Morning light filtered through the towering buildings, casting golden hues over the city.
Harry was on his way to Princeton University, his new home for the foreseeable future. The walk took him about twenty minutes before he finally arrived at the grand entrance.
"Princeton University⦠one of the most prestigious institutions, spanning nearly ten square kilometers," he murmured, taking in the sight.
Beyond the gates, various pathways stretched across the vast campus. Students zipped past on bikes, electric scooters, and, in some cases, luxury cars that gleamed under the sunlight.
He remembered his class was in Section D, but with no clear directions, he glanced around in search of assistance. His eyes landed on a girl leaning against a tree, seemingly lost in thought.
Approaching her, he asked, "Hey, do you know the way to Section D?"
She tilted her head slightly. "New admission?"
Harry gave a small nod in response.
"Wait a moment, my friend is on her way. Weâre headed there too. You can come with us," she replied, glancing toward the main gate.
There was something in her toneâfirm, almost commanding. Even though she had spoken casually, it felt more like an instruction than an offer.
He waited for about ten minutes before another girl arrived, waving enthusiastically.
"Hey, Cia! Iâm here!" she called out.
"Letâs go," Cia said, barely acknowledging Harry as she began walking.
Harry followed the two girls, noting how they scanned their surroundings in an oddly observant manner. It was as if they were both familiar with the campus yet seeing it through new eyes, as if discovering something hidden in plain sight.
After a moment, the second girl, Kate, turned to Cia and asked, "Whoâs he?"
"He was asking for Section D," Cia answered flatly.
Harry decided to introduce himself properly. "My name is Harry Smith. Nice to meet you."
They both glanced at him briefly but said nothing, continuing their conversation as if he hadnât spoken. Yet, strangely, Harry didnât feel dismissed. Instead, he sensed an unspoken curiosity from them, as if they were silently assessing him.
"You know, itâs already been two months. Weâll have to return soon," Kate remarked, checking her phone.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Cia sighed. "But honestly? I never came here for the quest. I just wanted to see what life is like outside. And it was the best decision Iâve ever made. Itâs so peaceful here."
"Maybe, but we canât ignore the fact that others have caught wind of our presence. It could get dangerous. We need to leave as soon as possible," Kate warned, her expression turning serious.
"Who cares? Just enjoy life while you can. By the way, did you see these smartphones? Why donât we have access to stuff like this?" Cia mused, flipping a sleek device in her hand.
Harry listened to their conversation, yet none of it made sense. A wild thought crossed his mindâCould they be⦠aliens living among humans?
He quickly dismissed the idea. Thatâs ridiculous.
They finally arrived at their classroom, only to find a single empty desk. With no other choice, they sat together.
As they walked in, Harry felt countless eyes on them. At first, he thought they were staring at him, but he soon realized the attention was directed at the two stunning girls beside him.
However, what unsettled him more was the strange pressure that seemed to radiate from behind him. It wasnât physical, but it was enough to make every other boy hesitate to approach them.
He took a seat beside Cia and whispered, "Do I have something on my face? Everyoneâs staring at us."
"Ignore them," Cia said with a chuckle, her eyes glinting with something between amusement and mystery.
Harry couldnât shake the feeling that there was more to her than she let on.
Just then, the professor walked in and made a surprising announcement. "There are no classes today. Spend some time getting to know your new classmates."
With that, he left the room.
Kate turned to Harry. "Whatâs your plan after this?"
"Not much. Just moving into the dormitory," he replied, tucking his notebook back into his bag, clearly unimpressed by the dayâs lack of structure.
"Oh? Weâre staying there tooâroom number 21," Kate mentioned casually.
As the conversation shifted toward entertainment, Harry noticed something peculiar. These girls were fascinated by the simplest thingsâmovies, music, video gamesâlike children discovering them for the first time. Yet, the moment they discussed anything serious, their demeanor switched to a level of maturity beyond their years.
What surprised him most was when they started talking about cars. They admired them, yet casually criticized their speed, scoffing at how most topped out at only 180 km/h.
It almost felt like a joke.
To play along, Harry suggested, "Letâs grab something to eat."
Cia and Kate, intrigued by the idea of trying something new, readily agreed.
After walking for a bit, Harry hesitated and rubbed the back of his head. "Do you two know where the cafeteria is?"
Both girls shrugged in unison.
"Figures. Alright, follow me. I know a place nearby."
The restaurant he led them to was close to the library where he workedâa place he often ate at. Upon arriving, Harry ordered for them and gestured for them to sit while excusing himself to use the restroom.
He was still processing how odd these girls were when, the moment he stepped inside, a sharp pain struck the back of his neck.
A heavy slapâno, a precise strike.
His vision blurred.
His thoughts scattered.
And thenâdarkness.
Meanwhile, in the main area of the restaurant, Cia and Kate sat waiting when a man approached them from the shadows.
"Miss, I sensed an energy fluctuation from that direction," he reported, scanning the area.
Cia followed his gaze. "Thatâs where Harry went, isnât it?"
The man, Python, didnât need further instruction. In a blink, he disappeared into the restroom. Moments later, he returned.
"Theyâre gone. Took the boy with them."
Cia pressed a hand against her forehead, exasperated. "Let me guessâour rivals were tracking us?"
Python nodded. "It seems so. They werenât bold enough to confront you directly, so they hired a small organization to gather intel. Unfortunately for them, that organization knows nothing about your background or your familyâs influence. They assumed taking Harry hostage would be an easy way to get information."
A dangerous glint flickered in Ciaâs eyes. "Theyâll regret that."
"Shall I track them?" Python asked.
"Yes. Find out where theyâve taken him and their power level."
Twenty minutes later, Python returned.
"Theyâre amateurs," he reported. "Theyâre holding him at a warehouse not far from here. They severely underestimated who they were dealing with."
Ciaâs jaw tightened.
She had no real attachment to Harry, but he had been nothing but kind to her, and now, because of her, he was caught in a storm he never asked for.
"Lead the way," she ordered. "Weâre getting him back."
Harryâs head throbbed as he slowly regained consciousness.
"Harry⦠wake up⦠Harry⦠open your eyes."
The voice pulled him back to reality.
He was in a dimly lit room with no windowsâjust a single door. Two chairs sat in the center, one of which he was tied to.
He wasnât sure how long he had been unconscious.
Then, Krishâs voice echoed in his mind.
"Hey⦠Iâm sorry. I should have warned you."
A notification appeared before his eyes.
[Quest: Survive ]
[ Rewards: ?]
Harry swallowed hard.
This was bad.