Robbery In The Neighborhood

After retrieving the Fruit of Corruption from the game, August carefully placed it in a small, sturdy box.

He slid the box under his bed and locked it securely, making sure it was well hidden. The fruit's glow faded as it disappeared beneath the bed, but August still hadn't made his decision yet.

It was nighttime, and August had another shift at the factory. This time, he was on a different schedule from Derrick, which meant he would be working alone.

After checking on Sophia, he finally headed out for the night.

--

The factory was as loud and bustling as ever, even at night. August focused on his tasks, trying to keep his mind off the fruit hidden back at home.

He moved quickly and efficiently, lifting heavy crates and operating machinery. Yet, his thoughts kept drifting back to the Fruit of Corruption and the life-changing decision he needed to make.

During a particularly strenuous task, one of his colleagues bumped into him roughly. "Watch it, pretty boy," he sneered with disdain-filled eyes.

This colleague was a burly man named Greg with a bald head and visible vein lines on his forehead.

August, already on edge, felt his temper flare. "Maybe you should watch where you're going, Greg," he shot back in a tone dripping with sarcasm. "Or are your muscles too big for your brain to handle?"

Greg's face turned red with anger. "What did you say?"

"You heard me," August retorted while meeting Greg's glare. "Just because you look like a gorilla doesn't mean you have to act like one."

The other workers around them began to murmur, sensing the rising tension. Greg took a step forward, fists clenched, but before he could do anything, several other workers intervened.

"Hey, calm down, you two," one of them said, pushing Greg back. "We're here to work, not fight."

"Yeah, save it for after the shift," another chimed in.

Greg glared at August one last time before backing off, muttering under his breath.

August returned to his work while calming himself. He wasn't intimidated in the slightest about Greg's size. He believed strength wasn't all that mattered in a fight.

-

As the night wore on, August overheard a conversation among some of his colleagues during a break. They were talking about a former factory worker who had recently gained a supernatural ability in real life from Enders Light and had now moved on to a much better job.

"Did you hear about Tom?" one of them said. "He got some kind of power from the game. Now he's working for that high-tech firm downtown, making serious money."

"Yeah, I heard he's got telekinesis or something," another added. "Can you imagine? From working here to making six figures, just like that."

"Apparently, there are a couple of high-paying jobs now that specifically look for people with these abilities," a third worker said. "If only we could all be so lucky."

August listened intently as multiple thoughts ran through his mind. The idea of gaining a supernatural ability and using it to secure a high-paying job was incredibly appealing.

It could solve all his problems and give him and Sophia the life they deserved. But the risk of consuming the fruit and the uncertainty of the ability he might gain kept him in a state of indecision.

By daybreak, the shift finally ended. August was exhausted but his mind was still buzzing with what he'd heard. He clocked out and stepped into the fresh morning air with a fatigued expression.

As he walked home, he replayed the night events in his mind again.

Selling the fruit would bring immediate financial relief, but gaining a supernatural ability could open doors he never imagined possible.

With the morning sun rising behind him, August continued his walk home, his mind set on finding the best course of action for their future.

---

As August neared his neighborhood, the sound of sirens pierced the early morning air. Police vehicles were everywhere with their lights flashing ominously.

The usual quiet of the street was replaced by the urgent chatter of officers and the murmur of concerned residents. The tension in the air was high, and a knot of dread tightened in his stomach.

"What happened?" August asked a nearby neighbor, who was watching the commotion with wide eyes.

"A group of players with supernatural abilities robbed a house," the neighbor replied while shaking his head. "They made off with something someone brought into reality from Enders Light."

Fear gripped August's heart. His thoughts immediately flew to Sophia and the Fruit of Corruption hidden under his bed.

Without another word, he broke into a run, pushing through the growing crowd of onlookers. The sight of an ambulance speeding past and sirens blaring, only heightened his anxiety.

As he ran, he overheard snippets of conversations that fueled his panic.

-"Someone got seriously hurt in the robbery..."

-"They say it was a high-grade item from the game..."

-"Why would anyone announce something like that?"

August's breath came in ragged gasps as he finally reached his street. The knot of dread in his stomach tightened into a fist as he saw the increased police presence near his home. He pushed harder as his legs burnt with effort. He had to get to Sophia.

Fumbling with his keys, he burst through the front door.

His voice echoed in the small apartment. "Sophia! Sophia, where are you?"

The living room was empty, and his heart pounded in his chest as he rushed toward the kitchen. He found her there, standing by the table with a look of confusion and concern on her face. Relief flooded through him, and he pulled her into a tight hug.

"Thank God you're okay," he breathed heavily while holding her close.

Sophia hugged him back with her voice muffled against his chest. "August, what's wrong? What happened?"

"There was a robbery nearby," he explained with a shaky voice. "Players with supernatural abilities from the game. They stole something valuable."

Sophia pulled back with a look of understanding; "Oh yeah that."

"Did they come here?" August inquired.

"No," she shook her head. "It was a couple of houses away."

August sighed in relief after hearing that. Although it was someone else's misfortune, he was glad that he wasn't the victim. "I need to check something."

He rushed to his room and pulled out the box from under his bed, unlocking it with trembling hands.

Within the box was the Fruit of Corruption, glowing faintly.

He let out a sigh of relief as his tension completely eased. He secured the box and returned to the living room.

"Good thing it was a different house," he said while trying to calm his racing heart.

August proceeded to analyze the situation.

"The victim must had a similar experience to mine—bringing something valuable from the game into reality. But instead of keeping it quiet, he told everyone he was going to be a millionaire and ended up getting robbed and seriously hurt."

Sophia's face paled as she realized that August brought something from the game into reality. " I'm so glad you didn't do the same."

"Me too," August admitted, feeling a shiver of fear at how close he had come to a similar fate. "Well, it's not like there's really anyone I can tell anyways."

August was glad that he happened to be a very cautious person.

"Make sure to keep this a secret Sophia," August warned her.

Sophia nodded with a serious expression. "I understand. We need to be cautious."

August sat down with the box still in his grasp.

The sound of police sirens still echoed in the distance and the choice of what to do with the Fruit of Corruption weighed even heavier now.

Selling it could bring immediate relief, but it could also make them a target. Who knows if he might get robbed the instant he put the word out there that such an item was for sale?

There was no telling what could happen when he currently didn't have the strength to protect them both.

Consuming it could give him the power to protect them and potentially change their lives for the better.

But it still bore risks.

He needed more information.

He stood up and walked over to the window, looking out at the chaotic scene unfolding outside. 'People are gaining abilities and it's making things dangerous. I can't afford to compare this world to the one I came from. Whatever action I take, I need to give it at least ten thousand thoughts first.'

Sophia joined him at the window as her small hand slipped into his.

August squeezed her hand, feeling a rush of warmth and resolve. "I promise I'll keep us safe," he said while turning to look at her.

Sophia smiled at him with a look of complete trust; "I know."