x
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWSBfl3lCa
**The Chamber of Shadows**
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos0JNYXyNO
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.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24IpyaZKs9
"Welcome to my home," Death intoned, his voice a spectral whisper.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54wpLqIX0v
Vincent's voice trembled. "Where are we?"
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCobi5a5Kv
"My headquarters," Death replied, his gaze unyielding. "This is where I confine those who defy me, who deny the inexorable truth."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrud44ff8Dy
"People like us?" Sam ventured.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKDN1pxKqO
"Yes," Death affirmed. "Those who resist, who cling to life beyond their appointed time."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVo3UyZLIp
"How many souls languish here?" Sam inquired.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFCU03XfoB
"Eleven," Death mused, "though some have become our allies. For now, it's just you."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9EqFoClpk
Death leaned closer, his eyes piercing. "Let us discuss your contract, Sam."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SZZaHJJs2
"Go on," Sam said, his resolve unwavering.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Zn4aeXgUZ
"I offer protection—for you and your kin," Death murmured. "In exchange, you become my agent. You will hunt down those who elude me."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtaSRJEAWr
"Hunt them?" Vincent's disbelief echoed.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBUCmgV24C
"Yes," Death's smile was chilling. "Capture them, by any means necessary."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoKYXTq7sx
"Why?" Sam pressed.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMwO2GUu4U
"Because," Death's gaze bore into Sam's soul, "failure would cost you your life."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhspgnMywAU
"And our team?" Vincent asked.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUFca3tVbg
"They will obey," Death assured. "Or face my wrath."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hXRfNkDOk
Sam hesitated. "What's the price?"
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaCIpJD8eS
"Three years of service," Death intoned. "For which I'll pay you one million dollars annually. Afterward, double that for life."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR2IOoW8cv
Sam's brow furrowed. "Seems steep."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiXpmRvp4N
"But consider," Death countered, "the weight of your duty."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ2jph71LV
The mirror rippled, and a new figure emerged—a warrior clad in black robes, a sword at his side, and a pink-skulled mask.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmj31q35IU
"Meet Trisk," Death gestured. "Your first agent."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvEoLWxDTM
Trisk's eyes bore into Sam's. "Skullet Quattro, reporting."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrjACOerhr
Death resumed. "My code: Skullet Uno. Obey my orders, never lie, and attend our private meetings. But the price—"
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06gUixEMxc
"—is adherence to your rules," Sam finished.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGVizB0xmC
"Indeed," Death said. "No killing non adult and non combatants, . Spare those with living parents, friends, and allies. And only your innate power."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qyzu2TMyw
Sam nodded. "Understood."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFqXsuFujH
Death leaned closer. "Remember, knowledge is life's true currency. And change allegiances when necessary."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNYNWoqHo6
"Is that all?" Sam asked.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPzAkjH2dZ
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."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HHkvoDmTC
Death vanished, leaving Sam, Molly, and Peter. Sam kissed Molly goodnight, then checked on Vincent. Peter's concern lingered, but Sam reassured him.
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qn07N7zeC
As they closed the door, Peter sighed. "Daddy, what if Vincent—"
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLc7OrF5RS
"—is fine," Sam said. " he's fine. I'll check on him tomorrow ok?" Sam said "Now, let's rest."
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cfylDga80
252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxc1BYugAy
