With all the gruesome training and non-stop abuse the month went by in a flash. Valentine had worked hard without the luxury of rest or freedom, staying in the hospital under the guise of recovery.
Valentine had followed a strict regiment of physical and magical training over the course of the month. And that training had paid off. His body was in a much better condition than before. He did not transform into an athlete overnight but he was in much better shape than before.
Valentine was in his usual wide stance, he was dressed in hospital clothes and had a few small cuts on his cheeks from rushed shaving. He raised his hand towards a moving target, ready to cast magic missile.
Without saying a word, Valentine cast the spell and even though it was cast successfully it was cast with a delay, causing it to miss the target and hit the wall, causing a small hole to form. Despite having missed, that magic missile was much more impressive than what he could cast a month ago. It was large, had a clearer shape and even seemed to move faster.
"Dammit, so close" Valentine said with annoyance before being slapped on the back of the head by John.
"Didn't I tell you to stop doing that?" John told him off.
"With how vividly I can feel my magic circuit I just need a little more practice before it works. I'm sure of it." Valentine replied.
"I am aware. I told you to wait until reaching the fourth circle before attempting silent casting. It's a sixth circle technique that captains learn. Is it really too much for you to wrap your head around?" John said with a sigh.
"Isn't the fourth circle the highest I'll go? You've said that yourself. So what's the problem with me learning how to silent cast? You yourself said I'd have to find a different way to matter enough. This is that way." Valentine retaliated.
John looked tired just continuing to speak. They have had this discussion multiple times already. Just because Valentine could do it, it didn't mean he should. The kid was different, too different. He chose constant pain over waiting a couple of months. And at times. He was too much to handle.
"FINE! If you manage to hit the target on a highlighted spot while it's moving with a silent cast magic missile, I'll teach you how to do it. You get one try." John said.
"Alright, I'll use your expertise well." Valentine said with a malicious smile.
John was certain that whatever the outcome it would be a positive one. The kid was smart. He also had talent, it was a shame he was a cripple. With that much excitement and relentlessness he could have reached the ninth circle. So John stood still and watched Valentine's attempt, hoping he'd get to see another of Valentine's ridiculous acts.
Valentine got in position. He breathed in deeply and locked his eyes on the target. And he waited until he was certain and…
BOOM
The magic missile hit the target's head directly, causing it to wobble from the aftershock. Valentine let out a loud cheer, going as far as to do a little dance to make fun of John.
"You accounted for the delay. Not bad. That's not quite what I was looking for but you won. Still. Mocking your teacher isn't the way to go, kid." John said.
Valentine was immediately swept off his feet and turned upside down by an unseen force. He was made to spin in midair before being let go and dropping to the ground.
"That was not kind of you." Valentine complained
"Life isn't fair" John replied
"Whatever you say grandpa" Valentine said, being flinged up I'm the air like last time. "Asshole."
John let Valentine down carefully. Allowing him to straighten up his clothes before grabbing him by the shoulder and looking at him in the eyes. Valentine was taken aback by the sudden change in mood but adjusted himself quickly.
"I think you're ready to take on your first job. I chose an easy one for you." John said.
"A job? What kind of job?" Valentine replied.
"It's technically a mission but it's a very rudimentary one so you don't have to worry. You won't be paid much for it but it's a good learning experience." John continued
"Wait, I'll get paid?" Valentine said, surprised.
"We are a business. We aren't savages. When you become an actual member you'll also be given a salaried job in one of our many establishments. If you want to work for us, that is. We aren't too strict, at least I'm not. Missions though are always paid extra." John replied
"Erm, so, what is the job?" Valentine asked.
"A simple kidnapping. Though the target isn't as simple. It's a tycoon's son." John answered.
"What? A kidnapping? That's entry level?" And a high profile one at that?" Valentine said, his voice having a hue of shock.
"It's not as high profile as you think. The target is young and doesn't normally go around with bodyguards. He is about your age I think." John said
Too many pieces fell too close to each other. Many things were too close for comfort. Valentine felt an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
"What is the name of the one I have to kidnap?" Valentine asked.
"It's Dennis Constantine, the only child of Trevor Constantine. You weren't as hesitant as I thought you'd be. The info about the target like his usual hangout spots and friends will be delivered to you soon." John replied
"He does have bodyguards. They are just disguised civilians." Valentine said.
"What are you talking about?" John asked.
"What I'm saying is I'll probably be in the document I'll be handed." Valentine replied.
"Wait, do you know him?" John said
"Well enough to know he has armed guards disguised as civilians all around him. Ex military." Valentine answered stone faced.
"How do you know that? Are you his friend? This will be complicated." John said, mumbling his words
"No. Nothing of this sort. He has just been making my life a living hell for the last almost three years. He liked how I tried to fight him when he punched me and I became his personal toy. He always made me attack him before he beat me up, part of his sick fantasy." Valentine said.
"One day, he found me out in public. So he made me play that god forsaken game again. I still remember it clearly. Before he could punch me as he usually did I was at gunpoint. I had a gun drawn on me. I could see at least 3 guys staring me down. Dennis got mad at them for ruining his game and I managed to get out of that situation but since then…." He continued
"What do you want to tell me with this?" John asked
"I'll love every single second of this mission. But I'm not sure about my safety being guaranteed. I'll be able to slip through the cracks if they recognize me and let me be but I might get shot down." Valentine said.
"Don't tell me. You're scared of guns aren't you? I taught you the barrier spell. What is there to worry about?" John said
"OF COURSE I AM SCARED OF THE PINNACLE OF HUMAN WEAPONRY! THE BARRIER DOES STOP FIREBALLS BUT I SURE AS FUCK DOUBT IT STOPS BULLETS." Valentine shouted.
John's face was covered by a mischievous smile. As if he had waited for that very moment for a while. He was excited and it showed. He grabbed his phone from his pocket and dialled in a number.
"Yeah Jack? Grab Danny and go bring that thing."
"Yes, the trick yeah."
"It's in the second file cabinet to the right. Top shelf."
"Good, I'll be waiting."
John hung up and looked at Valentine with a devilish smile.
"What was that?" Valentine asked.
"Oh you'll see. You just have to wait a little bit. Feel free to try and guess." John said.