Lillian scanned the crowded virtual marketplace, her eyes narrowing as her target's location flashed on her screen. The mission was simple: eliminate the target, collect the reward, and move on. It was just another job, another contract. Her avatar, a skilled sniper, moved through the game world with ease, years of military training guiding her every step. She didn't need anything more than her sharp instincts to take him down.
But then, as she rounded a corner, a familiar voice broke through her concentration.
"Hello, Lill. Long time no see."
Lillian froze, her heart skipping a beat. She turned, the recognition instant. There, standing between her and her target, was Evangelia—her old comrade, the woman she had fought beside in countless missions, the one person who had always had her back.
"Evangelia," Lillian muttered, her grip tightening on her weapon. "What are you doing here?"
Evangelia flashed her a smile, but there was no warmth in it. "I'm blocking your kill, Lill. I'm here to protect the target."
Lillian's eyes narrowed in frustration. "Move. He's mine."
Evangelia's avatar remained firm, her sword drawn and ready. "I wouldn't take it personally. It's just another contract for money, right?" She raised an eyebrow, as if daring Lillian to make the first move.
Lillian's chest tightened. She had fought beside Evangelia countless times, but now, in this virtual space, they were enemies. It wasn't supposed to be like this. The mission was simple. Get in, get out, and collect the cash. But now Evangelia, the one person Lillian had trusted most in her life, was standing in her way.
"Don't make me do this," Lillian warned, the tension thick in her voice.
Evangelia chuckled softly. "We both know you'll do it if you have to." She shifted her stance, clearly not afraid of the impending fight. "But you should know—this target isn't who you think he is. Maybe you should let me explain."
Lillian wasn't in the mood for explanations. "Move. Now."
The air crackled with tension as the two old friends squared off. The fight that followed was not just a battle of avatars—it was a clash of wills, of memories, of shared history. Each move was instinctive, the two of them anticipating each other's next move, their military training kicking in with every strike.
They fought fiercely, but neither of them landed a decisive blow. The virtual environment, designed for combat, seemed to shrink around them as their battle grew more intense, more personal. Both women knew each other too well—knew how the other would move, what strategies they would use.
The exhaustion began to set in. Lillian's breath came in short, ragged bursts. Evangelia's eyes were narrowed, sweat glistening on her avatar's brow, but there was a sense of amusement behind her gaze.
"Still as strong as ever, Lill," Evangelia said, her voice gruff. "You haven't lost your edge."
Lillian shook her head, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Neither have you, Evie. But you're still getting in my way."
Evangelia took a step back, lowering her weapon. "Maybe it's not such a bad thing. You're a little too focused on this kill, Lill. You're not seeing the bigger picture."
Lillian frowned. "What bigger picture? This is a job. I do it, I get paid. End of story."
"Not everything's about money," Evangelia replied softly. "This target… he's not who you think he is. You'll find out soon enough."
Lillian stared at Evangelia, her mind racing. She knew her friend too well to ignore the weight of her words. Despite the fight, despite the tension, she trusted Evangelia. And something in the way Evangelia stood there—firm, resolute—told Lillian that this wasn't just about a contract. There was something more.
With a heavy sigh, Lillian lowered her weapon. "Fine. We kill him together, then. No need to make this harder than it has to be."
Evangelia smiled, that familiar glint in her eyes. "Now you're thinking straight."
Together, they moved toward the target, working in sync as they had done countless times before. The battle was over before it even began. They took the target down efficiently, without hesitation, as they always had.
Once the job was done, the two women stood in the aftermath, their avatars relaxed as they took a moment to catch their breath. Lillian wiped the sweat from her brow, her mind still spinning.
"I can't believe you're still in this world, Evie," Lillian said, her voice softer now, tinged with a mix of nostalgia and something else—something deeper. "I thought you'd be long gone after we left the army."
Evangelia shrugged. "I like the thrill, Lill. Keeps me sharp. But you? You've always been the one who can keep moving forward. I guess I'll just tag along for the ride."
Lillian laughed, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Guess I can't get rid of you, can I?"
Evangelia grinned. "No chance in hell."
After they finished their mission, they decided to meet up in real life. Lillian had always known that Evangelia was more than just a comrade in arms. She was a friend—one who would stand by her no matter what. And after the battle, the world of virtual contracts didn't seem quite so important anymore.
"Let's go grab a drink," Lillian suggested. "We've earned it."
Evangelia raised an eyebrow. "A drink? After all that? You're on."
The two of them logged out of the game, the virtual world disappearing as they returned to reality.
As they sat down at a bar in the real world, the conversation turned to their future. "So, what's next for us, Lill?" Evangelia asked. "You still planning on staying in this VR world?"
Lillian smirked. "I'm thinking about it. Maybe we'll even buy the full-dive sets. See how much further we can push ourselves."
Evangelia grinned. "I like that idea. And you know what? Maybe we'll find someone worthy of defeating us. Someone who can take us down in the game, and then—"
"We'll marry him?" Lillian finished with a laugh.
