Charles Bennett had learned before entering "Night Lord" that the total number of members in those famous guilds, big and small, added up to several million. According to his knowledge, the largest guild had as many as 50,000 player members. However, this "Three Lords and Six War Guilds" that Vanilla Sky mentioned was something Charles Bennett was hearing about for the first time, but he figured it couldn't be too far off. The release of 8 million game helmets wouldn't have much impact on the existing power structure of the gaming industry. But for Yanhuang Country, with its exceptionally large player base, it was undoubtedly a big disadvantage, because this move stifled the development of emerging guilds hoping to rise quickly with the launch of "Night Lord." By the time the second batch of game helmets was released, it would be unimaginably difficult for these new guilds to break into the established scene.

To put it bluntly, this was a form of suppression by the gaming industries of various countries against Yanhuang Country, which had a massive player base. Such things were truly frustrating.

"Checks and balances! To put it less nicely, it's a joint effort to suppress countries with large populations. To put it even more bluntly, it's a joint effort to suppress our Yanhuang Country. You know, when it comes to gaming geniuses, our Yanhuang Country has always had the most. Just look at the 'Major and Minor Heavens Ranking'—how many of those top players are any worse than the ones on the 'Ancient Kings Ranking'? But the rule is that each country can only have three people on the list. Heh, the International Game Review Committee is probably worried that if they didn't set this rule, most of the names on the 'Ancient Kings Ranking' would end up being ours from Yanhuang Country." Vanilla Sky sneered, his words full of sarcasm.

Charles Bennett comforted him, "These things aren't something the two of us casual players can do anything about. In a way, this first batch of 8 million slots actually makes it easier for us to level up, doesn't it?"

"That's right, that's right. The affairs of those top experts have little to do with us. Being able to snatch one of the first 8 million virtual game helmets is just our luck. No matter what, in the future we'll at least be among the players closest to the first tier." Upon hearing this, Vanilla Sky swept away his earlier anger and smiled proudly.

Charles Bennett smiled slightly. Suddenly, his eyes flashed. During his conversation with Vanilla Sky, he had been keeping an eye on the movements of the players in the nearby village. Nearly two hours had passed, and he noticed that the number of players heading south of the village was gradually decreasing, while more and more players, looking pleased, were hurrying back to hand in their quests.

"It's about time," Charles Bennett calculated inwardly, standing up.

At the same time, Vanilla Sky beside him also stood up. The two exchanged a glance, sharing a look that conveyed their mutual evaluation: "This is a pretty good player, worth befriending."

Immediately, the two happily exchanged friend requests and teamed up, running together toward the southern wheat fields of the village.

Charles Bennett and Vanilla Sky quickly skirted around the crowds in the village square, wanting to seize this opportunity to finish their first quest. But just then, Vanilla Sky's expression changed, as if he remembered something, and he apologized, "Bro, sorry. I have something else to take care of, so I can't team up with you for now."

"No problem, go ahead," Charles Bennett replied politely, though he was puzzled. Vanilla Sky had just said he was a solo casual player—what could he possibly have to do?

But of course, Charles Bennett wouldn't ask such things. Right now, all he wanted was to get to the wheat fields and try out the Druid's monster-killing style, so he didn't hesitate to leave the team on his own.

Vanilla Sky gave an apologetic smile, didn't make a fuss, and turned to head toward the bustling square. Charles Bennett didn't mind and ran south by himself. Before the figures in the square faded from view, he looked back to search for Vanilla Sky's silhouette. After all, even though it was their first meeting, Vanilla Sky was the first friend he'd made in the game. If there really was any trouble, Charles Bennett would help out as much as he could.

But it would have been better if he hadn't looked back. As soon as Charles Bennett turned his head, he spotted Vanilla Sky. His handsome face instantly filled with black lines, and he couldn't help but curse, "Damn!"

In the distance, on the square crowded with people, Vanilla Sky was carrying that big, cracked greatsword, a relaxed smile on his lips, chatting animatedly with three beautiful female players. The four of them looked like good friends, talking enthusiastically. Charles Bennett had seen this kind of scene many times before—his buddy William Harris always had the same relaxed expression when flirting with girls, but those roguish eyes would always sneak glances at the girls' vital spots when they weren't looking.

And sure enough, Vanilla Sky was doing exactly the same. In the dim light, his eyes would sweep over the three female players' chests, waists, and hips whenever they turned away. When the girls looked back, the mohawked warrior would instantly put on a gentlemanly smile, changing expressions so fast that even Charles Bennett was impressed.

"Truly a man's true nature!" Charles Bennett shook his head with a wry smile, and without further delay, quickly disappeared into the darkness south of the village.

…