Chapter 56: Instantaneous Bond

[Personalised Assignment]

[Name: Shen Zen Ghazafar]

’That name... sounds very familiar.’ The thought crossed Cashel’s mind, but he pushed it to the back of his mind.

[Codename: Wolf | Mad Hound]

[Speciality: Versatile Tank and Extended-Weapon Combat (Chains, Ropes, Whips)]

[Assigned Route(S): Veloce Exclusive Hotel bottom floors, Buildings 1B, 2A, 4A, 2B and Warehouse]

[Primary Targets:]

[1. S-Rank Hunter | Veloce Security Division]

[2. S-Rank Hunter | Veloce Security Division]

[3. A-Rank Hunter | Veloce Security Division]

[4. A-Rank Hunter | Veloce Security Division]

[5. A-Rank Hunter | Veloce Security Division]

[Additional Targets:]

[VIP Targets: 10+]

[Priority: Prevent regrouping of S-Rank security forces.]

Wolf’s eyes slowly widened behind his mask, and Cashel snickered.

"Who’s job is annoying now?" Cashel teased, earning a glare from Wolf.

"I’m not complaining." Wolf paused, then looked back at his screen. "I’m just saying they could’ve given me something easier."

Cashel snorted. "Just two S-Ranks."

"Exactly."

Amia’s screen appeared next in the seat beside them.

[Personalised Assignment]

[Name: Mia Ouyang]

[Codename: Amia]

[Speciality: Assassin, Seduction and Poison]

[Assigned Route(S): Warehouse 2 and Main Building]

[Primary Role: Highest VIP Elimination]

[Primary Targets:]

[1. Veloce Communications Officer]

[2. Veloce Security Commander]

[3. Designated VIP Targets: 10+]

[Support Objective: Disable surveillance and alarm systems.]

[Secondary Objective: Provide tactical support to BMM units.]

Amia looked at her screen before raising a brow.

"So I’m going to be thrown into an orgy while the others get cool jobs, huh?" she noted under her breath, and Cashel and Wolf could only smirk.

’Thank God.’ they both thought in unison.

Cashel glanced around as more screens appeared before the remaining hunters, even the pilot.

Each one contained different names, ranks, positions and objectives, dividing the targets between them so that no hunter was left without a clear assignment.

The screens remained suspended in front of them for several seconds before a final message appeared.

[WARNING]

[Targets marked as S-Rank or higher should not be engaged alone unless you have skills, abilities or are experienced enough and have killed a high-ranked target before.]

[All designated targets are authorized for elimination.]

[Failure to complete assigned objectives will result in mission failure and penalties.]

Cashel read the final line before his screen disappeared.

"Well, this is one hell of a hit mission."

Wolf’s grin was audible in his voice as he spoke.

"Pretty much, but this is not exactly a hit mission since we’re a group going."

The helicopter with the BMM hunters caught up to the Unaffiliated hunters not long after. The rotors of the aircraft echoed softly through the sky as they vanished into the clouds, completely out of sight from the ground and the city below.

Inside both aircraft, the hunters remained mostly silent, aside from those familiar with each other. Each of them focused on the screens that had appeared before them. The excitement from earlier had faded temporarily, replaced by the concentration that usually came before a dangerous mission, backed by gathering adrenaline preparing to be released.

Cashel leaned back against his seat, his arms crossed over his chest as he stared at the vast expanse of clouds around them.

Bale Water Forest was still some distance away, but the further they travelled and descended a few meters, giving them a better view of the city below, the less populated the surroundings became.

The city lights gradually disappeared behind them, replaced by stretches of black forest and abandoned industrial zones. The storm made visibility worse, but for some reason, the helicopters were not affected.

"How long until we reach the drop point?" Lionface asked through the plane’s speakers.

"Approximately twenty minutes," one of the pilots answered.

Lionface hummed.

"Good. Everyone, listen carefully. Once we land, there will be no unnecessary communication. Keep your Comms active and remain on your assigned routes."

Another warning.

Cashel noted it and tapped his fingers lightly against his knees as he thought about what to do after the mission. Packing, selling the house and the car, and taking care of a few other things.

’Would it be possible to take a week or two off to settle down?’ he wondered.

The helicopter suddenly shook as thunder and lightning rattled through the clouds. Everyone was already on alert before anything happened.

"Relax," Lionface said calmly. "Just turbulence."

