Chapter 7: Threads of Deception
Ethan sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the Codex. The pulsating glow had become a familiar sight, but tonight, it seemed almost… different. It pulsed faintly, almost as though it were alive, responding to his emotions. His encounter with the mysterious figure still lingered in his mind, their chilling words echoing in his thoughts.
"Tell me, Cross, do you even know what you're holding?"
He didn't. Not really. All he knew was that the Codex was powerful and that others would kill for it. But why? And who was that figure? Questions swirled in his mind like a storm.
The door creaked open, and Kaden stepped inside, his face lined with exhaustion. His usual sharp demeanor was dulled, and there was a faint scorch mark on his sleeve.
"You're back," Ethan said, relief washing over him. "What happened to that guy?"
Kaden shrugged, collapsing into a chair. "He backed off. For now. But he'll be back—and he won't come alone next time."
Ethan frowned. "Who is he? Why does he want the Codex?"
Kaden hesitated, his jaw tightening. "He's part of a larger group. Let's just say they don't take kindly to people holding power they think belongs to them. They call themselves the Concord."
"The Concord?" Ethan repeated, the name unfamiliar.
"They're an organization of cheat users," Kaden explained, his tone grave. "Strong ones. They believe in controlling all powerful cheats to 'restore balance.' In reality, they just hoard power for themselves. The Codex is high on their list of things to steal."
Ethan's hands curled into fists. "So, they'll keep coming after me."
Kaden nodded. "Yes. That's why we need to accelerate your training. You're not ready to face them, but if we're lucky, we can keep you alive long enough to change that."
A Step Forward
The next morning, Ethan and Kaden returned to the warehouse. This time, the training was more focused. Kaden set up a scenario where Ethan had to balance offense and defense, a skill he sorely lacked.
Ethan summoned his energy, forming a shield to block incoming projectiles while simultaneously firing tendrils of energy at moving targets. His movements were clumsy at first, the attacks slow and uncoordinated.
"Focus!" Kaden barked. "Stop thinking so much. Let the Codex guide you."
Ethan gritted his teeth, frustration building. "It's not that easy, Kaden!"
"It's never easy," Kaden shot back. "But if you don't push yourself, you'll die. Do you understand that?"
Ethan took a deep breath, steadying himself. He reached out to the Codex, letting its energy flow through him. Slowly, he began to find a rhythm. His shields became sturdier, his attacks more precise.
After several hours, he collapsed to the floor, drenched in sweat but feeling a spark of pride.
"Better," Kaden said, his tone grudgingly approving. "But don't get cocky. You're still far from ready."
A Friendly Face
That evening, Ethan returned to his apartment to find someone waiting outside. She was tall and lean, with auburn hair tied back in a ponytail. She leaned casually against the wall, her arms crossed.
"Ethan Cross?" she asked, her voice smooth and confident.
Ethan tensed. "Who's asking?"
The woman smiled. "Relax. Name's Aria. I heard you're new to the scene. Thought I'd introduce myself."
Ethan frowned. "How do you know about me?"
Aria shrugged. "Word travels fast in the cheat community. Especially when someone like the Concord takes an interest in you."
Ethan's heart skipped a beat. "Are you with them?"
"God, no," Aria said with a laugh. "I'm more of a freelancer. I don't play well with groups."
Ethan hesitated, unsure whether to trust her. "What do you want?"
"Just a chat," Aria said. "You've got a target on your back, Cross. If you're smart, you'll start building alliances. The Concord isn't something you can take on alone."
Ethan glanced at the Codex, still tucked under his arm. "Why should I trust you?"
Aria's expression grew serious. "Because I don't gain anything from betraying you. But the Concord? They'll strip you of everything and leave you for dead. You need people who can watch your back."
Ethan studied her for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. "Fine. Let's talk."
The Enemy's Reach
As they spoke, Ethan learned that Aria was a cheat user with her own unique ability: the power to manipulate sound. She demonstrated by snapping her fingers, the sharp noise amplifying into a deafening crack that shattered a nearby window.
"Cheat users are everywhere," Aria explained. "Most keep their heads down, but some, like the Concord, are actively hunting. They've got eyes and ears in places you wouldn't expect."
Ethan frowned. "So, I can't trust anyone?"
"Not entirely," Aria admitted. "But there are people out there who want to take the Concord down. You just have to find them."
Kaden entered the room then, his expression wary as he eyed Aria. "Who's this?"
"Aria," she said, extending a hand. "And you must be Kaden. I've heard about you too."
Kaden didn't shake her hand. "You're awfully well-informed for someone who claims to be a freelancer."
Aria smirked. "I like to keep tabs on interesting people."
Kaden's eyes narrowed. "We don't need your help."
"Maybe not," Aria said, unfazed. "But if you change your mind, you know where to find me."
She turned to leave, pausing at the door. "Oh, and Cross? Watch your back. The Concord won't stop coming."
As she disappeared into the night, Ethan turned to Kaden. "What do you think?"
Kaden's expression was grim. "She's right about one thing: you can't trust anyone. But she's wrong about another. You do need help. Just not from someone like her."
Ethan sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The Concord was coming, and he wasn't ready. But with Kaden's training and the Codex at his side, he was determined to change that.
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