I swear… I hate that smile.Not the nice "oh hey, good to see you" kind.I mean the one that says yeah, you're screwed, and I'm enjoying this way too much.
The Debt Collector's just standing there like he owns the street, leaning on this busted streetlamp like it's his living room.Coat spotless.Eyes calm.Too calm.
"Rough night?" he goes, like we're catching up after work or something.
I don't even answer. My chest is still burning, my hands are messed up, and the giant I just put down is groaning behind me.
The Collector takes one slow step. His boots make that click click click like a countdown.He's not rushing. They never rush.
"You're using it more," he says. "Good. Means the hook's set deep."
I swallow. "You here to kill me or collect?"
He smirks."Why not both?"
Every part of me is screaming to run. But my mouth?Yeah, it goes straight for dumb.
"I'm not in the mood for your creepy salesman crap."
The smile drops. Which is bad, because when a Collector stops smiling, it's never good.
He tilts his head. "Fine. You've got a new debt to settle. And the timer started… ten minutes ago."
Then he's just… gone.Like, one blink gone.
I stand there, catching my breath, wondering if I'm losing it—Then the System pops up in my head:
Debt System:New Contract: 72 Hours. Target: Unknown.
No name. No details. Just… 72 hours.
Awesome.Totally not terrifying.