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01| We Started On Bad Terms
"Spider Society? Hmm...I wonder what that is?"
It's unrealistic not to use your powers for your gain. Responsibility is in low regard and my sense of morality is plummeted because of the responsibilities that plague my mortal soul: school and rent. I resolved to explore something that would bring me joy and excitement, rather than just wallowing in tears and endless calculations from my computer science study session earlier that night.
Without hesitation, I hopped onto my swivel chair and powered up my monitor. With each keystroke, I delved into the depths of an unknown website, protected by encryptions that could rival the security of Elon Musk's bank account.
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Miguel's POV
"Miguel... I don't feel so good."
"LYLA, you're a program. How can you possibly feel anything?" I sighed, tracing my hands into the back of my head.
Looking at one of the HQ monitors, I was searching for any traces of anomalies that might breach through the other universes.
I rubbed my tired eyes, feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down on me. The lack of sleep, the never-ending workload, and the constant stream of people's bullshit were taking their toll.
"I don't know," LYLA muttered, "but it's like I have an itch, as if someone is prying into my data files."
"That's impossible. You know that nobody is capable of hacking into the Spider Society."
"You're right... I'm probably just being paranoid." She glitched out, but for a moment I saw a hint of uncertainty in her brown eyes.
"Then, stop," I retorted, my voice tinged with frustration. "We need someone to keep a level head in this team."
She returned and rolled her eyes with a coy smirk. "Yeah, yeah, Mr. Grumpy Pants."
I let out a weary sigh, feeling the weight of my fatigue settle deeper within me. The constant banter and teasing from LYLA only added to my mounting stress.
"I am not grumpy," I replied, my irritation showing through. "I am politely brooding."
"Unless you want to add murderously stalkerish and naked to the mix, you'd be the perfect slasher," she cackled at her own joke buzzing in and out of the hologram.
I massaged my temples, trying to ward off an impending headache. LYLA's words pierced through my tired mind, pushing my patience to its limits. I needed a break, a moment of respite from the chaos that surrounded me.
Glitching in front of the monitor, LYLA stared at me in sympathy. "Miguel, you should really take a break...I think you're overworking yourself more than usual," her voice devoid of playfulness.
