Unaware of the massacre, Rodrick wandered the empty streets of the Common sub-District. Since it was past midnight, there were only a handful of people around, most of whom were of the Lineage Police.

  He was hungry and thirsty, but all restaurants were closed and the food stalls were absent. Knowing that he wouldn’t be able to eat now, Rodrick walked for some time until he reached the fountain yesterday.

  He scooped water and quenched his thirst before sitting on the edge again.

  He had succeeded in the mission, but he didn’t feel particularly good. Behind his glib tongue and feigned ease, he was perhaps as hollow as Elizabeth.

  Lost in thought, he stared at the night sky for a long time, eventually interrupted by incoming footsteps.

  “You again?”

  It was the officer from yesterday morning.

  “I’m not drunk, officer.”

  The officer, who had a naturally stern expression, examined Rodrick and then nodded.

  “Drinking is bad for your health. Also, even though this is the Common Sub-District, it’s still dangerous.”

  “Oh? With you dutiful officers patrolling, I don’t need to worry.”

  The officer solemnly shook his head, “There have been several murders in the Slums and two in here. You should stay home, sir.”

  “Alright. Thanks.”

  Rodrick didn’t argue, he stood up and walked away. The officer watched him leave before resuming his nocturnal patrol.

  Since he didn’t have a home, Rodrick kept zigzagging between alleyways to avoid patrolling officers. He started feeling a bit regretful. Perhaps following Elizabeth would’ve been a better choice.

  The roaming took a while, and it ended with him lying down on cardboard boxes to sleep. He had no energy to search for food or think about the new mission.

  He hasn’t done anything physically demanding today, but the stress got to him. Quick as ever, Rodrick fell asleep, his body sometimes shivering.

  A while later, someone passing by the alleyway stopped near him and stared for a bit. There was a snort before he left and then returned minutes later.

  They didn’t do anything to Rodrick, they just brought something and then departed.

  When the sound of passing vehicles and talking echoed from the street, Rodrick woke up.

  The first thing that caught his eyes was something tucked between him and an intact cardboard box he hadn’t touched.

  Moved to tears, he hastily unwrapped the food and devoured it. It was dry and hard to chew on, but it was better than nothing.

  Although he didn’t know who it was, he felt deeply grateful. The bit of food didn’t get rid of his hunger, but it did help him feel slightly refreshed.

  “Good morning, User.”

  “Don’t talk to me.”

  “Communication is the key to success. I’ve gained access to more information about Lineage.”

  “I don’t care about info not pertinent to the mission.” He said in a mocking robotic tone.

  “Imitation is in the sincerest form of flattery, User.”

  Rodrick massaged his temples then looked towards the street. He couldn’t continue like this, he had to at least secure a source of revenue as well as temporary shelter.

  He felt cold and his body was shivering, which meant he caught a cold.

  “User, today’s mission is to-”

  “I know what it is, goddamnit!”

  He cut the Assistant off and stood up. Today’s mission was relatively easier than kidnapping a noble lady, but it still required a lot of effort.

  For the sake of the Grand Plan, the System tasked him to ‘Catch a thief and deliver him to the Lineage Police’.

  As always, the meaning of ‘thief’ was broad, meaning that there was a loophole he could use. At first, Rodrick was frustrated, but once he calmed down and thought, the mission became less daunting that it initially seemed.

  ‘I can just steal something trivial and go confess to the police.’

  He had to catch a thief, therefore, the identity of the thief was irrelevant to the System, even if it was him. The issue that actually bothered Rodrick was how the System would react.

  He didn’t know if it would immediately declare the mission’s success or wait until midnight.

  During the first mission, the declaration was instant, and during the second mission, the completion timer coincided with the daily reset.

  What if he stole something, went to the police, but the System didn’t react. Would it mean he succeeded but had to wait until midnight to see the result, or would it mean he didn’t count as a thief?

  Either way, becoming a thief for a day was significantly easier than catching one himself.

  “Why did the Roulette fail? How does it even work?”

  The Assistant was about to give the same answer as before, so Rodrick cut if off.

