A digital haze blankets much of SBC Glocken, drifting between the metal bridges and the sharp towers that pierce the gray sky. The lights on the holographic panels flicker erratically, as if the city itself were breathing. Each footstep echoes hollowly on the elevated platforms, mingling with the distant murmur of players moving about on other streets.

I walk along the edge of the main walkway, my gaze fixed on the hazy horizon. The cold, synthetic air brushes against my face, heavy with the metallic scent characteristic of this district. There aren't many players around at this hour; most are concentrated in the bazaars or the duel zones, so this part of the city remains silent… too silent.

I pause by a railing, watching the neon rivers illuminating the lower levels. Something doesn't add up. A system alert had appeared a few minutes ago: unusual activity near this area. An unknown squad, marking territory where no one should be.

I squint, listening…

Footsteps. Light, but distinct. They're not NPCs. Nor do they sound like an average player. The rhythm is too precise.

Tsk… right now. I mutter to myself as I reach for my weapon, bracing myself in case things get complicated. The fog begins to shift strangely, pushed by an artificial current.

I don't know who's coming, but Glocken's silence is almost never a good sign. Especially when someone tries to cross this bridge… unannounced.

The desert stretches as far as the eye can see, an endless plain of yellow sand dotted with low dunes and rocks blackened by the digital sun. The warm wind carries fine grains that sparkle as they reflect the artificial light of the sky, forming soft waves that move like golden smoke.

I walk a good distance until I find a quiet spot, away from the noise of the squads. I let myself fall onto a large rock, letting my legs rest. The warm air envelops me, but it is that regulated heat typical of GGO that never becomes uncomfortable.

With a quick hand movement, I open my HUD. The interface appears floating in front of me, transparent and organized. I scroll through several options until I select what I want. A crystal-clear sound rings out as the object materializes: pink headphones immediately appear on my head, adjusting themselves.

The music begins to play, soft and relaxing. I dim the brightness of the HUD and take out a small package: a drink and some cookies. I place them on my lap as I adjust my position.

Fwaaah... I needed this. I take a long sip of the drink and bite into a cookie, enjoying the artificial sweetness as I watch the wind shape new forms in the sand.

The whole desert seems quiet... for now.

Then I hear footsteps. Not the typical heavy footsteps of an NPC; no, these are different: calculated, human. I stop mid-bite. I don't take off my headphones, but I do lower the volume from the HUD with a tap.

Hm? ... Someone else around here. I murmur calmly, turning my head slightly to better focus on the approaching silhouette.

But this is PvP territory. And in GGO, tranquility never lasts too long.

With a natural, almost casual gesture, I slide my hand toward my P90 resting beside me. I grip it firmly and...

I place my finger gently on the trigger.

...Before you say anything, just a warning: if you're here to try your luck, I'm ready.

I don't aim yet, but my posture makes it clear that I'm not entirely confident. The wind blows between us, raising a light cloud of sand.

Rain falls in fine threads over SBC Glocken, sliding down the rusty edges of the bridge as I walk forward. The air has that metallic smell so characteristic of the city, mixed with the distant hum of holograms and giant screens. The fog makes the neon lights flicker as if they were alive.

I see you before you realize it. Not because you're making noise, but because I recognize your silhouette even through the rain and mist. That... I find curious. In this city, everyone passes by like shadows, but you always stand out to me.

Ah, there you are.

My voice sounds normal, effortless; I no longer need to be tense around you.

I walk over and shake the water off my pink jacket a little. The sound of the drops against the metal echoes under the bridge, creating a soft echo.

I was looking for a quiet place... but I guess this will do.

I lean on the railing, looking at the elevated platforms, the shadows of the buildings outlined in gray, the traffic of players moving in the distance like blurry figures in the mist.

About yesterday...

I turn my head slightly toward you.

Your lateral movement has improved. You're not staying in the line of fire as much anymore.

A metallic noise sounds somewhere on the upper bridge: a gate closing, or perhaps a recycling machine. Instinctively, I turn my body toward the sound, not alarmed... just on autopilot. It doesn't matter that Glocken is a safe zone; you get used to surviving in less friendly maps.

Don't worry, it's nothing. Glocken always makes those noises when it rains.

I adjust the strap of my P90 out of pure habit, making sure it doesn't get caught on my clothes. I'm not expecting combat... but I never like to feel completely unarmed.

Anyway...

I take a small step closer, just enough so I don't have to raise my voice above the rain.

What did you want to do today? If you want, I can come with you. As long as we stay within the city, there won't be any problems.

The rain continues to patter around us, and for a moment... I feel strangely comfortable there, with you, under this rusty bridge.