"Exactly." Evangelia chuckled, tapping her glass against Lillian's. "Let's find our challenger."
And with that, the two friends—old soldiers, new rivals—began to talk about their next adventure, one that would take them into a new world where everything was at stake, and nothing was guaranteed. But for now, they were content to simply enjoy each other's company. The future was uncertain, but with Evangelia by her side, Lillian was ready for whatever came next.
Lillian and Evangelia slipped out the back door of the bar, the faint sounds of music and laughter fading behind them as they made their way down the dimly lit alley. The night had turned cold, and the fog was creeping in, but their thoughts were elsewhere. They hadn't exactly planned to leave without paying, but when things got tense, it felt like the only option. The conversation about *Faye Rift* had gotten a bit too heated, and the idea of the future, of the game, had them both on edge.
"Great. We're gonna have to figure out how to get out of here without getting caught," Lillian muttered, adjusting her jacket as they quickened their pace.
Evangelia let out a low laugh. "I guess that's the price we pay for getting too caught up in strategy talk, huh? We should've paid the bill... but who needs money when we've got the future in our hands?"
"True," Lillian agreed, smirking. "But let's focus on the important part: *Faye Rift*. We're headed to Prague, right?"
Evangelia's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Prague, huh? Sounds like a place where things could really get interesting. A city of history, of power. And it's the home of the company behind the full-dive VR system. We'll be getting our hands on the gear, and then—then the real game begins."
The two women walked briskly down the narrow streets, making their way toward the train station. Despite the cool night air, their conversation burned with intensity. They had made a pact to stick together through this, to carve out their own path in *Faye Rift*, and it was a journey they both embraced fully.
"I'm thinking we go all-out in this," Evangelia continued. "We'll start from scratch, just like everyone else—human, no levels, no cheats. But we'll make sure we're trained for everything, from stealth to combat. We'll need to get our bodies in shape—just like we did in the military."
Lillian nodded, her eyes focused. "Exactly. Strength, agility, and strategy. We'll be a team of shadows, hidden until the moment is right. And when we find someone strong enough to defeat us, we'll step into the light. But they'll have to earn it."
"You think we'll find someone like that?" Evangelia asked. "Someone who can break us?"
"I don't know," Lillian said thoughtfully. "But I believe we will. And when we do, we'll be ready. *Faye Rift* isn't just a game, it's a chance to create our own destiny. To find someone worthy of us."
"Sounds like a good plan," Evangelia said, the familiar edge of determination in her voice. "We'll make our way to Prague, get our gear, and train. It'll be just like the old days in the army—only this time, it's for us. No one will tell us what to do or who to fight. We're in control."
They reached the station, the dim lights flickering above them as the sound of the train in the distance grew louder. They were ready to go. Ready to take on whatever *Faye Rift* had in store for them.
But as they boarded the train to Prague, Lillian couldn't shake the feeling that the path they were about to walk would be more complicated than they expected. It wasn't just about winning or losing—it was about what came after. They both knew the stakes were high.
And as they sat down on the train, Lillian turned to Evangelia with a sly smile. "Let's see what *Faye Rift* has in store for us. We're going to take this game by storm."
Evangelia grinned back. "And we'll make sure we're the ones holding all the cards when it's over."
They both leaned back in their seats, the train beginning its journey toward Prague, the future of their game—and perhaps their lives—lying ahead of them.
Lillian sat back in her seat, the gentle hum of the train accompanying her thoughts as she mulled over the conversation she had just had with her contact. She knew the risks now, but there was one more crucial step before entering the game: preparation. And that wasn't just about logging into *Faye Rift*. It was about equipping herself for what was ahead—whether that meant weapons, strategy, or physical conditioning.
Her phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with another message from Evangelia: *"Still on track? What's our next move?"*
Lillian typed back quickly, her eyes scanning the landscape outside. *"Waiting for one last thing. I'll call Kira. She's got the details. We need to get ready, physically and mentally. I'll update you soon."*
Kira was their old operative, the one who had guided them through countless missions during their time in the military. She had been their tactical mastermind, always a step ahead of them, and her no-nonsense attitude had kept them both alive more times than they cared to admit. If anyone could give them the edge they needed in *Faye Rift*, it was Kira.
A few moments later, Lillian was dialing Kira's number. The familiar, gruff voice answered almost immediately. "Lillian? You better have a good reason for calling. I'm on my break."
Lillian smiled slightly, despite the tension. "Got a new mission for us, Kira. *Faye Rift*—the full-dive VR game. We're getting ready to log in. But we need to talk strategy. Weapons. Training. What should we focus on?"
Kira let out a low chuckle, one that Lillian recognized as her way of gearing up for a real conversation. "So, you're diving into that mess, huh? Figures. Alright, here's the deal. You're right to get prepared. *Faye Rift* may look like a game, but it's more than that. You'll need more than just your wits to survive. It's about adaptability and balance."
