But then another notification materialized, and my smile faded slightly.
**[The newly created role will be subject to restrictions and penalties]**
**[Applied Restriction #1: You are forbidden from revealing your true identity while playing your role.]**
**[Applied Penalty #1: If even a single person discovers your true identity, you will suffer an atrocious and inevitable death, from which not even immortality can save you.]**
**[Applied Penalty #2: If your actions contradict the core principles of your character, you will be punished with the loss of a limb.]**
"Ah, this is quite a problem, but still manageable," I muttered, lightly touching my chin with my fingertips, a faint smile forming on my lips.
Yes, it's manageable. I had already suspected that this strange system or power hadn't revealed all its rules from the beginning.
The way it appeared, sudden and intrusive, gave me the distinct impression that there were hidden traps behind every advantage. Naturally, in my calculations, I had included the possibility of disadvantages and limitations.
I had correctly predicted the terms of Restriction #1, the one concerning my identity. Being forced to maintain a role, to constantly act a part, was something I had mentally prepared for.
But the penalties... those were harsher than I expected.
Death, if my identity were discovered, wasn't a threat to be taken lightly, especially since it was described as "atrocious and inevitable."
But in the end, it still fell within acceptable standards. I couldn't afford to be reckless.
"As long as I don't get caught... or break character... it's all fine," I reassured myself.
My mind was already focused on my next moves. I had to plan my next heist carefully, calculating every risk.
As I pondered my next steps, an unexpected growl from my stomach made me jump.
The sound was so loud that, for a moment, I feared someone around me might have heard it. I tried to ignore it, but the feeling of emptiness and hunger was becoming unbearable.
"Damn... I really can't afford to collapse right now," I thought to myself with a sigh.
"Add 1 to Vitality."
**[Your Vitality has increased to 11]**
A warm sensation spread through my body, and the rumbling in my stomach subsided almost immediately.
It was as if I had just received a shot of pure energy. My muscles relaxed, my mind cleared, and even the hunger, while not entirely gone, became much more bearable.
I had chosen this solution because it was the most effective and long-lasting, but I knew it wouldn't be enough forever. This was only a temporary relief, and I couldn't rely solely on stat points to survive.
"I absolutely need to find a job... something that at least lets me eat," I reflected.
***
"Hey, did you hear today's news?" an unfamiliar voice reached my ears as I wandered aimlessly, trying to remain unnoticed.
"Oh, you mean the robbery?" the other replied, with a tone that mixed disbelief and fear.
"Yeah, yeah... that one," the first person confirmed, lowering their voice as if afraid someone might overhear.
"In my opinion, what were they thinking? I'm starting to believe this city isn't really safe. We already have problems with the Villain, and now this too..."
I, a few meters away, carefully eavesdropped on their conversation.
Every word they spoke was a valuable clue for me, a piece of the puzzle I was trying to put together.
I needed to gather more information and clarify the current situation.
The hum of the crowd seemed to fill the air around me, mixed with the sounds of cars and the chatter of people rushing by.
"Rumors are already spreading," I thought to myself, as a satisfied smile crossed my face.
If I manage to successfully pull off a second heist, my fame would grow enormously, and with it, my power.