Granis City's night air was thick—half smoke, half secrets. Kael stepped out into the street, hoodie pulled low, eyes sharp. The timer on the Life System app ticked away: 5 hours, 42 minutes left.
His heart was still pounding from what had just happened. The strange girl, the odd mission… the money he'd just earned.
Kael looked down at his phone. $50. Real money. But it didn't make any sense. It was as if the system knew exactly what he needed—and gave it to him. He could feel the weight of the phone in his pocket, like a secret power waiting to be tapped.
As he walked, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone—or something—was watching him. He checked over his shoulder, but the streets of Granis were just as busy as ever. Cars zoomed past, people hustled to and from the clubs and bars, and the neon lights painted the dark sky in bright hues of blue and pink.
Kael adjusted the hoodie over his head, trying to blend into the crowd, but he couldn't ignore the pull of the Life System. It was like a whisper in his mind, urging him to complete more tasks, to explore what was hidden behind this strange app.
"What's next?" he muttered to himself, wishing he could shake off the uneasy feeling gnawing at him. What kind of game was this? And who was behind it?
His phone buzzed again, pulling him from his thoughts. The screen lit up with another quest:
Quest #2: Complete a challenge to test your abilities.
Objective: Win a bet at a local bar.
Bonus reward for beating a tough opponent.
Kael blinked. A bet? At a bar? This was getting weirder by the second. But the more he thought about it, the more the idea seemed like a good opportunity. He needed the money, and he needed to prove to himself that he could do more than just survive. He could thrive—if the Life System was right.
A local bar was just up the block, hidden in an alley where the neon lights flickered. Kael's instincts told him this was the place. He pushed through the door, the heavy bass from the music inside vibrating against his chest. It was dark and noisy, but the air felt electric, charged with a raw energy Kael hadn't felt in a long time.
He approached the counter, and the bartender—a muscular man with tattoos covering his arms—gave him a look. "You here for the game?" he asked, his voice gravelly.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "What game?"
"The one where people bet," the bartender said, nodding toward a corner of the bar where a group of men sat around a table, laughing and talking in low voices. "You're new, huh? You've got guts, though. Not many people come in here and challenge him."
Kael followed the bartender's gaze. A man sat at the table, his eyes locked onto a deck of cards. His aura was intimidating, like he owned the place. His clothes were expensive—tailored suit, sharp shoes. He had the look of someone who wasn't just playing for fun; he was playing to win.
"Who's that?" Kael asked.
"That's Victor," the bartender replied. "The one to beat if you want to make some serious cash. But be careful, kid. He's not a man you want to mess with."
Kael didn't have time to hesitate. He had a mission. He was going to take the challenge, and he was going to win. "I'll play," he said, his voice steady.
The bartender smiled grimly. "You've got guts, kid. Let's see if you've got the skill."
He led Kael over to the table, where Victor was sitting with two other men. The atmosphere was tense as the cards were dealt. Kael took a seat, feeling the weight of the moment settle on his shoulders. This wasn't just a game; this was his chance to prove something to himself.
The game began. It was poker—a game Kael had never played before but knew well enough to understand the basics. He kept his eyes focused, trying to read his opponents, but there was something off about Victor. His smile was too smooth, his eyes too calculating. It was like he was always three steps ahead, and Kael felt the pressure building.
He had to win.
Kael placed his bets carefully, watching Victor and the others closely. His mind raced with every decision. The Life System had promised him a bonus reward for beating this guy. Was this the moment the app had been preparing him for?
Finally, after what felt like hours, Kael made his move. Victor was bluffing—he could see it in his eyes. It was a risky play, but Kael pushed all in.
Victor's eyes widened for a split second—just enough for Kael to catch the lie. He flipped his cards over with a grin.
Victor stared at his hand, defeated. He didn't say a word as he stood up and walked away, leaving the table. Kael won.
The bartender clapped him on the back. "Looks like you've got some skills after all, kid. Here's your winnings."
The money was real—$200 in cash, plus the bonus from the Life System.
Kael's phone buzzed again:
Quest Complete.
Reward: $200.
Bonus Reward Unlocked: +2 Confidence.
New Ability: Enhanced Perception – You can now analyze people's behavior with greater clarity.
Kael felt his heart race. The power was real, and so was the danger.