It was past the usual working hours, so there wasn’t a soul in sight in the basement. Carol had left early today and reminded me to head back sooner. However, I lost track of time because I was engrossed in my work.As I traversed the basement, I heard hurried footsteps behind me before feeling a rush of wind. I turned and instinctively dodged, but I took a hit on my shoulder. It caused me to grunt in pain.Before I could realize what had happened, another blow struck me. This time, I saw what hit me. It was a wooden bat. I sidestepped and shouted, “Who are you?!”I noticed the person wearing black sportswear with a hood and mask to cover their features. I couldn’t even make out what gender the person was. However, the person’s slender figure hinted at them being a woman.“What the hell do you want?!” I demanded, retreating while watching the assailant. Suddenly, two more masked individuals with wooden bats appeared behind her.I knew they were targeting me and had prepared for th
I sprinted while desperately screaming for help, but the motorcycle’s roar drowned out my voice.I had worn a pair of high heels to work today. It became apparent they were slowing me down. The footsteps behind me grew closer, and the motorcycle was already two lanes ahead of me.Suddenly, a car sped in from the Section E entrance and maneuvered through the parking columns. It headed straight for the motorcycle. With no time for reaction, a loud bang echoed as the motorcyclist flew. The motorcycle then skidded across the floor.I dared not stop running, and the car was agile. When I passed the car, it reversed and blocked the trio on the other side. Everything happened so suddenly. When I glanced behind me, the three assailants froze and watched in horror at the unfolding scene.The woman was unwilling to give up and attempted to continue pursuing me. However, one of the men pulled her back. Then, they turned and ran in the opposite direction, seemingly attempting to flee.The dri
I instinctively turned to see what had happened, but Atlas held my head and redirected my gaze. He then instructed, “Dylan, head to the hospital.”I quickly reassured, “I’m fine.”“No, you’re not. The injury is at the collarbone, so we must get it checked. Otherwise, I won’t have peace of mind,” Atlas said, looking at me with concern, “Does it still hurt?”I felt a little guilty but shook my head and asked, “Wh-what did you do to her?”“Kill one to warn and deter others,” Atlas answered firmly.I never expected the warm and amiable Atlas to be so heartless. I knew he was just overly worried about my safety. I also realized he wanted to intimidate those who harbored ill intentions toward me.…After the examination, the doctor explained, “Fortunately, they missed the collarbone. These are just superficial wounds. I’ll prescribe an ointment for Mr. Atlas to help you apply. It’ll help alleviate the pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing.”It was already late when we got home.
Atlas looked at me indulgently and then ruffled my hair. “I’ll be back soon, sweety. It’s so late now. You should get some rest, okay?”“No… I want to come with you. I need to know if Rory’s alive. I’ll only know if I see him. Don’t stop me,” I stubbornly said as I threw off the blanket. I was no longer sleepy.Atlas shook his head and sighed. “All right, change into some warmer clothes. It’s chilly outside.”I jumped out of bed and crouched to put on my slippers before rushing to the dressing room. My heart pounded, wondering where Rory was or if someone was actually watching him. After getting changed, I trotted out.Atlas held my hand, and we walked together. I had already grown familiar with the secret passages. When we got into the car, we took one of the tunnels out of Pleca Park.Although I didn’t know if someone was monitoring us outside, the tunnels were a shortcut to the warehouse. It was also Atlas’s base. I bombarded him with questions along the way, trying to piece to
"Let you go? Do you think you can go back?" Atlas looked down at him with an imposing stance, making Loak uneasy. Soon, he became agitated."What do you want? There's no use holding me captive. I don't know anything!" Loak was very defensive, completely retreating into his prickly shell.Atlas glanced at him with disdain. "Do you think you're valuable? You're just an ant there! The boss can take your life at any time. You'd better answer my questions honestly."Loak examined his pale toenails as he touched his dark feet."How is the man you're keeping?" Atlas asked, his eyes fixed on Loak."He's okay," he grumbled. "It's not my doing, yet you captured me."His tone indicated dissatisfaction, showing he remained stubborn even in this situation.The translator did an excellent job translating the conversation."How many meals does he get every day?" Atlas continued, and I was a bit puzzled. Why was Atlas asking seemingly irrelevant questions?"Two meals! What else does he need
"I'm saving her life! Loak, do you think your sister is safe in the hands of your boss? Can you protect her?" Atlas looked at Loak. "If you think she's safe there, I can send her back."Loak stared at Atlas, his eyes full of conflict and fear, as he gulped."Your parents died at the hands of your boss. Now, both your lives are in his hands. Do you think you can endure his abuse and constant threat to you both? Or do you want to push your sister into the fire pit?" Atlas's gaze on Loak was intense.His sister clutched his arm tightly behind him, revealing only a beautiful face.My heart softened, and I couldn't help but reach out to the girl. "Don't be afraid! We won't harm you."She looked at my gesture, and the translator conveyed my words. She blinked her big eyes, glanced at her brother, and then fixed her gaze on my face. Perhaps my friendly demeanor helped her relax. She tentatively sought her brother's opinion, "Loak!"Loak looked at Atlas, gulped again, and stammered, "C
His idea shocked me. "Are you saying we need to re-enter Bermuda?""Of course, that's why my approach to him is different," Atlas said.I looked at Atlas, suddenly understanding why he had started by gradually easing into questions, wanting to alleviate the pressure on him."Is he reliable?" I asked with some concern."That depends on how we handle him. His parents died at the hands of Navi. With only the two of them relying on each other, this kid is quite unfortunate. At that time, he was only nine, and his sister was six. Strictly speaking, he's still a kid now," Atlas explained.As Atlas spoke, I looked at his expression and suddenly understood his thoughts."I can empathize with his helplessness and unwillingness during that period, so I want to test him a bit. If he passes the test, I'll train him well."Atlas's words were poignant, and I knew he wanted to say that he and Loak shared similar painful experiences. That was why he understood what Loak needed.I involuntarily
To my surprise, it was Melvern.He noticed me and walked toward me with a smile on his face."Ms. Chloe, what a coincidence. We meet again," he said, looking at me like an old friend."Mr. Melvern, hello." I nodded politely, wondering why he was there. However, I didn't ask."Are you heading out?" he asked casually, glancing at me."Yes, just stepping out for a bit." I smiled faintly. "Are you here for business?""Yes, I'm here to meet an old friend," he replied, seemingly carefree. "Which floor is your company on?""The 10th floor," I answered, but I didn't extend any courteous invitation for him to visit. I was sure that if I did, he would show up at my door tomorrow."Ms. Chloe, could I invite you for a chat sometime when you're free? I have some questions I'd like to consult you about," he asked politely.I knew that this was just an excuse."Mr. Melvern, you're too courteous. I wonder which aspect of knowledge you are seeking,” I replied distantly. This guy was like gu