Leon and Iris stood on the rooftop of a crumbling building, overlooking a lavish estate surrounded by high stone walls. Torches lined the perimeter, illuminating the guards patrolling below.
"So," Iris whispered, crouching beside him, "we're really doing this?"
Leon smirked. "Getting cold feet?"
She rolled her eyes. "Please. I just like knowing what I'm getting into before I stab someone."
Leon chuckled. "Fair enough."
The target: Lord Edwin Marlowe, a corrupt noble trying to seize control of Torren's trade routes. Vance hadn't explicitly said to kill him, but… accidents happened.
Iris tapped his shoulder. "We got a problem."
Leon followed her gaze. The estate's front gates opened, and a group of heavily armed mercenaries strode in. At their center, a hulking brute with a massive war axe. His armor was dented and scratched, but the way he carried himself spoke of experience.
"Looks like our little noble bought some serious muscle," Iris muttered.
Leon grinned. "Good. I was worried this would be too easy."
Iris gave him a side glance. "You like making things difficult, don't you?"
Leon's smirk widened. "Only when it's fun."
The Infiltration
Slipping through the shadows, they scaled the outer wall, dropping down into a secluded garden. The scent of roses filled the air, masking the metallic tang of blood soon to be spilled.
A lone guard patrolled the path ahead.
Iris moved first, silent as a cat. Before the guard even noticed, she had him in a chokehold, dragging him into the bushes. A few moments later, his body slumped—unconscious.
Leon raised a brow. "Efficient."
She winked. "I have my talents."
They crept toward the estate's back entrance, where two more guards stood chatting.
Leon didn't hesitate. He dashed forward, drawing his blade in a flash. The first guard barely had time to react before Leon's sword sliced across his throat.
The second guard stumbled back, reaching for his weapon—only for Iris's dagger to bury itself in his chest.
She retrieved her blade, smirking. "I thought nobles fought with honor."
Leon wiped his sword clean. "Honor is for people who can afford to lose."
She chuckled. "I really like you."
The Noble's Last Words
They slipped inside the estate, moving through dark corridors. From the floor above, voices echoed—one deep and commanding.
"That must be him," Leon muttered.
They ascended the stairs, stopping outside a grand office where Lord Edwin Marlowe stood, arguing with his hired mercenary.
"You want more gold?!" Marlowe scoffed. "I already paid you double your worth!"
The mercenary—Axel, judging by his nameplate—crossed his arms. "Your money won't matter if we all end up dead. People are disappearing. Someone's hunting down mercenaries."
Marlowe sneered. "You cowards jump at shadows—"
Leon kicked the door open.
The noble and mercenary froze as he and Iris stepped inside, blades drawn.
Leon smirked. "Evening, gentlemen."
Marlowe turned pale. "Who the hell—guards! GUARDS!"
No one came.
Leon tilted his head. "You should hire better men."
Axel's eyes narrowed. "I knew something was wrong." He reached for his axe.
Iris moved first. She flung a dagger, forcing Axel to dodge. Leon seized the moment, lunging at Marlowe.
The noble yelped, scrambling backward. "W-Wait! I can pay you! Triple! No—quadruple whatever they're offering!"
Leon's blade pressed against his throat. "Tempting. But I don't take bribes."
Axel charged, swinging his axe. Leon ducked, grabbing Marlowe and shoving him forward—straight into the attack.
Marlowe's eyes widened in horror. The axe carved through his chest, blood spraying across the floor.
Iris whistled. "Damn. That's cold."
Leon smirked. "Like I said… accidents happen."
Axel roared in fury. "You bastard!"
He swung wildly, his rage making him reckless. Leon sidestepped, slashing at his exposed side. The mercenary grunted, stumbling.
Iris leaped onto his back, wrapping her legs around his torso and jamming a dagger into his neck.
Axel staggered, choking on blood. He tried to grab her, but Leon's sword plunged into his heart, finishing the job.
The mercenary collapsed.
Iris hopped off, brushing herself off. "Well, that was fun."
Leon grinned. "Told you."
The Aftermath
They slipped out of the estate before the alarm could be raised.
By the time the city guards arrived, Lord Marlowe was dead, his hired muscle gone, and his estate in chaos.
Leon and Iris made their way back to The Howling Wolf, where Vance waited, sipping a glass of wine.
The information broker smiled as they entered. "I assume it's done?"
Leon tossed a bloodstained coin pouch onto the table. "Let's just say… Marlowe won't be causing you any more problems."
Vance chuckled. "Good. You're efficient. I like that." He pushed another pouch toward them—payment.
Iris grabbed it before Leon could. "Pleasure doing business."
Vance nodded. "Oh, and Leon… word is spreading about you. You're making a name for yourself."
Leon smirked. "Good. That's the plan."
As he and Iris left the tavern, she nudged him playfully.
"You're dangerous, Leon. I like that."
Leon glanced at her, amusement in his eyes. "Careful, Iris. You might end up falling for me."
She scoffed. "Not a chance."
But the way she looked at him said otherwise.
And just like that, Leon's journey to power truly began.