Chapter 43: Red Necks

As the half a dozen rednecks stood before Alan, annoyance painted their faces. Alan, however, remained composed, greeting them with a friendly smile. "Hi! It's good to see you're all still alive," he said warmly.

The group seemed to be a bunch of redneck brothers and cousins, with the veteran, Merle Rooker, leading the pack as the infamous Crimson Gunner.

Alan knew Merle's real name due to his notorious reputation in the game. The mid-thirties, bulky Caucasian had come with a specific demand - the return of his precious assault rifle.

"You make me lose 2000 points! Now give back my baby, or else!" Merle demanded with a tone laced with irritation.

Unfazed by the demand, Alan repeated casually, "Or else?"

This response only served to further irk the Crimson Gunner. He clenched his fist tightly, struggling to control his anger. Despite the frustration, the players knew that they couldn't inflict harm on each other in this transit area, which limited Merle's options.

"Urgh!! I will find and hunt you down in the next round!" Merle threatened, his anger simmering.

Alan remained composed and replied, "You can try... but I am afraid you might end up wasting even more survival points next time."

The mention of their previous encounter during the last game triggered memories in the Crimson Gunner's mind. He recalled Alan's confident demeanor and decisive actions, which seemed to threaten him at the time.

"Who the fuck are you? You're not a veteran... Are you mercenaries?" Merle questioned, trying to decipher Alan's identity.

"I am a school teacher," Alan replied casually, as if sharing an ordinary fact.

The answer caught Merle off guard, and he wasn't sure if he should believe it. The other standing nearby also appeared puzzled by Alan's response.

"Y'all messing with me! Huh!"

The tension in the air was palpable as the Crimson Gunner's anger reached its peak. Feeling mocked and provoked, he couldn't contain himself any longer. With a loud shout, he threw a punch at Alan, attempting to settle the score. However, Alan's keen reflexes allowed him to swiftly dodge the attack, and in a smooth move, he grabbed the man's arm and expertly threw him to the ground. The Crimson Gunner landed with a thud, but no damage was inflicted due to the safe zone's restrictions.

[Impact! Throw 0 damage inflicted]

Undeterred by his failed attempt, the Crimson Gunner quickly got back on his feet and brandished a massive combat knife, causing a commotion that drew the attention of many nearby players.

Alan, maintaining his calm composure, calmly took out the crimson M16 and held it firmly. The sight of the rifle made the Crimson Gunner's eyes light up with fury. "Give back my rifle!" he demanded, still seething with anger.

"I got this gun fair and square from defeating you," Alan responded calmly.

The Crimson Gunner's face turned red with anger as Alan's response reminded him of his previous defeat. Feeling the weight of humiliation, the man clenched his fists tightly, struggling to hold back his frustration. But before he could utter a word, Alan continued in his calm demeanor, "If you really want it so badly, I am willing to part with it for a similar value item."

A superior weapon was a valuable asset, even among seasoned veterans, and the proposition only fueled his irritation. He couldn't find a suitable reply, and it was in that moment that Alan revealed his true intention with a sly smile, "...or if you want... we can make a bet!"

The offer caught the redneck off guard, leaving him perplexed. His anger momentarily subsided, replaced by curiosity about what kind of bet Alan had in mind. Taking a deep breath, the Crimson Gunner asked, "What bet?"

Alan held the Crimson M16 rifle close, his eyes locked onto the Crimson Gunner with a challenging glint. "Such an amazing rifle should be held by the one who can use it best, don't you agree?" he remarked confidently.

The Crimson Gunner, drawn in by the challenge, responded with enthusiasm, "Fuck yeah!"

"Alright, we will prove ourselves in the training ground with a firearm test. The one who achieves a better rank wins the bet!" Alan outlined the terms briefly, leaving the Crimson Gunner stunned, unable to believe that a supposed beginner was daring to challenge him in a firearm test.

The rednecks around them found the situation hilarious and erupted into laughter, including the Crimson Gunner. "Hahahahaha! You're a fool, a beginner who wishes to challenge me in a firearm test? Yes! What are we betting on?" he asked between laughter.

Alan's voice remained steady as he proposed the stakes, "Easy! If you win, I will give back your rifle for free, but if I win, you will follow my orders in the next round!"

The Crimson Gunner's laughter subsided, replaced by a disdainful look. He hadn't anticipated Alan's audacious proposal and was now contemplating the consequences of accepting. "Huh! You want to bet an item with a promise, hahaha, you fool! What makes you think I will keep my promise?" he retorted, feeling confident in his ability to win.

With a serious look, Alan calmly stated, "Although many people think you rednecks are stupid, I know you are, in fact, proud and honorable. I will take your word over any superior item anytime."

The rednecks were taken aback by Alan's words. This realization left them stunned, making the Crimson Gunner reconsider his response.

"Whatever... you will never win anyway, fool teacher... I'll take your bet!" the Crimson Gunner declared with newfound determination, determined not to back down from the challenge.

"Alright, I will see you in the training ground at noon!" Alan replied with unwavering confidence.

"Huh! Ok! Don't make me wait!" the Crimson Gunner responded firmly before leaving with his group of rednecks. As they departed, the central square quieted down, and Alan couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming showdown.

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