I have everything I need.

  I take a length of strong rope with me. I’ve used the bathroom door one hundred and thirty times. I kept count by watching the display hovering above my health bar: –50 every time.

  I kissed my wives goodbye.

  I’m in my office now. The clock on the wall reads 14:48, Thursday. Right on schedule.

  I take the red orb in hand and stare at the clock. A few deep breaths.

  14:50.

  “Shift X.”

  I’m in an empty office.

  It’s dark. I can barely see, so I summon a small flame and let it hover near the ceiling. The furniture comes into view.

  I locate the desk, find the blade beneath it, and place it inside a cupboard on the far side of the room. Then I sit down on the sofa beside the desk.

  Erase Scent.

  Erase Presence.

  I wait.

  The door opens.

  He enters, unaware. He sits at his desk, shuffling papers, reviewing something important enough to distract him.

  Then he looks up.

  By the time he notices me, the grenade has already gone off.

  I put on my mask.

  The gas doesn’t knock him out. It paralyzes him instead. His eyes remain open. He’s fully conscious.

  I drag him and the chair across the room, turning it so he’s facing me. He’s heavy—really heavy. According to Management, he’s Level 352.

  That explains it.

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  I sit back down and stare at him.

  Fear fills his eyes.

  Good.

  I remove my mask.

  “You are paralyzed.”

  He can’t speak, but he blinks rapidly.

  “I could kill you right now, but I won’t. This gas will wear off in fifteen to twenty minutes. Until then, listen carefully.”

  I lean forward.

  “First, use Appraise on me.”

  He steadies himself and does. I can see his eyes tracking the information.

  “Done? Blink twice for yes. Once for no.”

  Two blinks.

  “You are Level 352. I am Level 205. Once this wears off, you may believe you can kill me easily.”

  One blink.

  “You don’t need to lie,” I say calmly. “But I should warn you—I came prepared.”

  I lean closer.

  “I’m going to make you an offer you cannot refuse.”

  I sit back.

  “You are going to dissolve your company. In exchange, I’ll give you this.”

  I take out the map of the Southlands and point to the red X.

  “This is where your ex-wife, Samantha, is living. Give everything up, and you can live out your days with her in peace.”

  I place the map beside me.

  “Don’t worry. I haven’t harmed her.”

  Pause.

  “Yet.”

  His eyes widen.

  “This is what happens when you threaten my family, Mr. Masters.”

  Two blinks.

  “I know about the green powder. I know how you destabilize nations, then sell the cure through hospital contracts. You’re using my manufacturing method. You stole it from me.”

  I smile faintly.

  “But I’m willing to forgive that—if you follow my instructions exactly. Are we clear?”

  Two blinks.

  “Good. After dissolving your company, you will recall David and Cindy and shut down operations. You will provide severance pay to all employees and gang members using the remaining funds. Then you will leave for the Southlands.”

  I pause.

  “You will never return.”

  Two blinks.

  “You should be regaining movement now. It’s been about ten minutes.”

  I stand.

  “Try to nod. Then try to speak.”

  He nods.

  “Who are—”

  He breaks into a coughing fit.

  “Isn’t it obvious?” I say. “My name is Kaijuu Ryu. You already knew that.”

  Recognition dawns.

  “How do you know I’ll do what you say?” he asks hoarsely.

  “Because,” I reply, “in a moment I’m going to untie you. Then you’re going to attack me.”

  I step closer.

  “If you don’t, Samantha dies.”

  I meet his eyes.

  “I’m going to prove—without a shadow of doubt—that you are powerless against me.”

  He swallows.

  “Well then,” I say softly. “Shall we?”

  I untie him.

  He stumbles but stays upright.

  I slap my chest once.

  “Come on. Give me your best shot.”

  He hesitates.

  “DO IT,” I bark. “OR SHE DIES.”

  He lunges.

  A knuckle duster flashes onto his hand. He winds up—

  WHAM.

  I’m sent flying into the wall. Pain explodes through my ribs. I hit the floor hard.

  I force myself to stand slowly and brush the dust from my clothes.

  A rib might be cracked.

  But I smile.

  “Appraise me again.”

  His eyes go wide.

  His hands start shaking.

  “I can find you,” I say quietly. “Anytime. Anywhere.”

  I take out the blue orb.

  He collapses to his knees.

  “Do not let us meet again.”

  He nods frantically.

  “Shift Y.”