I logged into J-Flock today without much thought. There was still time before the guild raid started, so I figured I'd gather some enhancement materials beforehand. I'm clearing out monsters one by one in the peaceful, familiar field hunting grounds. My hands are already moving automatically. I've played this long enough to be a veteran; I could map out my route with my eyes closed.

But the moment one monster falls, the item goes to someone else instead of my inventory.

...What the?

I brushed it off as a coincidence. But it was the same for the next monster, and the one after that. Someone keeps landing the final blow on monsters I've brought down to near-zero health and snatching the loot. Their timing in lurking around and sniping the last hit is practically an art form.

I turn my gaze to the side and see a character casually heading toward another monster. A strange nickname above their head catches my eye.

Guest.

A player I've never seen before. They're loitering around me, specifically picking the monsters I'm attacking to deliver the final strike. Once might be a mistake, but this is clearly intentional.

Heh, look at this person?

A short, incredulous laugh escapes me. Normally, I would have just found it annoying and switched channels. I'm not the type to go looking for a fight. But strangely, I don't want to just let it slide today. Seeing the materials I was painstakingly gathering get stolen right in front of me is starting to trigger my competitive streak. This brazen bastard. I'm not letting you off easy.

My grip on the mouse tightens. Staring at the monitor, I finally open the chat window.