x
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zQBrDW8FY
**The Chamber of Shadows**
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZcfkYBPeV
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.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwsnl3rB9N
"Welcome to my home," Death intoned, his voice a spectral whisper.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavkzg6TagP
Vincent's voice trembled. "Where are we?"
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40vHnVa0Lf
"My headquarters," Death replied, his gaze unyielding. "This is where I confine those who defy me, who deny the inexorable truth."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09rTvddwiN
"People like us?" Sam ventured.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFjZ1fFHLT
"Yes," Death affirmed. "Those who resist, who cling to life beyond their appointed time."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFXrGqueSQ
"How many souls languish here?" Sam inquired.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwoWJzQTae
"Eleven," Death mused, "though some have become our allies. For now, it's just you."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r26Mso3Y5
Death leaned closer, his eyes piercing. "Let us discuss your contract, Sam."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zcAVoeO0z
"Go on," Sam said, his resolve unwavering.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVXGGJ7ApL
"I offer protection—for you and your kin," Death murmured. "In exchange, you become my agent. You will hunt down those who elude me."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVmW1S82tr
"Hunt them?" Vincent's disbelief echoed.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKba8lIpK3x
"Yes," Death's smile was chilling. "Capture them, by any means necessary."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4TC3l9XZq
"Why?" Sam pressed.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoIH9fdpzx
"Because," Death's gaze bore into Sam's soul, "failure would cost you your life."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcUnGuRcbW
"And our team?" Vincent asked.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0oyD0kJkg
"They will obey," Death assured. "Or face my wrath."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnGe387PtF
Sam hesitated. "What's the price?"
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FuQohb99h
"Three years of service," Death intoned. "For which I'll pay you one million dollars annually. Afterward, double that for life."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOrsIsiknS
Sam's brow furrowed. "Seems steep."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtuaQwYPsg
"But consider," Death countered, "the weight of your duty."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVplSm2nuu
The mirror rippled, and a new figure emerged—a warrior clad in black robes, a sword at his side, and a pink-skulled mask.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAWewIqhKj
"Meet Trisk," Death gestured. "Your first agent."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILnmczPh1M
Trisk's eyes bore into Sam's. "Skullet Quattro, reporting."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWok8DD2Cf
Death resumed. "My code: Skullet Uno. Obey my orders, never lie, and attend our private meetings. But the price—"
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSIlrDic4t
"—is adherence to your rules," Sam finished.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Bw1ue0Qez
"Indeed," Death said. "No killing non adult and non combatants, . Spare those with living parents, friends, and allies. And only your innate power."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUS5FCuUcY
Sam nodded. "Understood."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8MaNLt8U5
Death leaned closer. "Remember, knowledge is life's true currency. And change allegiances when necessary."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW6jJNO6z6
"Is that all?" Sam asked.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe60Y1bdNA
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."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcq8V8Pkgl
Death vanished, leaving Sam, Molly, and Peter. Sam kissed Molly goodnight, then checked on Vincent. Peter's concern lingered, but Sam reassured him.
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYw8WiEnFY
As they closed the door, Peter sighed. "Daddy, what if Vincent—"
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt5iBfR6dQ
"—is fine," Sam said. " he's fine. I'll check on him tomorrow ok?" Sam said "Now, let's rest."
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRElpoFzEoS
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcdwdwM1A4
