Chapter 1: A New Beginning
Xander woke up with a sharp jolt, the kind of sudden awareness that hit him when he realized something wasn't quite right. His head was throbbing, the soft edges of sleep still clinging to his mind. The first thing that struck him was the overwhelming sense of luxury. He was lying in a bed that seemed to have been crafted for royalty, the sheets silky and smooth against his skin. He squinted against the morning light streaming through heavy curtains, casting soft golden hues over the room.
"Where... where am I?" he mumbled, rubbing his temples, trying to make sense of it all.
The room itself was like something out of a dream—a massive, intricately carved four-poster bed that felt like something from another century. The walls were lined with rich tapestries, depicting scenes he couldn't quite understand, and the floor was covered in plush rugs that almost swallowed his feet. Large windows overlooked a sprawling view of a city he didn't recognize—tall buildings, sharp angles, and streets bustling with life. But the most unnerving thing about the entire situation was the silence. It felt... wrong, like something was waiting for him to catch up to it.
His pulse quickened. "What's going on?" he whispered, sitting up slowly, trying to get his bearings. The last thing he remembered was falling asleep in his apartment after a late night of work. But now, he was somewhere else entirely.
"Am I dreaming?" His voice cracked slightly as he spoke, but everything in the room felt so real. The soft silk beneath him, the faint smell of incense in the air, the distant sounds of what might have been a city outside—it was all so vivid. Too vivid.
Before he could even process his next thought, a voice echoed inside his mind, not from anywhere in the room, but deep within him. The voice wasn't coming from another person—it was more like a presence, something that felt too... familiar to ignore.
"Welcome, Xander."
His body froze, his spine stiffening as he glanced around wildly. "Who's there?" His heart started to pound in his chest, a creeping sense of panic clawing at him. There was no one in the room, just him and the overwhelming silence.
"I am the Mafia System," the voice continued, calm and detached, as if it were stating an undeniable fact. "You have been chosen to participate in the Mafia World. You will build your own mafia clan, rise through the ranks, and use your abilities to carve your path to power."
Xander's eyes widened, his mind whirling with confusion. Mafia? Powers? He could hardly believe what he was hearing. This had to be some kind of joke. There was no way he'd just been pulled into some weird, twisted mafia world. This had to be some kind of elaborate prank, right?
He pinched himself, hard, on the arm. Pain. So much for that theory. This was real.
"What do you mean 'Mafia World'? I don't... I don't understand," Xander stammered, trying to make sense of the bizarre words. The idea of "mafia" didn't even seem real in this context. He wasn't a criminal, wasn't even close to any kind of dangerous world. He was just a regular guy, living a regular life.
"In this world, power is everything. The mafia families rule, and it is your destiny to create your own family, build your reputation, and rise to power," the voice explained, its tone emotionless and clinical. "Your first task is to create your clan and begin your journey. You will have to make choices. Each decision will shape your future, and the future of your clan."
A strange feeling settled in Xander's stomach—nervousness mixed with a touch of excitement. As much as he tried to rationalize it, the truth was there: he was in a completely different world. The comfort of the soft bed, the richness of the room, and the intensity of the situation made it all feel overwhelming.
"Okay," Xander muttered, shaking his head as he tried to focus. "Let's say this is real. Let's say I really am in some mafia world, and I have to create a clan. Fine. But... what does that mean? How am I supposed to do that? I don't even know how to start a business, let alone a criminal empire."
"You will be given powers, Xander," the voice said, as if reading his thoughts. "Each individual who enters this world is granted a unique set of abilities. These powers will assist you in your rise to the top. You will need them."
Xander swallowed. Powers? He'd always wondered if there was more to life than just his mundane existence, but this? This was... insane. His mind raced through possibilities. What kind of powers? Super strength? Mind-reading? Was he about to become some kind of superhero or... villain?
He clenched his fists. No. This wasn't about powers, it was about survival. He had to figure this out.
"You will now select your first power. Choose wisely, for this ability will shape your approach to the world around you," the voice instructed.
Suddenly, his vision blurred for a moment before several holographic images flickered into view before him, each one depicting a different ability. They were like tiny floating screens, each showing a different power and the description of what it entailed.
1. Shadow Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate shadows, turning them into tools of deception, stealth, and combat. Perfect for someone who preferred to work from the shadows.
2. Mind Control: The power to influence the thoughts and actions of others. A power of persuasion and control, ideal for someone who wanted to bend others to their will.
3. Enhanced Strength: The ability to increase physical strength to superhuman levels. A simple, but incredibly effective ability for those who wanted to dominate with sheer force.
4. Healing Touch: The power to heal injuries with a simple touch. Perfect for someone who wanted to gain loyalty and favor through acts of kindness.
5. Fire Manipulation: The ability to control fire, using it both as a weapon and a tool. This would make someone both feared and respected.
Xander blinked as the images flickered in front of him. His mind raced as he considered each option. Shadow manipulation? It seemed fitting for someone like him, someone who wanted to keep a low profile, but was that really the best choice for someone trying to build a clan? Mind control? It felt powerful, but was it too much? Too dangerous?
The other options were tempting in their own ways—fire manipulation sounded intense and bold, and enhanced strength was always an appealing choice. But Xander had always believed that the true power lay in influence, in shaping people's decisions.
He took a deep breath. "I choose... Mind Control," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his chest.
"Good choice," the voice said, and for the first time, Xander could detect a faint sense of approval in its tone. "Mind Control will allow you to bend others to your will, to make them do as you desire. But use it carefully, for every manipulation will cost you energy."
He felt a sudden rush, like an electric current flowing through his body. It was both disorienting and invigorating, and for a moment, he felt like his very soul was expanding. His mind felt sharper, clearer. He could almost sense the thoughts of others around him, as though the world itself had become more vivid.
The voice spoke again. "Ability 'Mind Control' unlocked. You can now influence the thoughts and actions of others. Use it wisely, for each manipulation will drain your energy."
Xander stood still, trying to get used to the new sensations flooding his mind. It wasn't like he had expected, but the power was undeniable. He could feel it—the weight of his decision, the possibilities unfolding before him. He had to learn to control it, to make it work for him. This was just the beginning, after all.
"Well," Xander muttered to himself, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, "looks like I've got a lot to learn."
And just like that, the voice in his head disappeared, leaving him alone in the luxurious room with nothing but the weight of his new reality.
He took another deep breath, his heart racing with a mixture of fear and excitement. This world was strange, yes, but maybe... just maybe, he could find a way to thrive in it. A new beginning, a chance to rise to power—this was the start of something big.