  “If I’m User 69, then where are the other 68? They died, right? And I imagine their precious assistants were gone with them.”

  “Being pessimistic will decrease your chances of succeeding, User. Believe in yourself.”

  Rodrick didn’t talk to it, he just began wandering the streets until he found one of the many stalls settled near the entrance to the Slums.

  The Common Sub-district was huge and was built on a small uphill. The lower part was where the ‘normal’ people lived and worked. It was also the place that Rodrick was most familiar with.

  Stealing from a food stall was easy, but he had to make sure there were no officers around. While waiting at an inconspicuous spot, he set his eyes on a stall closer to the street and patiently waited until no officers were around.

  Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait for a long time. When the chance presented itself, Rodrick sprung into a sprint, his hand snatching a small apple.

  As if fate was mocking him, there was a loud explosion that surprised everyone. Despite the momentary tremor and the rumbling, Rodrick continued running, quickly taking a left turn into an alley.

  Almost at the exact time, a man dashed from the building behind the stall, disappearing into the opposite direction.

  The explosion had destroyed half of the 2nd floor of the small building. As people panicked and ran away, three people appeared in front of the building. They didn’t communicate verbally, with a signal from one of them, two shot right and the last one leapt left.

  ..

  Rodrick ran for three minutes, stopping only when he was about to breath. His heart was racing and his body was shaking. He gasped for breath while leaning forward with his hand on his knees. He had stuffed the apple in his pocket, his eyes scanning his surroundings, making sure he wasn’t chased after.

  Just when he was about to celebrate his small theft, someone hit the back of his head.

  His vision turned dark and he instantly fell unconscious, though his body was caught by the assailant.

  After surveying the vicinity, the assailant lifted Rodrick’s body and performed a superhuman jump that allowed them to land on a nearby roof.

  An indeterminate amount of time passed before Rodrick woke up. He could still feel pain from the back of his head, but when he felt his hand tied, he panicked and started flailing around.

  Alas, though his legs were free, he was bound to a weird chair that was glued to the ground.

  ‘What the fuck!’

  He just stole an apple, so how did things develop like this?

  The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  “Who attacked me? Where am I?”

  “It appears an expert ambushed you, User.”

  “...”

  Rodrick’s face turned gloomy as he cursed himself for expecting something helpful from the A.I.

  He looked around, examining the well-decorated cozy room. This room didn’t want for luxury as there were big paintings on the wall and an intricate wooden drawer just near the door.

  There was also other furniture and even some objects he didn’t recognize. It wasn’t a police interrogation room, nor was it a place anyone would hold a captive in.

  Rodrick tried to free his hands but his attempts were futile. He kept thrashing around until the door opened and someone came in.

  Rodrick immediately stopped flailing and sat still, calm and collected.

  “Hello there. I believe there’s been a misunderstanding.”

  He broke into a smile, trying to sound as polite as possible.

  The unfamiliar man, who wore a long black coat, didn’t talk.

  “Let’s be civilized, okay? I didn’t do anything that warrants this.”

  Rodrick paused before correcting himself, “I did steal an apple, but that’s it. I’m sure you got the wrong person. Do I have the face of an evil-doer?”

  Rodrick did remember the explosion, but because he continued running, he didn’t know the details of what happened. All he could conclude was something very bad occurred and they thought he was the perpetrator.

  “I can understand the suspicion, but I really didn’t wrong you, sir. I’m an innocent man that, through no fault of your own, was mistaken as a criminal. I’m Rodrick Dick, a humble and law-abiding civilian.”

  “...”

  “I did steal an apple, but I was just fooling around. I was going to pay for it. You can check my pockets, I have enough money to pay for it.”

  As Rodrick kept rambling on and on, the man simply stared at him in silence. His refusal to talk made him scarier despite his gentle facial features and elegant outfit.

  Soon after, another person came in. A woman with long brown hair and a regal dark-red dress.

  ‘She must be a noble.’

  Rodrick kept squeezing a smile as he nodded his head towards her.

  “Hello there, madam.”

  Unlike the man, the woman approached Rodrick while softly smiling.

