Chapter 29 - The Test

My job was not just to kill the man before me, but I also had to give him a burden. That meant doing things to him that he was not going to like, but this was not how it was supposed to go. I needed to think of an excuse fast, but I also didn't want to talk without thinking. Thankfully, Ace seemed to like the sound of his own voice.

"You know, it's not every day that someone like you comes into my domain," Ace continued with an air of arrogance. "Trying to mess up my operation, asking about my team and me... You've got guts, I'll give you that."

He paused for a moment as if waiting for me to respond or react. But my mind was racing, trying to come up with something that would keep him talking and buy me some time.

"And yet, here you are," Ace went on. "Standing before me, blades were drawn, ready for a fight. But what do you hope to gain from this? What is your end goal?"

That was when inspiration struck me. My goal wasn't just to kill him; it was also to make his life miserable. I needed to learn more about him and the ones close to him, so I took a chance.

"In the Outlands, there is talk of a man that everyone knows, but no one knows. He is a renowned hunter and has a killer team. This team is also not easy to join, and it would take a considerable amount of investigation to be able to figure out how a person could join said person," I said.

For a moment, the room was tense and silent as Ace weighed the validity of my words. Then, to my relief, he chuckled softly.

"You definitely have a flair for the dramatic," he admitted. "But I can't deny that you've displayed quite an impressive set of skills. So, let's say I'm intrigued by your proposal. What can you offer me? What makes you think you'd be a valuable addition to my team?"

This was my chance to learn more about his operation from the inside, and possibly even get close enough to the other members to sabotage their efforts. I took a deep breath, steadying myself before speaking.

"I possess abilities that are constantly evolving; adaptability is my greatest strength," I explained. "I am relentless in my pursuit of a target, and I have demonstrated great resourcefulness in overcoming the various obstacles and enemies that have come my way. My skill set is unique, making me a formidable asset to any team."

Ace studied me for a moment, seemingly contemplating my words. "Alright," he said finally, uncrossing his arms. "I'm willing to give you a chance to prove yourself further. But know this: if you jeopardize the safety of my team or betray my trust, there will be no place on this planet where you can hide from me."

"I understand," I replied solemnly, hiding the thrill of victory coursing through me.

"First, you'll need to demonstrate your loyalty by completing a task for me," Ace instructed. "If you succeed, we'll discuss your place on my team."

Considering what I had done to get this far, a little test shouldn't be any kind of a problem for me. It shouldn't, but it seemed that Ace wanted to test my limits.

"What is this task?" I inquired, preparing myself for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Ace smirked, clearly amused at the prospect of putting me to work. "There's a rival gang that's been encroaching on our territory lately – causing us some trouble. I want you to eliminate their leader and bring me proof of your success."

I nodded, accepting the assignment without hesitation. It was a brutal test of loyalty, but it also played directly into my mission to destabilize Ace's organization by targeting his enemies.

"I'll complete this task and prove my worth," I promised.

With Ace's instructions firmly ingrained in my mind, I left his fortress and began preparing for my next move. I had already dug up some info on the gang in question, but they had been tight-lipped about Ace. This must have been because they wanted him for themselves, and I couldn't let that happen.

Ace's team was known as the Spades, and their rivals were the Clubbers. They both competed for hunts, but Ace's team was more renowned and tended to get first pick when new large Mechanized sites were found.

Over the next few days, I meticulously gathered information about the Clubbers and their leader – a ruthless and cunning individual known as "Blackjack." Carefully avoiding detection, I observed their movements and familiarized myself with their operations.

When I was confident in my knowledge of their inner workings, I planned my strike. Similar to my infiltration of Ace's compound, I opted for a stealthy approach; only this time, I'd go directly after Blackjack.

The night of my attack, I silently infiltrated the Clubbers' headquarters under cover of darkness. Utilizing my ever-evolving abilities and skills, I dispatched guards and evaded security measures until I found myself standing outside Blackjack's private chamber.

Taking a deep breath and steeling my resolve, I pushed open the door and confronted the man himself. Much like Ace, Blackjack was a formidable figure – his face adorned with scars and tattoos that told the story of countless battles.

Blackjack's eyes narrowed as he took in my appearance, clearly not expecting an intruder. "Who are you?" he growled, reaching for the weapon at his side.

"I've been sent by Ace to eliminate you," I replied without hesitation, deciding that honesty would fuel Blackjack's anger and potentially make him more susceptible to mistakes.

His expression darkened, rage flashing across his features. "So that bastard finally decided to try taking me out, huh? You had better come at me with everything you got because I am going for him next!"

With that, Blackjack lunged forward, weapon in hand. I quickly drew my own blades and met his attack head-on, the two of us locked in a fierce duel.

We exchanged rapid blows, each trying to find an opening in the other's defense. Despite his size, Blackjack was quick on his feet, forcing me to rely on my enhanced reflexes and agility to keep up with him.

As our battle raged on, it became apparent that Blackjack was not just any ordinary opponent. He possessed exceptional skills and an unyielding determination – traits that had likely earned him his position as leader of the Clubbers.

However, I, too, was no ordinary fighter. As Blackjack switched between his club and SMG, my blades whirled around me like a storm. The sounds of them cutting the air filled the chamber, along with the grunts and impacts of our relentless struggle.

Finally, I saw an opening. As Blackjack swung his club at me one more time, I ducked under it and used the momentum to thrust my blade deep into his side, piercing a critical spot. He coughed up blood, staggering back in surprise and pain.

With no room for hesitation, I swiftly followed up with another strike, driving my other blade through his chest. The light in his eyes flickered out as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

I stood there, panting from the exertion, and took a moment to collect myself before retrieving proof of my success – a distinctive medallion that hung around Blackjack's neck, known to be unique to him.

With this grisly task completed, I made my way back to Ace's compound. As unsettling as it was to execute another person, it was a necessary evil in order to infiltrate Ace's inner circle and ultimately bring about his downfall.

Upon my return, Ace inspected the medallion, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "Well done," he said, nodding approvingly. "You've proven your worth and skill. Welcome to the Spades."

I would make him regret those words.