Virtual Reality Cultivator-Chapter 53: The Deadly Race

The Shadow City was filled with dark crowds and intricate schemes. In every corner, spies, bounty hunters, and dangerous criminals lurked, always looking for an opportunity to gain an advantage.

But amidst all this chaos, one thing was clear—everyone was searching for Seraphina.

Ethan and his team moved swiftly through the narrow alleyways, trying to gather clues before Phantom found her first.

Claire typed rapidly on her tablet, scanning for the latest data. "I've filtered all the information I could find. According to a reliable source, Seraphina was last seen in District 7."

Adrian sighed. "District 7... That's territory controlled by criminal gangs. No one enters there without paying a price."

Lazarus narrowed his eyes. "Or without fighting."

Ethan stared at the holographic map on his wrist. "We have no other choice. If Phantom gets there first, we'll lose our chance to uncover the truth."

Claire nodded. "Alright. Let's move."

District 7: The Lawless Zone

The moment they stepped into District 7, the atmosphere shifted instantly.

Dilapidated buildings covered in gang symbols lined the streets. People eyed them warily, some with bloodthirsty gazes.

A large man with a black tattoo across his face approached them, blocking their path.

"You're not from around here," he said in a deep voice. "Entering District 7 isn't free."

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what's the price?"

The man grinned, revealing metal-filled teeth. "Your lives."

Immediately, ten armed men emerged from the shadows, surrounding them.

Lazarus smirked. "I figured this would happen."

Ethan wasted no time.

In an instant—

Swoosh!

He vanished, using Lightning Step, appearing right in front of the tattooed man before anyone could react.

"Too slow."

BAM!

A single punch landed on the man's chest, sending him crashing backward, shattering a wooden table behind him.

The others froze in shock, but before they could raise their weapons—

Zap!

Claire fired her electromagnetic gun, disabling several automatic weapons.

Adrian drew his energy blade, deflecting an incoming strike before taking down an opponent with a spinning kick.

Lazarus leaped into the air, slamming two enemies simultaneously with high-pressure Qi.

In less than a minute, all their attackers lay sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.

Ethan knelt beside the tattooed man, who was still gasping for breath.

"Where is Seraphina?"

The man coughed up blood but chuckled weakly. "You... won't find her... It's too late... Phantom... got there first."

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Ethan tensed.

"Damn it. We have to move now!"

Seraphina in Danger

They rushed toward an old factory at the outskirts of District 7—the last place Seraphina had been seen.

When they arrived, the factory was eerily silent. Too silent.

Claire checked her tablet's sensors. "There are two life signals inside."

Ethan nodded. "Let's go in. Stay alert."

The moment they stepped inside, the sound of footsteps echoed through the empty space.

And there—

They saw her.

A young woman with long silver hair, wearing a tattered lab coat. She was backed into a corner, her eyes filled with fear.

But what shocked them more was the figure standing in front of her.

A man dressed entirely in black, wearing a mask that only revealed a pair of glowing violet eyes.

Phantom.

Ethan and the others immediately raised their weapons.

"Let her go," Ethan commanded.

Phantom turned slowly, staring at Ethan.

"Ah... Finally, we meet, Pioneer-01."

Adrian frowned. "So you know about Ethan?"

Phantom chuckled. "Of course. You were Zenith's first experiment. And I'm here to make sure you don't interfere with their plans again."

He glanced at Seraphina. "And you... You're coming back with me. Zenith still needs you."

Seraphina's eyes widened in terror. "I won't go back! I won't help them anymore!"

Ethan stepped forward. "If you want to take her, you'll have to go through me first."

Phantom smirked. "That was always the plan."

And in an instant—

Swoosh!

Phantom vanished from where he stood.

Ethan barely had time to react before—

BAM!

A powerful kick struck him from the side, sending him crashing into a wall!

-180 HP

Ethan coughed up blood, wiping his lips. "He's... faster than Alastor!"

Claire and Adrian fired their weapons, but—

Swoosh!

Phantom moved like a shadow, effortlessly dodging every shot.

He appeared behind Adrian and—

BAM!

One strike to the gut sent Adrian collapsing to the floor.

Lazarus tried attacking with high-pressure Qi, but Phantom raised his hand, absorbing the energy using his augmented body technology!

"It's useless. I'm superior in every way."

Phantom sprinted toward Seraphina, reaching for her.

But—

"DON'T TOUCH HER!"

Ethan surged forward at full speed, his golden Qi burning brighter than ever.

With a single, full-powered strike—

"SKY-CLEAVING SOUL SLASH!"

BOOOOM!

The attack struck Phantom directly, sending him flying backward for the first time.

Slowly, Phantom stood up, staring at Ethan with a sharp gaze.

"Interesting... So you can still fight."

Ethan clenched his fists, taking a battle stance.

"I won't let you lay a finger on her."

Phantom grinned. "Very well. Let's see who's stronger."

And with that—

The deadliest battle in Shadow City began.