Chapter 7: Targets on Both Worlds
Adam sat in the dimly lit room, staring at the system's message that flashed in front of him. His mind was racing with everything that had transpired since entering the Forest of Echoes. The figure, the stolen weapon, the mysterious Hidden Threat—it had all been a whirlwind of revelations. Now, as he sat on the edge of his bed, his hand rested lightly on the Auction Points he had earned from completing the mission. There was something unsettling about the whole situation.
> "Mission Update: Hidden Threat Eliminated. Rewards Granted: +500 Auction Points. New Ability: Phantom Shift. +2 Intelligence. New Target Issued: Eliminate Players in both worlds. The Organization's Influence Grows."
Eliminate players in both worlds. The words felt like a heavy weight on Adam's chest. He had expected to face threats from the game, but to think that enemies were hunting him not only in the virtual world but in his own—on Earth—made the danger much more immediate. His life was no longer a series of quests and artifacts. Now, it was a battle for survival, with enemies that could appear at any moment, anywhere.
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The system's interface was quiet, but Adam knew better than to expect peace for long. There was no rest in this game, and the Organization's reach seemed endless. He had already seen their agents in action, players who were more like shadows than real people, moving with intent and purpose. And now, those shadows had set their sights on him.
Adam sighed and stood up, walking over to the window. His reflection in the glass was a reminder of the duality of his situation. Here, in the real world, he was just Adam—an average college student trying to make sense of a chaotic life. But in the game, he was something else entirely—a player with power, with a mission that spanned across worlds.
He had been a part of something bigger from the moment he first entered the game. And that something, the Organization, was growing stronger. Adam's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden beep from his phone. It was a notification from the system.
> "New Quest Available: First Elimination. Eliminate Player #4389: Zephyr. Target: Level 30, Dangerous. Rewards: +1,000 Auction Points, Special Item: Unknown."
Zephyr. Adam recognized the name instantly. He had encountered this player in a few previous missions—always at the periphery, never the direct target. But now, it seemed like Zephyr had moved into the spotlight. Adam's hand tightened around his phone as he considered the implications. He was being hunted, but so were others.
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The quest details were vague, as usual. There was no mention of how Zephyr had come into the Organization's fold or why he was a target. But Adam didn't need to know everything. He had faced players before, and each encounter had been a learning experience. What made this mission different was that it was no longer just about competing against other players—it was about survival. The Organization had made its move, and Adam was now a pawn in a game far larger than anything he had anticipated.
Adam checked his inventory. The Shadow Reaver, still pulsating with dark energy, was there, ready for action. His Steal ability had grown stronger with each use, but it wasn't enough to guarantee success. He would need more—more power, more strategy.
It was time to move.
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Adam entered the game world again, feeling the familiar pulse of energy that signified the start of a new mission. The Phantom Shift ability was already at the back of his mind, ready for use. It was a strange ability, something that allowed him to phase in and out of visibility, becoming a shadow himself—perfect for stalking prey.
He found himself in a new zone, a vast, open arena that seemed to stretch endlessly. Zephyr was somewhere in this area, but the system hadn't provided any further clues. Adam's only option was to rely on his senses and his new ability to track the target.
The wind rustled through the grass, the ground beneath his feet soft and yielding. He moved with caution, every step measured and deliberate. He was used to the pressure, but the stakes were higher now. This wasn't just another mission; this was a direct confrontation. And in his mind, the Organization would be watching, waiting for him to slip up.
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Hours passed as Adam tracked Zephyr's movements. His Stealth ability was active, but it wasn't enough to mask his presence from Zephyr's sharp instincts. He could feel the other player's gaze, even though he couldn't see him. Zephyr was just as skilled, just as dangerous.
Then, without warning, Adam felt it. A ripple in the air. The Phantom Shift ability activated automatically, and he disappeared from view, merging with the environment. He was a shadow, moving silently through the tall grass.
A figure emerged in the distance, and Adam's heart skipped a beat. Zephyr.
The player stood in the center of the arena, surveying the area with a cool, calculating gaze. He was tall, with sharp features and a cloak that seemed to blend perfectly with his surroundings. His eyes—cold, unfeeling—scanned the horizon.
Adam knew this was his chance.
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He moved swiftly, his Stealth ability guiding him through the shadows. As he closed the gap, Adam activated the Phantom Shift again, but this time, he didn't phase entirely. He kept part of himself visible, just enough to make Zephyr aware of his presence.
The moment Zephyr turned, Adam launched himself forward, his blade already drawn. He was faster now, his training and abilities coming to the forefront. Zephyr was quick to react, but Adam was quicker. The Shadow Reaver cut through the air, striking Zephyr across the chest. The other player staggered back, surprised by the ferocity of the attack.
For a moment, there was silence.
Zephyr wiped blood from his lips, his expression unreadable. "You're strong. But this isn't over, Adam."
Before Adam could react, Zephyr vanished, his body dissolving into the shadows. The arena was quiet again, but Adam knew this wasn't the end. It had only just begun.
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> Mission Update: Zephyr has evaded elimination. Secondary Mission Issued: Locate and Capture Zephyr's Artifact. Reward: +1,500 Auction Points, Special Ability: Shadow Step.
The system's voice echoed in Adam's mind as he stood in the empty arena. Zephyr had escaped, but there was something far more important at play now. The Artifact.
The chase was on, and Adam's only option was to track Zephyr down once more. But this time, he would have to be even more careful. The Organization was watching, and Adam couldn't afford to fail.
The game had changed.
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End of Chapter 7.