Heavenly Artisan Chen Zhitie stood behind the living room door, a claw hammer resting on his knee.

This was currently his only weapon—and also his [Professional Tool].

However, although it was a [Professional Tool], this claw hammer wasn't particularly handy as a "weapon."

The two optional tools for the [Craftsman] profession were [Tools] and [Blueprints].

Choosing [Blueprints] would grant one blueprint at the start of each instance, allowing the crafting of a powerful [Temporary Item] using materials from that instance. Moreover, this item would persist until the next instance began, even after returning to the real world.

Thus, Craftsmen who chose [Blueprints] had highly variable performance, being particularly weak at the start of each instance before crafting their [Temporary Item].

Heavenly Artisan disliked this instability, so he chose [Tools] as his [Professional Tool] and advancement path.

[Blueprints] represented creation.

While [Tools] represented destruction.

The effect of [Professional Tool·Tools] was simple and brutal—it granted a tool that enhanced destructive power against inorganic objects, environments, and mechanical structures.

Besides preferring this simple, reliable ability, Heavenly Artisan chose [Tools] for another reason—he already possessed a hammer as his "primary weapon."

[Non-Exclusive Item·Bone Crusher: Enhances destructive power against living beings, revealing their "weak points for striking." Hitting these weak points deals massive damage.]

With these two hammers combined, Heavenly Artisan's combat prowess was naturally formidable!

However, two instances ago, his most frequently used item, the [Bone Crusher]... was stolen.

After returning to reality, Heavenly Artisan realized his missing item and belatedly understood that in that game, he wasn't the only expert hiding their identity.

"Damn it, ran into that damn brat from the [Free Alliance]..."

There were many [Thieves], but only one [Master Thief].

Only the [Free Alliance]'s [A Nian] could steal someone's [Item] and still not return it after the instance ended!

Especially since the other party looked like some cheeky little girl—this further confirmed Heavenly Artisan's suspicions weren't wrong.

Although he'd asked the big shots within the [Marauders] to negotiate for him, dealing with the [Free Alliance] was troublesome—it wouldn't be resolved in just a week or two.

Even if he got it back...

The [Marauders] operated on quid pro quo.

He'd probably have to do quite a few favors for those big shots in return.

And as if encountering the Master Thief wasn't headache enough, who would've thought...

"Troubles never come singly."

Sitting in the dark living room, Heavenly Artisan stared at the slightly blurry "surveillance footage" on his phone, his expression grim.

He'd set up Bluetooth surveillance cameras at every entrance of Jiuxi Garden. Though the resolution wasn't great, they covered all major entry points.

Heavenly Artisan had noticed someone entering the complex early on.

And just from glancing at the footage, his instincts told him...

Those two were dangerous.

Especially when they headed straight for his building with clear purpose, Heavenly Artisan became certain...

They were definitely players coming for him!

Though there were only two, he didn't dare be careless or underestimate them.

After all, Heavenly Artisan knew he was famous.

In the [Death Game] player circles, a simple search would reveal his glorious exploits and approximate skill level.

Yet they still only sent two people...

What did that mean?

It meant they were confident—that even two people could take him down.

Especially when after reaching his building...

One even stayed downstairs, leaving only one to come up!

This made Heavenly Artisan even more wary—after losing the [Bone Crusher], he knew his combat power had significantly diminished.

So he chose to ambush them.

"Tap, tap, tap, tap..."

Faint footsteps echoed from the staircase, growing steadily closer as Heavenly Artisan listened intently.

Then, upon reaching this floor...

The footsteps suddenly vanished.

Had they stopped outside his door?

Did they realize he was hiding behind it?

His thoughts were chaotic, but a thrill of excitement coursed through him.

Adrenaline surged, quickening his heartbeat, while his palms grew slightly sweaty gripping the [Tool] hammer.

Though he knew his opponent might be formidable, Heavenly Artisan wasn't afraid.

After all...

How could someone who'd killed five players consecutively and escaped unscathed from [Order] be some nobody?

He had an 8,000-point bounty on his head!

Even without his best weapon, he didn't consider himself mediocre.

"If you want my bounty, let's see if you've got what it takes," he thought viciously.

The silence beyond the door had lasted too long, and Heavenly Artisan was nearly out of patience.

He pulled out a crimson potion from his pocket and drank it.

This potion, purchased at great cost from within the [Marauders], could triple his physical attributes for 15 minutes!

Almost equivalent to gaining most of a [Soldier] profession!

This was Heavenly Artisan's life-saving trump card!

Though unsure of his opponent's strength, Heavenly Artisan never skimped on consumable items!

Life was precious—save where you can, spend where you must!

Just as he stood behind the door, hammers at the ready...

"Yo!"

A cheerful greeting came from behind him.

Heavenly Artisan whirled around to see a tall young man standing on his balcony, waving at him with an amused smile.

The voice sounded familiar.

The thought flashed through Heavenly Artisan's mind.

Backlit and wearing a mask, the man's features were unclear.

But his next words jogged Heavenly Artisan's memory.

"Long time no see, Heavenly Artisan of the [Marauders]... or should I say, 'Iron Uncle'!"

That confident, resonant voice made Heavenly Artisan's expression shift.

"You're... [Nine Waters]?! That [Soldier]!"

Damn it, it was the same soldier he'd encountered alongside [A Nian]!

If he recalled correctly, this kid wasn't just a [Soldier]—he also had a gun!

And his appearance here... could it be related to the [Free Alliance]?!

Thoughts raced through Heavenly Artisan's mind, but caution kept him rooted in place.

"What do you want?" he demanded coldly.

Lin Yu grinned. "What do I want? I'm here to—"

In the next instant, Heavenly Artisan saw Lin Yu suddenly close the distance.

And from his sleeve, Lin Yu drew a black rod!

"Claim your bounty!"

The black rod swung in a wide arc, heading straight for Heavenly Artisan's skull!