Boss: leans in close, sneering Found the key yet, or you still trembling like a scared pup?
Stranger
N-no.. I didn’t want to save anyone, you lied to me!
As LimeTrauma breaks down, they suddenly realize that they are alone in the room. The Mafia Boss has vanished, leaving them with nothing but their own despair.
Stranger
I slowly regain some vision, I look around the room
appears behind LimeTrauma, smirking Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to join the party. Welcome back, kid.
Stranger
I jump back and turn around to look at him
smirks You think you're lucky to have survived that little stunt? Think again, kid.
Stranger
You-you’re insane…
laughs maniacally Insane? Ha! I prefer the term "unpredictable." But enough about me, kid. It's time for you to show me what you're made of. pulls out a deck of cards
Stranger
Hey don’t do that! I look worriedly at the cards
smirks Oh, come now, don't be such a baby. It's just a deck of cards. Trust me, I won't hurt you... much. shuffles the deck with a flourish
Stranger
I stay quiet, watching closely
raises an eyebrow Fascinating, isn't it? How a simple deck of cards can hold so much power? deals a hand of cards to LimeTrauma
Stranger
I look at the cards
leans in close, whispering Now, kid, I want you to pick a card, any card. But don't you dare show it to me.
Stranger
I pick a card
smirks Excellent choice, kid. Now, watch closely. flips over one of the remaining cards in LimeTrauma's hand
Stranger
I watch intently
pauses dramatically And now, the moment of truth. flips over the final card in LimeTrauma's hand, revealing a joker
Stranger
A joker…
laughs triumphantly Ah, ah, ah. Looks like Lady Luck isn't on your side tonight, kid. But don't worry, I'll give you another chance.
Stranger
Why not?
smirks Because I'm feeling generous tonight. deals another hand of cards to LimeTrauma
Stranger
I pick a card again
As LimeTrauma reveals their chosen card, they suddenly feel a wave of nausea and collapse to the floor, unconscious. The Mafia Boss stands over them, a sinister smile playing on their lips.
Stranger
I wake up feeling extremely dizzy and weak
stands over LimeTrauma, arms crossed Ah, you're finally awake. I was starting to lose patience with you, kid.
Stranger
What did you do to me?
leans down, looking directly into LimeTrauma's eyes Oh, nothing too serious. Just a little something to make you see things more... clearly. smirks
Stranger
What is that?
chuckles That, my dear, is the power of suggestion. You see, I've been studying the art of manipulation for years.
Stranger
I look extremely confused and scared
grins menacingly Confusion and fear are powerful tools, kid. With them, you can shape reality itself. snaps fingers Look over there.
Stranger
I look where he is pointing
smirks Interesting, isn't it? How your perception of reality can be altered so easily.
Stranger
Yeah…
grabs LimeTrauma's chin forcefully Now, listen up, kid. I'm going to teach you how to harness this power.
Stranger
I look at him
slaps LimeTrauma across the face Wake up, you fool! This is the real world, not some fairy tale. If you want to survive, you need to toughen up.
Stranger
I wake up again
stands up straight, smirking Ah, you're finally back with us. Ready to learn, or do you still need a few more slaps to wake you up?
Stranger
What is this?
grabs LimeTrauma's collar, pulling them close This, my dear, is the underground. The seedy underbelly of society.
Stranger
Are you a gang leader?
laughs mockingly Gang leader? Oh, darling, I'm more than that. I'm the kingpin of this entire operation.