Chapter 44: The Elite's Counterattack
---
The echoes of the recent battle reverberated through the Citadel's vast hallways. Adam stood in the heart of the destruction, the battle-worn environment around him a testament to the chaos that had just unfolded. Lysandra's voice had faded into the background, her footsteps long gone as she vanished into the labyrinthine corridors to continue her mission. Adam was alone now, with the Elite scattered and their command structure shattered, but the reality of what had just transpired settled over him. The battle was far from over.
---
System Notification:
Mission Update: Global Mission - Elite's Counterattack Imminent. Prepare for Next Phase.
---
Adam's chest rose and fell with a deep breath, his hands steadying as he adjusted the artifact he had stolen. The Elite Commander's mission card pulsed with an ominous power, its dark energies humming in tune with the very foundation of the Citadel. The success of their mission—the disruption of the Command Core—had dealt a significant blow to the Elite's control, but Adam could feel the heavy weight of the impending counterattack. Their enemies wouldn't go down so easily.
"Lysandra's right," Adam muttered, glancing over his shoulder. "This isn't over. Not by a long shot."
But he had time. For now, the Elite were disorganized, and he had a precious few minutes before they could regroup. He had to make the most of this advantage.
He felt the pull of his Steal ability again. The rush of excitement that came with the random chance to snatch an artifact, a powerful item, or a mission card, was always there, but it had become more than just a tool—it was a game-changer. The stolen Mission Card would grant him access to the next phase of this war. But what came after?
His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden surge of energy, not from the mission card, but from the system itself.
---
System Notification:
Steal Ability - New Target Available: Elite's Hidden Vault - Access Granted.
---
This was unexpected. The Steal ability had randomly activated on an item even more valuable than the mission card—a secret stash of artifacts and mission cards, hidden away in a secure vault within the Citadel.
A sly grin spread across Adam's face. His first instinct was to dive into the vault immediately, but he knew better than to rush in without a plan. Time was his most valuable asset right now, and the Elite would soon be closing in.
He glanced at his Simulation Mastery ability's timer. The advantage it granted was slipping away.
---
System Notification:
Simulation Mastery - Time Remaining: 3 Minutes. Advantage Status: High.
---
With a mental command, Adam engaged his Store ability. It had been a stroke of luck—this unique ability allowed him to access the Auction System, a marketplace that transcended the boundaries between the real world and the game world. Through the system, Adam could buy items, transfer them between worlds, and even sell whatever he stole for massive profits. It was the perfect way to strengthen his arsenal without worrying about the strict limitations of inventory space. For now, though, the Vault Access took priority.
In a flash of light, the Auction System's interface appeared before him, a translucent screen floating in the air. Adam swiftly navigated the system, searching for the Vault's coordinates, and then he saw it—the price.
---
System Notification:
Vault Access Cost: 100 Auction Points.
---
Auction Points were the lifeblood of the system, allowing players to trade, purchase, and exchange items with incredible flexibility. Adam had amassed a few Auction Points through past sales, but the cost of accessing this vault was steep.
He hesitated. The Elite would soon realize the breach in their command structure. Time was ticking, and every second mattered.
---
System Notification:
Auction Points Available: 150. Vault Access Unlocked.
---
Without further hesitation, Adam activated the transfer, and the Vault's entrance materialized before him. His body tensed as the cool air of the Citadel shifted, the vault opening with a low rumble. He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room. The vault was far larger than he anticipated—its shelves lined with powerful artifacts, mission cards, and rare items.
It was a treasure trove of assets that could turn the tide in this war. But Adam was no fool. He couldn't take everything.
---
System Notification:
Vault Items: 50% Discount - Time Sensitive.
---
The system had detected his presence and offered a limited-time discount. His gaze flicked to a collection of mission cards stacked neatly on one of the shelves. These were high-tier cards, the kind that could shift the balance of power between the factions.
His fingers hovered over one card, its aura shimmering with dark energy. He snatched it and immediately transferred it to his inventory.
---
System Notification:
Item Acquired: Elite Strategic Mission Card (Legendary).
---
This card was unlike any Adam had seen before. It held the potential to influence not just the game world, but the real world as well. Whoever controlled it would have an edge in the ongoing war—an edge Adam was ready to exploit.
But just as he turned to leave, a flicker of movement caught his eye. A shadow passed across the far wall of the vault. Adam's heart skipped a beat. He wasn't alone.
---
System Notification:
Warning: Elite Forces Closing In. Vault Security Breach Detected.
---
He didn't have to look twice to know what was happening. The Elite had detected his presence, and they were already on their way. The vault's automated defenses had been triggered, and a countdown to the final lockdown had begun. Adam had mere seconds before the entrance sealed.
He bolted toward the exit, his legs moving faster than he thought possible. His hands brushed against the walls of the vault, triggering automatic systems to shield him from the incoming attacks. A blast of energy shot from one of the Elite's automated turrets, narrowly missing him as he dove through the vault's exit just before the doors slammed shut behind him.
---
System Notification:
Vault Access Complete. Elite Counterattack Begins.
---
Adam didn't waste a second. The Mission Card he had stolen was the key to their next move, and now it was up to him to use it wisely. With the Steal ability at his disposal, he knew he had more opportunities ahead, but the real question was: could he outmaneuver the Elite this time?
His path was clear now—destroy the Elite, claim their power, and use every advantage he could steal. This was no longer just a game. It was war.
To be continued…