Game's Extra

Aiden Cross sat at his workbench, the dim light of his studio illuminating a cluttered space filled with blueprints, tools, and prototypes. His tired eyes scanned the intricate diagram of an advanced energy core—a revolutionary invention that, once completed, could change the world.

"Finally," he muttered, running a hand through his messy black hair. "I'm so close to completing my best work."

He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already past midnight. The city outside his window was alive with the hum of floating cars and neon lights, but fatigue was beginning to take its toll.

"I'll finish this tomorrow," he said, rolling up the blueprint and placing it neatly on his desk. Stretching, he grabbed his bag and exited the building.

The streets were unusually quiet as Aiden began his walk home. His apartment was only a kilometer away, and with no buses in sight, he didn't mind the short journey on foot. As he walked, he observed the late-night life around him: a convenience store with its bright lights still open, a bar bustling with laughter and music.

Halfway home, a sudden scream shattered the calm.

"Help! Someone, please!"

Aiden's heart raced as he turned toward the sound. Peeking around a corner, he saw two men cornering a terrified woman in an alley. One held her at knifepoint, while the other rummaged through her bag.

He ducked behind a building, pulling out his phone to call the police. His voice was steady as he explained the situation and gave the location.

"Please hurry," he said before ending the call.

Taking a deep breath, Aiden stepped out of his hiding spot. "Hey! Let her go!"

The two men turned toward him, their expressions twisting into sneers.

"Look at this hero wannabe," one of them mocked, brandishing the knife. "Walk away, buddy, before you get hurt."

Aiden clenched his fists. "The police are already on their way. Leave now, and you might avoid a longer sentence."

The robbers exchanged a glance before bursting into laughter. The man without the knife stepped forward. "Alright, tough guy, let's see what you've got."

As the robber lunged at him, Aiden's instincts kicked in. Years of martial arts training came to the forefront as he sidestepped the attack and delivered a sharp blow to the man's stomach. The robber crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain.

"You'll regret that!" the other robber shouted, charging forward with the knife. Aiden turned, but it was too late. He felt a sharp pain in his abdomen as the blade pierced his flesh. Staggering backward, he clutched the wound, his vision blurring.

"No!" the woman screamed. She rushed to Aiden's side as the robbers, panicked by their actions, fled the scene. Kneeling beside him, she pressed her hands against his wound, trying to stem the bleeding.

"Stay with me!" she cried, tears streaming down her face. "Help is on the way. You're going to be okay!"

Aiden's breaths grew shallow. His mind raced with fragmented thoughts—his unfinished invention, the life he had worked so hard to build, and now, the cruel irony of it all ending here.

As the distant wail of sirens grew closer, Aiden managed a weak smile. "At least… I tried."

The woman sobbed, clutching his hand as his eyes closed. The police arrived moments later, but it was too late. Aiden Cross had taken his last breath.