Reincarnated Mercenary on Duty

While Frank was still savoring the aftertaste of the kiss, a teasing voice broke through his thoughts.

[If you're done basking in that 'reward,' shall I issue the actual mission completion rewards now?] the system chimed in.

Frank coughed, startled. "Ah, yes, of course," he muttered, quickly falling in step behind Zoey.

[Mission Rewards:

High-Tech Bulletproof Suit (x1)Basic Marksmanship Skill (Upgraded to Advanced)100 System Points]

[Items have been transferred to your inventory, and skills have been integrated. Although the reward was 'Basic Marksmanship,' your intermediate-level proficiency from your previous life has been acknowledged and upgraded to Advanced.]

"Not bad," Frank said with a satisfied nod. Then, curiosity got the better of him. "And what's the deal with these system points? Where do I even use them?"

[System Points can be used in the System Shop, which unlocks once you accumulate 1,000 points,] the system replied.

"Great. Something else to work toward," Frank muttered. He shifted his attention to the new item. "And this bulletproof suit—what's so special about it?"

[Everything. It looks and feels like a regular suit but is completely bulletproof. It's light, sleek, and far cooler than those bulky vests. Essentially, you'll always be protected—and stylish.]

Frank let out a low whistle. "Cool," he said under his breath.

Ahead of him, Zoey stopped and turned around. "Did you say something?" she asked, her brows furrowed.

Frank froze. "Did I say that out loud?" he thought to himself.

[Yes,] the system replied, completely unhelpful.

"Ah, nothing," Frank said with a sheepish grin. "Just talking to myself."

Zoey squinted at him, unimpressed. "Are you going senile already?" she asked before turning back toward the parking lot.

"I'll bring my car around," she added. "Wait here, and I'll drop you off at your place."

Frank nodded, watching her retreating figure.

A car pulled up in front of Frank, its headlights briefly illuminating the quiet street. The window rolled down, and Zoey leaned out, smirking. "Get in."

Frank opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.

As Zoey started driving, she glanced at him. "So, how'd you do it?"

"Do what?" Frank asked, leaning back in the seat.

"How did you find the kid?" she clarified, her tone genuinely curious.

"Oh, that," Frank said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, it wasn't easy, but..." He launched into a recount of the mission, sparing no detail.

Zoey listened intently, her eyes occasionally flicking toward him as he spoke. When he finished, she gave him an approving nod. "I never knew you were that good."

"What can I say?" Frank said with a shrug, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Never had the chance to show off my skills before."

"I have to admit—I'm impressed," Zoey said, her tone light but sincere.

Frank shot her a cocky grin. "Get used to it. You'll be seeing a lot more of my brilliance."

Zoey rolled her eyes, though a small smile betrayed her amusement. "Don't get too full of yourself," she said, pulling the car to a stop in front of his building. "We're here. Get out."

Frank opened the door but leaned down before stepping out. "You'll see soon enough whether it's overconfidence or just plain confidence."

Zoey smirked, shaking her head. "Okay, show-off. See you tomorrow."

As she drove off, Frank watched the car disappear into the night before turning toward the apartment building. He entered and climbed the stairs to the fifth floor, where his—well, the old Frank's—apartment was.

Standing in front of the door, he fished the keys out of his pocket. Unlocking the door, he stepped inside and flicked on the light.

The apartment was small and starkly minimalist. A tiny bedroom, a cramped kitchen, and a basic bathroom. That was it.

Frank looked around, letting out a low whistle. "This is... cozy," he muttered, though his expression suggested he meant the opposite.

[With the salary of a cop, this is the best Frank could afford,] the system chimed in, its tone almost apologetic.

Frank rolled his eyes. "Well, I'm not staying in this shoebox. I'm a millionaire now, right? I can afford something better."

[True, but even millionaires need time to house-hunt. You'll have to endure this for the night.]

Frank sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. One night. But tomorrow, I'm upgrading my life."

He walked into the bathroom, turning on the light and peeling off his jacket. The space was just as underwhelming as the rest of the apartment—cramped, with outdated tiles and a sink that dripped intermittently.

Frank stared at his reflection in the mirror, splashing water on his face. "This new life better be worth it," he muttered under his breath.

Frank chuckled to himself. "That, I don't doubt."

[Don't worry,] the system said, [It'll be anything but boring.]

After spending some time in the bathroom, he emerged with a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair still damp from the shower. "Ahh~ Now that was refreshing," he muttered, stretching his arms. "All that running around today—definitely needed that."

His stomach growled, reminding him he hadn't eaten since the chaos started. He wandered into the kitchen, opening the fridge with faint hope.

Empty.

"Of course," he sighed, shutting the fridge door. Moving to the cabinets, he rummaged through them until his fingers wrapped around a single cup of instant noodles.

"Well, beggars can't be choosers," he muttered, filling the kettle with water.

A few minutes later, Frank sat on the small, worn couch in the living room, slurping his noodles while the TV played in the background. A news broadcast was airing—a panel of diplomats heatedly debating a newly passed bill. Their raised voices and rehearsed arguments filled the room.

Frank chuckled, shaking his head. "Some things never change. Politicians are the same, no matter what world you're in."

[A completely different species altogether,] the system quipped, its voice laced with dry sarcasm.

Frank grinned at the system's comment but didn't reply, focusing instead on finishing his meal. Once done, he tossed the empty cup into the trash and went to sleep.