2025-01-14 03:18:50A few minutes passed and Manchester's eyes fluttered open, the room was still blurry and a wave of dizziness washed over him. He just lay down there staring at the kitchen ceiling that he could barely see, his mind reeling with thoughts.
"Am I dead or alive?" He remembered taking a pill to relieve himself, but at the moment he felt worse, his head hurt so much and he couldn't tell if he was hallucinating but a holographic screen flickered to life before his eyes. Manchester wasn't startled, he just closed his eyes and tried to relax, whatever that thing was he knew it wasn't something to worry about. But then all the incidents over the past two days flooded his mind and Manchester suddenly remembered why he had come back home in the first place. He sat up Immediately, holding his aching head and hoping that his vision was better. He could thank God now that he was alive and had learnt a valuable lesson about pills. But then again why was this holographic screen still in front of him? //The I-Mode System is online now // //Detective Manchester Duke, please select a case to begin// "This is not a good time for me to see things," he thought to himself while rubbing his eyes and trying to get up. But then the mechanical took him by surprise. //Please select a case to begin // "What are you?" He thundered, getting upset with an entity that he couldn't even see, "This is not a good time, okay, so if someone is playing a prank on me, just stop it okay?" //This is not a prank, Detective Duke. I am a system. And from the records I see in your memory, you should know what I mean by that // //I am an investigating system, and I am here to help you regain your position as a detective and not just that, but also make you... "Hold up!" Manchester interjected, his voice dripping with curiosity, "You are an investigating system and you want to help me get a job?" //I will give you a job// "Will you pay me for it?" // Yes, I have linked the system's bank account to yours so I pay you for every completed investigation. But that is not all // "Is it a coincidence or you just came at the right time?" Manchester was suddenly very excited. Of course, he knew what a system was so there was no need to go further into the details. He didn't learn about them from a storybook or movie, but from a government-funded project to recreate something similar for a reason that they were yet to know. Manchester's biggest guess at the moment was that the system could be real, or he was being used for the experiment but that wouldn't make any sense since he got one inside his apartment without even going through any tedious procedures. "Look, I am very desperate right now, I will take any case right now just let me make something to clear off a few bills, no matter how little." His voice was calm and solemn, as though he was begging for a little change, "Problem is, my licence has been revoked... //I have sorted out all of that. Just select a case to begin // "No status?" //No, it's not like you will read them anyway. You will get to understand as you go. I'm just trying to assist you here. But in return, you might have to do something for me// "That's fine," Manchester retorted and heaved a sigh of relief, "What are the cases?" // There are numerous cases. Your planet is full of them, some are more difficult than others. Most of these cases are locked, but with enough points, you can unlock them as we go // "So much for it not being a game," Manchester whispered under his breath, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Okay, I am ready. I'm guessing that a certain number of points is required to unlock other cases, you will equip me with all the skills and equipment that I need but that's after completing the quest right?" //correct// "And then I get paid?" //Correct// Manchester closed his eyes and took a deep breath, there was one thing on his mind and it was a prayer. "I pray this is not a dream." His eyes shot open and with a newfound determination he said, "Alright, so what do I have to do?" Just after he asked, a list of cases appeared on the screen, most of them were locked, but case number one and number two were default cases. However, Manchester's eyes still scanned the list, despite being locked he could read their titles, and for some reason, he couldn't just wait to get there. "The Starlight Serenade Necklace Theft." He mumbled, it was the first case on the screen. His instincts told him that this was the case he needed to start with, so he focused his mind, and the system responded. // Case 1 Selected: The Starlight Serenade Necklace Theft // // I-Mode System Initializing Investigation Protocol.// Manchester's eyes widened as the system began to feed him information about the Starlight Serenade Necklace Theft case. He saw images of the necklace, a stunning piece of jewellery featuring a rare diamond surrounded by sapphires and rubies. // Case File: Starlight Serenade Necklace Theft // // Location: Bellvue Manor, residence of wealthy businessman, Richard Langley // // Time: 22:00 hours, last night // // Suspects: None confirmed, but several individuals were seen near the manor around the time of the theft // // Please proceed with the case. Your official system driver is waiting outside to take you to the location // Manchester's mind began to whirl with possibilities as he scanned the case file. Despite an empty suspect list, he could already picture a few potential suspects, including Langley's business partners, rival collectors and so on. But he'd have to get there first. // System Recommendation: Begin by interviewing Richard Langley and his staff. Gather more information about the necklace and the events surrounding the theft. // "I already know to start with that."
