I stood in front of the man and slowly clenched my fists, shadows flying off my body gradually. My lips curled up into a more warm smile as my eyes assumed a more crazy look. This made the man stagger back as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing right now. Well, I didn't blame him. There were a lot of things he wouldn't be believing right now.
"How did you pull up something like this?" The man was very much shocked as if he hadn't seen anything like this before. He temporarily lost the will to fight.
"Weren't you yelling to me about my death being imminent just now?" I asked him as I slowly transformed the shadows into several large chains, copying what he had been doing. "Weren't you gloating right now?"
My expression seemed to darken as my
When I saw that all the players whom my teammates were fighting had been defeated and were about to be killed, I decided to step in. Killing these players would definitely give me points with which to level up. I couldn't let go of a chance like this, not when I still had the Wade family to face. Also I wanted to prove to the team that I wasn't a person who could be messed with. Despite their numbers I was sure I would be able to defeat them due to my Rush Absorption, Luck and Download skills.Even if I die fighting my teammates, I thought to myself as I clenched to my fists. I can always use the Resurrection skill to come back to life. So there is no way they can actually defeat me even if they used all their lives to fight me."Come to me!" I yelled loud enough for everyone to hear as I used some of the chains to move, shattering the ground in the process. Everyone turned to look at me, even the players belonging to the enemy team.I created a small chain and used it to wrap around
The whiteness cleared and I could see a broadsword hovering in the air. It was bigger than my two arms combined and glittered under the sun. The blade was as red as blood and I could see several faces screaming within it. The hilt of the broadsword was made of a skull and I was really satisfied with it. I even chuckled a couple of times.The broadsword floated towards me and I immediately reached out my right hand to grab the hilt, a terrifying power surging through me. My right hand instantly became numb and I felt myself slowly transforming into an undead creature. My emotions were gradually becoming numb as well.So this is how strong a demigod weapon is, I said to myself as I maintained my warm smile despite the change I was going through. If I didn't stop holding this sword I would be transformed into a thoughtless zombie consumed by bloodlust.[DO YOU WISH TO PURCHASE A DEMIGOD SHEATH? YOUR CURRENT SHEATH IS NO LONGER CAPABLE OF HOLDING YOUR SWORD]You're such a cheat, I grumble
I watched all my teammates level up, their faces contorting with pain. Well, I didn't care about that because this was a necessary sacrifice to increase the strength in my team. For some time this continued till they were finally normal. I allowed them to catch their breath so that I could proceed with what I wanted to ask them."So..." I said as I folded my hands. "I need to ask you all questions and you're gonna answer honestly."The quartet turned to look at each other and I bet they were wondering what questions I was going to ask. Maybe it was because I'd just killed five players and taken their skulls but my teammates seemed to be a least bit afraid of me."You can ask away," Red Witch said as she folded her hands. "Our missions have been completed and we all need to return home.""Trust me," I turned to look at her. "I have the urge to return home more than you do."I then withdrew my gaze from her and turned to Golden Buddha who was staring at me through the visor in his helme
I stared at my teammates for some time and I could see helplessness radiating from them. Obviously there was nothing they could do to their systems which were restricting them. I think the best thing to do right now was to step in. Hopefully the Enigmatic System would come out of its restriction and help me deal with their systems. With such restrictions placed on these players, missions would become harder than they appeared."Do you want the restrictions to be removed?" I asked all of them. I still had this crazy look but my eyes had softened and I could tell that they all saw that.Tainted Angel was the one who opened her mouth this time but she ultimately couldn't say anything just like Red Witch. This was very strange and I couldn't help but wonder if their systems had also restricted them from revealing anything about their restrictions. Definitely, there was a death penalty for it or else these hotheads wouldn't be so afraid to respond."Will you die if you tell me?" I asked ag
My eyes flared open and the first thing I saw was a white ceiling. This was in contrast to the milky coloured ceiling I had in my house. I couldn't help but turn my head to look around in order to ascertain where I was. I had become unconscious in my bedroom after entering into the virtual reality and now I was somewhere else. It was really unsettling so I needed to know where I was currently.I noticed I was in this room with white walls and tiles. I was lying on this bed which seemed like a stretcher and Pauline was nowhere to be found."What the hell happened when I was unconscious?" I couldn't help but ask myself. "How did I end up here?"I decided to ask the Enigmatic System which had been silent all the while I was in the virtual reality. If it didn't also respond to me then it meant something was really wrong with it."Enigmatic System, do you have an idea about my situation now?" I couldn't help but ask myself. "I don't know how I found myself here and it's really strange."[I
