CHAPTER 2:Qualifier Rounds.

The arena wasn't real — at least, not like the world outside. Neon grids flickered beneath their feet, towering holographic spires split the sky, and the air buzzed with raw, electric tension.

Welcome to Neon Genesis, the virtual battlefield where the strongest survived.

Ten thousand players dropped into the digital wasteland, avatars flashing with weapons and armor as diverse as their masters' wills.

Stone's green eyes glowed faintly beneath his headset, fingers dancing over controls with cold precision. His avatar moved like a shadow — lean, swift, deadly.

Beside him, Ben's character cracked his knuckles. "Time to remind these rookies why we're the legends."

Stone smirked. "Legends, huh? More like ghosts they'll never catch."

The countdown ended.

Three... Two... One... Drop!

They plunged into chaos.

Stone's fingers snapped through the controls, weaving between neon shards of broken buildings and glowing debris. His magic flared — emerald arcs of energy lashing out, striking down opponents with surgical precision.

Behind him, Ben fought like a whirlwind — fists blazing with cybernetic fury, each strike shattering armor, breaking bones, earning cheers from distant spectators.

The first wave came crashing — a team of three called ShadowFangs, ruthless and fast.

Stone whispered, "Left flank."

Ben pivoted, diving into the fray, fists colliding with claws in a shower of sparks.

Stone unleashed a sweeping blast, the emerald light slicing through the air, cutting down two enemies before the last one fled.

"Nice hit," Ben said, wiping sweat. "They won't forget that."

They pushed forward, every second a blur of gunfire, magic, and close-quarter combat.

Stone's mind was a razor—calculating angles, anticipating moves, reading the battlefield like a maestro.

Ben grinned wildly as he tore through another squad. "Who's next?"

The digital crowd roared. Names flashed — Crimson Viper, Iron Wolf, Phantom Reaper — fierce warriors hungry for glory.

But Stone and Ben moved as one, a perfect storm of speed and power.

The field thinned. Ten players remained.

Stone and Ben exchanged a glance — a silent promise.

They would make it.

They had to.

---

Back in the real world, the glow from the monitors cast sharp shadows over their faces.

Ben punched the air. "Made it. Top ten. Just like we planned."

Stone exhaled slowly, heart still pounding. "Next step — home."

---

The night air was cool when they arrived at Stone's apartment, the city lights flickering like distant stars.

Inside, the scent of cinnamon and vanilla greeted them, a fragile comfort against the dark storm gathering just beyond the walls.

Stone's mother smiled, the kind of smile that could light up the darkest night.

For a moment, everything felt right.

But deep down Stone felt that something was going to unfold soon...something bad..

ignoring his instincts..."wow mom...you're really letting loose in the kitchen"he smiled.

Ben added...a smile on his Face" You're a really good cook....bet the neighbours are drouling outside the windows..."

"oh thank you Ben"she appreciated...her warm smile burning brighter as she watched them head up the stairs....

But deep down she could feel it...a subtle feeling that something was wrong.....

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***