Kael watched Lyra and the remaining players head off, their figures shrinking as they walked across the digital plain. The vibrant green grass, so beautiful moments ago, now felt… false. The lingering shimmer where Jayden and Lilly had been, the phantom ache in Lyra’s shoulder – they were stark reminders. This wasn’t a game. Not anymore. Not for Kael. Not for anyone who died here.
He let out a shaky breath, the air still tasting of ozone and terror. The obsidian Admin panel, a shimmering phantom at the edge of his vision, felt heavier than lead. User actions logged: Carefully monitored. The message had burned itself into his mind. Someone was watching. Someone powerful enough to let a Level 50 monster run riot, powerful enough to block his commands, yet also seemingly content to observe h
