Jackim_Ochieng

Elias Stone, an 18-year-old student from a humble background, is constantly mocked, abandoned, and heartbroken due to his poverty. Living in a world where beauty, status, and wealth dominate, he endures pain and betrayal from those closest to him. His life takes a sudden turn when he stumbles upon a mysterious watch that grants him tasks, each tied to a unique reward but also a hidden cost. As Elias navigates the treacherous waters of student life—full of parties, peer pressure, drugs, competition, lust, and heartache—he discovers a darker side to the world he inhabits. With every task, he gains power, but the price for his growing strength might just be his soul. In a world full of fake love, secret romances, and corruption, Elias must decide whether to use the power of the watch for revenge or redemption, all while facing the ultimate test: does true love exist, or is it just another illusion in a world built on deception?

THE WATCH

Neon lights flickered against puddles from an earlier rain, painting the cracked sidewalks with broken colors.

Elias walked with a determined pace, Elira at his side.

The Watch on his wrist pulsed faintly like a heartbeat, warning him: danger was closer than ever.

Profession: Private Investigator (ex-cop)

Appearance: Olive-toned skin, shoulder-length messy black hair, lean athletic build, brown eyes sharp as blades

Attitude: Cynical but loyal once trust is earned, sarcastic humor hides a bruised heart

Flaws: Hot-tempered, stubborn, struggles with alcohol

Other: Wears a brown leather jacket no matter the weather; carries a notebook full of names and secrets

Quinn spotted Elias and Elira before they saw her.

She leaned against a busted-up lamppost, chewing gum lazily, one eyebrow arched.

The moment Elias's eyes met hers, she pushed off the post and tossed a crumpled flyer at his chest.

"You're Elias, right?" she said. "You're in deeper sh*t than a goldfish in a clogged toilet."

Elira bristled. "Who the hell are you?"

"Relax, Rapunzel," Quinn said with a crooked grin. "Name's Quinn. I know exactly what you're carrying."

"And trust me, cupcake," she added, voice dropping low, "you're not the only one looking for a way out of this nightmare."

"Emergency Skill Activation: Danger Sense (Level 1) unlocked."

"Passive Ability: Subtle alerts when hidden threats are nearby."

Elias's instincts sharpened instantly — and just in time.

From the corner of the street, two black-clad figures were approaching.

Their steps were slow but purposeful, like predators sizing up prey.

Quinn's hand casually dipped inside her jacket, pulling out a sleek silver taser.

"Looks like we've got company," she said.

Sometimes, the very people we least expect — the messy ones, the broken ones —

become our unexpected allies in survival.

Life isn't about trusting perfect people.

It's about recognizing the fighters behind the scars.

Without waiting for formal introductions, Elias grabbed Elira's hand, and together with Quinn, they ran into the web of alleyways.

The city blurred past: dumpsters, graffiti walls, broken fences.

Elias could feel every muscle in his body responding sharper, faster — a gift from the Watch's earlier rewards.

As they ducked behind a row of trash bins, Quinn whispered, "If we die here, just know I'm suing you in the afterlife."

Elias grinned despite himself. "Good luck finding a lawyer."

Elira added dryly, "Maybe we can haunt a courtroom."

Even with death breathing down their necks, they laughed.

Because sometimes, survival wasn't just about strength —

It was about keeping your soul intact.

Just as they thought they'd lost their pursuers, they turned a corner—

And found themselves face to face with a man in a silver mask, blocking the alleyway completely.

The power rolling off him was suffocating.

The man tilted his head and spoke:

"You can't run from destiny, Elias."

And behind them, footsteps grew louder.

Chapter 107: The Hunter Becomes the Hunted