As soon as Kitsune opened his eyes, he realized that he was in a prison cell. The cold metal of the bed frame pressed against his bare skin, and as he sat up, he realized he was wearing an uncomfortable orange jumpsuit. He tried to rub the dull ache in his neck, but his hand hit a cold metal collar instead. Panic set in as he struggled to remember how he ended up here, in this strange place that felt oddly familiar.
He saw a black translucent screen hovering before him, displaying his name and stats along with a mission he had no recollection of accepting. As he looked around the barren cell, he noticed a small window offering a glimpse of sunlight and a black metal door. But for now, it seemed like escape was out of reach. He remembered just then that he was in a game.
**Name: Kitsune Zenko
Level: 1
HP: 100/100
MP: 10/10
Money: $0
Sync: 11%
Mission: Jailbreak (3 stars)
Objective: Escape from the prison
Reward: $10,000 and a random item
Failure: Death**
Upon reading the contents he sighed. He looked at the screen again and noticed that there was a timer, counting down from 60 minutes. He didn't like the idea of being trapped in a prison with no resources and no information. But at the same time, he couldn't resist the thrill of urgency and excitement that came with the 60-minute countdown ticking on his screen.
He stood up, stretching his arms and rolling his shoulders, trying to shake off. His red hair fell across his forehead in a messy tangle as he surveyed his new surroundings. The stone walls were oppressively close, cold and damp to the touch, exuding the faint, unpleasant smell of mildew and decay.
"Couldn't they simulate something other than the stench?" He wrinkled his nose, stepping cautiously toward the barred door, fingers trailing along the rough surface of the stone. "Feels like I'm in an actual prison."
With a frown, he approached the locked door and searched for any means of escape - a lockpick, a key, a card - but only found a bar under his bed. He tried to kick down the door, but it remained steadfast. Frustration built as he realized he had been stuck for 15 minutes already.
He tried to access the menu, but nothing happened. He couldn't even log out of the game. The thought of dying in this virtual world and not knowing what would happen to him in the real world only added to his growing sense of helplessness.
Despite his reservations, Kitsune knew he had no choice but to play the game and complete the mission. Cursing his predicament, he scoured his cell for any hidden clues or secret passages. He wondered if there was a way to communicate with the other players.
Through the heavily barred window, Kitsune could see the bleak landscape of the prison yard. The sky was a dull grey and a thick concrete wall surrounded the perimeter. A guard stood in a watchtower, scanning the area with a rifle and binoculars. Kitsune's frustration grew as he felt trapped in this cruel game, being tested and played with like a pawn.
Suddenly, an explosion rocked the room and flames filled his cell. With a smirk, Kitsune realized it was his opportunity to escape. He quickly made his way toward the cell as the metal bar door coiled due to the explosion.
He smiled. He felt a spark. He saw a chance. He saw a way out.
He landed on the ground and ran to the exit. He saw a sign, saying "Welcome to Full Dive".
He laughed…
As expected he was not the only one. He saw other players, wearing orange jumpsuits and metal collars, escaping from their cells and running to the exit.
Kitsune briefly wondered if he should compete or hinder them, before shrugging off the thought and focusing on escaping. As he was running he saw a guy carrying a briefcase which seemed to be filled with explosives. However, he didn't resemble any of the other players as he wore a black and grey striped jumpsuit. Kitsune concluded that the arsonist must be a game-created character.
His status appeared on Kitsune's screen. The guy who gave him and the other players a chance to escape. Chavo, a tall, slim, pale man, with black hair, green eyes, sharp features, and a skull tattoo on his neck.
**Name: Chavo
Level: ??
HP: ???/???
MP: ???/???
Money: ????????
Mission: Chaos (5 stars)
Objective: Cause as much chaos and destruction as possible.
Kitsune was stunned. He was impressed by Chavo's level and stats. He was curious about Chavo's hidden stats and objectives.