Chapter 30: Teammate

Ji Xinghuo held Ren Mian’s hand, gave it a gentle shake and then let it go. The soft touch made his heart flutter.

“I wish I could hold on to it forever.”

This thought surprised Ji Xinghuo himself.

He glanced at Ren Mian, feeling a bit guilty. She seemed oblivious and had already entered the bar. He quickly followed her in.

“Maybe we should have a drink to celebrate my joining the team?”

Once inside, Ji Xinghuo realized he was overthinking it.

This was no ordinary bar but a color club!

Olympia does not use electronic devices so there are no speakers, horns or DJs, but that doesn’t stop those seeking fun. A band of about ten people played various acoustic instruments. A singer with the power to amplify his voice sang pop songs over the noise of the crowd.

Multicolored crystals twinkled continuously, manually operated to mimic rotating disco lights.

In the middle of the club’s main hall was a T-shaped stage with a row of flirtatious women standing on it, waving at the men below who were waving cash.

The hall was filled with the scents of hormones and alcohol.

In a corner, some men and women were already entangled, ignoring the people around them.

Ren Mian made her way through the crowd to a booth.

Ji Xinghuo saw five people in the booth, four attractive women surrounding a man who was drinking and joking around while his restless hands played freely.

He seemed quite happy and hadn’t noticed the two approaching.

“Xiao Chi.”

Ren Mian called out a name, softly, yet the man surrounded by women looked up as if struck by lightning.

His face showed embarrassment as he hurriedly stood up, pushing the women aside.

“Sister Ren.”

The man quickly adjusted his expression, showing no signs of awkwardness. He asked, “What brings you here?”

Ji Xinghuo studied him.

This man was a few years older than himself, handsome and well-built, standing around six and a half feet tall and muscular, but not in a bulky way like some powerful mutants. His physique was well-proportioned, suggesting a balance of strength and speed.

His weapon, a spear, leaned against the booth.

The spear, over six and a half feet long and with a foot-long, three-sided tip, was crafted entirely of metal. The shaft, thick as an arm and dark red, hinted at red light streaming across it. It weighed at least 132 pounds.

A well-built man with callused hands wielding a long spear…

Ji Xinghuo guessed this man was probably a martial artist.

Martial artists are the most numerous among mutants.

In theory, martial artists could wield any weapon, from swords to halberds. Yet, over 80% prefer the spear.

Initially, some choose other weapons for style or preference.

But reality soon leads them to the practical choice of a spear.

It’s quite simple.

The spear is the strongest!

Known as the king among weapons, a spear grants significant advantage in combat without considering mutant powers.

“A little longer, a little stronger” isn’t just a saying.

Especially at earlier levels, where mutant abilities are scarce, combat is up close, and the spear excels.

Even non-martial artist mutants are forced to choose spears.

Halberds and staffs come next.

Hence, martial artists are dubbed “spear fighters”, and if using a halberd, they’re called “halberd bros”, resembling the expendable soldiers in films and games.

In Olympia, Ji Xinghuo most commonly saw spears.

Spear fighters and halberd bros were everywhere.

However, the man before him was the most formidable spear fighter Ji Xinghuo had encountered so far. He felt a slight sense of danger even though just steps away.

“I was just passing by,” said Ren Mian calmly, introducing, “This is our new teammate, Ji Xinghuo. Xinghuo, this is Chi Zhonglin.”

Chi Zhonglin had noticed Ji Xinghuo before the introduction.

“New teammate!”

His eyes lit up as he quickly stepped forward and enthusiastically shook Ji Xinghuo’s hand. “Hello, hello, I’m Chi Zhonglin. The name means ‘a golden scale does not belong in a shallow pool’, a name I chose myself. Xinghuo, you must be younger than me. Just call me Chi Bro.”

Ji Xinghuo was slightly overwhelmed by his enthusiasm.

He also sensed that Chi Zhonglin, despite his brotherly demeanor, might be harboring doubts about him, at least inwardly he wasn’t as close as he appeared.

He was just putting on a show for Ren Mian.

Chi Zhonglin was somewhat afraid of Ren Mian.

Ji Xinghuo caught this detail and nodded, “Alright, Chi Bro.”

Ren Mian suddenly corrected, “Xinghuo, just call him Zhonglin.” Chi Zhonglin chuckled, “Whatever you say, Sister Ren.”

Ji Xinghuo remained silent.

