[Special Order]
A 3D character emerged to announce:
[Kill the fake officers in the next ten minutes]
[Failure to complete the quest will lead to an appropriate penalty]
"What?" he rhetorically asked. Now, saving the girl was going to be a hassle, but it seemed like something he could do and fast. But killing two people to save her?
Duke watched the girl as she ran into an alleyway, the men following close behind.
He couldn't kill someone he didn't know anything about. As much as he didn't care about people, those people might have families. Everyone had a purpose in their own dealings. He had a purpose when he robbed the warehouse, even if it was wrong.
They might too.
He could save the girl, but he wasn't going to accept the system's first task.
Suddenly, multiple screens appeared in his vision, revealing detailed information about the fake officers. As Duke tried to process the data, another screen popped up:
[You have eight minutes and thirty-five seconds left]
How was he supposed to act quickly with little time to process the information being displayed? And now he had lost sight of them. They might have already boarded another vehicle, heading to a different town or something.
Duke's vision split, revealing a mesmerizing sight: a map-like interface materialized before him, filled with intricate details and vibrant colors. It was as if he had been transported into the digital realm of a video game, where every step held the promise of adventure.
The map was reminiscent of those he had encountered while playing video games. But this was not just a mere visual aid; it pulsated with life, constantly updating and guiding Duke toward his destination. It displayed various markers and indicators, providing him with vital information and hints to navigate the unknown.
"Desperate much?" he mentally questioned the screen as it continued to provide information. Duke followed in the direction the map led him. With each passing moment, the map seemed to come alive, as if it possessed a mind of its own. It would zoom in and out, highlighting key landmarks and pathways, while he followed behind.
He didn't miss the timer at the near end of his vision, reminding him of the little time he had left.
Duke darted his gaze and hastened his pace as he followed the map. He couldn't help but marvel at the intricacy of the design. The attention to detail was astounding, from the way the map seamlessly integrated with his surroundings to the real-time updates that kept him on track. It was a testament to the incredible advancements in technology, blurring the lines between reality and the digital realm.
If this was the Tierney system on display, Duke now understood why everyone wanted it.
A surge of excitement coursed through Duke's veins when he realized he was getting closer. He propelled forward with determination and curiosity as a sense of purpose ignited within him.
Duke couldn't stare at the profile views of the men displayed on his screen; he didn't think it was worth it. All that mattered was he got her to safety.
As Duke got closer, he realized the map was taking him directly to where they were. That was no game plan, he pondered. He didn't have any weapons on him, and those people might be heavily armed. Duke diverted into another alley, different from the one the map displayed. If he came from this route, he could easily knock out both men from behind before they got hold of their weapons and grabbed the girl.
As he proceeded with the new route, he noticed some items blocking the road. But he didn't stop; he increased his speed instead and skillfully skidded past it.
[One Hundred points awarded to you for your flexibility]
The 3D characters popped up at the side of the screen to inform him.
Duke didn't waste a second; he was right on their tail. As he closed in, he picked up his pace, determined to catch up. He noticed one of the men had the girl's hands restrained, while the other seemed to be engaged in a conversation with her. The expression on the teenager's face revealed that it was far from a pleasant exchange. It was even more concerning considering they had her trapped in a desolate alley. Duke's adrenaline kicked in as he prepared to intervene and rescue her.
They must've noticed Duke's bike speeding towards them because they abruptly turned to face him, while the other guy kept a firm grip on the teenager.
[Five minutes left]
The screen dinged, reminding him of the time he had left.
Duke parked swiftly and got down from his bike. The map didn't highlight what they were doing, and his assumption did not work out the way he thought it would. He can't grab her if their hands are firmly on her.
Duke's ears perked up at their hushed conversation.
"How did that dude get in here when he's not one of us? I can't read him, can you?" one of the men asked the other holding the teenager.
"Beats me. He must be a human who lost his way. Just scare him off, we need to do this quickly and get away," he mumbled back.
"You're in our territory. Piss off while I'm still nice," he said to Duke, taking a few steps towards him, thinking Duke had lost his way. But Duke didn't seem lost at all.
"I will when I get my order."
The first guy furrowed his brow in confusion till he followed Duke's gaze and it landed on the Girl, he realized Duke was referring to her.
"What's the piece of garbage saying?" the dude holding the girl hostage asked not liking the fact Duke was still there, and disrupting their mission.
"That he wants a piece of our garbage," the other replied, chuckling.
"Well, get rid of him already. We've wasted enough time chasing this brat already," he spoke out with displeasure, hitting the girl on the head as he did so.
"I can't use my ability on him when he's not one of us. I've only just got to this Tier; I don't want to get revoked just yet."
Duke started walking towards the men, surprising them. He didn't stop till one of them brought out a weapon and pointed it at Duke.
[Three minutes and ten seconds left]
The timer reminded him.
How was he supposed to complete a task in that time frame when he was completely unarmed? He pondered as he tried to figure out what to do next.
The 3D character popped into his vision again with an option indication this time around.
[Items that can aid your task with your points- A dagger, An arrow, or a Viewpoint]
Viewpoint? What's that like? He wondered.
"What does that even mean?" Duke mumbled to himself.
"Don't pray just yet, save it for your last breath," the man told Duke as he inched closer with his weapon.
[One minute and fifty-nine seconds left]
With little time left for Duke to ponder on what option to go for, Duke decided to go for the unusual prospect.
"Viewpoint."