****(POV)

At first, I was hesitant to accept the job.

As assassins, we need to have a clear concept of boundaries.

At least it is the case in this city.

We need to know who we can target and who we should steer clear of.

For example, anyone closely related to the city is a red flag.

Or anyone related to the biggest sects or families.

From time to time we do accept one such job, but only with the approval of the higher-ups.

Funny enough we have no way of knowing who they are.

All we know is we each have an assassination mentor.

One that we should refer to if there is any issue appearing.

Well, they are not babysitters either.

They won't care about our life and death.

They do watch us closely…from afar.

Should we commit anything dangerous for the organization we will be terminated.

That simple.

That job offer was dangerously close to breaking those.

The target someone unprotected.

But one that lives with a protected target.

At first, I simply refused, but then they kept offering more.

Finally, we made a deal.

They would supply slaves to the organization in exchange for me doing their bidding.

I discussed it with my assigned mentor, and he agreed to it.

I would be rewarded grandly for my contributions.

It seems they were ready to splurge for that one.

Surprisingly they asked me to bring him in alive if possible.

For they would love to inflict pain unto him.

Well, I am sure that is a lie.

My guess is he managed to figure out one of their trade secrets.

Now they want to figure out if he has told anyone.

I just wonder how valuable such information would be.

It could potentially be worth me keeping it to myself.

So I left for what was surprisingly a bakery.

Yes, somehow a tiny bakery is part of the protected territory.

My first reaction was disbelief, but then I understood why.

The old man in there may be useless but he has friends that are powerful.

Friends that could easily wipe our entire assassin organization on a whim.

Well, they wouldn't in any case.

It is better for them that we are here.

We are used to following the core rules after all.

We are a necessary evil that provides a service.

Should we disappear, another will take our place.

One that may not care that much about the customs.

Plus we have a solid backing.

The scope of operation is small here.

But outside, there are cities under our reign.

That is what I heard anyway.

The first part of any job is to collect information.

Thus I started observing them.

Both during the day and at night.

I found out where he eats, sleeps, and…

Usually, I would say shit, but he doesn't seem to somehow.

My guess is they installed a latrine in the kitchen.

That is DISGUSTING!

Then again judging by the time he spends there, it makes sense.

I found out he seems to be connected to a big family and the church of Gluto.

That's why I went back to the client.

Told them my findings.

Asked if they still wanted me to do the job.

Of course, I raised the price too.

Hidden dangers warrant more remuneration.

My employer seemed a bit angry.

I mean I did oversell the risks.

He hangs out with kids of a strong family.

That means the true holders of powers are unlikely to make a move.

Gluto people only care about eating.

Not revenge.

It is even questionable if he would even notice.

I decided to go back to observation.

But when I left the building of my client, there he was.

I froze for a second.

Wondering if he knew.

Showing up to the place of someone that wants you dead is crazy!

Nonchalantly too.

He was even talking with the guard.

I tentatively asked him if he was here to buy slaves.

Of course, I knew it wasn't possible.

He played the game and told me about his situation.

Then I agreed to work for him.

He seemed pleased.

We walked back to his place.

As soon as we entered the atmosphere turned serious.

[How much experience do you have in dealing with people?]

How long have I been killing people?

How direct!

"Around 5 years."

[Great. You know how to count and write?]

"Of course!"

That much is a skill necessary for any professional assassin.

The dumb ones are better off becoming bandits.

[I will give you clear targets every day. I will be counting on you.]

There it is!

Finally, he said it clearly!

"What about the salary?"

[On the higher side and based on performance.]

I understand.

It is usually like that in our circle.

[As for accommodations you can stay here if you need or get yourself a place.]

Is this a riddle?

What is he expecting of me?

Does he want to keep under his watch?

"What about the old man?"

[Don't worry about him. He is so friendly he has tons of friends.]

He's clearly showcasing the connections he has.

Warning me about how foolish it is to target him.

I've never seen someone be that obvious about it.

[Oh, also during the night you may hear footsteps on the roof. Don't worry they are harmless.]

I'm a professional assassin and he considers me harmless?!

What would be harmful then?!

"What about a contract?"

[That isn't needed.]

What?!

He expects me to work for him just like that?

What if I betray him?

What about his secrets or a possible backstab?

How is he not worried?!

"Don't you fear me betraying your trust?"

[Nope. You'll be free to stop working whenever.]

He said to stop working.

This means death.

An ominous promise.

"What about the daily targets?"

[We'll start slow. About 50 per day. Then we'll slowly increase it.]

How?!

This is clearly impossible!

How am I supposed to kill that many without a trace?!

Is he starting a war?!

"W-what if I can't reach it?"

[Then I'll help you train until you do manage. Don't worry.]

Oh god.

Special training.

This means torture, right?!

"What if I changed my mind about working here?"

[You are already here, you may as well.]

Direct refusal!

Let's try to bring my backing in the picture.

"I need a family member's permission to start working…"

[Don't worry. I'll take care of it.]

What does he mean by that?!

Am I screwed?!