Phoenix sat in his home, a picture of calm amidst chaos, surrounded by an array of weapons. His face was set in a serious expression, reflecting the gravity of the situation unfolding. The message from Uncle Isaac, the doorman, had just come in. "Phoenix, run away! They're all coming for you," it read, a warning filled with concern. Despite the imminent threat, Phoenix felt a touch of warmth from Uncle Isaac's message - in this harsh world, such kindness was a rarity. Reassuring Uncle Isaac, he replied, "Don't worry, I can handle it."
Uncle Isaac, burdened with guilt for not being able to assist Phoenix despite owing him a favor, advised caution. Phoenix, understanding the limitations of the situation, appreciated Uncle Isaac's decision not to join the mob. "The fact that you are not joining them shows your kindness. It's fine, I don't need you to worry about my side," Phoenix said, ending the conversation with a sense of resolve.
As the time for confrontation drew near, Phoenix could feel the vibrations through the floor - the unmistakable sign of the mob's approach. He knew they were making their way up the stairs, the 24th floor a daunting climb that would have left them exhausted. His surveillance system showed his neighbors, including the couple from next door, armed and approaching his door. Their eyes, lit with envy and desperation, were fixed on his apartment.
The corridor quickly filled with people, some carrying umbrellas as makeshift shields, anticipating any defensive measures Phoenix might take. The tension outside his door was palpable as someone began to pound on it, their demands loud and clear. "Phoenix, get out here! This is your last chance!" they yelled, their voices filled with anger and impatience.
Through his surveillance, Phoenix noted the absence of key instigators Sun and Alexander. He realized they had sent the neighbors as cannon fodder, unaware of the defenses he had in place. Unperturbed by the assault, Phoenix activated
his high-voltage security system as the mob began to bang on his door. The shock was immediate and intense. The first person to touch the door recoiled violently as electricity coursed through his body. The cramped conditions in the hallway meant that the shock quickly spread to others, creating a chain reaction of pain and panic.
The screams that followed were filled with terror and agony. The sight was harrowing – people convulsing from the electric shock, their bodies contorting in ways that seemed unnatural. The smell of scorched clothing and burnt flesh began to fill the air, adding to the horror of the scene. In the midst of this chaos, Phoenix remained composed, watching the situation unfold through his surveillance system.
After about ten seconds, Phoenix deactivated the electric current. The hallway was filled with blue smoke rising from the bodies of those who had been closest to the door. Nine people lay motionless on the ground, their bodies charred and blackened. It was a gruesome sight, one that made even the most hardened among the mob pause in fear and disbelief.
Some in the crowd, overcome by the horror of what they had just witnessed, began to scream and vomit, their stomachs empty from weeks of scarcity. The realization that they were facing a far more formidable opponent than anticipated began to sink in. A few tried to escape, only to find their path blocked by Alexander and his minions, who were intent on using the mob to weaken Phoenix's defenses.
Sun, seeing the fear and hesitation in the crowd, tried to rally them. He decried Phoenix as a monster and called for vengeance. "Don't be afraid," he shouted. "Use wood to bang on the door, don't touch it directly!" His words reignited the mob's resolve – for them, the promise of food and warmth inside Phoenix's apartment was worth the risk.
Armed with a large piece of wood torn from furniture, the mob resumed their attack on the door with renewed vigor. The thudding of the makeshift battering ram against the door echoed through the hallway. Inside, Phoenix, unperturbed, decided to add a psychological twist – he played his favorite tune, "Love While Doing It," on a large speaker, the music contrasting starkly with the desperate efforts of the mob outside.
The door, however, remained unyielding. The mob's realization that it was akin to a bank vault door – impervious to their efforts – led to a
wave of despair. The bank employee among them confirmed their worst fears. "This is a security door of a bank vault," he exclaimed after a closer inspection, his voice laced with disbelief. "Even if we use a bomb, we can't blow it open!"
The mob's energy began to wane as they faced the harsh reality of their futile efforts. Phoenix's door, a formidable barrier, stood undamaged despite the relentless pounding. The mob, exhausted and demoralized, realized that their attempts were in vain. They were fighting against a temperature of over seventy degrees below zero, with little strength left from their meager food supplies. Their legs grew weak, and their spirits faltered.
Phoenix, from behind his unbreachable fortress, observed the demoralized crowd. His preparation and foresight had paid off. The hand crossbow in his hand was ready, but it seemed unnecessary now. The psychological impact of his defenses had been more effective than any physical weapon.
The tension in the air was palpable. The crowd, now understanding the futility of their actions, began to disperse in fear and disappointment. Their hopes of seizing Phoenix's supplies had vanished, replaced by the grim reality of their desperate situation.
In the end, the mob's attack on Phoenix's home served as a stark reminder of the lengths people would go to in times of desperation. But for Phoenix, it was a testament to his preparedness and resolve. He had not only survived but had also sent a clear message to any future aggressors: his home was an impenetrable fortress, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of a world gone mad.