Forced to log out of the game, Ren shot upright inside the pod, gasping as reality snapped back into place.
His heart was still pounding.
Without wasting a second, he climbed out, grabbed his phone, and immediately dialed Leonel's number. The call rang only once before Leonel picked up, his voice groggy and confused.
"Leo," Ren said sharply. "Come over. Now. We need to talk."
There was a pause on the other end. "Huh? What—"
"Now," Ren repeated.
He ended the call before Leonel could argue.
Ren found it hard to believe what had happened. Players dying in the event wasn't unusual—but Leonel? And Isolde?
That was different.
Leonel had survived countless dangerous encounters. Isolde was careful, experienced, and rarely made mistakes. The idea that both of them could be killed so suddenly didn't sit right with him.
Something was wrong.
He needed answers. Fast.
