Triggering the World Quest

Russell now clearly understood what a top-tier assassin was like. To be honest, it was kind of a scam. Cross's imagination was so wild it left him speechless. He could totally go... write webnovels.

Yeah, Qidian confirmed it beyond doubt!

For the sake of his own safety, Russell decided to talk less and vote more when reading novels from now on. Whenever he had the chance, he would tip a few dozen alliance leaders, lest someone blow his head off from ten kilometers away one day.

Cross believed he had guessed everything correctly, and only then did he change the subject. "The man you killed on the rooftop came from an organization called the Brotherhood. It has existed for over a thousand years and has trained countless experienced assassins. Every one of them can take another person's life in a single strike."

Duke rolled his eyes and picked up the conversation. "Doesn't that put me in a pretty dangerous position? I killed one of their members, and he was even a core member who could curve bullets."

Cross wore an expression that said exactly so. "That's right. You're in great danger now. They'll retaliate like mad until they kill you."

Russell's face turned wary, every muscle in his body tensing. "How do you know all this? You seem to know that organization very well. Could it be..."

"Heh heh, I like talking to smart people. I came to find you because I want to join forces with you. Your skills may still be rough, but you have the talent to become one of the best. After some training... and then there's the Brotherhood. They'll be your greatest enemy from now on..."

Cross went on and on. First, he praised Russell's talent, saying he had been born to be an assassin. Then he explained the Brotherhood.

Cross had originally been a member of the Brotherhood, and at a number one level at that. The organization had once belonged to the side of order, accepting God's will and killing scum who endangered society. But its leader, Sloan, had failed to resist the temptation of money. For personal gain, he began forging targets, causing the Brotherhood to betray its original purpose. Cross discovered the conspiracy, only to be isolated by Sloan, who then forged Cross's name onto God's list.

Russell listened to it all without the slightest ripple in his expression. He had seen the original movie—why would he talk nonsense?

"I'll train you and help you realize your talent as quickly as possible. Then we'll strike back at the Brotherhood." With the groundwork laid, Cross finally revealed his purpose. "Believe me, you killed a core member of the Brotherhood. They won't let this go. You can't run from it. This is your destiny!"

Russell did not take Cross's pressure to heart. He had come to this world to complete a mission. Taking on an organization that had existed for a thousand years, especially one made up of assassins who killed in a single blow—he would have to be out of his mind to do that.

Besides, demolishing the textile mill was something Cross's son could accomplish even without him. There was even less reason for Russell to get involved!

"Sorry, I refuse. I hate assassins!"

Ding! The Host has triggered a World Quest.

World Quest: Destroy the Brotherhood and personally end its leader, Sloan!

If the mission fails, the Host will remain in this world forever and suffer the Brotherhood's endless pursuit. ```

Russell: "..."

What expression was he supposed to use at a time like this? Was this what they meant by "it smells so good"?

Cross knew it would not be that easy, so he began laying out the pros and cons. "Don't be so quick to refuse. If you're worried that I'll use you..."

"Stop. I've changed my mind. I accept your invitation! Don't look so confused. I know you want to use me, but I really do need your help too. Consider it a matter of saving my own skin."

Russell's sudden reversal left Cross utterly baffled. Just ten seconds earlier, he had refused cleanly and decisively, without leaving any room to turn things around.

Cross did indeed intend to use Russell, just as the Brotherhood had used Cross's son. Cross also wanted to recruit Russell as cannon fodder. Facing the colossal Brotherhood alone, Cross did not mind training a gifted helper. Besides, Russell himself was an assassin who worked for money, so Cross saw nothing improper about using him.

"Pleasure working with you!"

The two reached out and shook hands. At that moment, the bar's hanging television switched to the news channel. The footage was reporting on today's murder at the top of the building. Because certain important people had intervened, the truth had been suppressed. Big Slick had become an innocent citizen who had merely passed by the rooftop. Then a wanted notice appeared on screen.

The elevator footage was somewhat blurry, but a careful comparison made it obvious that it was Russell.

The screen changed, and a senior police officer was being interviewed by reporters. "Yes, the case is progressing very smoothly. According to our investigation, we have confirmed that the criminal is Korean."

Cross gave a disdainful smile. "Sloan did this. He's taken money to kill people for years. He's even gotten himself involved with senators!"

Russell put the baseball cap on the table back over his head and sighed. "None of that matters. All I know is, I can't go to Jacky Cheung's concert."

Half an hour later, Cross drove Russell to a warehouse. The coming training would take place here. Russell gave the place a rough look. It was an independent, abandoned machine shop, and its thick walls provided excellent soundproofing. If he had not seen the light rail earlier, he would never have guessed it was only one street away from Cross's hideout.

"This place is safe. As long as we don't play with explosives, no one will care about the noise here. In the days ahead, I'll train you strictly until I acknowledge your strength."

The workshop was where Cross practiced. As a top-tier assassin, he needed to stay at his peak at all times, so he came here whenever he had time to keep his edge sharp.

Russell silently took two steps back. "What's the first step? Getting beaten up?"

Cross grinned. "You really are experienced. But don't worry. I've seen your fighting. Your close-quarters combat is vicious enough, so we can skip that step. Of course, if you have any special preferences, I can tie you to the lathe and give you a good beating."

"I'll pass. My special preference is tying other people up!"

"OK! Time waits for no one. Every second wasted puts you in a little more danger, so let's get straight to the point." Cross dropped his friendly expression, and an aura that made Russell's heart pound radiated from him. He was far stronger than Big Slick had been, so much so that Russell's heart began racing.

Cross praised him. "You're truly exceptional, but it's still not beating fast enough!"

"What do you mean?"

"Your heart should be beating faster. This level isn't enough yet. I know a method that can get you into the right state quickly, just like you did on the rooftop..."

As he spoke, Cross suddenly drew the Magnum Little Eagle II from the holster beneath his arm and fired two shots at Russell.

The instant Cross drew his gun, Russell sensed danger descending. He leaped into the air, twisting his body into an extremely difficult pose, and perfectly... got shot!

"Ah~~~~"

Cross: "..."

WTF!?

Still a flop begging for support!

Yeah, I got a site message today. I can sign a contract now...