NewNexira

A Game Beyond the Screen

In a world where virtual reality blends seamlessly with the real, five friends have spent countless hours navigating the vast and immersive universe of The Circle, an online game renowned for its realism and limitless possibilities. But everything changes when the game's campaign leader announces a challenge: a bug hidden within the game, and whoever finds it will receive a share of the game's ownership.

With years of experience and knowledge of every inch of the game, the group of friends jumps at the chance. But as they dive deeper into the game's hidden corners, they soon realize that the bug they're hunting is more than just a glitch - it's a gateway to darker, more dangerous forces within The Circle. From AI-controlled mobs to mysterious territories with shifting rules, nothing is as it seems.

As they uncover secrets and face challenges beyond their understanding, they begin to question whether the game itself is manipulating them or if they're just pawns in a much larger game. The stakes are higher than they ever imagined, and the line between the game and reality begins to blur.

Will they find the bug and claim their prize? Or will they become trapped in a world that's no longer just a game?

The Circle: Beyond the Screen

The system activated, and a holographic screen lit up, projecting their data.

Role: Shadow (Expert in stealth and cyber infiltration)

Skills: System hacking, silent movement, digital camouflage

Current FB Level: 312

Felix narrowed his eyes as he examined his status projection. "My stealth is still below the optimal level… I need to perfect it." He opened the training interface and selected an urban simulation.

The holographic environment shifted—he now stood on a skyscraper rooftop, overlooking neon-lit streets patrolled by drones and scanners. A mechanical voice from the system echoed in his earpiece:

"Objective: Cross the district without being detected. Bonus points for data retrieval."

Felix took a deep breath, activated his holographic cloaking shield, and descended down the building's side using a grappling hook. He moved like a shadow, slipping past laser traps and avoiding AI patrols with calculated precision.

Role: Tactician (Mastermind of analysis and strategy)

Skills: Strategic planning, predictive modeling, tactical manipulation

Current FB Level: 276

Kyle studied his data screen carefully. "They keep assigning me to strategy… Well, let's see who outplays who."

A tactical simulation appeared before him—a virtual map of the megacity, displaying troop movements and key points of interest.

"Objective: Identify weaknesses in enemy defenses and plan the most effective assault."

Immediately, Kyle noticed an inconsistency—one district appeared under-defended, but it was too obvious. He ran predictive models and calculated that it was a baited trap.

"Clever, but not clever enough," he muttered, adjusting troop positions on the holographic map. Instead of taking the bait, he orchestrated a diversionary strike, drawing enemy attention to a false attack while secretly positioning forces to flank from an unexpected angle.

"Simulation complete. Efficiency rating: 97%. Minimal errors." The system's voice announced.

Kyle smirked. "Not bad. But I can do better."

Role: Fighter (Close-combat specialist)

Skills: Enhanced strikes, combat regeneration, armor destruction

Current FB Level: 305

Jake didn't waste time analyzing stats. "Alright, who am I smashing today?"

A combat simulation launched, filling the training field with holographic enemies—cybernetic soldiers, mutated beasts, and combat drones.

"Objective: Survive three waves of attacks without losing more than 30% energy."

The first enemy lunged at him, but Jake anticipated the move. He pivoted, grabbed the attacker's arm, and hurled them into the nearest wall, leaving a deep dent. A drone fired energy blasts from above, but Jake reacted with inhuman speed, dodging before smashing the machine with a single powerful strike.

The system responded: "Critical damage inflicted. Power level increased by 5%."

"Now that's more like it," he muttered, cracking his knuckles as the next wave approached.

The three continued their training, each honing their specialized skills. They didn't know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain—when the time came, they would be ready for the battle that would decide everything.

Chapter 8: Training