Full Circle

Raquel's voice, now devoid of anger, carried her next words with a chilling determination.

"Hunt down those despicable rats. Kill them in broad daylight. I don't care if House Roy's reputation is tarnished in the eyes of the lowlifes. Oasis is just a small part of our grand scheme."

"I'm prepared to withdraw from this insignificant game for a while. Do you comprehend what I'm implying?"

Every word Raquel spoke reverberated through the room, reaching the ears of all present. The subordinate who seemed to be their leader swallowed hard, his breath catching in his throat. He offered a single word in response.

"Understood."

Bowing in Raquel's direction, he exited the office, followed by the other subordinates. Raquel was left alone, gazing at the sprawling city below like a chessboard teeming with pawns scurrying about. She couldn't resist muttering a few words to herself.

"You called me a bitch, Viktor Vladimir. Let me show you just how bitchy I can be."

A wicked smile crept across Raquel's face as she voiced her sinister intentions.

***

Somewhere outside the city-state of Crescent Moon, Oasis Online.

The air filled with the sounds of explosions and the relentless rattle of machine-gun fire. Two non-Meta individuals struggled to control a bullet-riddled car, billowing smoke from multiple points. A car that couldn't soar through the sky but only skimmed above the earth's surface.

What began as a chase born out of a heist gone wrong was now concluding with another pursuit.

"Hermano, we've truly pushed our luck this time, haven't we? I... don't think I'll make it out alive. Hahaha!"

Tory chuckled weakly, observing the bullet wounds on his chest, virtual blood seeping from the rends. But something more sinister was afflicting Tory's body, exacerbating his dire situation.

Vik attempted to stifle any response to Tory's grim words, but the severity of Tory's condition made it increasingly difficult to keep his emotions at bay.

Tory felt genuine pain, the kind that he knew would lead to his imminent loss of consciousness. Ordinarily, such injuries within Oasis Online would have held little concern. Whatever transpired within the virtual realm remained confined within it, the most significant repercussion being temporary muscle atrophy upon awakening.

But this was no ordinary wound, a fact not lost on Vik and Tory. Tory's body disintegrated into fragments, an unprecedented phenomenon for both of them. Witnessing the grim transformation, they knew that his death within Oasis would not be a mere temporary setback.

Vik, too, bore the brunt of their assailants' assault, having been struck by the enigmatic bullets that defied Oasis Online's physics, seemingly guided projectiles hitting them from improbable angles.

Vik pursed his lips as he glanced in Tory's direction, struggling to maintain his composure while navigating the failing vehicle. His eyes welled up with tears, fully aware that their chances of survival dwindled with each passing moment.

The duo had acquired an array of weapons and explosives when they discovered their inability to log out of Oasis Online, utilizing the 2000 New World Coins they had earned from their encounter with Triple G.

In their desperate bid to escape, they purchased the car, seeking refuge far from any known spawn points. Yet, their efforts proved futile. Where could they flee when the meta space had become an inescapable trap?

Nevertheless, both harbored a fierce determination to fight until the bitter end, inflicting maximum damage upon their enemies. It was a vengeful act, a defiant stand with no regrets. Yet, deep down, regret gnawed at their hearts as their wounds continued to ooze blood.

Tory unleashed a barrage of gunfire at their pursuers as they emerged from behind. He attacked without regard for consequences, beyond caring about any Oasis Online infractions at this point.

Consequently, Tory bore the brunt of the assault, sustaining more severe injuries than Vik. Inwardly, Vik chastised Tory for allowing his emotions to overpower him.

"Fuck!"

The curse echoed from the driver's seat once more, but this time, it was Vik who uttered it. The cycle had come full circle.

"Tory, my brother... I'm sorry."

Vik finally voiced the words he had wanted to say to Tory for some time. They both understood he referred to more than just their present decision. The kamikaze attack had been meticulously planned and mutually agreed upon. But there was something else burdening Vik's conscience.

It was Vik who had greenlit the operation after Baldy had initially proposed it. Tory had adamantly opposed collaborating with a shady figure like Baldy, known for his lack of integrity. Although Baldy boasted a reputation as a lucrative fence within their community, he was equally notorious for betraying his allies.

Yet, Vik's overconfidence had clouded his judgment. He assured Tory that he could handle someone like Baldy, believing they could outmaneuver him. Consequently, they embarked on an operation far more perilous than their usual smuggling endeavors, all in pursuit of substantial gains.

Vik had never anticipated falling into this insidious conspiracy, no matter how vigilant he remained. He carried the guilt of failing to discern the trap that claimed the lives of their loved ones.

Now, that same trap threatened to snuff out their lives as well.