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I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 6. I- don't trust Atkinson
In a few minutes, Manchester arrived at Bellvue Manor, a grand estate nestled in the heart of the city in a simple vehicle similar to that of a police officer. His driver was also dressed in uniform making it appear as though it was official police business.Along the way, Manchester had gotten a couple of messages from what appeared to be a research team who were ready to support him through the investigation, and as weird as it may seem, Manchester played along.After speaking with the security guard at the entrance to the manor, Manchester was directed to the living room by a butler, and there he met the wealthy man who seemed to have been waiting for him. "Detective Duke," He exclaimed,"It's such a relief that you are here." The wealthy businessman man with a receding hairline stood on his feet, stretching his elderly hand for a handshake which Manchester received with a warm smile."How does he even know my name... ""Sit down." Mr. Richard Langley gestured to the couch that
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 7. I- will tell you what I heard him say over the phone
Mr Richard Langley led Manchester to the security room and asked the butler to wait outside while the detective did his job. Manchester could see a glint of anxiety in the butler's eyes and he took a mental note of that. As a detective, all kinds of reactions were important to him. With the doors closed Manchester was faced with two large monitors hanging on the walls, a desk with a keyboard and mouse, along with two chairs. He sat down and Mr. Langley did the same, watching the young detective skillfully scroll through the visual images on the screen. //Transferring security footage via wireless network// //Transfer complete // // You may select footage Vid_123 // Manchester scrolled down the screen and as soon as he spotted the videos, he clicked on it. It was a two hours long footage so he put it on fast-forward until he spotted someone in it. This footage was from a surveillance camera in the garden, and it was ten minutes to the hour of theft, it captured someone lurking be
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 8. I- begged him
"I still don't believe you," Manchester's voice echoed off the walls after listening to Emma's seemingly made-up explanation."This is all nonsense especially after you said that you didn't hear anything and now you are saying that Atkinson was speaking with someone about a business deal ... we will settle all this at the station.//Do you wish to arrest the suspects?//"Yes."// Sending in the team //Within a minute, a knock was heard on the door and Manchester opened it to let the team of three cops into the room, and he pointed the suspects out to them. Emma continued to beg, and swear that she was saying the truth while Atkinson willingly offered himself to be taken away."Don't worry Mr. Langley I will get to the bottom of this before the end of the day..."Please do," Mr. Richard Langley uttered before Manchester could finish speaking,"In the meantime, I'd search for something similar in case I don't find it today." "Very well," Manchester nodded before walking out of the roo
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 9. I- know who it is
"When I was in the garden, I caught her listening to my conversation, and I had no choice but to tell her the truth. However, she was scared of getting into trouble too and wanted to tell Mr Langley. So... I threatened her... or rather I blackmailed her with something I'd rather not talk about if that's okay with you sir."Manchester shrugged, he couldn't care less about the blackmail."This is what I am going to do." He said,"You will remain detained until we find the necklace, since we have your phone coupled with what you just told me, this case would be easier to solve. If what you have just said is the truth, then the necklace must be in the manor somewhere."Manchester was about to leave the room when he remembered something and turned to ask him,"Is there anyone in the manor that you suspect? Someone that holds something against you enough to want to get you fired."Atkinson thought about this question for a while, but he shook his head when he couldn't think of anyone. "I
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 10. I- am sorry sir
Back at the Bellvue Manor, Mr. Langley was anxiously anticipating Manchester's return. "Does he have answers, has he found the the thief?", these questions ran through his mind and it was impossible to sit down. "Ah, Mr. Detective," he exclaimed the second the butler ushered Manchester into the living room. Mr Langley couldn't help but notice that both Emma and Atkinson came in along with him, and he started to question if they were innocent all along, or perhaps they had come to confess. "Do you have answers?" He asked, "Please tell me that you have answers. My wife's plane would land in an hour, and I'd have to go pick her up soon, so if you don't have answers yet, you can leave it while I... "We have answers, Mr. Langley, " Manchester interjected, his tone was firm and certain. He felt that it was rude to cut the man off while he was still speaking, but knowing Mr Richard Langley's loquacious nature, it was for the best. "So?" Mr. Langley asked, still standing. "Well, sir." M
