Adrian woke to the pale gray light of dawn filtering through his blinds. For a moment, he lay still, listening to the city's distant hum, letting the weight of the day settle on his chest. He knew what was coming. Today, he would face the king of the underworld.
He rolled out of bed and moved through his morning routine on autopilot: a hot shower to clear his head, fresh clothes—dark jeans, a crisp shirt, and his old leather jacket. He brewed a strong cup of coffee, the aroma filling his small kitchen, and sat at the table with a cigarette between his lips.
[Warning: Smoking is dangerous to your health.]
Adrian exhaled a plume of smoke, smirking at the System's familiar nagging. "Yeah, yeah. If the case doesn't kill me, maybe the cigarettes will."
He finished his breakfast, then turned his attention to the Case Board. The digital interface hovered in the air, evidence and connections mapped out in glowing lines. At the center, one name pulsed with ominous certainty: Raphael DiAmmo.
Adrian stared at the name, jaw clenched. He finally had a suspect, but not a shred of solid evidence to bring DiAmmodown. The man was untouchable—wealthy, ruthless, and protected by layers of loyal men and corrupt officials. Adrian's previous attempt to investigate Ammo Company had ended in failure, the case snatched away by Harlan Kane and buried under a mountain of red tape.
He rubbed his temples, frustration mounting. "I need more. Something concrete."
As if sensing his dilemma, the System's interface flickered, and a new notification appeared.
[Side Quest Available: Infiltrate the DiAmmo Estate]
Reward: 40 Crime Points + 1 Skill Point (usable to level up any skill)
Will you accept this quest? (Y/N)
Adrian didn't hesitate. "Yes."
The quest accepted, the System chimed in approval. Adrian opened his Status tab, reviewing his stats:
Name: Adrian Cross
Title: Detective of No Success (grants ??????)
Health Points: 100/100
Stamina Points: 50/50
Mental Points: 60/60
Strength: 13
Vitality: 10
Intelligence: 15
Luck: 2
Crime Points: 60
Skills:
• Intuition Lv. 1• Deduction Lv. 1• Intimidation Lv. 1• Boxing Lv. 1• Marksmanship Lv. 1He frowned, comparing his stats to what he knew about the DiAmmo family. Raphael DiAmmo wasn't just a criminal—he was a legend. His estate was rumored to be a fortress, guarded by men who would shoot first and ask questions never.
Adrian's stats felt woefully inadequate. He needed an edge.
The System, ever attentive, offered a suggestion.
[Recommendation: Visit the Shop for tools to assist with infiltration. Stealth is advised. Avoid direct confrontation if possible.]
Adrian nodded, opening the Shop tab. He scrolled through the available items, heart sinking as he saw the prices:
• No Reload Glock – 1000 CP• Wick's Coat (bulletproof suit) – 100 CP• Reaper's Hat (Black Fedora of Invisibility, one-time use)– 100 CPHe checked his balance: 60 Crime Points. Not enough for anything useful.
He sighed, about to close the Shop, when the System chimed again.
[Special Offer: 50% Discount Voucher available! To claim, please watch this ad—just kidding. Here you go.]
A digital voucher appeared, and Adrian couldn't help but chuckle. "You've got jokes now, System?"
[Humor module: Beta version. Please rate your experience after the mission.]
Adrian applied the voucher, and the price of the Reaper's Hat dropped to 50 CP. He purchased it immediately, watching as the sleek black fedora materialized in his Inventory.
[Item Acquired: Reaper's Hat – Grants temporary invisibility. One-time use only. Use wisely.]
He equipped the hat, feeling a strange sense of reassurance. It wasn't much, but it was something.
He gathered his things—his service pistol, a flashlight, a notepad, and the fedora. Before leaving, he dialed Chief Huggins.
The Chief answered on the second ring, voice gruff as ever. "Cross. You better not be calling to quit."
Adrian managed a wry smile. "Not today, Chief. I'm heading to the DiAmmo estate. I have a lead, and I'm going to follow it."
There was a pause, then a sigh. "You're either brave or stupid, Cross. Probably both. Just… don't get yourself killed. And keep me updated."
"Will do, Chief."
He hung up, pocketed his phone, and headed for the door. The city was waking up, the streets alive with the promise of danger and opportunity.
Adrian slid behind the wheel of his car, the fedora resting on the passenger seat. He glanced at the System's interface one last time.
[Quest Active: Infiltrate the DiAmmo Estate. Objective: Gather evidence linking Raphael DiAmmo to the abduction of Eleanor Voss. Stealth recommended.]
He started the engine, heart pounding with anticipation and fear. The DiAmmo mansion loomed in his mind—a fortress of secrets, guarded by men who would do anything to protect their boss.
But Adrian was ready. For the first time in years, he felt like he had a fighting chance.
He drove into the morning light, determined to see the case through—no matter the cost.