A Brand-New Combat Team

"I assume you've already heard about it from Argo."

Although the three people before him all had difficult personalities, Fang Zheng clearly did not care about that. Simply put, as long as they were not especially troublesome, they would be useful help to him.

"Our goal is not gathering or support. Simply put, the reason I need teammates is because our objective is to defeat this area's boss, and fight for that purpose."

At that, Fang Zheng paused and carefully sized up the three of them.

The girl named Aoba was clearly somewhat nervous and uneasy, while Black Cat wore an expression full of confidence. As for the last girl, Asuna... Fang Zheng could not see her face at all.

"Let me make this clear first: this will not be an ordinary battle. Someone may die during it, but I demand that every one of you obey my orders absolutely and learn how to fight, how to face a boss. If you join my party, you need to be mentally prepared. Things won't be easy from here on out—at least not for you at first. If anyone wants to quit now, you may leave directly. I won't stop you."

"..."

Hearing Fang Zheng's words, the three exchanged glances. Then Aoba was the first to clench her fists.

"I-I'll do my best!"

"Hmph."

Black Cat also gave a light snort and raised a hand to her chest.

"Who do you think I am? I am the Fallen Black Cat. Mere monsters are nothing before me!"

Asuna, meanwhile, said nothing, but judging from her demeanor, she did not intend to leave either.

"Very good."

Seeing that none of them intended to quit, Fang Zheng nodded.

"Then next, I'll give you a test... Follow me."

Afterward, Fang Zheng led them through the streets