"Good heavens, what on earth is going on here?" Allen exclaimed in disbelief as he surveyed the area. Making a beeline for his safe, he anxiously rummaged through its contents, desperately searching for the whereabouts of the copy of the drive he had stashed away. Allen meticulously combed through every corner of the room, methodically checking every possible hiding spot for the drive, but it remained frustratingly elusive. With each passing moment, his worry mounted, gnawing at his insides as the drive continued to evade his grasp. Frustration crept in, mingling with his growing concern, as the realization sank in that the drive was nowhere to be found. Pausing in his search, Allen's mind raced, considering the disturbing fact that someone had broken into his house. He tried to piece together who might have had the motive and means to break into his house and leave the place as an eyesore. "Who could have broken in here?" Allen said aloud, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustr
Allen burst out of the house as if he was being chased by a big and deadly monster. He didn't even take a second to shut the door tight behind him because he knew that Marcel, who could sneak in even when it was locked, would have no trouble getting inside now that it was wide open. Every step he took away from the house made his heart beat faster, and he couldn't shake the feeling of fear that gripped him. Allen quickly scanned both sides of the street, hoping to catch a glimpse of his sister. His heart pounded in his chest as he muttered anxiously, "Where is she? I... I can't see her." The panic in his voice mirrored the frantic search in his eyes as he desperately sought any sign of his sister. —She's in one of those cars.— Ultimate informed him. Allen's head snapped up as he spotted four cars speeding ahead. Without hesitation, he dashed to his car and got into the back seat so that he could communicate with Ultimate as he pleased without drawing the driver's attention. The m
—First mission reactivated— said Ultimate. Allen couldn't take his eyes off the screen. He was super focused, not even blinking. The light from the screen made his face look weird. —Here are two power-ups button, pick one and complete your first mission. And remember if you succeed, your account will be credited with $200,000,000.— Allen suddenly froze, remembering the first day he had found Ultimate. "With determination in his voice, Allen asked, "So what do I do?" His eyes gleamed with anticipation. —The mission is for you to rescue your sister and get those girls back to safety. There are two power-ups to aid your mission. The blue power-up is to increase the speed of the car and get to those cars, the second power up which is the red holds a secret weapon inside— Allen's gaze fixed on the red power-up button displayed on the screen as he pondered its purpose. With a furrowed brow, he asked, "What is the red power-up for?" Curiosity tinged his voice, a hint of apprehensio
As Allen held the scattered nails, frustration surged through him like a tempest, twisting his features into a mask of irritation. He could feel the tension mounting, coiling like a spring within him, as he clenched his fists and tugged at his hair in exasperation. With a sharp inhale, he bellowed, "What the hell am I supposed to do with these nails?" Every breath he took felt charged with electricity, fueling the fire of his vexation. His mind raced, desperately seeking a solution amidst the chaos of scattered thoughts. The driver, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror, caught sight of Allen's agitated state. With a practiced hand, he adjusted the mirror to get a better view, concern etched into his features. "Is everything alright back there, sir?" he inquired, his voice laced with genuine concern, despite the steady hum of the vehicle's engine. Allen's response was curt, his focus still fixated on the perplexing pile of nails before him. "Yes, yes. Just keep on driving,"
When Allen saw Marcel's smug smile, the blood left his cheeks. "Well, well, well," Marcel chuckled as he scanned Allen with a glittering hunger. "Look who decided to attend the festivities. Puppet boy, I didn't think you had the bravery to show your face." Allen forced himself to swallow, smothering the surge of fear that was attempting to overwhelm him. Stephanie looked at him with a mix of hope and terror, her face pale and streaked with tears. The image of his sister fanned the flames inside him. He refused to allow them to have her back. With a hoarse voice, Allen shouted, "Don't touch her." That was all he could manage, but the words came out more frenzied than intimidating. Marcel laughed aloud, the noise echoing over the lonely beach. "How are you going to handle that? You? A sad nobody who has nothing except a few corroded nails?" Allen took offense at his sarcasm, but he wouldn't back down. He fixed his gaze on the men around Stephanie and the other girls, their faces
Through the little tunnel, Allen staggered aimlessly, the wet sand sticking to his perspiration-dampened clothing. Who was she? A rescuer? A collaborator? A further layer of stress was added to the already dire circumstances as uncertainty tore at him. The only source of light was the dim glow coming from the end of the tunnel, which served as a beacon to help them navigate the oppressive darkness. After what seemed like a lifetime, the passageway eventually opened into a little cave. Allen let out a gasp. He had never seen a face like the woman's. Her eyes were an unpleasant shade of silver that appeared to slice right through him, and her features were harsh and angular. Her hair fell down her back in a waterfall of glistening silver strands. "Who are you?" Allen croaked, smoke inhalation making his voice harsh. He felt a chill go down his spine as the lady studied him with intense intent and her silver eyes stayed mute for a time. At last, she spoke something in a melodious w
Around Allen, the world whirled, and he began to see images of long-forgotten past periods and incredible power. With the weight of Elara's cryptic words bearing down on him, he struggled to gather himself. Having stated, "Chosen," For what purpose were they chosen? Why not him? The strange walls of the cavern hardened, and the otherworldly light vanished to show a more normal light coming in through gaps high above. His fear faded and was replaced with a chilly dread. Elara had vanished. Neither she nor the hidden route going from the cave was visible. He was by himself. His lungs were stung by the fire's aftereffects, causing him to cough violently. He examined his arm, screwing up one eye at the pulsating discomfort. He had to figure out how to get out of this realm and return to his surroundings. But where should one begin? His eyes focused on the cavern's center, where a whirling vortex was visible. It surged with a strength he could almost taste, captivating and seductive. He
A new purpose was brought to life by the dawn light. He needed clarification. The Order of Obscura had been brought up by Elara. All that came up in a short online search were cryptic allusions to historical tales and conspiracies. He chose to face his family out of frustration. He entered as they were enjoying breakfast. His parents looked at each other nervously. But Stephanie seemed relieved. "Allen! You're doing OK." He looked at his parents, ignoring her welcome. "Why?" There was a coldness in his voice. "Why did you betray me?" Mr. Scott avoided looking at him and stuttered. Ever the viper, Mrs. Scott met his eye squarely. "Allen, we took the necessary actions. This power is more than you can manage on your own. You may be guided and kept secure by the Order." "Safe from what?" He sneered. "From you guys? You attempted to dupe a monster out of me!" Stephanie's eyes filled with tears. "They were afraid, Allen. Once again, the loan sharks threatened them. They believed that th