20k Rolin
Jamie Aldridge never asked for this. He never asked for the system, for the power, for the missions that drag him deeper into Seattle’s underworld. But when life throws a digital demon into your head, what choice do you have? Play the game or get played.
Simple.
Except it’s not that simple. Because this game? It’s rigged. And the stakes? Well, they’re higher than Jamie could ever imagine.
"Who the hell are you?" Jamie demanded, his voice rough with exhaustion, and his mind a tangled mess of fear and fury.
The Broker smiled, a thin, calculated curve of lips that held no warmth. "I'm the man who’s going to change your life, Jamie. Or end it. Depends on how well you play."
"Play?" Jamie spat, barely holding back the urge to punch that smug look off his face. "I’m not playing your game. Not anymore."
The Broker’s eyes shone with a dark and knowing aura. "Oh, but you are. You just don’t realize it yet."
Now Jamie’s on a collision course with forces beyond his control—shadowy figures who pull the strings, secrets buried so deep they might as well be myths, and a system that seems determined to push him to the brink. And just when he thinks he can’t take any more, life throws him another curveball: Emma. His unbearable bully of a wife. Pregnant.
Yeah. Ain't gonna end well.
In a world where survival is a day-to-day battle and the lines between ally and enemy blur with every step, Jamie has to figure out one thing—how to win when every move feels like a losing one. Because failure? It’s not an option. Not when his life, and the life of his unborn child, hangs in the balance.
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Chapter: Chapter 31: Uncharted Territory (0x31UT)Jamie and Selina move swiftly through the narrow alleyways, shadows clinging to them as they put distance between themselves and Sokolov’s fortress. The city skyline stretches ahead, its bright lights a strange comfort after the darkness of Sokolov's domain. The system chimes again, reminding Jamie of his recent milestone: Total Essence: 1000. The number glows in his mind, filling him with a rare mix of satisfaction and curiosity. What would the system offer now that he’s reached this new level? Selina nudges him. “You alright? You’re looking… far away.” Jamie blinks, snapping back to the present. “Just… taking it all in.” He glances at her, noting the exhaustion etched into her face. “Let’s find somewhere safe. We can talk then.” They continue moving, winding through the backstreets until they find a secluded spot near an old, abandoned warehouse. Selina leans against a rusted metal fence, catching her breath, while Jamie keeps an eye on their surroundings. “This’ll do for now,”
Last Updated: 2024-11-22
Chapter: Chapter 30:The Exit Gambit (0x30TEG)The exit looms ahead—a set of heavy steel doors just a few paces away. Jamie feels a surge of adrenaline; freedom is so close he can almost taste it. Selina moves beside him with calculated precision, eyes locked on their escape. But as they close in, a familiar voice slices through the silence. "Leaving so soon?" Jamie’s heart sinks as Sokolov steps into view, flanked by two guards, each one armed and steeled for confrontation. Sokolov’s eyes gleam with cold amusement, a smirk twisting his lips. "Jamie, Jamie… I thought we had an understanding." His voice is smooth but menacing. "Yet here you are, taking things that don’t belong to you. You disappoint me Jamie... I'm hurt" Jamie’s fists clench, muscles tensing, ready. He knew a showdown with Sokolov might be inevitable, but this close to escape, it’s a bitter pill. "You took from me first," Jamie replies, voice low, steady, laced with anger. "I’m just leveling the field... Returning things to it's natural state" Sokolov chuckle
Last Updated: 2024-11-20
Chapter: Chapter 29:The High Stakes (0x29THS)Tension crackles like a live wire as Jamie faces off with Darius, each muscle taut, every nerve primed. It's Dark- they stand in a wide, dimly lit corridor—a stark contrast to the sterile brightness of the room Jamie has just left. The exit is close—agonizingly close—but Darius blocks it, and the glint in his eye promises a battle Jamie can’t ignore. “Turn around now,” Darius sneers, “and I might let you walk out with all your bones intact.” Jamie’s jaw tightens as he settles into a loose fighting stance. “I’m done with your games, Darius. I’m getting out, whether you’re in the way or not.” Darius smirks, stepping forward. “Good. I like a bit of resistance.” Without warning, Darius lunges, fists swinging like sledgehammers aimed at Jamie’s head. Jamie dodges left, feeling the rush of air as the blow grazes his cheek. He retaliates instantly, driving an elbow toward Darius’s midsection. The hit connects, but Darius barely flinches. “That all you got?” Darius taunts, grabbing Jamie
Last Updated: 2024-11-18
Chapter: Chapter 28:The Weight of Silence (0x28TWOS)The city streets blur as Jamie and Selina keep a low profile, weaving through narrow alleys and dimly lit corners. The adrenaline finally begins to ebb, leaving a dull ache in Jamie’s muscles and a heaviness in his mind. Despite their victory, he knows the mission is far from over—Darius isn’t the type to forgive or forget. They’ll be hunted, no doubt, but that’s a worry for another moment.For now, they need somewhere secure to regroup.They finally slip into a quiet, out-of-the-way café near the docks. The faint, comforting hum of jazz music plays over hidden speakers, an odd contrast to the tension still hanging between them. Jamie gestures to a booth at the back, and they take seats, each glancing around to ensure they aren’t followed.“Didn’t think we’d make it out of there,” Selina mutters, running a hand through her disheveled hair. “Darius isn’t usually that…personal.”Jamie nods, setting the black case between them. “He probably didn’t expect us to put up that much of a fight
Last Updated: 2024-10-27
Chapter: Chapter 27: A Dance With Shadows (0x27ADWS)The corridor stretches ahead, silent and foreboding, as the ambush warning flashes in Jamie’s mind. He freezes, instincts sharpening, as Selina moves closer, her stance tense and alert.“They’re here,” Jamie whispers, his voice barely audible.Selina’s gaze darts around, her unease surfacing. “You’ve got ten seconds. Where do we go?”Jamie’s mind races as he assesses their options. Ahead lies a side room that might lead to a servant's stairwell, while retreating means doubling back.“Left,” he murmurs, nodding towards the narrow doorway. They slip into the shadows, just as footsteps echo around the corner.Pressed against the wall, they hold their breath as three guards appear, scanning the area. Jamie’s fingers brush his knife as he leans close to Selina. “Backup plan?” he asks, voice low.Selina pulls a compact device from her belt, her mouth curving in a smirk. “Always prepared,” she whispers, pressing a button. The lights flicker, casting eerie shadows, and the guards glance up,
Last Updated: 2024-10-26
Chapter: Chapter 26: The Hunt Begins (0x26THB)Jamie’s eyes lock onto Darius as the air in the room thickens with tension. Every muscle in his body is poised for action, his mind racing through a thousand possible scenarios. He knows, without a doubt, that Darius won’t hesitate to put him in the ground.But Jamie isn’t one to back down, especially not now.Sokolov leans back in his chair, hands steepled in front of him, watching with an almost amused detachment. "This will be... entertaining," he says, his voice smooth, yet carrying the weight of control.Darius steps forward, his boots thudding heavily on the polished marble floor. He’s built like a tank—tall, muscular, with a scar running down the side of his face, evidence of countless battles fought and won. His dark eyes are cold, devoid of any emotion."I’ve heard about you, Jamie," Darius says, his voice like gravel. "But stories don’t mean much in the real world. Let’s see what you’re made of."Jamie’s hand hovers near his holster, ready to draw his weapon if necessary, bu
Last Updated: 2024-10-22
