Chapter 62: Warning
The Byrd. Adam thought of the name as a single key that would unlock the mysteries of his persecution. Adam recalled the reward the system had given him following a prior kill as Assassin Five spoke.
Just like the assassin described, it was a basic button phone. He had forgotten about it after throwing it in a drawer.
Since he discovered his own smartphone was being used to track him, he had not used a phone for months. In a desperate attempt to cut the digital leash that was harming him, he had thrown it into a river. In a world of constant connectivity, he had been living off the grid like a ghost.
He now understood that, unbeknownst to him, he had been holding the secret to his own deliverance all along.
Adam was pulled out of his reverie by Assassin Five’s voice as he said, "But you can not access The Byrd." In actuality, the statement was the last straw.
Adam scowled. "Why not?"
"Because you need an account" the assassin explained with the patience of a teacher explaining a complex equation to a slow student.
"And to create an account you have to verify your identity. The moment you do that they will know who you are. They’ll know you have access to their network. They’ll send more assassins after you. So many you won’t be able to count them. You’re practically dead already. You’re a guest in this world for a few more days a few more hours at best."
It was a death sentence. They were intended to break Adam’s spirit and leave him feeling hopeless and depressed. However, they had the opposite impact. Adam was not afraid. He was not angry.
He had no feelings. He saw no point in the assassin’s threats.