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I climbed into the truck, my heart still racing from the chaos outside. The soldier slammed the door shut behind me, and we lurched forward, weaving through the crowded streets. But our progress was short-lived. The truck screeched to a halt, unable to navigate the sea of abandoned vehicles and debris.
The soldier jumped down, his face grim. "We'll go by foot. The subway shouldn't be far from here."
We set off, our ragtag group trudging through the desolate streets. The subway entrance loomed before us, its gates hanging crookedly from their hinges. Inside, the station was a mess, trash and broken glass scattered everywhere. But the soldier led us with confidence, gathering food and supplies from hidden corners.
As we settled in, I watched the group with a mix of curiosity and detachment. They chattered nervously, some sobbing, others quiet. I wondered why they seemed so panicked, while I felt...numb. After surviving the endless cycle, I'd lost count of time, forgotten what hunger felt like.
The soldier's voice cut through the din. "The Esphers will arrive soon."
Some people looked relieved, others fearful. I didn't understand what they meant, but the soldier's words sparked a flurry of conversation.
"...thankfully the lights still work, we won't have to worry about those..."
"...monsters started appearing a week ago, no one knows where they came from..."
"...Esphers have been here before, they disappear and return after a while..."
"...players are different, they don't disappear, but they're not as strong as Esphers..."
I listened, trying to make sense of their words. Esphers, players, monsters...what did it all mean?
The soldier noticed me standing apart, and his eyes narrowed. "You're not like the others," he said, his voice low. "You've seen something, haven't you?"
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about his gaze put me at ease. "I've seen...a cycle," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
The soldier's expression turned grim. "You're a player ?" he said.
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I continued the scene, introducing more mystery and tension. The protagonist is still trying to understand what's happening, and the soldier's words hint at a larger conspiracy. The group's dynamics and the mention of Esphers and players add to the intrigue. Let me know if you'd like to continue!