"Why not?"
It was one of Kamil's most used phrases.
As a scientist, he did many impossible things, his greatest success being The Legend Enigma Online, which he created with his other friends.
He smiled from ear to ear because he could have used it so easily and genuinely.
The Game Master edged closer to Jake and stared at him as though scrutinizing him was a part of the examination.
Jake stood still, confused and awkward.
He wasn't exactly like Peace and El Boss Queen in Damien Twice's presence, but he was still overwhelmed by the game master's presence, by the man whose creation had facilitated him so much in many facets.
This was so unexpected that Jake didn't know how to react properly.
"Would you believe me if I told you I'm your first fan?" Kamil asked.
"Huh? F-Fan? You?" Jake asked. "I'm sorry, Mr. Kamil?"
"Haha!" Kamil laughed aloud, "No need to be so stressed. It's just two of us. No one will judge you. I'm also pretty fond of you, Jake. Your game style has been such a joy to me a lot."
"Thank you," Jake replied.
The reason Kamil even knew about Jake was because of Jake's legendary class.
The game masters monitored players with high achievements and contributions to the game world. This wasn't just because those players had much influence but also because too much power and fame could really turn someone into a different human.
The unfortunate cases that Jake had heard from his friends were real.
It was also true that the game masters were doing their best to keep them in the dark. It didn't mean they weren't working with authorities and victims.
In fact, they were helping them as much as they could and issued lots of game notification messages about players' health and safety.
At the same time, they couldn't monitor every player. This was mainly due to each country's privacy regulations.
It would also damage the game's charm, as it was advertised as another world where everything was possible.
"As much as I hate to admit it, we also don't have the means to observe everyone," Kamil said.
"I see..." Jake replied.
It was sad that there were so many terrible people. Jake also wasn't naive to believe that this game had no criminals.
That said, why did he learn about it?
"You have a teammate on our radar," Kamil said.
"El Boss Queen?" Jake asked.
"Exactly," Kamil nodded. "I can't speak about her real life, but I strongly believe she's not a bad person. Her upbringing, to say the least, was unfortunate. Her actions have left a few players traumatized."
Jake narrowed his eyes.
Killing each other in the game was part of the experience. In this fantasy world, monsters roamed free, and powerful NPCs had blood on their hands. It was also part of the lore, so only those with strong mental fortitude would delve into dangerous areas such as dungeons.
El Boss Queen and her gang, however, bullied players so much in the game that the victims logged out with mental wounds.
"Can I even help her become a better human?" Jake asked. He didn't know whether he had what it takes to help others, particularly people like El Boss Queen.
Kamil faintly smiled, "You can. I told you that I'm your first fan, didn't I? I've been following your path ever since you got your legendary class. I even looked into your tutorial island and stats before you became one of the legends. That's why I can say with certainty that you weren't lucky to receive a legendary class and didn't stumble upon it by chance.
You and your path tailored that legendary class. The Tutorial's Unconquerable Mountain's spire has a statue of a misfit. No human with a black heart can become a misfit or receive anything legendary from Bellamende.
"You put a work into yourself as an archer and a person. You wield the least popular and the weakest class as though telling others 'why not', to which I can relate so well. Your relationship with The Legend Enigma World residents and your companions is also lovely. You treat them with respect and learn from them. In exchange, you give them hope in players and yourself.
It seemed like everyone had their favorite.
That said, the crowds cheered at those familiar nicknames as though they were fighting against Jake. Since there were even nicknames of those that Jake wasn't friends with but killed on his path, he assumed that the white cubes brought nicknames of every enemy Jake had killed.
Kamil confirmed that.
Standing in the middle of those cheers, Jake's heart rocked in his chest. He felt an adrenaline pumping up, and his lips unconscionably curved into his peculiar smile. He smiled like a devil.
If he were to put on his mask, he truly would look like one.
He really wanted to fight now.
He really wanted to shut up others.
He really wanted only his support to be heard on the scene!
Kamil asked, "Did you hear chants during your battles on the training grounds?"
Jake shook his head, "Only after I finished them."
"That's normal. People often lose themselves in amok as they fight against others. It's rare for them to hear any support and even think straight. It takes time and adaptation to fight well under pressure. Some are born into it, and some are simply not cut out," Kamil explained. "You didn't seem to move on autopilot while fighting others."
"...I can't really confirm that," Jake said.
Kamil smiled. "You aren't overwhelmed by the audience, nonetheless. I say the first stage is cleared."
"That's the first stage?" Jake asked.
"Of course. The slots are limited, and we want all players to do their best. If someone cannot fight under pressure and in a crowd, they're unwanted. Since you have me by your side, should we peek into others' examinations?" Kamil explained, then asked.
Jake nodded.
In the next second, he could see his teammates faring in the first stage.
Prince felt at home. He only listened to people chanting his nickname. His pose was as dramatic as it could be.
Sin stood in her stance, ignoring the crowd.
El Boss Queen seemed the same. She didn't care about others.
SWalker looked around and waved at people cheering on him.
Shaw kept nodding as though he heard people telling him he'd become a dragon slayer.
Last Coin... held his chest.
He seemed to have been unable to breathe.
It was so difficult to look at him, yet Jake stared at him as though Last Coin could sense him.
Jake believed in his new friend because Last Coin was truly a fantastic player.
After a few heavy seconds, Last Coin raised his head up.
He looked ahead with a decisive expression.
He'd fight anything that emerged from the other side, even if it meant fighting hunched and with only one hand. That said, he started adapting well.
Another few seconds later, Last Coin straightened his back.
A few moments later, he let his chest go.
He stood ready and steady!
Jake and Kamil brightly smiled.