Chapter 58: Liam
A few hours earlier, Ram had emerged from the Wood Spirit realm.
In the vicinity of the bustling Cyber-core District streets, a man draped in a black hood walked at a leisurely pace, holding a black puppy in his arms.
The puppy, though typical in size, appeared larger than one might expect.
Even though it was well past midnight, the streets were still teeming with energy.
Holographic advertisements for nightclubs illuminated the area, street performers captivated onlookers with their feats, and vendors hawked unique, cyber-augmented delicacies.
Vendors peddled selling black market cyberware, tech gadgets, and weapons.
In contrast to the morning's bustling streets filled with everyday people, the night revealed a different face of the district.
It was now teeming with gang professionals, individual awakeners, and Shadow Society members, all seeking thrills.
The district's true vibrancy emerged as darkness fell.
Most stores had closed for the night, but the district was far from quiet. Neon signs flickered over strip clubs, night clubs or other similar places with adult entertainment, and immersive VR experiences.
High-tech brothels with bio-engineered companions and casinos featuring holographic dealers, augmented reality slot machines, and high-stakes VR poker games were still in full swing.
Underground Fight Arenas roared with the clashing of mechanically enhanced fighters, professionals, and robots.
These fights were streamed on the dark web, where betting was high-stakes and winnings could be life-changing.
The man in the hood, humming a tuneless melody, moved purposefully towards a nightclub bathed in neon light.
The building's exterior was an ever-changing spectacle of shifting holograms and pulsating electronic music that promised an electrifying atmosphere inside.
Dancers with bioluminescent tattoos that glowed and changed colors, and holographic outfits that morphed with the beat, performed a mesmerizing array of dance styles.
If Ram had been there, he would have recognized this place immediately—it was the nightclub where he had left his information for Liam.
The man entered the club, but after a few moments, but after a moment he peeked back out, scanning the area suspiciously to check if anyone was following him, as he snuck out without informing the people who detained him.
Seeing that there is no one suspicious, except for the puppy that was waiting outside, he sighed and went back inside the club again.
Inside the club, he removed his hood, revealing a handsome face. It was Liam. His usual confidence was shadowed by worry.
He had recently found himself in a tight spot.
It's been a week since both Liam and Ram got captured by Shadow Society.
However, they released him after bringing him here, as he was already an awakener and not bound by any agreements with the Shadow Society, they didn't even bother to inject him with the Mind Shadow parasite, according to them he doesn't seem to have enough potential.
What they or others didn't know about him was that he awakened a special talent—giving him the ability to absorb other people's strong emotions and then convert them into spiritual power to enhance his own strength.
Since awakening this ability, he has been able to see the energies of Rage and Lust whenever he makes someone very angry or has intimate actions with them.
Initially, he felt as though he were the hero of an epic tale, but soon reality struck with force.
His talent was bound by many limitations which he had to observe to effectively harness the energy.
The most crucial stipulations were that he must be the source cause of the emotion and maintain physical contact to absorb it effectively.
Except, for getting trapped in the Cyber-core District and being unable to return to Blue Star, Liam felt his life was not much different from before.
His only concern was finding Ram.
He had no idea what the Shadow Society had done to him and had no way of inquiring.
Liam approached the front desk of the nightclub, where a woman wearing black corsets, with a nice figure exposing her white skin greeted him with a cool, professional smile.
The receptionist's voice was smooth and full of energy which cut through the music. "Good evening. How may I assist you today?"
"I need to check if there's any message for me," Liam replied as he leaned on the counter, trying to keep his voice steady.
"The name is Liam." This method is commonly used by mercenaries to regroup after separation.
Ever since his release from the shadow society, he had been checking every bar and club in the area, hoping to find Ram.
The woman nodded and tapped a few keys on her console. A holographic screen appeared in front of her, displaying a list of messages.
She scanned it quickly and then looked up at Liam. "It seems you have a message," she said, handing him a small data chip. "Here you go."
Liam nodded, his mind racing as he took the chip. "Thanks." He moved towards the VIP lounge, glancing around to ensure he wasn't being watched.
The lounge was swathed in plush, high-tech comfort, illuminated by soft, ambient lights.
He took a seat, the plush sofa molding around him, inserting the chip into a small handheld device.
A holographic message popped up, displaying a short note with coordinates for an address and time.
"Meet me at the old subway north of the district. We need to talk. - Ram" Liam's heart skipped a beat.
Ram was alive. Relief washed over him; however, his thoughts were interrupted when he saw a familiar figure emerge from the crowd—his new wife, a long wavy brown-haired woman with a striking appearance, sharp features, and a business-like demeanor.
She has a fair complexion and a composed expression, exuding confidence and poise, her lips are lightly glossed, adding a touch of elegance to her overall look.
She is wearing a white pantsuit that consists of a tailored blazer, the blazer is tight-fitted accenting her figure, with a deep V-neckline that reveals a white lace camisole underneath exposing her large breasts.
Yes, you saw it right it all happened two days back, however, it was not by his choice but by being forced to do so, the woman approached Liam with a sly smile and sat down close.
"Honey," she whispered, with her seductive voice. "I see you've snuck out again. Let's discuss what kind of punishment do you need."
Hearing her voice, Liam got goosebumps all over his body, as he stammered when he spoke to clear his doubt, "Ho-how did you find me so fast?"
The woman didn't reply but made a slight whistle, "Awo...aww," Then a black puppy dashed into the lounge, leaped onto her lap, and settled down comfortably, its small tail wagging happily.
"Ahh... you little thing, you bastard..." Liam sputtered in frustration, wanting to yell, but the puppy was just too darn cute.
The woman on the side burst out laughing, unable to hold it any longer.
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