Ren accessed the terminal beside the pod.
What he found changed everything.
Konran didn't just accidentally trap Kenji.
They chose him.
His profile showed he had the highest mental sync rating of any player on the platform.
They'd been watching him since day one. Studying his decisions. His loyalty. His creativity. His bond with Ren.
He wasn't a casualty.
He was a target.
Ren touched the glass.
Kenji's body twitched.
Only for a moment—but it was real.
"Ken?" Ren said softly.
Aiko's scanner pulsed. "Neural echoes detected. He can hear you."
Ren pressed his forehead to the pod.
"I'm here. I never left."
The pulse in the chamber strengthened.
The moment Ren tried to unlock the pod, the room lit up red.
Konran's security system activated.
Dozens of Hunters dropped in through the ceiling.
Aiko spun, rifle ready. Botan raised his shield.
Ren drew his weapon.
"No more running," he said.
And the fight began.