"Team One, prepare to breach!"
"The suspect has a hostage, a six-year-old girl!"
"Anshin, keep your eyes on the suspect. Do not rush in recklessly, and whatever you do, don't harm the hostage!"
Anshin opened his eyes, the voice of his superior buzzing in his earpiece. He looked down at the police uniform and bulletproof vest on his body, the black pistol gripped in his hand. Suddenly, memories surged to the surface.
"I've been reborn…"
"In this world, I'm also called Anshin. This is the world of The Knockout…"
"It's the year 2000. I'm still just a rookie cop."
Waves roared in his chest. In 2000, he had been a hot-blooded young officer, but reality had been cruel. By 2020, his hair was white, while everyone around him rose to power and fortune. Those he trusted most betrayed justice, delivering ruthless blows to his once-straightforward heart.
He had been too kind, too upright, unwilling to tolerate even a grain of sand in his eyes. With no family ties, he had spent his life fighting enemies. Yet the people around him had weaknesses and many fell into corruption. Against cunning criminals and corrupt officials, he could not win.
"But this time…"
Anshin steadied himself.
"This life, I've returned. I even have two uncles behind me who can help me… And it's the year 2000. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance!"
A light flickered in his eyes.
He looked at the pistol in his hand… then at the vicious fugitive holding a hostage dozens of meters away. The task felt far too dangerous. He had no special skills, only a mortal body, unfit for such perilous work.
He had been reborn. Why throw his life away now?
"This world will follow a path much like before. With my memories, I could take off this uniform, become a wealthy magnate or even a famous investor. Isn't that better than before?"
With investments guided by foresight, he could ride the winds of history straight to glory.
"At least this time, there will be no regrets. Mengyoku, Yō Jotei… won't they both be mine?"
Just thinking of his sister-in-law's aura made his heart race.
DING!
At that moment, a crisp tone rang in his ears.
[You have transmigrated into a composite film-and-television world!][You have awakened the "Nemesis of Crime" system!][Capture criminals, dismantle syndicates, and solve major cases to earn system rewards!][Rewards include attribute points, skills, items, even technology…][The more vicious the criminal, the tougher the syndicate, the bigger the case, the greater the reward!]
Anshin's heart stirred.
"With this system… I don't need to quit being a cop anymore…"
[Furthermore, each promotion or commendation will grant a mysterious deluxe reward! These may include rare skills, supernatural abilities, buffs, and more!]
[Current ProfileName: AnshinRank: Junior Officer (Grade Two)Strength: 9Constitution: 10Agility: 11Skills: Basic Handgun Mastery; Basic Police Combat Techniques (Skill levels: Beginner, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Divine)Special Skills or Buffs: None]
[Available Attribute Points: 0. Skill Points: 0]
[As a newcomer, you receive a Starter Gift Pack!][Contents: 10 free attribute points and 5 skill points]
Anshin looked at the glowing panel.
"So if I keep arresting criminals, solving cases, earning promotions… I'll grow stronger, learn skills, even unlock buffs and abilities…"
"This is perfect."
Living again, wealth and glory were secondary. The most important thing was an indestructible body. With a life surpassing six billion people, what money couldn't he earn?
"This is just right."
His thoughts cleared. He was just an ordinary man who despised the underworld. Tales of crime lords rising might be inspiring, but they trampled ordinary people. From the people's side, how could he ever sympathize with them?
"To capture criminals… this system fits me perfectly."
"If I had been reborn as one of the Gao brothers, that would've been trouble. Running with gangsters is suicide."
…
"Anshin! What are you thinking about!?"
At that moment, a fellow officer in uniform and body armor snapped him back. It was his partner, Rishō.
"Scared already?"
Rishō shot him a reproachful look.
"This is the real deal! Stay sharp!"
Anshin turned his gaze to the scene ahead. The situation was dire.
They were in a bustling district, the Old Factory Street Market. A fugitive had been cornered by police and in desperation had grabbed a little girl who was helping her parents at their stall on New Year's Eve. Knife pressed to her throat, she was his shield.
The entire market was locked down. Dozens of officers stood ready.
Anshin and Rishō, as members of the criminal investigation team, were on the very front line.
"Here it is… the chance to earn merit!"
Anshin fixed his eyes on the fugitive.