Within two weeks, Alex controlled three city blocks. His "protection service" was remarkably popular—mainly because he made sure the crimes he was protecting businesses from actually happened to those who refused to pay.
*VILLAIN POINTS: 200*
*MINIONS: 12*
*TERRITORY: 3 BLOCKS*
*WEEKLY INCOME: $15,000*
Maya watched from the shadows as Alex collected payments from a nervous restaurant owner.
"You're getting scary good at this," she said as they walked away. "Almost too good."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Most people struggle with the moral implications longer. You adapted like you were born for this."
Alex paused. She was right. The guilt that had plagued him during his first theft was completely gone now. When he looked at normal people, he saw resources to be exploited, not fellow human beings.
"Maybe I was born for this," he said quietly.
*SELF-ACCEPTANCE: +25 VILLAIN POINTS*
*TOTAL: 225*
That night, Alex's first real challenge arrived in the form of Jake Morrison—a guy with a Combat System who wanted to take over Alex's territory.
The confrontation happened outside the campus gym. Jake was bigger, stronger, and had more system experience. But Alex had something Jake didn't: psychological manipulation.
"Before we do this," Alex said, studying Jake's psychological profile, "you should know I've been studying you. Your Combat System gives you points for winning fights, right? But what happens when you lose?"
Jake's confident expression faltered slightly. "I don't lose."
"Everyone loses eventually. And when you do, your system will punish you. Probably take away points. Maybe even..." Alex smiled. "Maybe even terminate you for being weak."
*PSYCHOLOGICAL MANIPULATION CRITICAL SUCCESS*
*ENEMY MORALE SHATTERED*
The fight was over before it began. Jake, paralyzed by sudden doubt about his own system's loyalty, hesitated for just a moment. That was all Alex needed to land a knockout punch with his enhanced strength.
*COMBAT VICTORY: +30 VILLAIN POINTS*
*TERRITORY DEFENDED: +20 VILLAIN POINTS*
*REPUTATION BOOST: OTHER SYSTEM USERS NOW FEAR YOU*
*TOTAL: 275 VILLAIN POINTS*