I immediately waved the issue of Stephen betraying me from the back of my mind. I knew Stephen very well and for a long time now. He wasn't capable of something like that due to his personality. Stephen wouldn't betray me no matter what.Even if Stephen didn't like me I knew he really liked Paulina very well and was willing to do anything for her. He wouldn't do things to harm her no matter what. That wasn't Stephen's style.[THAT BUDDHIST PLAYER IS BECOMING WAY TOO SMART AND PLOTTING LIKE HIS BUDDHIST SYSTEM. I DON'T LIKE THEM]"Well, when Stephen comes I'll make sure to ask him what is really going on," I said to myself.[WHY DON'T YOU ESCAPE INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR HIM? WHAT IF HE DOESN'T HAVE EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL AND IS WAITING FOR YOU TO ESCAPE?]"Nah, history can't repeat itself," I said to the Enigmatic System. "I've done something like this before and if I'm to do it now, the Wade family will become suspicious of Stephen Wale."I turned to look at the windows before saying,
I looked at the door and I saw that Stephen was with two cops. They were dressed in black starchy uniforms and had grim expressions as if they were disgruntled with their jobs. They walked into the room, edging past Stephen who still had his usual blank expression plastered across his face. Even if I was now the God of Copycats I couldn't even read his emotions. So I couldn't help but feel confused about the whole situation. What if he had betrayed me and was using his usual blank expression to deceive me?The two cops stopped beside my bed before staring into my eyes deeply, their expressions greatly satisfied. Maybe catching a wanted man was such a great thing."We all know you have something to do with the robbery at the police headquarters earlier," one of the cops said. "So you have to comply and not act stubborn."I turned my head to look at the cop who was talking before flashing a very amiable smile, "You can't force me to admit things when you don't have concrete evidence."T
Stephen deactivated the Motion skill and the cops soon turned normal. They had dazed expressions but they soon returned to their normal expressions."Are you done with your interrogation?" the cop asked Stephen who still had his hands in his pockets."I wasn't interrogating the suspect," Stephen said. "I was merely reaching a consensus with him.""And what's that consensus?" the cop asked again as he turned to look at me with a weird gaze. It felt as if I wasn't someone who would reach a consensus with another person.Stephen turned to give me a glance before saying, "He has agreed to comply. You can take him to the station and he's gonna tell you everything he knows.""Just like that?" the cop stared at me suspiciously as if he couldn't believe what Stephen was saying."Are you doubting me?" Stephen asked as he gave the cop a cold gaze."No," the cop shivered under Stephen's gaze immediately. "I was just curious about this suspect. He had been unyielding till a few moments ago.""Kee
The last ten months with Paulina have been incredible, way beyond what I ever imagined. Every day feels like a new adventure, and even our quiet times are filled with happiness.Still, I can’t help but worry about the Enigmatic System being gone and whether I played a part in that. It was the reason I got to where I am now, and I feel a real connection to it. It’s tough knowing I couldn’t help it, but can a system really be more than just a bunch of codes?I’m not the only one feeling this way; the whole team is mourning the loss since their systems shut down around the same time. No matter how cutting-edge our tech is, it just can’t match the unique intelligence of the system.As I sat in the living room, I opened up to Paulina, who was snuggled up next to me, really listening."I can’t shake this feeling, Paulina," I confessed. "I know it sounds odd, but it feels like I’ve lost a piece of myself. You get it; you were part of it too."She gave my arm a comforting squeeze. "I totally
After we got ready, we strolled hand in hand, with Paulina playfully urging me to spill the beans, but I just couldn’t do it. It was a surprise, and I wanted to keep it that way. We left the VIP room, and a staff member gave me a knowing look before leading us down a hidden hallway. Paulina’s eyes were wide with curiosity as we moved away from the usual crowd. At the end of the corridor, we passed through a sleek, unmarked door that opened up to a private elevator.Paulina squeezed my hand, her eyebrows shooting up in excitement. “Jason, what’s happening? This feels like something out of a movie!”I just smiled and stayed quiet, relishing the suspense that was making her even more curious. As the elevator doors closed, I could feel her gaze on me, searching for hints I wasn’t ready to give away.When the doors finally opened, we stepped out onto the rooftop, and there it was—a stunning black helicopter waiting for us, its blades shimmering in the sunlight, with the pilot already on st
As Paulina rested peacefully on the bed, her sleeping face looked even more beautiful than I always knew. In the luxurious VIP suite, surrounded by plush decor and soft lighting, I felt a strange blend of tranquility and anxiety. I wandered over to the mirrored table where the ring I had bought on credit from that Enigmatic System sparkled softly in the glow. Holding it up, I couldn’t help but admire its detailed craftsmanship. The ring was so shiny and seemed transparent, capable of absorbing light. The several beautiful and unfamiliar stones around it made it more beautiful. My eyes sparkled with admiration, but the silence from the Enigmatic System was palpable and a bit unsettling. Not a single word or sound all day, which felt odd. Was it giving me space because I was with Paulina and it understood my plight? Or had my time with it somehow made it feel... more human? That thought left me feeling both intrigued and cautious.I shook off those thoughts; there were more urgent iss
