31 Men in Black

Alex peeled off the game helmet, a dull ache pulsing in his temples. He unconsciously pressed his fingers against his forehead, realizing the toll of practicing Shadow Sight for so long.

The revelation that players had to learn skills, not just interact with NPCs, surprised Alex and his fellow players. Eager to check what people were saying about the game on his cellphone, he remembered his lack of privileges as a prisoner.

With slow steps, he walked to the switch, making the room a bit brighter. It wasn't fully lit, but enough for Alex to navigate. The kitchen, adjacent to a window secured with metal bars, became his destination as his stomach growled. A bag of rice and a piece of steak in the cabinets would have to suffice.

'It'll have to do.'