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 11. I- can win you back home, Mel
Now alone in the living room with the detective, Mr. Langley took a deep breath and stared at the young man in the eyes. "Is it true?" He asked, gesturing for Manchester to sit on the couch opposite him. "She left without a reason?" "Oh, that!" Manchester let out a faint smile. This isn't a subject he'd love to discuss with anyone, and the only reason he mentioned it in the first place was to prove to the butler that he could relate to the hurt he felt on the inside. "I'd rather not bother you with it, sir," He added before taking his seat and stapling both fingers together, "And your son?" Asked Mr. Langley, "Where is he?" Now, Manchester doesn't mind the show of concern, but he wishes that Langley would read his body language and end this conversation or at least change the subject. "I left him at the daycare," he lied "I'll pick him up on my way home." Mr. Langley soon noticed that Manchester had no interest in proceeding with this conversation, and he understood. It was
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 12. I-need an overview of the area
Just as he has said to Mr. Langley, Manchester headed for the hospital first to complete the payment from Nelson's treatment and words couldn't describe the wave of relief that washed over him when all that was cleared. Nelson's health was a priority to him because losing his child just after his wife had left would eventually cause him to end up at a rehabilitation centre. "We are doing everything we can, and he will be fine." The doctor assured him with a firm nod, before taking him to Nelson's ward for a few minutes. The one-year-old was yet to awaken, so Manchester did what always made him feel relieved, and that was to take Nelson's tiny hand in his, and talk to him as though he was awake and listening. "Don't worry, I'll get mummy back home." These were Manchester's last words to his unconscious child before leaving the hospital to rest. However, Manchester's depression worsened as soon as walked through the front door. He wasn't coming home to his family as usual, but
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 13. I- might have use for Mr. Langley's party afterall
Manchester gazes at the wall, the building itself was a single-story structure, with a faded sign that read 'Research facility' in peeling letters. Maybe it was due to Sophia Patel's disappearance, but the environment gave off an eerie feeling as they walked further into it.When they entered her laboratory, Manchester was greeted by a middle-aged woman who was taking pictures of the area before their arrival. Her name is Kim and she is the lab director whom the security officer had talked about."Thank you for coming, detective," she said, shaking hands with the Manchester, she could tell by the ID hanging from his neck and the box in his hand. Plus, she had also requested one a few hours ago."We are worried sick about Sophia," she began, her voice dripped with sadness,"It has been three days and we have no idea what happened to her."Manchester nodded sympathetically, dropped his box on the floor and opened it up to take out his notepad. "Can you tell me more about Dr. Patel's re
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56. I- watched take a step
With one interview after another, Manchester was finally able to get to the bottom of the case, at least lost of it. It turned out that what Alex did was entirely true, and every one them them knew the grandmaster made them such dirty tasks. But still, they had a hand in kidnapping and murdering the manager and must face the law. The consequences of their actions range from a life sentence to a death sentence. Through the Interrogation session, Manchester learned about how these four met and became friends even before they met the grandmasters. These four had a very dark history and robbed a few stores and restaurants on their own. They claimed that it was the only way they could survive at the time and that the only reason they gave in to working for the grandmaster was because he accommodated them in his home and promised to protect them. One thing that Manchester still didn't have an answer to is the restaurant owners were about. He couldn't help but wonder if these four
55. I- killed him.
"Okay, now that I am done drinking, and not getting drunk, I can deal with these ones," Manchester muttered, bracing himself for one of the longest Interrogation sessions he's going to have in a long time. Speaking with all four men individually and compiling their words to find out if they correlate seems like a lot of work, but he had two hours before it's six o'clock, so why not start now? "Alex," Manchester started with a smile, his eyes fixed on the young man who didn't believe he'd catch the others. "Let me start by saying, I did it! I caught your friends, all of them, in one piece. I don't just say things, I get them done." Alex sighed, his face fell with embarrassment; perhaps this was when the reality hit him in the face; he had been caught, and so were his friends. "Did you attack Hi n BYE on the evening of ... "Yes," Alex replied before Manchester could finish his words, "Yes, I did." Shocked by how quickly he responded, Manchester glanced at his partner, So
