I AM GOD OF CRIMINAL

6

Ethan sat cross-legged on his bed, the demonic mirror balanced on his lap.

“So, you’re basically a smartphone now?” he muttered, swiping the shimmering surface. The mirror responded smoothly, displaying glowing icons.

“Abilities,” “Affinity Points,” “History,” read the options. He tapped on Abilities and saw a list of locked skills with tiny locks over them.

“Robbery,” Ethan murmured, selecting the skill. The description expanded: “Steal physical objects through physical contact. Upgrade to refine usage.”

He groaned. “Yeah, no kidding about refining. I don’t want to accidentally rob someone again.”

The upgrade button gleamed faintly, taunting him. A notification popped up: “10 affinity points required. Balance: 0.”

“How do I get more points?” he asked aloud, but the mirror remained silent.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Ethan slipped the mirror under his pillow.

“Come in,” he called, sitting up.

Detective Mike Hayes stepped inside, dressed in a casual polo shirt and jeans.

“Didn’t expect to see you here,” Ethan said, blinking in surprise.

“Just tying up loose ends,” Mike replied, holding up a folder. “And making sure you’re not about to get scammed out of that reward.”

“Scammed?” Ethan raised an eyebrow.

“You’d be surprised how many people come out of the woodwork claiming they’re long-lost relatives of reward claimants,” Mike said with a smirk.

Ethan chuckled nervously. “No long-lost relatives here. Just me, my sister, and my little brother.”

Mike sat down on a nearby chair, setting the folder on the table. “Good. Let’s go over this quickly. First, you’re looking at $50,000.”

“Looking at?” Ethan tilted his head.

“Well, after taxes, it’s more like $31,500,” Mike explained, shrugging. “Uncle Sam always takes his cut.”

Ethan frowned. “That’s… less exciting.”

Mike laughed. “Welcome to adulthood, kid.”

As Mike started explaining the paperwork, Ethan’s mind wandered.

This money could change everything. A better place for Emily and Adam. No more moldy walls, no more sleepless nights listening to rats scurry around.

“Are you even listening?” Mike’s voice broke through.

“Huh? Yeah, sorry,” Ethan said, shaking his head. “Just thinking about what this means for my family.”

Mike softened. “Good to hear. Most people blow it on dumb stuff.”

Ethan nodded. “Not me. First thing I’ll do is find a better apartment. Emily’s been working herself to death just to keep us afloat.”

Mike leaned back, crossing his arms. “That’s a good plan. You’re smarter than most people your age.”

Ethan laughed. “I just know what it’s like to have nothing.”

As they talked, Ethan shifted in his seat, accidentally brushing against Mike’s arm.

A faint shimmer passed between them, unnoticed by the detective. Ethan froze as he felt a cold, metallic object press against his leg.

No way…

He glanced down discreetly. Mike’s handcuffs were now sitting in his pocket.

“What the—” Ethan muttered under his breath.

“You say something?” Mike asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No, nothing,” Ethan said quickly, his mind racing. Not again! This stupid skill!

Thinking fast, Ethan reached into his pocket and pulled out the cuffs. “Hey, uh… did you drop these?”

Mike stared at them, then patted his belt. “Huh, must’ve slipped off. Thanks.”

Ethan handed them over, forcing a smile. “No problem.”

That was way too close, he thought, swallowing hard.

Mike stood, stretching. “Alright, kid, I’ve got to get going. The weekend’s calling my name.”

“Big plans?” Ethan asked, eager to steer the conversation away from his blunder.

“Fishing trip with my brother,” Mike said, grinning. “Not exactly glamorous, but it’s tradition.”

Ethan smiled. “Sounds nice. Thanks for helping with all this.”

“Anytime,” Mike said, heading for the door. “Oh, and don’t forget to file that paperwork by Monday.”

“Got it,” Ethan replied, waving him off.

As soon as the door shut, Ethan pulled out the mirror, glaring at it.

“Seriously? You couldn’t warn me that was about to happen?” he hissed. The mirror shimmered, displaying a single word: “Robbery.”

“I know it’s the skill! What I don’t know is how to control it,” he snapped.

The screen shifted, showing an upgrade tree. One of the nodes read “Manual Activation” with a price tag of 15 points.

“Great,” Ethan muttered. “Even better than before. Guess I have to earn points the hard way.

The next day, Ethan stood in line at the bank with Mike, holding the completed reward forms.

“Trust me, you’ll want to do this in person,” Mike said. “Too many scammers target electronic transfers.”

“Good to know,” Ethan replied, glancing around nervously.

Mike gave him a curious look. “You always this jumpy?”

“Just not used to all this attention,” Ethan lied, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

“Well, relax. You’re doing good work.”

Ethan nodded, though his mind remained elsewhere.

As the reward process wrapped up, a new thought struck Ethan.

“Hey, Detective,” he began. “Wasn’t there another bounty on Jimmy Carter? Something about the Hightower Corporation?”

Mike frowned. “Yeah, there was. They’re big on public rewards for fugitives. Why?”

“I think I remember where their office is,” Ethan said, his voice steady.

Mike raised an eyebrow. “You’re full of surprises, kid. Lead the way.”

Ethan and Mike arrived at the towering Hightower Corporation building. The sleek, glass exterior gleamed under the afternoon sun.

“This place is intense,” Mike said, whistling.

“Yeah,” Ethan muttered, memories flooding back. Last time I was here, they thought I was a thief.

They entered the lobby, where a receptionist greeted them with a polite smile.

“How can I help you?” she asked.

“We’re here about the bounty for Jimmy Carter,” Mike said, stepping forward.

“Of course,” she replied, typing into her computer. “Please have a seat while I notify the legal team.”

Ethan’s gaze wandered as they waited. This is it. Another step toward fixing everything.

Mike nudged him. “Stay sharp, kid. These corporate types don’t play fair.”

Ethan smirked. “Don’t worry. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.”