Chapter 48: Transition

Chapter 48: Transition

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The transition from viewing myself as someone's muscle, occasionally performing 'tasks', to seeing myself as an independent hitman, is somewhat hazy. Part of the confusion comes from the fact that I served multiple employers during and post-war, including Nichols himself.

It seems those around me began labeling me that way before I did, but my self-perception didn't shift until I'd built professional habits and a systematic approach to the job.

Precisely when this transformation happened is unclear, but by the time I'd completed my seventh assignmenteliminating a despicable individual named VernonI was definitely operating as a professional.

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As I was mulling over this revelation, considering whether to burst out laughing, I noticed that Nyxara had vanished; in essence, we had no guidance on our next step.

I cleared my throat. Drevolan broke his intense gaze with Thaleia to ask, "What is it, Viktor?"

"Do you know how to get back to where the gods were?"

"Hmmm. I think so."

"Let's head there, then."

"Why?"

"Do you have a superior plan?"

"I suppose not."

As I rose, a fleeting temptation to sip from the well crossed my mind. Thankfully, it was short-lived. We helped Thaleia up and I noted her petite statureshe was barely taller than me, in fact.

We set off back the way we'd come, Drevolan and I each supporting one of Thaleia's arms. She seemed miserable, her teeth gritted, perhaps from rage or perhaps from pain. Her eyes, which I initially thought were green, appeared to be grey, focused straight ahead.

We reached the archway again and paused for a breather.

Drevolan proposed that Thaleia take a seat and give her legs a rest. Thaleia's response was terse. "Quiet."

I noticed Drevolan's patience running thin, much like my own. We simultaneously bit our lips, exchanged glances, and faintly smiled. We assisted Thaleia and resumed our journey, following the direction Drevolan believed to be correct. After taking a few hesitant steps, we halted once more when Thaleia let out a gasp. "I can't" she said, and we helped her settle on the ground.

Her breaths came in ragged gasps. She closed her eyes, tilting her head skywards; her forehead was slick with perspiration and her hair seemed drenched. Drevolan and I shared a look, but words eluded us.

"Indeed, I can imagine."

"We need a serious solution. I mean, seriously serious. Do you get me?"

I gulped. "I think I do, but you should spell it out."

"Norsanti."

"Just as I suspected."

"Has your contact ever dealt with that?"

"What does it matter?"

"No difference, I guess. Your contact will have complete support from numerous people for this; all the assistance required."

"Alright, I'll need some time to ponder this."

"Of course. Take all the time you need. The payment is ten thousand imperials."

"I see."

"How much time will you require to decide?"

We walked in silence for a few minutes. Then I asked, "What's his name?"

"Vernon. Familiar?"

"No."

We continued our stroll as I mulled over the situation. The neighborhood went about its usual business around us. It was an oddly peaceful walk. I finally said, "Alright. I'm in."

"Excellent," he said. "Let's head to my place. I'll pay you and provide the initial information. If you need more, let us know, and we'll assist."

"Okay," I agreed.

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