything will need to be redone, she'd undoubtedly increase her volume.]

[Stelle: Fun, what's this theory about opening windows?]

As expected, Silver Wolf was absolutely unwilling to repeat everything from scratch...

So when reaching the third attempt:

With fists clenched and body trembling slightly, she raised her voice dramatically, face flushed red, feeling as if tears were about to well up. "I'm so terrible yet still so arrogant! Truly sorry!"

[Firefly: Excellent!]

[Kafka: Brilliant!]

[Himeko: As expected of Su Qing, putting on quite a show.]

"Gulp..."

After finishing, Silver Wolf suddenly relaxed, unclenching her hands and bowing her head in humiliation.

She felt that with each repetition, something significant within her seemed to vanish before Su Qing... Whether it was pride, modesty, or something else entirely...

[Herta: Wasn't it dignity?]

[Silver Wolf: ...No way.]

[Firefly: Ha ha ha, thoroughly entertained now? Another gem added to Silver Wolf's black history!]

[Stelle: Just one more? Only one more? I feel like mine is already close to ten!]

In reality, up until this point,

Silver Wolf and Su Qing had only known each other for a short while online, and their offline meeting was just recent.

But after these three sentences, it suddenly felt like there was nothing left to worry about.

Without concern for appearances, Silver Wolf promptly sat down on the nearby staircase steps.

With her arms draped over her knees, cheeks still flushed, and slightly panting, she asked, "So, is that enough?"

Su Qing clicked to play the recording: "Being so arrogant despite your incompetence, truly..."

Silver Wolf instantly perked up, exclaiming, "Don't play it!"

Smiling, Su Qing replied, "Oh, my apologies, I just wanted to confirm."

He nodded. "Of course it's enough. Fair's fair; well done."

"Additionally," Su Qing asked, "have I passed your test?"

"...Does that even need asking?" Silver Wolf responded hesitantly.

If Silver Wolf's test was worth 100 points, then Su Qing had metaphorically crumpled the paper, only to hand her one with a thousand points instead.

[Stelle: ? And casually teased examiner Silver Wolf again while at it.]

[Kafka (correcting): It's actually three times now.]

[Stelle: Enjoyable.]

There really wasn't any question about passing anymore...

"Well then, from today onwards, we're teammates."

Su Qing took a step forward, approaching Silver Wolf who was seated on the stairs, and proactively extended his hand. "Looking forward to working together."

Silver Wolf glanced at Su Qing's outstretched palm, then back at his face, somewhat wary.

[Black Swan (smiling): This must be due to Silver Wolf's previous pranks leaving a psychological impact on herself.]

[Seele: Ha ha, because she kept getting counter-attacked all the time.]

Noticing her hesitation, Su Qing tilted his hand to reveal its open palm, signaling there was nothing to worry about.

At worst, I'll just get zapped once, Silver Wolf thought, bracing herself as she reached out and took his hand.

...The outcome was entirely different from what she expected.

Su Qing's hand felt warm and strong, completely enveloping her delicate fingers. Moreover,

There were no hidden traps whatsoever.

Reluctantly, Silver Wolf had to admit that this handshake instilled a sense of trust and reassurance within her. It felt quite unfamiliar for someone who always preferred solitude.

Su Qing continued, "As teammates, occasional challenges or pranks between us are still fine, no issue there."

"But when facing enemies, I hope we can stand united, focusing our efforts outward."

Silver Wolf nodded, "Of course, I understand."

Jokingly, Su Qing asked, "Do you want me to be part of your smart pistol's targeting system too?"

"No need for that..." Silver Wolf stood up. "Is there anything else you'd like to say?"

"Not at the moment." Su Qing paused, then looked directly into Silver Wolf's eyes and sincerely stated, "Just one last thing, I'm truly glad to become teammates with you. Your skills and talents are exceptional; undoubtedly, we will work well together."

[March 7th: There it is! Su Qing's signature straightforward approach!]

