The television screen shifted to a new graphic, a bold red banner at the bottom reading "Government Response: VRMMO Phenomenon" as the anchor straightened in her seat.
"On to other news. The government has released an official statement regarding the incidents surrounding the new VRMMO game Ascension of Souls," she began, her tone professional but edged with tension.
The footage cut to a still image of a government press release, the words highlighted on screen as she continued reading.
"Effective immediately, individuals who have experienced any physical changes in appearance or have developed abilities that could be categorized as supernatural are urged to report to the designated temporary testing facilities. These facilities will be established in every major city across the country to assess, monitor, and support those affected. The government assures that this measure is for public safety and scientific understanding."
The anchor looked back to the camera, trying to maintain composure, but the unease was clear in her voice.
Leo’s jaw tightened slightly as he stared at the screen, his ears twitching once in response. His tail coiled beside his leg with a faint, anxious flick. Beside him, Lily’s hands fidgeted in her lap, her normally cheerful face was now shadowed by worry. Adam moved near the window, arms crossed, his sharp gaze locked on the television like he was sizing up an enemy. Aria’s fingers drummed softly on her knee, her expression unreadable except for the faint tension around her eyes.
Crystal, seated a bit apart from the others, tilted her head slightly. Her voice was calm but thoughtful.
That doesn’t feel right," she said. "They’re not asking. They’re gathering. As if they are trying to round up all the people like us."
Adam nodded slowly, not taking his eyes off the screen.
"She’s right. Something’s off about this. I say we don’t go."
That one sentence pulled all attention to him. He looked around at the others.
"Not yet, at least. We wait. See how this plays out. Until we know exactly what they’re doing in those testing facilities, I’m not letting any of us walk into a cage."
Silence followed Adam’s declaration, thick and heavy. No one argued. No one even looked like they wanted to.
After a moment, Lily spoke up quietly.
"Someone should tell Greg."
Leo nodded, eyes still on the television. "Yeah. If anyone’s on their radar, it’s him."
He turned to the others. "Does anyone have his number?"
One by one, they shook their heads.
"No," Aria said softly.
"Not to be mean but do you really think that I of all people would have the number of a guy who works at a gym?" Lily pointed out.
Leo nodded his head in agreement.
"That is a valid argument."
Lily shota quick glare at Leo in annoyance. It was her own words but she couldn’t help but feel a little resentful when someone immediately agreed with her.
"I only met the guy inside the game. Haven’t met the guy in person yet, technicallt" Adam shrugged.
Leo exhaled through his nose, frustration starting to creep in. Then he paused, remembering something.
"Wait. Luna. She is a regular at his gym right? What do you think are the odds she has it?"
Without wasting another second, Leo got up and walked out of the room and entered the kitchen.
He didn’t even make it fully through the doorway before he saw it.
Penny was standing in the middle of the room holding a sponge with both hands like it was a cursed artifact. Rachel was on her knees scrubbing the floor with a scowl, muttering something under her breath that probably wasn’t safe to repeat. Both of them were drenched in sweat, hair tied back, clothes slightly damp and stained from cleaning products.
And there, leaning against the fridge with her arms crossed and eyes sharp as daggers, stood Luna.
Her glare was unrelenting, cold and precise, aimed squarely at the both of them like a military commander inspecting a half-finished drill.
Neither of the girls dared to look back at her.
Leo cleared his throat.
Luna didn’t move, but her eyes flicked toward him, as if acknowledging his presence without losing sight of her prey.
Leo stepped forward cautiously.
"Hey, uh... sorry to interrupt. Do you happen to have Greg’s number?"
Luna gave a short nod and pulled out her phone without saying a word. With one hand still gripping her crossed arm, she used the other to flick through her messages. A moment later she held the phone out toward Leo.
Luna gave the smallest of hums in response and turned her full attention back to Rachel and Penny, who immediately began scrubbing faster under her watchful eye.
Leo backed out of the kitchen slowly, only pressing call when he was out of her line of sight.
No one was about to question Luna’s current authority. Not even him.
The phone rang a few times, each second dragging as Leo stared at the screen. On the fourth ring, it finally connected.
"Luna?" Greg’s voice came through, a little tired but warm. "How are you holding up?"
Leo lifted the phone closer to his ear as he walked down the hallway, lowering his voice slightly.
"She’s hanging in there. Just... keeping order."
Greg chuckled faintly on the other end. "That sounds like her. What’s going on?"
"That’s actually why I’m calling," Leo said. "What are you doing right now?"
I was just about to head out," Greg replied. "One of those government testing places opened up not far from here. Figured I should check it out. Probably better to get it over with early before they start calling people directly."
There was a pause on the other end.
"Why?" Greg asked, more curious than alarmed.
Leo glanced back toward the living room, then leaned against the wall, keeping his voice steady.
"We just saw the press release. Something about it feels off. Like they’re not looking to help. More like they’re trying to gather and contain people like us. Adam thinks it’s safer to hold off and honestly... I agree."
Greg didn’t respond immediately. When he did, his tone was thoughtful.
"You think it’s a trap?"
"I don’t know. But I don’t think we should risk it until we understand more. That’s why I wanted to check in. We were thinking maybe we should all meet up. Talk this through."
"Alright. Should I come to your place?"
"Probably not the best idea. We’re packed in here as it is. It’s getting a little hard to breathe with this many people."
Greg let out a small laugh. "Fair enough."
He paused again, then said, "What if we meet at the gym? It’s pretty spacious, and I can make sure we’re left alone. Sound good?"
Leo pushed off the wall and nodded, even though Greg couldn’t see it.
"Yeah. That sounds perfect. I’ll let the others know and we’ll head over soon."
"Got it. I’ll make sure the place is ready."
The call ended with a soft click, and Leo stood still for a moment before turning to head back to the others. They needed to move. And they needed to stick together.