Darkness shrouded the cramped bedroom, broken only by thin strips of streetlight filtering through bent blinds. Krias Nikolai sat hunched on his bed's edge, blood-soaked clothes clinging to his skin. His trembling fingers traced the edges of a worn photograph - three smiling faces frozen in a happier time.
The metallic tang of blood clung to his tongue. His head throbbed where the Hunter's bullet had torn through Rogue's skull in the game. Fresh streaks of crimson mixed with bile marked a trail to the bathroom, evidence of his violent return to reality.
"Why did you leave me behind?" He whispered to the photograph, thumb caressing the faces of his wife and daughter. The car crash that had taken the lives of his family replayed in his mind, merging with the haunting memories of Rogue's final moments alongside Icarus.. He designed Rogue apparence a mix of both his late wife and daughter, trying to cling to their essence in that frozen world.
A series of muffled knocks disrupted his thoughts. He wiped his eyes, grounding himself in the present as the doorknob rattled.
Deep scratches lined the walls, a reminder to nights when the guilt became too much.. Tonight felt different though. The game - that impossible, beautiful nightmare of a world - had given him something he'd lost: purpose.
His SHD Smart Watch pulsed with a soft orange glow, but merely an illusion his mind created in the dark. He glanced at his wrist, there's nothing there, yet there's the familiar call reminding him of the connection to the chaotic world that awaited him.
"Not now." Krias muttered, wiping away the metallic tang of blood from his nose. He cast a weary glance at the VR headset sprawled on the bed, its flickering screen flashing ominous red text: "10 hours until character reconstruction." A tight knot formed in his chest.
"How's that kid, Icarus, handling the death?" He shifted uneasily in the chaos of his bedroom, the memory of his decimated character gnawing at the edges of his mind. With every pulse of pain in his skull and shoulder, he couldn't help but feel the weight of that young friend—a raw nerve in a world of perpetual violence.
Krias barked out a harsh laugh that turned into a wet cough. "Amateur. Should've listened when I told him to grab that gigantic gun.." He struggled to his feet, steadying himself against the wall.
"At least he survived longer than most first-timers I met." Shaking off the remnants of self-pity, Krias shuffled toward the kitchen, needing something—a drink, a distraction, anything to chase away the memories clawing at his sanity. The fridge hummed low and rhythmic, too familiar in its complaint as he pulled it open. Empty shelves greeted him, a hollow echo of his own feelings. A single bottle of water sat nestled in the corner.
He grabbed it and chugged it down, the cold liquid hitting his throat like a slap. Krias grimaced at the lingering taste of blood and bile on his tongue, a reminder that he needed to clean the bedroom and all that mess. The stains on the floor couldn't just be ignored any longer. Each smudge was a memory, an echo of his failures—both in life and in the game.
Far away in a different part of the world from Krias. Jason stood on his sunlit balcony, phone pressed to his ear. "Yes, Dr. Collins, I forgot my headset in the hospital, and I'm not in the mood for your clinical assessments," he muttered. "Can you ship it to my address? Thank you." Running a hand through his disheveled hair, he hung up with a frustrated sigh. The materials for his upcoming exam were already fading from his memory after such intense experience in the game, studying in it ended up not helping much.
At the very least, he had managed to find some semblance of coping with the experiences unfolding in that virtual world.
He shoved his phone into his pocket, staring out at the chaotic urban sprawl below. The streets bustled with life, but it felt disconnected, unreal compared to the vivid experiences he had in the game, He headed back into his room, rewatched the edited video he recorded during his time in the game, nodded in satisfaction, and then uploaded it.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Back in Kane's Base, the tension was palpable as Dr. Elizabeth Kane surveyed her command center. Maps and holographic displays flickered around her.
Dr. Kane stood alone in her command center, the flickering screens casting ghostly shadows across her features. She rubbed her temples, the weight of her choices pressing down on her. "Why did I underestimate the stakes?" she murmured, her voice barely breaking the silence of the room. The essence of desperation inhabited her thoughts as she pondered the fallout from her calculated risk.
Three hundred Player Agents had arrived, bursting with potential and enthusiasm, but now, barely eighty remained unscathed all within 3 days of her world. Two hundred and twenty casualties waited for respawn, figures that felt more like a graveyard than a recruitment success. Each one was a loss—not just in numbers but in hope.
"It's far more than I anticipated, isn't it? A hell of a price to pay for a glimmer of salvation," she said, bitterness coating her words. The great consumption of power to transfer their consciousness into empty body shells had drained the main power generator. Now they operated on a spare generator, a quiet heartbeat beneath the hum of monitors.
Matthews returned, breathless yet determined, holding a tablet displaying the latest reports. "Dr. Kane, the generators are at critical levels. We're nearly out of reserves. We need to act, and fast." His urgency matched the rhythm of her racing heart.
