Just like the "friend or foe identification" feature set in many games, there would never be misunderstandings between characters summoned by Shi Xiaolei, avoiding situations where "the flood washes away the dragon king temple."
After all, they were all created by the system, sharing the same "nationality."
However, not being hostile didn't mean these characters could immediately merge into one, uniting as a team.
It was like overseas Chinese.
Although all came from the same origin, their living habits would differ slightly due to being born in different provinces.
It wasn't as if any two overseas compatriots picked at random would necessarily become friends.
What mattered was their compatibility with each other.
Additionally, the process of contact and adaptation was also important.
For instance, the scene Shi Xiaolei was witnessing now—Bayonetta reaction upon seeing 2B—was a typical example.
With no enemy she couldn't defeat whether in heaven or on earth, and as the bearer of the Eye of the World, Bayonetta was unquestionably destiny child, both in personal strength and lineage.
Although not explicitly shown, it wasn't hard to see from her behavior that she was an extremely proud person.
Across both original games combined, those acknowledged by Lady Bayonetta could be counted on one hand.
Among them, the short, stout broker Enzo and the one nicknamed Cheshire, Luka, were more like subordinates and pets than friends.
In other words, the only ones Bayonetta truly treated as equals were probably just Jeanne and Rodin.
The former was also a witch with strength on par with Bayonetta.
The latter, seemingly just the owner of a weapons shop on the surface, was actually formerly an angel with the title of "The Infinite One" and now a great demon—Rodin strength even surpassed that of Bayonetta and Jeanne.
Clearly, Bayonetta had a strict criterion for friendship—whether the other party was capable in battle.
And now, she hadn't yet confirmed 2B strength, feeling only a shallow sense of recognition from their shared status as summons.
Coincidentally, this already thin recognition was offset by her instinct as a woman to "guard her territory."
Additionally, she was accustomed to being a lone wolf, not only lacking the habit of actively making friends but also resistant to partnering with anyone other than Jeanne.
Therefore, upon seeing 2B, she displayed such coldness, even near rejection.
"Let me introduce you."
Having just been "tormented" by Bayonetta, his mind not yet clear, Shi Xiaolei completely failed to catch the subtext in Bayonetta words.
Dodging Bayonetta intimate gesture of wrapping an arm around his shoulders, he pulled 2B arm forward a couple of steps and enthusiastically made introductions.
"Sylvia, this is Bayonetta, an extremely powerful witch. Lady Bayonetta, this is Sylvia..."
"Former YoRHa unit member, Type B No. 2 android, now named Sylvia."
Partly due to her instinct as an android and partly because she vaguely sensed Bayonetta attitude, 2B self-introduction was somewhat rigid.
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Bayonetta."
"An android?"
Standing at 180 centimeters tall, looking down at 2B, Bayonetta eyes revealed a hint of amusement.
"So you're not purely human either, just like me. Interesting."
"Yes, I am a multi-functional battle android. The 'B' in my designation is an abbreviation for 'Battle'."
She was just stating facts, but these words created a misunderstanding for Bayonetta.
"Combat specialized?"
Glancing at Shi Xiaolei, her sensually charming eyes seemingly electrified, then turning back to look at 2B, Bayonetta somewhat provocatively removed the lollipop from her red lips.
"How good are you in a fight? Mind if I test you?"
The aura emanating from Bayonetta triggered 2B instincts as a combat android.
Swallowing her initial refusal, she turned her gaze to Shi Xiaolei and gave a different response.
"If Rock permits, I'm ready anytime."
"Darling~"
A sugar-coated query that made Shi Xiaolei shudder.
Regaining his composure, sensing Bayonetta determination and the fighting spirit emanating from 2B, Shi Xiaolei could only smile wryly and scratch his head.
"You two... well, alright then, if you want to fight, go ahead. But one thing I must make clear—this is just sparring, not a real fight, OK?"
"Don't worry, you know my skills"
Bayonetta smiled, putting the lollipop back in her mouth, giving Shi Xiaolei another suggestive look.
"I'm most skilled at controlling boundaries and intensity, and I absolutely won't harm little sister Sylvia."
"Rock."
2B words were much more concise than Bayonetta, but the meaning expressed in her expression was the same.
"Fine then."
What else could he say? Shi Xiaolei could only shake his head helplessly.
"Let's go outside to fight, and let me be clear—win or lose, you only get half an hour, max."
"That's enough."
Bayonetta snapped her fingers, striding forward to follow Shi Xiaolei.
2B followed closely behind.
Because it had been so long since her last battle, deep in her heart, a desire to win had also ignited.
In her distraction, she even forgot about tidying up the room.
The three went downstairs and came to the plaza outside.
As referee, Shi Xiaolei stood in the middle of the field.
On his left, Bayonetta ripped off the casual clothes she had only worn for a few minutes, changing into the tight-fitting battle suit woven from her witch hair.
On Shi Xiaolei right, 2B simultaneously completed her quick-change, putting on her black one-piece short dress from the game and summoning the battle equipment she had never used before.
Even if it was just sparring, an aura would still form before the duel.
Dozens of meters away, Big White, who was playing with Kanna, was the first to sense the pressure brought by this aura.
Then, because of Big White strange reaction, Kanna and Bruce Banner also noticed the situation in the plaza.
"Oh? Are you playing a game?"
Seeing this scene, remembering her "play" with Thor, Kanna unhesitatingly abandoned Big White and ran over excitedly.
"Me too, me too~! Include me, I want to play too~!"
Not daring to let Kanna join in, Shi Xiaolei quickly called out.
"Kanna, come here."
To be honest, worrying about the little girl getting hurt was one thing, but what truly concerned Shi Xiaolei was the fear that she might get too excited and not know when to stop, then accidentally unleash a powerful attack that would blow up the entire Ark.
"Oh."
Not being allowed to play together, Kanna was somewhat dissatisfied. When she came to Shi Xiaolei, her little mouth was pouting high.
Fortunately, Shi Xiaolei had already gained experience and knew how to comfort this little girl.
He looked around, his eyes lit up, and he quickly gestured to Bayonetta.
"Lady Bayonetta, do you have any extra lollipops? Let me borrow one."
"..."
The momentum that had just been built up was completely dissipated by this sentence.
Looking at Shi Xiaolei, Bayonetta couldn't help but roll her eyes.
However, little Kanna, held in Shi Xiaolei arms, received Bayonetta loving gaze.
"Little one, what flavor do you like? Strawberry? Banana? Or mint?"
Walking with a model stride to Shi Xiaolei, with a wave of her hand, several different colored lollipops suddenly appeared between Bayonetta fingers.
"Wow~~, big sister, you can do magic? Amazing~!"
Eyes wide open, mouth agape, the little girl was very excited, clapping her hands enthusiastically.
Looking at the pretty, toy-like lollipops in Bayonetta hand, Kanna unconsciously sucked on her finger.
"Um, can I try one of each flavor?"
"Of course, that's a special treat just for you."
Smiling as she handed the lollipops to the little girl, Bayonetta turned and walked back toward her previous position.
Remembering that she hadn't answered the earlier question, she stopped, turned her waist seductively, and winked at the little girl.
"By the way, I'm a witch, little sister. Magic tricks are my specialty."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)