"Quick... run!"
"Ahhh~~~"
The mere mention of Bullseye's name sent everyone into a panic. They fled in all directions, desperation written across their faces.
Bullseye, however, remained calm and unhurried. He reached into his jacket, pulling out a small box that contained an assortment of tiny iron nails. With precision, he flicked his hands, sending the nails flying through the air.
Each nail struck the back of a fleeing person's head, embedding itself deeply. One by one, they collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
It was clear from the way he handled the iron nails that Bullseye's strength and precision were far beyond those of an ordinary human.
Within moments, the bar that had been bustling with more than 30 people was silent, save for Jack, the last survivor. The rest lay motionless, their lives extinguished.
"You... please... please don't hurt me! I didn't do anything!" Jack stammered, his voice trembling. He had slumped to the floor in sheer terror, his hands raised in surrender.
Bullseye crouched, bringing his face close to Jack's.
"Just now, you called me an asshole," Bullseye stated flatly, his tone cold.
"I... I didn't mean to! Please, I beg you! Don't hurt me!" Jack cried, tears streaming down his face.
"If I were God, I would forgive you," Bullseye said, his lips curling into a sinister smile. "But unfortunately, I am not."
With a swift flick of his wrist, a nail pierced Jack's skull, lodging itself deep into his brain.
As life ebbed away, Jack's last thought was of his ex-wife, Ruth. Her face flashed before his eyes like a fading photograph.
"I just wanted to have a good drink..." Bullseye muttered, standing up. "Next stop, let's find that Superman and have some fun."
Without sparing another glance at the carnage he'd wrought, Bullseye left the bar. Outside, he made a quick phone call. Moments later, a group of masked individuals arrived. Efficiently and silently, they packed the bodies into vehicles and set the bar ablaze, ensuring no evidence remained.
The following day's headlines read:
"A fire broke out at the **** bar on **** Street in Queens last night. No one in the bar survived. Among the 32 casualties were employees of **** Company, including Jack Doug..."
---
Chapter 19: Emergency
"Whoosh!"
A sudden gust of wind blew through the streets, sending debris and litter swirling into the air.
"Hey! My dress!"
"What the hell? The forecast said it would be sunny and calm today. Damn weather people—lying again!"
"Ah, my eyes! Ugh, this stupid wind!"
Complaints echoed along the street as people shielded their faces. Little did they know, it wasn't the wind but a person.
High above, Li Ye flew through the sky, his body invisible thanks to the Snake Charm. He maneuvered effortlessly, enjoying the freedom of the skies.
"So boring! Isn't there anything exciting happening?" Li Ye muttered to himself. "Hey, system, do you have any missions for me?"
The system's familiar voice chimed in:
"Ding! Host, there are no main missions at the moment, but there are several side quests available. Would you like to view them?"
"Let's see them!" Li Ye replied.
"Side Quest 1: Save 10,000 people! (Follow-up missions will be unlocked upon completion.)
Side Quest 2: Gain 1 million reputation points! (Follow-up missions will be unlocked upon completion.)
Current reputation: 1,000/1,000,000
Side Quest 3: ...
Side Quest 4: ..."
"There's quite a list! Are there penalties for failing these tasks?" Li Ye asked.
"Ding! Rest assured, Host. The purpose of this system is to train you into the strongest being in this plane. There are no penalties for task failure. Whether it's a main mission or a side quest, the system is here solely to assist you."
"Haha! What a considerate system! In the novels I've read, systems always threaten their hosts with ridiculous punishments—like losing five centimeters of height, a gender change, or complete erasure from existence."
"This system is not like those coquettish bastards," the system replied, its tone smug.
"Good! That's why I trust you," Li Ye said with a grin. "Well, I might as well tackle these quests. Being cheered on by others is a pretty sweet feeling!"
He paused, glancing at his casual clothes.
"But I need a proper battle suit. Superman can't go around fighting in streetwear!"
Li Ye's mind wandered to the iconic Man of Steel suit.
"System, since you already gave me Superman's glasses, how about throwing in the battle suit too? You know, good deeds deserve follow-ups!"
"..."
"Host, you are truly shameless!" the system groaned.
"Thank you for the compliment. Shamelessness is an art," Li Ye quipped.
"Ding! Lucky for you, Host, this system does have a Superman suit to complement your glasses. Preparing to transfer it now!"
A burst of colored light enveloped Li Ye. When it faded, he found himself clad in a sleek black Superman battle suit, complete with a flowing cape.
"Black?! System, how did you know? This is exactly what I wanted! I love you, system!"
"Host, this system..."
"I know, I know—you're genderless!" Li Ye interrupted.
"By the way, does the suit have any extra features besides the indestructibility shown in the movies?"
"Ding! In addition to being indestructible, the suit can be stored in an alternate dimension. Simply think 'store' to remove it, and 'wear' to put it on."
"Awesome! Products made by the system are always top-notch!" Li Ye exclaimed.
"Thank you for the compliment, Host."
"Now, let's get to work! Superman, on duty!"
Li Ye soared into the sky, scanning the city below with enhanced vision. His abilities, amplified by the Snake Charm, allowed him to see even the tiniest details. He could spot a fly from kilometers away.
---
On the other side of the city…
"Come on, Gwen!" a girl called out.
"Wait up, Niss!" Gwen replied, jogging to catch up.
It was Sunday, and with no school, Gwen and her friend Niss had decided to spend the day shopping.
"Check this out, Gwen! This dress would look amazing on you!"
"Let me see... Wow, it really is gorgeous!"
The two friends strolled happily through the mall, enjoying their day, until—
"Boom!"
A deafening explosion shook the building, followed by panicked screams.
"Ahhh! Help!"
"What's going on?"
The mall descended into chaos as smoke filled the air.
A group of armed men, clad in black, stormed the area, firing into the air.
"Shut up! Everyone, on the ground!" their leader bellowed, his voice cold and commanding.
People immediately obeyed, lying flat on the floor in terror.
"Niss, what do we do?" Gwen whispered.
"Stay calm and don't provoke them," Gwen replied, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.
---
Meanwhile, at the NYPD…
"What? An armed robbery on **** Street? The suspects have heavy weapons?"
The station erupted into action.
"Move out!"
"Prepare the squad!"
Under the command of Commissioner George Stacy, officers mobilized, their sirens blaring as they raced toward the scene.
"Gwen... please be safe," George whispered, worry etched across his face.