The corridor stretched ahead of them, dim and quiet, but the chaos around them was anything but. Crashes echoed through the museum, shouts of panic rising and falling like waves. The air felt charged with tension, every sound amplified by the stillness of the space they moved through.

  The gunfire had stopped. That wasn’t comforting. Stopped gunfire meant either someone was dead, someone was reloading, or someone was waiting. None of those were good outcomes. The silence pressed down like a weight, broken only by the faint hum of Andrews’ damn drone behind me.

  I moved forward, Glock raised, each step slow and deliberate. Heel-to-toe. Weight balanced. The museum floor was a mess of broken glass and debris, but I didn’t make a sound. Behind me, Andrews tried to follow my movements, but his shoes scuffed too much, and his footsteps were louder than I’d like.

  “Slow down, and Stay light,” I murmured, to Andrews, voice low but steady. “Heel-to-toe. Control your weight. The quieter you are, the more you control what happens next.”

  “Got it,” Andrews whispered back, his tone earnest but distracted. He adjusted his stride, trying to match my movements. But his phone was in his hand again, his fingers swiping across the screen as the drone hummed overhead. The small device tilted slightly, its lens swiveling to focus on me.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, after glancing back.

  I frowned. “Eyes up. If you’re not watching your feet, you’re watching the shadows.

  “It’s the drone,” Andrews said, his voice hushed but distracted. “I’m just making sure it’s getting good shots.”

  “Shots?” I asked, raising my eyebrows in disbelief.“Yeah, angles. Gotta make it look good,” Andrews replied, gesturing toward his phone.

  “Right now, it’s in follow mode, but I’m tweaking the focus. Making sure it gets your face in the frame.

  Oh, and motion capture—gotta get that smooth action shot when you turn the corner. People love dynamic angles, boss. Face shots, over-the-shoulders. You’re gonna look like a damn action star when this is over.”

  I stared at him, my expression now unreadable. “You’re checking angles. In the middle of this.”

  “Relax,” Andrews said, offering a quick grin. “It’s mostly on auto. I’m just making sure to catch the hero shot.”

  My gaze hardened. “You’re going to get yourself killed,” I said flatly. “Focus on staying alive. Let the drone figure itself out.”

  Andrews winced but didn’t argue. He adjusted the drone one last time before tucking his phone into his pocket. “Got it. No more adjustments,” he muttered. “Promise.”

  “You’re dragging your feet again.” I pointed out rolling my eyes. “Watch,” I said, lowering my voice further. I exaggerated the motion, planting my heel first, rolling my weight evenly to my toes, and stepping forward in one smooth motion. “Heel-to-toe. Control the sound. Think about how you place your weight.”

  He mimicked me again, his movements a bit steadier this time. The scuffing was gone, replaced by quieter steps. He wasn’t perfect, but he was improving.

  “Better,” I murmured, nodding slightly. “Keep at it.”

  A moment later, Andrews froze mid-step, his eyes going wide. “Uh, Archie?” His voice was barely a whisper, but it carried an edge of excitement.

  I turned fully, catching the look on his face. “What now?”

  He gestured toward the space just above his head. “I just got a notification. It says I acquired a skill.”

  I frowned. “A skill?”

  Yeah! It’s minor, but it says I learned it from a Master.” He grinned suddenly, his voice lowering. “That’s you, by the way.”

  Andrews’ grin widened even more as he read the notification. "It’s called Rolling Step.” He glanced up at me, excitement barely contained in his voice. “It says it allows me to move quietly over uneven terrain, reducing noise and increasing balance. Oh, and get this—it enhances agility by two percent when active!”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like what happens in real life when you practice something, your rewarded with skills."

  “Exactly! And the system recognized it.” He said oblivious to my sarcasm, gesturing at his notification. “It’s not much, but I bet if I keep practicing, it gets better. Like, I can level it up or something. This is amazing!”

  I glanced at his feet, noting the slight improvement in his movements. They were quieter now, though far from silent. It wasn’t a game-changer, but it was something.

  Andrews glanced at me, his grin fading slightly. “You think… maybe you’ve got something like this too? What about those notifications you clearly keep swatting away?”

