Chapter 9: Two Accounts, One Strategy
The sky above Adam was streaked with shades of purple and orange, the fading light of the sun casting a cold glow over the arena. It was a brief moment of serenity in the chaos that had become his life since entering the game world. His thoughts churned, as they always did when a new mission began, but now there was something different. He wasn't just competing for power or glory—he was playing a dangerous game, one where the stakes were higher than ever.
> "Mission Update: Rank Increase at Interval. Players Must Continue to Engage to Earn Points."
The words appeared as a notification, followed by a blaring countdown, signaling the rapid progression of the mission. Adam glanced around, noting the dozen or so other players already in motion. They weren't just competitors—some were already allies in this brutal contest, while others were calculating the perfect moment to strike.
He knew that his ability to outsmart others was as much an asset as his Steal ability. And this mission would require far more than brute force. He needed to think ahead, to use his two accounts, his dual advantage, to create opportunities that others couldn't anticipate. As the global mission pressed forward, Adam realized that his primary strategy had to rely on versatility: balancing the use of both his accounts and their respective skills.
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Adam's primary account was his most advanced, his "main" account—the one he used most often in both worlds. With it, he had gathered the most experience and honed his abilities the most. His secondary account, however, was less developed in terms of combat but had a unique edge—an ability to blend in more seamlessly with the environment, to approach situations from angles others wouldn't consider. Both accounts complemented each other perfectly, and now, Adam was about to put that synergy to the test.
The system had granted him Steal, but its mechanics were evolving. At first, the ability could only steal random items. Yet, with each mission completed, it grew more precise. Now, Adam could target specific mission cards, artifacts, and even abilities from other players. This advantage had already helped him gain a significant edge in the game—now, he just needed to find the right time to use it.
But there was more at play here than simple missions. Every player was vying for the top spots, and Adam's ability to manipulate his progress would be critical in achieving his goals. His second ability—the one that let him copy traits from others based on their emotions—had already proven invaluable, but there were limits. It could only be used once a day, meaning Adam needed to be strategic with how he approached the people around him.
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As Adam moved through the dense forest of the arena, scanning the environment for threats, a thought occurred to him: Could he manipulate the perceptions of the players around him? The mission wasn't just about eliminating other players—it was about making sure no one could get ahead of him. The more he thought about it, the clearer the answer became.
His Store ability, a new skill granted by an unexpected event, allowed him to buy and sell items across the worlds. This could be a game-changer. Auction Points were an integral part of the game's economy, and the ability to acquire high-level items through the auction house gave Adam leverage he hadn't fully realized. Every artifact he stole, every mission card he seized from another player's inventory, could now be sold or traded for something more useful.
With the Store ability, Adam could bypass the usual rules governing items—transferring them back to the real world from the game and vice versa. The auction house was now more than just a marketplace—it was an extension of his strategy, a way to control the flow of power between the worlds. Adam didn't have to rely on just his strength or wits in this game. He could also control the economy.
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The time was ripe for action. He was about to engage his first rival in this phase of the mission: a player known as Vernon, a silent type who had been steadily climbing the ranks without drawing attention. Adam had studied him carefully; Vernon's approach was methodical, almost predictable. It was a style Adam could exploit, given the right conditions.
Approaching with his secondary account, Adam kept his movements slow and deliberate, staying hidden in the underbrush. Vernon was near the edge of the forest, inspecting the terrain as if searching for something—or someone. It was then that Adam activated his Phantom Shift, becoming a shadow in the trees. His footsteps were silent, and he moved closer, aware that Vernon would only sense him if he made a misstep.
When Adam was close enough, he activated Steal, targeting the mission card Vernon had secured. The system flashed, and Adam's inventory updated instantly. He had successfully taken the card, but Vernon was quick to react.
Vernon whipped around, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You think you can take from me and walk away unscathed?" he spat, his tone cold and calculating.
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Adam didn't respond immediately. Instead, he used the brief pause to access his Store ability. He wasn't just after the mission card—he needed more. Vernon's equipment, his unique artifacts, and his inventory were all ripe for the taking. The Store ability opened up new possibilities, and Adam knew that now was the time to make his move.
With a swift motion, Adam activated the ability to transfer the mission card and artifacts directly into his Store. As the transaction completed, Vernon moved to engage him. The quiet, tense moments between them were a perfect example of how this game had evolved from simple battles to complex strategic warfare. Every choice, every move mattered.
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Vernon lunged at Adam, his blade crackling with energy. But Adam was ready. Using the Phantom Shift, he phased out of the way, leaving Vernon's strike to hit nothing but air. Vernon's frustration grew, and Adam took advantage of the opening to attack.
The battle was quick but intense. Adam knew that Vernon wasn't a slouch, but he was no match for the combination of Adam's abilities and strategic thinking. In just a few exchanges, Adam had Vernon cornered, his options dwindling rapidly.
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> Mission Update: Player Vernon Eliminated. +50 Ranking Points Earned.
Adam stood over the fallen player, his heart racing. He hadn't taken pleasure in the kill—it had been a necessary step to secure his place in the ranks. The system chirped again, and Adam received an update on his standings.
> "Rank Update: Top 10. First Place: Unclaimed."
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He had climbed one rung of the ladder, but the road ahead was only going to get harder. Players would begin to target him now that he had proven his strength. The Organization would not sit idly by either. Adam wasn't just competing in a game—he was entangled in a war. The rules were fluid, but he had learned to adapt. His two accounts, his Steal ability, and the Store would continue to be his primary weapons in the fight ahead.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the arena, Adam felt a rush of adrenaline. The game had only just begun.
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End of Chapter 9.