Payne was a "good" guy in others' eyes but not for you, for a player who played NewWorld Online late.

You learned that the player can be annoying.

The first encounter between you and him didn't end well in the first realm where new players are. He shouldn't have challenged you but you look so promising!

No question asked when he was dumbfounded after the fight with you. Just wondering if there are more who can be as skilled as you. In fact, you are still at level 10 and with trainer outfits… those didn't stop you.

You still defeated him and to tell you—because you don't know Payne yet—that he is the first rank in the leaderboard, it must have hurt his pride. A little! But he's not mad.

Still, it hurt more that you didn't know him. He was at every trailer but mostly covered because of Maple!

Payne would admit loudly that you were stronger and maybe, better despite being new to this game. He thinks you're a verterian in disguise. So even as the first one to rank in the leaderboard, he gotta put his pride aside but would be damn if he let others find out about his defeat to a newbie.

For now, he needs to learn from you!

He has to! To desperate... maybe?

Even if he has follow you in the first floor and watch you grind for levels—for hours, it takes time so he can help s-so just ask… (👉👈), however you didn't. It's definitely fine—!

His ocean-like gaze of an abandoned puppy pokes the back of your head.

Or not.