With two colleagues' lives in ruins, Ren took a strategic pause. He had accumulated a substantial number of Vengeance Points from his victories, rewards for a job well done. It was time to invest in his future, to sharpen his blade for the bigger targets to come.
"System, open the upgrade menu," he commanded in the solitude of his apartment.
The air in front of him shimmered, and a new, complex interface appeared in his vision. It was a sleek, dark-themed 'shop' with several tabs: [ATTRIBUTES], [SKILLS], [ITEMS], [INFORMATION]. His eyes scanned the incredible abilities on offer—subtle manipulations, physical enhancements, powerful tools. He could boost his charisma, buy a disguise, purchase a dossier on his next target. But one skill stood out, a power that would change the very nature of his game.
[SKILL: Mind Reader - Lvl. 1]
Description: Allows the user to perceive the surface thoughts and immediate emotional state of a designated target within a 5-meter range.
Cost: 200 VP
This was it. The ultimate weapon. No more guessing, no more broad-spectrum attacks. This would allow for surgical, psychological strikes. Without hesitation, he selected 'Purchase'.
[200 VP Deducted. Remaining VP: 50]
[New Skill Acquired: Mind Reader - Lvl. 1]
A sharp, stabbing pain lanced through his skull, as if his brain were being rewired. It lasted only a second, but was followed by a profound new quietness in his mind, a heightened sense of awareness. It felt like he'd been listening to the world through a wall his entire life, and that wall had just dissolved. He was no longer just a predator; he was a psychic assassin.