m, casting a cold blue light across Jayson's face.

of red dots in the lower sector.

ing eyes locking onto mine. "What k

al world, an anomaly injected by the system, his core logi

ing my arms around my knees, making myself look as small and terrified as po

eek. His jaw clenches. He sighs, a heavy

rashed into the billboard. Dozens of corrupted, glitching programs are a

is voice tight. "You drew them there. You're a beacon.

am not just a prisoner of The Warden. I am

is dark corner. "Perfect. Tie the bait to a p

his expression hardening. "I can't let you leave. Unti

kles turning white. I let out a small, shaky bre

This is exactly what I need. I have m

ntly flashes red across my v

within one hour. Failure will result in protagonist l

es. If he kicks

he only weapon

eyelashes. I let my voice drop to a soft, trem

see the exact moment his core programming fractures. Th

apple bobs. "As long as I'm h

imes. "Affini

push harder. I need to br

s a tarnished, brass pocket watch. In a world made of holograms and da

p toward him. I point a tre

I say softly.

covering the watch completely. His eyes turn insta

, you stepped on the landmine now, s

e, sad smile onto my face. I look

meone left behind," I whisp

s eyes shatters, replaced by a wave of grief

ares at the brass casing, his eyes distant, lost