Akio sat there in full horror of the story that he had just heard. His jaw shivered as he tried to respond, but what was it that could he say. Her story confirmed everything that he suspected, but he didn't want to believe that it was real. All he could do was look at her and know that she shared the same experience.

"I thought it was just a nightmare," he quietly responded, "I didn't want to believe that it was real, but from what you have told me, it's a real world." He paused for a moment in order to remember the events of last night, "I entered The Hack in my room, and saw some knuckle-busters floating on the table, but I never touched them..."

Akio turned to his phone and as a third message appear on the screen.

[color=green]> Rawr_Pwr: Hello?
> John Doe: cant talk fighting monster will get back to you
> xxYangtze92: hey whats going on xx[/color]

Looking at the online status of the members list he came to a short conclusion, "So if you're Anon, then these two people must be inside The Hack at the moment? and one of them is fighting one of those things?!?"

"The car is ready," announced a fatherly voice from in front of the car. The sound of the bonnet thudding shut made a small echo within the workshop. It caught Akio off guard and he felt his heart pounding from the initial shock. He got up and composed himself, turned to Alex and spoke to her one last time.

"I'm actually going straight home after this to re-enter The Hack," and with that he ventured over to Alex's father to complete the payment.