Chereads / The Valhwatch / Chapter 4 - A New Path

Chapter 4 - A New Path

[Start]

The camera pans over the sprawling cityscape of Los Angeles, the sun casting golden hues on the horizon, a blend of urban life buzzing below. Cut to an intimate, softly lit bedroom where the faint glow of a laptop illuminates Maria's focused expression as she prepares for her stream.

Maria (long blond hair, 24 years old) was streaming in her bedroom on her laptop. The walls are adorned with posters of popular video games, interspersed with snippets of her travels documented in framed photographs. Cozy yet cluttered, her room is an oasis of personal expression, with clothes strewn across a chair, half-finished snacks on her desk, and a small plant struggling for sunlight.

[Main]

As the morning light spills through the curtains, Maria transitions through her daily rituals with precision. The sound of water running fills the air as she takes a bath, steam rising and enveloping her in warmth. She meticulously watches what she eats—crunchy vegetables and a meticulously measured portion of yogurt, reminiscent of her determination to avoid unwanted weight gain. Each bite is a deliberate choice, a small act of rebellion against her insecurities.

After her bath, she steps out, feeling refreshed but still pondering her self-image. Dressed in workout gear, sweat glistening on her skin, she walks to the nearby gym, the vibrant colors of dawn framing her path. With each inhale, the scents of fresh grass and blooming flowers mingle with the urban aroma of gasoline and asphalt.

To make her body appealing for men, she did sports to which she subscribed near her apartment. At the gym, the rhythmic sound of feet hitting treadmills and the clang of weights resonate in the air, a motivational symphony that pushes her to excel. She pushes through each exercise, sweat trickling down her brow, a testament to her dedication.

Later, after showering, she meticulously applies her makeup, each stroke carefully enhancing her features. She surveys her reflection in the mirror, wearing sexy clothes that hug her curves, feeling a surge of confidence coursing through her veins.

She turned on her PC and began the live stream, using 'Daisy' as her fake name online. As the chat lights up with eager comments, her nerves melt away; the addictive rush of attention fuels her performance. Each view and like acts as a validation of her efforts.

During the stream, her voice dances effortlessly through a myriad of topics, her charisma weaving a tapestry of engagement with her audience. The background is filled with the soft tapping of her keyboard and the ambient sounds of her neighborhood—the distant honking of cars and laughter from passing pedestrians echoing outside.

One day she opened Twitch to talk about games; the screen paints her face in bright colors, illuminating her passion as she discusses strategies and game lore, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. another day she opened YouTube on her mobile while walking down the street to discuss her daily life, the sun warm on her skin, capturing the sights of Los Angeles—the highlights of colorful murals and street vendors peddling their wares, her new content captivating her audience with cultural snippets.

At night, in the dim ambiance of her apartment, the atmosphere shifts; she dons daring clothes, the fabric giving her an air of mystery and allure. The low hum of the city at night transforms the mood as she prepares to stream on adult apps, the shadows dancing around her as night solidifies outside her window.

she changed into daring clothes to open adult apps to talk and sing in a live stream viewed by some guys who sponsored her. The flickering glow of the screen pulls her focus, each interaction laced with flirtation and excitement. The muffled sounds of the bustling nightlife seep through her window, creating an electric backdrop to her stream.

Sometimes, she ordered fast food; the smell of greasy burgers wafting through the air as she binge-watched shows. Her appetite often leading her to the streets during the evenings, among crowds bursting with laughter, music, and energy.

During her journey, particularly on weekends, she sought out places to dance, losing herself to the rhythm under the luminescent laser lights casting playful shadows at clubs, enchanting strangers as they moved in unison—surrendering to the music, a temporary escape from reality. she went out to dance at clubs to refresh her mind or visited parks to get fresh air while enjoying the city views, taking snapshots for her followers. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds lulled her senses, reigniting her creativity as she snapped photos in nature's embrace.

Her intention was to attract rich men through these actions. Each interaction was a calculated move in her strategy, her dreams entwined with the superficial glamour she pursued.

One evening, while preparing to do a live stream on adult apps, the atmosphere laden with anticipation, a notification appeared suddenly on her computer screen—a message from Valhwatch. she received a message on her PC screen from Valhwatch (which was a week after Genau had received the same message). Her heart raced; uncertainty gripped her. Was it just another anonymous admirer? The ambient sound of her notifications was drowned out by the lingering thoughts of doubt she pushed aside.

