The intense explosion rocked the entire Trading Center. The Bayonet immediately ordered all the refugees inside to gear up. One group was dispatched to the underground parking garage for support, while another was sent to the twentieth floor to protect Mad Dog.

After the explosion, Thomas Smyth swiftly placed a grenade, pin pulled, near the car's undercarriage before scrambling out from beneath the vehicle. He sprinted towards the underground garage's control room, where the building's utilities were located.

A group of refugees had been stationed there, but the successive explosions and The Bayonet's orders had redirected them to the underground tunnels for reinforcement. This allowed Thomas to slip past unnoticed and into the electrical room. He quickly located the main power switch.

A moment later, the entire Trading Center plunged into darkness.

Repeating his earlier tactic, Thomas planted a Remote Emulsion Charge on the electrical panel and activated the detonator. He then dashed towards the east staircase.

His attention remained fixed on the white fox's location on the virtual map. She was easy to identify; hers was the only bright yellow marker amidst a sea of red. With the power cut, she had reached the east staircase and was descending with a dozen multi-species refugees, who paid her little attention.

She carried a revolver, a stark contrast to the assault rifles wielded by the others.

By the time Thomas reached the second floor, all the refugees had already headed down to the parking garage. He concealed himself behind the fire door at the second-floor landing.

The sound of footsteps grew louder as the refugees approached. Thomas watched the virtual map intently.

As the group passed the second-floor landing, Thomas silently materialized behind the white fox. A cloth covered her nose and mouth. Simultaneously, his other hand clamped down on the hammer of her revolver, preventing it from firing.

A single second passed.

Thomas felt her weight shift against him as the final dose of Paralyzing Toxin took effect. Supporting her limp body, he moved towards the nearest room.

Inside the second-floor restroom, Thomas switched on his low-light flashlight. He looked at the white fox, leaning against the wall, paralyzed and filled with fear. He pursed his lips, then offered what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. The paralysis will wear off in a few minutes. I mean you no harm."

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

His earnest words, however, only intensified the terror in her eyes.

Knowing he couldn't waste any more time, Thomas quickly explained his actions.

He revealed that he was responsible for the explosions and the chaos, and that his objective had been to find and recruit her.

The white fox was stunned. When had she become so important that someone would cause such widespread mayhem just to hire her? It was preposterous!

The fear in her eyes receded, replaced by confusion and disbelief.

Seeing the shift in her expression, Thomas knew his words had had an impact.

"I know it sounds crazy, but you're not exactly happy here, are you? You were assaulted this morning, weren't you?"

The white fox's eyes narrowed, staring at Thomas in disbelief. If she hadn't been certain she'd never seen him before, and if his gaze wasn't so different from the leering stares of the other refugees, she would have assumed he was one of them.

"Do you really want to stay with these refugees? You know what kind of scum they are. In your current state, how long do you think you can last? I'm guessing this isn't the life you envisioned. You've been feeling helpless and hopeless for a long time, haven't you?"

"You have nothing left to lose, no way to save yourself. So why not try the option I'm offering?"

These words struck a chord.

Indeed, what did she have left to lose?

Was anywhere more dangerous than this building? Staying here meant being abused and killed by the multi-species refugees who coveted her, or being deemed worthless by the human refugees and expelled, only to be killed by the others.

Or suicide. Did she have any better options?

No. She truly didn't.

The confusion and helplessness in her eyes faded. She slowly raised her head, taking in Thomas's face in the dim light. Through his eyes, she saw only clarity, sincerity, and… admiration.

Thomas, pleased that his words had finally calmed her fear, was taken aback when she simply looked at him intently before lowering her gaze again.

He was bewildered.

What did that mean?

Was she coming with him or not? He needed an answer!

Just as he was grappling with her silence, a voice, rich with maturity, reached his ears.

"Tessia Thorne."

Huh? Had she spoken?

"What did you say?"

"My name is Tessia Thorne. You can call me Tessia."

Understanding dawned on Thomas.

"So… you believe me? You'll come with me?"

Tessia met his gaze once more, then, with a slight press of her lips, nodded firmly.

"Yes."

The Super Monopoly system notification chimed.

[Survivor Thomas Smyth has offered employment to refugee Tessia Thorne. Does refugee Tessia Thorne accept?]

[Note: Upon acceptance, refugee Tessia Thorne will lose refugee status and become an employed life unit of survivor Thomas Smyth. Do you accept?]

Hearing the mechanical voice, Tessia's resolve solidified.

[Yes]

Thomas checked his Employee Management panel and saw Tessia's information.

[Name: Tessia Thorne

Race: Celestial Fox Star Domain - Thorne Fox Clan

Gender: Female

Personality: Calm

Traits: Patient, Resilient

Talents: Mathematical Genius, Gourmet, Crafty

Trust Level: Neutral

Current Physical Status: Weak, Lightly Injured

Current Emotional State: Worried, Pessimistic, Nervous, Hopeful]

Thomas saw her emotional state and trust level but chose not to comment. Some things were better left unsaid. Showing her the reality of his situation would be more persuasive than any words.

Having accomplished his main objective for the night, Thomas grinned, a surge of triumph coursing through him.

He looked at Tessia and said with a smile, "Come on. Now that you're my employee, it's time for me, as your boss… to settle… a few old scores."