Somewhere in a Level 2 Town:

POV Unknown:

In a modest apartment, a young girl waited eagerly in front of her computer. She couldn't wait to watch her favorite streamer, Hylia, interview the creator of 'The Last of Us'.

The highly anticipated interview had drawn hundreds of thousands of viewers, all fixated on the countdown clock that showed just a few minutes remaining.

"What do you think he looks like, Nina?" asked Lisa, her eyes glued to the screen.

Nina thought for a moment before answering quietly, "Honestly, I don't really care... As long as he keeps making such good games. But if he's handsome, that's a bonus."

"And how old do you think he is?"

"Hmm, hard to say... When we saw him on Hylia's stream, he seemed pretty energetic, almost young. But the way he talks makes me think he could be in his thirties. What do you think, Lisa?"

"Maybe. It would be nice if we could see his face," Lisa replied. Nina nodded, busy texting her friends to join the stream.

Nina Willi, her full name, was none other than the Dagger Fighter Arthur knew. The people she was messaging were her comrades—Emilia, James, Ethan, and even Arthur, though he couldn't join in.

Her sister Lisa, who could no longer walk, had found solace in video games. Since the release of 'The Last of Us', she had fallen in love with its universe and characters.

She even created tutorials to help other players, offering tips on surviving, fighting zombies and slammers, and finding food. This game, with its realism, had given her back a sense of freedom she thought she'd lost.

As the stream shifted to another scene, Hylia appeared on screen and explained that Myth, the creator, would not reveal his face. Lisa slumped in disappointment.

"Nina..." she muttered sadly.

"What's wrong?" Nina asked.

"Myth really won't show his face?"

"No, but you understand, don't you? He created everything himself. For his own safety, it's best if he keeps a low profile, don't you think?"

"Yes... but I'd still like to see his face," Lisa replied, clearly disappointed.

"Don't worry, we'll probably see him one day," Nina reassured her with a smile.

Nina had never seen her sister so passionate about a game. Before, Lisa had mostly played to escape her real-life condition. But 'The Last of Us' had captivated her with its immersive sensations, emotions, and dialogues—nothing had ever felt so real.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

As the interview drew to a close, Hylia and Myth exchanged pleasantries, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Lisa, impressed, turned to her sister.

"I thought Myth would be a little condescending, but he's not at all. He seems like someone we could be friends with," she said.

"Yes, and yet he must be a millionaire by now, but that hasn't gone to his head," Nina replied.

As the stream neared its end, Myth revealed something that left both sisters in shock.

"A multiplayer mode! Did you hear that, Nina? We're going to be able to play together!" exclaimed Lisa.

"Yes! It's going to be great. We can even play with my friends, if you don't mind!" replied Nina, equally excited.

Lisa quickly typed a message on her keyboard to spread the news in the buzzing chat. But just as Myth was about to announce the release date, he suddenly paused and asked Hylia something off-mic. Curious, Hylia stood up to look outside, and a blurred silhouette passed in front of the camera before knocking it over.

The blur made it impossible to identify the person, but everyone assumed it was Myth. Just as the audience began to react, the image shook, shards of glass and dust filled the screen, and then the stream abruptly stopped.

Seconds later, an explosion sounded outside, adding to their terror. Surprised and paralyzed with fear, Lisa and Nina huddled together.

Nina rushed to the window while Lisa, still in shock, stared at the black screen. The chat was abuzz with questions and panic.

[What is going on?]

[Are you okay???]

[Tell me where you are, I'm a B-class adventurer, I can help you.]

[Does anyone know where they are?]

[This can't be... Are you okay???]

[Was that Myth we saw?]

Chaos reigned in the chat as people, including high-ranking adventurers, scrambled for information to help. But the stream, likely damaged by the explosion, wouldn't restart. Rumors of a possible attack spread, but there was no official confirmation.

POV Nina:

The silence in the room was almost palpable. Nina stood frozen by the window, her hands trembling against the cold glass. The world outside seemed as still as she felt. She struggled to regain her composure, the scene she had just witnessed haunting her.

Lisa remained glued to her seat, her eyes locked on the black screen. The chat continued to scroll frantically, filled with messages of panic and unanswered questions. Every word on the screen seemed to deepen the confusion in Lisa's mind, trapping her in a nightmare that wouldn't end.

"Nina, what do we do now?" asked Lisa in a trembling voice, trying to control the panic threatening to overwhelm her.

Nina didn't answer right away. She slowly turned and let her eyes rest on her sister. The reality of the situation hit her like an icy wave. She had to protect Lisa—that was her first priority. But how could she deal with something so unpredictable, so terrifying?

"Lisa, listen to me," she finally said, her voice firmer than she felt. "We don't know what's going on out there or what happened to the stream. But we have to stay calm, okay? We have to stay here, where it's safe."

Lisa nodded weakly, but her eyes still reflected a deep fear. Nina went over and gently took her in her arms to comfort her. Despite her own fear, she had to be strong—for both of them.

POV Unknown:

In the darkness of a secluded alley, two hooded figures stood motionless. Their eyes gleamed with an unnatural glow as they exchanged whispers, lost in the chaos they had unleashed.

"The attack was successful," hissed one of the creatures, its voice echoing like a distant thunder. "But this is only the beginning."

The other nodded slowly, a twisted smile forming on its lips. "The hive is ready. Our brothers are gathering. This city will soon be in chaos."

They turned to watch the city in the throes of hysteria, screams and cries echoing off the walls.

"That bomb was just the start," the first continued, his voice now tinged with excitement. "We will bring blood to the streets. The hive will grow, fed on their fear and despair."

"The humans have forgotten us. It's time to remind them of their place by exterminating their species," the other concluded in a cold voice as an alarm siren suddenly blared throughout the city.