Kane's brow furrowed as she considered their options. "The base—its security is faltering. Hunters and Scavengers will take advantage of this weakness. We can't let them breach our defenses." Her mind churned rapidly, weighing the possibilities.
"We have to mobilize anyone left. Gather the Players still in the game—they are our best chance." She straightened, her resolve tightening like a steel cable around her heart. If the remaining Players could work together, they could fend off the encroaching threats while recovering resources vital for their survival.
Matthews leaned closer, urgency sparking in his eyes. "I understand, but sending them into combat is risky. Most are inexperienced and still coming to terms with their abilities."
Kane held his gaze, her determination unwavering. "Their initiation into reality must happen now. They need to realize this isn't merely a casual gaming experience, Matthews. This is life or death. If they hesitate now, we all face extinction."
He nodded, swallowing hard, respect mingled with apprehension. "What's your plan, then? We need to prioritize power supplies and any resources that could help us stabilize first."
Kane formulated her thoughts into a mission, sharp and clear. "Right. Issue a combat order to the remaining Players. They must engage and eliminate any Hunters and Scavengers attacking the base. We need to secure every ounce of energy and resource left. There are reports of cache sites near the old subway terminals; if they can gather anything from those, we might have a chance at stabilization."
"Understood. I'll draft the orders and mobilize the Teams," he replied, urgency building in his tone.
Kane leaned against the control panel, fingers dancing over the interface, and began typing with swift precision. "And monitor any remaining active agents stationed around the base. If it comes to combat, we need every hand on deck." With a deep breath, she added, "Emphasize the importance of sustainability and security. If we can hold them off long enough, we can create a buffer to recover power."
The tension in the room radiated from her, and Matthews could sense the shift. "Should we prepare for withdrawal, just in case they breach the defenses?"
Kane shook her head, determination glinting in her eyes. "No. We hold our ground. This base is all we have left. Nobody fights harder than those who have stared death in the face. Channel that fear. Use it."
Matthews strode back to his terminal, issuing orders that echoed through beating hearts of the remaining Players and Agents nearby. She watched him, an anchor of calm in the eye of the storm, but chaos awaited them outside those walls.
"Let's move, then. Sound the alarm," Kane followed as she executed the strategy. "Any Agents still outside that can assist in this mission will be crucial."
As alarms blared throughout the base, she watched her staff rally like clockwork soldiers, hopes flickering alongside their resolve. Each monitoring screen flickered with activity as Player profiles appeared, their avatars gathering data to engage the incoming threats.
Kane turned her back to the cluster of screens. "They can't afford to fear death—only to fear inaction." Unspoken weight hung upon her shoulders as she reflected on the years of leading a fractured group forced to adapt and survive in a violent world. "I cannot allow our last hope to slip through my fingers."
"Hey! Are we really doing this?" A voice broke through the tension in the air, filled with giddy anticipation. Players began rallying in the common area of Kane's Base, excitement buzzing among them like static electricity.
"Yo, dudes! Wanna team up for this mission?" Jake called out, his wild shock of electric golden hair standing out against the drab base walls. He leaned against the metal paneling, arms crossed in a pose that screamed equal parts confidence and defiance. A quick grin flashed across his face, showcasing a chipped front tooth—a memento from a skateboarding accident he had years ago in real life. He had added this detail to his in-game character, making him feel more like himself.
His SHD Smart Watch flickered with mission details, its orange interface casting a warm glow on his tan skin. "The recommended level and threat rating is insane for a first beginner mission. Threat level: High. Survival probability: Uncertain. This has got to be some major story plot stuff," He said, his voice a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. His fingers drummed against his tactical vest, betraying an underlying tension. Deep down, he knew the stakes were higher than any game he'd ever played—though he couldn't quite grasp how real the consequences might be. One wrong move, and this entire immersive experience could vanish, leaving nothing but a bitter memory and shattered expectations.
Another player, a fierce-looking woman with a scar along her cheek, cracked her knuckles. "Finally! I need to blow off some steam. These NPCs have been too easy to handle. Let's see what this game has in store for us when the stakes are real." Fortunately, she hadn't encountered any Hunters yet, she had simply been picking off lone Scavengers and kill them to farm experience points—a perspective that was clearly flawed.
"Wait, did you guys see that video of the guy who got ambushed by Hunters on the last mission?" chimed another, clearly too enthusiastic for his own good. "He was only level two! I can't believe how cool that felt when he was clearly being toyed around by NPCs." The crowd nodded, equally enthralled, laughter rippling through the group.
"Cool? Realistic? Man, that's an understatement. I can feel my heart race just thinking about it! Even the NPCs act like real people, during combat too as the cherry on top!" The blue-haired player waved his hand as if he could dismiss the tension in the air. "But seriously, we've got to form a good team. Who's in?"
One by one, players stepped forward, laughter and excitement building into a small chorus of agreement. They were united by a thirst for adventure and fueled by the sheer thrill of the competition, igniting hope amidst the suppressed fears of hunting beasts.
