Duke coughed out blood as another knuckle connected with his nose.
He attempted to access his Stats to defend himself, but the system responded with a blunt:
*ACCESS DENIED*
Just when things seemed hopeless, the distant wailing of a police siren broke through the chaos. The sound startled the group, causing them to scatter and flee, leaving Duke to his fate.
In that moment, Duke felt a mix of relief and uncertainty. The sudden arrival of the police gave him a glimmer of hope, knowing that help was on its way. But at the same time, it made him anxious. He was supposed to be hiding in the shadows after his escapades with the pill. But here he was, injured and unsure of what would happen next.
As adrenaline coursed through his veins, Duke had to make a quick decision. Should he stay put and wait for the police to arrive, or should he try to find a way to safety on his own? With every passing second, his mind raced, weighing the risks and potential outcomes.
In the end, Duke's survival instincts kicked in. Despite his injuries and the uncertainty of the situation, he mustered the strength to get back on his feet. With determination in his eyes even when he could see nothing, he took one step at a time, cautiously navigating his way toward safety.
He staggered through the dark alley, his body throbbing with pain. Blood trickled down his face, his clothes torn and tattered. Every step felt like a struggle, as if the weight of the world was bearing down upon him.
As Duke stumbled forward, he relied on his hands and feet to navigate the dark and treacherous route. Despite falling multiple times, his head bumping against the wall, he refused to give up. The distant wail of police sirens grew louder, echoing through the desolate streets like a beacon of hope. The sound offered a glimmer of salvation amidst the chaos, and Duke drew on it as a source of determination. He knew he had to keep moving, to put as much distance between himself and the scene of the brutal assault. Using the sirens as a guide, he pushed forward, fueled by the hope of finding safety and escape.
With each labored breath, he pushed himself onward, his adrenaline fueling his determination.
Shadows danced around him, mocking his weakened state. But Duke refused to succumb to despair.
Finally, he reached the end of the alley, emerging into the dimly lit street and he could hear the sirens more vividly. The flashing lights of the approaching police cars painted the surroundings in hues of red and blue. Duke's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of relief and anxiety flooding his senses.
As the police closed in on Duke, the screeching sound of tires filled the air. Another car abruptly came to a halt right in front of him. A feminine voice, filled with urgency, pierced through the chaos, "Come on! Get in!"
Duke hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But there was something familiar about that voice. It sounded like the teenage girl he had encountered and helped get away earlier. Exhausted and unable to take another step, Duke's body gave way, and he collapsed to the ground.
Before Duke's senses could fully comprehend what was happening, muscular hands reached out, grabbing him and forcefully pulling him into the waiting vehicle.
Once inside the car, Duke heard a familiar feminine voice question him from the side. "I went to get help. What happened to you?" she asked, every word dripping with concern.
Duke bit his tongue to keep from scoffing at her. It was clear to both of them what had happened—he had been brutally beaten.
"I got bit by an ant," Duke responded, sarcasm lacing his tone.
The car suddenly changed direction, causing Duke to collide with the interior of the vehicle. The impact was jarring, causing a wave of pain to surge through his entire being. Every movement, every breath, served as a constant reminder of the harrowing ordeal he had just endured.
As Duke struggled to regain his composure, his head rang with a dull ache. The world around him seemed to spin, blurring into a haze of confusion. The pain was overwhelming, threatening to pull him into the depths of unconsciousness. With a heavy sigh, his body went limp, succumbing to the darkness that enveloped him.
_________________
Duke Hamaton found himself enveloped in a mouth-watering aroma, captivating his senses and drawing him out of his unconscious state. As he blinked repeatedly, trying to adjust to the darkness surrounding him, memories of the events leading up to his unconsciousness flooded his mind. With a sudden surge of alertness, Duke sat up, his curiosity piqued. If he truly had been rescued, he wondered, who had come to his aid? And where had he been taken?
The alluring scent teased Duke's nostrils once again, causing his stomach to grumble with hunger. It dawned on him that he hadn't had a proper meal yet.
"Ah, I see you're finally awake," a voice broke the silence.
Duke's ears perked up at the sound of the unfamiliar voice. With anticipation, he contemplated what was about to unfold. Just as his thoughts began to wander, a 3D character materialized before him, illuminating his vision and announcing:
*Your Duration of the penalty has come to an end. You failed to obtain 1000 Coins, along with your first special order bonus of 500 coins.*
As soon as the 3D character finished, a brilliant, blinding light enveloped Duke's senses. He instinctively shielded his eyes, allowing them a moment to adjust to the intense brightness. Slowly, he opened his eyes, relieved to find that his vision had returned.
"Hey!" the female voice called out, capturing Duke's attention. He turned to face her and his eyes widened in surprise as they landed on her.
"You..." Duke mumbled, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words.
A mischievous grin played on the woman's lips as she questioned, "Miss me?"
Duke's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was familiar. He had definitely seen her before, but he couldn't quite put a finger on where. His curiosity piqued, and he mustered the courage to respond.
"Have we met before?"
The woman's grin widened, revealing a hint of amusement. She took a step closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Let's just say our paths have crossed. More so, very recently," she replied cryptically. "I must say, it is quite poetic seeing an assailant assaulted."