Negotiation

"A C Class Assassin?" Ethan's eyes sparkled as he read the Assassin's file.

"Yes, we believe this is the same person the government of Yeonsin has been trying to catch for a few years. He is a master of spying and assassination, but no one knows what he or she looked like," explained Ramon Torres, the chief security officer of Kai Consortium. "We only know he or she could change his appearance and not even the strongest Essentia User could sense him."

"This person is one of the top 5 most wanted individuals in Yeonsin. Infiltration is their forte, and we suspect they can mimic someone's appearance, voice, eyes, and fingerprints," Ramon continued.

"That's troubling," Ethan mused, eyeing the man who still appeared as Jihoon. The assassin was awake and seated in a glass-walled room, visible only from one side. Ethan glanced at the file, frustrated by the lack of information.

All the file mentioned was the assassin's danger level and alleged past missions. Why "alleged"? Because they weren't entirely certain it was him!

"Young Master, may I know how you convinced him not to harm you?" Ramon asked. "One reason why no one knew how he did his mission was because... he never left anyone alive."

"I talked to him," Ethan calmly replied, handing back the tablet. "I'll be asking him some questions."

"I'll accompany you, young master," Jihoon offered.

"No need," Ethan replied. "I need to speak with him. Alone." The mission's success might depend on this interrogation!

Ethan really wanted the extra reward this time.

"Young master, he's a dangerous man who kills ruthlessly. He might not have shown any abilities when he fought against you, but we can't be certain. Your safety is our priority," Ramon insisted.

"No need," Ethan shook his head. The assassin was wearing a specialized cuff to weaken Essentia, yet his appearance remained unchanged. Ethan believed this ability wasn't affected by the handcuff, which means that everyone might have underestimated the assassin.

If he was right, this person could actually leave this place. He must have a way to leave and that why was he still remained a wanted criminal until now.

This alone was enough for Ethan to conclude that this man was waiting for him to walk in. "Just release the gas if something happens. Don't worry, the gas won't affect me." Ethan's nonchalance made Ramon and Jihoon frown. "Open the door."

Helpless, the two older men exchanged glances. Then the door opened.

*SWISH*

As Ethan walked in, the assassin immediately raised his head. His gaze was devoid of expression. Seeing this, Ethan smiled and took a seat opposite him.

"You actually came on your own..." the assassin remarked, using yet another voice, this time mimicking Ethan's. "I don't know if you're stupid or you simply want to die."

"I came because you didn't answer my question," Ethan smiled, finding hearing his own voice rather entertaining.

"If you think you can make me talk about my client, you're wrong," the assassin retorted.

"I don't want your client's name," Ethan clarified. "I came here because I wanted to hire you." This was his only purpose. Really...

"You are indeed crazy, just like the rumors," the assassin sneered.

"People have called me a coward and a weakling, but never crazy." But crazy is good, isn't it?

"Returning to Yeonsin knowing you don't have an Essentia is enough to make them think you're crazy. Either that or you're a fool who trusts anyone around you, allowing them to use you for their own selfish reasons. Now, I know you are not as naive as everyone thought so... perhaps it was just because you are crazy."

Ethan smiled in response.

This was the first time he met a somewhat talkative assassin. In his past life, all the Assassins that he met would never talk like this.

Was this perhaps because of the generational gap? Was this assassin young? Ethan doubted that.

So... were you waiting for them to rescue you?" Ethan inquired.

This time, the assassin remained silent, freezing Ethan with his gaze.

Ethan shook his head. He knew it wouldn't be that easy. He looked at Jihoon by the door and gestured for him to open it. "Why don't you tell everyone we caught this assassin? What do you think the bounty for his capture is, three million? or five?

"Fifteen, young master," Jihoon corrected.

"Oh?" Ethan raised an eyebrow. That was higher than he originally thought! "Well, report his capture. We're done talking here." Ethan stood and started walking towards the door. But just as he was about to step outside, he heard the assassin say, "Wait!"

"Hm?" Ethan hid a sly smirk as he turned around.

"I'll work with you."

"Hm?" Ethan raised an eyebrow and smiled. "It seems you're ready for a talk. Jihoon, disable all the recordings. Don't let anyone in."

"Yes, young master," Jihoon agreed. While Ramon and the others hesitated to leave Ethan alone, Jihoon was confident Ethan could defend himself if the assassin attacked. He had sparred with Ethan personally and knew how strong and dedicated he actually was.

Jihoon didn't explain himself to Ramon and the others, simply ushering them out of the room so Ethan could proceed without any issues.

Meanwhile, Ethan smiled at the man.

"You really are a fool," the assassin remarked. "You even dared to remove all recordings and close the door. Aren't you scared I might attack you?"

"Scared?" Ethan frowned. "Of course, I am." But he was only afraid of not completing his mission and missing out on the extra reward. That would be devastating, wouldn't it?

The man snorted. "Who would hire the person that wanted to harm them?" he asked.

"For three years," Ethan said. "I wanted to hire the person who wanted to harm me for three years."

"Three years?"

"With a salary, of course. Pension, a house, cars, even women. All you need to do is work with me and keep me safe for three years. After that, you may leave."

"I believe they already told you I can only imitate the physical aspect of someone," the assassin replied.

"Both of us know very well that's not the truth," Ethan continued, still smiling. If this man could only do that then... what about all of his accomplishments?

Almost immediately, the man's expression changed. He narrowed his eyes, and his bloodlust started surging. "You seem to know something that others don't."

"I do know something," Ethan remained unfazed. "And I know it has something to do with the magic stones."

The man's face contorted into a scowl, immediately confirming Ethan's suspicion.

"Don't worry. I plan to keep your secret to my grave," Ethan assured.

"How did you know?"

"This mansion has top security, yet you dared to come here. People have been wanting me dead, but none of them came to the mansion. I offered money, I offered to pay you, but you only wanted magic stones—specifically, a certain amount. You could defeat me and take me away, but you didn't. Wasn't it because you needed me to open the vault?" Ethan deduced.

To open the vault, Ethan needed to use a drop of his blood. "You can imitate the voice, irises, and even the fingerprint, but you can't exactly imitate my blood, can you?"

"Is that all?" the man asked.

"Of course not," Ethan said. "You will hear the rest once you sign a blood contract with me."

"You—" the man's eyes flickered with something sinister. After all, his secret had just been exposed. He clenched his hands into fists as if he was about to break the cuff that bound him.

"What? Didn't I promise to keep your secret to my grave?" Ethan wore a sly smile on his face. "That and the magic stones of course. I can give you an endless supply of magic stones."