Adrian Cross watched himself on the television, the blue glow flickering across the walls of his cramped apartment. The news anchor's voice was smooth, practiced, and just a little too cheerful for the hour. On the screen, Adrian's own face stared back at him—pale, sharp-eyed, and looking far more confident than he felt. The headline beneath read: "Detective of No Success Solves Eleanor Voss Case."
He almost laughed at the irony. Six cases, one success. The department's running joke, the detective of no success, now paraded as a hero for the city to see. If he hadn't solved the Voss case, this interview would have been his swan song—his last appearance before being quietly fired and forgotten.
The interviewer leaned in, her smile bright. "Detective Cross, what was it like solving the Eleanor Voss case? Did you ever doubt yourself?"
Adrian's recorded self gave a small, awkward smile. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't. But sometimes, you just have to keep going. Even when no one else believes in you."
He reached for the remote, thumb hovering over the power button, but hesitated. The applause from the studio audience sounded hollow, distant. He wondered if any of them knew how close he'd come to losing everything.
A familiar chime echoed in his mind, followed by a voice that was both new and unmistakably smug.
System: Enjoying much?
Adrian rolled his eyes, glancing at the corner of his vision where the system's interface hovered, translucent and blue. "You're getting cheeky," he muttered.
It had been three days since the system's last update, and it was as if someone had flipped a switch. The once-clinical, robotic prompts had been replaced by a personality that was, for lack of a better word, talkative. Sometimes it was helpful. Sometimes it was just annoying.
He reached for his cigarette pack, tapping one out and lighting it with a practiced flick. The smoke curled lazily toward the ceiling as he exhaled, eyes never leaving the screen.
System: You know, smoking is hazardous to your health. Would you like to activate the "Quit Smoking" quest?
Adrian snorted, exhaling a plume of smoke. "Not now."
System: Suit yourself. Just don't blame me when your stamina drops.
He ignored the jab, instead pulling up the system interface with a thought. The blue-tinted screen expanded, displaying a series of tabs. He tapped the status tab, curious about the changes since the update and allocated his CP to maxed out his stats
Name: Adrian Cross
Job: Detective Constable (new) (max stats: 20)
Title: TV Detective – grants 20 charisma stats
Health Points: 200/200
Stamina Points: 100/100
Mental Points: 100/100
Strength: 20 (enhances physical ability and stamina)
Vitality: 20 (increases HP)
Intelligence: 20 (increases MP)
Luck: 2 (Chances to change probability; can increase with achievements or titles)
Charisma: 20 (new) (Can charm witness for easy interrogation)
Crime Points: 215
Skills:
Intuition Lv. 2
Deduction Lv. 2
Intimidation Lv. 1
Boxing Lv. 2
Marksmanship Lv. 1
Forensics Lv. 1
He whistled softly. "TV Detective, huh? That's a new one."
System: Fame has its perks. Don't let it get to your head.
Adrian smirked, flicking ash into the tray. "If I get promoted in real life, does my job in the system change too?"
System: If—and that's a big if—you ever get promoted, yes. Your maximum stat limits will increase. If only you'd get promoted.
Adrian felt the sarcasm like a slap. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
System: I live to serve. And to keep you humble.
He shook his head, taking another drag from his cigarette. The system's new personality was going to take some getting used to.
He turned his attention back to the interface, noticing two new buttons at the bottom of the screen. Where there had once been only four—Quest, Status, Shop, Inventory—there were now six: Equipment and Tools had joined the lineup.
Curiosity piqued, Adrian tapped the Equipment tab. A new window flashed open, displaying a digital mannequin dressed in his current attire.
Head Equipment Slot: Blank
Torso Equipment Slot: Fresh White Polo – No effect, Durability: 10/10
Belt Equipment Slot: Gun and Holster – No effect
Cloak Equipment Slot: Wick's Coat (Trench Coat) – Bulletproof, Durability: 60/100
Bottom Equipment Slot: Black Jeans – No effect, Durability: 7/10
Shoes Equipment Slot: Black Boots – No effect, Durability: 5/10
Adrian grinned. "Just like a game. So there really are items that can help me grow."
He made a mental note to check the shop for upgrades later. Maybe there was a hat that boosted intelligence, or gloves that steadied his aim. The possibilities were intriguing.
Next, he clicked on Tools. Two icons appeared: the familiar Case Board, and a new one labeled Forensic Data.
He hovered over the new tool, but the system offered no explanation.
System: Forensic Data will be useful soon. Patience, Detective.
Adrian closed the interface, stretching his arms above his head. The city outside his window was waking up, the morning sun struggling to break through the clouds. He glanced at the TV, where his interview was wrapping up. The host smiled, thanking him for his service. Adrian muted the volume, feeling a strange mix of pride and discomfort.
He looked around his apartment, the silence settling in once more. The adrenaline from the last case had faded, leaving behind a restless energy he couldn't shake. He wondered what the next challenge would be—what new puzzle the city would throw at him.
His phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with Chief of Police Jonathan Huggins' name. Adrian answered, bracing himself.
"Huggins."
"Cross, you're not still watching yourself on TV, are you?" The chief's voice was gruff, but there was a hint of amusement.
Adrian chuckled. "Just turned it off, sir."
"Good. Because you've got a new case. I need you back at the office, now."
Adrian's pulse quickened. "What's the situation?"
"I'll brief you when you get here. Just hurry. And Cross—bring your A-game. This one's… unusual."
The line went dead. Adrian stared at his phone for a moment, then stubbed out his cigarette and grabbed his coat.
System: New quest detected. Ready to accept?
Adrian smiled, feeling the familiar thrill of anticipation. "Let's get to work."
He stepped out into the hallway, the system's interface flickering at the edge of his vision. The city was calling, and Adrian Cross was on the clock once more.