System Ascend

9- The fight

The “Kitty Kat” guild base buzzed with tension. Members huddled around the wooden table cluttered with maps, crystal devices, and virtual relics. Outside the guild’s safe zone, the jungle’s thick canopy filtered soft, eerie light, but inside, a different kind of shadow crept.

David sat next to Lisa, her calm presence steadying his nerves. His thoughts circled relentlessly — the butterfly-masked player he had glimpsed during the dragon mission, the crimson nameplate that marked a high-level opponent, and the whispered rumors about the Kami organization’s reach.

Lisa’s voice broke the silence. “The Kami are no myth. Their influence spreads far beyond the shadows we see. Their agents don’t just hunt for power—they seek to control the entire System Ascend network. If they get their hands on the Holy Sword, it could mean disaster for all players.”

Steve, the guild leader, slammed his palm on the table. “So, they’re already hunting us. I thought we had time to prepare.”

Before anyone could answer, a red alert flashed across every player’s HUD. A loud chime accompanied the message scrolling in bold letters:

WARNING: Kami operatives detected within 2 kilometers. All players, initiate caution protocols.

Murmurs rippled through the room. David felt his heartbeat quicken.

Steve’s tone sharpened. “They’re moving faster than we thought. We have to split into squads. Scout teams to gather intel, defenders to protect our base, and a strike force ready to respond.”

Lisa turned to David. “You and I are best suited for scouting — our levels and skills allow us to move quietly. We’ll gather info on their movements, try to find their hideouts or plans.”

David swallowed his nerves and nodded. “Got it. What about the rest?”

Steve gestured to the others. “Zack, Alice, and the rest will fortify defenses. We can’t afford a direct assault. The Kami aren’t just powerful—they’re ruthless. Remember what happened to that top player months ago? Taken down, his rank and treasures wiped clean.”

David’s fingers tightened around the edge of the table. “We can’t let that happen to us.”

Lisa gave him a small, encouraging smile. “We won’t.”

⸻

The jungle air was thick as David and Lisa slipped away from the guild base, moving swiftly through dense foliage and tangled vines. Every rustle and distant call kept them alert.

“Do you think they know we’re onto them?” David asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Lisa shook her head. “The Kami use shadows, deception, and fear. They have eyes everywhere, but their methods are subtle. We have to be smarter.”

Suddenly, a glint of light flickered through the leaves. David froze. Lisa raised a hand to stop.

A faint voice echoed—a disguised digital signal — “You’re being watched.”

David’s pulse raced. “By who?”

Lisa’s eyes narrowed. “Kami spies.”

⸻

They pressed on until reaching an abandoned ruins site—half swallowed by jungle vines and moss. The perfect place for a secret meeting.

Lisa scanned the surroundings. “We’re close.”

Suddenly, a low hum vibrated through the air — a holographic projection flickered to life between two ancient stone pillars.

A masked figure appeared, its butterfly emblem glowing faintly in crimson. The digital specter spoke, voice cold and mechanical:

“Players who dare challenge the Kami shall face oblivion. The Holy Sword belongs to us. Any interference will be met with destruction.”

David’s heart hammered. “They’re warning us.”

Lisa’s voice was steady but fierce. “Then we’ll be ready.”

⸻

Later, returning to the guild, David struggled to shake off a growing unease.

Steve was waiting, his expression grim. “We’ve intercepted encrypted messages — Kami are coordinating with at least three other sub-branches, spreading their influence through the game’s factions. This isn’t just about the sword anymore. It’s a war for control of System Ascend itself.”

Alice joined in, “And the real world too. Rumor is they’re planning an exploit that could destabilize Z-Corp’s systems. If that happens… well, it could shut down the entire network, or worse.”

David glanced at Lisa. “What can we do?”

Lisa’s eyes shone with determination. “We fight. We grow stronger. We unite the guilds if we have to. The Kami want control, but they underestimate what players can accomplish when they stand together.”

⸻

That night, David lay awake in the VR chamber, thoughts swirling between the game’s fantasy and the real stakes they faced.

Outside the glowing screen, Melati’s words echoed in his mind. The chip in his brain connected him to something much larger — a battle that was no longer just virtual.

As sleep finally took him, David knew one thing clearly:

The fight against the Kami was only beginning.