The Vault and the Veil
The next morning Matteo stood in the streets of central London, his hands shoved into the pockets of a stolen jacket. He couldn't blend in completely, not with the sense of urgency radiating from his every step.
The Royal Crest Bank towered ahead of him, its pristine glass facade reflecting the city's overcast skies.
Objective Reminder:
Obtain access credentials from Royal Crest Bank's VIP manager.
Reward:
[Master of Disguise] - Temporarily alter appearance to avoid detection.
Matteo's jaw tightened. He had no plan, no resources, and no allies. But he did have the System, an advantage he still barely understood but couldn't afford to question. As he approached the bank, the System chimed in.
Threat Level: High. Suggestion: Reconnaissance before engagement.
The words flickered in his vision, and Matteo sighed. "Right. Recon first."
He circled the building, his keen eyes picking out every detail. Cameras at every corner. Security guards stationed at the entrances. A rotating patrol inside, visible through the glass doors. It was an impenetrable fortress.
"Impenetrable, my ass," Matteo muttered under his breath. He wasn't giving up that easily.
Skill Activated: [Survival Instinct]
The world sharpened around him, every detail suddenly hyper-focused. A black sedan pulled up to the curb, its polished exterior gleaming under the weak sunlight.
A man in an expensive suit stepped out, carrying an air of authority. Matteo's instincts screamed: That's the VIP manager.
He slipped closer, blending into the crowd of commuters. The System prompted him again.
New Objective:
Tail the VIP manager to obtain access credentials.
Sub-Objective:
Avoid detection.
Matteo's pulse quickened. He followed the man from a safe distance, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. The manager entered a coffee shop a block away, his posture relaxed as he ordered his drink. Matteo slipped inside, positioning himself near the counter. He watched closely, noting the key card clipped to the man's belt.
Opportunity Detected: Pickpocket the access card.
Risk Level: Medium.
Matteo frowned. Stealing the card in a crowded space was risky. He needed a distraction. His eyes scanned the shop, landing on a tray of drinks being carried by a barista. An idea formed, reckless but effective.
Skill Unlocked: [Minor Diversion] - Create a small but impactful distraction.
With a flick of his hand, Matteo activated the ability. The barista tripped mid-step, the tray of drinks launching into the air and crashing spectacularly onto the manager. A symphony of gasps and apologies filled the room.
"Bloody hell!" the manager shouted, leaping up and shaking coffee off his suit.
Matteo seized the moment. He moved swiftly, his fingers brushing against the key card and snatching it before anyone noticed. He slipped out of the shop, his heart pounding.
Objective Complete:
Key card obtained. Proceed to Royal Crest Bank.
Matteo smirked, his confidence growing. But he knew the hardest part was still ahead.
Inside the Bank
The Royal Crest Bank's interior was even more intimidating than its exterior. Polished marble floors reflected the overhead chandeliers, and every detail screamed wealth and exclusivity.
Matteo adjusted the stolen jacket, trying to exude confidence as he approached the security checkpoint.
"Key card," the guard demanded, his tone clipped.
Matteo handed it over, holding his breath. The guard scanned the card and nodded, motioning him through. Matteo stepped into the elevator, his shoulders relaxing slightly as the doors closed.
Warning:
Vault access is monitored. Hostile reinforcements likely if detected.
"Of course," Matteo muttered. "Why would it be easy?"
The elevator descended smoothly, the air growing cooler with each passing second. When the doors opened, Matteo stepped into a sleek corridor lined with vaults. Vault 27 was at the far end, marked by an ornate plaque.
He approached cautiously, his senses on high alert. A retinal scanner glowed beside the door, waiting for input.
Objective Updated:
Bypass retinal scanner. Reward: Unlock [System Override].
Matteo glanced around, searching for a solution. A faint hum of machinery drew his attention to a panel on the wall. It looked like a power source for the security systems.
"Let's hope this works," Matteo muttered, placing his hand on the panel. The System responded instantly.
Activating System Override...
Security temporarily disabled. Proceed with caution.
The scanner beeped, and the vault door clicked open. Matteo slipped inside, his breath catching at the sight before him. The space was small but meticulously organized, filled with documents, ledgers, and a single locked case. He didn't need the System to tell him that the case held the journal.
He picked it up, turning it over in his hands. It was a thick leather-bound book, its cover embossed with the De Cannio family crest. Matteo's fingers trembled as he opened it.
The Journal
The first few pages were written in his father's familiar handwriting, neat and deliberate.
"To my son, Matteo,
If you're reading this, it means you've uncovered the truth—or at least part of it. Our family's legacy is not just wealth or power. It is something far greater, and far more dangerous. The System chose us long ago, binding itself to our bloodline. Protect it at all costs, for there are those who would use it for destruction.
Trust no one but yourself. And remember, Matteo: The answers lie in the shadows."
Matteo stared at the words, his chest tightening. His father had known about the System. This wasn't random. It wasn't a coincidence. It was his inheritance—a curse and a blessing all at once.
Before he could read further, a sharp noise interrupted him. Footsteps echoed in the corridor outside, fast and purposeful.
Warning:
Hostiles inbound. Escape immediately.
Matteo cursed under his breath, shoving the journal into his jacket. He scanned the room, searching for another exit. A ventilation grate caught his eye, its screws already loose. Without hesitation, he climbed up and squeezed inside, the metal groaning under his weight.
The ventilation shaft was narrow and suffocating, but it was better than facing whatever was coming. Matteo crawled forward, his heart hammering in his chest. Below him, he could hear the guards entering the vault.
"Where is it?" one of them barked.
"Gone," another replied grimly. "He has it."
Matteo didn't stick around to hear more. He moved quickly, the shaft twisting and turning before finally opening into an alley behind the bank. He dropped down, landing in a crouch.
Objective Complete:
Journal retrieved. Reward: [System Override] unlocked.
Matteo leaned against the wall, catching his breath. The journal pressed against his chest, a tangible reminder of the danger he faced—and the answers he now carried.
He didn't know who to trust, or how deep this conspiracy went. But one thing was certain: his father's legacy was far from over.
As Matteo disappeared into the London streets, the System's final words for the night glowed faintly in his vision:
Next Objective:
Decipher the journal and uncover the De Cannio family's greatest secret.
Warning: The shadows are watching.
Matteo glanced over his shoulder, a cold shiver running down his spine.
Somewhere in the darkness, he felt a presence—a silent promise of the battles yet to come.