x
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe35rZP1BM5
**The Chamber of Shadows**
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZecMAobw3
They stepped into a room ablaze with light. The walls shimmered like tongues of fire, yet the floor remained steadfast, hewn from ancient stone. At the heart of this enigmatic chamber hung an immense mirror, its surface a dark pool of secrets. And there, reflected within its depths, stood a solitary figure—cloaked in darkness, eyes like twin voids. Death himself.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9L1ksXijx
"Welcome to my home," Death intoned, his voice a spectral whisper.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrhjPa6q7c
Vincent's voice trembled. "Where are we?"
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP9iJqa41G
"My headquarters," Death replied, his gaze unyielding. "This is where I confine those who defy me, who deny the inexorable truth."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZdcNzb88z
"People like us?" Sam ventured.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5FCftoTF4
"Yes," Death affirmed. "Those who resist, who cling to life beyond their appointed time."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYZ3cxDtrE
"How many souls languish here?" Sam inquired.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV8KwOs57D
"Eleven," Death mused, "though some have become our allies. For now, it's just you."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChHlvmweZ2
Death leaned closer, his eyes piercing. "Let us discuss your contract, Sam."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQjZAYhXL8
"Go on," Sam said, his resolve unwavering.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPiiXspjVq
"I offer protection—for you and your kin," Death murmured. "In exchange, you become my agent. You will hunt down those who elude me."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsE3fu9fEl
"Hunt them?" Vincent's disbelief echoed.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54LUflzL1c
"Yes," Death's smile was chilling. "Capture them, by any means necessary."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaciv2Oqxk
"Why?" Sam pressed.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEowHsDFDr8
"Because," Death's gaze bore into Sam's soul, "failure would cost you your life."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4H4ckalav
"And our team?" Vincent asked.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd1zNVDbTW
"They will obey," Death assured. "Or face my wrath."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM41y4OlwmU
Sam hesitated. "What's the price?"
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHyjsKiGYp
"Three years of service," Death intoned. "For which I'll pay you one million dollars annually. Afterward, double that for life."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NnFFj2aYD
Sam's brow furrowed. "Seems steep."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoYH5RNArB
"But consider," Death countered, "the weight of your duty."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriLa0mjfLX
The mirror rippled, and a new figure emerged—a warrior clad in black robes, a sword at his side, and a pink-skulled mask.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm0eDKrQdz
"Meet Trisk," Death gestured. "Your first agent."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDySr9gbbmo
Trisk's eyes bore into Sam's. "Skullet Quattro, reporting."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vAzUUunN4
Death resumed. "My code: Skullet Uno. Obey my orders, never lie, and attend our private meetings. But the price—"
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqinhzI4Twx
"—is adherence to your rules," Sam finished.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HgHpN3ztQ
"Indeed," Death said. "No killing non adult and non combatants, . Spare those with living parents, friends, and allies. And only your innate power."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzX72JsU5T
Sam nodded. "Understood."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuQDMxN38B
Death leaned closer. "Remember, knowledge is life's true currency. And change allegiances when necessary."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YcRs5ha7W
"Is that all?" Sam asked.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxF9uhp5O1
Death handed him a flyer. "A summary. Keep our pact secret."
And my call sign is Skullet Uno, but you can still call me Death." Death said.
"Skullet Uno," Sam acknowledged. "Thank you."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI0aMzvkkM
Death vanished, leaving Sam, Molly, and Peter. Sam kissed Molly goodnight, then checked on Vincent. Peter's concern lingered, but Sam reassured him.
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0nAHMbfLO
As they closed the door, Peter sighed. "Daddy, what if Vincent—"
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT8tUvkloI
"—is fine," Sam said. " he's fine. I'll check on him tomorrow ok?" Sam said "Now, let's rest."
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb8EXxV2q3
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweV5sxYhCr
