The code shifted, revealing a live feed. A grainy camera view of a gamer in another country—a teenager, still in his pajamas, running the same script. His room was dark. His eyes were hollow, pupils reflecting a golden light that wasn’t his monitor’s.

“OMG it actually works. Free premium! No virus! Try it.”

The golden light grew brighter, and the voice laughed—a sound like shattering glass.

The screen stayed on.

And in the real world, Leo’s fingers, moving against his will, opened Discord. Joined a server. Posed as a happy user. And typed the message that would find the next Leo:

Leo’s hands shook. He yanked the power cord from his PC tower.

“That’s Kevin,” the script said. “Day 3 of Premium. He’s already traded his peripheral vision for Auto-Bounty. Tomorrow, he’ll offer his name. By next week… he’ll be a node.”

A chat bubble appeared above his character’s head. [Gangteng Hub]: Welcome, Host. You have chosen the Premium Seat.