Chapter 69: A deal with a Master Assassin

Strax continued his journey home, riding Apocalipse. The streets were calm, the daily bustle slowing as the sun began to set. He was deep in thought, reflecting on the recent events with Xenovia and his siblings. Little did he know he was being closely watched.

In the shadows, two assassins from the guild were discreetly following him. Carlos and his master, the Black Blade, experts in blending into the environment, kept a constant watch on Strax. Carlos, with his keen eyes, exchanged quick glances with the Black Blade, whose dark eyes gleamed subtly.

"He's getting stronger," Carlos whispered, observing Strax's confident posture. "It's becoming harder to approach him without being noticed." She said, her eyes analyzing Strax's entire body. "He's much stronger..." she murmured to herself, "What an interesting man," she concluded mentally.

"We need to act quickly," replied the Black Blade, her voice cold and calculated. "Xenovia nearly killed several of his brothers. She doesn't hesitate to use violence to protect Strax, and we're on her radar. We need to at least secure some kind of contract with him to stop Xenovia; she seems to listen only to him."

Carlos nodded, recalling the recent stories about Xenovia's fury. "We need to avoid unnecessary confrontations. If Xenovia discovers our intentions, it will be a bloodbath."

They continued to follow Strax, keeping a safe distance while discussing their strategy. Carlos glanced at the Black Blade, questioning with his eyes. "And the infiltrated maids?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

The Black Blade paused, considering the question. "They're doing what they can to gather information, but the security at the Duke's mansion is tight. Even so, we've managed to get some clues about the political alliances and movements within the family. They're getting involved with the wrong people, some of the big shots." Carlos frowned, concerned. "We need more information before making any move.

We can't afford to fail."

The Black Blade nodded, agreeing with Carlos's assessment. "We need Strax. He is the key to better understanding the dynamics within the Vorah family."

"So, what do you suggest?" Carlos asked, knowing the Black Blade always had a plan. She looked directly at him, her eyes shining with determination. "We'll approach him now. We don't have time to waste. Take him to the church. I'll be there, and don't enter under any circumstances, or you'll die," she said, disappearing without waiting for Carlos's confirmation.

Carlos just murmured, "You seem quite interested in a man like this." He knew her reasonably well, after all, they had been working together for over ten years...

Strax continued his path, lost in thought, when he suddenly felt a presence. Before he could react, Carlos appeared before him, moving with the agility of a predator.

"Strax, there's been a change of plans," Carlos said, keeping his hands visible to avoid provoking a defensive reaction. "I need you to come with me now, the Master wants to meet you," he said. Strax sighed and grumbled, "Just what I needed, I've had a shitty day, and now you're bothering me? Come back another time!" He continued to ride calmly on Apocalipse.

Carlos... was left speechless. How should he react? How could he threaten Strax to go? He was an assassin, not a combatant. "Hey, don't make my life difficult, buddy...

I'll die if I don't bring you to that damn church." Carlos said, really just hoping Strax would agree to go. "Church?" Strax commented, "Why the hell does an Assassin Master want to meet me in a church?" He questioned, and a hint of curiosity arose in his mind, followed by a strange sensation in his body...

[Hidden Mission started]

Strax raised his hand and sparked a small flame to light the cigar. "Thank you." She thanked him, her demeanor completely changing. She seemed like just a tired woman.

"So, what do you want? I'm sure you've already been thinking about it." Cristine said. Strax, however, just smiled. "I've thought about many things. Taking the whole guild to work for me was one of my goals." He said as he settled into a pew. She blew smoke into the air and looked at him.

"We both know that's not possible," she said, and Strax had already understood that wouldn't be feasible, but many things still were. "I want one thing," Strax said with a mischievous smile, already reading various notifications from the System.

Cristine raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "And what would that be?" she asked, leaning forward slightly.

Strax looked her directly in the eyes, his expression serious now. "I want you to become my personal informant. You will provide me with all the information I need about the guild's operations, their allies, and their movements. In exchange, I will deal with Xenovia and ensure she stops targeting your guild."

Cristine considered his words carefully, weighing the risks and benefits. After a moment, she nodded. "Agreed. But remember, if you betray us, there will be nowhere for you to hide."

Strax smirked, his confidence unwavering. "Don't worry, Sister. This partnership will benefit us both greatly."

As the deal was struck, Strax felt a surge of power and satisfaction, knowing he had just secured a valuable ally in his quest for dominance. The System notifications confirmed his success, but he couldn't help but feel a strange anticipation for what lay ahead.

"What?" she questioned, not at all enthused, realizing she was losing ground. Strax scanned her body from head to toe. "I want you for myself," Strax said with a mischievous smile. Cristine arched her eyebrows. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, tossing her cigar to the ground.

"It's what you heard. I want Cristine Blair for myself," he repeated, and she froze. "I-I... I...," various scenarios flashing through her mind. "I don't belong to anyone! I don't want to prostitute myself!" she shouted.

"Prostitute?" Strax asked. "Who's asking for that? I want you to work directly for me whenever I need." He continued, and her face turned completely red with embarrassment. "Y-you...!" she shouted, and Strax just laughed. "You have a pretty dirty mind for a nun... Maybe that's why your god abandoned you," Strax said, smiling again, and she was left speechless and embarrassed.

"Using wordplay with women always works so well..." Strax thought, seeing the older woman deeply embarrassed. "To think she's so depraved... well, she is an assassin nun. That should be an advantage for perverted thoughts," Strax mused, waiting for her to respond, but she was too flustered to think clearly. "So?" he asked.

"What would I have to do? I won't abandon my guild," she questioned. Strax looked at her with great interest, then crossed his arms. "Just the basics—kill some people, gather information on others, destroy some places. Nothing that will affect you much, and of course, accompany me when necessary. After all, you will become my shadow," he said.

After a few minutes of thought, Cristine looked at Strax. "Alright, but make sure Xenovia stops pursuing us," she said. Strax nodded. "Then we have a deal," Strax said with a smile, getting up and turning away. "You already know where I live. My wives are aware of our meeting, so you can come and go at my mansion.

Only you. Do not send your subordinates to my house. Apart from you, everyone else is forbidden to enter, even Carlos. He attacked me, so I don't trust him."

"Understood, Young Master," Cristine said, bowing. "You learn quickly. I'll handle your problem tomorrow morning," Strax said, walking away.