The military strength Xu Yuan now possessed was something that even Annoying Village HIM, who could control the Pillager camp, found hard to rival, let alone Tyrant HIM.
And right now, the only way for Tyrant HIM to quickly increase his forces was by finding more Pillagers.
However, those Pillagers were clearly already under Annoying Village HIM's complete control.
What made things even worse was that Annoying Village HIM's identity in the Trial Grounds turned out to be that of a villager.
This, without a doubt, made it clear to Tyrant HIM that if he wanted to win this trial, cooperating with Annoying Village HIM was his only hope.
Realizing this, a deep sense of helplessness welled up in Tyrant HIM's heart.
On the surface, it seemed like he still had a choice about whether to cooperate or not, but in reality, he had no choice at all.
At this moment, Tyrant HIM finally understood why Annoying Village HIM had been acting so confident from the very beginning.
Annoying Village HIM clearly knew that the hatred between the Void Iron Golems and the local creatures could never be resolved, but he didn't care.
Because to him, that didn't matter.
The fact that Annoying Village HIM could come here so casually meant he was already certain that nothing unexpected would happen on this trip.
He was sure Tyrant HIM would end up cooperating with him.
And since he was sure of that, he didn't need to bother solving any problems himself.
If Tyrant HIM wanted the cooperation, he'd solve those problems on his own. Annoying Village HIM didn't need to interfere at all.
Thinking of this, Tyrant HIM let out a long sigh. The anger on his face slowly faded, replaced by deep helplessness.
'Looks like there's no way back anymore…'
Annoying Village HIM noticed the change in his expression completely.
Seeing Tyrant HIM's current demeanor, Annoying Village HIM instantly understood his attitude.
'The process went faster than I expected…'
In fact, back in the waiting area of the Trial Grounds, when Annoying Village HIM first talked with Tyrant HIM, he had already categorized him as one of those not-so-bright types.
He had originally thought that once they met again, he'd have to waste a lot of time explaining and analyzing the situation for Tyrant HIM.
And if Tyrant HIM still didn't get it, he'd even planned to reveal the Pillagers to make his point clear.
But to his surprise, Tyrant HIM figured it out this quickly. That was unexpected even for Annoying Village HIM.
Still, he was getting used to it by now, Tyrant HIM had surprised him too many times already.
At this moment, seeing Tyrant HIM deep in thought, Annoying Village HIM didn't plan to just stand there idle. He decided to push things forward a bit.
After a short pause, he looked at Tyrant HIM's subordinates and spoke.
"The monsters are one thing. They really are victims, and perhaps they've lost much because of the Void…"
"I can understand why their emotions are running high."
Annoying Village HIM paused for a moment, then turned his gaze toward Pocolo, letting a deliberate look of confusion flash in his eyes.
"But you players… seem a bit too emotional, don't you?"
His eyes were sharp and penetrating, as if they could pierce straight into one's soul. He locked them tightly onto Pocolo.
"Even if the Void once hunted you, as a player, the only thing you lost was a few pieces of equipment."
Annoying Village HIM's voice was low and calm, yet it carried a pressure that couldn't be put into words.
"I really don't understand why your anger toward the Void runs so deep."
Hearing Annoying Village HIM's sharp questioning, Pocolo's heart tightened. He opened his mouth, trying to explain something.
But before he could speak, Annoying Village HIM suddenly stepped forward, walking slowly up to him. A mocking smile appeared on his face as he stared directly at Pocolo and continued.
"Oh… maybe it's because you've been with these companions for so long, and you've built such strong bonds with them that you can truly share their feelings?"
Pocolo was just about to reply when Annoying Village HIM interrupted him again.
He leaned forward slightly, closing in on Pocolo. His gaze was like two sharp hooks, locking tightly onto Pocolo's eyes. Then he deliberately lowered his voice and said softly,
"Or maybe…"
He paused on purpose, then looked at Pocolo again and smiled.
"My appearance… has shaken your irreplaceable position, hasn't it?"
Hearing that, Pocolo froze completely. Shock and confusion spread across his face.
He stared wide-eyed, mouth slightly open, wanting to say something, but no words came out.
His body stiffened, as if an invisible force had pinned him in place.
Of course, he understood exactly what Annoying Village HIM was implying.
Even though Tyrant HIM's camp didn't consist of only one player, Pocolo had been the first to join. Because of that, Tyrant HIM had always treated him with a certain level of respect.
Naturally, Pocolo had become the leader among the players.
Basically, anything related to monster attraction or coordination was handled by Pocolo.
His position was undeniably important within Tyrant HIM's entire team.
Of course, that was before Annoying Village HIM arrived.
Once Annoying Village HIM appeared, everything changed.
Because Annoying Village HIM's identity was that of a villager.
Villagers could also attract monster aggression, they could also act as "aggro bait."
And for that reason alone, Pocolo's previously stable position would inevitably be threatened.
Pocolo understood all of that perfectly well.
But the key point was, he hadn't even thought about any of that just now.
When Annoying Village HIM had appeared with the Void Iron Golems, the only thing Pocolo had been thinking about was the potential danger those golems posed. He hadn't thought about Annoying Village HIM threatening his position at all.
It was only because Annoying Village HIM brought it up that Pocolo even realized it.
Even though Annoying Village HIM's words made sense, yes, Pocolo could worry about being replaced, about being cast aside, he hadn't actually thought about it before Annoying Village HIM said it.
If he had been thinking that way earlier, he'd have nothing to say now.
But that wasn't the case. He really hadn't thought about it, he was being framed.
"I...!" Pocolo was about to speak and explain, but when he met Annoying Village HIM's mocking gaze, he froze.
Seeing that teasing look in Annoying Village HIM's eyes, Pocolo suddenly realized something.
"No! He's trying to sow discord!!"
"I can't fall into the trap of proving myself!!"
Pocolo might have been just an ordinary solo player within the Trial Grounds, but like everyone who made it this far, he wasn't ordinary.
Anyone who could enter the Trial Grounds had their own strengths.
Pocolo's insight, at least, was decent, and he quickly saw through Annoying Village HIM's ploy.
This was the trap Annoying Village HIM had set, just waiting for Pocolo to take the bait.
Right now, he couldn't defend himself, and even if he tried, it would only make things worse.
If he said he hadn't thought about being replaced, even he wouldn't believe that.
Realizing that, Pocolo didn't answer Annoying Village HIM's question. Instead, he changed the subject.
"Maybe my thoughts aren't that complicated."
"I just simply don't want to trust the Void."
[T/N: I have released a new novels set on Type-Moon universe: "Playboy Watchman of Camelot". Search it by name, it is not in this account. Do give it a try. Have a great read~ I have also pinned it below.]