Cory left the Lunar Launch restaurant and saw the once empty street become busy once again. He could only think of how strange this road is.

*sighs*

"Such strange roads."

Cory waited for an opportunity to cross the road and took his chance.

'Hey Gecko, what is your opinion on all of this?'

'Just become the villain if that is what you think of all this. Embrace it, these people around you aren't even of the same race as you. They're genetically different. Anything to increase your chances of survival. Everybody here wants to leave, and that is an opportunity you know will not come by often. These people will kill you for just to spite that fact you have an opportunity. Nobody else should know you have this chance.'

Cory could only wallow in his regret. He may as well of shot his own humanity with that man last time he was awake.

'You're right, my family comes first, and not a single one of these prisoners will stand in my way.'

*Ding*

Cory walked into the library and met a man sitting near the front.

"Oh, welcome, my name is Volkner. The same name of the library out front. Many of the books here are available for purchase, so don't be afraid to ask if you want a particular book."

"Thanks Volkner, my name is Cory. Oh, where is your fantasy section located?"

"Just walk down this way and follow the wall along here, then you will find the section."

"Thank you very much, Volkner."

"You're welcome Echo 2."

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Cory felt dizzy while the room twirled around him as the words stuck him. In this moment, he has no clue who was with him and against him since somebody he didn't even know called him Echo 2, his field name. He looked back at Volkner, only to see him wink at Cory.

'I didn't want to accept it, but it seems like he really is one of them.'

'Cory, you shouldn't kill anybody until Echo 1 gives you the green light.'

'No kidding, I never know if they might a friendly or not.'

Cory made his way down to the fantasy section and looked at all the novels he could read. Looking at all the books, he picked up a book called Paradoxical Hope.

"What a crazy name is that? I may as well look at it."

Cory found a spot to read the peculiar book and lost track of the time. He looked at the time and noticed it was already 15 minutes to 10.

"Gee, I hope I get more free time another day."

Cory walked back towards Volkner and showed him the book he was reading.

"Ah, I see Paradoxical Hope. It was a reimagining of the events of Mila and her family. She is a great hero known around these parts. It still classifies as a fantasy book because of the change in events. This will be 37 dollars."

"That's expensive!"

"this is actually the tenth copy of the book. It could be valuable someday."

"Whatever, I'll take it anyway."

"Thank you very much. Cory, here is your receipt and a bag to take with you."

In the bag was actually a compact pistol with an integrated silencer. it came with a note say.

'Chester will need you to accomplish some tasks. This will be your weapon. Not all missions will allow for heavy equipment.'

"Oh, great, it looks like I may have a lot of walking in my near future. Of course, Chester would have something more in mind than just talking. Alright see you Volkner."

Volkner only smiled and waved Cory bye as he watched him leave the library. Cory made his way to the Alley next to the library and walked towards the door of the room he was teleported to.

*Click*

"Well, it's nice that I don't have to unlock the door myself manually."

He walked into the room, and the door locked behind him. He sat down and his environment changed before he knew what had happened.

'Hey it's Gecko, did you notice the teleporter apparently takes longer the further away you are?'

'What does that have to do with me?'

'Everything. If you are on a mission at a distant place, they may not teleport you immediately. That can be a life or death situation in itself, Cory. Just keep note of it for now.'

'Fine.'

"Hey Silent Echo, we can't be having you stay up late tonight."

Cory felt dizzy and sleepy. The world once again faded to black.

'WHY! I can sleep on my own!'

Cory couldn't even utter the words in his shock as he fell asleep immediately.