This one was unique. There was no update. It was a proclamation. JokerX was the username. The message was succinct and direct. I have accepted this task. Everyone else stays out of my way until I finish and the target is gone.
The forum was rocked by the post. Adam saw scores of other users react in a matter of seconds. I agree. JokerX, you have the job. We will not meddle. The respect was right away and unwavering.
This JokerX, whoever he was, had power. In this digital jungle, he was a king and a predator among predators.
Then JokerX sent out another message. All the arrangements have already been made by me. I will see him in Saman City shortly. By my hand, his story comes to an end.
City of Saman. It was a death sentence. It was a reprieve, though. Adam was now aware that the train would not attack him. JokerX had made a bid. The other hunters would drop to their feet.
He was oddly relieved. This app was a potent weapon because it gave him a window into his adversaries’ world. He could predict their tactics because he could see their movements. He felt like he had a chance for the first time since this nightmare started.
He still had to deal with the office worker, though.
The man still posed a threat and needed to be dealt with. Joseph leaned over just as he was ready to strike.
His brow was furrowed in perplexity as he asked, "Hey, what are you doing?"
The phone was immediately teleported back into Adam’s system inventory. The phone disappeared from his grasp. It appeared to Joseph that Adam was simply gazing at his empty hand.
"Are you alright, man?" With a sincere expression of concern on his face, Joseph asked. "You appear to be attempting to use a phone as you stare at your hand." Beside him, Eric chuckled.
Adam disregarded what they had to say. He continued to focus on the office worker. He saw the man walk away from the door.
He wasn’t staying in one place. It was a smart move a good tactic to avoid being spotted. But it was too late. Adam had already seen him. He had already marked him as a target.
The train rattled on. The suburbs gave way to the sprawling cityscape. A disembodied voice announced their arrival. "Next stop Saman City."
"This is us" Joseph said standing up. "Come on let’s go."
The name of the city sent a jolt of pure terror through Adam. Saman City. The place where JokerX was waiting for him. The place where his story was supposed to end. "No" he said his voice firm. "I’m not getting off here."
But his protest was useless. Joseph and Eric were already grabbing his arms pulling him from his seat. They dragged him towards the door a pair of cheerful unwitting executioners.
He could go anywhere but Saman City. He knew a trap was waiting for him there. He didn’t know what it was but he knew it would be deadly. He thought about JokerX’s message. I’ve already made all the arrangements. The words echoed in his mind. The trap was already set.
He looked at his two friends at their smiling oblivious faces. A horrifying thought occurred to him. What if they were part of the trap? What if JokerX wasn’t just targeting him? What if he was using his friends to lure him into the kill zone?
The thought filled him with a cold dread. He couldn’t let that happen. He couldn’t let his friends get hurt. He knew he couldn’t convince Joseph. His friend was too stubborn too focused on his mysterious errand. He tried to reason with Eric but it was no use. They were determined to get him to Saman City.
He realized then that he had no choice. They were being used. They were pawns in a deadly game. And if he abandoned them they would be in just as much danger as he was. He had to go with them. He had to protect them.
His eyes flickered to the office worker who was still pretending to be a normal passenger. The man was a part of this. He was the one feeding information to The Byrd. Adam had to deal with him first.
"I have to go to the bathroom" he said to his friends. "Wait here for me. I’ll be right back."
Eric and Joseph both nodded. Adam left, making his way to the restroom at the back of the vehicle. He looked back as he was walking. The office worker stood up and began to follow him. Adam’s lips formed a grim smile. The fly was entering the web of the spider.
He entered the restroom. After turning on the sink, he began washing his hands. The office worker entered a moment later. Adam was at the sink when he saw him. He grinned a little smugly.
He believed he was being so cunning and covert. Adam turned to face him just as he was about to turn to the urinal. The hunted had just turned into the hunter. Additionally, the restroom had recently turned into a kill zone.
The man came to a complete halt. He gazed at Adam, a look of utter bewilderment on his face as his smile wavered. His voice was a little shaky as he asked, "What is wrong?" "Why are you approaching me in that manner?"
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We are so grateful to each and every one of you for joining the adventure! Your assistance is greatly appreciated. I appreciate each and every one of your Power Stones, which are like mana potions that keep me writing if you are enjoying the story.
Let us have some fun now! I want YOU in this world. The new signature technique is about to be named by our hero. What ought it to be called?
Leave your most inventive suggestions in the comments section! I will choose my favorite, and it will be included in the story’s canon with a special mention for you.
I am eager to read your insightful recommendations!
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