Chapter 2: A Rare Gift: Two Accounts, Two Fates
The air was thick with the strange, hum of energy that Adam could not fully comprehend. It enveloped him like a fog, the virtual world around him becoming more real with every passing second. His mind reeled as the events unfolded: the sudden appearance of two accounts, each granting him a different ability, and the mysterious auction system that promised a new kind of power in this strange realm. The fact that his life had just been altered by some unknown force—perhaps the system itself—was both exciting and terrifying.
He clutched the vial in his hand, still glowing with the faint light of the Minor Healing Potion, though his attention had already moved past the initial confusion. There was something bigger at play here, something he had yet to grasp fully.
A new prompt appeared in front of him:
> "Account One: Steal ability unlocked. You may now steal random items from other players' inventories."
Adam's eyes widened. He barely had time to process it before another window popped up.
> "Account Two: Emotion Copy unlocked. You may copy a random ability or physical trait from anyone who has strong feelings toward you (love or hate). Usable once per day."
His mind buzzed as he looked at the two new abilities. This game wasn't just about survival or collecting loot—it was about strategy. These powers would define everything, and Adam could already feel the potential they offered. But how would he use them? What was his goal?
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Before he could think further, the world around him shifted. The once empty expanse began to take form, and Adam found himself standing in a cityscape unlike any he had seen before. Towering structures, some sleek and futuristic, others ancient and crumbling, stretched into the distance. The sky, a swirling mass of clouds and light, seemed alive with energy, and the ground beneath his feet felt solid yet oddly unreal. There was no denying it—this was a game world, and he was now part of it.
Another prompt flashed in front of him:
> "You have entered the game world. The mission will begin shortly. Prepare yourself."
Adam barely had time to absorb the words before he was thrust into action. A small group of figures appeared in the distance, each one clearly a player—just like him. They shimmered in and out of existence, their avatars flickering with energy as they moved toward a nearby building.
"Players?" Adam muttered under his breath, eyeing them warily.
He didn't know if they were friends, foes, or neutral parties, but one thing was certain—he couldn't afford to be caught off guard. The game world was filled with uncertainty, and there was no telling what these players might be after. He needed to act quickly.
Adam focused on his first ability: Steal.
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With a surge of concentration, a new interface appeared, presenting him with a range of options.
> "Steal Target: Player One"
Possible items to steal: Healing potions, Mission Cards, Artifacts.
He locked onto his target and selected Mission Cards.
In a flash, he felt a rush of power as the item was transferred from the other player's inventory to his own. The system immediately notified him:
> "You have stolen: Mission Card: Survive the Night."
Adam looked at the glowing blue card now in his possession. It radiated power, though its meaning wasn't entirely clear. A mission card was something every player needed to face challenges in the game, and this particular card seemed to offer a task: survive the night in the wilderness. What kind of survival game was this?
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Just as Adam considered the possibilities, a new prompt interrupted his thoughts:
> "Auction points available: 50."
Adam's eyes gleamed. Auction points. He could buy and sell items between worlds with these points. The idea of turning stolen items into profit—or even acquiring things he needed to survive—was tempting. He could trade, buy, or sell in ways that gave him an edge over other players.
A sudden rustle in the distance pulled Adam's attention away from the interface. Another figure, this one darker and more menacing, appeared from the shadows. The player's form was cloaked in red light, their eyes glowing with malice.
"You're in my way," the figure growled, stepping closer. "I'll make sure you regret crossing me."
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Adam's pulse quickened. The player radiated hostility, their aura crackling with potential danger. But Adam wasn't afraid. He had a new weapon: Emotion Copy.
He could feel the surge of hate emanating from the player, and he focused on that emotion, letting it guide his new ability. As the system activated, the world around him seemed to slow, and the heat from his opponent's aura poured into him. His hand flared to life, and he watched as fire seemed to form around his palm, his body instinctively adjusting to the infernal heat.
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The system chimed:
> "Ability copied: Infernal Aura. Grants the ability to manipulate fire and heat."
Adam grinned as flames danced across his hand, casting an eerie glow on the surroundings. He didn't hesitate. With a snap of his fingers, a burst of fire shot out toward the attacking player.
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The player staggered backward in surprise, clearly not expecting Adam to strike first. But Adam wasn't done. He had just unlocked an ability that would give him an edge in battle—and the best part? He could use it again, and again, as long as the player's feelings remained strong enough. This was only the beginning.
"Is this what you want?" Adam taunted, his voice cool despite the heat of the moment. "Then come and try to take it."
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End of Chapter 2.