The streets of Westwood were alive with lights, traffic, and the low hum of campus life still reverberating from the previous night's party. But for Elias, the vibrant buzz felt distant, muted by the weight of what he had just learned.
The Watch's blue glow pulsed in his pocket.
> New Task Generated: Revelation of Secrets
Infiltrate Nexacorp's headquarters, retrieve classified documents on the Watch's origins.
Risk Level: Red.
Reward: Enhanced Powers + Secret Ally Unlocked.
Time: 24 Hours.
Mila walked beside him, eyes scanning the crowd as they moved toward their next destination. She had grown accustomed to his silent, determined pace, but even she could feel the shift in his demeanor. The game had changed. It wasn't just about survival anymore—it was about domination.
---
9:00 AM – Westwood Avenue
They stood at the entrance to Nexacorp's towering skyscraper, the heart of the financial empire that had long cast its shadow over Westwood University. The building gleamed in the morning light, its windows reflecting the skyline like a mirror, concealing its true nature. Inside, power flowed like blood—cold, unyielding, and endless.
The task at hand was clear. They had twenty-four hours to infiltrate the corporate fortress, a place where the Watch's origins were hidden in encrypted files and long-buried secrets.
"Are you sure we can do this?" Mila asked, her voice tense with uncertainty.
Elias turned to her, eyes sharp. "We don't have a choice."
She nodded, but there was something in the air—something darker—that told her this mission would cost more than either of them realized.
---
9:15 AM – Nexacorp Building Lobby
The lobby of Nexacorp's headquarters was a study in opulence—marble floors, soaring ceilings, and walls adorned with abstract art that screamed excess. A place where billionaires and politicians mingled under the watchful eyes of security cameras. A fortress built to intimidate.
As they walked in, Elias's gaze was fixed ahead, unwavering. They had done their research, and they knew the building's layout like the back of their hands. The real challenge was the security system, which was next-level. Only a handful of people had access to the top floors, where the classified documents were kept.
"We're going to need an inside man," Elias muttered, his voice barely audible over the hum of the lobby.
Mila gave a slight nod. "We need someone who can get us into the restricted zone."
They didn't have to look far. At the far end of the lobby, a familiar face caught Elias's eye—an old acquaintance from campus. Adrian, a former student government leader, was now a mid-level employee at Nexacorp, a cog in the machine. He'd always been ambitious, always looking for ways to climb the ladder.
"Let's go talk to him," Elias said, a hint of a smirk forming at the corner of his lips.
---
9:30 AM – Nexacorp Café
Adrian was sitting alone at a corner table in the company's private café, sipping on a cup of coffee and reading through a stack of files. His sharp features were hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses, but Elias could tell he recognized them as soon as they approached.
"Elias," Adrian said with a grin. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Elias took a seat without waiting for an invitation. "We need access to the restricted floors."
Adrian's eyebrows shot up. "You're joking, right?"
"I'm serious," Elias replied, locking eyes with him. "You help us, and I'll help you climb higher. You're not going anywhere as a junior executive."
Adrian hesitated, but the temptation was clear. His ambition had always been his driving force, and Elias knew exactly how to exploit it.
"Alright," Adrian said, leaning forward. "But this doesn't come free, Elias. You're asking for a lot."
Elias leaned back in his chair. "Name your price."
Adrian smirked. "There's someone I need eliminated. Someone in the way of my next promotion. Help me with that, and I'll give you access to everything you need."
Mila tensed, but Elias didn't flinch. The game was getting more dangerous, but they couldn't afford to back out now.
"Who?" Elias asked.
Adrian leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Professor Alonzo Kane."
---
10:30 AM – Nexacorp Restricted Floors
With Adrian's help, they gained access to the restricted elevator, bypassing multiple security checkpoints and guards. The elevator descended far below ground level, the air growing colder the deeper they went.
The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, revealing a sterile, dimly lit hallway lined with security doors and surveillance cameras. Elias stepped out first, his eyes scanning the area.
Mila followed closely, the weight of their mission pressing down on her. This was it—the heart of Nexacorp's operations, the place where everything started.
They approached the final door, the one that led to the server room. Elias took a deep breath, knowing the risks, but there was no turning back. The door slid open with a hiss, revealing rows upon rows of servers and encrypted files.
"We're in," Elias whispered.
---
10:50 AM – Nexacorp Server Room
The room was cold and sterile, but the files inside were anything but. They were encrypted with layers of security that would have stumped any regular person, but Elias wasn't ordinary. He had the Watch.
The Watch's pulse quickened as Elias inserted his finger into a small terminal beside the server.
> Decrypting Files...
Progress: 25%
Time Remaining: 10 Minutes.
Mila kept watch, her eyes darting nervously to the door. Every second felt like an eternity. They couldn't afford to get caught.
Suddenly, the Watch buzzed, its glow turning a deep crimson.
> Warning: Security Breach Detected
Hostiles: 5 – Armed.
Estimated Time to Impact: 3 Minutes.
Elias's pulse quickened. They didn't have much time.
> Task Update: Retrieve File "X-49"
Critical Priority.
Time Remaining: 2 Minutes.
The clock was ticking. Elias typed furiously, the Watch guiding him through the encrypted files. It wasn't just a task anymore. It was a race for survival.
Mila grabbed his arm. "Elias, we need to move now."
But Elias didn't answer. He was too focused, too consumed by the task.
Finally, the file was unlocked.
He grabbed it, stuffing it into his jacket, and turned to Mila. "Let's go."
But as they headed for the door, a voice echoed through the speakers.
"You really think you can outsmart us, Elias?"
The voice was cold, commanding. And it was followed by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching fast.
---
11:00 AM – Nexacorp Lobby
They ran. No plan. No backup. Only the knowledge that they had what they came for.
But as they reached the lobby, the doors slammed shut. A wall of armed guards stood between them and freedom.
"Elias, we need a way out!" Mila shouted.
Elias didn't respond. His eyes locked on the guards, calculating. The Watch buzzed again.
> Final Task: Escape the Facility
Risk Level: Extreme.
Reward: Unlock Hidden Weapon.
Time Remaining: 1 Minute.
"Get ready," Elias said, his voice cold.
---