Shadow_vee
Today was friday Lyra has skipped school she was home alone the house was quiet, the kind of silence that made every sound louder.The ticking wall clock,the faint hum of the refrigerator, the rustle of pages as she turned them. Her parents had left early that morning for a week-long business trip, leaving behind reminders and worried instructions she'd nodded through with practiced ease.
She sat curled on the couch with a book resting on her lap, one she started reading two days ago the normal her would have been done reading it however she had read only half so far.The words blurred together she kept rereading the same paragraph twice,then sighed and dropped the book.
Her mind drifted back to the confrontation,the way she held his hand,the look on his face when arrogance finally cracked. She wasn't sure how to feel about it yet. Proud? Scared? Relieved?
Beep.
The sound sliced through her thoughts.
Lyra stiffened.
The page unfolded in front of her eyes.
Mission B-Level: Acquire a primary weapon for modification.Time limit:4 days Accept or Decline.
She stared at the words.
"…Weapon? What for " she whispered.
"I'll just have to find out i guess" she murmured softly, exhaling "…there's no turning back now."
The system didn't react.
No warning, no guidance, nothing. Just silence, like it was waiting to see what she would do on her own.
She laid on the couch, phone in hand, staring at the ceiling as she thought about the kind of weapon she was supposed to get. Obviously she couldn't get a gun, that was out of the question even thinking about it felt ridiculous.
Which left her with one final option.
A knife.
She pushed herself up and began searching online, typing in nearby stores that sold knives. Several results popped up immediately, neat websites displaying rows of polished blades. Kitchen knives, fruit knives, decorative knives… all clean, all legal, all completely useless.
Her brows furrowed the more she scrolled.
She wasn't dumb she knew this wasn't about buying something to chop vegetables with. None of the options felt right, none of them looked like what the system would want her to get even though it chose to stay quiet even at this critical moment.
Frustration built slowly until she smacked her forehead lightly.
"Stupid… of course you're not going to find it in normal online shops," she muttered to herself.
Taking a breath, she went back and searched again, this time digging deeper, ignoring the first page results and clicking through forums, hidden links, and sketchy looking pages she normally would have avoided.
Minutes passed then she found it.
A site that didn't look polished or friendly, just plain text : custom-made blades, crafted to request.
Lyra stared at the screen, heart beating a little faster.
Now the real problem wasn't finding a knife… it was whether the people behind the screen were genuine or just scammers waiting to rob desperate buyers.
Her finger hovered over the chat icon for a long moment before she finally clicked it.
She typed a short message, simple and careful:
Hi I want to make an order
A few minutes later, a reply popped up.
Vendor: What kind of knives are you aiming for?
Lyra bit her lip, fingers hovering over the keyboard she didn't have an idea of what she wanted.
She exhaled and typed: I really don't know… but I'm thinking something not too long but not short either, lightweight to carry, very sharp, should come with a sheath and I'm a girl so I need something I'd be comfortable holding. Does that help?
She stared at the chat box her cursor blinking and then after what felt like forever she saw typing at the top and the reply came:
Understood...based on what you described, I'd recommend a compact tactical fixed-blade knife, designed for close control and easy concealment.
Blade length:7 inches
Overall length: 10 inches
Blade material: high-carbon stainless steel (corrosion resistant, holds edge longer)
Blade type: drop-point profile for balanced cutting and thrust control
Finish: matte black oxide to reduce glare and visibility
Handle: textured G10 composite, lightweight but strong, shaped for smaller grip comfort
Weight: approximately 190 grams, light enough for daily carry without strain
Comes with a fitted kydex sheath with belt clip and inner lining to prevent blade rattle.
Easy draw, secure lock, minimal movement when worn.
I think that would suit you perfectly.
Lyra read the message twice, then a third time, already picturing herself holding it,the description sounded so cool,she was getting excited more and more.
Her throat felt dry.
"Two days…" she murmured, fingers tapping nervously on her thigh before she typed again: Can it be ready in the next two days?
The reply came slower this time: Possible...Express forging and delivery. You'll have to pay extra.
The amount he sent made her eyes widen for a second it was large, yes, but not impossible. Not for someone from a comfortable family like hers. Still, seeing the number made this whole thing feel dangerously serious.
She leaned back, rubbing her temple.
"I'll just tell Dad I got scammed for a payment I made online or emergency project fee if they ask," she muttered under her breath, already planning the lie she hoped she wouldn't have to use.
Her fingers moved before she could overthink it:Send your account details.
A few seconds later, the numbers appeared on her screen.
She transferred the money, added her address, then stared at the confirmation message like it might suddenly disappear.
The chat went silent after a short acknowledgment.
Lyra locked her phone and let it drop onto the bed beside her,her chest felt heavier and she couldn't tell if it was from excitement or fear, she had quietly stepped across a line she could never uncross.
She clasped her hands together, pressing them on her forehead as a nervous habit.
"Now I just wait," she whispered softly, forcing out a small breath.
"…fingers crossed I really hope I didn't just get scammed."