Chapter 5: Unveiling Shadows
Ethan sat alone in his apartment, the Codex lying open on the table before him. The events of the past few days had left him reeling. A mysterious figure had tried to take the Codex from him, only to be defeated by Kaden. But what did that mean? Who was that person, and why were they so desperate to get their hands on the Codex?
Kaden's warning echoed in his mind: "There are people out there who would do anything to get their hands on it." The world of cheat users was darker and more dangerous than Ethan had ever imagined.
He looked up at Kaden, who was pacing the room, his expression troubled. "What was that all about, Kaden?" Ethan asked finally. "Who was that person? Why do they want the Codex so badly?"
Kaden stopped pacing, his face a mask of grim determination. "That was a cheat hunter, Cross. Someone who hunts down cheat users and their cheats for their own gain. They're ruthless, always looking for new cheats to exploit. And they won't stop until they have what they want."
Ethan's stomach churned. "But why? What's the point?"
Kaden's expression was dark. "Power, Cross. That's all it ever is with people like them. They want the Codex because it holds a cheat—an incredibly powerful one—that could give them an edge over others."
Ethan's hands clenched into fists. "But… why would they risk coming after me? I'm just a normal guy."
Kaden's eyes were hard. "You're not normal anymore, Cross. You've got a cheat now—a source of immense power. And there are people out there who would kill for that kind of power."
Ethan's heart sank. "But I don't want this. I don't want to be involved in all this… this danger."
Kaden's expression softened a little. "I get it, Cross. But it's not about what you want anymore. You're a cheat user now—a target. And if you don't learn to protect yourself, you're going to be in trouble."
Ethan's eyes were wide. "But… I don't know anything about this world. I don't know how to protect myself."
Kaden's expression was grim. "You've got to learn, Cross. There are no shortcuts here. You've got to get stronger, faster. And you've got to learn to use your cheat—your power—effectively."
Ethan's shoulders slumped. "But… I don't know if I can."
Kaden's eyes were hard. "You don't have a choice, Cross. You either learn to use your cheat, or you get left behind. That's the reality of being a cheat user."
Ethan sighed, frustration bubbling up inside him. "But it's so… overwhelming. I don't know where to start."
Kaden's expression softened. "Start with the basics, Cross. Learn to control your cheat—your power. That's the first step. The Codex is a source of incredible energy, but you've got to learn to harness it, to make it your own."
Ethan nodded, his mind whirling. "Okay. So, what's the next step?"
Kaden gestured towards the Codex. "The first thing you need to do is learn to activate your cheat. The Codex contains the key to your power, but you've got to learn to call on it when you need it."
Ethan hesitated, his fingers brushing the Codex. "But… how do I do that?"
Kaden's eyes were sharp. "Focus, Cross. The Codex responds to your thoughts and emotions. You've got to learn to tap into that, to connect with the energy inside it."
Ethan took a deep breath, then closed his eyes, reaching out to the Codex with his mind. The energy inside it seemed to pulse, responding to his thoughts. He felt a surge of power, a warm, electric feeling flowing through him.
"Good," Kaden said, his voice low. "Now, I want you to try and create something with that energy. Think of it as an extension of yourself."
Ethan hesitated, then focused on forming a shield of energy around him. The Codex seemed to respond, the energy swirling and shifting, forming a protective barrier around him.
"Okay," Kaden said finally. "Not bad, Cross. But that's just the beginning. Now, I want you to try and manipulate that energy. See if you can shape it, control it."
Ethan frowned, concentrating. The energy around him seemed to respond to his thoughts, shifting and changing into a series of tendrils. He sent them out towards a nearby wall, the energy lashing out with deadly precision.
Kaden watched him, his expression approving. "Good. You're getting the hang of it. But there's still a long way to go."
Ethan sighed. "I just… I don't know if I can do this."
Kaden's expression was hard. "You don't have a choice, Cross. This is your new reality. Either you learn to use your cheat, or you get left behind."
Ethan's heart sank. "But it's so… overwhelming."
Kaden's eyes were sympathetic. "I know, Cross. But you've got to keep going. Keep training, keep pushing yourself. The Codex is a powerful tool, but it's also a weapon. And if you don't learn to control it, it's going to control you."
Ethan nodded, determination hardening his resolve. "Okay. I'll do it. I'll learn."
Kaden smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "That's the spirit, Cross. Now, let's get back to training."
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