While detested, it's also valued as a necessary evil. Sometimes, you're deeply resented; other times, you're thanked.
However, I didn't care what others thought. I just did my job. Eliminating unnecessary speculation and sentimentality—that's my style.
Today, another request for a new target arrived.
It's rare to be summoned to such a remote town for a request... but as long as the reward is appropriate, I'll go anywhere.
The location is an old warehouse—in a deserted area on the outskirts of town. Just standing at the entrance, the dusty air irritates my nose. I'm used to places like this; they're perfect for assassin deals, dark merchant negotiations, and such exchanges.
"...Not here yet?"
The inside of the warehouse is dim, with wooden boxes and sacks piled haphazardly. Only a thin moonlight filters in through the windows, barely enough to see your feet.
I advanced cautiously, scanning my surroundings.
—Then, I sensed a faint presence in the distance. Someone is waiting for me. And they don't seem to be planning on announcing themselves. Before I could speak, that person emerged from the depths of the darkness.
"Thanks for coming... Black Crow."
The man's voice was cold and low.
It seemed to echo from the bottom of a hollow pit. While his silhouette was slim, there was a strange weight to his voice. His face was hidden in the shadow of his hood, making it impossible to see. Covering his face means he's probably one of those people.
"Are you the client?"
As I took a step closer, the man quickly retreated a step. He probably doesn't like assassins getting too close.
"Yes. I've heard rumors about you for a long time. Your efficiency and reliability... There aren't many assassins with your skill anywhere in the world."
I nodded silently.
He might be praising me, but frankly, I don't care. What matters is reliably eliminating the requested target.
Anything else... doesn't matter.
"Now, let's get to the point. This time, I want you to take care of a certain man."
With that, the man took out a slip of paper from his pocket and tossed it to me. When I caught it, it turned out to be a small photo. The image was quite rough... probably taken secretly.
"...An adult man, doesn't seem to have any particular features?"
The photo showed what appeared to be an ordinary young man, neither particularly handsome nor muscular. At least, he didn't give off the impression of being skilled in martial arts. He didn't have the air of a powerful figure's aide, nor did he seem like a famous high-ranking adventurer often seen in the guild.
"The target is 'Setsu.' In terms of guild rank, he's F-rank, the lowest of the low. He's apparently known as... 'Setsu the sewer cleaner.'"
"Setsu the sewer cleaner...? That sounds more like an insult than a nickname."
I don't understand why they'd call him that. If he's doing jobs like cleaning sewers, he probably has abilities that everyone looks down on.
"Is he the target this time? So, you want me to kill Setsu?"
"Yes, that's right."
The man affirmed clearly.
It doesn't make sense. I don't understand why they'd ask me to kill this man named Setsu. They could probably get it done by asking some thug in the area.
But, thinking about it is probably pointless. The circumstances of clients vary widely. There's no end to speculation.
"Is it okay just to kill this man?"
"Yes, that's right. Eliminate Setsu, I don't ask for anything else... Will you accept?"
"—Depends on the reward."
When I answered indifferently, the man took out another document and handed it to me. In the dim light, I strained my eyes to read the contents. It listed the down payment and the success fee.
"......Huh?"
I couldn't help but let out a sound for a moment. I traced the amount with my finger, checking the back. Could they have made a mistake in the number of digits?—I couldn't shake that suspicion.
"...No matter how you look at it, it's too high. If the target is just an F-rank adventurer, this amount is way out of place."
"There are concerns. He appears to be an F-rank adventurer on the surface, but I suspect he may be hiding some power. However, there's no evidence whatsoever."
"...Hmm."
In other words, this amount includes a premium for that uncertainty.
"Of course, there's a good chance he's just as weak as he looks. Nothing is clear."
I see. The amount of information is vague, and there's no clear backing.
To offer this much money for the assassination of such a person. There must be a desperate reason.
Well, I usually don't delve into those circumstances. Unnecessary curiosity is not needed. I move for money, that's all.
"I'll take the job. I don't mind getting this much money."
In the darkness, the man seemed to smile.
"You'll accept it? Then, I'm counting on you... Black Crow. The down payment is in that check. The success fee will be transferred after the job is done."
"Understood... This concludes the contract."
I held the check up to the light to confirm and looked at the amount again.
They probably wouldn't bother with forgery, and I can always check it at a bank or exchange later.
"Please be careful. The target may just be a coward—but if he's really not just anyone, you can't let your guard down, even for you."
His words contained a sense of caution, the truth of which was unclear. But I'm the same as always. It doesn't matter if the target is strong or weak. If they're someone to be killed, then I'll take them down—that's all.
"I understand... See you then."
I turned on my heel and headed towards the exit illuminated by moonlight. The man disappeared back into the darkness.
The rustling of the wind and the creaking of the warehouse lingered in my ears. It's a very quiet night—a silence befitting someone about to carry out an assassination plan, perhaps.
"Setsu... huh."
Stepping out into the dim exterior, I looked down at the photo in my hand again. The man in the picture looked ordinary and weak. What kind of face is he hiding the secret that warrants such a huge job behind?
—Figuring that out might be part of my job.
"No matter how much power he has, it doesn't matter... I'll just get it done quickly."
Muttering to myself, I disappeared into the night.
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