Jay POV
The house finally exhaled.
No more screaming.
No more countdowns.
Just soft blue LED lights glowing like leftover stars.
Most of the guests had left.
But Hex stayed.
Of course he did.
And so did Section E.
Felix was lying on the floor staring at the ceiling.
Ci-n was eating leftover cake straight from the box.
Endrix was trying to fix the drone like it personally offended him.
Felix and Calix were arguing over who actually won basketball.
Rory was wearing three glow bracelets for no reason.
Blaster had fallen asleep on the beanbag.
Hex was sitting on the couch.
Trophy beside him.
Quiet.
Not sad quiet.
Just thinking quiet.
I watched him from the kitchen while pouring drinks.
He looked… happy.
But calmer than everyone else.
Keifer noticed me staring.
"Why are you observing him like a science project?"
"Because he looks like one."
Hex glanced over. "I can hear you."
"Oh really ."
He smirked.
Aries stretched dramatically. "Best party ever."
Hex nodded. "Agreed."
Nathan, still holding the mic from earlier, whispered dramatically, "And that concludes tonight's broadcast."
We all laughed.
The house felt warm.
Comfortable.
Like the chaos had settled into something softer.
I walked over and dropped onto the couch beside Hex.
"You survived."
He looked at me sideways. "Barely."
"You liked it."
"…Yeah."
The way he said it made my chest feel lighter.
I looked around.
"You didn't have to go that far."
I crossed my arms. "We wanted to."
Keifer added casually, "You're not that special."
Hex looked at him. "Say that again."
He smirked. "Happy Birthday, by the way."
They stared at each other for a second.
Then both of them laughed.
Then my phone buzzed.
I didn't think much of it.
Probably Mila sending videos.
Unknown number.
No profile picture.
No name.
Just a message.
"Impressive setup."
I frowned.
Another message came before I could respond.
"If you like games… let's play a real one."
I stared at the screen.
The account name:
Level14.exe
My stomach tightened slightly.
Not fear.
Recognition.
This wasn't random.
The timing was too clean.
I typed:
"Who is this?"
The typing bubble appeared instantly.
"Someone who noticed you."
I leaned back slowly.
Another message.
"Level 13 was warm-up."
My jaw tightened.
Warm-up?
For what?
Footsteps approached.
Keifer walked in.
"You're quiet."
I locked my phone without thinking.
"Nothing."
He studied my face.
"You're lying."
"I'm thinking."
He stepped closer.
"About?"
I hesitated.
Then said lightly, "About how I'm still Alive."
He narrowed her eyes but let it go.
For now.
After he left, I unlocked my phone again.
One final message had arrived.
"Ready when you are."
No instructions.
No threats.
Just… invitation.
I stared at the faint blue LED still glowing from last night.
Level 13 unlocked.
And apparently—
Someone was already waiting for Level 14.
End of Chapter. 🎮✨