Chapter 0: The Beginning?

Stuck in a world that I don't know of, the only thing that reminded me of home was the starry night that filled the void above me. It was something I grew accustomed to but took for granted until it was too late. The cold breeze shifted around my clothes, moving them along with it while greeting me like an old friend.

With a dismal tone, I spoke "It feels like home but I couldn't feel more out of place than now."

I could watch the stars all night if I wanted to but then Alice would get on my back if I didn't do her this favor. "City of Information. It just had to be information…" I sighed in the end.

Looking down upon the City, I can see the bright nighttime activities starting to take way. 'At least information has its perks here.' I look further down to see a card game getting ready. 'I doubt I'll get my sort of information like that. I'll need to take things-' That's when she came into view; our target.

Alice had described our target and what to expect beforehand but I didn't know what I was in for until now. The way she walked and dressed, it was all too captivating. She's gifted in all the right areas and she knew it, making her the spotlight of attention as she walked down the cobblestone road.

'Now just where are you going Ms.Theodora?' It was obvious of course from her appearance alone but I needed to know exactly where. Quietly following her from rooftop to rooftop was a challenge in itself as she occasionally looked around whenever a single noise was made that wasn't her own.

Eventually we reached our destination. It was on the rich side of the City as I guessed but now I knew the specifics. It wasn't much but a sort of party going on inside. Rich people and their parties, ugh, I'll rather die...again.

If there's one thing about rich people's parties though is that they have security. Heavy security. Getting in was off the table for sure, nevermind the information entirely.

'Think Xero. If you don't find some way in, you can kiss Alice's deal goodbye. If only there wasn't any security…' I couldn't help but walk back and forth across the rooftop, thinking of ways to rid the security guards.

"Damn it! You cheated!" The howl of a loser echoed through the city. That's when the perfect idea came to mind.

'Hehe. If I can't get rid of the guards then maybe it's better if I get rid of myself.'

Moments later…

"My cards! Where did it go?! I bet you took them, cheater!" The dealer grabs the other man by his collar. "Cheater?! You're the thief here! Where'd you take my monocle?!"

'You still got it Xero, you still got it.' With a stack of cards and monocle in hand, it was time to execute the plan.

"Wait, where did that young man go?! He was here just a second ago!"

'Shit! Time to hit the dash!'

As I reached back to my little hiding spot, I took off my signature trench coat, throwing it into the System's inventory window. In exchange, I took out a small canteen filled with water to wet my hair, combing it back with my fingers. Once that was done, the canteen was back in the inventory and it was time to sell my disguise. 'I better get doubled from Alice after this…'

With the preparations finished, I made my way down, descending the building. I took out the deck of cards and quickly did some tricks as I walked up to the guards. "Howdy there! I'm here for the card events tonight." 

'Card events? Really? What are you, 10 years old?' The guards didn't seem too pleased by me. One even tried to shoo me away! "Hey now! Don't you dare touch me! Do you know who I am?!" The guards stopped, looking at each other before coming back to me. "I am with the lady that just came in! I am her... associate for the games."

One of the guards scoffed, "Oh, of course. Helena is trying to rig it all. As if she needs more money." I could only chuckle in response, "The rich can only get richer." The guards nod to that and let me pass without much hassle.

'Finally, if that wasn't gonna work then I would've had to pull out my old card tricks.'

The main floor was filled with what you expected. Rich people scoff at either each other or the staff. It didn't take long for some to give me dirty looks. 'At least I look the part, so far so good.'

Then there was the main floor. Where the rich came to flaunt their entire savings by winning the dealer's cards. 'Need to get behind a counter, and fast.'

The main issue was that every counter already had a dealer playing. Not a single one emptied. 'Alright then...guess a little intervention is needed.'

Scanning the room, the target was enjoying herself around her group. Most of them were men just enjoying her "unique" features. That's when a dealer near the end of the hall was just finishing up his game as a roar of excitement spiked.

'Well then. I'll say Lady Luck must be smiling at me!'

[Lucky Gambit has activated!]

As the game finished, I quickly stepped to the Dealer's side. As I tap on his shoulder, a shadow whip latches around my arm, leeching all of my Magi away!

"Well boys, I think we caught ourselves a live one!" To my right; the target and a couple of her men were standing by, gloating at the turn of events.

"My, my. To see the uprising thief caught in my own home. Not a very good thief, are you?" She bends over, checking me out. "Or perhaps your luck ran out!"

'Damm it! This shadow whip is draining me of Magi! Think Xero, Think! How did things get like this?!'