Chapter 23: Second Chance
Milo Tagliano, an Italian American, had never been known for his intellectual prowess. He dropped out of school in the 9th grade and found solace in the world of boxing. Despite his lack of formal education, he had a talent for throwing powerful punches and took up boxing as a career. However, the low pay from club fights and his illiteracy made it difficult for him to sustain a living.
Desperate to make ends meet, Milo ended up taking a job as a collector for a local loan shark. His intimidating presence and formidable reputation earned him the moniker "Jaw Breaker," striking fear into the hearts of those who owed money. It was a dangerous occupation, but Milo had little choice.
His life took a turn when he was finally given the opportunity to enter professional boxing and had a real chance at the world heavyweight championship. However, the ghosts of his past came back to haunt him. In a tragic turn of events, Milo was involved in a fatal altercation, leading to a charge of manslaughter. He was sentenced to life in prison, and his dreams of becoming a champion were shattered.
Despite the bleak circumstances, Milo clung to his faith as a devout Catholic. He was ready to pay for his mistakes and seek redemption. But fate had other plans for him. When the Alien visitors arrived on Earth, offering humans a chance at freedom and redemption through the Apocalypse game, Milo saw it as a second opportunity to make things right.
In the game, Milo found himself in the company of an interesting group, and he believed it was a calling from God, a chance for redemption. He accepted the invitation with hope in his heart, hoping to prove himself and find a path to redemption.
"Yes I will join you"
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Upon receiving confirmation from the Italian boxer, Milo Tagliano, Alan's spirits lifted. Now armed with a gun and the added strength of Milo, he turned to his student, Daniel, and inquired, "Daniel, this is it, are you sure?!"
Daniel's eyes sparkled with determination as he quickly responded, "Yes, Mr. D, let me help!! I am ready!!" His eagerness to be a part of the action was evident in his voice.
Vicky, intrigued by their plans, offered her assistance as well, and even Luis, despite his fear, expressed a newfound willingness to join the group.
While Alan could certainly use the extra help, he hesitated, knowing that their current strengths might not be enough to guarantee their safety in the dangerous situations they might face.
"There must be something we can do to help," Vicky insisted, not willing to be left behind. "You've done so much for us; let us contribute in any way we can."
Luis, catching onto Vicky's determination, nodded in agreement. "Sí, you can count on me. I want to be useful too."
Alan's response remained firm as he refused any further discussion. "You can help by guarding this place and making sure these people are saved," he repeated, his determination evident in his voice.
Without waiting for any objections, Alan led Daniel and Milo to the other side of the library, where he had a plan in mind that required their assistance. Surprisingly, he even took the captured player along with them, much to the player's distress.
"What do you want with me? Let me go!" the captive pleaded, his fear and desperation obvious.
Inside the medium-sized room, the dim light from outside filtered through the thick layer of dust on the windows, casting an eerie glow on the surroundings. Alan surveyed the area, making sure everything was in place.
"This is the place. Let's get ready, Daniel," Alan said, his voice steady and determined.
Daniel nodded, having already been briefed on their plan before. He understood the importance of their mission and was prepared to carry out his part.
Milo, although not initially aware of the specifics, quickly grasped the nature of the task. He followed Daniel's lead, positioning himself near the window and ready to assist.
As Alan began crafting once again, he drew upon his knowledge and skills to create the necessary tools for their endeavor. With precise movements, he broke apart some of the old cabinets, salvaging sharp wooden splinters and sturdy pieces of wood.
Using these materials, Alan fashioned makeshift pikes, long and pointed, intending to use them as reinforcements for the window barricade.
Daniel and Milo continued to move the book rows, creating two open spaces that flanked the large window. These openings would serve as vantage points for their plan to unfold.
Once the pikes were ready, Alan instructed Daniel to position them strategically around the window, ensuring that they were securely lodged into the ground. The wooden stakes formed a formidable barrier, deterring anyone from breaking through the glass.
After barricading the window with the sharp pikes, Alan turned his attention to the broken radio he had found earlier. With his upgraded Science skill to the novice level, he felt more confident in his ability to fix it. He carefully examined the damaged parts, working diligently to put them back together.
Finally, after almost half an hour of work, a spark of success surged through him. The radio came to life, crackling with static before clear voices emerged from its speakers.
[Your (Science - Novice) allows you to successfully fix the broken radio]
"Yes!" Alan exclaimed with joy.
Calling over Daniel and Milo, Alan shared the news with them, and they listened intently to the message that followed.
[You have received a Hidden Quest]
[The government has lost contact with a certain VIP, and you are required to find and save the VIP from any threats. Head toward the last known location at a designated time to activate the quest]
The announcement revealed the nature of the hidden quest, and Alan's eyes sparkled with excitement. This was a chance to prove their capabilities and gain an advantage over other players.
However, before they could embark on this mission, there was one more obstacle to overcome.