“Let’s go back,” Ren Mian said, her eyes showing slight impatience. Clearly, she didn’t enjoy the club’s atmosphere. Despite covering her face, her attractive figure still caught the unwanted attention from the leering men around.

After speaking, she headed outside.

Chi Zhonglin took out a stack of bills, dismissed the women at the booth, grabbed his spear, and with a slap on Ji Xinghuo’s back, followed Ren Mian.

“Xinghuo, you’re a ranger, right?” Chi Zhonglin asked, his breath smelling of alcohol.

Ji Xinghuo nodded.

“It’s not easy!” Chi Zhonglin shook his head and sighed, “Sister Ren has been trying to recruit a shooter for the team, but her standards are so high that hardly anyone meets them. It’s been nearly two years, and finally, you’ve come.”

Ji Xinghuo empathized.

Given Ren Mian’s standards, the number of shooters in Olympia who could make the cut, below the level of a super ranger, was probably less than ten.

Such shooters, far surpassing their peers, either have illustrious reputations or are backed by major forces and have been scooped up long ago. Why would they join someone else’s team randomly?

“I used to serve as a shooter, so now I can relax a bit,” Chi Zhonglin was clearly relieved.

Ji Xinghuo was somewhat doubtful.

“You’re also skilled in archery?”

“Barely, I’m just more accurate than the average ranger, but I still miss a lot,” Chi Zhonglin grimaced as he talked about archery, “Except for me, neither Sister Ren nor Caiyi are suitable to wield a bow, so I had to take on the role.”

Ji Xinghuo nodded in understanding. Many teams were like this.

Shooters are important, indispensable, but qualified shooters are very rare. Thus, other mutants in the team have to take up the role temporarily, each person handling a bow to make up for the lack in quality with quantity.

In a melee, missing their shots isn’t a problem, but hitting a teammate is.

These temporary shooters often fire a couple of arrows in the first encounter with the enemy and then drop the bow to engage in close combat to avoid hitting a teammate.

However, from Chi Zhonglin’s words, it seemed there were no others in the team besides him, Ren Mian, and “Caiyi.”

Just four people including himself?

This…

Normally, the optimal number for a hunting team is five to ten members.

Close combatants, shooters, healers, controllers, and scouts should all have representation, and some roles might need two to three members for safety.

Fewer than five members means losing one or two in combat could lead to a catastrophic defeat.

Organizing night watches during camp is also tricky.

More than ten members complicates the team, making it easier to reveal their movements, and loot divided among members reduces the average profit.

Ren Mian’s team had only three members before Ji Xinghuo joined.

And it seemed to have been that way for years.

“Our team has just four people?” Ji Xinghuo couldn’t help asking.

As they left the club, Ren Mian turned, confidently replied, “Four is enough. Unless necessary, I won’t recruit more teammates.”

Chi Zhonglin also patted Ji Xinghuo’s shoulder.

“We’re not an ordinary hunting team. Four is actually quite a lot,” he said proudly. “You’ll soon understand, Xinghuo.”

The sound of a steam bus approached.

A steam-powered bus, emitting white steam and ash, drove down the street. Ren Mian waved, and the bus stopped at the curb.

In the Star Realm, electronic devices and internal combustion engines are prohibited, but steam engines are allowed.

Olympia’s city area is vast, and most people without mounts rely on these steam-powered buses for transport.

Steam technology is prevalent in Olympia.

Besides buses, steam engines are everywhere in the city, most notably powering the city walls filled with steam boilers that drive powerful steam-powered crossbows to defend against aerial threats.

There are also steam-powered trains and airships that travel between Olympia and other cities daily.

The three boarded the bus, and Ren Mian paid for three tickets.

They took seats at the back of the bus.

This was Ji Xinghuo’s first time on such a slow vehicle, traveling at about 60 kilometers per hour, but he found it quite novel. The bus had many passengers, all accustomed to the pace.

Moments later.

The bus entered a tranquil neighborhood. Ren Mian led them off and into an upscale residential area.

Each home was a detached villa, sprawling at least two thousand square meters with private gardens, target ranges, and lawns. High trees and various greens separated each property, with security patrols passing every few minutes.

Even on Earth, these would be mansions only billionaires could afford.

Let alone in the Star Realm.

Ji Xinghuo couldn’t help but doubt Ren Mian’s identity—a super mutant affording such a luxurious mansion?

Even renting it would cost a fortune each month.

