Rudra sat on the hospital bed, staring at the mission panel floating in front of him. Only he could see it. Only he could hear the strange voice in his head.
[Mission: First Redemption Quest]Target: Inspector Ramesh TiwariCrime: Accepts bribes from gang leaders, frames innocents, ignores drug traffickingObjective: Use "Evidence File: 004" to blackmail him and force him to resign publiclyReward: +100 Legacy Points | Unlock: Basic Threat SkillPenalty: None if failed. But karma count remains unchanged.
He rubbed his forehead. "So... I have to blackmail a police officer?"
"Yes," the system voice replied cheerfully. "But remember you're not doing this for money or power. You're doing it to clean your father's name. In a villain's way, of course."
"Your father used fear to control the world. You'll use fear to set things right."
Rudra stood up slowly. His chest still hurt, but the wound was healing strangely fast.
"System regeneration," the voice said, noticing his confusion. "You'll heal faster now. Side perk of being my host."
He limped to the table beside his bed. A folder was lying on it.
Evidence File: 004
It had photos, videos, bank transactions, and even voice recordings of the corrupt officer, Inspector Ramesh Tiwari. It was enough to destroy his entire career.
"Where did this come from?" Rudra asked.
"System support. I provide the weapon—you pull the trigger."
"Why not just send it to the media?"
"Because that's not redemption. That's justice. You need to make him feel fear, just like your father would have… and then force him to do the right thing."
"The point is to become righteous—but terrifying."
Rudra sighed. He was a schoolteacher yesterday. Now he was holding blackmail evidence against a dirty cop.
He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Later That Night
Rudra wore a black hoodie and stepped out of the hospital with a fake discharge slip provided by the system. He didn't want anyone following him.
He went to an internet café and typed a short email.
To: [email protected]: Resign or Rot.Body:Check the attached folder. You know what this is. You have 24 hours. Hold a press conference, resign, and never come near local law enforcement again. If you don't… your wife, son, and the world will know everything.
Attachment: Evidence File: 004
He pressed send.
His hands were shaking.
"Good," the system said. "Your father would be proud. And scared."
The Next Day
It was all over the local news.
"Senior Officer Resigns in Shocking Press Conference!""Corruption Exposed, Family Threat Rumors Spread""City Police Silent on Accusations"
Rudra sat in his small apartment, watching the TV with a blank expression.
The mission panel popped up.
[Mission Completed]+100 Legacy Points EarnedSkill Unlocked: Basic Threat AuraDescription: A subtle pressure that makes enemies feel your presence. Intimidation +10% during face-to-face encounters.
Suddenly, he felt… different.
Stronger.
Not physically, but mentally.
His back felt straighter. His heartbeat was calmer. His fear had reduced.
It was like... he had crossed a line—and survived.
"Welcome to your new life," the system said. "This was just the first sin."
"Only 16,999 left."
Rudra turned off the TV and stared at the night sky outside his window.
He didn't feel happy. But he didn't feel helpless either.
And for the first time in years…
He didn't feel like running.