The faint glow of the system's interface bathed Dave's face as he navigated through its shop menu, scanning through various categories of items. He had been through grueling training inside the POD, pushing himself to new heights and surpassing his limits, but now it was time for something new—something more tangible. Weapons.
"System, show me the available weapons," Dave murmured.
Instantly, a list of various weapons appeared before him, ranging from swords and spears to firearms and gauntlets. His eyes narrowed as he scrolled through, searching for something that resonated with him. He didn't want just any weapon; he needed one that fit him perfectly.
After several minutes, two items caught his attention: a pair of sleek, black daggers with a faint orange glow emanating from their edges. He selected the description to read more:
Twin Daggers of the Eclipse
Forged in the heart of a dying star, these daggers are attuned to the user's energy. They grow stronger with each kill and resonate with those who possess an affinity for stealth and speed.
Dave felt an inexplicable pull toward them, as if these weapons were calling out to him. He barely hesitated before making his decision.
"Buy Twin Daggers of the Eclipse."
The moment he confirmed the purchase, the air shimmered before him, and the daggers materialized in his hands. They were surprisingly light, and as he wrapped his fingers around the hilts, a strange sensation spread through his palms, like a surge of energy that linked his body with the weapons. The black blades gleamed ominously, the orange glow pulsating softly, almost as if they were alive.
"Perfect," he muttered, feeling an instant connection to them.
"Host, would you like to purchase additional knowledge to master the use of these daggers?" Bella's voice rang out, cutting through his thoughts.
"Yeah, show me what's available," Dave replied.
The system's interface shifted, displaying several options. One stood out immediately:
Dagger Mastery Knowledge – 100 System Points
Grants the user expert-level proficiency with daggers, including techniques for offense, defense, and counterattacks.
Without a second thought, Dave selected it.
"Purchase Dagger Mastery Knowledge."
As soon as he confirmed, a rush of information surged into his mind—techniques, stances, combat strategies—each one filling his brain with an understanding that seemed almost innate. He instinctively twirled the daggers in his hands, testing their weight and balance. Each movement felt smooth and precise, as if the weapons were an extension of his own body.
"Wow, this is incredible," Dave muttered, performing a quick series of slashes and spins. The blades cut through the air with a soft hum, leaving faint orange trails in their wake.
"Glad you like them," Bella responded with a hint of playfulness in her voice. "They suit you."
"Yeah, they really do," Dave agreed, a small smile tugging at his lips. But the smile faded as a thought crossed his mind. "Bella, show me the latest news. I need to know what's been happening in the world since I've been in the POD."
The holographic screen flickered before showing headlines, news articles, and reports from various sources around the globe. Dave's eyes scanned through the information, catching bits and pieces of world events—political tensions, superhuman activities, and unusual phenomena.
"Looks like the world kept spinning without me," Dave muttered, but then something else caught his attention. His phone, which lay on the desk beside him, buzzed softly. He picked it up and his eyes widened in surprise. There were dozens of missed calls and messages from his parents.
His heart clenched as he scrolled through the notifications, each one more frantic than the last.
"Bella, how long was I in the POD again?" he asked, his voice low and tense.
"You were inside for 10 months in POD time, which equates to just over a month in real-time," Bella replied, concern lacing her tone.
"A month…" Dave breathed, staring at the screen in disbelief. How had he not thought to check in with his family? The training had consumed him so completely that he'd lost track of everything else. He opened one of the most recent messages from his mother, and his blood ran cold as he read it:
Mom: David, where are you? It's been weeks. Please call us. Something terrible has happened.
With trembling hands, Dave dialed his mother's number. The phone rang only once before she picked up, her voice desperate and full of relief.
"David? Oh, thank God! Where have you been?" she cried, her voice breaking with emotion.
"Mom, I'm here. I'm okay. What happened?" Dave asked urgently, a sense of dread coiling in his chest.
"It's… it's your sister, David," she sobbed. "Emily and Sarah—they're gone. They were kidnapped weeks ago. The police—everyone's been looking, but… but no one's found them. The cops said there's no leads. I thought… I thought we lost you, too…"
Dave's vision blurred with rage. His sisters—his family—taken? And he had been sitting in a POD, oblivious to it all?
"I'm so sorry, Mom," he whispered, his voice shaking. "I didn't know. I should have checked in—"
"David, please," his mother interrupted, her voice pleading. "Just come home. We need you here. We don't know what to do."
"I'm coming, Mom. Don't worry," Dave promised, his voice hardening as a fierce determination settled over him. "I'm going to find them. And I'm going to bring them back."
"But the police—"
"Forget the police," Dave said firmly, cutting her off. "I'll handle this. I swear, I'll find Emily and Sarah. Just trust me."
"David…" she whispered, her voice filled with both hope and fear. "Please, be careful."
"I will. Love you, Mom," Dave said softly before hanging up.
He stared at his phone, his mind racing with thoughts and emotions. His sisters, taken by some unknown force, and he hadn't been there to protect them. But now he knew, and he would stop at nothing to get them back.
"Bella," Dave growled, his voice low and deadly calm. "We're going to find them. I don't care who took them, where they are, or how well they're hidden. I'm going to tear apart this entire city if I have to."
Bella's voice was quiet, yet resolute. "Understood, Dave. I'll start gathering information immediately."
Dave took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around the hilts of his new daggers. Whoever had taken his sisters was going to pay dearly. He would hunt them down, and one by one, he'd make sure they regretted ever laying a hand on his family.
"Don't worry, Emily… Sarah," Dave whispered, his eyes blazing with fury. "I'm coming for you. And I promise—I won't leave a single stone unturned until you're back."