After their conversation, Silas' phone suddenly rang, signaling a new message.
(Opening his phone) "A message? From the boss?" Silas thought to himself.
Silas read the message and was shocked by its contents.
The message read:
"Kill the target named Nina Kael within twenty-four hours, and I will not accept failure."
"Nina? Why is she the target? Is it because she's targeted by the virus?" Silas murmured to himself.
Nina, seeing Silas' shock, asked him what had happened.
"What's going on? Why does your face look so surprised?" Nina asked.
Silas explained the message to her.
(Handing the phone to Nina) "It's because of this message," Silas said.
(Reading the message on Silas' phone) "I'm the target?" Nina exclaimed.
"Yes, that's what shocked me. I thought the virus had hired my organization to kill you," Silas explained.
"It seems so. So, what are you going to do?" Nina asked.
"For now, I'll call my boss for more details about the mission," Silas replied.
Silas made the call to his boss to request further explanation about the mission.
(Opening his phone and dialing his boss) "Boss, it's Silas," he said.
"I know it's you, Silas. Why are you calling me at this hour?" the boss responded.
"I need more information about this mission," Silas said.
"The mission to kill Nina Kael? What do you want to ask?" the boss asked.
"I want to know who hired us to kill Nina Kael?" Silas asked.
"It's unusual for you to ask who hired us to kill someone," the boss noted.
"Stop stalling, boss," Silas said.
"Alright, fine. The person who hired us is a high-ranking member of the virus," the boss explained.
"As I suspected, the virus hired us to kill Nina," Silas thought to himself.
"That's clear now. Remember, kill her without failure," the boss reminded.
"One more thing—why did you accept their request? They're a group of notorious criminals," Silas asked.
"We're not a justice organization, Silas. We take any job as long as they pay well," the boss replied.
Silas was stunned hearing the boss's response.
"So this is about money, huh?" Silas asked.
"Of course. Who wouldn't want money? Even you need money, don't you?" the boss answered.
"You're right, boss. I do need money, but I also choose where my money comes from. I don't accept just anything," Silas said.
"You're funny. You're known as a ruthless assassin with no feelings, yet you're picky about money. So, let me ask you—are you going to take the mission or not?" the boss asked.
After hearing his boss's question, Silas thought for a moment.
Meanwhile, Nina, noticing Silas' confused expression, approached him.
"It's okay if you want to kill me. I don't mind. I've already caused you trouble," Nina said.
Hearing Nina's words, Silas finally made his decision.
"Boss, I've made my decision," Silas said.
"Oh? What's your answer, the strongest assassin?" the boss asked.
"I reject the mission," Silas replied.
Upon hearing Silas' answer, the boss's tone immediately changed.
"Are you sure about that, Silas?" the boss asked.
"I'm sure, boss. I reject the mission," Silas said.
"And do you know the consequences of rejecting a mission from the organization?" the boss asked.
"Of course. I'll be expelled from the organization, right?" Silas replied.
"If you already know, then why reject it?" the boss asked.
"It's none of your business," Silas said.
"Hmm, so this is about Nina Kael, isn't it?" the boss guessed.
Hearing the boss's accurate guess, Silas' tone unknowingly shifted.
"I've told you, it's none of your business," Silas said.
"Your tone has changed, Silas. That means I'm right, isn't it?" the boss pressed.
Silas fell silent for a moment.
"Hmm, interesting. In that case, enjoy your time with Nina before we send our members, Silas," the boss said.
The boss hung up the phone.
"Damn, he already knows," Silas muttered to himself.
Nina, who had been encouraging Silas, asked him about his decision.
"So, what are you going to do to me?" Nina asked.
"Don't worry, I won't kill you," Silas reassured.
"But that will put you in danger, right?" Nina asked.
"Don't worry, do you think I'm just anyone?" Silas replied.
"Aren't you just an ordinary assassin?" Nina asked.
"You're wrong. I'm not just an assassin; I'm also the inventor of the advanced technology in this house," Silas said.
"So you're an assassin and an inventor too? You're really talented," Nina said.
"Of course. As an assassin, I have to master more than one field," Silas replied.
"By the way, I want to ask—why are you so eager to protect me? We just met," Nina asked.
"It's nothing. I just want to help you, that's all," Silas replied.
Hearing Silas' words, Nina's face turned red.
"Why is your face red? Are you sick?" Silas asked.
"N-Nothing. I'm just excited, that's all. Really," Nina said.
"Oh, you're just excited, then. Alright, if that's the case," Silas said.
"Why does your attitude remind me of Si-kun? Could they be the same person?" Nina wondered to herself.
While Nina was deep in thought, Silas immediately activated the security system of his house.
"System, activate level 1 security," Silas ordered.
The system responded to Silas' command.
Level 1 security is now activated.
In an instant, Silas' house transformed into an impenetrable fortress.
Nina, who was inside, stared in awe at the advanced technology of Silas' house.
"Wow, your house is really high-tech," Nina remarked.
"I've told you before, because of my work as an assassin, I have to ensure my safety," Silas said.
"I know, but why only level 1? Isn't your organization going to send people here?" Nina asked.
"Don't worry, there's no need to fear anyone except me. All their members are below my rank," Silas said.
"Rank? Do assassins have ranks?" Nina asked.
"Of course. There are seven assassin ranks, and they are as follows:
Phantom: Given to beginners just entering the world of assassins.
Wraith: One rank above Phantom, given to assassins with a mission success rate of 30% to 50%.
Specter: Given to assassins with a mission success rate of 50% to 70%.
Reaper: Given to assassins with a mission success rate of 70% to 90%.
Black Void: Given to assassins with a mission success rate of 90% to 92%.
Death Whisper: Given to assassins with a mission success rate of 92% to 95%.
Abyss Walker: The highest rank, given to assassins with a mission success rate of 95% to 100%. Only 10 people in the world have reached this rank," Silas explained.
"Oh, I see. So what's your rank?" Nina asked.
"My rank, before leaving my organization, was Abyss Walker because I had a 99.9% mission success rate," Silas replied.
"Oh, so I'm safe now because I'm being protected by the strongest former assassin?" Nina asked.
"Consider it that way," Silas said.
Nina laughed casually, but just then, assassins sent by Obsidian Ark, the former organization Silas had served, arrived near his house with a mysterious figure.
What will happen to them? Who is this mysterious figure? Stay tuned for Chapter 3.
*If I made any minor mistakes that might be distracting, I sincerely apologize. I have done my best for this novel, and if you enjoy it, please consider giving it a like and sharing your feedback, suggestions, or criticism so I can learn and improve. Thank you for reading, and see you in the next chapter!*