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The dimly lit tavern was filled with the raucous laughter of mercenaries and the clinking of glasses. Smoke curled lazily through the air, mingling with the scent of alcohol and sweat. It was here, amidst the chaos, that deals were struck and lives were bought and sold like commodities. But this story begins not in a dingy bar, but in the sleek, modern headquarters of the Koser Group—a corporation whose influence stretched far beyond its unassuming exterior.
The Entrance
The Koser Group's logo—a bold uppercase "X" surrounded by four squares—was etched into the glass doors of their towering skyscraper. Two figures approached the entrance, their presence commanding attention. The security guards snapped to attention, saluting them crisply before stepping aside.
Derek led the way, his confident stride betraying familiarity with the surroundings. Behind him followed Ilumi Zoldyck, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever. They made their way to the elevators, where a security checkpoint awaited.
Access to the upper floors required an employee card, but Derek didn't hesitate. He flashed a charming smile at the receptionist, who handed over a temporary pass without question.
"Thank you, Arthene," Derek said, winking playfully as he swiped the card through the scanner. The light turned green, and he gestured for Ilumi to step through first.
"Ladies first."
Ilumi walked past the gate without so much as a glance at Derek, his demeanor indifferent. Derek followed suit, returning the borrowed card to the receptionist with another cheeky grin.
"You're cold today, aren't you?" he teased, shrugging when she ignored him entirely. "Guess I'll have to try harder tonight."
With that, he jogged to catch up with Ilumi, who had already reached the elevator.
The Ascent
Inside the elevator, Derek pressed the button for the 50th floor. Ilumi assumed this must be where the chairman's office was located. The elevator hummed softly as it ascended at breakneck speed, the sound of rushing air filling the small space.
Within moments, the elevator dinged, signaling their arrival. The doors slid open, revealing a corridor lined with polished wood and minimalist decor. Derek strode forward confidently, beckoning Ilumi to follow.
They passed several spacious meeting rooms before stopping in front of a solid wooden door marked "Chairman's Office." Without waiting for permission, Derek knocked twice and pushed the door open.
"We're here~"
He flopped onto one of the plush sofas inside, sprawling out casually. The office itself was surprisingly modest, devoid of ostentatious luxury. However, the few pieces of furniture present were unmistakably expensive, exuding understated elegance.
Behind a large mahogany desk sat a figure facing away from the door, framed by a panoramic window overlooking the city skyline. Standing beside the desk was a blonde secretary dressed impeccably, her piercing gaze fixed on Derek.
"Mr. Derek, your behavior is highly inappropriate in front of the chairman," she chided sternly, adjusting her thin-framed glasses.
"Aw, come on, Kristina dear~," Derek drawled lazily, propping himself up on his elbows. "You know there's no need for formalities between us and the chairman."
Before she could respond, the seated figure finally turned around, revealing a middle-aged man with sharp features, slicked-back black hair, and a cigar clenched between his teeth. His wrist bore the weight of an extravagant watch, and his tailored suit spoke volumes about his status.
"Greetings, Mr. Ilumi Zoldyck. My apologies for summoning you amidst my busy schedule," the man said smoothly, his voice carrying an aura of authority. "I am Adkins Koser, chairman of the Koser Group."
Ilumi studied him silently. Adkins appeared to be in his early forties, his presence radiating power and control. A faint blue haze seemed to envelop him, symbolizing his calm, rational, and calculating nature.
"I believe you are aware of my identity, Chairman," Ilumi replied evenly, his tone devoid of emotion.
The Zoldyck name carried significant weight among those who knew of their existence. To ordinary people, however, they remained nothing more than a myth—or perhaps a nightmare.
The Proposition
"Murder... or murder?" Adkins mused aloud, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Conflict," he continued, leaning back in his chair. "What do you consider the most effective solution to resolving conflict?"
"Killing," Ilumi answered succinctly, his response cutting straight to the point.
"Hahaha! Truly fitting of the Zoldyck family!" Adkins laughed heartily, though his expression quickly turned serious. "In essence, there are countless methods: arbitration, negotiation, persuasion... and yet, none are as effective as brute force."
"Violence," he emphasized, his eyes narrowing. "To crush opposition with overwhelming strength—that is the ultimate resolution."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "This world may appear prosperous on the surface, but beneath it all, bloodshed and betrayal continue unabated. And what drives these conflicts? Simple greed."
"Manipulation, deceit, hired assassinations—all tools used to eliminate rivals and seize power."
Adkins leaned forward, his gaze locking onto Ilumi. "One month ago, a project we considered guaranteed was snatched away by a competitor. This cannot stand."
Ilumi listened intently, a faint smirk forming on his lips. "Understood."
"HAHAHA! What a straightforward answer!" Adkins exclaimed, taking another puff of his cigar. "However, I've heard that you've yet to make a name for yourself in the field of assassination."
"I can kill Derek in under a second," Ilumi countered coolly, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"What?! Don't think defeating Ivan Douglas makes you invincible—" Derek began heatedly, only to find himself suddenly sprawled on the floor, knocked down before he could finish his sentence.
"Clap, clap, clap..."
Adkins applauded slowly, clearly impressed. "Indeed, the Zoldyck family lives up to its reputation. Even a young assassin like yourself possesses skills far beyond ordinary men."
"Tch, I wasn't even trying!" Derek grumbled, climbing back to his feet. But Ilumi paid him no mind, instead pulling out a slip of paper and tossing it onto the desk.
"Transfer the funds to this account. Additionally, provide me with the target's information."
Adkins picked up the note, handing it to Kristina. She retrieved a folder containing detailed files on the target and handed it to Ilumi. After briefly reviewing the contents, Ilumi closed the folder and spoke.
"In three days, you will receive confirmation of his death. Transfer the payment to my account then."
Without another word, he turned and exited the office, leaving the three occupants staring after him.
Doubts and Confidence
"Are you certain about this, Chairman?" Kristina asked hesitantly, her brow furrowed with concern. "Even if he is from the Zoldyck family, he's still just a boy..."
Adkins exhaled a plume of smoke, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "Time will tell, won't it?"