Raid

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a dim, silver glow over the city as Zero checked his phone. The luminous numbers read 2:03 am, and the soft hum of the city after midnight filled the air. Pulling his collar closer to ward off the night's chill, Zero dialed Tom's number.

"Tom, bring the car. Meet me near the convenience store," Zero instructed, promptly sending the specific coordinates through a message.

A brief moment of static passed before Tom's voice crackled to life. "Got it, boss. I'll be there in five."

Zero ended the call, his mind whirring, but an unexpected movement caught his eye. A disheveled man shuffled near the entrance of the store, his ragged clothes and unkempt beard hinting at a life spent on the streets.

Approaching with a deliberate pace, Zero greeted, "Excuse me, could you assist me with a purchase inside?"

The homeless man barely acknowledged him, spitting a thick glob onto the asphalt instead. "can't you see I'm busy?" he grumbled.

Remaining unruffled, Zero pulled out a bundle of bills from his pocket, ensuring that the homeless man caught sight of the $300 on offer. "This can be yours for a small favor," Zero offered.

The homeless man's bleary eyes, previously glazed with a mix of fatigue and intoxication, suddenly sharpened at the sight of the money. "What do you want me to do kid?"

Zero's voice remained steady. "I need a few things: a black mask, a black hat, a black jacket, and black gloves."

Raising an eyebrow, the man said skeptically, "Huh?? you are asking too much for a kid."

Keeping his pleasant demeanor, Zero added, "Throw in another two hundred if you manage within five minutes."

Without waiting for a reply, the homeless man snatched the initial sum and hurried into the store, a renewed energy in his stride.

zero looked at his figure going inside the store, with his bloodlust still leaking knowing the fact that KnifePoint was the reason that his parents died in his previous life.

Zero stood back, taking in the scene. The soft neon lights of the store flickered, casting a glow onto the surroundings, but his gaze was elsewhere. The true reason for his hesitation to shop was mounted high on the store's walls. Three CCTV cameras stared back, their unblinking red lights a silent testament to the surveillance inside.

Moments later, the man emerged, items clutched in hand. A wide, greedy grin stretched across his face. "Alright, where's the rest?" he demanded.

Zero took the items, and without a word, dropped the additional $200 onto the ground, challenging the man's dignity.

Crouching to collect the money, the homeless man's gaze fixed on Zero with a mix of anger and greed. "This all you got? I bet you have—"

But he never finished his sentence. A swift, powerful kick from Zero ensured that. As the man crumpled, unconscious, Zero muttered, "Disgusting."

As Tom's fingers typing over the phone, composing a quick "boss, I'm here" message, the door of his sleek Maserati suddenly opened. A figure, cloaked entirely in black, slid into the plush leather seat beside him.

Startled, Tom managed to get out, "Who are y-"

"KnifePoint base. Now." The command was simple, but the voice was unmistakably familiar.

Tom's confusion dissipated as recognition set in. "Oh, boss," he said, relief evident in his voice, "Right away."

The vehicle's engine purred, but as they pulled away from the curb, Tom couldn't help but voice his concerns. "Are you going in alone boss? There are at least a hundred members at the KnifePoint base."

Without shifting his gaze, Zero replied curtly, "Tom, don't ask questions."

His voice carried an almost tangible weight, a mix of authority and icy threat. "Do as I say," Zero continued, exuding an aura that seemed to turn the car's interior colder.

Swallowing hard, Tom pressed the accelerator a bit more, the powerful car responding instantly. The streets became a blur, and by 2:13 am, the Maserati pulled up outside the KnifePoint base.

Sandwiched between nondescript office buildings, the base itself was incongruous. A two-story structure, it bore no signage, but its imposing steel doors and tinted windows suggested it was no ordinary office. Its facade was a muted gray, blending seamlessly with its surroundings, making it easy to overlook unless one knew what to look for.

"Where's the rope?" Zero's voice snapped Tom back to the present.

"In the trunk, boss."

"Stay alert," Zero commanded his tone allowing no room for doubt.

With a nod, Tom watched as Zero readied himself.

'status' zero commanded.

============================

Name: Zero Elsher

Age: 12 years old

Power: 18

Intelligence: 32

Stamina: 20.5

Unused points: 7

Balance: 1800 Zen

Balance Exchange.

Skills: Future Sight -, Calm Mind Rank F

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'shop'

===================================

Welcome to the Zen Shop!

Balance: 1800 Zen

Categories:

armory

Potions

Miscellaneous

Upgrades

Daily Specials:

Mystery Box: 500 Zen

Purchased history

======================================

Deciding to enhance his capacities, Zero invested 500 Zen in a dual potion, boosting both Stamina and Power. The elixir offered a +5 increment to both attributes.

Furthermore, he strategically allocated the 7 available points: directing 3 to boost his Power and 4 to enhance his Stamina.

============================

Name: Zero Elsher

Age: 12 years old

Power: 26 (+3) (+5 Time left: 5 Hours)

Intelligence: 32

Stamina: 29.5 (+4) (+5 Time left: 5 Hours)

Unused points: 0

Balance: 1300 Zen

Balance Exchange.

Skills: Future Sight -, Calm Mind Rank F

============================

With his preparation ready, Zero picked up a brick and climbed up on the side of the building.