Sprinting across rooftops, Yuji was on route to collect the health potions from Tomoko and Hitoshi.
Upon reaching their home, Yuji observed Tomoko standing outside, awaiting his arrival.
Emerging before her like a shadow and startling her, Tomoko instinctively fell back in fear and bowed to Yuji.
"Where's Hitoshi?" Yuji inquired, confident that Hitoshi wouldn't undertake anything that would betray him.
Aware of Yuji's true identity and the dire consequences he threatened for betrayal, Hitoshi and Tomoko were far too far gone to fear to entertain the idea of betrayal.
Tomoko, with a shaky voice, confessed, "H-He was arrested by some military soldiers when we tried to steal some players' gold. I-I managed to escape, but he's being transported in an armored vehicle." Fearful of Yuji's reaction, she awaited his response anxiously.
Yuji, anticipating such a scenario given the increased presence of soldiers on the streets, processed the information calmly.
"Do you know where he's being transported?" Yuji inquired, seeking more details to formulate a plan.
She nodded, and without hesitation, Yuji lifted her over his shoulders and asked, "Where?"
"I heard they created a new prison near the prestigious high school, strong enough to hold players. They even have handcuffs that nullify our powers," Tomoko elaborated.
Affirming his course of action, Yuji, already aware of where Hitoshi was being taken, sought confirmation from Tomoko to ensure just in case.
The creation of this prison and the special handcuffs was orchestrated by the game masters to assist the government in regaining control.
Yuji dashed at full speed, catching Tomoko by surprise with the speed, resulting in her feeling nauseous and throwing up.
Fortunately, she managed to throw up in the air, avoiding any unwanted contact with Yuji.
As they made their way to the prison, Tomoko couldn't help but ponder, 'I thought he knew everything that we did? Why would he ask about Hitoshi if he was supposed to know?'
While Yuji guided them towards the prison, Tomoko started formulating plans, her mind actively strategizing.
Within a minute, Yuji spotted three armored vehicles lined up. Swiftly, he dashed to the front of the road, positioning himself a few meters ahead of the approaching armored vehicle.
The armored vehicles came to a sudden halt, causing those behind to bump into each other slightly.
"Hey, why did you stop?" The driver of the armored truck in the middle inquired through a walkie-talkie.
"Some crazy guy just appeared in the middle of the road and won't move," the other driver responded over the walkie-talkie.
Yuji disregarded the first vehicle and approached the middle one. However, before he could reach the rear, multiple guards from the other armored vehicles exited and aimed their guns at him.
"Step away from the vehicle! If you take another step, we are authorized to shoot!" The leader of the guards warned Yuji sternly.
The guards were unaware of Yuji's appearance, as he continued to wear his mask.
Unfazed by the threat of guns, Yuji took another step, prompting the guards to unleash a barrage of hundreds of bullets towards him.
The guards were left in astonishment as Yuji stood there unharmed, unaffected by any of the bullets fired at him.
Even Tomoko, who was familiar with Yuji's strength, found herself surprised. The way that he could catch every one of those bullets surpassed her comprehension.
The guards, visibly shaken, were players themselves, acknowledging their inability to react to even a single bullet, let alone the barrage they had just unleashed.
The guards recognized that only one of the top three players could achieve such a remarkable feat.
r100, Shiori?, and Heaven's_Chosen.
"You're one of the top players, aren't you!" The leader of the guards exclaimed, realization dawning upon him.
The leader of the guards, acknowledging the vast difference in capabilities, set down his weapon and instructed his subordinates to do the same. They all complied without hesitation, recognizing that they were facing someone far beyond their league.
The leader of the guards, aware of the potential consequences from his superiors, including reprimands or even termination, believed that presenting the video footage from their dash cams would help them understand the extraordinary circumstances they faced.
Seeing that the guards wouldn't intervene, Yuji proceeded to the back of the armored vehicle and forcefully broke down the doors.
The guards, witnessing Yuji effortlessly kick down steel as if it were nothing, weren't overly surprised, given his extraordinary abilities.
Hitoshi, initially puzzled by the gunshots, assumed someone was attempting an attack. To his surprise, he discovered Yuji and Tomoko arriving to rescue him.
Hitoshi and Tomoko shared a moment of relief, but suddenly, Hitoshi's world turned upside down as Yuji swiftly sliced his head from his neck.
Tomoko, witnessing her friend's headless body still suspended by the chains, began screaming, realizing she was next in line.
Her screams abruptly ceased as her head fell next to Hitoshi's. Her face reflected the fear she experienced, contrasting with Hitoshi's head, which bore a content and happy expression.
Yuji, seizing the opportunity, looted the bodies before making his way out of the armored vehicle.
Several guards, overwhelmed by the gruesome scene and witnessing Yuji emerging from the armored vehicle, couldn't control their nausea. A couple of them subconsciously reached for their weapons, anticipating that they might be the next targets for Yuji.
They breathed a sigh of relief when Yuji suddenly vanished into the darkness, leaving them spared from any immediate threat.
The following morning, the dash cam video capturing this harrowing scene would be released to the internet, spreading shock and speculation.
Before the video's release, Yuji took the time to clean off the blood from his clothes and face, then returned home.
Upon arriving home, Yuji found Misaki lying on the couch, engrossed in watching TV.
Observing Yuji's return, Misaki inquired, "What took you so long?"
Yuji sighed, "I ran into a little trouble on the way, but I resolved it. There was also a long line of players there."
"What kind of trouble?" Misaki worriedly asked.
"Just some unexpected obstacles. Nothing to worry about," Yuji reassured Misaki, downplaying the severity of the situation.
Wishing her goodnight, Yuji went to bed, anticipating the next morning when he would surprise his family with a dream come true.