Silver Wolf momentarily froze.

With her previous demeanor, Silver Wolf would have likely responded with a dismissive "uh-huh, got it" or even a sarcastic "how cheesy!" However, after witnessing Su Qing's prowess once more and enduring that recent embarrassment...

In the end, Silver Wolf simply looked away and spoke honestly, "Yeah, you're incredibly skilled too, in various aspects... I-I'm also, uh, very glad to be teammates with you..."

Even Silver Wolf was somewhat surprised at herself for uttering such sentimental words.

[March 7th: Yay yay yay! It's our tsundere little Silver Wolf, so cute!]

[Firefly: Can Silver Wolf really express herself so openly?]

[Stelle: Because Silver Wolf has been well-trained now! She's already shaping up like Su Qing!]

[Silver Wolf: ...@Kafka, please rein in your child; she's spouting nonsense again.]

[Kafka: (laughs) I think Stelle makes a valid point, actually. You've never been this candid with Firefly and me before.]

[Firefly: Hmm, we should find a way to make Silver Wolf confess defeat in front of us as well...]

[Silver Wolf: Stop those dangerous thoughts!]

[Fu Xuan: Su Qing's approach here seems quite necessary, almost like a bonding ritual for the new team. It instantly breaks down the initial barriers between us.]

[Fu Xuan: Apart from Silver Wolf's defeat again, everything was perfect.]

[Firefly: On the contrary! It's precisely because of Silver Wolf's defeat that it feels so perfect!]

[Fu Xuan: Oh, right, indeed it is.]

[Silver Wolf: I'll just pretend I didn't hear any of this, as ultimate victory will ultimately be mine.]

[Seele: Wow! Seriously? By the third time, it seemed like Silver Wolf was almost on the verge of tears—yet still holding onto that stubbornness?]

[Stelle: Let me see your true expression...]

[Stelle: ? → ???, Huh?!]

[Stelle: Ah???]

[March 7th: Is this Silver Wolf's real reaction?]

[Stelle: Yes...]

[Silver Wolf: ? Just this? JUST THIS?!]

[Seele: Whoa! Impressive! Silver Wolf's resilience against pressure is truly strong!]

[Silver Wolf: (retrieving sunglasses) Humph, my online gaming rivalries have been far more intense than this. This barely scratches the surface.]

[Qingque: Well then! So that's how she honed her skills!]

[Sparkle: Silver Wolf's ability to handle pressure is indeed commendable.]

[Sparkle: But now, I'm even more curious to witness her completely flustered and defeated. ]

[Silver Wolf: Then I must disappoint you; you might not get that chance.]

[Black Swan: I've observed closely.]

[Black Swan: Currently, Silver Wolf sees Su Qing as both a formidable opponent and a powerful teammate, which excites her, making her eager for a challenge.]

[Black Swan: However, I am genuinely intrigued by what Silver Wolf's reaction would be if, after numerous attempts, she realizes she simply cannot overcome Su Qing.]

[Silver Wolf: Isn't it simple?]

[Silver Wolf: I just give up and coast through life?!]

[Seele: Hahahahahaha!!]

[Stelle: Joyful! Unexpected yet plausible!]

[Qingque: Giving up is indeed the most straightforward approach! I also like that idea!]

[Fu Xuan: @Qingque, absolutely not! You're forbidden from giving up!]

[Qingque: Ah, why...]

[Stelle: Joyful.]

[Seele: Joyful.]

[Black Swan: (also amused)] Yes, it's certainly one possibility.

[Black Swan: But considering Su Qing's immense strength in our field, along with his charm, I feel there might be another answer...]

[Silver Wolf: I know what you're implying, but let me reiterate, this is, without a doubt, absolutely impossible.]

[Stelle: Now she truly means business, leaving no room for anyone else.]

[Sparkle: Let's guess how many more episodes Silver Wolf will keep insisting on her stance.]