Virtual Reality Cultivator-Chapter 52: The Most Wanted Fugitive

The sea breeze howled across the deck of the stealth ship as Ethan watched the ruins of Zenith's fortress sink into the depths of the ocean. Flames still raged on the surface, while thick black smoke billowed into the night sky.

Zenith had just lost one of its most crucial facilities.

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But Ethan knew—this wasn't over.

Zenith was not an organization that would crumble from a single defeat.

Claire sat near the navigation console, her eyes still fixed on the screen. "I'm trying to trace any signals from Zenith's system... but there's nothing. It seems they've cut off all communications after the facility was destroyed."

Vincent spoke from the ship's control room. "They won't stay silent after this. I'm sure they've already issued a search order for us."

Ethan clenched his fists. "I don't care. I'll keep destroying them until nothing remains."

Adrian leaned back in his seat. "Yeah... But we need a place to hide before they find us."

Lazarus studied the holographic map. "There are a few places we could use as temporary hideouts... but none of them are truly safe."

Claire typed rapidly on her tablet. "I found something. There's an underground colony off the official grid. They might be able to offer us shelter."

Ethan looked at her. "How safe is this place?"

Claire sighed. "Nowhere is truly safe anymore. But it's better than aimlessly wandering the seas."

Vincent immediately set the coordinates, and their ship began moving toward the hidden colony.

However, before they could get far—

BZZT!

A transmission entered their communication system.

A mechanical voice echoed through the ship's speakers.

"Ethan Liu. Class-S fugitive. Your whereabouts have been detected."

Ethan tensed. "What is this?"

Claire quickly scanned the incoming data. "Oh no... This is an international alert system. Zenith has placed a BOUNTY on your head!"

Adrian whistled. "Damn... How much?"

Claire swallowed hard before reading the numbers on the screen.

"50 million credits."

Silence filled the room.

A bounty that high meant the entire world would now be hunting him—not just Zenith, but bounty hunters, criminal syndicates, and anyone looking to get their hands on a fortune.

Ethan stared at the screen, his expression calm.

"Then... let them come."

Shadow City: A Temporary Refuge

After hours of travel, they finally reached Shadow City, an underground colony hidden from official government and corporate networks.

In this place, laws held no power. Everyone lived by their own rules—fugitives, criminals, and rebel factions alike.

Ethan and his team walked through the darkened streets, passing old buildings illuminated by flickering neon lights.

Adrian glanced around. "This place is full of dangerous people."

Lazarus nodded. "That's precisely why we can hide here. No one cares who we are, as long as we have the money to survive."

Claire took a deep breath. "Alright. Our priority now is gathering information on Zenith's next move."

They headed toward a rundown bar in the center of the city, a known hub for anyone seeking jobs—or just wanting to stay updated on the world outside.

As Ethan stepped inside, followed by the others, the patrons gave them a brief glance before returning to their own business.

Behind the counter, an old man studied them. "I haven't seen you around here before."

Ethan walked up to him. "We're looking for information."

The old man smirked. "Information isn't free, kid."

Ethan pulled out several digital credit coins and placed them on the table. "Do I have your attention now?"

The old man took the coins, then leaned forward.

"What do you want to know?"

Claire spoke first. "We need intel on Zenith's movements. Are they planning anything?"

The old man sighed. "Zenith is always planning something. But lately, there have been rumors about 'Project Omega'—something even bigger than Titan."

Ethan stiffened. "Project Omega?"

The man nodded. "I don't know the details... but there's someone in this city who might."

Adrian narrowed his eyes. "Who?"

The old man smirked. "He's known as 'The Broker.' If there's information you're looking for, he's the one who can provide it... for the right price."

Ethan glanced at his team. "Then we'll find him."

The old man shook his head. "It's not that simple. The Broker doesn't meet just anyone. You need to prove you're worth his time."

Lazarus crossed his arms. "What do we have to do?"

The old man's smirk widened. "There's someone The Broker is looking for. If you can bring them to him... he'll be willing to talk."

Claire sighed. "Of course, there's a catch."

Ethan nodded. "Fine. Who's the target?"

The old man handed them a holographic projection—displaying the image of a young woman with silver hair.

"Her name is Seraphina. She's a former Zenith scientist... and she knows something very important. The Broker wants her brought in alive."

Ethan examined the hologram carefully.

"Seraphina..."

Claire scanned the data on her tablet. "If she was a Zenith scientist, then she must know something about Project Omega."

Ethan clenched his fists. "Then we need to find her before anyone else does."

The old man chuckled. "Good. But you'd better hurry... because you're not the only ones looking for her."

Ethan's gaze darkened. "What do you mean?"

The old man leaned back. "Zenith is hunting Seraphina too. And they've sent someone very dangerous to capture her."

Lazarus tensed. "Who?"

The old man's smirk widened.

"The second-highest executioner under Alastor... the one known as Phantom."

A cold chill ran down Ethan's spine.

"So... this is a race."

And with that, their new mission began.

They had to find Seraphina before Phantom did.

And behind it all...

Zenith's greatest secret was still waiting to be uncovered.