Loud cheers and commotion were heard from the training ground reaching up to the US military command center and heard by the Captain in charge.

"Why such commotion! Sergeant O'Connor, go check it out, will you?"

"Yes, Sir!" Said the African American sergeant as he walked out of the camp and inquired about the matter.

"Private, what is all the fuss about?" He asked immediately.

It took just a moment before the sergeant was informed and decided to check on the matter.

"920 points? Are you sure he's not a veteran?!"

"No, sir... I have his data here, Alan D Angello, 25 years old. Last known occupation, high school teacher."

"That is not possible!" The sergeant's eyes widened in disbelief.

The sergeant found it hard to accept the fact, yet he could not deny the truth. Hence, he went to check on the matter further.

***

With his extraordinary test result,  Alan had to manage to put himself on the radar of the New York players and also the US military.

This was the real reason why he challenged the Crimson Gunner. With the veteran's notorious reputation, Alan managed to get enough spectators and made a successful debut.

Although he never liked to be in the spotlight, Alan should take his chance to gain as much attention as possible, as he knew popularity would go a long way to his plan, and would surely benefit him in many ways.

Right after he saw the result, Alan casually walked toward the still shocked redneck and said,

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, your 890 points score is still amazing."

The veteran redneck appeared to have mixed feelings about the situation. He was half raging, but also half impressed with what Alan just did.

At a moment like this, his turn shouting.

"That man must be cheating! Brother!"

"Yes uncle Merle, let's just kick his ass until he shows his trick!"

It was certain that they were the ones who could not accept the results.

Hearing this, Merle the Crimson Gunner immediately screamed, "SHUT IT! Quiet Yabbing you all!"

The Crimson Gunner took a deep breath before glaring at Alan and saying,

"A bet is a bet! One round! I will follow you for one round! But I will not risk my life for you!"

Alan was elated with the response and he replied, "Well.. I can only say… even if it's dangerous.. the reward will be worth the risk… you will see."

The Crimson Gunner turned confused, but what Alan did next made him confused even more.

Alan suddenly took out the [Crimson M16] in his backpack and handed it over to the shocked redneck.

Along with that, a notification came to his bracelets as the man reached for it.

[You are giving the - Crimson M16 (superior) to Merle Rooker]

[Confirm?]

"Yes!" Alan unhesitantly confirmed and said

"You will need your best performance to help me in the next round…" As soon as the redneck accept the riffle, Alan added "Now give me back my handgun!"

The redneck was still speechless as he unconsciously handed over the [M9 Beretta] back to Alan.

Alan was supposed to keep the rifle as he certainly won the bet, then why did he give the riffle back? The Crimson Gunner didn't understand.

"I will brief you on what to do before the game starts"

Afterward, Alan left the redneck group, and not far from where he was standing, the monk had been watching him for a while.

"What are you planning to do with him, Alan?" The monk asked.

"Well, I am not sure, really. Let's see if this one panned out," he replied casually.

Alan was actually a little hesitant to give the superior item back to the redneck, but he never liked using a rifle. He believed such an item would only be wasted staying in his backpack most of the time. That's why he chose to return it to the Crimson Gunner.

Alan was also betting that it would be the needed gesture that would turn a threat into an opportunity.

Nims only stared at Alan in confusion, nevertheless, it wasn't something new that Alan made such an unexpected decision. Afterward, Alan looked toward the monk and said,

"Are you bored Nims?"

"Yes Alan, the truth is, seeing you before made me itch for a fight."

The monk's honest answer made him chuckle. "Good, you will fight soon enough!"

Later on, the monk's surprise was quickly answered as Alan this time walked toward the indoor hall, where the close combat test was being held.

Alan approached the military uniform player handling the registration and said,

"If I excel in both long-range and close combat, will I get both rewards?"

Alan's query instantly made the military man taken aback a little bit. Hence, when he heard this, the military player said,

"Sir.. there are more than 10,000 players signing up for the chance, and we only reward the top 100 of each category... With veterans within the equations. You tell me what are your chances to get both rewards?"

Despite hearing such an answer, Alan only smiled as a response. As he had gotten the answer by hearing the word 'chance of getting both', Alan was excited

Indeed, it was not easy to get even one reward due to the large number of people joining the test. Moreover, there were a quite big number of veterans joining the combat, which definitely would be difficult to beat. Yet, Alan intended to get both of the rewards confidently.

"Alright, my Indian friend here and I will register," he said in a relaxed manner, while the military man gave him a disdainful look for a second before finally signing both of them.

As he registered, Alan realized that one person was looking at him from afar. It was Sergeant Dylan O'Connor, one of his closest friends from the past life.

"Time to get reacquainted again."