Even in his previous lifetime,Zachary, as a general rule, hid his emotions. He figured they were intel he should not hand over, and so at all times, his face was blank.But today was different. Zachary had just received the first mission rewards from the system, and excitement poured out of him like sunshine through fine white linen; he glowed from the inside out. It felt like every fibre of his being was vibrating with anticipation when he looked at the virtual screen before him. He first rubbed his palms together and sat down on his bed before tapping on the system shop tab that was still blinking red.[Ding!SYSTEM SHOP->Gift Packs (temporarily unlocked) (1 msg)->Purchase Skills (locked)->Purchase Elixirs (locked)->Lottery Coupons (locked)->lnventory (temporarily unlocked)(1 msg)]The Gift-Pack tab was blinking red,and Zachary right away extendedhis right forefinger and tapped onit. For the first time, he noticed thatthe screen felt tangible against histouch but did not
Hope bloomed inside Zachary afterreading the words below the superstar skill card.Without a moment of hesitation, he clicked on the image of the skill card filling up the screen and learned the Zinedine visual skill.He was looking forward to how it could improve his budding football career.Instantly, he felt a pang ofheadache assaulting his brain as the system implanted new information into his mind. But a while later, his head cleared, and he noticed that there seemed to be no perceivable transformation within his body or mind.He thus opened the user-stats tabthat was already blinking red onthe system user interface to understand the changes in his stats.[Ding!Host Stats:->Physical Fitness: B-->Soccer Technique: B+->Game Intelligence: A+->Mental Ability and Mindset: C-->X-Factors: F>Superstar skill: 1(1 msg)]Zachary's soccer technique had once again levelled up from the grading of B- to B+ in a single evening. His game intelligence had jumped from the C+ grade and wa
Zachary slept off as soon as he hit the soft mattress. He couldn't believe that things were finally going to be different. Oh, how he wishes it was already here.. that moment he would finally achieve his dreams. Zachary smiled as he drifted off to sleep.*In a superb football field. Well-trimmed grass, sunny weather, fans screaming in ecstasy to show their support to the individual teams, flags waving in the air. Twenty-two men clad in two different uniforms were running around the field doing their best to outdo the opponent team.Wardens F.C. team were known for their gold uniform, while their opponent, the Crowders wore their signature Red and Black.Zachary Bemba was a striker for the Wardens F.C. and right now he had managed to get the ball for the first time since the match began.“Zachary has just gotten the ball at his feet, will he be able to cope with his knee injury?” a male voice was heard through the speaker of the soccer field.“We all know that he won't score, I wonder
[NORTH OF THE APF HEADQUARTERS]In a manor, heavily guarded by men in Japanese samurai style, a crisp sound of heel shoes knocking against the tiles could be heard in the inner hall.Akira Nakamura, clad in black spandex and armed with two katana swords, strode into the hall with confidence. The seven middle-aged men seated around the round table looked up, their eyes fixed on her with a mix of curiosity and respect.Akira stopped in front of the eldest man, her father, Kenji Nakamura, and bowed deeply."Otō-sama, konbanwa." (Father, good evening.)Kenji Nakamura, the leader of the Yakuza, nodded slightly, his eyes never leaving hers."Akira, konbanwa. What brings you to this meeting?"Akira straightened, her eyes locked on her father's."I've received intel that the Triads are moving goods through our territory. I request permission to intercept them, otō-sama."The room fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the tea kettle. Kenji's expression remained impassive, but his eyes na
The four trucks drove at a steady pace down the secluded road, Jian and the Triads members were on high alert. Suddenly, the lead truck burst into flames, blocking the road. The other trucks screeched to a halt, and the Triads poured out, shooting sporadically. They knew they had just been ambushed by the Yakuza."Incoming!" one of the Triad members yelled, as arrows rained down on the Triads.Jian leapt out of the truck, his two handguns at the ready. "Take cover!" He shouted to his team.The Triad members scattered, seeking shelter behind nearby rocks and trees. While Akira and her team charged forward, her sword flashing in the sunlight."Get down!" Jian Li yelled as he and his team returned fire.The battle was intense, with bullets flying and arrows thudding into flesh. Men screamed and fell, but Akira and Jian Li remained standing, their skills honed to perfection.Akira dodged a hail of bullets, her sword slicing through the air."You're good, but not good enough! Did you think
Akira drove the truck into the Yakuza territory. She had to meet her father and make a mission report.Akira walked into the meeting hall, her eyes fixed on her father and the elders seated at the table. She bowed deeply, her hands by her sides."Otō-sama, I have returned," she said, her voice steady.Kenji Nakamura's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing."Akira, you're the only survivor?"Akira nodded, her eyes still cast down."Yes, otō-sama. The Triads misled us into thinking they were moving the crates to the Yagawazu warehouse, we made a change of plan at the last minute and ambushed them at the crossroads, I lost my team, but I managed to escape with the crates. Their Triads also suffered heavy losses as all their escorts were eliminated."The elders murmured among themselves, their faces grave. Kenji's expression turned stern."Akira, you know how important this mission was. Just tell me, did you complete it? Did you bring back those artefacts, and you're sure you killed every one
Jian Li spent the next few hours gathering intelligence on Akira's whereabouts. He knew she was a skilled fighter, but he also knew she had a weakness - her loyalty to the Yakuza. Although he didn't want to kill Akira as she had spared his life, he knew he could not back away from a mission. The moment he turns his back on his family will be the moment he ceases to exist.He tracked her down to a small bar on the outskirts of town, a known Yakuza hangout. This was his chance. Jian took his two best handguns, and a key to his powerbike and left the manor on his PCJ 600 powerbike.Jian Li stopped at the bar, he only called for two extra guys as a backup. This was supposed to be a stealth mission. He approached the bar cautiously, his gun hidden beneath his jacket.As he entered the bar, he spotted Akira sitting in the corner, her eyes fixed on him. She saw him being a bit fidgety as if he was steeling his resolve for something, that's when she knew he was there to kill her, but she didn
Jian Li walked into the Triad manor, his mind still reeling from his encounter with Akira. He couldn't shake off the feeling that his whole world was about to be turned upside down.As he entered the courtyard, a Triad member approached him."Jian, your father summons you." The Triad said and went off. He hadn't even bothered greeting Jian or helping him park his powerbike. Jian knew he had more or less lost his respect in the eyes of these Triads' low-level members. In a Mafia organization, only strength matters. Kindness and goodness, are all seen as weaknesses.Sigh!Jian nodded, his heart sinking. He knew he had to be careful what he said to his father. He made his way to Victor Li's office, his mind racing with thoughts of Akira and the Yakuza. When he entered the office, his father looked up from his desk, his eyes narrowing."Jian, I hear you failed to finish off Akira Nakamura even when you had it in front of you." Victor Li said, his voice cold.Jian bowed his head. "I apolog