The restaurant buzzed with energy as we arrived. Soft ambient lights wrapped around us, and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air. As we walked in, I could feel the gaze of other diners on us, and I welcomed it. This was my moment—a chance to reveal the man I had become.“Welcome back, Mr. Lewis!” The hostess greeted me with a warm smile. “Your usual table?”“Yes, please,” I replied, glancing at Paulina. She looked radiant in her elegant dress, her beauty captivating. I felt a surge of pride to be with someone as remarkable as her.er.We were guided to a cozy corner table adorned with fresh flowers and flickering candles. As we settled in, I couldn’t help but admire Paulina. “You look stunning tonight,” I said, reaching across the table to take her hand.“Thank you, Jason. You look charming too,” she replied, her smile lighting up the dim room. “I love this new confidence in you—it’s inspiring.”“Confidence comes with knowing my true worth,” I replied, feeling a surge of emp
The tension in the boutique thickened as I faced every John and the woman employee. My coronary heart raced, no longer out of worry but from the boiling anger that surged through me. Here I grow to be a modified guy who has risen from the depths of despair, and those two have been the reason for dragging me back down. "Listen right here," I commenced out, my voice steady but laced with authority. "You haven't any idea who you're talking to. I may have been the underdog, however I’m no longer that character. I will no longer stand idly with the useful resource of while you belittle me or my female friend."John laughed, a mocking sound that echoed through the boutique. “Oh, what are you going to do? Throw a tantrum? You do not scare me, you little peasant. You have to be thankful that a person like her even seems your way.”Paulina had subsequently discovered the commotion. She strode over, her expression moving from interest to venture. “What’s going on right here?” she demanded, eyes
After picking the case up I tucked it away in my pocket and it to the sitting room. I saw Paulina in the sitting room pacing about. Obviously, she was a bit nervous about the date she was going to have with me. At this moment she didn't look like the bold and confident woman I used to know."Sorry for keeping you waiting," I said with an apologetic smile. "I had to do something.""I know," Paulina flashed a smile at me. She actually understood I could suddenly become busy at times because I was a player."So let's go shopping," I said as I grabbed her right hand and led her out of the sitting room. We got into my expensive Mercedes Benz and drove away.I decided to stop at a five-star boutique and get some new clothes and jewelries which we were going to wear tonight for our date. I'd already set up everything except for the clothes.As expected the boutique premise was already filled with so many flashy cars. Many wealthy people usually came to buy their wears from this boutique. It
After some moments of silence, the Enigmatic System finally spoke. His voice was no longer sad and it had resumed the usual emotionlessness.[I HAVE A RING WHICH MATCHES YOUR DESCRIPTION BUT IT IS REALLY COSTLY]"Costly?" I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows. "How costly?"[IT IS 5,000 POINTS]"Huh?" I was surprised after hearing that. The Enigmatic System usually made use of coins but now it had switched to points. What was really happening?I had only come across the term, 'points', from Stephen Wale. Back then I'd asked him why he wasn't wealthy and he had told me that his system uses points instead of coins. I'd come across other players and they were not as wealthy as I was. This was because their systems made use of points which could not be converted to real money like the virtual coins the Enigmatic System made use of.[WELL, THERE IS THIS NEW POLICY THAT BANS SYSTEMS FROM USING COINS. WE CAN ALL ONLY USE POINTS FROM NOW ON]"So that's another reason you were punished by that
After asking the Enigmatic System about the ring it suddenly fell silent for some moments. I didn't know why it didn't respond to me as usual and it bothered me. I even began thinking that something bad had really happened to the Enigmatic System. Maybe the Creator System which had the consciousness of the systems' creator had decided to place a restriction on the Enigmatic System for behaving more and more like a human instead of the system it was expected to be.I'd watched a cyberpunk movie and there was this artificial intelligence which evolved beyond how it was created. It started becoming more and more like a human being, alarming the creators. In order to prevent the artificial intelligence from gaining sentience and toppling the authority of humans, they decided to destroy it. The artificial intelligence fought a good battle but it could not outmatch humans. With regrets, it parted with the woman it loved as it was shut down by the scientists who created it. They later had th
After the lunch, Stephen announced that he was leaving. He had so many things to catch up on and there was no more time. Nudging his glasses he turned around to leave."Take care, Steve," Paulina said, causing him to turn back slightly. There was a complicated emotion in Stephen's eyes, something I had never seen before."Sure," he nodded and turned to look at me. I could tell that he was asking me not to mention what he had told me earlier to Paulina.I nodded slowly as I said, "Take care, Stephen. You can come up with several contingency plans during your free time.""Believe me," Stephen wasn't smiling. "I already have a contingency plan for every scenario.""Do not slack off in your training," I said."I will come often to spar with you," Stephen said. "Get stronger than me so that you can push me beyond my limit."I smiled as I secretly clenched my fists tightly, "Don't worry. I'll become so strong that you'd be crushed by my gaze."And that was the truth. I wasn't just bluffing