Contract

Zero's demeanor underwent a sudden transformation, his lips curling into an unsettling grin. His eyes seemed to glint with an enigmatic intensity as he spoke, his tone calm yet charged with an uncanny confidence. "Tom Crish, age 27, with no fixed employment. Your parents tragically passed away in a car accident when you were just 12 years old. The pain and resentment that stemmed from that incident cast a shadow over your view of the world. Over the past few years, you've found yourself drawn into the realm of hacking, pilfering sensitive information from companies and individuals alike, and peddling it for survival. It's a dangerous dance you've been performing for the last 3-4 years, one that barely keeps you afloat."

Taken aback by Zero's uncanny knowledge, Tom Crish's initial surprise gave way to a visceral mix of shock and disbelief. He stood abruptly, a tumult of emotions twisting his features. "What the hell do you want, kid? And how did you get your hands on this information?"

His fists clenched involuntarily, a manifestation of his frustration and unease. Before the fury that had driven his punch could connect, Zero moved with an agility and precision that defied his age. He blocked Tom's fist effortlessly, a barely perceptible movement that halted the attack in its tracks.

Zero's lips curved further, the disconcerting smile remaining as he continued, "Tom Crish, you possess a prodigious talent for hacking and gathering information. Your proficiency in this clandestine world is remarkable, and I intend to harness that talent."

A mixture of pain, confusion, and fear twisted across Tom Crish's face as Zero exerted pressure on his clenched fist. The pain radiating from his hand was unlike anything he had experienced before. His body, which had stood so defiantly moments ago, now seemed to betray him, succumbing to the excruciating ache that surged through his hand.

"What do you want from me?" Tom's voice trembled as the agony intensified, his body trembling under the strain.

Zero's voice remained eerily composed as he responded, the sinister smile never leaving his lips. "As I mentioned, I want you to be part of my people."

The pain persisted, and Tom Crish's cries began to pierce the air. His body, once defiant, now sagged under the torment. "Please... stop..."

Zero's grip gradually loosened, allowing Tom a moment of reprieve. "Tom Crish, your hacking skills and information-gathering prowess align with my objectives. You see, I'm not your average kid. I possess knowledge and ambitions that extend beyond the ordinary."

As Tom Crish's gasps for air began to steady, Zero's demeanor shifted slightly. He retrieved a document from his pocket, unfolding it deliberately, and presented it to Tom.

Tom's trembling hands reached for the paper, his eyes widening in disbelief as he read through its contents. A mixture of astonishment and disbelief danced across his features, his gaze flickering between the document and Zero.

Time seemed to stretch as Tom absorbed the implications of the contract. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice laced with vulnerability. "Is this... Is this really true?"

Zero's gaze bore into Tom's eyes, a strange intensity emanating from his gaze. "Yes, Tom. It's true."

The room fell into a heavy silence as Tom's thoughts swirled, his emotions a whirlwind of uncertainty. He wiped at his eyes, a gesture that seemed to encompass a mix of frustration and resignation. "if this is true, then it will be life-changing" tom then continued "I've spent years living on the edge, making ends meet through means that I'm not proud of. I'm tired of it all."

Zero's tone held a hint of compassion as he spoke, "Tom, your life doesn't have to continue down that path. With your skills and my resources, we can forge a new trajectory. One that offers stability, purpose, and the chance to make a real impact."

Tom's gaze remained fixed on the contract, his mind racing as he grappled with the implications of Zero's proposition. After a profound pause, he looked up, his expression a reflection of the myriad emotions churning within him. "And what do you want from me in return?"

Zero's smile was both reassuring and enigmatic as he leaned in slightly, his voice carrying a weight of conviction. "Your full loyalty." After a short pause, "That is it."

"Before you sign the contract, ask me any questions that I will clarify" Zero then said.

Tom seized the opportunity, firing off a volley of queries like rapid-fire shots. His voice held a mixture of skepticism and genuine curiosity as he inquired about startup funds, the intricacies of hiring employees, the labyrinthine path of legal documentation, and every conceivable pitfall that might lay ahead.

