Chapter 1: The Crime Buster Descends Upon Los Angeles

In the bustling yet perilous streets of Monterey Park, Los Angeles, the afternoon sun scorched the pavement as cars and pedestrians hurried past. In a shadowy alley corner, Ao Xi (protagonist's name) lay starving, his eyes hollow. The 23-year-old Chinese immigrant had abandoned his comfortable life in China after obtaining the "Crime Buster System" a week prior - a system requiring firearm activation, impossible under China's strict gun control laws.

After selling his parents' inheritance, Ao Xi flew to Los Angeles seeking activation opportunities. His optimism shattered when a shady driver robbed him of all possessions (wallet, phone, documents, even his suit) after airport pickup, leaving him battered and unconscious.

Waking to darkness, Ao Xi found police unhelpful. Reduced to homelessness, he survived on charity food. Desperate, he scavenged a trash bin near E Garvey Ave, finding moldy bread and unexpectedly - a JA22 pistol (Jimenez Arms .22LR, 6-round capacity).

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

The system activated instantly: [Crime Buster System Online. Eliminate red/black-marked criminals per California Penal Code. Rewards: USD, ammunition, attribute points. Newbie Package: Pistol Marksmanship LV1 (6 months military training equivalent).]

Ao Xi's attributes manifested:

Strength: 11 (Avg.10)

Constitution: 9

Agility:10

Speed:8

Skills: English LV1 (basic conversation)

Examining the budget pistol (2.5" barrel/340g weight), he noted its pros (concealable) and cons (stiff 12lb trigger pull, no slide lock). With 3 rounds remaining, he hid the weapon under his donated sweatshirt.

The system's HUD now displayed crime indicators above pedestrians:

White: Clean record

Gray: Misdemeanors

Red: Felonies (per CA PC 667.5(c))

Black: Capital crimes

Rules flashed: [Only red/black targets permitted. Collateral damage allowed, but WMDs prohibited. Self-defense enabled when hostile intent detected (PC 198.5). Malicious entrapment forbidden.]

Leaning against a graffiti-covered wall near Garvey & Atlantic, Ao Xi scanned the crowd hungrily. Hours passed with only white/gray markers. Exhausted but determined, he muttered: "Where are the damn red targets?"