Chapter 14

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Under the radiant sun, Vail practiced swordsmanship barefoot on the tranquil back hill. The rhythmic dance of his twin blades through the air created a striking image, evoking a sense of upright power.

At just 13 years old, Vail, though shorter than the Pirate World luminaries, stood at a modest four feet. His shirtless frame, slender yet etched with smooth muscle lines, exuded strength without the bulk of bodybuilding.

Vail, spurred by motivation, halted his practice upon hearing a distant shout. It was Roy's brother from the sword hall's back door. Adorning his waist with his sword and collecting his clothes, he mimicked Roy's confident stride.

Roy, succinct as always, informed Vail of a Quest and guided him to the mysterious Chamber of Secrets.

Inside the secret room, the master and sister awaited the trio.

"This time, our target is a businessman in the East Blue named Steve Louis. Though he appears as a clothing merchant, his true trade is human trafficking. He oversees slave captures in the East Blue, eventually providing them to the 'JOKER' at the Sabaody Archipelago Auction. Due to business disputes, our employer has hired us to eliminate Steve Louis's family, with a bounty totaling one million berries," explained Long Liang. He then took a sip of tea, poised for questions.

Vail, eager for clarification, questioned the need to worry about the 'JOKER,' who, being an Oka Shichibukai, could legally traverse the Red Line continent. Long Liang acknowledged the concern but emphasized their mission's primary focus on punishing Steve Louis for his prolonged greed.

"If the opposition proves obstinate, the three of you will embark on the mission tomorrow. Vail, as a first-time quest participant, will lead. The two of you will be on standby. Act swiftly if anything goes amiss," Long Liang instructed before leading them out.

Back in their room, Vail couldn't shake off the lingering excitement. Having been an ordinary person in his past life, being labeled a killer felt surreal. Curious, he visited Roy's room to gather more details.

Not a minute later, Vail returned with a stoic expression. Roy informed him that there was no need for stealth; their approach involved direct confrontation. Whether facing bodyguards or not, the strategy remained consistent: eliminate the target first, then deal with any guards. Stealth was deemed unnecessary, given the sharp senses of experts and the unpredictable abilities of Devil Fruit users.

Pondering this advice, Vail lay on his bed, delving into the core techniques of Ray's killing methods, eagerly anticipating their departure for the small island where their target awaited.

Three days later, on the dock of East Blue Mita Island, Vail finally reached the target island. Vail couldn't help but reflect on the challenges of being a killer in the Pirate World, where a three-day boat ride for a single target was considered a nearby operation. This was just the beginning, and the prospect of longer voyages loomed in the future.

After reaching the island, the trio secured accommodation at a hotel and spent the day observing the target's residence, preparing for the night's operation.

Vail, armed with the target's address, ventured alone through the vibrant city streets. Engaging a passerby with a modest payment, he obtained a map annotated with culinary gems in each block, a valuable guide for his exploration.

Holding the map, Vail embarked on a culinary journey, sampling snacks in a lively street and indulging in the delicacies of a famous local restaurant featuring Sea King-class seafood. Ville's burgeoning strength, perhaps influenced by the 'Thunderthorn,' manifested in an increased appetite, allowing him to consume meals that could satisfy an ordinary person.

The local business street became the next destination as Vail purchased a variety of specialty teas as gifts for their mentors. Armed with a bag filled with these local treasures, he arrived at the front door of the target's small but luxurious manor.

However, the opulence of the manor was guarded fiercely, making any direct entry impossible. Realizing this, Vail began to turn away, considering alternative approaches.

Just steps away, he encountered a seven- or eight-year-old girl, adorned in a luxurious white dress, accompanied by a bodyguard. The young beauty, assuming Vail had come to find her father, inquired about his purpose. Vail's attempt to portray himself as a lost passerby was met with curiosity, leading to a brief but polite conversation. Despite the opulence of the target's home, Vail chose not to press further.

Expressing gratitude for the offered kindness, Vail returned to the hotel, only to embark on a carefree exploration of the town, enjoying the surroundings. Upon ensuring he was not being followed, he returned to the hotel to debrief his experiences.

Upon entering their shared space, Roy inquired about their venture, to which Vail casually responded with an overall positive impression of the island. A cloud of mystery enveloped Roy's understanding of the mission's true nature, wondering whether Vail had encountered a formidable opponent or if the Quest would unfold smoothly.

Vail, aware of Roy's apprehension and reluctance to delve into the specifics, playfully diverted the conversation towards the island's cuisine, sparing his brother from unnecessary worry. Even the typically talkative sisters found themselves speechless at the peculiar exchange.

The decision to move that night was cemented, with Vail detailing the strict security at the manor. Expressing concern over the possibility of the target escaping by sea, he proposed investigating the rear of the manor.

Anticipating potential complications, Vail suggested concluding the operation early to avoid attracting unwanted attention. He positioned himself at the front door while offering support to Vail, who would be investigating the back.

As Vail meticulously wiped his knife in preparation for the mission, Roy observed the weapon. Despite recognizing it as a good knife, it lacked the renown associated with famous blades. The sister, acknowledging Roy's curiosity, revealed her own weapon – a '50 Ryo Wazamono' known as 'Bloody.' She recounted the excruciating pain it inflicted during a past Quest, emphasizing its formidable nature.

Returning the knife to its owner, Vail retreated to his room, anticipating the approaching night and the challenges that awaited them. The air in the room hung heavy with the suspense of the impending mission.

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