In my novel, Caballeni’s Mafia groups were not like typical organized crime syndicates. They worked alongside the government during monster outbreaks, and some of the larger Mafia families operated openly, masquerading as guilds. In a sense, they were freedom-seekers functioning within the law’s gray areas. Still, there were exceptions to the rule.
The mafia headquarters were primarily located in Vulak and Kallovca, well away from the central government’s watchful eye. Two key players in these regions were the Salvadore family and the Agrena twins. The Salvadore family was the largest Mafia family in Vulak and Kallovca, while the Agrena twins were elite mercenaries who had been trained under their wing.
Given these facts, I was on my way to eliminate a member of Caballeni’s most significant Mafia family. Ironically, this mission might have even originated from the Salvadore family itself, as my target had been using his position to tarnish their reputation.
As I maneuvered through the streets toward my hotel, trying to remain focused on the task at hand, a voice called out, "Psst, newbie here." It was a familiar voice that made me turn in surprise.
"...Hmm?" I said, glancing around. Newest update provıded by 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡~𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢~𝙣𝙚𝙩
There stood Kairos, his expression unchanged, hand raised like a student waiting for the teacher to call him.
"Nice to see you here," he said, casually leaning against a lamppost.
"Are you here to help me?" I asked him as soon as I approached him.
"No," he said flatly.
My frustration immediately spiked. ’Then why is he here?’ I glared at him, then turned and strode into the hotel. I needed to drop off my things before diving into the mission.
After getting my key card and navigating through the corridors, I reached my room and prepared to open the door when I caught a quick glance over my shoulder.
"Why are you following me?" I demanded. He followed me all the way here and hasn’t said a word.
He smirked, flashing a key card straight in my face. "I was about to enter my room when you suddenly engaged me," he pointed at the door next to mine.
"Oh my bad," I replied, feeling slightly sheepish as I stepped inside my own room. The clock read 7 PM. I dropped my bag on the bed and decided to take a quick shower, wanting to refresh before heading out again.
After cleaning up and changing into more suitable clothes, I exited my room and paused outside to steal a glance at Kairos’ door. I needed to ensure he wouldn’t follow me.
Once I was certain I was unobserved, I quickly left the hotel and ducked into a deserted alleyway, a plan forming in my mind. I removed my bracelet and tossed it to the ground. In an instant, it transformed into my big bike.
"Is that your bike?" A voice suddenly broke through the quietness.
I was about to ride on it when someone spoke behind me. In an instant, I pulled out a karambit and aimed it at the person’s neck.
I spun around, instinctively pulling out my karambit and aiming it at the intruder’s neck. It was Kairos.
"Why are you here again?" I asked, annoyance creeping into my tone as I sheathed the blade back in my pocket and sat down on my bike.
Instead of answering, Kairos simply slid in behind me.
"...What are you doing right now?" I asked, turning to glare at him through narrowed eyes.
"Let’s go, newbie. I want to go driving," he stated as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"..." I blinked, a bit dumbfounded by his audacity, but rather than waste time arguing, I decided to just go along with it. I revved the engine and let the sound rumble beneath us, the bike vibrating with energy.
"Let’s go around Vulak just once. We still have time," Kairos whispered softly.
"...Umm, sure?" I replied, unsure of what he was asking but willing to indulge him for a moment.
As the bike tore through the streets, the buildings blurred by us in a haze.
"...Tonight at 9, there is a congratulation party planned in Vulak’s Ruby Mansion," Kairos suddenly spoke, breaking the wind’s rush.
Kairos suddenly spoke while we were still driving.
"Your target will act as the party host. If you arrive around 8:30, he might be preparing for the party in the mansion’s garden. That will be a golden opportunity to accomplish your mission," he explained, his voice calm and steady as we navigated the streets.
I nodded, carefully absorbing his advice. I needed a disguise. ’I’ll have to dress as one of the maids,’ I thought to myself, formulating a plan.
Before long, we reached the outskirts of the mansion’s grounds. It was nestled amidst a thick forest, providing a perfect cover for my approach. I slowed the bike and stopped a few feet away from the murky tree line.
"You may go back now," I said, glancing back at Kairos.
"What? Can I just stay and watch you work?" he replied, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
My answer was clear. "No, you’re just gonna get in my way."
He grumbled as he unmounted, disappointment etched on his features. "Even for a minute?"
"No," I shot back, my tone leaving little room for argument. "Can you leave already?"
With a long sigh, he gave me a look that was half-heartedly defiant but ultimately resigned. "Okay, I’m going." He turned away, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket, retreating down the path we had come.
Once I was sure he was actually gone, I breathed a little easier. The pressure of Kairos’s presence had been a weight on my mind, and now it felt lighter.
I closed my eyes and focused, my bracelet glowing as I called out to the system. "Change form." With a snap that echoed through the tranquil night, the bracelet shimmered and morphed back into its original shape, a sleek, subtle bracelet again adorning my wrist.
As the transformation completed, I scanned the area for any signs of danger before making calling out to the system.
"Open system shop," I said, my voice barely a whisper. The interface appeared before me, and I scrolled through the items quickly. I purchased a maid outfit, a curly brown wig, and some makeup, including a fake ugly scar to create an inconspicuous but convincing disguise.
After slipping into the maid outfit and adjusting the curly wig, I carefully applied the makeup to craft an unsettling scar that snaked across one side of my face. I took one last look in a nearby reflective surface, satisfied with my transformation, then dashed toward the back door.
With my keen instincts guiding me, I checked for guards. Thankfully, the area was clear, although I could spot security cameras dotting the walls.
"Macaron," I whispered, summoning him and in an instant, he was already perched at my shoulder.
he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
"Yep, and I need you to help me navigate around the security cameras," I instructed, glancing around for any potential threats.
he replied, fluttering up into the shadows to locate the angles of the cameras.
Once I was confident in the layout of the cameras, I jumped over the long wall and walked through a door that led into a filthy kitchen. The pungent smell of old food and spices hit my nostrils, but I focused on my objective.
I need to find my target. Kairos said that they will be holding a party at the garden so I need to go there.
As I moved quietly through the kitchen, I suddenly caught the attention of a stern-looking butler. "You there! What are you standing around doing nothing?" he barked.
I clenched my fists, bracing myself for his scrutiny. I bowed my head, trying my best not to be recognized as I turned to face him, I replied meekly, "M-my task was done."
"What’s your name?" The butler asked.
"M-Meena," I said nervously. A sinking feeling nagged at me; would he recognize me? What was the protocol again for being caught? Should I eliminate the witness?
The butler scrutinized me for a long moment, his eyes narrowing as he assessed my demeanor. "This is why I told the master he didn’t need to hire so many useless maids just for this party," he sighed, frustrated. "Since this is your first time being hired here, just take the flower bouquets on the second floor and place them in the garden. Don’t wander around and do your job quickly."
"Y-yes, sir, t-thank you," I stammered, turning to leave, doing my best to keep my composure.
"Where are you going? The stairs to the second floor are this way. That leads to the garden, are you listening to me?" The butler’s irritation made it clear he didn’t have time for mistakes.
"S-sorry, sir! I’ll make sure to place all the bouquets in the garden quickly," I assured him, hurrying upstairs as he pointed the way.
"Good," he grunted, watching as I scampered away, satisfied that I was heading in the right direction.
Once I was out of sight, I scratched my head, letting out a small sigh of relief. ’This was supposed to be a quick job’, I thought to myself. ’But I guess I need to play the part a little longer.’ I picked up my pace as I moved towards the second-floor.