Ralkias mulled over Aectaeon's question for quite a long time. The silence between them almost seemed as if it would last until their departure. That being so, Aectaeon chose to think for his own.
However, Aectaeon could only go so far with his contemplation. Earth was a world where magic didn't exist. Though he could use the concepts about magic written in books or shown in movies, in the end, they were only products of human imagination.
Aectaeon sighed deeply and went on to survey the faces of the nearby players. Unlike the players who were picking on others, most of the quiet ones appeared as if they had yet to accept their situation.
Rather than those who could stand up to him, Aectaeon was wary of associating himself with those who couldn't get a grip on themselves.
At that point, he met the eyes of one of the players. He was a bit intrigued, considering most of the players were eager to avoid his gaze. The player nearly appeared human, aside from their hands and feet that were covered with fur and twice the size of his.
'What's their problem?' Aectaeon thought, seeing the player look at him through their narrowed gaze.
Right then, the player slowly took a stand. Aectaeon quickly averted his gaze away from them. He looked at Ralkias and shook his shoulder.
"Ralkias, someone is approaching us. Let's go somewhere else." Aectaeon said as he took a peek at the player.
Ralkias followed his gaze, and for once, was dumbstruck at what he had seen. Aectaeon squinted his eyes at the man, yet he didn't pry any further.
Aectaeon made himself comfortable, saying to himself, 'I'm sure he would talk if it's something I need to know.'
He went on and silently watched the happenings, taking everything with a grain of salt.
Once the player was near them, they lowered their upper torso till it was parallel to the ground. Withal, they didn't say anything. The player remained in that position, their entire body quivering.
Aectaeon didn't address the player's arrival, knowing that they didn't come for them. He just gave Ralkias a look and waited for him to speak.
After a full uneventful minute, an exasperated sigh escaped Ralkias' lips. His nonchalant eyes turned into sharp glowers.
"Enough of that. Don't dare approach me for a second time. I'm warning you."
Instead of following Ralkias' order, they didn't budge, much to Ralkias' annoyance.
"Don't make me repeat myself."
That second, the player knelt on the ground and raised their head. Their eyes were wet with exhaustion and bewilderment.
"Kje-"
"I advise that you don't say anything. Are you that incompetent to forget where you are at this moment?" Ralkias uttered, sounding as if he was growling.
Aectaeon wondered if he should be listening to the two. He breathed through his mouth and decided to stay away from them.
As he was about to stand, Aectaeon felt Ralkias' grip on his shoulder. Aectaeon glanced at Ralkias, one of his eyebrows raised.
Without looking at Aectaeon, Ralkias spoke, "There's no need for you to move. This will be over soon."
Aectaeon gazed at the player, who was now staring at him. But it was not his place to help the player in exchange for leaving Ralkias. Sans a second of hesitation, he sat back down. He then turned his attention away from them and kept his reticence.
"Didn't I tell you to not make me repeat my words? What are you still there?" Ralkias said in a convicted tone.
The player proceeded to grovel, their forehead touching the ground.
"Please help me. I don't know what to do."
The corners of Ralkias's mouth slightly went down. In lieu of giving an answer, he looked at Aectaeon and nodded. Although he had his back against Ralkias, Aectaeon could feel the intensity of the man's gaze. He turned his head towards the man and mouthed, "What?"
"He's asking for help. What do you think?"
"Why are you even asking me? It's not like I know them. Answer it yourself."
Ralkias tilted his head to the side and replied, "What if I say yes to him? Would that be favorable for you?"
"As I've said, why are you a-" At that point, Aectaeon had a realization, "Are you saying that I'll bear half of the responsibility if you say yes?"
Quick as lightning, Ralkias nodded his head.
With a snort, Aectaeon gave his response, "No, that's a definite no. I can't even handle myself properly and you want me to take care of someone else? Why would you make me do that?"
Aectaeon then turned the focus of his rant towards the player.
"And you, why in the world are you asking Ralkias for help when he's just the same as everyone else? Can't you see that he's bothered by your sudden request? Do you think he has the time to help you?"
The player hiccuped, feeling as if he was sinking further down the ground. But out of the reprimanding that he got, he became curious about only one thing.
"Ralkias?" The player asked, raising their head slightly, "Who is R-"
"I am," Ralkias answered immediately.
"But you n-"
"Shut your mouth this instant."
It was evident on Ralkias' face that he'd had enough of the conversation. And so was Aectaeon. They both turned away from the player, grunting all the while.
At a loss on what to do, the player went back to groveling on the floor. Since his eyes were closed, he didn't notice that the basilisk underneath had its enormous eyes on him.
For several minutes, none of the three made a move. They earned the stares of some players, some thinking that they were no different than the bullies they confronted earlier. Of course, the two didn't mind what the others were thinking.
The first person to break the silence was Aectaeon. He fixated his gaze on the player and spoke.
"If you manage to clear three game worlds in succession, come to us. We'll help you."