NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: A BATTLE WITH THE DARK PYTHON
"Damn it, this kid's got a gun! Bro! You good?"
"I'm fine!" the purple-haired leader growled, clutching his side. "Keep your eyes on that door! Check if the guys we hit are dead! Fire at will! I'll make this kid pay tonight! Mouse, with me!"
Derick crouched in the second-floor room, a smirk playing on his lips as he examined the map. The Dark Python Gang had sent only five members, and the purple-haired guy was their leader. Eight shots earlier had already taken down two of their goons.
"But this purple-haired guy's sharp," Derick muttered. His gaze drifted to the guard stationed at the door. "One more to go? Heh, no problem. I'll pick them off one at a time."
Quietly, Derick climbed out the window and scaled the building with the ease of a hunter. Crossing the roof with calculated steps, he positioned himself directly above the guard. From inside, he could hear the leader yelling and struggling with the lock.
Grinning, Derick dropped down silently, ready to strike. But before he could act, a grenade flew toward the door.
BOOM! The explosion roared through the night, shaking the building to its core.
Watson Strikes Back
In the chaos, none of the gang members saw him coming. A figure appeared in the moonlight—a force of justice descending like a shadow.
Watson.
He leaped from above, his left-hand hunter's dagger plunging into the back of the guard at the door. With his right hand, he raised his Glock 19 and fired two precise shots. The first hit Mouse, dropping him instantly. The second struck the purple-haired leader square in the chest.
In an instant—three kills.
Watson surveyed the aftermath, breathing heavily. His lips curled into a grin. "Didn't expect that… I was so nervous I forgot to yell, 'Demacia!'"
Ding! Detected: The host has eliminated a member of the Dark Python Gang. Experience +5.
Ding! Detected: The host has eliminated Dark Python Gang's temporary leader, Mark. Experience +10.
Ding! Host experience detected (20/20). Conditions met for leveling up. Initiating upgrade.
Ding! Host level meets requirements. Unlocking the lottery system. Activating mission system. Complete novice mission: Repel the enemy.
Watson smirked. "My game, my turf, my rules. You think I'm just saying that?"
Mission Progress: Repel the Dark Python Gang (5/5).
Mission Status: Completed.
Rewards: Novice gift pack. 100 lottery points
Watson felt a surge of energy radiating through him, electrifying every fiber of his being. "Wait, I leveled up? And I got rewards? Let's see what this is about."
"System," he muttered, "show me the character template."
Character Template:
Host: Watson
Occupation: Novice Hunter
Level: 2 (0/50)
Health: 100%
Status: Healthy
Constitution: Novice hunting physique (beyond normal human limits)
Permissions: 1 lottery (partially unlocked)
Monster Space: 2 slots (unlocked)
Backpack: Novice gift pack, 100 lottery points
"Alright, System. The lottery's unlocked, but first, let's open that gift pack—"
"Watson! Are you okay?"
The familiar voice made Watson look up. Uncle Polk sprinted toward him from across the street, shot gun in hand, his pajamas flapping in the night breeze.
"I'm fine, Uncle Polk!" Watson called back, glancing at the bodies sprawled on the ground. His eyes drifted to the black snake tattoos on their necks.
Polk froze, his face darkening as he recognized the symbols. "The Dark Python Gang?" His voice trembled with anger. "Watson, get back inside. We'll wait for the cops to show up!"
But Watson shook his head, his eyes locked on the explosion in the distance. "Uncle Polk, I'm fine—better than ever." He stepped toward the broken electric gate, his fists clenched. "This isn't just about me. I need to get back what's mine and Uncle Rocco's."
Polk's face hardened. "You thin that car crash which leads to Rocco's death was their doing?"
Watson didn't answer.
Instead, he raised a fist and slammed it into the gate.
BANG! The gate groaned under his strength, a deep dent forming where his fist connected.
"And, Uncle Polk…" Watson turned, his voice calm but resolute. "I'm not the same as I was before."
Polk stared at him, stunned. "A mutant? Could you be…?"
Watson didn't wait for a reply. "No matter what happens, I'm going to fix this." His voice carried the weight of unshakable determination.
"I'll finish what Rocco started."
Polk hesitated for a moment before pulling a second gun from his waistband. "I won't stop you, but take this." His voice softened. "Listen, Watson. No matter what you do,no matter what happens,you have to come back safe."
Watson took the gun, nodding firmly. "Absolutely." Without another word, he turned and sprinted toward the explosion.
Polk watched him disappear into the night, his heart heavy. "Rocco… I'll protect him, old man. No matter what he becomes."
Behind him, Aunt Liya appeared in the doorway, her expression calm yet knowing.
"Polk, don't say anything," she said softly. "Just make sure you come back safe, too."
Polk nodded, then turned back toward the house, his mind filled with the battle had just begun.