In a starless void of darkness. Xavier floated away. His mind replayed the events of what had happened over again and over again. He was overwhelmed by the emotions of regrets, anger, loss. He had refused to believe what those men said about his father being behind everything that happened, but deep down he knew it might just be true. Edgar didn't dispute what those men said, and Edgar himself said he was just following orders, that only meant his father planned all these.. but why? Because he was the son of a mistress? Because he had no significant place in the family? Or because his mother was once a maid? Were these reasons enough to kill him? Hadn't he been laying low, taking in all their abuses and insults without any form of retaliation? Why would they still plan to kill him, and without even letting him say goodbye to his mother! If he was allowed to live, perhaps he could become a Mafia Lord one day.
"WHY!?" Xavier screamed to the starless void. The more he thought about it, the more anger his mind brew. «Ding! Data collection complete! Fusion successful! Host's health is currently in a critical state. Injecting revitalization serum!» Xavier heard a female mechanical voice. He immediately turned around but saw nothing except infinite darkness. «Ding! Host's emotions are a mess! Injecting Ever-Calm serum!» Xavier felt his mind calm as a cool sensation ran over him. He began to rearrange his thoughts, but first thing first, what exactly was that mechanical voice earlier. «Welcome Host, I am Erebus. Earlier I detected an attempt of brainwash on the host, thus I made use of the Ever-Calm serum on the host.» the voice spoke again. "Erebus, huh? Who or what are you?" Xavier asked. "I am an Artificial Intelligence System, you can think of me as your personal assistant. Needless to say, I am not of this backwater world of yours. I was soaring the data airspace when I felt a pull to you. I felt your unbridled desire to make a change at your life, thus I am here to help.» the mechanical voice said with a hint of glee in its voice. "And how will you be able to help me?" Xavier questioned the system. In the past he would have been fretting, but now his mind was as calm as the sea. «I can grant the Host sets of skills and monetary rewards should host walk in the path of accomplishing his goal.» the mechanical voice replied. "Like those Systems in Lightnovels that make their protagonist so OP? Hmm, fine. But where exactly I'm I?" «You are in the void, an airspace between the Living and Purgatory. Host should awaken in ten minutes.» the system replied. "Alright. Since you said you're a system and I'm the host, can you show me my stats?" «Ding! STAT (System for Transfer and Analysis of Tactical data): Host: Xavier Hale Age: 18 Status: Comatose Attributes: Strength (STR); 10 Intelligence (INT); 25 Agility (AGI); 10 Vitality (VIT); 25 Endurance (END); 25 Charisma (CHA); 15 Combat stats: Attack power (ATK); 10 Defense (DEF); 10 Health points (HP); 100% Mana points (MP); 100 Accuracy (ACC); 0 Evasion (EVA); 0 Performance metrics: Experience points (XP); 0 Level; 1 Skills: Revitalization (passive, upgradable) Ever-Calm (passive, non upgradable) Gold or currency; $0 Kills or deaths; 0 kills, 1 death Win-loss record; 0 Goal: To be a Mafia Lord. (System suggests host to level up ASAP or host's goal will just be nothing but a pipe dream).» Xavier was stunned by his stats, he didn't know he was this weak. But when he saw the Mana point and the skills, he got a bit confused. "Hey system, what's with Mana point? Isn't that part of a game-like stat for mages and spellcasters? Why is it amongst my stat?" «Host is correct. But in this case, the Mana point helps you to perform certain active skills which you will acquire in time. With the Mana point, you can perform some skills that can enable you dogde bullets, shoot in a curved manner, read lips and other excellent active skills.» "That's really cool. What about the two skills there, Revitalization, what does it do and why it is upgradable?" «Ding! Revitalization will aid the host to recover from any wound, illness, or poisonous state. Also when upgraded to a certain level, host can even regrow a severed limb and recover from even a bomb attack. Nevertheless, that will cost lots of Mana point.» WHAT!? "Hold on! Are you saying that with the right amount of Mana point and revitalization level, I can be said to be immortal!?" «You could say that.» "This is so damn OP, I feel like I'm a protagonist in a light-novel." «Ding! Host will awaken in sixty seconds. Host is currently in a facility. System detected traces of attempted brainwash earlier but terminated it by injecting Host with the Ever-Calm serum. System suggests Host to act brainwashed