By kicking OneManMedia to the front, it helped save Xu Feng a lot of trouble from the former attempting any stealth play.
Additionally, he could use this as an opportunity to assess OneManMedia's combat skills and adaptability in unexpected situations. Combat skill would be how his swordsman style plays out when being cornered by multiple enemies.
As for the unexpected situation, it was naturally Xu Feng throwing him under the bus unannounced.
Time and time again, Xu Feng had trained himself repeatedly when being involved in unexpected situations. Every time, he emerged victorious, albeit with many mistakes and sacrifices.
However, it was those mistakes and sacrifices that honed him to be who he is now.
It was an experience that one could never pay for unless they physically undergo such training.
As Xu Feng crossed his arms, eagerly anticipating the show, OneManMedia quickly went on a defensive stance, his eyes glancing left and right at the enemies appearing.
'N-NPC?' Startled, OneManMedia never thought the enemies mentioned were human NPC. He thought it was some high-level monsters inhabiting some sort of location as their base.
Confused, he turned around, only to realize Xu Feng's presence was no longer there.
Nevertheless, his instincts reminded him that Xu Feng had to be nearby. Otherwise, how was Xu Feng supposed to confirm that he had accomplished the task?
"Lin Feng, you didn't tell me I have to fight against NPCs!" OneManMedia shouted in disbelief.
Who didn't know fighting against an NPC was equivalent to a free death sentence?
Some players who were unruly thought they were kings and tried to mass murder NPCs for fun.
However, the result was their complete defeat, with a punishment worse than a typical death penalty.
Not only was the typical death penalty applied, but they were also debuffed for a week.
To put the cherry on the topping, they received a decrease in experience points, followed by a terrible reputation that prevented them from receiving any missions for a long time.
Ever since then, no sane players would dare to treat an NPC as a robot, but a taboo existence. One that you should never trifle around with.
You may dislike them, but never ever do anything about it and just walk around or pass them.
While OneManMedia thought he had been played terribly, Xu Feng's voice echoed from somewhere.
"They're not your typical NPCs, Little Man. Look at the top of their head. Do you see their bold red names and HP Bar?"
Stunned, OneManMedia quickly turned around and checked on the NPCs.
Sure enough, just like Xu Feng had said, these NPC had bold red names and an HP bar above them, a far cry from the typical NPC he encountered in the towns.
"The Divine World system is generous in its ways. They highlight them to ensure players would know these NPCs are no different than villains and should be eliminated if you want the good side's reward."
'Good side's reward?' OneManMedia was baffled.
It was times like this that he wished his brain wasn't functioning properly.
After all, that tiny hint was enough to indicate to him that if there were villainous players, they would go and assist these NPCs with red names.
"Oh man, this is juicy news, but can I even live to enjoy it." Beads of sweat started trickling down his forehead as OneManMedia felt the intense pressure directed at him from the villain NPCs.
Each one of them had a ferocious expression on their faces, and their clothes were haggard but their weapons were sharp and shiny.
It was clear that these people were battle-ready and experienced in combat, with most of them suffering from a few scars on their faces, arms, legs, and chests.
As he took a deep breath, his grip tightening on his sword, he prepared himself for a difficult battle.
"Come at me," he coldly shouted, his expression firm and determined.
"Arrogant intruder! As expected of the Town Mayors' Dog!"
A few seconds later, the NPC lunged at him with his lance, a malicious grin hanging on his face.
Poised, OneManMedia narrowed his eyes and parried the attack with his sword, the clash of metal ringing in his ears. The clash made it clear that the difference between their strengths was high.
'A frontal clash is not good.' OneManMedia deduced, quickly sidestepping to avoid being pushed back.
However, the moment he sidestepped, another NPC was waiting for him, forcing him to attempt another slash. Alas, the slash was weak and futile, with the NPC easily deflecting it, causing him to stagger backward.
It took him around 3-5 steps to finally regain his balance, but there was no time to rest.
Two more NPCs proceeded to charge at him simultaneously from different angles, forcing him to a dead-end.
'These villain NPCs are way too damn coordinated…' OneManMedia gnashed his teeth. Looking at the assault from two angles, he decided to advance forward rather than retreat and lose more ground control.
As he advanced toward the closer NPC, he ducked under the swinging axe and used the momentum to do a spin and strike at the other NPC's leg, hoping to imbalance them.
"Am I supposed to trip over?" The NPC snickered coldly at OneManMedia's flashy but no-substance attack.
Ignoring the remark, OneManMedia raised his left hand and covered four of his fingers, revealing only the middle finger.
"Yeah, I wonder if your mouth is as tough and foul as your skin," OneManMedia sneered, his eyes narrowing as he activated the Stormfang Blade's special ability: Thunder Strike.
Initially confused by his sneering, the NPC thought the enemy was making a fool of themselves.
However, he soon realized a surge of electricity coursing through his skin.
He felt an intense vibration shooting through his body, especially his leg that was inflicted by OneManMedia.
The searing pain made it impossible for him to remain standing for long. Soon, he was forced to kneel down with one leg supporting him from falling down completely.
"Die!" OneManMedia seized the chance, raising his sword and hoping to chop his head off.
Unfortunately for him, the injured NPC's companion came to assist and blocked the strike, deflecting OneManMedia to the side.
Shortly after, the same NPC who deflected him shouted in dismay after checking his companion's injury, "A magic weapon!"
"The intruder has a magic weapon. Everyone stay alert!" Another one quickly followed up, warning his companions of the intruder's weapon.
'Ugh, I hate this game.' OneManMedia smiled bitterly.