Part 5 – In the Shadow of the Drift
Location: Kryonexus – DAO Monitoring Sector
All the monitors were blinking the same alert:
> [DAO Drift Activity: Unstable – Zone 7C Breach Likely]
Commander Rika:
"The system pulses are increasing.
This doesn't look like a simple glitch —
this… is a deeper DAO leak."
Marshal Veylan:
"So we're officially entering the Drift phase?"
Officer Analyst:
"Not confirmed yet.
But if it happens… the Dungen outbreak could reach civilian zones."
---
Scene Shift – City News Broadcast
The city was now in panic.
Sky projectors flashed red emergency alerts:
> "Emergency DAO Advisory: Zone 7C Restricted.
Drift spikes unpredictable.
Public advised to evacuate immediately."
A TV news anchor shouted:
"Is the Drift the end of DAO?
Can we still trust our system?
Is the High-Table hiding the truth?"
Public panic intensifies...
Crowds flooded the streets.
Some trying to leave, others recording viral clips.
Shops shut down, air filled with emergency sirens and rumor-fueled chaos.
Schools shut down.
Energy supply unstable.
Drift survival kits now selling on the black market.
---
Scene – Arshan Returns to Sector Base
Arshan was returning to the base through a quiet alley.
His mind kept echoing with system voices — Drift… DAO collapse… Dungen mutation...
Suddenly, a voice called from behind:
"Bro… you made it back alive?"
Arshan turned — a guy in a hoodie, cyber-patch glowing on his backpack.
Name: Rekhan.
---
Entry: Rekhan – Suspicious Friend
Rekhan (smirking):
"I thought your name was going to end up on the DAO casualty list.
But turns out, you went viral instead."
Arshan:
"I'm still trying to figure out if any of this is even real."
Rekhan (laughs):
"Bro, this is Kryonexus. Even death gets streamed here."
Zyana's voice came in soft, almost hidden — a whisper only Arshan could hear.
Zyana:
"Warning:
User Rekhan – classified 'Unstable DAO exposure – 3 weeks ago.'
Behavioral pattern: 32% suspicious."
Arshan's Inner Doubt Begins
Arshan (thinking):
"This guy… used to be my friend.
But after the Drift… something about his vibe has changed."
Rekhan:
"By the way… would you mind sharing some data from your system?
I mean, if we share, leveling up becomes faster."
Arshan:
"I'll think about it and let you know."
---
End of Part 5