Chapter 8

The noise echoes through the store, creating palpable tension. Mizuki and I exchange worried glances before moving discreetly towards the source of the sound.

Between the shelves laden with foodstuffs, a shadow looms. It's a group of finders, determined to track down the cachers. Their eyes are sharp, ready to detect the slightest hidden presence.

Mizuki whispers, "We can't confront them directly."

I nod, understanding the need for avoidance. We hide behind a pile of boxes, praying that the finders will pass us by.

The group of finders meticulously inspects the store, looking for the slightest trace of their targets. I feel a drop of cold sweat trickle down my temple. The stakes are getting higher.

One of the finders whispers to his partner, "Ryu gave us some information, but these cachers are smarter than we thought."

Meanwhile, Mizuki, alert, listens attentively to their conversations. She recognizes the name "Ryu" as the one she mentioned earlier. A flicker of worry passes through her eyes.

The finders soon leave the store, finding no trace of the cachers for the moment. Mizuki and I breathe a sigh of relief. Our duo move silently towards the exit, determined to escape this relentless hunt.

As we move away from the store, Mizuki speaks up, his eyes reflecting deep concern. "Jomei, you have to understand who Ryu is. He's a formidable, ruthless player, and he won't hesitate to use any trick in the book to hunt us down."

I listen attentively, sensing the gravity of the situation. Mizuki continues, explaining Ryu's exploits in the original game, emphasizing his reputation as a violent and strategic player.

"We can't afford to underestimate him. Ryu is here to play, and he'll take great pleasure in hunting us down."

These words echo in my mind, bringing forth a newfound caution. The hunt has reached a new level, and we must be ready to face every challenge with care.

Night falls, and Mizuki and I continue our journey through this mysterious forest. The deserted streets echo with our footsteps, while the shadows of the vegetation seem to close in on us.

"Ryu won't be our only threat," Mizuki murmurs, his eyes scanning every dark corner. "There are other formidable players in this Hide & Seek, and we must remain vigilant."

I nod, aware that every shadow could hide a formidable opponent. The slightest noise startles us, and the silence of the night adds a layer of anxiety to our situation.

As we slip into a narrow alley, footsteps echo behind us. Mizuki and I exchange worried glances. Are the finders, our trackers, already on our heels?

We quicken our pace, trying to blend into the darkness. Tension mounts, and the mere act of breathing seems to betray our presence. Suddenly, a group of players emerges from the shadows, and our hearts race.

It's not the finders, but the hiding duo we'd found earlier. Relief fills Mizuki and me as we face these new allies.

"We found nothing in the store," says Akari. "No weapons, nothing to defend ourselves with."

Mizuki and I exchange a glance, aware of the need to strengthen our defenses. We decide to continue our exploration, hoping to discover vital resources.

The virtual city turns out to be a complex labyrinth, with abandoned buildings, dark alleys and mysterious areas. As we wander through this strange universe, a dull rumble is heard, vibrating the ground beneath our feet.

A virtual earthquake shakes the city, and Mizuki and I cling to this unstable digital world. Virtual cracks appear in the walls, creating an even more oppressive atmosphere.

"What's going on?" asks Akari, looking around worriedly.

Mizuki and I share a troubled look. It's nothing like we expected. Another disturbance, another bug? Or perhaps something far more sinister in this virtual Hide & Seek.