  I sighed, “They’ve been blinking since the bounty announcement. I’ve been ignoring them, hoping they’d go away or I could deal with whatever this was when we were out of here.”

  The glow in the corner of my vision pulsed insistently, a reminder that I wasn’t going to get away with ignoring it much longer. Andrews’ words pressed against the back of my mind, as irritating as the notifications themselves.

  He stared at me in disbelief. “Seriously? You’ve had system notifications this whole time and didn’t check them?” “Boss, you don’t just ignore stuff like that. It’s like… I don’t know, leaving loot behind in a dungeon or skipping skill points. That’s beginner-level bad.”

  I shot him a look, not bothering to mask my irritation. “We’ve had bigger priorities. Staying alive, for one.”

  “And this might help you do that,” he countered. “Look, I get it—you’re all about practicality, but in all the books, animes, and video games, the system give you the skills and abilities to grow, to get stronger. just like the skill you just taught me.

  He wasn’t wrong. As much as I hated to admit it, Andrews’ excitement had planted the seed of curiosity. If the system recognized effort, rewarded growth, then maybe these notifications weren’t just noise. They could be tools—tools I wasn’t using.

  “Fine,” I muttered, more to myself than him. “Let’s see what it wants.”

  I let my focus shift inward, the blinking notifications expanding to fill my vision. Text scrolled across the interface, crisp and clear.

  System Notification:Unopened Notifications (3):

  Level Up Achieved!

  Global Bounty: First Blood.

  Attribute Allocation Pending.

  I skimmed over them, my jaw tightening. Level up. That was new. And it explained the persistent glow in my vision. I selected it, and the text expanded further.

  Level Up Achieved: Core Stats Upgraded.

  ? Strength (STR): 12

  ? Dexterity (DEX): 16 (+1)

  ? Wisdom (WIS): 18 (+1)

  ? Constitution (CON): 14

  ? Intelligence (INT): 12

  ? Charisma (CHA): 8

  Before I could fully absorb the message, a rush of heat spread through my body, not painful but… potent. It hit like adrenaline, sharp and sudden. My muscles tensed involuntarily, every sense seemed amplified. The faint hum of the drone behind me became clearer, the weight of the Glock in my hand sharper, every movement of air around me tangible.

  “What the hell…” I muttered. A faint golden glow surrounded me, fading as quickly as it appeared.

  Andrews’ eyes widened. “Whoa! Boss, did you just—wait, you glowed; Like, full-on superhero glowing! ”That’s what leveling-up looks like?”

  “Apparently,” I replied, my voice steady, though the surge of energy coursing through me made it hard to focus. I clenched my fists experimentally, the grip on my Glock tightening. The warmth began to settle, leaving behind a subtle lightness, an undeniable sense of strength.

  I exhaled slowly, letting the feeling sink in. “Can’t believe it actually worked,” I muttered under my breath. “Feels… different. Subtle, but it’s there. Faster. Sharper.” The corner of my mouth tugged upward in a faint smile, unbidden. A part of me couldn’t help but wonder—how much stronger could I get? How far could I push this system?

  Andrews peered over my shoulder as though he could see the display. “What’s it showing?” he asked barely able to contain himself.

  “Stats,” I replied, keeping my voice low and sharing what the notification said. Maybe he’ll be more useful than I originally thought, collecting chess pieces to add to the mentor board.. “Dexterity and Wisdom just got a bump. I’ve got three more points to distribute.”

  He nodded thoughtfully, his gamer instincts kicking in. “Okay, so, let’s think about this tactically. Dexterity and Wisdom are already high, right? Those are probably your bread and butter—precision, reflexes, situational awareness. You could double down, or… maybe boost something else to cover your weak spots.”

  I grunted in acknowledgment, weighing my options. “Strength for close encounters. Constitution for longevity. Intelligence for range calculations. But Charisma? That’s a hard pass.”

  Andrews snorted. “Yeah, you don’t exactly strike me as the smooth-talking diplomat type.”

  I ignored the jab, assigning one point to Constitution and one to Dexterity, and one to Wisdom If speed and precision were my strengths, then they’d keep me alive, and more health never killed anyone. The notification pulsed once, confirming the allocation.

  Before Andrews could press me with further questions, another message appeared.