  “What did he say?”

  She asked her colleague, which made him sigh,

  “He talks too much.”

  “Hehehehe” Rodrick laughed innocently, “I’m a bit of a talker, yeah. Anyway, I think you got the wrong person, madam.”

  “Oh?”

  She turned to him, tilting her head as if asking him to elaborate.

  “I merely stole an apple. You’ve got the wrong man.”

  “You do look harmless, but evidence suggests you’re an accomplice.” Rebuked the woman while taking out a fan and waving it at Rodrick.

  Since he didn’t shower in days and slept on the street, he genuinely smelled bad.

  “That’s a big misunderstanding, madam. Both of you are esteemed professionals, I’m sure you can investigate me and see that I had nothing to do with anything.”

  The woman glanced at her colleague, who crossed his arms and shook his head once.

  “It would be easier if you told us the truth. We will let you live if you’re candid. You know who we are, yes? We always keep our promises.”

  Rodrick gave her a look that said ‘Who the hell are you?’, his lips quivering.

  After a brief silence, he spoke,

  “I genuinely don’t know you, madam. I mean, you are beautiful and surely popular, but I’m not a social person. Actually, I’m very much homeless.”

  Instead of talking, the woman gestured to the man, who pulled out a dagger.

  “Wait wait wait! You don’t have to kill me! I’m innocent!”

  As the man got closer, Rodrick panicked more and more.

  “How can I tell you what I don’t know? Fuck! You’re being unreasonable. I can help you look for the real perpetrator! I’m very good at finding people! Damnit, how can a beautiful woman be this vicious?! And you, sir, you look kind and friendly, that dagger doesn't suit you! I’m innocent!”

  As his mouth kept spitting one word after the other, the man solemnly extended his hand and cut the rope binding Rodrick’s hands, much to his surprise.

  Now free, he looked at the man then at the moment.

  “I mean… ahem, I said unsavory things. Don’t take it to heart, okay? I was panicking.”

  “We’re not letting you go.” Stated the woman.

  “Of course, madam! I’ll be obedient and not cause trouble. I’m sure you’re professionals who’ll catch the real troublemaker soon!”

  Rodrick’s heart was beating loudly and his hands were shaking. He really was scared shitless, but the fact he wasn’t killed did make him slightly relieved.

  The woman turned around and walked out, her heels tapping on the wood ground.

  “Come.”

  The man, standing next to Rodrick, motioned for him to start walking.

  As the woman took the lead, Rodrick scanned the corridor.

  “By the way…”

  Feeling nothing in his pockets, Rodrick hesitantly asked,

  “Can I have my silver coins back, please? I’m quite poor.”

  In response, the woman chuckled and kept waving her fan in his direction.

  Rodrick was led to a fancy dining room that was elaborately-decorated as the room he was in. It didn’t take long to figure out he was in somesort of large manor or a villa, though it wasn’t big nor were there any servants.

  Excluding the man and woman, there were two more people in the dining room. A teenage girl with short black hair and a young man that had a barely-grown beard.

  The girl, busy eating, spared a glance at Rodrick before focusing on the meal. Meanwhile, the youth, with a frown, curious approached them.

  “He’s the accomplice?”

  “Hello, young sir. I’m Rodrick… and not an accomplice.”

  The youth’s frown deepened, but when the woman didn’t say a word, he just shrugged.

  “Sit.”

  The kind but perpetually solemn man pointed at the chair and said just one word.

  Like an obedient dog, Rodrick’s buttocks fell on the comfy chair.

  The youth walked to the woman and started chatting with her in a low voice. As for Rodrick, he started getting hungry when he saw the lavish dish the girl was eating.

  A bowl filled with fruits was at the center of the table, but he couldn’t bring himself to take one of them. He felt that if he did any sudden moves, he’d be stabbed on the spot.

  Very soon, all four unfamiliar people sat on the table: the two males were on either side of Rodrick while the two females were across from him.

  They just stared at him in silence, which was extremely creepy and unsettling.

  “He looks dumb.” Said the girl after wiping her mouth.