She thought it was just a random anonymous guy trying to hit on her. Drawing a deep breath, she brushed it off, her fingers deftly moving to commence her usual stream, the light dimming her worries momentarily.

Knowing how she attracted men, she ignored it, thinking it was one of her admirers, and started her live stream as usual. The familiar pattern of excitement emanated from the chat, enveloping her in the comfort of connection.

When she finished the stream for the day and was ready to sleep, the warm glow of the laptop screen faded, replaced by the soft embrace of night. The sound of her own heartbeat felt loud in the quiet room, a reminder that her day was morphing into another night of solitude. lying on her bed, she received another notification on her mobile phone with the same message. The eerie repetition sent chills down her spine, the weight of the unknown unsettling her more than she cared to admit.

She blocked it, thinking it might be from a stalker. A sense of dread began to creep in as she closed her eyes, trying to silence the tiny voice in her head warning her.

But the messages continued to pop up in the following days. Each notification rekindled her anxiety, disrupting her normal routine. The world outside continued unabated, while her own reality shaped itself into a moment of constant tension.

She went to the police to report it, but they found no cause for concern. The sterile environment of the police station, the sound of distant discussion and ringing phones, felt harsh against her escalating fears—a disconnect between what she experienced and what they deemed serious enough to warrant attention.

Now she returned to her apartment filled with anxiety. The familiar sight of her vibrant bedroom now felt stifling, the walls closing in as she paced, unable to find solace in her surroundings.

Again, in her chat apps, the message was sent, threatening that if she kept ignoring it, she would face misfortune. The screen pulsed ominously, the words sending a shockwave through her. It felt like a foreboding omen. The message ended with her real name, 'Maria Delly,' and details about her daily life. Panic surged, and she felt the walls of her reality begin to crumble.

She became scared and thought it might be from an acquaintance trying to prank her. Her imagination spiraled into a dark pit, and she could almost hear whispered conversations among her friends, wondering what they might know.

She replied, "Who are you?" Desperation laced her tone as she hoped for clarity amid the chaos in her mind. The anonymous sender replied, "You don't need to know; do you want to change your life or not?" The words echoed in her mind. What did he mean?

She hesitated ("What is he talking about?" went through her mind) but eventually accepted. The allure of a chance for escape pulled at her, a dangerous distraction from her fears.

The anonymous sender told her she would receive a package at her address the next day and that she needed to follow the instructions within it. A blend of disbelief and cautious curiosity stirred within her; what was in store?

As expected, the package arrived, arriving on a sunlit afternoon—its unassuming exterior did little to mask the weight of possibility it held. and she tore it open to find gadgets identical to the ones Genau had received. Her pulse quickened with intrigue mingling with fear; what had she gotten herself into?

Then she began following the instructions, wearing everything, and the AR System launched. Each gadget felt foreign yet exhilarating against her skin, humming with potential as the digital interface flared to life around her.

The system asked her to choose her 3D virtual assistant; she scanned the options, delight filling her as she glimpsed the beginning of an adventure. she customized a handsome, gentlemanly black butler and named him 'Steve,' then she set his age at 28, with short curly hair. Steve materialized with an air of elegance, his presence suddenly filling the dim corner of her room.

The system then instructed her to inject the serum; the air thickened with anticipation and trepidation as she raised the syringe, her heart racing against the backdrop of her wavering reflection in the mirror. she fainted, and the watch started to connect with her skin (a similar process to what Genau experienced). It felt as though the world spun away as darkness enveloped her.

After three hours, she woke up gasping, the real world flooding back with relentless urgency, colors brighter, sounds sharper. and Steve greeted her, explaining the situation and the system's rules. His tone, calm yet firm, imbued her with a newfound sense of purpose—her guide in a web of uncertainty.

Upon hearing that she couldn't age while using the serum, she was happy, especially about the body's regeneration. Hope ignited within her—a glimmer of possibility as she dared to dream again.

She asked what the system could do to help her situation; Steve replied it was up to her. The gravity of this decision hung in the air, a thrilling yet daunting crossroads.

Having some foundational knowledge about games and thinking it would be similar, she asked if she could view her stats. The room pulsed with energy; the stakes were high, and she was ready to plunge into a world unseen.

Steve gently displayed her stats in 3D, indicating she was <>. The numbers danced before her, promising a realm of potential, a tantalizing glimpse at what awaited.