as Host is currently too weak to defend himself against whatever the unknown individuals will do. Again, System urges the Host to find a way to level up quickly, else host's goal will never be achieved.» "Huh!? What!?" «Host to awaken in 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1..» * "He's coming around!" "He's regaining consciousness!" "Quick, get Doctor Ambrose!" "Get some guards in case he goes berserk!" Xavier could hear a cacophony of voices as his brain and eyes tried to adjust to the new surrounding. He felt he was laying on a soft bed and wearing a strange helmet on his head, also there were a lot of tubing attached to needles that had inserted into him. He didn't know where he was, but he had a feeling this was exactly where the system told him about, and he remembered the system telling him to act brainwashed in order to stay alive. Sigh! "Even with after being revived and given a second chance in the same world, I'm still weak. It won't be long though." Soon Xavier heard hurried footsteps, he could tell there was more than ten persons coming. Then he saw a clean shaven middle-aged man in a white medical coat that came and stood near him. "Welcome back son, from now on, your name is X, and you serve the Continental."Xavier, now known as X, pretended to be brainwashed, staring blankly at Doctor Ambrose. The doctor smiled, seemingly pleased with Xavier's condition."Good, good. The treatment is working. You will make a fine asset for the Continental," Doctor Ambrose said, nodding to the guards.One of the guards, a tall, muscular man with a scar above his left eyebrow, stepped forward. "Sir, can I have a word with you?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.Doctor Ambrose frowned. "What is it, Victor?"Victor glanced at Xavier before speaking. "I think we should be careful. He's not as brainwashed as we think."Doctor Ambrose laughed. "Nonsense. The treatment is foolproof. X here will do our bidding without question."Xavier's mind raced, remembering the system's warning to level up quickly. He knew he had to play along, but he also needed to find a way to escape and start his journey to become a Mafia Lord. He knew if he remained here, he would be nothing but an experimental subject, a guinea pig fo
More guards arrived, forming a semi-circle around Xavier. He stood tall, disruptor at the ready."You're surrounded," a guard sneered. "Surrender now and perhaps we might go easy on you."'Surrender?' Xavier repeated the words in his mind. How many times had he always surrendered to the Hale family? How many times had he stepped down with his head low just to survive? And what did he get for those acts of cowardice? A painful and undesirable death orchestrated by none other than his own father. From now on, he would never bend a knee, ever again.Xavier smiled grimly. "I'd rather die."«Ding!New skill acquired!Undying Resolve (non upgradable)Description: In desperate times, Host's resolve to persevere will give all attributes ×2 boost.»'Hehehe, things just keeps getting better and better.' Xavier chuckled inside.The guards opened fire, but Xavier's disruptor rendered their laser guns useless. Seeing them shocked at the fact their guns weren't working, he rushed at them with the k
After leaving the Continental facility. Xavier and Victor ran without any pitstop till they got to a busy road. There they boarded a taxi."Take us to Ancroft city." Victor said."That would be $200 each." The taxi driver said with mischievousness clearly written on his face. Victor was about to refuse when Xavier simply opened the door and went in."I only have $500 only me right now, and we still need to buy some food along the way." Victor said a bit worried."Do not worry about it." Xavier spoke with a smile.'Hey Erebus. I can make use of the gold coins as hard cash, right?' Xavier asked the system via telepathy.«Ding! Yes. Host just needs to will a few coins to materialize in his hand and it will be so. Note, one gold coin is equivalent to ten dollars.» Xavier smiled at the system's response.*Ancroft city was in front of a mountain. Victor's family mansion was hidden in the mountain."Welcome to our humble abode," Victor said, one could sense pride in his voice. As they walke
Xavier sat on a metal chair in the armory. Victor had decided that the ambush operation will only consist of twenty persons including Xavier. Knowing the kind of effect his identity will have on this mission, Xavier had decided to wear a mask."System. Kindly show me my stats please." Xavier said to the system.«Ding!STAT (System for Transfer and Analysis of Tactical data):Host: Xavier HaleAge: 18Status: HealthyAttributes:Strength (STR); 35Intelligence (INT); 40Agility (AGI); 35Vitality (VIT); 40Endurance (END); 40Charisma (CHA); 25Combat stats:Attack power (ATK); 45Defense (DEF); 40Health points (HP); 100%Mana points (MP); 300Accuracy (ACC); 60%Evasion (EVA); 55%Performance metrics:Experience points (XP); 1,400Level; 3 (1,400/20,000)Skills:Revitalization (passive, upgradable) lvl 3Ever-Calm (passive, non upgradable)Undying Resolve (active, non upgradable)Weapon master (passive, upgradable) lvl 4Hand-to-hand combat (passive, upgradable) lvl 5Gold or currenc
