The night in Xianwu Province was colder than expected, a sharp breeze cutting through the air as Michael made his way across the rooftops. The chaos below, with guards desperately chasing after Li Mei, was like music to his ears. He crouched low, hidden in the shadows, watching the scene unfold as if it were a live performance designed for him alone.
As he leaped onto another rooftop, he suddenly felt a strange sensation—a tingling at the base of his neck. It was the System reaching out to him again.
"Host, congratulations on completing your first mission in this world. As a reward, I present you with a special item," the System's voice announced, carrying a tone of excitement, like it was proud of him.
Michael raised an eyebrow. "A reward? What are we playing at here, System? This isn't a game."
"Call it an enhancement to your arsenal," the System replied, ignoring his sarcasm. "You'll find it more than useful in future encounters. Here is your prize: the Mk 13 Mod 7 sniper rifle, a weapon unmatched in precision and range."
Suddenly, in front of him, a dazzling display of light appeared, like a shimmering portal opening up. From within it, the Mk 13 sniper rifle materialized, floating in the air for a moment before softly dropping into Michael's waiting hands. It was beautiful, sleek, and deadly—the kind of weapon that instantly made his heart race.
Michael ran his hand along the cold metal barrel, his eyes gleaming with appreciation. "This," he whispered with a grin, "this is art."
The rifle felt perfect in his hands, familiar yet with an otherworldly power coursing through it. He adjusted the scope, peering through it at the chaos below, watching as Li Mei effortlessly evaded the guards.
"System," Michael muttered as he continued examining the rifle, "you sure do know how to pick rewards."
"I thought you'd approve, Host," the System chimed in. "This sniper rifle is more advanced than anything this world has seen. Its range is far beyond the reach of any bow or crossbow, and its power—lethal. With it, no target will ever be out of your grasp."
Michael's grin widened as he rubbed his thumb over the trigger. His mind was already racing, imagining the possibilities this new tool would unlock for him. He felt like a predator who had just sharpened his claws.
"System, tell me the specs," Michael commanded.
"Gladly. The Mk 13 Mod 7 fires .300 Winchester Magnum rounds, has an effective range of up to 1,200 meters, and is fitted with a state-of-the-art thermal scope. The suppressor ensures minimal sound, even at long distances, making it perfect for stealth operations. One shot, one kill."
Michael felt a chill of excitement race down his spine. He glanced down at the crowded streets below, mentally marking potential vantage points where he could test the rifle's range.
"I like it. Perfect for dealing with high-profile targets from afar." He paused, running his hand along the sleek black metal once more. "But why give it to me now, System? Do you have a plan in mind?"
"Host, consider it a tool for your next mission. While Lin Yu is dead, his death will not go unnoticed. There are others in power who will try to take control of Xianwu Province. You will need to remain vigilant."
Michael's eyes narrowed. "So there's more trouble coming."
"Always," the System replied smoothly. "But with this rifle, you will have the upper hand. No one will see you coming."
As he stood up from his crouched position, Michael suddenly heard the faint sounds of guards yelling in the distance. He looked down and saw that Li Mei had managed to slip into the shadows, leaving her pursuers confused and scattered.
He chuckled softly. "She's good."
But his smile faded as he watched her disappear. He knew she was furious, and she wasn't going to let this go easily. If she thought for a second that Michael had used her as bait—and she definitely did—then she'd be hunting him as much as he was hunting his next target.
Not that he was worried. Li Mei was formidable, but Michael had survived the cutthroat world of assassins long enough to know how to stay one step ahead.
"System," he said as he slung the sniper rifle over his shoulder, "let's find my next target. And give me an update on Li Mei. Is she coming after me yet?"
The System's voice returned, calm and collected. "Li Mei is highly skilled, but she has lost the trail for now. She is currently hiding, likely regrouping. However, she will resume her search for you soon. It seems she has taken your... strategy personally."
Michael smirked. "Good. Let her come. It'll make things more interesting."
Just as he was about to move to a better vantage point, the System's voice echoed once more.
"There's more. I have detected increased military presence within Xianwu. Lin Yu's lieutenants are rallying the remaining forces. It appears that they are preparing for a power struggle."
Michael's smirk faded. "Of course. Kill the head, and the body scrambles. Let me guess, these lieutenants aren't going to sit back and let chaos take over. They'll want to claim the province for themselves."
"Precisely. There is one in particular, General Wei, who has already begun consolidating forces. He has a ruthless reputation, and his personal guard is not to be taken lightly."
Michael glanced down at his new rifle, his mind already working out the angles. "Sounds like my next target."
"Indeed," the System confirmed. "But beware, Host. General Wei is not as careless as Lin Yu. He is battle-hardened, and his men are fiercely loyal. You may have the advantage from a distance, but up close... things could get dangerous."
Michael chuckled, the thrill of the hunt already beginning to course through his veins. "Dangerous is what I do best."
With that, he stepped to the edge of the rooftop, scanning the horizon. The city of Xianwu stretched out before him like a dark labyrinth, full of secrets and hidden threats. But now, with the Mk 13 strapped to his back, he felt untouchable.
"Alright, System," he said with a sly grin, "let's see what this bad boy can do."
And with a leap, Michael vanished into the night, his next deadly mission already unfolding in his mind.
To be Continued...