Watching Ren Mian’s figure, he suddenly felt she was even more mysterious.

The trio reached the door of a villa obscured from view by a wall. Ren Mian used a key to open a small gate, revealing a spacious lawn.

They crossed the lawn to the main building, where the front door was opened by a beautiful young woman.

Dressed in a fitted black combat suit, she stood about five foot five, her figure agile. A katana and a short sword hung on her hips. Her features were delicate, her eyes bright, and black hair tied back, emitting a gentle, girl-next-door charm.

Although her skin was slightly pale, it didn’t detract from her sweet smile.

“Sister, Zhonglin, welcome back!”

Ren Mian nodded, pointing to Ji Xinghuo, “Caiyi, this is Ji Xinghuo, our new teammate. You’ll arrange a room for him later.”

“Mr. Xinghuo, I am Jiangnan Caiyi. Please take good care of me,” Caiyi said eagerly and politely, bowing deeply in a manner that made one feel protective.

Ji Xinghuo was not used to such a grand greeting on a first meeting.

Even in the Fuso Autonomous Province, not many still adhered to these formalities.

“Caiyi, you flatter me. We are teammates, and helping each other is only right,” Ji Xinghuo managed to respond.

The four entered the mansion.

Ji Xinghuo admired the spacious, brightly lit living room, spotlessly clean. Clearly, it was well-maintained, even the sofa was impeccably washed, and a fresh floral scent filled the air, refreshing everyone’s spirits.

Chi Zhonglin casually leaned his spear against the wall, his body reeking of alcohol as he flopped onto the sofa without any reservation.

Ren Mian frowned slightly but said nothing.

Jiangnan Caiyi darted into the kitchen and soon returned with a tray of drinks—a flower tea for Ren Mian, a honey water for Chi Zhonglin to sober up, and a flower tea for Ji Xinghuo. “Sorry, I didn’t know your preference, Mr. Ji, so I prepared the same as Sister’s for you.”

“Thank you, flower tea is fine,” Ji Xinghuo took his cup.

“Take a seat, don’t be too formal.”

Ren Mian added, “This is our team’s permanent base. You can live, train, and vacation here just like it’s your own home.”

Ji Xinghuo nodded.

He walked over to sit next to Chi Zhonglin but saw Ren Mian across, taking off her hat and unwrapping the scarf around her face.

Finally, Ji Xinghuo saw her true face.

He was momentarily stunned.

Ren Mian’s beauty exceeded Ji Xinghuo’s expectations by tenfold, a hundredfold. His mind felt hammered, jumbled, unable to describe her unparalleled beauty.

She seemed like a top-tier virtual goddess created by the world’s best AI, flawless in every aspect.

Yet, she was a living, breathing person embodying natural perfection.

It was hard to imagine someone could look so perfect!

Compared to Ren Mian, Jiangnan Caiyi, a top beauty herself, seemed ordinary and dull.

Ji Xinghuo couldn’t help but think if there had to be a woman on her level, it would only be the revered ‘Sword Immortal’ Zhao Manying!

It would be hard to determine a winner if these two ever compared themselves face to face.

“Do I look good?” Ren Mian suddenly smiled at Ji Xinghuo, lighting up the room like countless flowers blooming.

Ji Xinghuo’s heart skipped several beats, and he nodded instinctively, blurting out:

“Beautiful!”

As his words fell, he realized all three were looking at him with a hint of amusement. Embarrassed, yet he tried to maintain his composure.

“I’m serious, Sister Ren. You are the most beautiful person I have ever seen in my life.”

“Thank you for your compliment.”

Ren Mian sipped her flower tea and set it down, “I’ll head up to rest now. Caiyi, please arrange a room for Xinghuo. Everyone should sleep early; we have plans tomorrow.”

Only when her figure had vanished up the stairs did Ji Xinghuo relax his gaze.

Chi Zhonglin winked at him playfully.

Recalling something that could shift the conversation, Ji Xinghuo asked, “I still don’t know—what’s our team’s name?” Each team, whether officially registered or privately formed, usually has a name.

“Sister Ren didn’t mention it?” Chi Zhonglin seemed surprised.

“No.”

Chi Zhonglin turned to Jiangnan Caiyi, “Caiyi, you tell him.”

Seemingly shy and after a few seconds of hesitation, Jiangnan Caiyi said, “Xinghuo, our team is called ‘The Unrivaled Team of the Five Stars and Ten Realms.'”