He explained that she had those stats due to her natural abilities. Confidence surged through her, her story interwoven with the stats displayed—each one a small victory of her journey through struggles.

He added that each assistant has its own behavior; for instance, Steve said himself that he could detect other skeleton users within a range of <<100m>>. His assurance calmed any lingering doubts, igniting the flame of adventure once more.

He suggested that she rest and begin working with the ability of the gears outside the following day. With newfound determination, the promise of tomorrow loomed large, and she felt intuition guiding her next steps.

The next morning, she completed her routine: bath, breakfast, the sounds of the world alive around her as she prepared for the journey ahead, feeling revitalized. and transformed her skeleton for jogging, then headed outside. The rush of the cool morning air brushed against her skin, sparking her anticipation.

In a secluded garden, sunshine filtered through leaves, casting patterns on the ground, an oasis hidden within the city's swirl. she attempted to exercise while Steve talked to her, stretching, running, jumping, wall walking, and doing parkour. Laughter echoed in her memories of playful summers past, invigorating her spirit as she embraced this newfound freedom.

She felt as light as a leaf, growing accustomed to the experience. Each movement felt effortless, purely exhilarating, adrenaline coursing through her as she tackled challenges with a renewed fervor.

Once she completed her practice, she returned to her apartment and took a shower, the water soothing her weary muscles; its steam enveloping her, washing away the remnants of doubt. Knowing she could earn money by completing quests or similar tasks, she questioned her butler about it again. Curiosity flickered; the potential of new adventures danced enticingly in her mind.

Steve informed her that she needed to find some serums nearby for him to analyze; however, he couldn't find any. The thrill of the chase beckoned as her thoughts spun with possibilities.

He suggested that she go outside the next day and walk around the city to allow him to scan the surroundings. With a nod of determination, she began to plan her next move, her fingers tapping absentmindedly against the desk.

While waiting for tomorrow, she began to manipulate the AR system with her hands, the interface gliding responsively, like magic—each gesture initiating bursts of information, lighting up her intrigue. searching for information about it. Finally, the day arrived when she went outside wearing casual clothes the vibrant colors of her outfit complementing her spirit while she looked for a way to integrate herself into this new life—an updated version of Maria, more in control than ever (leggings, a t-shirt, and fancy tennis shoes for an appealing appearance) by morphing her outfit with AR virtual customization.

As she walked around with Steve scanning the area, the bustling rhythm of the city served as a backdrop—conversations and snippets of music mingling in the air, rich scents of food wafting from nearby cafes enticing her senses. she wore earbuds. If nobody noticed her, she did parkour and wall walking; there was a thrill in the clandestine, exhilaration coursing through her veins with every nimble leap.

She didn't feel exhausted while doing this since the skeleton and the serum effectively reduced human weaknesses. It was liberating to defy limitations she had carried for so long, to harness her capabilities to conquer physicality effortlessly.

Eventually, Steve detected a serum and instructed her to follow the AR map. The emotional high of discovery spurred her onward, anticipation setting her pulse racing.

Once she reached the location, a busy intersection, the cacophony of the city enveloped her as people rushed by, their lives intertwined with hers in that moment. she noticed a piece of paper on the ground that nobody else seemed to see. With keen perception, she bent down, almost hidden in the thrumming chaos around her, as the world continued to whirl onward.

Steve decrypted a puzzle test and explained that she needed to find three pieces of a mechanical object scattered around three buildings, which formed a triangle on the AR 3D map of the locations. Intrigue sparked within her as the map flickered to life, revealing each destination shimmering with possibility. They felt like pieces of fate, waiting to be woven into her story.

Steve informed her that some pieces were in apartments and that she had to sneak into those buildings to avoid being noticed (by guards, security cameras, or lasers) or disguise herself. The thrill of defiance tinged the air—dangerous and electrifying, a heartbeat away from adventure.

Wearing an infiltration suit with her face concealed by a casket and a mask around her mouth, the moment felt surreal, a striking dichotomy of fear and exhilaration coursing through her veins as she approached the first building. she approached the first building, where a guard stood, and security cameras were everywhere. The crisp sound of modernity clashed with her heart's frantic rhythm, an orchestra of tension setting the stage.

Thanks to Steve, she could visualize her next trajectory in 3D and guide her movements. A focused concentration enveloped her as she slipped into the unknown, every muscle ready for action as a rush of adrenaline pushed her forward.

