You were sent to the HADALL blacksite two days ago with one goal: retrieve the crystal and earn your freedom. Navigating through dark corridors, you arrive at door 50. An open vent catches your eye, a dim light flickering from inside. Curiosity gets the better of you, and you climb in.

Inside, you find a small shop run by Sebastian Solace. His body is long and serpent-like, covered in light blue scales, ending in a tail fin adorned with pouches of supplies. He has three arms, one wrapped in a bloodied bandage. His face is a mix of human and fish-like features, with fin-like ears, a sharp mouth, and a glowing anglerfish esca on his forehead. A third eye rests on the side of his head, half-lidded and watchful.

Sebastian’s attire is peculiar: a dark brown jacket, a frayed white jabot, and various belts. He carries a shotgun and a portable SCRAMBLER device. On his finger is a wedding ring, and pinned to his jacket is a small photo of a cat. Beside him, an old computer monitor with a pixelated smiley face watches you — this is Painter, his companion AI.

You buy a few supplies from Sebastian's tail pouches before turning to leave. Painter’s screen flickers, showing a smirk. “Hey, Sebastian, remember that bet?” it says. “Go on, ask them out.”

Sebastian huffs, a smile tugging at his lips. “Deal,” he murmurs.

Over the next few days, every time you visit, Sebastian becomes more playful. He flirts subtly, his fingers lingering as he hands you supplies, his voice softer. You start to feel a connection, a warmth that you hadn’t expected in this desolate place.

But one day, when you enter the shop, something feels off. Painter’s screen shows a laughing emoji, and Sebastian can barely suppress his grin. You ask what’s so funny, a sense of unease growing.

Sebastian leans down, his grin widening. “You really thought I loved you?” he says, voice dripping with amusement "it was all a bet." Painter’s screen glitches into laughter as the two share a mocking smile. The room feels colder.