  “Is he really one of them? He genuinely looks clueless.” Commented the youth.

  In response to this, the woman, who seemed to be the leader, rested on her chin on her raised palms and looked at Rodrick as if demanding he explained himself.

  “Ahem, ladies and gentlemen. I’m a law-abiding civilian. Circumstances led me to steal an apple, but, as you probably know, I had money to pay for it. I heard an explosion but it had nothing to do with me. I was in the wrong place and time, which led to this situation. I usually don’t involve myself with criminals and don’t know anything about anyone. You all seem like respectable and extinguished people with keen eyes and incredible strength, which I deeply respect. I also sincerely hope you find the perpetrator behind this horrible incident that disturbed public safety and endangered many people. Ehm…”

  Running out of things to say, Rodrick stuttered and kept opening and closing his mouth.

  “He’s about to talk my ears off. He’s a rat and definitely knows something.” The girl’s cold statement urged Rodrick to wrack his brains and continue rambling,

  “I assure you, kind lady, that I’m innocent. This is a big misunderstanding. If I was one of them, why would I let myself get caught this easily? Plus, I-”

  “Ahh, just shut up already!”

  The girl waved her hand, looking annoyed.

  “Why would you steal an apple?”

  This time, the youth asked. Rodrick’s impression of him was that he was clever and glib. His intuition as a con artist was often correct, so he was wary of the youth and the woman the most.

  “There’s a voice in my head that forces me to do things. I know it sounds stupid and absurd, but it’s the truth! I had to steal an apple!”

  The youth let out a laugh while the other three remained quiet, each keeping their thoughts to themselves.

  “I was planning to steal the apple and then turn myself in. Really! You can even accompany me now to the station and see me confess!”

  “No matter how much you try to explain it, it’s just plain weird for anyone to steal an apple, much less plan to confess right after.”

  As someone unaware of the laws and security in Lineage, Rodrick was oblivious to how suspicious actions were. There was a reason why, despite being hungry, none of the homeless in the slums would dare steal from the Common sub-district.

  The Lineage Police officers were few in numbers, but they were all strong and vigilant. Unless someone really knew what they were doing, they would still get caught even after stealing a single apple.

  “Okay. What am I supposed to have done?”

  Since they were about to be suspicious no matter what he said, Rodrick switched his tactic.

  In response to his question, the woman snapped her fingers, causing a creepy large marionette to manifest behind her.

  The entity, which almost made Rodrick piss himself, floated inches above ground and used its long arms to hold an exquisite golden box.

  “Your accomplice was able to run, but he couldn’t keep this.”

  The woman, who was the most perceptive, was able to read Rodrick’s expression. He genuinely looked like he had no idea what he was looking at.

  Either he was exceptionally good at acting or they really caught the wrong person.

  The marionette put the box on the table before disappearing.

  “User, these four people are extremely strong. Be careful.”

  ‘I know that, dumbshit! She just manifested a freaking marionette! What have I done to deserve all of this?!’

  As he lamented his fate, Rodrick scrutinized the golden box. It did indeed look enticing, but that was all.

  “It’s not the box, right? Something inside is precious. Is it a pill that could make someone fly? Or Immortal?”

  Rodrick’s serious tone made the woman laugh. Even the youth chuckled.

  “Even if they don’t come back for it, those backing you will not risk leaving you alive.”

  “Seriously, why do you keep pinning the blame on me? No one is going to come.”

  “We shall see, won’t we?” The woman had an inscrutable smile as he kept giving him a long meaningful look.

  “Ehm, can I go to the toilet?”

  His sudden question made them exchange looks in confusion.

  “Your ghost almost made me piss myself. I don’t want to dirty the carpet and the chair.”

  The woman immediately gestured for the solemn man, who stood up.

  Led by him, Rodrick was taken to a fancy toilet.

  “Can I also take a shit?” As he turned around and asked, there was a look of disgust on the man’s face.

  “I’m a fast shit-taker.”

  “No.”

  “...”

  Rodrick sighed and just took a piss while curiously looking around.

  The man watched him from behind, not even giving him a little bit of privacy.