Chapter 5: Into the Night

Nightfall blanketed New York City, transforming its lively streets into a realm of shadows and whispers. Alexander Reid stood on the rooftop of his apartment building, overlooking the illuminated skyline. The gentle breeze brushed against his face, carrying the distant sounds of sirens, honking horns, and faint conversations from below. He took a deep breath, feeling the anticipation swelling in his chest. Tonight was not just another night—it was his next step toward power.

He adjusted the hood of his dark outfit, ensuring it concealed most of his face. He needed anonymity. This world was on the verge of change, but he needed time to grow before he revealed himself. His gaze shifted downward to the alleys below, where danger and opportunity intertwined. Crime was the lifeblood of the city's underbelly, and it was there that he would grow stronger. He summoned his system window with a thought.

[Task: Defeat 5 Hostile Beings] [Progress: 0/5] [Reward: 200 Experience Points]

Alexander tightened his fists, feeling the slight ache from his recent training sessions with Marcus. He needed those experience points. Every fight made him stronger, sharper. Every victory brought him closer to unlocking the true potential of the Shadow Monarch System. He took one last glance at the city before slipping into the stairwell, descending swiftly into the streets below.

Dressed in dark attire, his hood pulled over his head, he blended into the night. His footsteps were light, his senses alert. The training sessions with Marcus were already paying off—his movements felt more fluid, his punches more controlled. Yet he knew that skill alone was not enough. He needed real combat experience, the kind that honed instincts through blood and survival.

His first encounter of the night came sooner than expected. In a narrow alley, two thugs were roughing up a homeless man. The victim's pleas were drowned by the laughter of his assailants. The man was frail, his clothes tattered and dirty. His arms were raised in a weak attempt to shield himself as the two men pushed him against a dumpster, their threats laced with cruelty.

Alexander's eyes narrowed. His heart pounded in his chest, but his mind remained cold and calculated. He moved swiftly, his footsteps almost silent as he approached. He felt the rush of adrenaline, but this time he welcomed it.

"Enough," he called out, stepping into the dim light of the alley. His voice was low, firm, carrying an authority that made the thugs pause.

The thugs turned, their expressions shifting from amusement to annoyance. One of them, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, pulled a knife, the blade reflecting the faint light. The other, leaner but with sharp eyes, cracked his knuckles, his smirk revealing yellowed teeth.

"You picked the wrong alley, hero," the knifeman sneered, his voice laced with menace.

Alexander didn't respond. He had learned that words meant little in these situations. Action was what mattered. He lunged forward, his fist connecting with the knifeman's jaw. The thug staggered back, stunned by the force of the blow. The second man rushed in, swinging wildly. Alexander ducked, delivering a swift blow to his ribs before following up with a hook to his temple. The man collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain, clutching his side.

The knifeman recovered quickly, slashing toward Alexander with desperation. He stepped back, narrowly avoiding the blade. His training kicked in—he parried the next attack with his forearm and drove his knee into the thug's stomach. As the man doubled over, Alexander delivered an uppercut, sending him sprawling onto the pavement, unconscious.

[Enemies Defeated: 2] [Experience Points Gained: 40]

The homeless man scrambled to his feet, eyes wide with gratitude and fear. "Thank you... thank you so much," he stammered, his voice trembling. He clutched his torn coat tighter around him before hurrying off into the night, disappearing into the shadows.

Alexander wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling the familiar rush of victory. His breathing was heavy, but there was an underlying satisfaction. But there was no time to rest. He needed three more.

He continued his patrol through the city's darker corners. Hours passed. His muscles ached, his knuckles stung, but he pressed on. The city was alive with crime; he just needed to find the right opportunity. Near midnight, he stumbled upon a mugging in progress—three men surrounding a young couple near an ATM. The woman clutched her partner, fear etched into their faces as the thugs waved a metal pipe and a knife.

Alexander moved without hesitation. He darted into the fray, catching the first attacker off guard with a strike to the back of his head. The man collapsed instantly. The second thug reacted quickly, swinging a crowbar. Alexander dodged, the weapon grazing his shoulder. Pain flared, but he endured. He countered with a swift jab to the man's nose, followed by a kick to his knee, sending him down with a yelp, clutching his shattered knee.

The third man attempted to flee, but Alexander was faster. He tackled him to the ground, locking his arm in place until the thug surrendered with a pained grunt. He ensured the couple was safe before turning his attention back to his system.

[Enemies Defeated: 5] [Experience Points Gained: 100] [Task Complete] [Reward: 200 Experience Points]

[Level Up!]

[Level: 3] [Strength: 18] [Agility: 17] [Intelligence: 12] [Endurance: 14] [Stat Points Available: 5]

A surge of power coursed through his body. His muscles felt tighter, his reflexes sharper. The system's progression was not just numbers—it was tangible. He was evolving, step by step. The couple thanked him profusely before fleeing the scene. Alexander watched them disappear into the night. He felt satisfaction, but also a growing hunger. This was his path now. He was carving his place in a world that would soon witness gods and monsters.

He allocated his stat points, adding two to Strength, two to Agility, and one to Endurance.

[Strength: 20] [Agility: 19] [Intelligence: 12] [Endurance: 15]

With a final glance at the city, Alexander disappeared into the shadows. He was still far from his goal, but tonight was proof that he was moving forward. The night belonged to him now.

And he would master it.

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