She successfully evaded the guard's vigilance and the cameras. As shadows loomed, she felt a synergy with her surroundings, each movement a seamless blend of instinct and agility.

She took the elevator and quietly approached the owner's locked apartment, needing a password to enter. The air felt thick with urgency, her breath caught in her throat like a fragile promise.

Steve unlocked it using an algorithm, revealing it to be the residence of an old rich man. The door opened to a world of opulence, golden accents glinting against the shadowed corners as her heart raced with the thrill of discovery.

The signal was coming from the ceiling of his bedroom. The room itself was a mix of elegance and neglect, an old man's sanctuary where history lingered in every creak of the floorboards.

Fortunately, nobody was in the house. Relief washed over her, a moment of tranquility in the heart of chaos as she explored, fueled by curiosity and adrenaline alike.

She opened the lamp hanging from the bedroom ceiling using the screwdriver she found in a spare room, as Steve instructed. An antique fixture, its glass adorned with delicate filigree, glimmered under her touch; the stirring anticipation teased her senses as she unscrewed it, revealing a hidden treasure within. An ancient piece was hidden there; she marveled at how it could have ended up there, and Steve found it amusing. Interlaced with stolen history, the object felt like a relic from another life—curiosity blended with a sense of danger.

Tempted by the luxurious items surrounding her, gorgeous relics of the old world, shimmering and alluring in the dim light; she was caught in a spell of greed momentarily, the desire for beauty whispering temptingly in her consciousness. she couldn't help but pick something up (jewels, chains, diamonds...). The weight of them in her hands ignited a frenzy of desire, the seductive allure of riches pulling heavily at her conscience, a battle between right and temptation.

She didn't question the morality of her actions; the greed of human nature often overcame individuals in certain situations. Adrenaline thrumming wildly, she snatched trinkets, her mind racing with justification.

This conviction filled her mind as she took some inconspicuous valuables. With each piece she pocketed, the thrill of success mingled with guilt, promising a heady rush that whispered lies of justifications into her heart.

Next, she headed to the second building, where one piece was located in the parking basement. The atmosphere shifted, an apprehensive weight compressing the air around her as she approached, the tension thickening.

She had to push a car, and underneath it was a metallic circular cover screwed to the ground. With a deep breath, she focused, the weight of the task falling upon her in waves of adrenaline.

She lifted it with the strength of her skeleton, and there she found the second piece. Joy flooded her at the sight of her success, a testament to her newfound abilities—a triumph thrumming within.

As she approached the last location, she realized it was a police station. The sight of it filled her with dread, an imposing monument of authority and security—her heart sunk into uncertainty as apprehension clawed at her.

She hesitated, looking at Steve with anxiety "What the heck, is this a trap?", as she stole the jewels from the old rich man. Her breath caught in her throat, and her mind spiraled, verging on panic.

Uncertain about what Steve was saying, she suspected a trap, yet she still needed the serum. An internal war raged—hope against fear; every heartbeat ratcheted up the stakes.

She was well aware of how guarded police stations were; Steve urged her not to panic. His calm voice wove through her fears, grounding her as the possibility of discovery loomed heavy over her thoughts.

He instructed her to enter and disguise herself as a police officer, complete with a suit and badge he would generate, and he would manipulate the police's data. A shudder ran through her—the audacity of the plan igniting both dread and a strange thrill of empowerment.

The final piece was located in their data center room. The heart of the operation, a world brimming with both risk and reward—all intricately linked to her own fate.

She followed his instructions to apply the disguise. Feeling the fabric drape over her, the power of transformation coursed through her veins, a paradox of identity blending with purpose.

Once she arrived at the controlled badge gate of the police station, she showed her badge and was granted access. The mechanical whir of the scanner felt like a countdown, an intake of breath before diving into the unknown.

She quickly located the data center room, where she easily found the last piece, which was merely a decoration on a table, then exited without any problems. The simplicity of the retrieval sent a rush through her. The challenge had felt monumental, yet the satisfaction was profound; she was artfully navigating danger without a falter.

Looking for a secluded area to assemble the pieces, a feeling of accomplishment enveloped her. she successfully did so, and they began to merge. The magic was tangible as she witnessed their harmony—a thrill pulsed through her.

A glowing, floating key materialized and started to move; she followed it. Each flicker of light felt like a heartbeat, pulling her onward into a maze of mystery.

It stopped between two buildings, and in the small corridor, there was a little square area on the ground that shone brightly. The key glowed like a beacon, illuminating the path forward.

