Immediately, his character was standing in the middle of a neon-drenched city. The top right corner of the screen showed an infinite symbol next to the cash and diamond icons. "Yes!" Leo whispered, pumping his fist.

Panic flared in his chest. He tried to press the home button, but the screen was locked on the staring gangster. He tried to hold the power button to force a shutdown, but nothing happened. The phone was burning hot in his hand.

The final message on the game screen read: You wanted to be a real gangster, Leo. Welcome to the syndicate. Your first mission starts now. Check your doorstep.

Leo frowned, tapping the screen rapidly. "Come on, stupid game. Freeze up on me now?"

The bright colors inverted into a harsh, neon red. The background music cut out, replaced by a low, distorted hum. On the screen, his custom-dressed gangster stopped responding to the joystick. The character slowly turned around, breaking the third wall, and stared directly at the camera.

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