Chapter 16: (CH15)PILLAR OF CHALLENGE
[GLOBAL HOST POPULATION: 965,926][LUIS MENDOZA – LEVEL 2 (33% Progress to Next Level)]
Luis stared at the empty space where his scooter used to be, hands planted firmly on his hips.
"You’ve got to be kidding me."
Zyx hovered beside him, peering at the ground like an overly dramatic detective. "Hmm, yes. The scene tells a tragic tale—someone stole your junkyard scooter."
Luis narrowed his eyes. "That was my only ride."
"Oh no," Zyx replied, clutching his chest in mock panic. "Whatever shall we do without your majestic, two-wheeled rust bucket?" He flung a hand forward like a game show host. "I guess we’ll walk. Tragic."
Luis sighed. "Fine. But we’re sticking to side roads. More monsters, more Souls."
Zyx beamed. "That’s the spirit! Violence and cardio—my favorite combination."
On the Road
Progress was slow but steady. Luis tore through packs of Rustfang Hares and Bramble Crawlers, his Scrap Hammer growing lighter with every fight.
"You know," Zyx said conversationally as Luis squashed another oversized rodent, "you could’ve just stolen a car."