Xavier walked into the meeting room, the morning sunlight streaming through the windows. The LaGraine family elders and Victor were already seated, their faces stern and focused. "Xavier, thank you for joining us," Victor said, his voice firm. "We've received intel that the Hale Family is transporting a new shipment to their warehouse. We believe it contains more of the crystalized energy cells we discovered amongst the crates." Two nights ago, they had ambushed the Hale family's convoy and raided their warehouse. They discovered that apart from refined gold, most of the crates contained blocks of energy cells. Xavier's eyes narrowed. "What's so special about these energy cells?" Victor leaned forward. "They have the potential to produce new, highly advanced weapons. We can't let the Hale Family get their hands on that kind of power, once they make use of these energy cells, they will be unstoppable amongst the Mafia community. We need to get that power for ourselves." The elders
Xavier and his team were dragged to a secured cell in the basement, the sound of dripping water and faint screams echoing through the corridors. Marco sneered at them, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "You fools," Marco spat. "You thought you could infiltrate our mansion and steal from us? We've been expecting you." Xavier's eyes narrowed. "How did you know?" Marco chuckled. "Your precious Victor thought he was clever, planting a spy in our midst. But we discovered the traitor and turned them to our advantage." "Who was it?" Xavier demanded, his anger rising. Marco leaned in, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Ah, that would be telling. Let's just say they were very close to Victor. Close enough to feed us information and lead you into our trap." Xavier's mind raced. Who could it be? One of Victor's most trusted allies? Marco continued, "We fed your spy false information, and they unsuspectingly led you into our trap. And now, you'll pay the price." Xavier's anger flared, b
Xavier sat in Victor's office, nursing his whiskey, his mind reeling from the failed rescue mission. The dim lighting and soft hum of the air conditioner couldn't calm his frustration. He still couldn't believe the fact that Marco played him and got away with it again. Now what was he to do about his mother. He couldn't begin to imagine what his Mother would be going through at the hands of Marco and rest of the Hale family.Victor's expression was grim, his eyes reflecting the weight of their failure. "Xavier, I'm sorry. We underestimated Marco's preparations."Xavier's gaze drifted toward the cityscape outside, his voice laced with frustration. "It's not your fault, Victor. I knew the risks. But I won't give up." Of course he won't give up. He couldn't tell Victor the real reason for his determination.Victor leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. "We'll regroup, plan again. We won't let Marco win."Regroup and plan again? Not a chance. Xavier had already received a message from th
Xavier left Victor's office, determination in his stride. He had a plan, and now it was time to execute it. His first stop was the city's underworld, where mercenaries and black-market dealers lurked.He had paid the system ten gold coins to get a list of the most reputable mercenary group in the country.He arrived at the infamous Red Diamond bar, a hub for illicit activities. The bouncer, a towering giant, eyed Xavier before nodding."You here for business or pleasure?"Xavier smiled. "Business. I'm looking for Jack Harris."The bouncer's expression changed from curiosity to caution. "What do you want with Jack?"Xavier handed him a hundred dollar bill roll. "Tell him Xavier wants to discuss a job."The bouncer pocketed the bill and disappeared into the crowded bar. Minutes later, he returned with a rugged-looking man in his mid-40s."Xavier, this is Jack Harris," the bouncer said before melting into the crowd.Jack's piercing gaze assessed Xavier. "What's the job?"Xavier gestured
