"Seems like everyone wants to go to Perfect City. So why not join the party? Might get… interesting."
Sophie stood atop the wall, breath caught in her throat.
City lights shimmered below—neon veins pulsing through quiet streets. Traffic hummed. Laughter echoed from somewhere distant.
Normal life.
She'd forgotten what that looked like.
Blaze's voice broke the silence. "Let's move."
They dropped into the alley, shadows among civilians. Their clothes were torn, their faces worn. Ice muttered, "We should've packed our good clothes."
Ace smirked. "I could use a shower. You especially, Eve."
Eve's eyes narrowed. "Say that again, I'll beat your ass."
Blaze cut in. "Enough. The goal is bigger than us."
They reached a hotel—cheap, but standing. The clerk eyed them like they were ghosts. "Room?"
Blaze nodded. "One."
The scanner came out. "Mark, please."
All eyes turned to Sophie. Her hand trembled as she scanned. The clerk paused, then handed over the key.
Later, on the street, Ace sniffed the air. "Damn, that sandwich shop smells good."
Blaze nodded. "Sophie, try your mark."
She hesitated. The mark felt like a brand now—access bought with shame. She ordered quietly. When it came time to pay, a voice behind her said:
"Don't worry. You're too pretty to pay for food."
She turned. A scrawny, geeky-looking guy smiled awkwardly.
"I've got it."
She resisted, then relented. "Thanks."
As she walked back, he followed. "This is wild. You're really here."
Ice stepped forward. "You know us?"
"Not personally. But I know of you. Especially Sophie. She's famous. And wanted."
The group tensed. Hands hovered near weapons.
"That mark? It flags purchases instantly. You used it at the hotel, right?"
Ace scoffed. "Yeah. So?"
"They'll be waiting for you."
Blaze's eyes narrowed. "Then what do you suggest?"
"I've got a house. Big enough for all of you. If it's a trap, you'll kill me. Fair?"
Blaze nodded slowly. "Ace—check the hotel. If he's lying, we don't move. And you—stay right here."
Meanwhile with Luke and Thomas.
The blast shook the street—glass shattered, alarms screamed, smoke curled into the sky.
"Terrorist attack," Luke muttered, already running.
Thomas followed, heart pounding. They reached the wreckage, pulling survivors from rubble as sirens wailed.
A cop stumbled through the chaos, eyes locking on Thomas.
"You look familiar," he said. "Let me scan your mark."
Thomas froze. Not again.
He bolted. Luke didn't hesitate—he ran too.
Behind them, the cop fumbled with his radio, swallowed by the panic of the crowd.
Later, on a rooftop:
"Still remembered," Thomas said, breathless. "After everything."
Luke nodded. "And that bomb? I don't think it's the last."
"We go high," Thomas said. "Rooftops only."
They climbed, settled, scanned the city. Then—
Thomas. We need to talk. The voice in his head said.
"Now?" he whispered.
Yes. Now.
Thomas turned to Luke. "Keep watch. I've got a meeting."
Luke didn't question it. He just nodded.
Thomas lay back, closed his eyes—and the dreamworld opened. Space stretched infinite. White tiles beneath him. The samurai stood waiting.
"What's up, man?" Thomas grinned.
The samurai's eyes burned. "This is no time for jokes."
"Then give me the news."
"Sophie. She's here. In Perfect City."
Thomas excited and shocked. "She's alive? How do you know?"
"You've seen the soul's power. Still you doubt. Idiot."
The samurai laughed. "Believe me or not—she's close."
Thomas's voice cracked. "Where?"
"You have a choice," the samurai said. "I'll show you. And you will also meet some new freinds that I think will benefit our cause."
Thomas paused. Confused but only caring about Sophie location right now.
Then he stood tall. "Tell me where is Sophie Now."