paranoianovel Chapter 224: Ch 224: Caught- Part 1
Chapter 224: Ch 224: Caught- Part 1
Chapter 224: Ch 224: Caught- Part 1Nora’s heart pounded in her chest as she activated her system.
"Identify threat."
The familiar, cool glow of her interface flared to life, scanning her surroundings with mechanical precision.
A faint hum vibrated through her senses as the system processed the request.
Normally, within seconds, she would receive a detailed report—threat level, power class, even a brief combat analysis.
But this time...
A cold, unfamiliar message flashed across her screen:
[Classified. Insufficient authority to access information.]
Her breath caught in her throat.
’What the hell? Why is the system behaving like this? Just who can make the system act like this? As far as the reports go, this place should not have a high-profile awakener.’
A chill ran down her spine.
No matter how dangerous the opponent, she had never seen this message before.
Her system had always been her edge—analyzing and predicting enemy patterns, giving her the information she needed to survive.
Why now?
The only explanation- the system had granted some kind of ability to the people following her....or they were too high-ranked for her to be able to use her ability.
"Damn it."
Nora’s whisper was barely audible, her jaw tightening as her fingers clenched into fists.
If I can’t identify them...
Her mind raced, weighing her options.
Whoever was after them was beyond her authority to access, which meant they were far more dangerous than she’d anticipated.
Her stomach twisted.
We’re outmatched.
"We need to split up. Noah, we might be in trouble. Make sure to get away and come for me once it looks like you are safe, alright? I will distract the people following me."
She whispered urgently, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Noah blinked beside her, confusion flickering across his face.
"Split up? Are you sure that’s a good idea?"
His brows furrowed, his unease growing.
Nora’s jaw clenched tighter.
"If we stay together, we’ll both get caught. I’ll draw them away. You complete the mission."
Her voice was low but firm, her eyes flickering with calculated determination.
Noah hesitated, his concern clear in his eyes.
"But—"
"No arguments. Just go, Noah. I’ll handle this."
Nora’s tone hardened, her gaze locking onto his.
Her brother’s eyes
"Buy time, huh?"
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze flickering past her for a split second.
"For Noah, I presume?"
Nora’s heart skipped a beat.
How does he know?
Her expression remained impassive, but her mind was spinning.
If he knows about Noah...
"I don’t know what you’re talking about."
She said evenly, her voice devoid of emotion.
Ethan’s grin widened, his eyes gleaming with something that sent a chill down her spine.
"Relax, Nora. I’m not after Noah."
He took a casual step forward, the heat from her flames brushing against his skin but never touching.
Nora’s stomach twisted with unease.
"Then why are you here?"
Ethan’s eyes gleamed with mischief.
"I’m just... keeping you company. Selene might have plans of her own. I don’t want to get in her way."
His smile was slow, calculated.
Selene.
Nora’s breath caught.
If Selene was involved...
Her first instinct was to go after Noah, but—
A shadow moved.
Ethan.
"Going somewhere, kid?"
Her heart dropped as her brother appeared between her and the door.
"Ethan."
Her voice was low, her eyes widening with surprise.
"Move."
Nora’s tone was firm, her urgency palpable.
Ethan shook his head, his expression conflicted.
"I can’t."
His voice was barely above a whisper, but the weight of his words hit her like a blow.
"Damn it!"
Nora’s frustration boiled over.
Ethan’s eyes were clear and he was not going to let Nora Vale pass.
"I’m sorry, kid," he murmured, guilt thick in his voice, burt he did run before Ethan could
Meanwhile...
Noah’s footsteps echoed softly in the empty corridor.
Without Nora by his side, everything felt... wrong.
His stomach churned with unease.
Maybe I should go back...
His instincts screamed at him to check on her. But he also knew Nora wouldn’t forgive him if he abandoned the mission.
Just a little longer.
Noah turned a corner—
And froze.
A sharp, cold sensation pressed against his neck.
His body went rigid, adrenaline flooding his veins as his system kicked into overdrive.
"Don’t move."
A calm, dangerous voice whispered in his ear.
Noah’s breath hitched.
He could feel the edge of a blade grazing his skin, ready to slice if he so much as twitched.
"Who are you?"
He demanded, his voice steady despite the pounding in his chest.
"Someone who doesn’t want you completing your little mission."
The voice replied smoothly.
Noah’s jaw clenched, his mind racing.