  Bonus Ability Unlocked:

  Awarded in recognition of precision, lethality, and efficiency.

  Your first kill under the System was not only decisive—it was exemplary.

  This bonus honors your execution of First Blood, your calculated kill, and the bounty now placed upon your head.

  Operative’s Aim (Legendary)

  Description:

  When activated, perception sharpens to inhuman levels, allowing you to exploit every angle and trajectory. The ability overlays your vision with paths that ranged projectiles could take—bending, ricocheting, or curving mid-flight—to strike otherwise unreachable targets with surgical precision.

  Key Mechanics:

  ? Critical Hit Boost: +10% critical hit chance while active.

  ? Ricochet Mapping: Trajectory paths appear visually, showing how projectiles can bounce or curve to bounce off surfaces to hit enemies hiding behind cover or in otherwise inaccessible positions.

  ? Weak Point Detection: Highlights enemy vulnerabilities in real time, granting bonus accuracy and increased damage on critical hits.

  ? Duration: 8 seconds.

  ? Cooldown: 45 seconds.

  "Well, what ya you get?" Andrews asked expectantly.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  When I told him what the notification said, he nearly dropped his phone, his jaw went slack. “Wait, hold up. Legendary bonus? Did I hear that right? Bonus powers are a thing?”

  “That’s what it says,” I replied, keeping my voice even. The words pulsed in my vision, the text crisp and precise, almost taunting. My instincts told me to stay calm, but even I couldn’t ignore the weight of the word legendary.

  “What does it do? C’mon, you gotta share!” Andrews sounded like a kid on Christmas morning, his excitement cutting through the tension.

  I sighed, glancing at the description and reading it aloud.

  When I finished, Andrews froze, his eyes wide. “No way. No freaking way. Are you telling me you can… bend bullets? Like, ricochet them around walls and corners? Boss, you’re not just playing it; you’re completely breaking whatever this game is.”

  “It only helps a little.” I said, though even I wasn’t entirely convinced. “It just shows the paths. It’s still on me to make the shot.”

  “Just the paths.” Andrews repeated sarcastically rolling his eyes. “Paths that let you bounce bullets off walls and hit someone hiding behind a pillar he muttered under his breath.

  "You realize what this means, right? It means you’ve got the cheat code for geometry!” Tight spaces, cover-heavy fights—none of that matters anymore.

  “Seems that way,” I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. But even I felt a flicker of something—a thrill, maybe. The idea of seeing every angle, every opportunity, was… intoxicating. “Still need to pull it off though.”

  “Yeah, yeah, but c’mon. Imagine what this could be at higher levels. Maybe you can hit multiple enemies with one ricochet. Or bounce it so many times it feels like the bullet’s got GPS.” He started pacing, his hands gesturing wildly. “And weak point detection? Dude, that’s instant damage boost. Pair it with that crit bonus, and you’re melting anything unlucky enough to stand in your way.”

  Andrews pacing, his excitement bubbling over. “Okay, okay. Let’s break this down. Ten percent crit boost? That’s already huge. Most games start you at, like, between two to five percent for base crit chance. But you’re starting at ten! “We have to see what else it gives you if this is a bonus.”

  I tilted my head slightly, letting him go on. His energy was contagious, even if I wasn’t showing it.

  He was right—this ability wasn’t just useful. It was game-changing. The idea of bending the battlefield to my will was a thrill I hadn’t expected.

  “You’re thinking it too,” Andrews said, grinning. “Don’t even try to deny it.”

  I shook my head but couldn’t suppress a small smirk. “We’ll test it when we get out of here. And, I guess you were right about checking my notifications sooner.”

  As another notification pulsed and expanded, I focused in on it.

  New Ability Unlock:

  “You’ve gained access to a new skill. Choose wisely.”

  Three options materialized in my vision, each accompanied by brief descriptions:

  1. Deadeye

  ? Enhances precision for long-range shots.

  ? Increases critical hit chance against distant targets.

  2. Tactical Reload

  ? Instantly reloads equipped weapons on a critical hit.

  ? Grants a movement speed boost after reload.

  ? Passive bonus: +3% critical hit chance.

