Chapter 3: First System Task Settlement

[Task Completed.]

[Character Level: Black Iron.

Rank Advancement: None.

Cause of Death: Drowning.

Freshness: Five stars.

Final Emotion: Fear.

Emotion Level: Three stars.

Overall Task Rating: Four stars.

Newbie Privileges Redemption in progress…

Rewards: Bronze Four-Star Package *2.]

Cohen silently commanded in his heart, "Open all packages."

[Congratulations on your rewards: Master of Martial Arts, Handgun Proficiency, Trap Making Proficiency, Free Attribute Points: 6.]

[The task has been updated, viewable now.]

A mysterious power surged into his body.

A thin layer of callus formed on his palm, and as he held the revolver in his hand, it suddenly felt like an extension of himself, accurate and responsive.

His coordination and sensory sharpness also improved significantly—he now felt like he could sense everything around him.

Reflecting on the alley earlier, eight deadly unarmed combat methods instantly flooded his mind, all lethal with one strike!

With six attribute points left, he thoughtfully distributed them evenly among strength, speed, and defense.

A rush of power surged through his body, and the itching sensation at his ribs subsided, significantly easing the pain.

Adding attribute points even had healing effects!

He opened the system panel again.

[Name: Cohen Wang.

Age: 22.

Bloodline: Human.

Status: Slightly injured.

Strength: 7 (Average human: 5).

Speed: 7 (Average human: 5).

Defense: 7 (Average human: 5).

Constitution: 5 (Average human: 5).

Spirit: 8 (Average human: 5).

Skills: Master of Martial Arts, Handgun Proficiency, Trap Making Proficiency.

Abilities: None.

Items: None.

Dungeon: Unlocked.

Parallel Universe: Unlocked.

Main Quest: Those guilty must be punished.

Black Iron-Level Prey: 0/3.

Newest Task: Bronze Hunt.

Bronze-Level Prey: 0/1.

Creed: With guilty, comes punishment, and with punishment comes redemption.]

He was surprised to find that his Black Iron-level tasks remained but increased to three.

The new task was to hunt down one Bronze-level prey.

He clenched his fist. For now, he had some means of self-defense in this world, but it was far from enough!

...

At the end of the street, in a small, run-down motel, Cohen spent $30 for a room.

This type of motel didn't require ID for check-in.

Entering the room, he collapsed onto the bed and quickly fell asleep.

He came to terms with his situation.

In this world, in this place, he could die at any moment.

Why think too much about it?

Take life lightly, fight when needed, and owe no one anything.

If anyone alive dislikes me, they can kill me.

If the dead have grievances, they can confront me in hell when I get there!

The next day, he left the motel, ate a simple meal, and went straight to the newsstand.

As a true Marvel fan from his previous life, he first needed to confirm if the worldview of this world was consistent and if the timeline was favorable.

He noticed many headlines: "Stark and Eight Supermodels: Secrets Exposed," "Senator Robert: Beware of the New Species," "My One Night with Stark," "NYC Police Chief George Discusses the Red Vigilante," "Stark at the Golden Club," and more.

Though there were some reports about new species, street vigilantes, gangs, and monster experiments, this world was largely similar to the cinematic universe.

Most importantly, everyone's favorite playboy Tony was still alive and well, partying it up in New York City.

There was still time. Everything was still possible.

Instantly, he solidified his plan: work quietly, surprise everyone!

And when the time was right, rise to power, dominate everything, and rule for all eternity!

The thought alone thrilled him!

Also, he needed to buy a plane ticket to Sokovia. Even if it took his entire life, he would try to win over the Scarlet Witch!

Not even Jesus could change that!

But his first task was to find a place to stay.

He walked around the side of the newsstand.

He had noticed earlier that there were many job postings and missing person notices plastered there.

After looking through them, he didn't find anything suitable.

Returning to the front of the stand, he pulled out a $20 bill and handed it over: "I'm looking for a nearby job. Any recommendations?"

The owner, a large, jovial black man, pocketed the money and replied, "Of course. As an Asian, I recommend you try the Chinese restaurant down the street.

They offer room and board, and for just washing 3,000 dishes a day, you can earn $80!"

Cohen frowned. "How many dishes does a normal person wash in a day?"

"Six hundred."

"Damn, next suggestion!"

"Well, you could find a young man named Jesse at the end of the street. You can help him move some product, and if you're lucky, you could make a few hundred dollars a day."

"Move what product?"

"Methamphetamine."

Cohen immediately recoiled and scrutinized the fat man for a long time.

Lucky for you, the system didn't flag you as prey, or else I'd be back to deal with you someday!

"Another option!"

"Hmm…" The large man thought for a while. "Ah! The nearby Emma Church is looking for a substitute priest. Interested?"

"A priest?"

Hmmmm

...

Emma Church.

A dilapidated, small church.

Two floors, with the first being a small hall, and three rows of seats on either side.

At the front was the altar, featuring a simple cross with a crude Jesus figure.

Oddly, there were two confessional booths, one on each side—evidence of the many sins in Hell's Kitchen.

At the moment, old Father Emma looked puzzled, eyeing the young Asian man in front of him and then at the certificate in his hand.

"You say you graduated from the Shaolin Theological Seminary in China and interned for a year in Vatican City?"

"Yep."

Cohen nodded seriously.

Not only did the newsstand owner provide job leads, but he also introduced him to a fake document service provider.

Now, Cohen not only had a theology degree but also a U.S. driver's license and a Vatican internship certificate, all with official seals!

He remembered the fat man's introduction:

Father Emma had worked as a priest his entire life without ever visiting the Holy City.

Now, at over seventy years old, he had finally saved enough money to see the Pope.

But since his church was located in Hell's Kitchen, no one wanted to take over while he was gone, so he posted a job notice.

Father Emma thought for a moment and asked, "How many days did it take for God to create the world?"

"Seven days."

"What was the first thing God said?"

"Uh…"

Cohen hesitated, but then noticed Father Emma glancing upward. He looked up and saw a light. He instantly got it: "God said, 'Let there be light!'"

"One last question: God created Adam and Eve. Who are the two human ancestors according to the Bible?"

Cohen blinked. "Could it be… Adam and Eve?"

(T/L- The Father is trying to get out if Hell's Kitchen ASAP, Lol)

"Congratulations!"

Father Emma enthusiastically shook his hand. "Shaolin must be an amazing place to teach such brilliant students like you! You've passed the test."

"Hehe, thanks, and congratulations to you too, for finally realizing your dream of visiting Vatican City!"

After a bit of polite conversation, they signed a simple contract.

Father Emma showed Cohen around the church. On the second floor were three bedrooms, and Cohen could choose one of the guest rooms.

Behind the church was a small garden, separated by a narrow road from the Hudson River.

Unfortunately, Father Emma wasn't good at gardening, so the plants were sparse and half-dead.

Just after they finished the tour, Father Emma retrieved a suitcase from his room.

Cohen was surprised. "You're leaving already?"

The priest handed him an envelope. "I plan to be away for three months. Inside is the first month's payment, $1,500.

This is the most I can afford to pay.

The payment for the remaining two months will be delivered by Father Kyle from Saint John's Church. I leave Emma Church in your hands!"

Cohen took the envelope. The old priest handed him a car key as well. "I have an old pickup truck. You can use it."

With that, without a hint of hesitation, Father Emma turned and left.

His figure gradually disappeared at the end of the street.

Cohen felt disoriented. Things… had gone unexpectedly smoothly.

Just as he was about to close the church doors, a black hand stopped him.

"Dear Father Emma, I've come to see you again~"

(End of Chapter)