Chapter 174 - The Ark Of The Human Hawkeye

"And what if we don't comply?" asked Ciel.

"Are you sure about that?" asked Ashley, folding his arms.

"You've got no home, nothing. And you've just killed most of the townsfolk. If you don't get a move on, you won't be having any heads left. Do you think rejecting me would be smart?"

The three kids looked at one another. The twins gulped while Yan felt hesitant to take up Ashley's offer. But the man seemed pissed at the kids for taking so long, so he pulled out his weapon.

"Honestly, If it's so difficult, then I'll help you lot decide. After all, I only need you," said Ashley, pointing the gun right at Yan.

"But you said that you needed a team!" argued Cordelia, sticking her head out from behind Ciel.

"I can always get more. Besides, you guys didn't do too much. I only need Yan's expertise. If I could somehow nurture him in terms of combat, think about how much he can achieve," explained Ashley, as he lowered his gun.

He then walked up to Yan.

"Your command on explosives is unique. It's what we need in fighting against the Mages," said Ashley, with a sly smile as he placed his finger under Yan's chin.

Yan instantly slapped his hand away and looked at Ashley with anger.

"Step away from us. We won't accept your offer," growled Yan, as he prepared his fighting stance.

"You think you can challenge me?" asked Ashley, as he looked at Yan.

"The Mages were the ones that helped us. You bastards are the only reason why they aren't here anymore!" yelled Yan, through gritted teeth.

"Oh, are you sure about that?"

"Ciel! Cordelia! Run!" shouted Yan.

As they tried to run, Ashley laughed.

Yan immediately threw a punch at the laughing stick figure but was caught easily. With man towering over him, Ahsley wasted no effort in throwing Yan onto his back. With that one move, it rendered Yan useless.

"Damn it!" cursed Yan, as he stood up shakily.

Ashely shook his head at the pitiful sight. He then aimed his rifle around. When the twins were about to reach into the village, Ashley immediately fired at Cordelia, with the bullet going right through her head. Ciel caught her limp body just in time and started crying.

"You think you can escape from me?" asked Ashley, smiling proudly.

"Cordelia!" shouted Yan as his eyes began to water.

"And you can still laugh!" screamed Ciel as he drew out Cordelia's machete.

"Ciel! Wait!" yelled Yan as he struggled to stop the sniper.

Before he could even turn around, the man fired another shot. Bullseye on Ciel's skull. The twins had been so far away, their figures were barely visible. It was hard to see such a small target, let alone one so far away. And yet, he could land a perfect headshot.

There was no way an average human's eyes could see that far. Yan was like a deer in headlights as he saw the twins fall so easily. His eyes widened when he realized Ashley was not using any scope at all. The man smiled as he walked towards Yan, who was still standing rooted to the ground.

"Not one, but two targets..." murmured Yan as tears started rolling down his cheeks.

"Do you what the people of Campania call me?" asked Ashley, smirking.

Crap, he's from the Campania?! Yan was shocked as he heard those words.

"The Human Hawkeye."

Yan's face was ridden with fear. The human that had bionic eyes. No wonder he was so proud. He could have killed all of them if given the chance! And that means this man was of a noble ranking! What was he doing around these parts?

"You didn't have to kill them! They were just running away!" shouted Yan.

"Those who know about me and doesn't go with me won't return alive. Since they did not comply, then I'll have to exterminate them."

"I could have joined you without them... You didn't have to kill them..." sobbed Yan as clenched the ground.

"I highly doubt you are the type to double-cross. You haven't got the guts to."

"If it means to keep them safe, then I'll do anything."

"Careful what you say, those words will come to bite you back."

"It already did, judging by what you've done."

"As I said, I only need you. So, will you use that unique talent of yours, for us?" asked Ashley.

Yan did not flinch as he looked at Ashley dead in the eyes.

"Are you still on about the Mages thing? Or are you upset that I killed your friends?" asked the sniper as he folded his arms.

Yan's face was going through an ocean of emotions while Ashley was getting quite tired.