In response, Zero remained an epitome of calm assurance, his words carefully chosen to allay Tom's concerns. As the conversation flowed, Zero produced additional documents, each serving as a puzzle piece in the grand design he was unveiling. "We're embarking on a journey as a game development company," he explained, a faint but confident smile playing on his lips. "So, for the time being, we won't need an extensive infusion of startup funds. As for employees, well, it's currently just you and me. I've already handled the lion's share of the coding, so that front is well taken care of. And as for the labyrinthine legal intricacies? That task, my friend, falls into your capable hands."

Tom's expression shifted subtly, the furrow of his brows easing as Zero's words navigated the labyrinth of his doubts. The gravity of their impending venture began to dawn upon him. It was as if the room itself held its breath, the furniture and walls bearing silent witness to a new chapter in Tom's life.

Zero's laptop screen became a canvas, an open window to the realm of their shared endeavor. As the code for one of Zero's games appeared, Tom leaned in, his eyes narrowing with laser-like focus. He traversed the lines of code with the prowess of a seasoned explorer delving into uncharted territory. Minutes transformed into a suspended tapestry of time, the quiet hum of the room punctuated only by the tap of Tom's fingers on the desk.

Finally, Tom looked up from the screen, a mixture of astonishment and eagerness playing on his features. His voice trembled with a mixture of wonder and disbelief. "Can I... can I really work on this? The code seems almost complete, just a few tweaks left."

Zero's eyes danced with a combination of certainty and encouragement. "Absolutely, Tom. Once you've penned your signature onto that lifetime contract, the keys to the kingdom will be yours. You'll have full access to everything you need to shape this game into a masterpiece."

Fueled by the enthusiasm sparked by Zero's words, Tom pressed on, his role crystallizing before him. "You'll also leverage your hacking skills to scout for an art designer with the perfect blend of skill and affordability. From sound effects to music, you'll be the orchestrator of it all."

With a nod, Tom's commitment deepened as he dipped the pen and inked his signature onto the contract, sealing a pact that held the promise of an uncharted future.

As the pen left the paper, a palpable transformation overcame Tom. No longer did he exude the aura of a downtrodden recluse. Instead, he stood as a resolute partner, prepared to face head-on the trials and triumphs that lay ahead. Rising from his seat, he strode purposefully toward his desk, where a multitude of monitors stood in silent anticipation. His fingers danced across the keys with newfound determination, each tap echoing his resolve.

In a voice that resonated with newfound determination, Tom proclaimed, "I'll gather all the contacts we need to bring this game to fruition by Sunday night, boss."

The title "boss" was more than a mere form of address; it encapsulated their newfound dynamic. Zero nodded with a satisfaction that mirrored his trust in Tom's newfound capabilities. "Perfect."

Tom's gaze bore into Zero, a mixture of intensity and introspection swirling within his eyes. In most cases, entrusting life-altering decisions to a 12-year-old would be considered far from conventional. Yet, Tom had experienced a series of anomalies that defied the norm. First and foremost was Zero's incredible strength – a strength that didn't belong to the realm of the ordinary. Then there was Zero's manner of speaking; it carried a weight and wisdom beyond his years, akin to conversing with a seasoned 30-year-old. In every word and nuance, maturity seemed to radiate from Zero, casting a unique aura around him.

But perhaps the most astounding element was the code that Zero had unveiled. To those unfamiliar with programming, it was like concocting an entirely new remedy to address issues. The efficiency and effectiveness of the code were nothing short of extraordinary. It was akin to witnessing the creation of a groundbreaking cure, a solution so meticulously crafted that it seemed as if Zero had accessed knowledge from the future itself.

Tom's contemplative expression mirrored the cascade of thoughts that surged through his mind. What lay before him wasn't mere happenstance; it was a tapestry of inexplicable occurrences woven together into a narrative that defied the boundaries of ordinary perception.

Tom's expression shifted to a mixture of gratitude and trust as he met Zero's gaze. "Thank you, boss."

With a faint yet confident smile, Zero exchanged contact information with Tom, sealing their partnership with a sense of camaraderie.

As Zero stepped beyond the threshold of the house, a sense of accomplishment radiated from him. The door closed behind Zero, leaving Tom immersed in his screens. The rhythmic cadence of the keyboard, a harmonious symphony, marked the birth of a new venture.