When the new map loaded in, Reever did not rush to look for enemies like he normally did. This time he was here to have fun. He wished he had someone to share the view with, but silence had always been his comfort, so he accepted it.
When the surroundings finished forming, he realized he was standing inside the dropship. And he was alone. He walked to the open ramp and did not wait another second. He jumped straight out.
" Man B, this is the real thrill of sky diving. I always wanted to do this when I was alive but never got the chance," A shouted with excitement as he dived toward the ground.
" Sure, sure. But why are you shouting. I am inside your head. I can hear you perfectly," B replied, sounding unimpressed.
" There is the attitude I expected. The guy who kills all the fun. And nobody can hear me anyway, so let me scream in peace," A said, refusing to lower his voice.
He spread his arms, enjoying the air rushing past him, even if he did not truly feel the wind on his metallic skin. When he neared the ground, he activated his parachute. His target was simple. The Farm.
He already had his loadout thanks to another perk the system gave him, so he did not need to loot. The moment he touched the ground, his sniper rifle materialized into his hands, cold and perfect.
He had barely taken three steps before the air changed. A deep roar echoed across the field, and the Butcher walked out from the barn. A massive figure covered in chains, blood, and rage. The perfect prey for Reever's idea of fun.
" Ah, there it is. I came for this," A said, grinning.
" You came to bully a boss," B sighed.
" Exactly. Let me enjoy myself," A replied.
The Butcher charged at him with heavy steps that shook the dirt. Reever raised his sniper rifle, then purposely moved the barrel a little to the right.
Boom.
The bullet tore past the Butcher's arm, close enough to burn its skin but not enough to injure deeply. The creature roared louder, furious.
" Oops, missed," Reever said as if he truly meant it.
" You did that on purpose," B said.
" Obviously."
The Butcher swung its massive cleaver at him. Reever slid out of the way with such ease that it looked like he was dancing. The blade cut through the dirt, leaving a long scar on the ground.
" Is that all you got, buddy?" Reever taunted.
Another swing came. Reever leaned back lightly, letting the blade pass inches above his visor. Then he tapped the Butcher's arm with his rifle stock, almost playfully.
Too slow.
The Butcher roared and attacked again, this time faster. Reever enjoyed every second. He stepped to the side, ducked, spun around, then flicked his rifle up and fired again.
Boom.
This time the bullet hit the Butcher in the shoulder, forcing it to stumble. But Reever had softened the shot just enough so it would not kill.
" A, you are enjoying this too much," B muttered.
" Of course I am. You wanted me to relax. And here I am, relaxing," A answered.
" Relaxing by torturing a boss?"
" It is stress relief."
The Butcher lunged again, desperate now. Reever jumped back, flipped once in the air, and landed perfectly. He leveled the rifle, held still for a long second as if lining up a brutal headshot, then smirked and fired at the ground near the Butcher's foot.
The boss stumbled, confused and angry.
" You should see your face right now," Reever said. " You look like someone who cannot believe he is being bullied by a single player."
The Butcher rushed him again, eyes burning. Reever lowered his sniper and switched his weapon to melee mode, letting the blade extend from the rifle's body. He spun it once, just to show off.
" Alright, big guy. Time to make you kneel."
The Butcher swung wildly. Reever blocked the cleaver with his blade, sparks flying. He pushed back, kicked the Butcher in the chest, then slashed across its arm, reducing its health little by little.
" Not too much, A. Do not break it too fast," B warned.
" I know. I know."
Reever dodged another attack, slid under the boss's legs, and sliced the back of its knee. The Butcher collapsed onto one knee, roaring in pain and fury.
" There we go. That is the view I was waiting for," A said softly, almost satisfied.
He placed the edge of his blade under the Butcher's chin, lifting its head slightly so it looked him straight in the visor.
" You had fun, I had fun. Now rest," Reever whispered.
He raised his rifle, aimed right between the eyes, and fired one clean, final shot.
Boom.
The Butcher's body fell still. The field went silent again.
Reever rolled his shoulders, lowered his weapon, and let out a deep, content breath.
" That was a nice warm up," he said.
" You are insane," B replied.
" Maybe. But at least I am having fun for once."
Reever stepped over the fallen boss and walked deeper into the Farm, ready to see what other adventures this mode had in store for him.
Before Reever could even enjoy the silence after defeating the Butcher, a sudden burst of bullets tore through the air. They hit the dirt beside him, kicking up dust. Someone was shooting at him.
Reever turned his head slowly.
A player stood at the edge of the field, aiming straight at him. The player must have seen the fight and decided to steal the moment. Reever felt his mood twist instantly.
" Oh look, someone has come to ruin my peace," he said.
A, Just let the young lad enjoy himself. We can leave." B said..
" He ruined my shining moment, B. He has to pay for that," Reever answered.
" That is petty."
" I know. And I do not care."
Another round of shots flew toward him. Reever sighed, activated his camouflage, and his body faded into complete invisibility. The player's aim shook, panic spreading across his posture.
The player shouted through his comms," What… where did he go? What kind of player is this?"
Reever appeared silently behind him.
" Boo."
The player screamed and tried to shoot again, but Reever grabbed his gun. It slipped out of the player's hands like it weighed nothing. In normal gameplay, that would be impossible. But Reever lived inside the system, so rules did not bind him.
" What… how did you take my weapon?" the player yelled.
Reever did not answer. Instead, he lifted his hand and slapped the player across the helmet. A loud crack echoed across the field.
The player stumbled.
" Hey hey, wait, stop, please stop, the player begged through comms."
Reever slapped him again.
" Please, please, do not execute me. I am new, I am still learning. Please spare me."
Reever paused. He then crouched down, placed the stolen gun aside, and used his finger to draw words into the dirt.
" JOIN ME ON THIS ADVENTURE AND I WILL SPARE YOU."
The player stared, frozen for a moment.
" You… you want me to team up?" he asked nervously.
Reever nodded once.
" I… I will join you. I promise. Just do not kill me. I am trying to level up. I do not even have good guns yet." the player said quickly, almost tripping over his own words.
Reever wrote again.
IF YOU FOLLOW ME, I WILL MAKE YOU THE FIRST IN THIS GAME AND HELP YOU RANK UP.
The player blinked, then laughed nervously.
" Alright, deal. I will follow you. Just… no more slaps please."
Reever stood up, wiped the dirt from his hand, and handed the gun back, letting it float for a moment in front of the confused player before it returned to his hands.
" B whispered inside his mind. You are gathering subordinates now."
Reever answered calmly. " No. Just a partner for the fun."
The player swallowed hard and stepped behind Reever like a frightened trainee, ready to follow wherever this strange, unstoppable figure led him.
And so Reever walked forward, leaving the Farm behind, with a terrified new ally sticking close to his side. The real adventure of this mode had finally begun.