Chapter 354 Why Are You Two Here?
“Well, this is gonna be interesting.”
Santiago frowned as he listened to the whispers around him. The arcade was way too loud to make out what anyone was saying, but it was obvious that they were all staring at him and talking about him.
He wasn’t new to The Eighteenth Hell. Starting as a gaming hobbyist and later becoming a natural-born game designer had made him familiar with the place. Not to mention that Harry loved coming here as “King” to crush beginners. The funny thing was that Santiago was the one who had brought Harry here for inspiration in the first place.
Today, Wade and Kayden had wandered off somewhere, leaving Santiago alone. He felt a bit lonely and decided to go find Harry. Santiago tried calling, but there was no signal. So, he confirmed that Harry was in this underground arcade. With nothing better to do, he headed over.
Just then, he saw something. For a second, he thought he was imagining things. He rubbed his eyes just to be sure. Then, he blurted out in shock, “Why are you two here?”
Harry and Tilda both instantly turned around. Harry’s heart skipped a beat when he saw Santiago. He glanced nervously at Tilda.
“I–I didn’t tell Santiago! I swear! I had no clue he’d show up! It’s a total coincidence!”
Tilda replied calmly, “I know. There’s no signal down here.”
“Oh, thank God.”
Harry exhaled in relief, but then he realized something was off. Why was he so nervous? Even if he had told Santiago, Tilda wouldn’t hurt him. But after spending time with her, Harry always felt a strange, overwhelming vibe from her. It was like she could devour him whole. That freaked him out.
“What are you and Tilda doing here?” Santiago asked, gritting his teeth. He felt Harry had betrayed him.
Harry recoiled. “I… I lost a game to Tilda. She asked me to give her a tour of the games here.”
Damn, why do I sound guilty like I owe Santiago a million bucks? I’m supposed to be a badass! And here I am, acting like a scared bunny! I’m so pathetic!
“You lost to Tilda?” Santiago squinted. He knew how skilled Harry was–he’d trained him himself. Harry’s gaming talent was top-notch. Being called “King” and famous among gamers said it all. And now, Tilda had actually beaten him. Santiago looked at Tilda. “Alright, since we ran into each other, how about a round? Pick any game.” He’d already lost to her in racing and skiing, but when it came to gaming, the one he excelled at, there was no way he’d lose. It was his chance to avenge his previous shame!
Holy crap! Harry’s heart jumped. He’d dreamed of such a showdown a million times, and now it was happening. Tilda versus Santiago–a full-on gaming showdown! Even Harry couldn’t guess the winner. Santiago was his mentor and a genius game designer. Tilda, on the other hand, was calm, collected, and crazy talented, always improving. Harry swallowed nervously. That was going to be epic. But how would Tilda react?
“I refuse,” Tilda said bluntly, as always.
Both Harry and Santiago froze.
“You… you refuse? Why? Are you chicken, Tilda?”
Tilda said coldly, “Are you dumb? Just because you want a match, I have to say yes? Who do you think you are?” Her view of Santiago hadn’t changed. He was just an arrogant idiot. He was full of himself, thinking everyone should give him what he wanted. She had no time to babysit some egomaniac’s requests. If Santiago hadn’t been born into the Jensons, protected by Russell and Blair, he probably would’ve gotten his butt kicked plenty of times by now. Tilda couldn’t believe she ever tried to patch things up with him. It made her want to smack her head. She’d been so foolish in her previous life.
Santiago was speechless, completely shut down. Even Harry went quiet. Neither expected Tilda, who usually loved challenges, to say no. But she always agreed to play against Harry without hesitation.
Harry groaned inside. Is she actually scared of Santiago? Seriously? Do I look that weak and easy to crush? Ugh, damn it.