Maximus's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ah, the Hale Manor. I've heard so much about it. It's going to be a pleasure to watch you take them down, Xavier."Xavier's gaze turned cold, his mind focused on the task ahead. "Let's get this over with. I have a score to settle."As they approached the Hale Manor, Xavier could feel the weight of his past bearing down on him. He had been born into this family, but they had never accepted him. They had treated him like dirt, like he was nothing.But now, Xavier was back, and he was not alone. He had Maximus by his side, and together, they were unstoppable.The gates of the Hale Manor swung open, and Xavier's eyes locked onto the mansion. It was just as he remembered it - grand, opulent, and cold."Shall we?" Maximus asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.Xavier nodded, his jaw clenched. "Let's do this."As they stepped into the mansion, Xavier was met with the familiar sight of his family's portraits hanging on the walls. He felt a surge of an
I stood at the entrance of the dark tower with anger and hatred burning in my eyes. I just found out that my mate has been faithful to me all these while and she was even the one who helped me escape the subatomic world, but those witches tried to fill my head with lies and fabricated photos, not to mention the torture I went through in their hands. And I will make them suffer a hundredth fold.“How do you wish to play this Maximus?” the demon wolf asked. I clutched the handle of my sword so tight my knuckles were white.“Slow, painful, near death and then an undesirable death.” I said grinning from ear to ear. If someone was there to capture my expression at that moment, I'm sure the person will shudder from fear as I knew I looked like the smiling devil.“Let's go harvest their fears, anger and lives.” the demon wolf said.I dashed into the lobby and was met with the whizzing sound of lightening.“Did you think we won't notice your disappearance?” a girl in plain white came out from
I slowly opened my eyes, only to be consumed by darkness. The blackness was suffocating, making it impossible to see beyond my own nose.I tried to stand, but my body refused to cooperate, anchored to a mysterious chair.Panic threatened to overwhelm me, but I forced myself to calm down. I attempted to meditate, seeking a connection with the demon wolf within. Silence greeted me.A melodic voice pierced the darkness, its sweetness laced with venom. "Don't bother striving for what's beyond your grasp."I gritted my teeth, fighting to maintain composure. "Who's there? Show yourself!"The voice chuckled, a manic edge creeping in. "The legendary Roman Prince, Maximus Aurelius, bringer of death, now reduced to a helpless captive."Her laughter sent shivers down my spine. I struggled to recall how I ended up here, how I lost consciousness, and who this mysterious woman was."You've discovered you can't reach the demon wolf within," she said, her amusement evident.A spark of realization ign
As I approached the tower, my expectations shattered. Instead of a dark, foreboding Rapunzel-esque spire, a sleek glass skyscraper pierced the sky. I snorted. "Evil tower, indeed."The locals must have never seen a skyscraper before, I thought, or they've been trapped in their quaint town for too long. They sure reminded me of the locals in Rome. What would Commodus when he sees the modern Rome now? He was just immature to kill his father for the throne. Too bad he didn't get to enjoy his time as King.With a flourish, I unsheathed my swords and stepped into the building. The lobby's eerie silence enveloped me. Empty halls stretched out, devoid of life.I strode to the elevator, pressed the top-floor button, and waited. Minutes ticked by, yet the elevator didn't budge. Confusion gnawed at me.Just then, a familiar voice whispered in my ear. "I smell magic here, Maximus."I turned to face the demon wolf, surprised. "You're still here? I thought you'd wandered off."The wolf's gaze lock
The skeletal figure raised its hands to the sky. "As the dead obey Hades, so shall they obey me," it declared. "I summon all doomed souls within Minos' territory. Rise as death knights and heed my call."The ground trembled, and skeletal hands burst forth from the earth. Quickly, they multiplied - ten, hundreds, then thousands. Each wore black armor and wielded fiery swords.I merely smirked, stared at the clone like it was some kind of a stupid creature.“The more, the merrier, this just got more fun. And here I thought you were some mighty creature, I was wrong, you're just another dumb prey.”I gripped my sword and dashed towards the vast army at superhuman speed.I was like a blur to them and they were unable to retaliate. The death knights were falling, battered, dismembered, headless and burnt. But then I soon began to feel weak.Why the hell was I feeling weak? I should be feeling stronger the more I kill, shouldn't I?“Do you feel it now demon wolf?” The clone smiled and said.
