Cherreads

Chapter 4 - Abandoned Theater

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While Zack was still adjusting to the newfound sense of strength he had gained, a new system window appeared before his eyes, displaying a list of new tasks.

Available System Quests!

Find a New Hideout

Mission: Search for a new hideout that is safer than this warehouse.

Reward: +200 XP, +$50.

Send a Group of Common Thugs to Jail

Mission: Stop some low-level criminals in Gotham and help hand them over to the police.

Reward: +350 XP, +$150.

Land 20 Consecutive Hits Without Interruption

Mission: Use your new combat skills to execute 20 consecutive strikes in a real fight without being interrupted by your opponent.

Reward: +500 XP, +$200.

Zack scanned through the list slowly, then raised an eyebrow and said sarcastically, "Oh wow, looks like I've become a full-time employee of yours, System."

The system chuckled lightly and replied, "Of course! The only difference is that your boss doesn't give you vacation days… and slacking off could mean your death. So, what will you pick first, our dear hero?"

Zack stretched a little, then took a deep breath as he stared at the list.

"Alright… let's start with something easy."

The system responded enthusiastically, "That's the spirit I want to hear! Let's get to work!"

Zack looked at the dagger in his hand and muttered, "I don't really need this right now… but I can't just leave it here either."

Before he could think of a solution, the system's voice rang in his head, laughing mockingly:

"Haha! Are you planning to carry everything in your hands like a caveman? Did I forget to tell you how to use your system?"

Zack raised an eyebrow and said flatly, "No, you didn't tell me. Maybe because you were too busy giving me migraine attacks."

The system laughed again before saying,

"Don't be so sensitive! Alright, listen carefully—this is your first lesson on how to use your system like a pro:"

If you want to see your stats, just say: 'My Stats.'

If you want to check your inventory, just say: 'Inventory.'

If you want to store something, simply place your hand on it and say: 'Store.' But remember… the inventory only works on things you own. You can't store a stolen car or a random gun you found on the ground.

If you want to retrieve something, just say its name followed by 'Withdraw,' and it will appear right in front of you."

The system paused for a moment before adding, "As for the more complex stuff, I'll teach you when you actually need it."

Zack nodded slowly and said, "Alright, seems simple enough."

Then, he looked at the dagger in his hand, gripping it tightly before saying in a clear voice, "Store!"

In an instant, the dagger vanished in a small blue flash, leaving no trace behind.

Zack blinked, then smirked slightly and said, "Well… that's pretty useful."

The system laughed and said, "Told you! My system is the best. Enjoy these features while your head is still attached to your body!"

Zack ignored the sarcasm, then sighed and said, "Alright, time to start the first mission."

Out of curiosity, Zack said in a clear voice, "Inventory."

A blue window appeared in front of him, displaying a list of the items he owned:

Inventory

Dagger (Rank: Common)

$500 Cash

He looked at the contents and muttered, "Alright… not much, but at least I have some money."

He closed the screen by saying, "Close inventory."

At that moment, the system's voice rang in his head, this time filled with sarcasm mixed with surprise:

"Wow! You're not just a breathing meat sack… you actually think! I didn't expect you to check your inventory this fast!"

Zack smirked sarcastically and said, "Of course, I don't want to be blind to what I have."

The system replied with equal sarcasm, "Oh, don't worry. With that mindset, maybe you won't die as fast as I expected… maybe."

Zack ignored the system's remark, then took a deep breath and said, "Alright, time to get to work. Let's start the first mission."

The system, now sounding excited, exclaimed, "Yes! Finally! Let's see what you'll do, Mr. Gotham's new resident!"

And so, Zack's first steps into Gotham's harsh world had begun…

As he stepped out of the warehouse into the cold street, he muttered, "Alright, now where should I go? Show me the map."

But the system quickly responded in a mocking tone, "No no no! Don't expect me to just give you a full map anytime, anywhere!"

Zack raised an eyebrow and said flatly, "What do you mean?"

The system continued speaking as if explaining to a small child:

"Look, you have a mini-map that shows nearby locations in the upper corner of your vision."

At that moment, a small transparent map appeared in the upper right corner of Zack's vision, displaying the nearby streets.

"But if you want the full city map, you'll need a main base or a high-quality hideout. Not like that filthy warehouse we were in earlier."

Zack exhaled in frustration as he looked at the mini-map, which was barely useful. "So I need to find a better hideout if I want proper planning..."

The system chuckled lightly. "Exactly! Now you're starting to get how things work!"

Zack moved his eyes slightly, watching how the mini-map tracked his movements in real time, then said, "Alright, let's start searching for that new hideout."

The system shouted excitedly, "Yes! A new adventure! Let's go!"

And so, Zack began walking through Gotham's dark alleys, following the mini-map, ready to explore this new world with all its dangers...

After hours of searching and wandering through Gotham's streets and alleys, Zack was feeling exhausted and frustrated. Most of the places he checked were nothing but rundown warehouses or abandoned buildings that offered little to no security. Every hideout he found was at the same level as the warehouse he had left—barely suitable as a shelter for the homeless.

He muttered in frustration, "Looks like I'll have to sleep on the street if this keeps up..."

But suddenly, he stopped in his tracks when his eyes landed on a massive building—an abandoned theater. It looked extremely old, but despite its condition, it was far sturdier than the other ruined buildings he had passed by.

Before Zack could think further, the system's voice echoed in his head, this time with a more serious tone than usual:

"Oh… this theater? It might be the perfect spot for a good hideout. Definitely worth checking out."

Zack looked at the building again, then smirked slightly and said, "Finally, some luck… Alright, let's see if this place is suitable or just another trap in this damned city."

The system chuckled lightly and said, "If it's a trap, at least it'll be entertaining!"

Zack ignored the system's remark and started walking toward the abandoned theater, determined to uncover whatever secrets this place held...

As he stepped inside the theater, he immediately noticed the place was in terrible condition. Dust covered the floor, the seats were worn out, and the curtains were torn. But despite all that, it was far more spacious and secure than any other place he had found.

However, he wasn't alone.

Before he could move further, a group of filthy-looking men emerged from the shadows. Their faces were rough and hungry, their clothes tattered, and their eyes gleamed with malice. They were homeless, but they didn't look friendly at all.

One of them, a large man with a dirty beard, took a step forward and spoke in a rough voice, "Well, well… look what we have here. A newcomer trying to steal our theater?"

Another man, thinner but holding a broken bottle in his hand, smirked and said, "You gotta pay the toll, kid."

Zack said nothing, but he felt a twinge of tension as he saw the man stepping toward him with the broken bottle.

Then, something strange happened.

Before he could even think, his body moved on its own! A quick sidestep, then a spinning motion—his hand shot out, wrapping around the attacker's wrist…

In an instant, the bottle slipped from the man's grasp and shattered on the ground. Zack lunged forward and delivered a straight punch to the man's jaw, knocking him out cold.

Zack stood there, staring at his hands in shock… He hadn't thought about doing anything, yet he fought like a professional!

Then, the system's voice rang out, full of sarcasm and laughter:

"What legendary luck… Without that gacha card, you'd be a human steak right now!"

Despite his tension, Zack couldn't stop a small smirk from forming. "I think I'm starting to get used to this damn system..."

The other vagrants exchanged nervous glances before suddenly rushing at him all at once.

The system shouted excitedly, "Time to put those new skills to use, hero! Let's see if you can pull off that combat mission!"

And now, the real fight had begun…

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If you liked the story and want to read more

or just to support me, copy the link below.

You will find a special membership for:

3 chapter

 and another one for:

7 chapters.

patreon.com/zakx205

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