Chapter 437
Chapter 438 Wanted Inside the Virtual World
Lyra grinned, thoroughly enchanted by her brand–new serpent–tail avatar.
She could slither along railings and creep along precarious edges just as Specter had done earlier.
Finished
Afraid she might slip and fall while still getting used to the controls, Specter sent one of his tentacles to curl gently around the tip of her tail.
Lyra felt the contact, exactly like a cold hand wrapping around her ankle.
Specter stood behind her, eyes crinkling warmly as he watched her delightedly test out her new body.
The serpent–tail skin came paired with a matching sheer strapless top. Delicate golden chains twisted across the bust and ran down to fasten around her waist where the tail began.
The outfit accentuated her narrow waist and drew eyes toward the smooth, elegant curves of her hips.
Even just watching her from behind left Specter utterly captivated.
Lyra played for a while, then gave her tail a sharp whip.
Crack.
Bits of stone went flying, carving a deep gouge into the opposite wall. Yet Lyra felt zero pain at all.
Her mouth fell open in pure shock.
That loud outburst drew the attention of non–player characters patrolling the area.
They accused her of vandalizing public property and creating a disturbance, threatening to call in in–game
law enforcement to arrest them.
Lyra froze, glancing over at Specter in confusion.
She had never expected such strict rules inside a game.
Specter laughed, completely unbothered.
“Do you want to go check out the in–game jail, or should we get out of here p>
Lyra stared blankly.
Virtual officers were already closing in. Specter slipped an arm around Lyra’s waist. His tentacles scrambled rapidly up walls, evading their pursuers before he bolted straight for the building’s roof.
A few quick leaps carried them far away from the scene.
Lyra watched buildings blur past, glancing back over her shoulder,
The uniformed law enforcers could only stand fuming on the rooftop, helpless as the pair escaped.
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Chapter 438–Wanted Inside the Virtual World
Then something caught her eye. She tilted her head upward.
“What’s that red exclamation mark floating there p>
“That means we’re wanted fugitives now,” Specter replied.
Lyra fell quiet.
They had gotten a wanted warrant barely after logging into the game.
“I thought that wall would be indestructible, like in other games I’ve played p>
“I know,” Specter said. “It doesn’t matter. So we’re wanted. Big deal.
“After all, we’ve real–world warrants out for us, and we survive just fine p>
Lyra sent, “You’re not including me in that, are you p>
Specter let out a quiet laugh at her attempt to distance herself.
“Right. You were abducted by us. You’re the victim p>
Still holding her securely, Specter sprinted and leaped across rooftops of varying heights.
The movements felt fast and slick, much like parkour on Earth.
Lyra looped her arms around his neck, gazing around with genuine curiosity.
This was her rare chance to admire Core Prime’s cityscape.
Finished
She had spent so long living there, yet aside from one short outing with Jessa, she had never gotten to explore it properly.
Lyra typed another question. “Who developed this game anyway p>
Specter kept moving without pause.
“Me p>
Lyra blinked, stunned. “Who p>
Specter turned and smiled at her. “Me p>
Lyra stared at him, thoroughly confused.
Specter finally came to a halt on flat, open ground.
“You don’t believe me p>
Lyra nodded. “If you built it, how do you know Core Prime’s terrain and buildings so perfectly p>
Specter lifted one shoulder in a casual shrug. “It’s just city map data. Easy enough to get a hold of p>
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Chapter 438–Wanted Inside the Virtual World
Lyra looked around, then met his gaze doubtfully. “Did you live on Core Prime once p>
Specter chuckled. “You give me way too much credit.
Finished
“Nearly ten million permanent residents live there. I couldn’t memorize every single location purely from memory. That would take forever
His reasoning sounded reasonable enough.
“Speaking of which, Core Prime’s security is pretty lackluster,” Lyra typed. “How could such critical city layout data get leaked so easily p>
As she spoke, another question occurred to her. “Why hasn’t Core Prime grown suspicious p>
Specter blinked, totally unfazed.
“I registered using a legitimate Core Prime citizen identity p>
Lyra nodded in sudden understanding.
“I’m not sure whether to be impressed by you or disappointed in Core Prime’s systems p>
Specter’s smile brightened. “Either works for me p>
Lyra shot him a glance.
It makes no difference to him, does it?
Her gaze drifted upward to their floating status markers.
“The exclamation mark is gone p>
“It’s gone for now,” Specter said. “But walk into any shop, and it lights right back up. Store security will kick us out immediately p>
Lyra typed, “How long does the warrant last p>
Specter shook his head. “No automatic expiration. The only way to clear it is to serve irr–game jail time p>
Lyra’s text popped up. “Strict virtual justice system, huh p>
“Not really,” Specter answered. “Vandalism and theft cost me system resources p>
Lyra fell silent.
“But I don’t want to serve jail time p>
“No problem. Specter said. “I can tweak a few lines of code later p>
Lyra tilted her head, half–smirking. “Won’t that cost you resources p>
Specter’s voice softened, tinged with faint embarrassment. “It won’t matter p>
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Chapter 438 Wanted Inside the Virtual World
Lyra turned away, gliding across the ground with her new serpent tail.
Finished
“This game lets you fight other players or hunt monsters, right? Do they spawn around here p>
“Not in this zone,” Specter explained. “This is just a trade and rest hub. Monsters spawn in distant wilderness zones.
“Player duels are technically allowed here too–but most fights end up damaging public property and trigger wanted status. So there’s a dedicated arers for duels.
Lyra slithered onward, typing out her next query. “What rewards do you get for dueling or fighting monsters p>
Specter answered patiently.
“In player duels, the winner can demand any item from the loser. Win enough consecutive arena matches, and you unlock honor titles plus premium membership perks.
“Killing monsters earns you currency, crafting materials for weapons, and experience points to raise your avatar’s level p>
Lyra had no interest in the latter.
She asked, “Do you have any honor titles p>
Specter lowered his head, looking sheepish. “I used to p>
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.