Lillian was silent for a moment, taking in the words. "Adaptability. Balance. Got it. What about the weapons? Evangelia and I were thinking of going all-rounder—something with range and melee, just in case."
Kira paused, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. "All-rounder's a good idea. But you need to be specific. You can't just grab whatever's available and hope it works. Each weapon has its strengths, and you need to understand them fully before you engage. For range, I'd suggest a crossbow—something light, quick to reload. Handheld, compact. You don't want something that's too bulky. You'll need that mobility."
Lillian nodded, even though Kira couldn't see her. "Crossbow. Got it. What about melee?"
"Claymore," Kira replied without hesitation. "You two have the strength for it, and if you're really planning on staying off the radar in the game, nothing says stealth like a big sword. Claymore's the kind of weapon that can turn the tide in close combat. Plus, if magic is ever introduced later, the staff would complement it. You could use that to heal, support, or even throw spells if the system allows it."
Lillian's mind raced as she processed Kira's advice. "That makes sense. We want to be versatile. And what about... the gym? We can't just rely on what we get in-game. We need the muscle to back up our choices."
"I was waiting for that," Kira smirked on the other end of the line. "Look, I've got access to a private gym. It's connected to some military facilities—not exactly top secret, but exclusive. You'll have access to full training equipment, the kind of stuff that'll build your stamina, strength, and endurance to handle whatever you encounter in-game. Think of it as your personal base—get in, get fit, and get stronger."
"Perfect," Lillian replied. "That's exactly what we need. We're planning to train as if we're going into a mission, not just some virtual game."
Kira's voice softened, but there was still an edge of seriousness. "Exactly. This isn't just about leveling up in the game. This is real-world preparation. The studio may not have told you this, but *Faye Rift* isn't just a game—it's a battleground. And with Aurora running the show, I wouldn't be surprised if things got messy fast. You need to be physically ready for the things you can't predict."
Evangelia's voice chimed in from the other end of the line, her usual playful tone absent. "We'll need to think about stealth too. I've been working on my agility—gotta move fast when we need to. But I'm not entirely sure how it will translate in *Faye Rift*. You know I'm not the best at games, but I can hold my own."
Kira hummed in agreement. "Stealth is a key skill. In the game, you'll need to stay low and keep your distance from players and NPCs alike. That's where your crossbows will come in. Take the shot, retreat, and let your enemies come to you. But don't forget the other side—melee combat. You two are good with your hands, but remember, the in-game environment is gonna be different. The physics, the reactions—it's not going to be like your basic military training."
"Yeah, I remember the first time I swung a sword in VR," Evangelia added dryly. "That didn't go well. But if we're serious about this, we need to train. Hard."
Lillian nodded. "We'll get it done. But let's focus on what comes after. We need to get in, and we need to survive long enough to figure out what Aurora and the studio are really up to."
Kira's tone was firm as she wrapped up the conversation. "You're smart to be wary. Just don't forget why you're in this. You've survived battles in real life, and now it's time to turn that survival instinct into something even deadlier. *Faye Rift* may look like a game, but trust me, it's anything but."
Lillian's fingers tightened around her phone. "Understood. We'll be ready. Thanks for the info, Kira."
"Always," Kira replied, before hanging up.
Lillian leaned back in her seat again, her mind running through everything she'd just learned. It wasn't just about the game anymore. It was about preparation. And as they pulled into the station, Lillian felt the weight of the coming challenge settle on her shoulders.
The gym. The weapons. The strategy. It was all part of the bigger picture. And with Evangelia by her side, she knew they could handle whatever the game—or the world—threw their way.
But the unknowns remained: Aurora, the studio's true agenda, and how they would fit into this chaotic, virtual world. She wasn't sure yet, but one thing was certain—she was ready for what came next.
And as they made their way off the train and toward their destination, Prague loomed ahead like the starting line of a race. They had made their decision, and now it was time to face the unknown.
As Lillian and Evangelia made their way through the bustling train station, the weight of their conversation still lingering in the air, Evangelia glanced over at Lillian with a thoughtful expression.
"You think someone who'll fall to the dark side will show?" Evangelia asked, her voice soft but curious, as if the question had been on her mind for some time. "Someone we can fight... and maybe even marry?"
Lillian paused, her steps faltering for a moment as the question hit her. She hadn't really thought about that part yet—not in any real way. It was one thing to prepare for battle, to train, to choose weapons, but it was another to think about the deeper, personal stakes. The idea of meeting someone who had fallen to the dark side, someone twisted enough to challenge them, yet still strong enough to maybe be worthy of something more... it felt like a distant possibility.
She shook her head slightly, the corners of her mouth curving upward just a little. "I don't know," she admitted, her gaze fixed ahead as they walked. "But I wish that yes. I wish that someone will show. Someone worth fighting for... or fighting against. Someone who could really change the game."
Evangelia grinned, her eyes glinting with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. "Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?"
Lillian smiled back, her mind already drifting to the future, to the unknown challenges ahead. "Yeah," she said, her voice steady. "We'll see."