54. I- would rather be single forever.
They arrived at the station, and all three men were immediately detained; Manchester couldn't believe how quickly he completed this task. Even Sophia Patel's disappearance took longer than a case that appeared to be more difficult. "I can't believe it," Detective Jameson uttered. This is probably the hundredth time he had made that statement, and each time he did, Manchester smiled. "It's for the people," Manchester said, sipping from the bottle of wine that stood on the table separating him from Jameson. He's had quite a hectic day, from the court to fighting with Alex to catching the others. Overall, the entire police department detained twelve men, excluding the trio that Manchester was focused on finding. He immediately wanted to rush in for Interrogation, but Jameson pulled him from the shoulder and forced him to the cafeteria. Bought some bottles of wine, one for himself, one for Manchester and one extra. "Relax," he said, "Seventy per cent of the work is done; no need to
53. I- haven't fought like this in a while
With a deep breath, Manchester dashed into the grand hallway, the echo of gunfire behind him fading beneath the pounding of his own heartbeat. His mind was locked. Every inch of this place screamed luxury, from the paintings in gilded frames to the marble floors, even a chandelier. But Manchester knew could smell the criminal acts that purchased them all.// System Notification: Six remaining hostiles detected. Two on the ground floor and four in the basement.//“System, keep me updated. I don’t want any surprises.” Manchester muttered, bracing himself for the fight he was about to experience. He had faith in the system's strength, but at Level 1, he believed that most of his efforts would be required.As if in response to his statement, the system highlighted a figure moving around the corner just ahead, so Manchester lowered his body and silently advanced. The man stepped out with a silenced pistol, but Manchester was faster. He grabbed a bronze statue from a side table and slammed
52. I- will take all of them
"Number thirteen, Haven Crescent," Manchester muttered as he peeped through the partially rolled-down car window. His eyes glance at the apartment, and the house number that hung near the gate. The apartment was magnificent, simple and classic from the outside, it was obvious that whoever lived there wasn't struggling, and then it occurred to him that Alex had said that it wasn't their home. With a long sigh, Manchester rolled up the tinted glass and walked out of the car. He wasn't alone; two cops were with him, and there were four others on standby in case of emergency. Manchester tapped the doorbell sign on the gate and waited; the gateman, a man in a white shirt and pants, stepped out and asked. "Who are you looking for?" Manchester flashed his ID immediately and replied, "Detective Duke, I would love to speak with the house owner immediately. If he delays or declines, we have a permit to search the house and wouldn't hesitate to do so." At his words, the gateman sneered, s
51. I- fought with a suspect
“So can I,” Alex replied, the menacing grin on his face along with his messed-up brunette hair made him appear fierce, but Manchester wasn’t impressed. Before now, he was a well-trained military personnel, and the only reason he deviated into the investigation department was that Mel didn’t want to be married to him if he was going to constantly put his life at risk in the military.Manchester inched closer to Alex, his fist itching to release yet another punch, but he had to be careful to avoid killing him.“Why did you do it?” He asked, now standing only a few feet away from Alex.“I didn’t...“Lie!” Manchester cut him off and delivered yet another punch that Alex couldn’t dodge.“You are only this powerful because my hands aren’t free,” Alex yelled, groaning in pain as he tried to grab onto his hurting stomach.“If only I were free, you would have been dead by now.”“You are truly violent,” Manchester said and let out a broad smile. He found Alex’s words very useful and immediat
50. I- can do this all day and not be tired.
The same day, after dropping Valerie off at her parent's apartment, Manchester returned home with Nelson and stayed with him for a while, hitting long enough for the Nanny to show up so that he could leave. He couldn't help but worry about his child and what they might go through, he feared for his safety and wished he could shield him from all this drama. If only Mel had not left him the way she did, if only she hadn't gone to be with Cain behind his back, he wouldn't be trapped I'm this mess. In the end, he is grateful for the system, because it has given him a glimpse of hope, he doesn't care what else wants to happen, because as long as he completes his task, he will be rewarded and he will be wealthy in no time. As soon as the Nanny showed up, Manchester left without any trouble. The good thing about Nelson is that he gets familiar with anyone who takes care of him very quickly, so even in his father's absence, he's comfortable in the hands of another person. It took nearly
49. I- want the result to favour me
"Manchester!" Valerie snapped. "I think a peaceful negotiation with him might be a lot better. You could lose everything if you chose to fight with him. I don't mean this in a bad way but you can not match up with him in that level even if you know the law." Manchester's face fell, her words hurt but she was right, he wasn't as wealthy as Cain, nor as powerful. But he wasn't going to fold his arm and do nothing about it, and he also wasn't going to waste his time negotiating with a man who didn't seem interested. "I'm sorry," Valerie apologised, wishing that she never let those words off her lips. It isn't her intention to mock anyone of lower status and it has never been. "You are right," Manchester replied, "I can not match up to him, but at least I can keep my son safe, even if it is the last thing I do. Please, Valerie, I will hire a nanny, two nannies if you want me to, they'll take care of him while he's with you. You don't have to lift a finger, I just don't want him to b
48. I- am going to do this the hard way.
After the samples from Manchester and Cain were taken, the young detective left immediately along with Valerie and Nelson. Valerie had a driver, but she asked him to go back, stating that Manchester would drop her back home after everything was complete. But the true reason she waited behind was because of what that mysterious lady had told her about this case. She just couldn't get it off her mind and needed to communicate it with Manchester, but not in front of all these people."Thank you so much Valerie for waiting, I'm sure you had a lot of things to do today that you gave up to be here." Manchester acknowledged her as soon as they got into the car. "It's okay," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, Nelson was peacefully sleeping in her arms and she didn't want to risk waking him up."I'm off today, so it doesn't matter. And by the way, I needed to talk to you about something, I just needed us to speak privately."At those words, Manchester's heart skipped a beat."i