Cashel looked toward the window. The storm had become considerably worse. Lightning flashed somewhere in the distance, briefly illuminating the forest below before everything vanished into darkness again.

He lowered his gaze.

"Looks like we’re getting a welcoming party from nature."

Wolf glanced toward him. "You’re expecting trouble already?"

"With this many people guarding one place?" Cashel shrugged. "I’d be disappointed if there wasn’t, and nature was just keeping us on our feet."

Cashel didn’t answer immediately. His fingers continued tapping against his knees, faster than before. Killing Gerald had been difficult, but that had been one person, one target, and a fight he could easily control because he only had to focus on one person.

This was entirely different. The last time he had faced a group, he had gotten shot before he even killed himself and everyone else on that floor.

One mistake could cost him his life, his chance to see the girls again, or worse.

’Yeah... I’m definitely going to need that vacation.’

Wolf chuckled. "Relax. We heard you were very experienced even without your abilities, so don’t worry too much."

Cashel rolled his eyes. "They keep saying that like I’ve been doing this for a long time."

Wolf went silent.

For a moment, they both remained quiet until the realisation dawned on Cashel.

"You don’t think I’ve actually done this for a while, right?"

Wolf smiled behind his mask.

"What do you think? I’m just saying so based on your skills."

Cashel narrowed his eyes.

"Well, don’t overestimate me."

’Weird.’

Amia, seated across from them, checked one of the needles attached to her belt before returning it to its place.

"Just remember your assignment, Bishop. Don’t get distracted."

Cashel looked at her.

"Why would I?"

She gave him a pointed look.

"Because you’re thinking like a kid." She paused. "And because you’re fond of acting out of line."

"You don’t know me enough to say that..."

She pointed a finger at him.

"What does that stunt you pulled in the training room say, then?"

Cashel sighed.

"Everyone seems very concerned about my obedience."

"Because you’re terrible at it," Wolf said.

Cashel slowly turned toward him.

"Do you want me to change seats again?"

Wolf immediately looked away.

"No."

A quiet laugh came through the Comms from one of the other hunters.

Even Lionface seemed to ignore their exchange as he continued monitoring the approaching location.

"Five minutes."

The joking stopped. The weapons were checked one final time. Straps were tightened, magazines secured and masks adjusted.

Cashel reached behind his shoulder and checked the weapon case one last time before resting his hand over it.

His gaze moved toward Wolf.

The man was already pulling his chains loose, allowing them to hang around his arms and waist in preparation for the fight.

Amia had both hands resting on her knees, her posture relaxed despite the tension filling the aircraft.

Cashel glanced toward the other hunters. One was visibly nervous while the other was completely calm.

Then Lionface spoke again.

"Two minutes."

The helicopter descended through the clouds.

The forest revealed itself below them, vast and dark, with multiple buildings scattered throughout the trees. Some were clustered together while others stood alone, connected by narrow roads that disappeared beneath the canopy, with only the occasional flash of lightning revealing the treetops.

Farther ahead, faint lights could be seen between the trees. It was Veloce’s main building and the hotel.

The helicopters remained hovering high above the forest, side by side. Below them, the drop zone was already marked by faint red lights between the trees. The hunters each held their weapons and made their way to the doors.

Amia smoothed her hair and dress, then adjusted her mask before stepping in front of the group and looking over at the other plane.

"Just because you want to die doesn’t mean you should die without a fight. Understood?"

One of the Unaffiliated hunters scoffed.

"We’re not that crazy, jeez."

She ignored him and turned to Cashel and Wolf, who were laughing at something behind the group, and frowned.

"Can you both stop? You just met today, what the hell?"

Cashel looked at her, as did Wolf. Then they looked at one another before smiling.

"Well, you know, guys, we bond easily," Wolf said, making his way past her with a pat on the head before walking over to the edge of the plane.

Cashel followed behind, laughing softly.

"Can’t help it, Amia. It’s actually pretty nice since I’m always surrounded by ladies."

He blew a kiss at her and shoved Wolf off the edge of the plane before following him, leaving Amia fuming.

"Those bastards."

"Amia, you should calm down. You shouldn’t lose your composure over..."

She grabbed Grasshopper’s collar and tossed him out of the plane before he could finish.

The final BMM hunter followed before the Unaffiliated hunters jumped out of their plane, leaving Amia alone.

"God, they’re just like you two," she said into her Comms, and Nathan chuckled softly.

Lionface replied.

"Get used to it."