“Test subject number 24. The subject lasted for two minutes and forty-five seconds after the administration of Valkyrie. Time of death: 4:22AM.”'I should be the only one at home. Who's talking?'Drake opened his eyes, only to be blinded by light. The familiar hatch of his VR capsule was no longer there, instead he was facing a white ceiling. The walls that surrounded him were also white and reminiscent of cold, hard metal. They felt like something straight out out of science fiction. The room resembled an intensive care unit, and Drake lay atop a cold metal table, barrel-chested and wired to all sorts of machines. His back was freezing.Drake noticed there was a group of people in white coats surrounding him, and they were looking at him as though they had seen a ghost.'I thought I just accepted a leveling request? Where am I?'«Ding!Alpha Link System initialized. Host selected; Drake Michaelson of East View New Jersey. Welcome.»«Ding!Alpha Link System activated. Transferring unp
“Thank God I have a system!” Drake was ecstatic but quickly discovered that there were several irregularities.'NPC, not a player? Countdown timer? Torturous future ahead?'Drake furrowed his brows as he organized his thoughts.First of all, although he had no idea how the system had transmigrated together with him, he had to treat this world as a new reality, meaning that if he died, he could not bank on being able to respawn like in the game, he will be dead for good.Secondly, he could still access the system's interface despite being classified as an NPC. This suggested that he could still level up like a player, which was good news.Thirdly, if the countdown timer confirmed his suspicions that he had indeed traveled back in time to before the game's launch, did it mean that 'real players' will soon appear?Lastly, and most important of all, the 'torturous future ahead' meant only one thing; he was currently in grave danger!Drake felt indignant. Didn't people who transmigrated no
Hila made a call through an encrypted line.“Boss, the situation has stabilized.”“Is the brainwashing complete?” the man's voice was hoarse.“I oversaw the procedure. There was no issue. What arrangements do you have for Zero?” Hila asked.“The Valkyrie experiment's aim is to train soldiers, so train him.” the man replied a bit irritated.“How is my sister doing?”“Don't forget the deal.” the man warned.“I gave you permission to visit her once every two months. Don't cross the line.”Hila clenched her fists when she heard this. Then there was a click and she knew the call had been disconnected by the man.*The interior of the underground Valkyrie lab was almost entirely white. Guards constantly patrolled the grounds. After a night's rest, Drake was brought to an isolated training field where Hila awaited.While he was not too sure of what arrangements the organization had for him, he was certain that they would value his 'learning ability', meaning he would definitely get the chanc
Gregory College. A college that opened it's arms, welcoming to those of High-class, Mid-class and lower-class. This was a college that Elian Gray chose, and God willing, he scored the highest mark in the exams and got awarded a scholarship to study here. Even though he's been orphaned at a young age, Elian always had this dream that things will turn out better, and that's why he never gave up on life.Elian Gray walked across the college grounds, lost in thought. He had been struggling to make ends meet, working multiple jobs to support himself and his girlfriend, Aurora 'Rory' Blackwood. He had hoped that today would be a better day, but as he saw Rory waiting for him by the fountain, he sensed something was off."Elian, we need to talk," Rory said, her voice cold and detached."Hey, what's going on?" Elian asked, feeling a knot in his stomach."I've been thinking, and I've realized that I deserve better than someone who can barely take care of himself, let alone me," Rory said, her
As soon as Elian emerged from the cliff, he assessed his situation. He was battered and bruised but alive.“That little prick. Just because his father's got some dough, he believes he can do whatever he wants. Well newsflash, 'cause I'm going to make sure they regret everything they've done.” Elian muttered to himself as he got up from all the mud around him.He stumbled upon a small river nearby and cleaned himself up.“I gotta get home quick.” Elian was very much upset. How could Rory just stand there and watch him being beaten to pulp? Why didn't the other students help him? Just because he was poor and had no one to back him up? All these thoughts ran across his mind as he walked towards the street still on his wet clothes.He then found a public phone and called a local taxi service to take him back to town as he had drifted off to this unknown place.Rory's betrayal cuts him deeper than a hot knife on a butter.Back in the town, he visited a thrift store and bought some basic cl
[THE NEXT DAY]Elian stood outside Michael's office, his heart racing with anticipation. He had the evidence, and he was ready to confront the man who had wronged him.He took a deep breath, straightened his shoulders, and walked into the office. Michael looked up from his desk, a look of surprise followed by a sneer."Elian Gray," Michael said, his voice dripping with contempt. "I thought you were still crawling in the gutter where you belong."Elian smiled, his eyes glinting with determination. "Hell Michael, still using that crappy trash talk, it seems you ain't got anything new."Michael snorted. "You're still a nobody, Elian. You'll never be able to touch me."“Man, ain't that sick? Well, I have something I'm sure will shut you up and make you sing a different tone.”Elian pulled out his phone and played the recording he had obtained at the charity event. Michael's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. Not only did Elian show up and ruined his follow-up plan, but he had
Elian walked into his small apartment, exhausted but triumphant. He had just completed his mission and gathered evidence of Michael's wrongdoing. He couldn't wait to see the look on Michael's face when he was brought to justice.First things first, Elian decided to use his rewards to upgrade his living situation. He had been living in a small, dingy apartment for months, and it was time for a change.He took out his small mobile phone and decided to phone a company he once saw in an ad somewhere.“Hello. Is this Joaquin Rentals? I'm calling to know if there's vacancy in your area. I need an apartment.”“Yes, this is Joaquin. And yes there's vacancy. What kind of an apartment do you need?” the voice of a female rang forth.“What can ten grand get me?” Elian asked.“Certainly not a villa, but something close to it.”“Good. I will be down at your office in tomorrow morning.” Elian said, a bit ecstatic. He had just used the $10,000 reward to rent a new apartment, one that going to come wi
Hila made a call through an encrypted line.“Boss, the situation has stabilized.”“Is the brainwashing complete?” the man's voice was hoarse.“I oversaw the procedure. There was no issue. What arrangements do you have for Zero?” Hila asked.“The Valkyrie experiment's aim is to train soldiers, so train him.” the man replied a bit irritated.“How is my sister doing?”“Don't forget the deal.” the man warned.“I gave you permission to visit her once every two months. Don't cross the line.”Hila clenched her fists when she heard this. Then there was a click and she knew the call had been disconnected by the man.*The interior of the underground Valkyrie lab was almost entirely white. Guards constantly patrolled the grounds. After a night's rest, Drake was brought to an isolated training field where Hila awaited.While he was not too sure of what arrangements the organization had for him, he was certain that they would value his 'learning ability', meaning he would definitely get the chanc