Chapter 4: Shadows in the Dark
Ethan's training with Kaden had become a grueling routine. Every day, he would face new challenges, pushing his cheat to its limits. The Codex was a constant presence in his life, its power now a part of him, guiding his actions and fueling his abilities. But the more Ethan learned, the more he realized there was much he didn't know.
One evening, after a particularly grueling session, Ethan was sitting alone in his apartment, the Codex glowing softly on the table in front of him. The weight of the day's training pressed down on him, his muscles aching, his mind numb. The reality of his new life had started to sink in—he was no longer just a college student, but a cheat user, destined for something greater.
Kaden's words echoed in his mind: "You've got to put in the work… this isn't just about using your cheat—it's about surviving in a world full of cheats."
Ethan knew he was right. The world outside his apartment was full of people like him—cheat users with their own powers and motives. And he was just beginning to scratch the surface of what it meant to be one of them.
As Ethan sat there, the Codex on the table seemed to pulse, as if it were alive. The energy inside it had grown stronger with each passing day, responding to Ethan's efforts to control his cheat. But he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more—something lurking in the shadows.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Ethan's heart jumped, the Codex slipping from his hands onto the table. He hadn't expected anyone, not this late at night.
"Who is it?" he called out, his voice tense.
There was no answer, only a shadowy figure slipping into the room, moving silently. Ethan's heart raced, panic flooding him. He reached for the Codex, trying to activate his cheat, but the figure was too fast, grabbing his arm and wrenching it behind his back.
"Hey!" Ethan gasped, struggling. "Let go of me!"
The figure didn't respond, just tightened its grip. "Don't fight it, Cross. You're not going anywhere."
Ethan's eyes widened. "Who are you?"
The figure laughed softly, a cold, menacing sound. "You don't need to know that. Just know that you have something I want."
Ethan's mind was racing, trying to think of a way out. "I don't have anything. I'm just a college student."
The figure's grip tightened. "Not anymore. You have the Codex, Cross. And that makes you dangerous."
Ethan's heart pounded in his chest. "I don't understand. What do you want with the Codex?"
The figure's eyes gleamed in the dim light. "Power, Cross. The cheat inside that book—it's worth more than you can imagine. And I'm going to take it."
Ethan's mind was racing, trying to come up with a plan. "I… I won't let you."
The figure tightened its grip. "You don't have a choice."
Suddenly, there was a flash of movement, and Kaden appeared in the doorway, his expression fierce. "Let him go."
The figure turned, a sneer on its face. "Who are you?"
Kaden's eyes were cold. "I'm the one who's going to stop you."
The figure's expression darkened. "You think you can take me on, old man?"
Kaden didn't answer, just lunged forward, his cheat blazing with power. The figure cursed, releasing Ethan and turning to face Kaden. The two of them clashed, the energy between them crackling with force.
Ethan watched in shock as they fought, the air thick with tension. Kaden was older, more experienced, but the figure was fast and ruthless. They exchanged blows, the room lighting up with the flash of their cheats.
Finally, with a swift move, Kaden overpowered the figure, sending them crashing to the floor. "Get out of here," he growled, his cheat still blazing. "And don't come back."
The figure scrambled to its feet, disappearing into the night. Ethan stared at Kaden, his mind reeling. "Who was that?"
Kaden's expression was grim. "An enemy, Cross. Someone who wants the Codex for their own gain."
Ethan shook his head. "But… why? What's so special about the Codex?"
Kaden sighed, his eyes haunted. "The Codex isn't just a book, Ethan. It's a source of immense power—a cheat that belongs to a long line of users. There are people out there who would do anything to get their hands on it."
Ethan's heart sank. "But… how am I supposed to protect it?"
Kaden's expression was hard. "You're going to have to get stronger, Cross. Fast. That cheat inside you— it's not just a tool. It's a weapon. And you need to learn to wield it before someone else does."
Ethan stared at the Codex, his mind reeling. "But… what if I can't?"
Kaden's eyes were hard. "Then you're going to be in a lot of trouble."
---