Bounty

Tory's expression grew even more somber as Vik patted his shoulder, attempting to lighten the mood.

The thumping beats of a techno-trance track reverberated throughout the Battery Point bar, where people danced and reveled, their laughter blending with the clinking of glasses. Yet, Tory remained disinterested, breaking his usual image of carefree nonchalance.

"Tory, my man, that serious face doesn't look well on you. Tell me, what trouble have we landed ourselves into this time?" Vik asked, his voice laced with concern.

Tory's response was uncharacteristically unresponsive, his eyes fixated on some invisible burden weighing heavily on his mind. Vik's attempt to inject humor into the situation fell flat as his brother remained detached from the vibrant atmosphere surrounding them.

"Don't tell me you got one of your 'Mamacitas' pregnant by accident," Vik chuckled, trying to elicit a smile from Tory. He ordered a drink for himself at the counter, hoping to ease the tension. But his joviality only seemed to deepen Tory's seriousness.

"Hehehe. I should have gotten them pregnant after all. All of them at the same time, damn it," Tory said, a hint of bitterness coloring his smile. "That op might as well be our last, Vik. There hasn't been any official news released to the public yet. But…"

Tory's words sent a shiver down Vik's spine. The gravity of their situation loomed larger than he had initially imagined. He leaned closer, his voice lowered to a hushed tone. "Tell me everything, Tory. Don't hold back."

Tory's gaze fell upon his rum glass, his finger tracing the rim as he spoke. "Maybe they are confirming something. Or they are waiting for someone to break the news. Either way, it'll happen sooner than later. I'm afraid we might not be able to get outside that haunted house once our real pictures start making the rounds in the news bulletins here in the metaverse and in reality. We are fucked, Vik. Six ways to Sunday."

Vik's forehead creased with stress, his mind racing to comprehend the severity of their predicament. He wanted Tory to provide a clearer explanation, to cut through the ambiguity and offer a plan of action. However, before he could voice his demand, a spectral screen materialized above the dance floor, capturing everyone's attention.

"Attention to all the common denizens of the Oasis Online. The Oasis Corp's chairperson, Miss Raquel Roy, requests your attendance," a gentle female voice resounded, seemingly emanating from all directions. The blank screen transformed into a live feed, showcasing a woman in her early thirties—Raquel Roy.

Raquel, the daughter of Remington Roy, one of the founding families behind Oasis Corp, held a position of influence both within the Oasis community and beyond. Her appearance on the screen indicated that the news she was about to share held tremendous significance.

As Raquel wiped her tears with a tissue, her lustrous black hair and tanned olive complexion accentuated her vulnerability. The light gray of her eyes glistened, revealing the pain she carried within.

"My father, Remington Roy, has died," Raquel began, her voice quivering. "No, let me correct that. He has been killed."

The news reverberated through the bar, freezing the lively crowd in a collective state of shock. Conversations dwindled, and gazes turned toward one another, sharing a mix of disbelief and distress. Among them, Vik and Tory listened with a sense of impending doom, their emotions diverging from the rest.

Raquel took a moment, clenching her fists as she mustered the strength to continue. Her voice, though shaky, carried an air of determination. "He... he was killed by two men and all their accomplices."

Vik's stress lines deepened, his intuition confirming that Raquel's next words would only intensify their anxiety. However, compelled by an unwavering curiosity, he braced himself for the revelation.

"The external hardware research and development department of Oasis Corp was something my father dedicated his whole life to. He was on the verge of a breakthrough," Raquel explained. Excitement tinged her voice, momentarily overriding the sorrow.

"Our perception of time in Oasis Online differs vastly from the real world. Three hours here equate to merely one hour in reality. This fundamental difference has been the cornerstone of Oasis's success, allowing us to pursue our goals and cherish time with loved ones simultaneously."

Pausing briefly, Raquel's gaze wandered, as if envisioning a grand future. Then, her tone shifted, infused with anger. "But what if we could change that ratio from 1:3 to 1:6? What kind of revolution would it bring to Oasis Online and the real world?"

Vik's heart raced, sensing that the revelation was leading them into dangerous territory. Nevertheless, he listened, captivated by Raquel's words.

"My father dedicated years of his life to achieving this seemingly impossible goal. And he had finally made a breakthrough. The beta versions of metapods capable of altering the time ratio were successfully developed by his team."

Raquel's excitement transformed into seething fury, her voice resonating with indignation. "Yet, our opponents couldn't bear to witness our influence within Oasis Corp expand. Days after the beta hardware's first test, our secret research facility in Latvia was raided. The beta metapods were stolen, and those involved in the project were mercilessly killed, including the researchers and other staff."

Her eyes blazed with anger, and her voice trembled with suppressed rage. "But they didn't stop there. Exploiting my father's vulnerability while logged into the Mesis, they took his life. He was an Awakened, a skilled warrior known to all. He should not have fallen prey to these petty thugs. But they struck when he was defenseless, extinguishing the life of an accomplished hero."

Vik's internal monologue erupted with curses, his expression now etched with a sense of impending doom. But Raquel's words pressed on, unstoppable.

"I believe these two men received support from my family's enemies, along with assistance from within our own faction," Raquel confessed, her voice resolute. "That's why I've made a decision. I will cleanse our ranks and ensure those responsible for my father's death face justice, sooner or later. I will begin by hunting down the two men whose involvement has been confirmed—Fernando Torres and... Viktor Vladimir."

The air grew heavy, and Vik and Tory locked eyes, mirroring the realization that their lives were about to change in ways they could never have fathomed.