And with the introduction of "rewards" and "treasure chests," the once guaranteed victory of the "Brutalizer" was broken.
The playing field between "escapers" and "Brutalizers" had become a back-and-forth battle.
Even at one point, "escapers" became the side with the majority of victories.
Until the "game" rules changed again.
"Brutalizers" could now bring their own favored weapons into play.
Afterward, the battle between the two sides became tit for tat once again.
Jason looked into the essence of the "game" rules.
Of course, he was well aware that such "balance" wasn't for the sake of "fairness," it was merely to make the "game" more appealing.
A one-sided victory is exhilarating.
It's like cheating in a game.
The game ends with a cheat.
Only a confrontation where the opponents are evenly matched is the most captivating.
The best scenario is when one side is at a slight disadvantage but clenches their teeth and pulls off a turnaround at the last moment.
That's what the "audience" wants to see.
So, the "game" is designed to do just that.
And it's for this reason Jason could guess that his next "match" would not be so straightforward.
After all, he had "crushed" his opponents in the last match.
The "game" planners would make some adjustments to keep the match appealing.
So, Jason was even more focused as he went through the maps.
Though there was a high chance they would not be needed.
But the "escapers" setting traps at key locations and "Brutalizers" pursuing at inconspicuous spots were experiences he could learn from.
As Jason came across an example of an "escaper" flipping a wooden crate and using a plank to hit the "Brutalizer," footsteps echoed once again in the corridor.
There were two people.
One was the "intermediary" Pers.
The other set of footsteps was unfamiliar.
After a knock, Pers asked.
Not until Jason nodded did the wooden colors recede from the glass door.
Although such actions seemed superfluous, Pers went through with it anyway.
As a competent "intermediary," he followed everything laid down in the "intermediary" handbook.
Including, while being cautious of the "Brutalizer," one must also "respect" them.
The quotation marks were marked in the handbook.
As for how to interpret that?
That was up to the individual.
Pers chose to give the utmost "respect" within reason.
Just like he had just done.
How others acted, he didn't know.
At least, Jason did not dislike such behavior, and his gaze towards Pers was somewhat softer.
However, his look towards the person next to Pers was not so courteous.
That was the only meaning conveyed by Jason's gaze.
Not only because it was Jason's first time meeting the man, but also because the other man's gaze and expression were laced with probing and veiled malice from the very beginning.
Perhaps he believed himself well-concealed, but under Jason's perception, he was completely exposed.
"Hello, Player Jason," said the stranger, seemingly polite, even bowing slightly.
A black suit, a white shirt, and a pair of cheap leather shoes made him resemble a door-to-door salesman.
But a salesman could hardly match the sharp gaze of the stranger.
As he greeted Jason, the strange visitor's eyes were fixed firmly on him.
Not missing a single movement of Jason's.
Despite the hockey mask, the eyes that were visible were enough for scrutiny.
Unfortunately for the visitor, Jason remained utterly indifferent throughout.
There wasn't the slightest flicker in his gaze.
This left the stranger somewhat disappointed, yet he didn't lose heart, stood straighter, and turned to Pers.
"Mr. Pers, I would like to speak with Player Jason alone."
"But please abide by the rules."
Pers did not hinder him, simply reminded him of the rules and, after signaling to Jason, turned and walked to the end of the corridor.
The automatic door opened and closed.
Pers' figure disappeared behind the door.
The stranger then turned back to Jason.
"Player Jason, I am Billder, the security advisor of the Send Family," he introduced himself.
To this, Jason was not surprised.
After the death of Send 9, it was inevitable that the Send Family would first send one of their own.
It was a necessity for a prominent family.
If something happened and they immediately hired outside personnel, it would suggest that the family was all show and no substance.
"Player Jason, you must have some idea why I'm here," the security advisor gestured towards the TV still playing.
At that moment, the TV was broadcasting the assassination event of Send 9.
Even the "game's" live and replayed broadcasting was pushed aside for now.
The heat of the moment is always the subject of pursuit.
"Send 9 was a fine young man. Although he had some troubles typical of someone his age, most of the time, he did well, at least everything a young person could accomplish."
"That's why great hopes were placed on him."
"And thus, his accidental death will lead to very unpleasant things."
"Including Player Jason, you're within the scope of this impact."
"So, is there anything you would like to tell me?"
After a spiel that to Jason seemed entirely unnecessary, even something that could be called rubbish, Billder suddenly asked a question out of the blue, his gaze fixed on Jason's eyes once more.