章 13: Three thieves

As Duke stepped out of the house, a sinking feeling washed over him when he realized his bike was nowhere in sight. "That's just great!" he muttered, his frustration evident in his voice. Not only had he lost his motorcycle, but also the groceries he had just bought - a double blow that left him feeling defeated.

Determined not to let this setback ruin his day, Duke decided to continue on foot. He skidded down the footpath, hands shoved deep into his pockets, his mind racing with thoughts. As he made his way down the street, he couldn't help but notice a sense of familiarity. It dawned on him that this street was not unfamiliar territory. Could it be that Nadia and her sister lived nearby? The thought lingered in his mind, planting seeds of curiosity.

Trying to make sense of the situation, Duke pondered the connection between him and Nadia. Did she know him because they were neighbors? Or was there something more to it? Uncertainty gnawed at him, but he realized that dwelling on it too much would only jeopardize his peace of mind. Sometimes, it's best to let things unfold naturally. Deep down, Duke had a gut feeling that Nadia wouldn't betray him, even if she did know something.

The thought of her wanting to get revenge on him for taking her down by telling the police crossed his mind, but he waved it off. He believed that if she did have any information, she would keep it to herself. After all, it would be her word against his, and he was confident that no camera had captured his face that fateful night.

Duke's mind wandered to those guys he had let slip away. He kicked an empty can in frustration, regretting his decision to spare them only for them to return with reinforcements. Thinking about it now, he had obeyed the system. He had the weapons pointed at them at the perfect time. Yet, he let them go.

As he reflected on his choices, Duke wondered if he could still access the profiles of those men. With a hopeful tone, he said out loud, "Show me the profiles of the last order." The 3D girl popped into his vision, asking, "Are you referring to your failed task?" Duke chuckled and replied, "Haha, very funny. Yes, that's what I mean."

The screen split, revealing the profiles he sought.

[Name: Joel Carter]

[Reputation: Serial killer, Rapist, Mobster]

[Ability: ????]

[Tierany system: Tier 7]

[Reputation Description: Joel is a serial killer and a mobster. He rapes his victims - of any gender, adults or children, assigned to him by the government - before eliminating them.]

Duke's eyes widened as he processed the information. His surprise was evident as he took in all the details, especially seeing that the orders were given by the government.

Duke shifted his gaze to the second profile.

[Name: Mark Carter]

[Reputation: Dispatcher, Serial killer, and a mobster]

[Ability: ????]

[Tierany system]

[Reputation Description: Mark is an assassin and serial killer who makes sure his victim's body is never found by using chemicals to dispose of their body.]

The second profile made more sense to Duke because the teenage girl, Halia, had told him something similar. What would have become of her if he hadn't intervened? Duke couldn't help but wonder. At least Nadia could take what he did for her sister, Halia, as his way of making up.

With a renewed sense of determination and relief, Duke pushed aside his doubts and focused on moving forward. He knew that dwelling on the past would only hinder his progress. Instead, he set his sights on the road ahead, ready to face whatever new challenges lay in store.

Speaking of challenges, as Duke approached his apartment, a sense of unease washed over him. Something felt off about the setting, as if the place had been disturbed during his absence. He wondered if it was because he had been away for too long or if there was another reason behind the unsettling atmosphere.

Duke pondered whether he had received a package from the government that was meant to be delivered while he was away. The uncertainty only added to his growing discomfort. And he was unable to rely on his phone for information because he had left it in his room.

Taking a step closer to his apartment, Duke's eyes caught a movement from the corner of his vision. He glanced towards the window and noticed a subtle shuffle in the curtains. Someone was inside his house. His heart raced as he weighed his options. Duke knew he couldn't stand there for long, or the intruder would realize he was aware of their presence.

With no friends or family who would visit him, the question lingered in his mind: who could it be? Just then, a notification popped up on the blue gem at the side of Duke's vision. He quickly opened it, hoping it would reveal some information about the individual lurking in his house.

[Special Order]

[Eliminate the three thieves in twenty minutes]

Duke's mind raced as he mulled over the seemingly tight deadline of twenty minutes. Why the extra ten minutes this time? Did it indicate an increase in the number of thieves? Still, he couldn't help but compare it to the previous task, which had felt far more chaotic. Perhaps these new adversaries possessed a greater level of strength and cunning?

Frustrated and determined to uncover their identities, Duke addressed the screen with a demand, "Show me their profile identity, just like you did last time." The 3D girl materialized before him, her response a simple nod, and she proceeded to reveal the faces behind the thieving operation.

Time seemed to stand still as Duke's eyes locked onto the images before him. Recognition sparked within him, igniting a fiery anger that surged through his veins. "Those bastards!" he seethed, his voice laced with venomous rage. "They dare to steal from me and then have the nerve to set foot in my own home? They're the reason I had to undertake the additional burden. They're the ones responsible for the beatings I endured, the cause of every misfortune that has befallen me until this very moment."

Fuelled by an unwavering determination, Duke marched into his house, his steps echoing with a resolute purpose. Every fiber of his being screamed for retribution, vowing that those thieves would consider themselves fortunate if they managed to survive the next five minutes.