"Damn it."
Little Liu suddenly stopped operating the Utah Array and stared straight at Oil Buddha. "He must have a death wish."
Bulin slowly frowned as well.
Little Bottle Cap narrowed her eyes too.
Oil Buddha seemed like a different person. He slung the Cosmic Equation's box onto his back and said loudly, "Let me tell you, since I, Oil Buddha, am hosting this competition, I won't cheat."
"But our competition rules haven't changed for a thousand years."
"If you want greater rewards, you must slaughter your opponent's entire race!"
"Forget their race—the robot's operator and that meatball are both still alive!"
"You Earthlings are very kind, aren't you?"
"Then let me tell you, you don't meet the competition requirements and aren't qualified to receive the reward!"
The gray meatball in Bulin's hands stiffened—this was bad.
Liu Di, who had been gazing into the void in the distance, slowly said through the communicator, "Kids, life can be complicated sometimes. During extraordinary times, you need extraordinary methods. But remember, never make a habit of it."
Bulin froze. "What does that mean? I don't get it."
Liu Di said blandly, "Screw the rules. Just take it by force."
"Wait!"
Oil Buddha seemed to realize something. He raised a hand in a stopping gesture. "You're all children. Don't let bad people mislead you into strange ideas. Rules can be changed, can't they?"
His eyes shifted. "I can give you an overtime match. I'll bring out brand-new opponents. If you win, take the prize with you!"
Liu Di said, "Take it by force."
"Wait!"
Oil Buddha extended his stopping hand a little farther, looking slightly helpless.
But after several twists and turns, a sinister expression appeared on his face. "Are you sure you have what it takes to steal it?"
"If you don't want