The Fake officers

As Duke arrived home, he carelessly dropped his bike outside and rushed inside his house. Frantically searching for something, he opened the drawer near his bed. Failing to find what he sought, he abandoned the drawer and continued his search elsewhere.

After a few minutes, he found what he needed—a First Aid Kit. Sighing in relief upon seeing some bandages inside, he realized he needed to treat his wound before it became infected. Knowing he couldn't afford a trip to the hospital without paying taxes, especially since he lived on the outskirts of the city, he resolved to handle the injury himself.

Rolling up his sleeve to better examine his wounded arm, he was stunned to find it completely healed. Did he possess healing abilities now? He pondered, recalling not finding the dagger cut on his skin when he woke up. If his theories were correct, the pill had facilitated his recovery.

But if that were true, then he hadn't lost the pill as he had initially thought; it was currently with him, or rather, it had merged with him.

Confusion clouded Duke's mind as he scratched his head. If he told Dominique about the situation, he wasn't sure how Dominique would react. However, keeping it to himself could lead Dominique to believe he had intentionally stolen the pill.

The chances of Duke informing Dominique were slim. Although Dominique couldn't kill him due to the new citizen's law—a Tierney system member couldn't harm someone without the system—Dominique might enslave him and force him to do his bidding.

At the mere thought, Duke clenched his fist. He refused to let anyone control him again. Having been controlled his entire life, he wouldn't allow another person or the government to dictate his fate.

Since the pill didn't impose penalties, Duke felt reassured knowing he wasn't subject to its commands. However, he understood that to improve and acquire more skills with his new system, he needed to fulfill certain "tasks." Yet, the system hadn't assigned him any tasks yet, leaving Duke curious about what lay ahead.

With his stomach growling, Duke realized he was starving and had little food at home. Retrieving a savings box from under his bed, he smashed it open and gathered the change he had saved. This should sustain him until his next delivery order. Pocketing the money, changing his shirt, and tidying his room, he prepared to leave.

---

As Duke approached civilization, he reduced the pace of his bike. Wearing a jacket with a hoodie, he remained cautious, despite his efforts to conceal his face during the warehouse robbery.

Constantly surveying his surroundings, Duke felt increasingly anxious and regretted leaving his house so soon. Yet, as he parked his bike, everything seemed normal.

After purchasing what he could afford, Duke returned to his bike. He noticed a girl crouching beside it, seemingly hiding from someone.

"Excuse me?" Duke mumbled, catching her attention and startling her. She appeared to be around fourteen years old.

"Shh," she hushed, placing a finger on her lips.

Confused, Duke decided to leave her alone. As he attempted to unlock his bike, she tightly gripped his wrist, preventing him from doing so.

Staring at her hand on his wrist uncomfortably, Duke recoiled. Sensing his discomfort, the girl withdrew her hand.

"Please, just a minute till they're gone," she pleaded.

Curious, Duke inquired, "Till who's gone?"

"There she is!" a deep voice yelled. Duke turned to see the police approaching—the girl's pursuers. Quickly attempting to unlock his bike, Duke paused as the officer drew near.

"Stop right there," the man ordered, his ragged breath palpable. Duke hesitated, realizing his attempt to remain inconspicuous had failed.

As the officer closed in, Duke braced himself to strike. However, the man shifted his attention to the girl.

"You are coming with me, young lady!" he declared, seizing her and dragging her away.

Relieved it wasn't about him, Duke unlocked his bike and prepared to leave. But as he did, the girl's face flashed in his mind. What would they do to her?

Considering she had attracted the attention of a police officer, Duke assumed she had violated the law. Yet, he couldn't shake the thought.

With a heavy sigh, Duke started his bike and departed. However, he hadn't gone far when he spotted the girl again, fleeing from two men who appeared to be impersonating officers.

Concerned, Duke deliberated his next move. Just as he did, a notification demanded his attention:

[Special Order]

The 3D character popped up to announce:

[Eliminate the fake officers]