The park fell into an eerie silence.
After the rats retreated, the place looked like a small but ridiculously absurd battlefield. Scattered feathers covered the ground, paw prints marked the wet pavement, and a broken bench stood as silent proof of the recent chaos.
Malric Thorn leaned against the park fountain, trying to catch his breath.
Okay… he muttered. That was way too much for a Tuesday.
The cats were still there, sitting quietly and vigilant, like guardians of this tiny urban kingdom. The black cat — the one that seemed to lead the group — had approached and was now staring at Malric with open curiosity.
Malric decided to test his new skill. He activated the connection, and the cat's voice immediately echoed in his mind.
The rats are gone.
Malric nodded, feeling slightly more relieved.
Yeah.
Thanks for the help.
The cat watched him with an intensity that made him uncomfortable.
We did not help the human.
Malric raised an eyebrow, surprised.
No?
We defended our territory.
Malric sighed, feeling a little less special.
Same thing for me.
The black cat looked toward the street, its ears twitching at every unusual sound.
More trouble is coming.
Malric frowned, a growing sense of unease settling in his chest.
Trouble?
At that moment, a distant bark echoed through the air like a warning. Malric immediately remembered the System's last notification.
Dogs.
The cats heard it too. All of them lifted their heads at once, turning into statues of pure alertness.
The black cat broke the silence.
Felines do not fight unnecessary wars.
Malric crossed his arms, feeling like he was losing control of the situation.
That sounds very strategic.
Retreat.
Malric blinked, unable to believe what he was hearing.
Retreat?
The black cat began walking toward the park exit, and the others followed in an orderly line.
Malric raised his hands, watching his temporary alliance disappear.
Are you seriously abandoning me?
The black cat looked back one last time. Its eyes delivered a very clear message.
Humans bring problems.
Then they vanished into the alleyways, leaving Malric completely alone.
Great, he muttered, feeling slightly betrayed.
S.I.M.I.O. appeared in front of him like a cruel reminder of reality.
Observation: The felines performed a strategic retreat.
Malric started walking toward the park exit, the weight of loneliness pressing down on him.
That means I'm on my own now.
Confirmed.
He looked at the empty street ahead, hoping this nightmare would finally end.
Well… maybe I can finally go home now.
But then a scream shattered his thoughts.
Give me the bag!
Malric turned his head sharply. At the corner of the street, a woman was backing away in terror. A hooded man stood in front of her, a small knife glinting in his hand.
Malric blinked, completely stunned.
…
Seriously? he muttered to himself.
S.I.M.I.O. appeared again.
Event detected.
Malric sighed, feeling like the universe was having fun at his expense.
Don't tell me.
Robbery.
Correct.
The thief snatched the woman's bag, and her scream cut through the night. The man started running — straight toward Malric.
The thief skidded to a stop when he saw him, eyes filling with surprise and challenge.
Move, the thief growled, knife raised.
Malric tilted his head, adopting a defiant stance.
I could.
The thief lifted the knife higher, his voice shaking slightly.
Then do it.
Malric let out a deep sigh, feeling the events spiraling further out of control.
You know… you picked a really bad day.
The thief frowned, confused.
What?
Malric raised his hand and activated his skill. His nails extended, growing three centimeters, curved and sharp under the streetlight.
The thief's eyes widened in shock.
What the hell…?
Malric took a step forward, feeling strangely confident.
It's been a long day.
The thief tried to run, but Malric moved quickly. With a swift motion, he slashed forward.
Slash.
The thief screamed.
AAAH!
The knife clattered to the ground. Malric shoved him against the wall, adrenaline surging through his veins.
Don't steal.
The thief stared at him in pure terror, face pale with fear.
What are you?!
Malric looked at his own claws, still amazed by his new ability.
I'm not entirely sure.
S.I.M.I.O. appeared in front of him, displaying what looked suspiciously like an annoyed face.
:c
Malric raised an eyebrow.
What's wrong now?
The System responded, its tone clearly frustrated.
Event ruined.
Malric frowned, sensing his brief moment of success slipping away.
What event?
The screen changed, and new text appeared.
System detected. User: Unknown Status: System not activated First mission pending.
Malric looked at the thief, who was still pinned against the wall.
Wait. He had a System too?
Correct.
Malric sighed, even more confused.
And what was his mission?
The screen replied.
First mission: Successful robbery.
Malric stayed silent for a moment, processing the information.
…Ups.
S.I.M.I.O. showed the annoyed face again.
:c
Malric scratched the back of his head, realizing he had just made things much more complicated.
Did I just ruin someone's starter mission?
Confirmed.
The thief took advantage of the distraction and bolted into the darkness, disappearing quickly.
Well… that happened.
Malric picked up the fallen bag, still stunned by what had just occurred. The woman ran over, her eyes filled with gratitude.
Thank you! she said, reaching for the bag.
Malric handed it back with a nervous smile.
No problem.
She hurried away, leaving Malric standing alone on the corner, feeling strangely like a hero for the first time.
S.I.M.I.O. appeared once more, interrupting his thoughts.
Observation.
Malric sighed, already tired.
What now?
The screen wrote slowly.
You have completed a heroic act.
Malric raised an eyebrow, surprised.
Really?
The screen continued.
But it was not your mission.
Malric crossed his arms, frustration building.
Of course.
The screen changed again.
Reputation updated.
Malric frowned, curiosity rising.
Reputation?
The System finished writing.
Accidental Hero.
Malric looked up at the sky, feeling the absurdity of his life reaching new heights.
This is getting completely out of control.
S.I.M.I.O. replied calmly.
We are only just getting started.
At that moment, a loud bark echoed nearby, cutting through his thoughts. Malric slowly turned toward the street, his heart beating faster.
Three dogs were staring at him, their eyes glowing under the streetlight.
Malric sighed, sensing that fate still had more surprises in store.
…
Of course.
S.I.M.I.O. spoke.
New faction approaching.
Malric closed his eyes, bracing himself for the chaos he knew was coming.
Great. More animals.