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

The first light of dawn was spilling across the city, painting it in soft golds and bruised purples.

From where Elias sat, the streets looked peaceful — a cruel illusion compared to the chaos he had just survived.

Elira sat beside him, hugging her knees to her chest.

Quinn, still scowling, was trying (and failing) to make instant coffee with a half-broken camping stove.

"Never trusting you with caffeine emergencies again," she muttered.

It was the first time in a while he'd smiled without forcing it.

They passed the Watch's twisted little test.

Instead of a warning, a new message pulsed on the cracked screen:

"Main Questline Activated: The Veil of Deceit"

"Sub-Quest: Find the Four Pieces of the Hidden Map."

"Reward: Access to the Lost Archives + Unique Skill (Truthpiercer)."

But before he could even explain it to the girls, Quinn let out a victorious noise.

"Got it!" she yelled, raising her badly brewed coffee like a trophy.

Elira giggled — a real, light laugh that made Elias's chest ache with something warm.

Profession: High School Senior, Part-time Library Assistant

Appearance: Slender build, pale skin with light freckles; long chestnut hair often braided loosely; large, shy hazel eyes; about 5'5"

Attitude: Gentle, intuitive, fiercely loyal under her quiet exterior

Flaws: Struggles with self-worth; avoids confrontation

Strengths: High empathy; surprising inner courage

They had bigger problems than terrible coffee and emotional moments.

Wanted posters for Elias flashing across police scanners (he had overheard two officers talking earlier).

And worst of all — whatever the Waiting Man had hinted at... Elias could feel it following them like a cold finger tracing his spine.

Millions of people wake up every day fighting invisible battles:

Being misunderstood or falsely blamed.

They had to figure it out themselves.

Just like in real life, sometimes survival wasn't about winning —

Quinn sipped her coffee again grimacing.

One: You're wanted by people with badges and probably even worse people without badges.

"My uncle might help. He owns a pawnshop near Redford Street. He's... shady. But kind."

Quinn shrugged. "Better than my plan, which was pretending to be a magician and hoping people tip me."

Elias stood, rolling his shoulders.

"We go to Redford Street," he said.

Elira smiled up at him, trusting him without question.

"I hope your uncle doesn't traffic organs."

"...he only sells fake Rolexes and pirated movies," she said quietly.

As they gathered their things, the Watch buzzed once more.

"Hidden Warning: Danger Approaching."

"Recommended Action: Separate Paths."

one still grinning through exhaustion,

the other trusting him like he was her whole world.

But the sun was rising, and with it came shadows they couldn't outrun.

Chapter 110: Sunrise and Secrets