Trapped In Elysium: A Virtual Reality Nightmare

The sun was high, and the road stretched endlessly before them. Liam rode at the back of the group, his mind wandering as the monotony of the journey set in. They had been riding for over two hours, and the rhythm of hooves pounding against the dirt was the only sound breaking the silence.

His boredom was short-lived as Sophia slowed her horse, allowing him to catch up. Now the two of them trailed behind the others, their horses moving side by side.

Sophia glanced at Liam, her face shadowed by an unreadable expression. She leaned closer, her voice a soft whisper. "Last night, when I was going to Eleanor's room..."

Liam turned his head, his brows furrowing. "What about last night?"

Sophia hesitated, biting her lip as if debating whether to continue. "I passed by Marcus's room, and... I think they were having sex."

Liam blinked, his brows furrowing even tighter. "They?"

Sophia nodded, her voice dropping even lower. "I heard Sera's voice. It was unmistakable. She was... moaning."

Liam sighed deeply, shaking his head. "What does that woman want?" he muttered. "She came to me earlier that night too, acting all strange. I didn't even spare her a glance."

Sophia's eyes widened slightly. "Really? She went to your room too?"

Liam nodded. "Yeah. But I ignored her. Whatever she's up to, I don't want any part of it."

Sophia seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding. "What do you think she's after?"

Liam shrugged. "It doesn't matter. As for Marcus, just pretend you didn't see or hear anything."

Sophia tilted her head, confused. "Why? It's obvious something's going on. Don't you think we should say something?"

Liam gave her a pointed look. "How would you feel if someone barged into your private life like that? It doesn't matter what we think. If Marcus is making his choices, they're his to make. We have no right to interfere. Imagine how you would feel if I was intruding your sex life"

Sophia frowned, "But I don't have on..." but Liam raised a hand, cutting her off.

"It doesn't matter if you have a sex life or not," Liam continued. "What matters is that Marcus would feel bad if he realized we were intruding. Let it go."

Sophia sighed but eventually nodded. "Alright. If you say so."

The conversation ended as the group continued riding in silence. But just as Liam was about to push his horse forward to rejoin the others, he suddenly stopped.

The others noticed his abrupt halt and turned back, puzzled.

"What is it?" Jason called out, his voice uneasy.

Liam didn't reply immediately. His eyes were locked on the horizon behind them, narrowing as he spotted movement. Seven figures on horseback were approaching, their massive forms unmistakable.

When the riders drew closer, the group froze. The towering figure of Grogath led the pack, his monstrous presence impossible to ignore. Behind him, seven Orcs, just as massive and menacing, rode silently, their weapons gleaming under the sun.

Grogath's sharp eyes met Liam's, and the Orc leader pulled his reins, signaling his group to stop. The tension between the two groups crackled like static, the silence heavier than ever.

Liam's face was calm, his body tense but composed. Beside him, Sophia gripped her bow tightly, her confidence unwavering. Ever since Eleanor had handed her the weapon, she had felt a surge of strength. Combat wasn't her strong suit, but with a bow in hand, she was unmatched.

Jason and Eleanor quickly positioned themselves behind Liam and Sophia, their eyes darting nervously between the Orcs. Marcus, on the other hand, looked visibly shaken, his grip on the reins tightening.

The two groups stood face to face, the air thick with anticipation.

The air between Liam and Grogath was electric, the tension palpable. Grogath's nostrils flared as he glared at Liam, his massive frame taut with rage.

"You killed my brother, human," Grogath growled, his voice like gravel. His fist clenched around the hilt of his weapon, the veins on his arm bulging.

Liam remained calm, his expression steady and composed. "Your brother attacked us first. It wasn't personal."

"Not personal?" Grogath's voice boomed, his anger spilling over. "You think I care about your excuses? He was family, and you murdered him."

Liam's tone was level, almost disarming. "I'm giving you one chance. Drop your weapon, turn around, and leave. You don't have to die today, Grogath."

Grogath laughed bitterly, his deep chuckle reverberating through the air. "You're arrogant for a man who's outnumbered. Do you think you're some kind of hero?"

Liam didn't reply immediately. His eyes flicked to the group of Orcs behind Grogath, each one looking just as brutal and deadly. His hands remained loose on his reins, but there was no mistaking the readiness in his stance.

"You think you're strong?" Grogath spat, leaning forward on his horse. "Let's see how strong you really are."

He turned to the Orc nearest to him, a towering figure with a jagged axe strapped across his back. "Kill them all," Grogath snarled, his tone venomous. His gaze shifted to Sophia, and his lips curled into a lecherous grin. "Except for her. Bring her to me."

Sophia's hand tightened around her bow, her knuckles whitening. Liam's jaw clenched, but his face remained calm as his eyes locked on the approaching Orc.

The Orc dismounted his horse in a fluid motion, his heavy boots crunching against the dirt. He was massive, his muscles rippling as he drew his axe with an ominous scrape. His beady eyes scanned Liam's group, filled with anticipation.

Before Liam could dismount, Jason stepped forward.

"I'll handle this," Jason said, his voice steady but filled with determination.

Liam turned to him, frowning. "Jason, are you sure?"

Jason nodded, his lips curving into a small smirk. "Ever since the crystal fused with me, I've felt... different. Stronger. I think it's time to put it to the test."

Liam hesitated but eventually gave a short nod. "Alright. Be careful."

Jason took a step forward, rolling his shoulders as he opened his system interface. The familiar blue screen flickered before him, revealing his stats.

---

[System Interface Displayed]

Name: Jason

Strength: [3/100]

Agility: [4/100]

Endurance: [3/100]

Intelligence: [8/100]

Dexterity: [4/100]

Charisma: [5/100]

Luck: [2/100]

---

Jason's eyes scanned the numbers, his lips twitching in amusement. "Lower than Liam's," he muttered under his breath. "Figures."

He dismissed the interface and turned to face the Orc, who was already charging forward, his axe raised high. Jason's smirk widened.

"Let's dance," he said, his voice brimming with confidence.

The Orc bellowed a war cry, his heavy steps shaking the ground as he closed the distance. Jason moved forward to meet him, his posture loose but focused.

Behind him, Liam, Sophia, Eleanor, and Marcus watched intently, their tension mirrored in their stances. The fight was about to begin, and Jason was determined to prove himself.