The Hallway.
Hunter pulled the earpiece from his ear and crushed it under his boot.
Crunch.
He looked down at the three bodies sprawled on the expensive carpet. Two bodyguards and one high-profile target.
Kevin Snod.
The billionaire hospital owner lay in a heap, dead eyes staring at the ceiling.
Hunter didn't feel anything. No guilt. No thrill. Just the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.
He pulled out the satellite phone provided by the Continental and snapped a photo of Kevin's face.
"Target verified," he whispered.
He didn't linger. The "novice village" raid was over.
Hunter realized now that he had underestimated himself. With 4x Human Stats, enhanced senses, and LV5 shooting skills, he wasn't just a tough civilian anymore. He was a force of nature.
The "challenge" of infiltrating a guarded estate had turned into a speedrun. He had cleared the perimeter, breached the villa, and eliminated the target in under 30 minutes.
Total kill count: 7 bodyguards. 3 dogs. 1 billionaire.
He walked out of the villa, leaving the chaos behind for the QRF team to find.
The Call.
Hunter leaped over the perimeter wall and hiked down the trail to where he had hidden his bike.
He dialed the number on the satellite phone.
"Good evening, sir," a deep male voice answered. "How may we assist you?"
"The Continental told me to call this number when the trial was complete," Hunter said casually, walking toward his bike. "Kevin Snod is dead. I have photographic proof."
There was a brief silence on the other end.
"Mr. Hunter Sun," the voice returned after a few seconds. "We will verify your claim immediately. Please stand by. An associate will contact you shortly."
"Understood."
Hunter hung up.
He retrieved his modified bike from his Inventory, revved the engine, and vanished into the night, leaving the wail of approaching sirens far behind.
The Next Morning.
Hunter was back at the farm, working in the fields, when the satellite phone rang again. It was 8:00 AM. Tally was still asleep.
He wiped his hands on a rag and answered.
This time, the voice was different—warmer, more enthusiastic.
"Good morning, Mr. Sun."
"Congratulations. You have successfully passed the initiation trial."
"We are honored to inform you that you are now an official member of the Continental."
Hunter smirked. As expected.
"However," the voice continued, "there are administrative matters that cannot be handled over the phone. We request that you visit the nearest Continental Hotel at your earliest convenience to complete your registration and collect your compensation."
"Where is the nearest location?" Hunter asked.
He knew the New York branch was the most famous, home to Winston and Charon. But he lived in LA.
"The Los Angeles branch is located at [Address Redacted], Downtown LA," the voice replied. "To the public, it is a private, members-only club."
"Please note: As your registration is not yet finalized, you may not bring guests. Once you arrive, our staff will guide you through the induction process."
Hunter asked a few more questions about protocols, then hung up.
He looked up at the sun, squinting against the glare.
"Los Angeles Continental," he mused.
It was time to see the heart of the beast.
He went back inside, showered, and changed into his best suit.
The farmer was staying home. The assassin was going to town.
Read ahead with 100+ chapters now with daily updates!
@patreon.com/Authorizz