After completing several D-rank missions, Chronos had finally climbed to D rank himself. The agency recognized his relentless success, giving him the title of One-Man Army, awarded for eliminating over one hundred thousand targets. It was a rare achievement, reserved for only the highest-ranking agents. With that, Chronos broke the record for the youngest agent to earn the award—at just 20. The previous record-holder was none other than rogue agent Shadow, the former S-rank agent who had set the bar at age 22.
Weeks passed, and Chronos found himself scrolling through missions when one caught his eye. The title appeared to be a high-level assassination mission, but it was listed under C-rank.
The target? The head of the Black Spider gang. The man known only as The Mechanic.
The mission was unlike any C-rank operation he'd seen before. The payout was substantial—fifteen million yen and twenty thousand reward points—but the real kicker was that it came with an unusual stipulation. The mission was deemed too dangerous for an assassin below B-rank to handle alone.
The screen prompted: A team has been assembled to aid you in your mission. Report to the Mission Control Centre to meet your squad.
Chronos scoffed. Do they really think I'm that weak?
He made his way to the Mission Control Centre, his mind already running through the mission parameters. As he entered, he was introduced to his team—a mix of personalities and skill sets, all with their own reasons for being here.
First was Agent Cleopatra. She was shorter than Chronos, with dark hair that cascaded in waves, her eyes black as pearls, gleaming with a mixture of intelligence and mystery. Her beauty was undeniable, and her charm—equally potent. She extended a hand, her smile wide.
"Hi, I'm Cleopatra," she said, her voice smooth and inviting. "Nice to meet you, Chronos. I've heard a lot about you. Can't wait to see if the rumors are true." Her words, though polite, carried a seductive edge.
Chronos didn't react, but his mind was already analyzing the situation. She wasn't just another pretty face; there was something more beneath the surface.
Next was Agent Athena. Tall, with a muscular frame, she was a striking contrast to Cleopatra's delicate features. A scar ran across her cheek, a testament to the battles she had fought before joining the Zentarō. Athena had been recruited after serving in the military and had graduated top of her class at the prestigious Tokyo Military Academy, three years before Chronos.
Her demeanor was sharp, professional, and commanding. Unlike Cleopatra's flirtations, Athena's gaze held only determination. She crossed her arms, regarding Chronos coolly.
"I'm Athena," she said, her voice deep and steady. "I'll be watching your back, Chronos. Let's make sure we get this done."
Then came Agent Tank, a familiar face from the alley all those months ago. The man who had recruited him into the YSA, now standing before him as part of this mission team. He was the sniper, a man of few words but deadly precision. His presence alone carried weight, the silent assurance of someone who knew exactly how to take out a target from a distance.
Lastly was Agent Falcon, the only C-rank agent among them. He was tech-savvy and had a sharp wit to match. He was the team's eyes and ears—an expert hacker who could get into any system. Despite his lower rank, Falcon had the skills to back up his place on the team. Chronos couldn't help but notice that Falcon carried himself with a quiet confidence, despite his seemingly non-threatening demeanor.
The team stood in front of him, ready. Chronos wasn't sure what to make of it all—he was used to working alone. But the mission was clear, and if there was one thing Chronos had learned, it was that he could handle anything. No matter how many people were involved.
Cleopatra flashed a playful smile, her eyes locking with Chronos'. "Let's make this interesting, shall we?"
Chronos didn't respond, his expression as neutral as ever.
Let's just get this over with.
The team arrived at the compound in the afternoon, and it immediately became clear that they were up against a well-guarded fortress. The mansion, built in traditional Japanese style, was surrounded by a high iron gate, where two massive bodyguards stood watch. Tank, positioned on one of the surrounding buildings, kept his sniper rifle trained on the guards. Chronos, Cleopatra, and Athena crouched behind parked cars across from the compound, their eyes scanning for any sign of movement.
"There's an army of bodyguards inside the compound. The Black Spider leader is in an underground chamber," Falcon's voice crackled through their earpieces.
Tank aimed his sniper rifle, taking out the two guards at the gate with precise shots.
"Time to move," Chronos muttered, leading the trio toward the entrance. They slipped through the gate, moving swiftly and silently. However, as soon as they entered, they found themselves surrounded by forty armed men, each holding electric guns and blocking their path. It was a trap.
Falcon's voice echoed in their comms. "I've deactivated their guns. They won't work for at least a minute. You need to take them out fast."
Without hesitation, Tank fired from his perch, taking down 15 of the guards with clean shots to the head. The rest of the men, disoriented by the gun malfunctions, tried to fight back.
"Cleopatra, behind you!" Tank shouted.
Cleopatra reacted instantly, her training evident as she twirled and thrust a dagger into one of the approaching men's throat. She pulled it out quickly and plunged it into another's chest, all while maintaining her graceful, deadly composure.
Chronos moved like a shadow, his katana flashing through the air. In mere moments, he decapitated one guard, swiftly followed by another whose head rolled cleanly from his shoulders. His movements were efficient, each strike executed with chilling precision. He pulled a dagger from his hoodie pocket, stabbing a third in the heart before flinging it at a fourth man.
Athena, meanwhile, was a force of nature. She cut through the men like a berserker, her sword swinging with brutal force as she cleaved through bodies. With every strike, another man crumpled to the floor.
In less than 45 seconds, the floor was littered with the lifeless bodies of the Black Spider's hired muscle.
"Clear!" Cleopatra called as she wiped her blade clean.
The team advanced into the mansion, their weapons still drawn.
"Falcon, where is he?" Cleopatra asked, her voice calm but urgent.
"The chamber has a secret entrance in the study," Falcon replied over the comms. "I'll guide you there."
As they moved deeper into the building, the scent of blood and gunpowder filled the air. They cut down anyone in their path with deadly efficiency, each step bringing them closer to their target.
They finally arrived at a large study. Two armed guards were posted near a bookcase. Chronos drew a silenced pistol and took them both down in a flash, his aim true. He motioned for the others to follow.
"Look for a big red book with the name Codex on it. Once you find it, push it to reveal a secret passage," Falcon directed.
Cleopatra found the book and pressed it. With a low grinding sound, the bookcase slid open, revealing a hidden staircase that descended into the darkness below.
They exchanged silent glances before stepping into the secret passage, weapons at the ready. They were about to face the leader of the Black Spider gang.