"This is Becky McNeil, reporting live for Channel 9 news with the latest developments on the widespread disappearance of college students. It has been reported that over 10 thousand students from different universities have vanished without a trace and more continue to disappear. The few who have been found are either in a comatose state or have unfortunately met a tragic fate. This phenomenon has been ongoing for 6 months now, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available. For now, this has been Becky McNeil reporting."
My eyes snap open and I sit up in bed, heart racing. It takes a moment for my mind to catch up and realize that I am back in my castle in the Underworld.
The memory of my dream lingers, sending chills down my spine as I take in my surroundings: cold, stone walls and tapestries depicting scenes from Greek mythology. But this isn't just some fantasy game - it's become our reality, and with each passing day, it becomes clearer that there are real-life consequences for dying or getting injured here.
I sit up and dangle my legs off the bed, the cold stone floor sending a shiver up my spine. The dream lingers in my mind, its unsettling nature making me question if there is only one way out of this place - through injury or death. Is winning this game the key to escaping it?
As I shake off the last remnants of the dream, panic sets in - I forgot about the quest Persephone asked for help with! I quickly check my inventory and see that I have received skill points, crafting materials, and a new weapon - a bident, the main weapon of Hades himself.
Excitement courses through me as I equip the bident, marveling at its dark gems that seem to hold a mysterious power. Its weight feels substantial in my hands, and I feel a surge of confidence wash over me as I examine its intricate design. This could be exactly what I need to survive in this dangerous digital realm.
I should find Persephone as well, a knock on the door brings my attention to it. "Come in!" I yell while making sure I am fully dressed.
A demon enters the room, and bows. "Your grace, Thanatos wants to talk to you and is waiting in the throne room." I nod my head in acknowledgment and follow the demon down the winding corridors of the castle. The cold air brushes against my skin, reminding me that I am no longer in the real world. This is a place of darkness and uncertainty, where every step could be my last.
As we enter the throne room, I see Thanatos standing tall and imposing, his black robes billowing around him. He turns to face me, his crimson eyes gleaming with an otherworldly glow.
"Looks like you finally woke up! Who knew that a dungeon could knock you for a few days." Thanatos laughs and walks up to me. "I was worried you know!"
I punch his shoulder letting out a laugh, "You know very well that it would take more than that to get rid of me. But on a serious note Thanatos, I had a weird dream."
Thanatos raises an eyebrow, his expression serious. "Tell me about it," he says, his voice laced with curiosity and concern.
I take a deep breath, trying to piece together the fragments of my dream. "It was about disappearances," I begin. "A news reporter was talking about how thousands of college students have been vanishing without a trace. They either end up in comas or meet tragic fates when they are found." I pause, "Thanatos, I think we need to dig for information regarding this game. If what I dreamt of is true, I have this feeling that Zeus is aware of this and is far more powerful than his player card is letting on."
Thanatos' expression darkens as he ponders my words. "You may be onto something," he says gravely. "Zeus has always been cunning, and if there is something more to this game than meets the eye, he would surely be involved."
My head bobs up and down in response to his words. "We will continue this conversation later," I state firmly. But my mind is already racing with thoughts about Persephone's well-being. I had neglected to check on her while caught up in my dream.
"Where is she now?" I ask, my voice tinged with worry.
"Out in the courtyard," Thanatos responds calmly. He explains how Persephone had been shaken up after their dungeon experience and how my dragon had flown us back here due to our energy levels being depleted. As he speaks, a notification suddenly pops up in front of me, demanding attention.
My eyes scan the urgent message: "Alert! Rebel forces have infiltrated and are advancing towards the Courtyard." My heart rate increases as I turn to face Thanatos. "Persephone is still out there?" I question urgently.
He nods gravely, his eyes reflecting my fear.
Sh*t.