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The city burned. Not metaphorically—flames licked the sides of skyscrapers, and explosions shook Gotham's gothic streets melded with Manhattan chaos. Helicopters screamed overhead. Somewhere, Joker laughed. Somewhere else, a Hydra squad executed a mission like clockwork.
Riku's hoodie was soaked. His hands still trembled—not from fear, but from the rush of blood that coated his fingers. The mugger from last night… dead. Moon Knight… gone. And yet the system pulsed in his vision like a heartbeat:
> [Daily Quest — Optional]
Eliminate threat, manipulate hero, or survive encounter.
He ran. Not blindly, but calculating. Every alley, every puddle reflection, every shadow whispered opportunities.
Then he heard it. A low, guttural chuckle that didn't belong to any human. He ducked behind a dumpster—and froze.
Two figures approached, moving like predators. One was familiar—Bane, cracking the asphalt with each step, muscles straining beneath his armored vest. Beside him, Crossbones, Hydra's most lethal mercenary.
> Threat Level: Extreme
Immediate Action Recommended
Riku's stomach didn't drop. It churned with dark excitement. He had no strength. No real skills. But the system promised power… if he dared.
> Option 1: Run — Safe, XP 0
Option 2: Observe — Risk Moderate, XP +15
Option 3: Engage — High Risk, XP +50 / Corruption +10%
He smirked. Engage.
Using shadows and rooftops, Riku toyed with them. He threw debris, caused minor distractions, and watched as Bane's rage spiraled, Crossbones' aim wavered. Each twitch, each stumble, each yell—he recorded, he learned, he leveled up.
> XP Gained: 35 | Skill Unlocked: Predator's Instinct
The thrill was exhilarating and revolting. Riku didn't kill yet—but he toyed. He saw the dark desire to dominate others ignite within himself, a taste of true power without consequences… yet.
Then the system pulsed again:
> High-Value Target Approaching
Riku looked up. Scarlet Witch hovered above a nearby rooftop, crimson aura flaring, eyes glowing. She was scanning the chaos below, probably sensing the disturbance in the streets—but she didn't see him.
> Optional Engagement — Observe or Interact
He crouched, heart hammering—not from fear, but anticipation. Wanda Maximoff. One touch of her reality-warping power could end him. And yet… she was the ultimate puzzle, the ultimate challenge.
Riku grinned. This city… this world… it's my playground. Heroes, villains… all pieces to move, break, or seduce.
And somewhere, distant yet close, the system whispered:
> Next Level Requires Sacrifice… and Pleasure.
Riku's fingers twitched. He had survived, yes. But survival wasn't enough anymore. He wanted chaos. He wanted power. He wanted… everything.
And the streets of blood, fire, and broken heroes would give it to him—if he had the nerve to take it.