  3. Stopping Power

  ? A powerful close-range ability that stuns enemies with a concussive blast.

  ? Ideal for creating space during intense encounters.

  I read the descriptions aloud, my tone neutral, but Andrews was already leaning in, his mind clearly racing. “Alright, let’s break these down,” he said, practically buzzing. “Stopping Power first?” he said, his tone slower, more deliberate. “It’s solid. If you’re in close-range chaos, that stun could give you an edge, buy you some breathing room.” He paused, frowning slightly. “But… you’ve got Operative’s Aim now.”

  “And that changes everything, I prompted.”

  “Yeah, Think about it. You can curve shots, bounce them around cover. You’re not relying on brute force to control a fight. With Aim, you’re neutralizing threats before they ever get close.”

  I considered his words, glancing back at the notification. If operative’s aim was what I was planning on focusing on, why let anyone close enough to need a stun? The utility of Stopping Power didn’t match the precision and range Operative’s Aim offered

  “Crossing that off, then,” I said simply.

  “Yeah, I’d say so,” Andrews replied, nodding. “What’s next?” “What about Deadeye?”

  “Precision and crits for long-range,” I said, scanning the description again. “That fits better. But…” I hesitated, weighing the potential downside.

  “But what?” Andrews asked, tilting his head.

  I tapped the Glock at my side. “Gear. Right now, all I’ve got is this handgun. Deadeye screams sniper or long-range weapon, but there’s no guarantee I’ll find one anytime soon. Andrews nodded slowly, his brow furrowed.

  “Yeah, that’s true. But think about it long-term. Deadeye isn’t just about rifles. It’s any ranged projectile—bows, crossbows, maybe even throwing knives. You’re in a museum, man. Odds are decent you’ll find something usable.” And whenever you do pick up a rifle—or anything with good range—you’ll be unstoppable.”

  I contemplated for a moment, letting my practical side take over. “Potential’s good, but it’s not reliable. Not now, when all I’ve got is this Glock. I feel like deadeye is practically useless without the right gear.

  “Alright,” Andrews said, rubbing his chin. “That leaves Tactical Reload.”

  “Instant reloads on crits,” I said, my tone steady. “That’s already a win. A speed boost after? Even better. It’s immediate, practical, and doesn’t rely on gear. I can use it right now.”

  Andrews grinned, his enthusiasm bubbling over again. “Exactly! And here’s the kicker—if you stack that with Operative’s Aim? You’re landing crits more often, which means you’re reloading faster, moving faster. It’s a feedback loop, boss. Every shot feeds the next one.” I narrowed my eyes, considering the mechanics. “But there’s a catch. What happens when I run out of ammo? If I land a crit with my last bullet, does it refill the mag? Or is it only reloading ammo I already have?”

  Andrews froze mid-thought, his hands pausing mid-air. “Oh… that’s a good question. If it’s infinite ammo, that’s busted. But if it only works with what you’ve got left? You’ll have to be careful about your reserves.”

  “Exactly,” I said. “And what about melee? If I land a crit with my fists, does it reload my ranged weapon? Or does it only work for the gun I’m holding?”

  Andrews blinked, his gaze sharpening. “I… I don’t know. That’s something we’d have to test. But either way, Tactical Reload still fits better than Deadeye for now. Crits feed reloads. Reloads feed movement. It’s all about efficiency.”

  I nodded slowly, the pieces clicking into place. “Operative’s Aim boosts crits. Tactical Reload rewards crits. Together, they stack. Deadeye’s too dependent on gear I don’t have, and Stopping Power doesn’t synergize.

  I selected Tactical Reload, the notification pulsing once before fading.

  System Notification:

  Skill Unlocked: Tactical Reload (Level 1).

  ? Instantly reloads equipped weapons upon landing a critical hit.

  ? Grants a +10% movement speed boost for 3 seconds after each reload.

  ? Passive Bonus: Increases base critical hit chance by +3%.

  I rolled my shoulders experimentally, the weight of the Glock familiar in my hand. Tactical Reload didn’t feel like a massive change, but knowing it was there—waiting—gave me a strange sense of confidence.

  “Well, I’ve got one more.” I said acceptingly. The glow in the corner of my vision pulsed again, the system prompting me forward. I focused on it, and the notification expanded, text unfurling like a neatly written invitation.