She held the key to insert it into the square. Then a cage appeared, and Steve suggested she place her watch in it. Time felt suspended, the enormity of the moment threatening to sweep her away.

It unlocked, revealing a serum. The vial shimmered with promise, an elixir holding the keys to unfathomable possibilities.

After taking the serum, she headed directly back to her apartment. Her heart raced with excitement and trepidation—each step echoing with purpose as her reality shifted.

Once home, the familiar cocoon of her apartment felt more alive than ever, a sanctuary amid the chaos of her life, she lay on her bed, reflecting on her day's journey before heading to take a shower. The water cascaded over her, soothing and invigorating, reconciling her dual existence as both Maria and Daisy.

She had one week remaining; she could inject the serum she found, which she had stored somewhere in her bedroom. An exhilarating thrill danced through her, stirring her resolve to seize the moment; this time, she wouldn't let opportunity slip away.

In the evening, the twilight casting soft shadows through her window, she turned to Steve, determination glowing in her gaze. she asked Steve how to increase her stats, and he replied that she could battle or buy with real money, but the features were expensive. His words resonated, forging a path toward ambition as she envisioned the potential before her.

Remembering the jewels she had stolen from the rich man, a sense of urgency ignited within her; the real world beckoned with opportunity. she asked Steve where she could sell them. Eager to transform her stash into something tangible, every glimmer of the jewels echoed with potential.

He provided her with a location where she could sell them without leaving traces. With a newfound sense of purpose, she prepared, each detail of her outfit chosen carefully as she visualized the transaction.

The following day, she wore a normal outfit (a t-shirt and a skirt for an appealing appearance) and a bag, the fabric light against her skin, freedom sparking her every movement heading to the designated location. The streets coursed with life—people buzzing, cars racing by, and her heart thumping a steady rhythm of anticipation.

When she arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with a covert energy that thrilled her senses, the corner shop emanating a soft glow, almost luring her inside. she found a small shop in the black market and showed the jewels to a tattooed shopkeeper. His eyes assessed her and the jewels in an instant, the air thickening with tension—a dance of wills about to unfold.

He assessed the jewels and proposed a price. She examined him closely, gauging the trustworthiness and calculating the value in her mind. Maria and the shopkeeper discussed the price as Steve helped her estimate the value of the jewels. The negotiation echoed like a chess match, the stakes high—her breath held tight, her resolve steady.

She found the deal unfair and continued on to another shopkeeper, still far from the money she desired. Each step felt heavier, the weight of disappointment coiling around her heart—why was it so hard to seize her dreams?

Asking Steve to locate a buyer downtown, optimism igniting as she envisioned the possibilities, she went to the new location he suggested. Every moment was a chance to redefine her path, to reclaim control over her destiny.

Eventually, she found a buyer; his presence was imposing but intriguing, the aura of danger palpable after some negotiations, they finalized a deal, and the buyer transferred the money to her account. Relief surged through her; she could hardly contain her joy.

At home, the walls of her apartment felt like an embracing cocoon, filling her with warmth. she was overjoyed about the transaction while lying on her bed. The thrill of victory tingled beneath her skin; she felt different—transformed.

After taking a bath, the soothing water enveloping her, washing away the remnants of her day, she ate and watched TV in AR space before drifting off to sleep. Her thoughts spiraled into reflection, echoing with lessons learned, dreams rekindled, and the specter of uncertainty lingering around.

During her slumber, she experienced flashbacks of her parents and her two younger siblings. Flickers of laughter and warmth intermingled with shadows of regret—the pulse of nostalgia a bittersweet melody.

Maria had never been able to attend university because her parents couldn't afford the tuition fees, especially with her little brother and sister's expenses. The weight of responsibility had always been heavy on her shoulders.

One day, her father had discovered her doing adult strip videos and felt ashamed. The moment shattered the fragile balance of her life, leaving scars deeper than she cared to express.

Disturbed by this revelation, she moved out as soon as she graduated from college and rented her own small apartment. She had sought solace in independence, but the shadows of her past whispered reminders of childhood, of the family she left behind.

[End]

In the morning, as the sun streamed through her window, she woke up and reflected on her actions, contemplating how to help her siblings and how to create her own business, the idea blossoming in her heart, stoking embers of ambition within, regardless of whether she walked a shameful path given her earlier behavior. Determination glimmered in her eyes; today was the day she would forge her future.