(When? How?!)
Cold sweat burst from Kingslayer's back.
Ever since she had awakened her Originium Arts, her assassinations had been almost invincible. Even on the rare occasions when she was detected early or faced overwhelming force, her elusive steps always allowed her to escape with ease.
But now—this was the first time she had been countered in an instant, caught in such a complete disadvantage that she couldn't even activate her Arts to flee!
"Talk. My patience is limited."
The barrel of the gun pressed hard against the back of her head, followed by the sound of the safety being released.
"L-Lyudmila. My name is Lyudmila..."
The situation was overwhelming. Even she had to admit defeat and obediently revealed the name she had almost forgotten.
"Then tell me—why were you trying to take Misha?"
"I don't know… It was Bonegnawer and the Boss's orders..."Despite her frustration, Kingslayer couldn't think of a way to reverse the situation and had no choice but to answer honestly.
"Bonegnawer? And the Boss? Who are they? What's their connection to Misha?"
"She… she's someone very important to Bonegnawer. As for the Boss—seems like she's significant to him too..."
Revy frowned. He glanced down at the sleeve patch on Lyudmila's outfit. The strange "X"-shaped emblem sparked a sudden memory—an important piece of intel he'd handled not long ago. A report, also from the Contract Network.
A realization began to form in his mind, faint and incomplete, threads linking together—but still too jumbled to make sense. And now was not the time to analyze it.
The woman before him wasn't particularly strong. She didn't pose a threat while restrained—but if she had companions, the risk to Misha was unacceptable.
Killing her wasn't an option—not yet. They were still within Ursus territory. A single body could bring untold trouble down on both him and Misha.
"No choice, then. You'll have to 'come with us' for a while."
(…?!)Before Kingslayer could comprehend the meaning behind those words, a sharp blow to the back of her head plunged her into darkness.
Scene Break
"Who is she? What happened?"
Seeing Revy throw the unconscious woman into the back seat, Misha instinctively tried to ask.
"No questions. Tie her up first."
Revy tossed Kingslayer into the back like luggage. One hand on the wheel, the other reaching for the ignition—
But before the engine could start, an untimely ringtone interrupted.
"...What is it?"
There was no caller ID—technology wasn't needed. Revy already knew who it was.
"Oh ho ho... I assume little Misha is still safe, yes?"
That irritating voice. Even when he had practically begged Revy for help with this mission, the old man's tone had never once made Revy feel good about it.
"She's alive—for now. But I haven't seen your promised extraction team."
Revy didn't bother being polite. The old man, a seasoned handler from the Contract Network, knew full well the tone in Revy's voice—disdain and distance.
"My sincerest apologies, my boy... I'm calling because there's a problem."
Choosing his words carefully, the old man sighed:
"The operators meant to meet you... we lost contact with them two days ago. Their last report suggested they were attacked—by a highly skilled assassin."
Revy's eyes flicked toward the backseat, where Kingslayer was now securely bound by Misha.
He said nothing.
"Believe me, I would've sent another team if I could. But it's too late now. The situation in Gragor has been exposed. All of Siberia is on lockdown. Smuggling in a fully armed team with vehicles? Impossible now. So—"
"So what?!" Revy's tone rose, nearly a growl."We agreed—I'd handle everything in Gragor. Once we got out, it would be your responsibility. Now what? You expect me to escort her all the way to Lungmen myself?!"
The Contract Network had let him down—twice. Revy's irritation was reaching its peak.
Add to that the unsettling presence of Kingslayer and her mysterious faction... and Revy's instincts screamed this was more than just a failed extraction.
And on top of all that—he still had to get back. He'd made promises.
"...I truly am sorry."
The old man gave no further excuses. Both men knew the truth.
After losing his elite team, the old man had barely any field agents left. He wasn't the Contract Network's leader—just a regional handler. There was no miracle solution he could pull from thin air.
Revy exhaled heavily and closed his eyes.
"Your sincerity means nothing to me. But I won't let an innocent girl die in front of me."
His tone softened just enough to suggest reluctant agreement.
The old man on the other end of the line fell silent—but smiled faintly.
"Tell me where the team went dark. I'll handle the rest."
"But remember...""With this, I've repaid every favor I owed the Contract Network."" From now on, it's you who owes me."