After perusing his attribute panel, Zhang Fan's initial reaction was one of exhilaration. If he could truly complete all the tasks set by the system, he might just reach the pinnacle of this game.
However, this excitement was fleeting, lasting less than half a minute, before he regained his composure. As a peace-loving homebody, Zhang Fan harbored little interest in such adventures. His only desire was to lead a peaceful and happy life, with the occasional hope of visiting home.
Yet, the seed of ambition had been planted deep within Zhang Fan's heart, awaiting his decision on when to let it sprout.
Testing his newfound strength, he was impressed by the game's humanized design. His physical fitness had significantly improved. The once easily winded Zhang Fan could now effortlessly ascend sixty floors without breaking a sweat.
"Big brother, look!" Rui Tears approached Zhang Fan with a triumphant expression, showcasing a small whirlwind spinning rapidly in her hand. Was this the power of wind?
"Has Rui Tears' ability awakened?" Zhang Fan expressed mild surprise. While the system enhanced the gamers' physical abilities, he hadn't expected it to awaken their powers.
"Yes, I never imagined... I thought I'd always be a level_0, but now..." Rui Tears trailed off, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Don't be foolish, girl. You've just become a level_1, that's all. In the future, our Rui Tears will reach level_5, maybe even surpass it. When we return to Academy City, you'll surely astonish everyone," Zhang Fan consoled her with a gentle pat on the head, his words filled with reassurance.
"Indeed, I'll surprise them all! But big brother, how did you know about Academy City? I don't recall telling you. Are you from the same world as me?" Rui Tears, wiping away her tears, questioned with certainty, then realized the anomaly in Zhang Fan's knowledge.
"Hehe, that's my secret," Zhang Fan replied playfully. He couldn't very well reveal to Rui Tears that she was a character from a fictional world. Sometimes, a benevolent concealment was necessary.
"Big brother, you're so cunning," Rui Tears playfully chided, though she didn't press further. Everyone had their secrets, and she didn't want to leave a bad impression on Zhang Fan. In this world, she still relied on him, and what could a powerless level_1 do anyway?
Name: Rui Tears
Race: Human
Rank: Junior Servant of God
Talent: Wind User
Skills: None
Equipment: None
Game Points: 0
This was Rui Tears' attribute panel. Aside from her talent as a Wind User, her minor wind-controlling ability wasn't even classified as a skill. Clearly, there was much potential yet to be unearthed.
For Zhang Fan and Rui Tears, the first step was successfully taken by joining the Cat's Eye Café. The next step was to truly become a part of Cat's Eye. Zhang Fan realized that any rash action would only lead to unfavorable outcomes. A proper time and place were essential.
"Eh? Zhang Fan, what are you doing at our place? And Rui Tears too?" During dinner time, the youngest sister, Lai Sheng Ai, returned home. Dressed in a vibrant green high school uniform, her lively short, curly black hair accentuated her vivacious and endearing personality. She was indeed the joy of the family.
"Giggle, surprised, aren't you? Here's what happened..." Sister Lei explained the situation to Ai with a light laugh.
Ai, I know you love gossip, but do you have to stare at Tong and me with such shining eyes? Don't you realize how unnerving that gaze can be? Zhang Fan thought to himself, slightly overwhelmed.
"I see, got it," Ai replied, though her understanding seemed somewhat limited, leaving Zhang Fan helplessly amused.
After dinner, Zhang Fan embarked on his learning journey, focusing on the intricacies of café work under Sister Lei's gentle guidance. Her tender voice and delicate touch, coupled with her enchanting fragrance, unwittingly captivated Zhang Fan. Such charm was rare among women.
"Well done, Zhang Fan. I'm impressed with your learning speed; you've quickly grasped the essentials," Sister Lei praised after an hour of training, savoring the coffee brewed by Zhang Fan.
"It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, Sister Lei," Zhang Fan complimented, while inwardly admiring his own resilience to Lei's allure. This remarkable learning ability was beyond his expectations. Had the system enhanced his intellect as well?
"Sister Lei, you have such a sweet way with words. But remember, these compliments are better suited for Tong," Lei teased with a coquettish laugh, though Zhang Fan could tell she enjoyed the flattery.
Thus, Zhang Fan became an official employee of the Cat's Eye Café, spending his days with Lei and Tong, and his evenings familiarizing himself and Rui Tears with their abilities. While Rui Tears' wind control was a work in progress, Zhang Fan utilized this time to hone his own skills. Physical strength and agility were crucial for his role as a thief.
Zhang Fan awaited an opportunity to unveil the true identities of the Lai Sheng sisters. Only then could he fulfill his plan and become an integral member of the Cat's Eye Café.
Finally, the day arrived. Cat's Eye issued a notice for their next heist: at eleven o'clock tonight, they would steal a famous painting, "The Roman Girl," from the National Art Museum.
The audacity of the three sisters – Ai, Tong, and Lei – was remarkable. They would boldly steal items right under the police's watchful eyes, after sending them a prior notice. Were they too skilled, or were the Japanese police simply incompetent, with intellects lower than zero? Such idiocy seemed incurable, even beyond the expertise of world-renowned doctors.