  System Notification:

  Power Unlocked: Select One. Choose Wisely.

  Five options materialized in my vision, each accompanied by a brief description:

  1. Echo Gates

  ? Level 1 Effects:

  Creates two small, linked portals within your line of sight (Max Range: 20 ft).

  ? Objects and projectiles entering one exit the other

  2. Shatter Strike

  ? A melee-focused ability designed for close-quarters combat.

  ? Level 1 Effects:

  ? Deliver a devastating punch or strike that fractures the environment around the impact point.

  ? Damage: High, with a small area-of-effect shockwave.

  ? Effect: Disorients enemies within 5 feet of the strike for 2 seconds.

  ? Cooldown: 30 seconds.

  3. Shadowstep

  ? step into the shadows. A shadow mobility power.

  ? Level 1 Effects:

  ? Step into a shadow to Teleport a short distance (up to 15 feet) to a location in your line of sight. Must reappear in a shadow.

  ? Grants +10% evasion for 3 seconds after use.

  ? Cooldown: 60 seconds.

  4. Iron Reflexes

  ? Temporarily boosts reaction speed, granting preternatural reflexes.

  ? Level 1 Effects:

  ? Dodge attacks with increased efficiency (+15% evasion).

  ? Gain a brief slow-motion effect during defensive maneuvers (3 seconds).

  ? Cooldown: 60 seconds.

  5. Adrenaline Surge

  ? A burst of energy temporarily heightens all physical attributes.

  ? Level 1 Effects:

  ? +10% to Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance for 10 seconds.

  ? Cooldown: 90 seconds.

  I told him the options.

  Andrews’ expression shifted as he absorbed the information, his brow furrowing in thought.

  “Alright,” he began, his tone sharper, more focused this time. “Let’s dissect these.”

  “Echo Gate,” he said, “That’s all info it gives you? running his fingers through his hair. “But really…That’s… wow. That’s the kind of ability that looks simple on paper and breaks the game if you know what you’re doing.”

  I didn’t say anything. Just kept scanning the description. Two small, linked portals. Line of sight. Twenty-foot range.

  “You’re already the ricochet king with Operative’s Aim,” Andrews went on. “But this? You don’t need a wall anymore. You make your own geometry. Place a portal behind cover, fire through a desk or a doorframe—and your shot comes out behind someone’s ear without them ever knowing you’re there.”

  Use Echo Gate right, and no one’s safe—not even behind a bunker.”

  He stepped away, hands gesturing like he was drawing up plays on an invisible board. “Picture it—one portal up high, one at ground level. You fire straight, and the bullet drops out of the ceiling. Or flip it—shoot low, hit ‘em in the back through a skylight. It’s not a power, boss. It’s a trap.”

  I tilted my head, still weighing the others.

  Andrews leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. “Alright, let’s start cutting the fat then. Shatter Strike?”

  “Hard pass,” I said immediately.

  He nodded quickly. “Yeah, doesn’t fit. Nothing to do with critical hits or increasing movement speed— it just doesn’t synergize with Operative’s Aim.

  You can also cut Shadow step” “Too situational,” Andrews said. “It’s flashy, sure, but fifteen feet? Not much of an escape in a real fight.”

  I scrunched my face, and held up a hand, stopping him mid-dismissal.

  “Wait, wait—hear me out You’re thinking about this all wrong. Shadow step isn’t defensive—it’s offensive.”

  “Offensive?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Yeah,” I said, my tone sharp. “Think about it. Operative’s Aim lets me see paths and ricochets, right? Shadow step lets me reposition instantly to get the perfect angle. Tight spaces, cover-heavy fights—I teleport, line up the impossible shot, fire, and boom. Crit. Free reload. Move again. By the time the cooldown’s done, I’ve already repositioned for the next attack.”

  Andrews raised a brow. “You’re not wrong—but you’re thinking small. Escape tools are great if you’re losing. I can’t deny instant repositioning is amazing, even if it’s only fifteen feet, But Echo Gate?” He shook his head. “That’s how you never have to reposition in the first place.”

