Lifespan

The holographic screen flickered to life, projecting the image of Raquel Roy, her voice infused with unmistakable anger. The faces of Vik and Tory appeared alongside their respective bounty amounts, displayed prominently for all to see.

But Raquel wasn't finished yet.

"We have also uncovered their Permavatar names. Fernando Torres operates under the alias Chingada Madre 666," Raquel announced, her voice filled with determination. "And as for this man, Viktor Vladimir goes by the name Vik Lord of..."

A fit of coughing interrupted Raquel's speech, momentarily delaying the revelation of Vik's Permavatar name. However, she gathered her composure and took a deep breath, preparing to speak the words that made her blush a bit.

"His Permavatar name is Vik Lord of 69s."

Normally, Vik would have burst into laughter at the sight of Raquel's embarrassment. But the gravity of their situation dampened any trace of humor. Tory, on the other hand, couldn't help but chuckle at the flush creeping across Raquel's face.

Challenging anyone to laugh at her predicament, Raquel quickly regained her composure and continued with her message.

"If you come across either of them, whether in the Oasis or the real world, please contact us. We will handle the rest," Raquel declared. "Once your claim has been verified, you will receive the appropriate bounty amount a few days later."

As Raquel concluded her speech, the images of Vik and Tory with their bounties dispersed across the screen. The shocking news of Remington Roy's death overshadowed any amusement that could be found in Raquel's awkward moment. Remington, a powerful Awakened, successful businessman, and respected ranker, had been slain by two unranked individuals.

The revelation was difficult to digest for everyone, including the ones who now had sizable bounties on their heads.

Vik and Tory exchanged grim expressions, their minds filled with the same thought—survival. This had to be a conspiracy because they knew they hadn't killed anyone during their botched-up OP. Harming someone like Remington Roy was beyond their capabilities.

But that did not matter anymore. How long could they hide? And was it even possible to elude capture indefinitely?

There were no answers to the questions tormenting their thoughts. All they could do was focus on staying alive.

"Tory, we need to get out of here. Fast," Vik snapped back to reality, pulling Tory out of his contemplation. They left the bar swiftly, seeking a safe exit from the Oasis. The Podcafe, still unmanned during the nighttime, allowed them a swift departure. The news of their involvement in Remington Roy's death had not yet reached the real world, but they knew it was only a matter of time.

Vik and Tory retraced their steps, returning to their temporary hideout. They needed a plan, any plan, to navigate the storm brewing around them.

"How many years do you have left, hermano?" Tory's voice trembled with emotion as they both started to drink, seeking solace in the liquid courage.

Vik understood the significance of Tory using the term "hermano" and refrained from mocking him. He replied honestly, taking a sip from his beer bottle.

"I'm currently 24, so I have around 25 years and a few months left. And you?"

Vik glanced at Tory, awaiting his response. Tory pondered for a moment, mentally calculating before answering.

"I only have 14 years left, hehe! But even 14 years seems like an eternity now. Do… Do you think we'll be able to get out of this?" Tory replied, his false hope lingering in his eyes.

Vik's reply held no false optimism. "Honestly, Tory, I don't know. They have our footage from the facility. I can't understand how it happened."

Vik took a long swig from his beer, savoring the taste before continuing.

"Forget about the fake news of killing people for the time being. I made sure to reroute all surveillance signals before we began. We even wore those synth-skin face masks. Yet, they know our identities. Either the baldy betrayed us, or this conspiracy runs deeper than we can grasp."

Tory nodded, comprehending Vik's analysis despite not being the mastermind behind their operation.

Vik's gaze shifted toward the underground garage, where the truck containing the metapods resided. "Those pods hold the answers. I bet they never intended to let us walk away with them. If those pods are genuine, we need to examine them before formulating any plans."

Locking eyes, Vik and Tory wordlessly agreed. They departed their hideout, making their way towards the underground garage where their fate awaited.