EPISODE 7: THE BETRAYAL ## PART ONE: THE HUNTER ### CHAPTER 1: REPUTATION Floor 20's rest zone was crowded. Word had spread about the solo climber with the unique class—the Reality Walker who'd broken records, defeated Guardians, and climbed faster than anyone thought possible. Kael found himself the subject of stares, whispers, and increasingly bold approaches. "Mr. Vance?" A guild representative in Silver Blade colors blocked his path to the equipment shop. "A moment of your time?" "I'm not interested in guild recruitment." "This isn't recruitment. This is a business proposition." The representative smiled, all teeth and no warmth. "Our analytics team has been tracking your progress. You clear floors 23% faster than comparable solo climbers. We'd like to purchase your strategies." "My strategies aren't for sale." "Everything is for sale, Mr. Vance. It's simply a matter of price." Before Kael could respond, another figure emerged from the crowd—Rook Chen, his alliance partner, mechanical arm clicking as it adjusted. "He said no." Rook's voice was flat. "I suggest you accept that answer." The Silver Blade representative's smile flickered. "I was having a private conversation." "In a public rest zone. With a member of my alliance." Rook positioned himself between the representative and Kael. "Unless Silver Blade wants to create diplomatic incidents with independent climbers, I suggest you move along."...