The third "Ding" was louder than the first two, a piercing chime that seemed to vibrate inside Adrian's skull. He jerked upright on the rain-soaked bench, heart hammering, eyes darting around the empty park. The world was a blur of water and neon, but for a moment, everything else faded away.
A shimmering rectangle of light flickered into existence before his eyes, hovering in the air like a hologram. Words scrolled across the surface in crisp, digital font:
Installing System... 100%
Adrian blinked, wiped rain from his brow, and stared. He twisted around, half-expecting to see someone crouched behind a bush with a projector, playing some elaborate prank. But the park was deserted, the only movement the wind whipping through the trees.
The rectangle pulsed, then expanded. A new message appeared, accompanied by a soft, synthetic voice that seemed to echo both in his ears and inside his mind.
[Welcome, Detective Adrian Cross.]
[Crime Solver System Online.]
Adrian's mouth went dry. "What the hell is this?" he muttered, waving a hand through the projection. His fingers passed through empty air, but the screen remained, unwavering.
[This is the Crime Solver System, designed to assist you in solving criminal cases with maximum efficiency. All quests are mandatory. Failure to comply will result in Termination Protocol.]
The voice was calm, almost cheerful, with a faint digital undertone. Adrian's skin prickled. He glanced around again, searching for hidden cameras, a prankster, anything that could explain this. But the park was empty, the rain relentless.
"Okay, I've finally lost it," Adrian muttered. "Too much stress, not enough sleep. I'm hallucinating."
[Advisory: Prolonged exposure to cold and rain may result in illness. It is recommended that you return home and recover before proceeding.]
Adrian stared at the floating screen, then at his shivering hands. The rain was soaking through his clothes, and his teeth had started to chatter. Whether this was a breakdown or some new brand of nightmare, he wasn't going to figure it out here.
He stood, tucking the Voss case file under his arm, and trudged out of the park. The city's lights shimmered through the downpour, and every step felt heavier than the last. By the time he reached his apartment, he was drenched to the bone and numb with exhaustion.
Inside, he peeled off his wet clothes, tossed them in the hamper, and stepped into a steaming shower. The hot water stung his skin, but it helped clear his head. He scrubbed away the grime and the shame, trying to convince himself that the strange encounter in the park was just a trick of the mind.
After drying off and pulling on fresh clothes, Adrian sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the wall. The apartment was silent except for the hum of the heater. He glanced at his phone, half-expecting another "Ding," but the screen was blank.
He shook his head. "Get a grip, Adrian. You're not crazy. You're just... stressed."
But the memory of the virtual screen lingered, vivid and impossible to dismiss. He hesitated, then spoke aloud, feeling foolish.
"System?"
Instantly, the shimmering rectangle reappeared, hovering in the air before him. The same synthetic voice greeted him, polite and unwavering.
[Welcome back, Detective Adrian Cross.]
Adrian's breath caught. He reached out, again passing his hand through the projection. No heat, no resistance—just light and air.
"What are you?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.
[I am the Crime Solver System, an advanced artificial intelligence designed to assist you in criminal investigations. My purpose is to maximize your efficiency and ensure the successful resolution of all assigned cases.]
Adrian swallowed. "And if I fail?"
[Failure to complete assigned quests will result in Termination Protocol. This includes the death of the victim and yourself.]
A chill ran down Adrian's spine, colder than the rain outside. He tried to steady his breathing. "You're... serious."
[Affirmative.]
The screen shifted, displaying four icons in a neat row: Status, Shop, Inventory, and Quest.
[Would you like a brief introduction to your available options?]
Adrian nodded, unable to find his voice.
[Please touch an icon to proceed.]
He hesitated, then reached out and tapped the Status icon. The screen expanded, revealing a detailed profile:
Name: Adrian Cross
Title: Detective of No Success (grants ??????)
Health Points: 100/100
Stamina Points: 50/50
Mental Points: 60/60
Strength: 10 (Crime Points required for enhancement: 5)
Vitality: 10 (Crime Points required for enhancement: 5)
Intelligence: 15 (Crime Points required for enhancement: 5)
Luck: 2 (Cannot be enhanced directly; changes with achievements or titles)
Crime Points: 0
Skills:
Intuition Lv. 1Deduction Lv. 1Intimidation Lv. 1Boxing Lv. 1Marksmanship Lv. 1(Skills can only be leveled up through experience.)
Adrian stared at the stats, a strange mix of disbelief and curiosity bubbling inside him. It was like something out of a video game, but the stakes were terrifyingly real.
[Next, please select the Shop icon.]
He tapped the next icon. The screen shifted, displaying a list of items, each with a brief description and a price in Crime Points.
Pack of Cigarette of Focus – 50 CP
Temporarily boosts focus and deduction skills. Warning: Consecutive use may result in permanent health reduction.Lie Detection Lens – 100 CP
Highlights inconsistencies in statements during interviews.Forensic Scanner – 150 CP
Analyzes physical evidence for hidden clues.Adrian's eyes lingered on the Cigarette of Focus. He almost laughed. Even in a digital system, his vices followed him.
[Please select the Inventory icon.]
He did as instructed. The inventory was empty except for a glowing package labeled System Welcome Package. Adrian tapped it, and the package opened with a soft chime.
[You have received: Case Board (automatically logs and connects clues), Cigarette of Focus x1.]
A small stick appeared in his inventory, its icon flickering with a faint warning.
[Caution: Smoking is hazardous to health. Consecutive use of Cigarette of Focus will result in a permanent reduction of Health Points by 5.]
Adrian smirked, tucking the digital cigarette away for later. "Even my hallucinations nag me about smoking."
[Finally, please select the Quest icon.]
Adrian tapped the last icon. The screen flashed, and a new window appeared, displaying his first quest in bold letters:
Quest: The Vanishing Heiress
Target: Eleanor Voss, 26 years old
Last Seen: October 28, 6:30 PM (3 days ago)
Objective: Locate Eleanor Voss alive.
Reward: Skill: Forensics Lv. 1 + 100 Crime Points
Failure: Termination Protocol (Death of Eleanor and Adrian)
Will you accept this quest? (Yes/No)
Adrian's breath caught. The name, the details—it was the same case Chief Huggins had dumped on his desk. The case that would end his career, one way or another.
He stared at the screen, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. Not accepting was the same as failing. The System had made that clear.
He closed his eyes, exhaled slowly, and nodded.
"Yes."
The screen pulsed, then faded, leaving Adrian alone in the quiet apartment. But he knew, deep down, that nothing would ever be the same.