  My eyes were still lingering on shadow steps description “I think this one is perfect, I said thinking out loud. “lets me reposition. Get behind someone. Break line of sight. That kind of edge is life or death in close quarters.”

  With Echo Gates “It’s fixed range,” “Can’t move while it’s active. Still has limitations.”

  “So do sniper scopes,” he shot back. “Doesn’t mean they’re not deadly. You use it right? Place a portal while sitting behind cover and another right over a target’s head… grey matter.

  I frowned, letting the thought sink in. “

  I sighed but didn’t push further. “Alright, I see your point. Shadow step’s a great power, but maybe Echo Gates is the best pick right now. And honestly though. I had to Admit —part of me wanted to try these portals out.”

  What about Adrenaline Surge?” Andrews asked, shifting gears.

  “All-around buffs. Short window, but it hits Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance. That’s solid versatility.”

  “Versatile, yeah,” I agreed, “but short-term. Ten seconds is nothing in a drawn-out fight. It’s a burst, not a solution. And it doesn’t synergize with Operative’s Aim. Boosting Strength isn’t helping me land crits.”

  Andrews shrugged. “True, but it’s a fallback. If things get dicey, you pop it, and suddenly you’re faster, stronger, tougher. It’s a safety net.”

  “Safety nets are fine,” I said, “but I’m not building for reaction. I’m building for control. If I’m relying on Adrenaline Surge, it means I’ve already lost control of the fight.”

  Andrews leaned against the wall again, arms crossed. “So that brings us back to Echo Gate.”

  I nodded. “It’s got the most potential. It’s versatile, scalable, and it fits the build I’m leaning into. But…”

  “But?”

  “But still, it’s a gamble,” I said.

  Andrews rubbed his chin, his brow furrowed. “Fair, but look at it this way—you’re already landing crits and bouncing shots like some kind of action hero. Even poorly placed portals could give you an edge.

  “True,” I said, letting the thought settle. “And if it scales fast enough, it might be the only power I need.”

  “Exactly,” Andrews said with a grin. “Plus, it fits your whole ‘precision over brute force’ vibe. —your strength is in outthinking and outshooting everyone else. Echo Gates just adds more tools to the arsenal.”

  I exhaled slowly, the decision settling in my mind. “Alright. Let’s do it.”

  I focused on the option, and the system responded instantly.

  System Notification:

  Legendary Power Unlocked: Echo Gates

  Classification: Legendary – Dimensional Manipulation: You have awakened a portal-casting ability

  [Tier 1] Effect: Open a linked portal between two flat surfaces within 20 meters and line of sight. Portals last 6 seconds. Momentum and energy pass through uninterrupted.

  Cooldown: Fast

  Mana cost: Low

  A chill slid down my spine.

  My fingers flexed once. Then curled into a fist.

  I exhaled—slow. Controlled. Like it would make a damn difference.

  “Oh my fucking God,” I breathed.

  “Are you trying to get me killed?”

  I didn’t know if I was talking to the System… or whatever sick god kept handing me these cursed upgrades.

  Legendary.

  Again.

  Andrews stopped mid-step. Like someone had yanked the battery out of his spine.

  “…Wait. Legendary?”

  His voice cracked.

  Like dropped glass.

  I didn’t answer.

  He turned slowly, eyes wide, a grin already blooming like a nuclear sunrise.

  “You’re telling me Echo Gates was a legendary ability?”

  He threw his hands up, practically dancing in place. “I knew it. I fucking knew it. told ya, Archie—I told you it was game breaking. Portals are always broken! “Holy doughnuts—it’s Legendary, boys and girls!”

  I rubbed the bridge of my nose. Trying to hide my grin.

  “Yeah. You told me

  .”Andrews smirked. “Give it time. Knowing you, those portals are gonna make someone’s life hell.”

  “Let’s hope it’s not ours,” I replied, as I raised my hand. The air shimmered. Let’s see what this thing can really do.

  [System Notification: Delay Protocol Engaged]

  You are now operating within public access parameters.

  Tactical uploads will continue on a weekly schedule.

  For priority access to unreleased chapters, classified lore drops, and Architect-exclusive protocols:

  → Initiate [https://www.patreon.com/Jamarvelous1?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator]

  Adapt fast. Level up faster.