CH 1 ~ Adrenaline Junkie

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In the beginning, there was savagery. This is a story-a story all about the potential of mankind, a tale that takes us back to our primal instincts. And the main character of this story is...

Michael Tanner. I'm just your average 23-year-old graduate, still living with my parents. I stay home all day, no job, no girlfriend-just drifting through life.

"MICHAEL!" his mom's voice cut through the quiet, jolting Michael off the couch. He sprang to his feet, instinctively taking a soldier's stance. "Yes, Ma," he replied.

Michael is an African American with roots in Nigeria, though he's spent his entire life overseas. Tall and handsome with an average build, he's dressed in pink and white pajamas, having spent the entire night playing Call of Duty on his PS4 in the living room.

"If only you put this much energy into finding a job," his mom remarked, her tone heavy with the weariness of a parent who had lost all hope in their child. His parents had always been disappointed in him. He'd graduated with a second-class degree and seemed indifferent to anything that wasn't a video game. They weren't proud of his lifestyle, and Michael knew it all too well.

It wasn't that he hadn't tried. He'd searched for jobs, but the rejections kept piling up. "Mom, you know it's not my fault. I keep trying, but they never call me back. I'm starting to think it's because I'm black... Damn racists!" he muttered, raising a clenched fist in mock anger.

"Well, lucky you," his mom said, waving a letter at him. "The mailman dropped this."

Michael snatched the letter, noticing it had already been opened. "Mom... why did you open it? What if it's private?" he asked, frowning.

"Ta-ta-ta! Don't tell me what to do. Just read it, my son."

Michael skimmed through the contents of the letter while his mom watched him closely, her eyes fixed on him to ensure he was actually reading it. The letter should have made Michael jump for joy-at least, that's what his mother expected. But Michael's expression remained flat.

"Aren't you happy?" his mom asked, her voice brimming with excitement. "You got a job!"

"So, I have to go for an interview by 8 PM just to work as a janitor?" Michael said, a disappointed look crossing his face. His mother nearly slapped him in frustration.

"You better get ready for that interview before I ban you from this house! Can't you see the name of the company hiring you? Be happy they're even considering someone like you, even if it's just cleaner work!"

She walked away, hissing in annoyance.

The name of the company was Remax Co.-a multi-billion-dollar industry known for exploration, IT services, leading advancements in medical technology, and many other small firms and businesses. They were one of the top five biggest companies worldwide, with their headquarters in Silicon Valley.

Michael took a quick shower, dressed in his most professional attire, and sprayed on a generous amount of cologne. He headed for the door, where his mom was waiting.

Mrs. Tanner made sure to escort her son to ensure he wouldn't try to back out at the last minute. She gave him a motivational speech. "I know it seems like we're disappointed in you, but that's only because we expect so much from you. Michael, my boy, you have so much potential. You can be anything you want to be." She paused, placing her hands on his shoulders, looking into his eyes. "I know this is just the start, but go kill 'em, tiger. Mama loves you." She then gave him a gentle push through the door.

"Okay," he thought to himself, trying to muster up some enthusiasm. "I can do this. Cleaning is one of my talents."

Awkward silence filled the air in the brightly lit room. The white walls and tiles reflected the harsh, sterile light. Nine seats lined up against the wall to his right, and a brown door stood some distance ahead. Eight of the seats were occupied.

Michael scanned the room, sizing up the other candidates. The most noticeable was the large man sitting next to him on the left-approximately 6'10". His face was intimidating, resembling that of a hardened war veteran. The left side of his face bore scars that looked like they were made by large claws, and his left eye was completely white.

Michael tried not to stare, but his eyes betrayed him, and he was caught in the man's cold gaze. He quickly looked away. "Scary..." he thought.

Two seats away sat a girl who caught Michael's attention. "She looks American," he thought, noting her cutesy, feminine features. She had striking purple hair and was focused on a pixel game on her phone, ear pods in her ears.

"She's a hottie, right?" a voice said to him, sounding close by. Michael glanced around but couldn't spot the speaker. Then he looked down and noticed a short man sitting beside him.

"Sorry, I was so nervous I didn't see you there," Michael whispered, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Don't worry, I get that a lot," the man replied with a comforting smile, his tone friendly. "I'm Dreg. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Michael Tanner. Nice to meet you too," Michael responded politely.

"So, are we all here for the janitor job?" Michael leaned towards Dreg and whispered, "Because I don't think Biggie over there would be a great fit," he joked, nodding towards the large man.

But Biggie must have heard him, as he gave Michael a stare that sent chills down his spine.

Dreg suddenly burst into laughter. "Janitor job? Ha ha ha! Very funny!"

Michael forced a nervous laugh, now wondering if he was in the wrong place.

"You'll see," Dreg said mysteriously.

Thanks for reading darlingss

Well let's see what this job entails

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