章節 7: Chapter 7: Eyes on the Hunter
Alex's body tensed as the man's gaze locked onto him. The diner felt smaller, the air heavier, suffocating even. Every instinct screamed at him to get out, to run, but his body refused to move. He could feel the weight of the man's stare, his cold, calculating eyes studying him with the patience of a predator.
The assassin sipped his coffee, his hand resting casually on the counter, but Alex could see the readiness in his posture, the way his muscles were coiled beneath his coat. He was waiting. Watching.
Stay calm. Don't panic. He hasn't made a move yet.
Alex took a slow, deliberate breath, forcing himself to relax. If he bolted now, he'd only confirm the man's suspicions. He had to play it cool, pretend he hadn't noticed anything unusual. He forced his eyes back down to the menu in front of him, as if he were just another diner patron, minding his own business.
But his mind raced with the possibilities. Had Ward sent this guy after him? Had someone spotted him near the Roxxon operation earlier? He didn't have enough intel to know for sure, but one thing was clear—this man wasn't here by accident.
The system panel flickered in the corner of his vision, tempting him with the Points Exchange option he'd been considering moments ago. The Minor Healing Factor was still available, sitting there like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty.
Fifteen points. If he used it now, he'd be down to thirty, but it might just save his life if things went south. The man looked like a professional, and if a fight broke out, Alex didn't have the luxury of taking any damage. He needed every edge he could get.
Do I risk it?
His thumb hovered over the option, but he hesitated. The temptation to hold out for the Silver Wheel still gnawed at him, but the reality of his situation was sinking in fast. This wasn't a game. There were no do-overs, no save points. One wrong move, and it was all over.
He took a deep breath and made his decision.
He won't choose any option but use the illusion ability given to him by the system to pass through this unexpected ecounter.
It wasn't much, but it was enough to give him a slight sense of security.
The man at the counter hadn't moved. He still sipped his coffee, his eyes occasionally flicking up to glance around the diner. But Alex knew better than to think the man wasn't aware of every detail, every person in the room. His calm demeanor was a mask, hiding the lethal intent beneath the surface.
Alex's mind raced, trying to think of his next move. He couldn't stay here, but leaving abruptly might set the man off. If this was a Hydra assassin—and everything in his gut told him it was—then they wouldn't just send one guy. There could be backup, others watching from a distance.
He had to leave, but he needed to do it without drawing attention.
The waitress came by, her face etched with boredom as she dropped off Alex's check. He glanced at the amount—just enough to cover his meal and a small tip. He reached into his pocket, feeling for the crumpled bills he had left. Every move was slow, deliberate, as if he were moving in slow motion. His heart pounded in his chest, but he kept his face neutral, his body language relaxed.
The assassin didn't move. He just sat there, sipping his coffee, his eyes half-lidded as if he were bored. But Alex could feel it—the tension, the unspoken threat.
He placed the bills on the table, standing up slowly. His legs felt like lead, but he forced himself to walk casually toward the exit. He didn't look back, didn't dare give the assassin any reason to follow. The door seemed miles away, but he kept his pace steady, his mind racing with contingency plans.
If he follows, I'll turn down the alley. It's a dead end, but I can use the illusion to create a distraction. If that doesn't work… He swallowed hard, trying not to let the fear overwhelm him. I'll have to fight.
As he reached for the door, a soft chime echoed through the diner, and Alex's stomach sank. The assassin had stood up.
Shit.
He could hear the man's footsteps behind him, slow and measured, like a hunter stalking its prey. Alex pushed the door open, stepping out into the cool night air. The rain had stopped completely, leaving the streets slick and shining under the dim glow of the streetlights.
He took a deep breath, his mind racing. He had a few seconds at best before the man followed him out. He needed a plan.
His eyes darted to the left—an alleyway, dark and narrow, lined with dumpsters. It wasn't ideal, but it was his best shot at disappearing. If he could just create a big enough distraction, maybe he could lose the guy and slip away unnoticed.
Without hesitating, Alex ducked into the alley, keeping his footsteps light as he moved deeper into the shadows. His heart pounded in his chest, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps. He glanced over his shoulder, half-expecting to see the assassin right behind him.
But the alley was empty. For now.
He reached the far end, his back pressed against the damp brick wall as he listened. The footsteps echoed faintly behind him, slow and deliberate. The assassin wasn't in a rush. He was confident. Too confident.
Alex clenched his fists, feeling the faint hum of energy from his illusion ability granted by the system still coursing through him. It wasn't much, but it was something. If it came down to a fight, he had a slight advantage—at least, he hoped he did.
The footsteps grew louder, and Alex's heart raced. He had to act now.
Closing his eyes, he focused, summoning the illusion. It was harder this time, with the fear gnawing at his focus, but he pushed through it. He imagined the sound of a trash can being knocked over, loud and clattering, echoing through the alley.
A second later, the illusion took shape—a loud crash echoed through the alley, followed by the sound of metal scraping against the pavement. Alex held his breath, waiting.
The footsteps paused.
For a moment, everything was still. Alex could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the assassin's presence just beyond the corner. He didn't dare move, didn't dare make a sound.
And then, the footsteps continued—heading in the opposite direction.
Alex let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through him. The illusion had worked. The assassin had taken the bait.
But the relief was short-lived. He knew this was only a temporary victory. Hydra wouldn't stop coming after him. They didn't make mistakes like this. If Ward was involved, they would find him again, sooner or later.
He couldn't keep running forever.
Pushing off the wall, Alex made his way deeper into the alley, his mind racing with possibilities. He needed to get out of the city, lay low for a while, and figure out his next move. The system had given him a small advantage, but it wasn't enough. Not yet.
As he stepped out onto the next street, he glanced up at the sky, the clouds parting just enough to reveal a sliver of stars.
Five more points, he thought, his fists clenching. Just five more points, and I'll be ready.
The Silver Wheel was within reach, and with it, the power he needed to survive in this dangerous world.
But for now, survival meant staying one step ahead of his enemies—and hoping that his luck held out a little longer.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票