As our helicopter soared towards London's outskirts, I sat between Major Triston Allen and Sergeant Anderson Marshal.Major Allen spoke through the headset, "Did you know Minos de First slaughtered 2,300 apprentices to revive his soulmate? Now, he controls an army of death knights and skeleton soldiers."I remained silent, sensing he was trying to provoke me.Sergeant Anderson responded, "That's ridiculous! Who confirms this?"Major Allen replied, "Intel from reliable sources. We're in over our heads, guys."I stayed quiet, unsure why they'd joined this perilous mission.Sergeant Anderson asked, "Xavier, what's your take on this?"I remained silent, lost in thought.Major Allen pressed on, "We need to know what we're up against. Xavier?"Sergeant Anderson intervened, "Let him focus, Major. We'll brief soon enough."The helicopter flew on, tension lingering.“No one has ever gone into his cave and returned.” Anderson said.So he truly is the most terrifying Necromancer alive. No one ha
«Ding!Two hours to doors unlock!» the AI system spoke out.Maximus smiled at Xavier."You must be wondering why I'm being such a talkative.""Yes, in fact, it's begining to annoy me. We're stock in here for another two hours." Xavier said. He really wanted to leave the facility and proceed with his plan to take down all Mafia families."I will keep you company for the next two hours then." Maximus said with feigned sadness."Dude! we're in this together!" Xavier almost blew his top."Then allow me to continue my life story." Maximus said beaming with smiles."What? weren't you through with all that.." Xavier was about to complain but Maximus placed his hand on Xavier's mouth."Hush, don't interrupt."*It was a few years after I returned from Rome, approximately twelve years after Rome. I got called up by Lucius, but this time, I had to hunt down and eliminate a few anomalies. Those with magic and systems just like you and I.I left the airport and hailed a cab to take me to the emba
It's been almost four years since Commodus brutally killed my father, plunging Rome into chaos. Daily, I heard horrifying stories of murder, rape, and war - the very evils my father had worked tirelessly to eradicate.Seeking justice, I waited patiently for the perfect moment to strike. Then, I learned Commodus had revived the brutal gladiator battles my father despised. Seeing an opportunity, I decided to become a gladiator to infiltrate Rome and get close to Commodus.Now, as a top-ranked gladiator, I've proven my skills in the arena."Spaniard, beware of the Roman gladiators," Motumba, a friendly dark-skinned gladiator from the desert, cautioned. "They're formidable opponents."I reassured him, "Don't worry, Motumba. They're human, just like us. We can beat them."Or, if you'd like a more modern and conversational tone:It's been four years since Commodus murdered my dad and sent Rome into chaos. I've been waiting for the right moment to take revenge.Then, I heard Commodus was hos
I approached Father, bowing slightly. "Father, the war with Germania is over, just as I promised."He dismounted his horse, hugged me, and kissed my cheek. "The gods blessed us the day you defeated the cyclops. You've liberated Rome once more."I smiled. "Rome gave me a home, and for that, I'm forever grateful."I took his hand, joking, "Let's go home, Father. You smell like dust and smoke."Father laughed, glancing at the approaching nobles. "The young Caesar thinks I need caring for."The nobles chuckled. I was taken aback. Did he just call me "Young Caesar"? Does he plan to make me his successor? What about Commodus?Uncomfortable, I decided to address it.“Father, what young Caesar, I am not even of royal birth, besides, you have Commodus.” I said but he only smiled.“Walk with me son. We need to talk.” he said and I then held his hand.We walked through the ranks of the Roman soldiers and onto the path leading to the outskirt of the battlefield.“All of Rome have chosen you as th