Forced Accomplice

"Well," A voice spoke behind Duke, and he turned immediately to face the person. His gaze landed on Dominique, who was puffing out smoke from his blunt. Dominique turned to Duke with a sly smirk.

"Aren't they Dumb?"

Duke's mind raced as he tried to process what had just happened. One minute, he was fighting for his life against those things; the next, they suddenly burst apart, covering him with their flesh and blood. But did Dominique really have anything to do with it?

"What are you doing here? And how did you…" Duke gestured toward the creature's remains.

Dominique chuckled, taking a drag on his blunt. "That wasn't me, My man. Is just nature taking its course. They know the code: never attack one without the Tierany system with their enhanced ability. They must have thought you were like them, or more sinister, seeing that you have been… Pretty busy inside.

"Why are you here? To finish the job your men couldn't?" Duke asked, his eyes narrowing.

"No, no, no…" Dominique said dramatically, in a sing song manner, as he held onto his chest. "I came here to save you. But, it seems like I'm no longer needed."

Just then, a notification popped up in Duke's vision.

[You have completed your quest.]

[5000 coins received]

[Support system; increased]

'Huh?' Duke marveled at the screen. 'But Dominique was standing right before him. Isn't he supposed to be one of his foes?' Duke couldn't help but wonder.

"Although, I did come here for another reason," Dominique said, his voice cutting into Duke's train of thought.

Duke's gaze snapped back to Dominique, his gaze narrowing, "What reason?"

'Could Dominique have assumed that he took out the three thieves that he had sent to raid his house in search of the pill?' Duke wondered.

The bodies had vanished after he completed the task, so there was no way he could have known. The thieves did make mention of being notorious in the city, so maybe Dominique figured others got to them first?

"That's probably it," Duke thought to himself. "But then, why was he here?"

Dominique's next words cut into Duke's thoughts, again, with his tone trickling with mockery. "Oh, don't over think it, Duke. It's only going to get you confused."

Duke shot back. "I'm not doing as much as thinking about it, because I'm not doing it. If you have an issue with me because of the order I couldn't deliver, feel free to do a report to the government. And I'll take responsibility for any penalty they give me."

With that, Duke started to make his way past Dominique.

"I have a problem on my hands, and I think you're the right person to help me solve it." Dominique's eyes turned serious, his eyes glinting with urgency.

Duke rasped "I know I don't look like a fucking doctor, so cut me some slacks and try someone else." He lets out, not slowing down.

Duke tried to walk past Dominique, but his firm grip on his arm halted him. "Hold up, Duke," Dominique said, his tone solemn.

Duke ripped his hand free, his eyes narrowing. "What do you want, Dominique? I'm not in the mood for your games."

Dominique chuckled. "Games? You're the one who's been playing cat and mouse, Duke. And you now seem to be walking just fine and you are without your glasses too. Interesting."

Duke's expression turned cold. "Is there a code for harassment that sends one bursting just like those men? That would do me good right now, especially after telling you for the umpteenth time that I am not interested.

Dominique's smile grew wider. "Well, at least I asked kindly the first time." He gestured to someone behind Duke.

Before Duke could react, a figure emerged from the shadows, their movements swift and silent. Duke tried to turn, but it was too late. The figure struck him with a sedative on the neck, effectively shutting down his nervous system. Duke's eyes widened as he felt his body go limp, and he collapsed to the floor, his vision fading to black.

As Duke lay there, Dominique's shadow loomed above him, a dark silhouette against the dim light. Dominique puffed out his blunt, the smoke curling upwards as he gazed down at Duke with an air of superiority. "You are going to help me whether you like it or not," he declared in an ominous tone before Duke's eyes fluttered closed.