"Count me in. I'm tired of sitting around," the scarred woman added, determination lighting her eyes. She tallied names as they banded together like a ragtag bunch of heroes ready to face whatever threats loomed outside the fortified walls.
"I'll prepare some extra medical and survival supplies," the quiet, studious boy said, pushing up his spectacles with a hint of nervousness. "We should definitely review our tactical approach before rushing into unknown territory. I've been analyzing data from previous Hunter encounters, and I've identified some consistent behavioral patterns that could give us a tactical advantage-"
"Come on! Where's your sense of adventure?" the blue-haired player teased, nudging him playfully. Someone started drumming a rhythm on a nearby table, and the atmosphere shifted as adrenaline coursed through their veins. They were not just Players, they were content creators in this narrative, living it out as they pleased, and as if every choice mattered.
"Let's just remember that we're not invincible," the studious boy quickly replied, but even he couldn't suppress the smile tugging on his lips. There was a thrill to the idea of stepping outside the safety of their stronghold, to immerse themselves deeper into the unknown.
"Oh man, my fingers is all itchy for some action." cheered a bewitchingly whimsical girl, wearing flowers in her hair. "I want to explore new areas! Maybe find more of those artifacts and treasures! Who's with me?"
The team hurled back affirmations, excitement echoing off the walls and reverberating through the base. The players didn't realize how real the connection to the world was—the possibilities of their adventure felt limitless, as if the ground beneath them could dissolve away without warning.
"Alright, listen up, team! It's time to gear up and lock down our formation," the scarred woman declared, her steely gaze piercing through the excitement. "We stick together like glue, cover each other's backs, and keep the chatter flowing while we scout. No one gets left behind, got it? Last time, my group was nearly sent to the slaughterhouse because some folks decided to check the scenery instead of being careful!"
She added with a grin, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of being among the first batch of Players in this breathtaking yet treacherous world, "..But I have to admit, everything is stunningly beautiful!"
"Haha, True! No lone wolves today—we're a family forged in frost!" the blue-haired player declared, his enthusiasm cutting through the biting chill like a warm gust of spring. "Whoever faces down a Hunter first claims the glory of their high level gears, remember to share though!" Laughter erupted like celebratory fireworks, each Player basking in the vibrant camaraderie that ignited their spirits, their spirits alight against the oppressive winter.
Kane, who observed from an adjoining command room, couldn't help but feel a swell of pride, mixed with a gnawing sense of trepidation. They were unknowing participants in a high-stakes arena—warriors against the tides of despair, but how many of them would emerge unscathed? Each moment needed to count, yet the burden of her decisions loomed heavily over her conscience. Watching the Player Agents rally ignited a flicker of hope amidst the chaos, but it ignited a darker flame within her, too—a fear that she had thrust these unsuspecting individuals into a deadly game of survival, risking lives in the name of necessity.
Could she hold them together when the weight of reality pressed down? As their excited chatter echoed through the command room, Kane grappled with the realization that each cheer could mask a lurking shadow, their enthusiasm might only fuel a tragic downfall. Would her gamble truly pay off, or would she condemn them to a fate she had worked so hard to escape? But.. "I should probably dive deeper into researching more game HUD and UI frameworks of their world," Kane thought, mind raced, her brow furrowing with determination. "If I integrate additional complexities into their special watches system, maybe I can keep them from questioning too much... It should be enough until more 'Update's." Her voice was low, tension lacing her words as she glanced at the Players' excited chatter on the monitor.
The fact that the Players never truly die permanently was a thin veil hiding the monstrous reality lurking beneath the surface, and Kane couldn't afford any more losses. However, something she didn't foresaw, remained blissfully ignorant of the intricate bond weaving together the vessels and consciousnesses of the Players—a connection that carried unforeseen repercussions. Krias and Jason were living testaments to this delicate interplay, their fates entwined in ways that blurred the lines between the digital and the visceral.
"Let's roll out!" someone shouted, and the group surged toward the exit, their eager energy spilling into the snow-draped landscape beyond the gates.
As they stepped out, chills raced down their spines, blending with the thrill. Suddenly, the heavy weight of immersion enveloped them like a thick fog cloaking the world. The wind howled a haunting melody through the forlorn ruins, each gust weaving an energetic cord between Players and the forgotten landscape inhabited by whispers of shadows.
"Let's check the Subway caches main objectives first, it's a bit far, though," one called out, brushing off the uneasy feeling creeping up behind them as the Smart Watch highlighted the objective on their HUD. "It'll be great for experience points! Treasure, everyone! We might find some legendary gear!" The group's enthusiasm lit up the stark, icy landscape as they trudged through the knee-deep snow.
The glow of their SHD Smart Watches cut through the wintry gloom—a fiery orange beacon slicing through the desolation, guiding them like reluctant moths toward the subway caches as they forged ahead in the frozen wasteland.
Little do they know the horrors that lie in wait for them ahead..