"Worked like a charm," Thomas thought, grinning inwardly. "So," he said to the rabbit, "shall we continue our conversation?"
Without waiting for a reply, he pressed on. "You saw what happened. It's not just the refugees; it's other survivors too. How long do you think the little guy can survive in this environment? If he comes with me, I can at least guarantee his safety, as long as I'm alive."
He cut off the rabbit's attempt to speak. "Don't ask how I know so much about you. It's a secret. And if I'm not mistaken, you haven't been around long. The primary personality is still the little one, isn't it? You can't protect him forever. I'm the only one who can help you now."
The rabbit fell silent. Thomas's words were undeniably true.
After a moment of contemplation, despite sensing Thomas's genuine intentions, years of hardship made trust difficult. He was about to refuse when his expression shifted rapidly – anger, defiance, resignation, worry – before finally settling on a look of acceptance. He closed his crimson eyes.
When they opened again, the red was gone, replaced by a clear, innocent gaze. A bright smile bloomed as he looked at Thomas.
"I trust you, Mister!" a sweet voice chirped.
Back in Thomas's hideout at Garden Station, two figures materialized.
"Wow… is this your hideout, Mister? It's so big!"
Thomas smiled wryly at the childish voice. The voice, the demeanor, the small stature – everything about him screamed "little boy."
"Eight, I told you, no need to call me 'Mister.' You're my employee now. Call me 'Boss.'"
Eight's bright eyes crinkled at the corners. "Okay, Mister Boss!"
"You… sigh. Fine, whatever." Thomas couldn't help but smile. The boy had a disarming charm. Those innocent eyes made it impossible to stay annoyed. If Thomas hadn't repeatedly checked his status panel, he would have suspected some kind of charm effect. He chalked it up to Eight's natural charisma.
He recalled their conversation at the Ram Station.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"I trust you, Mister!"
"That was you talking to… Red Eyes, right? How did you convince him?" Thomas had asked.
"Mister, my name is Eight Lop. And that's not Red Eyes. That's my brother, Seven."
"As for how I convinced him… my intuition tells me you mean no harm. I feel safe around you."
Thomas had raised an eyebrow, remembering Eight's [Empathic Sense] talent. That explained it.
"So, will you come with me? Be my employee? I'll ensure your safety and survival, and you'll work for me…"
"I will!"
Eight had interrupted before he could finish.
"I trust you, Mister. So I'll go with you. Seven gets sleepy after being out too long. Like you said, this is the best option."
Thomas had held Eight's gaze for five seconds before smiling. The green aura on his minimap practically glowed.
"Alright, then come with me. But first, we need to formalize this."
He navigated his Super Monopoly interface. A notification appeared on both their panels.
[Survivor Thomas Smyth wishes to employ Survivor Eight Lop. Does Survivor Eight Lop accept?]
[Note: Once the employment contract is established, Survivor Eight Lop will lose survivor status and become an employed life unit of Survivor Thomas Smyth. Do you accept?]
Thomas waited for Eight's decision.
Without hesitation, Eight selected [Yes].
His Apocalypse Game interface vanished. His hideout collapsed, leaving behind a deed that floated towards Thomas.
[Complete Hideout Deed]
Race: Lop Rabbit Clan
Area: 40 sq m
Owner: Thomas Smyth (Human)
Description: A Complete Hideout Deed, obtained through voluntary agreement.
Effect: Merge this deed with your hideout to expand a designated area and receive a designated reward from the race (including but not limited to facilities, blueprints, recipes, hideout traits, knowledge, skills...).
Eight's information appeared on Thomas's Super Monopoly panel under [Employee Management].
Name: Eight Lop/Seven Lop
Race: Bloomhaven Star Domain
Gender: Male
Personality: Timid, Cautious, Kind / Calm, Courageous, Decisive
Trait: Dual Personality
Talents: Lucky, Empathic Sense, Management Expert / Combat Instincts, Danger Sense, Berserk
Trust Level: Trusted / Neutral
Current Physical Condition: Lightly Injured
Current Mood: Joyful, Anxious
Inside the hideout, Thomas watched Eight, who was fascinated by the equipment in the weapons lab.
"Alright, Eight, you'll have plenty of time to explore later. Let's merge your hideout first."
"Okay, Mister Boss."
Thomas led Eight to the third basement level. However, upon learning it was Thomas's living quarters, Eight objected.
"Mister Boss, you should have your own space. As your employee, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to live in the same area."
At Eight's insistence, they chose a spot on the second basement level, opposite the indoor farm.
After using the Complete Hideout Deed, a 40 sq m space expanded outwards from the wall. The pre-existing structures within Eight's hideout vanished, leaving behind only some scattered resources. A list of reward options appeared on Thomas's panel.