A-Class, Part 1.

"Do you have a clear visual on the location?"

"Affirmative. I have eyes on the meeting venue."

Equipped with a M24 SWS sniper rifle with mod heat sight, Yuya could identify at least 11 people in the room.

"6 out of 11 are confirmed targets. Out of the remaining 5 people, 3 appear to be staff members, and 2 are on our side."

Despite the lack of detailing due to the heat scope, he quickly identified the occupants inside the room by calculating their relative position, height difference, and body type.

"Cross check all the angles. Tell me if you can locate the prime target."

Johann put his finger on the earpiece. With his connections, he was able to get a staff uniform to blend in, and a master key that granted him access to all the rooms inside the hotel. Right now, he was inside the security room, keeping an eye on the live CCTV footage.

Yuya referenced all the angles and scanned the surrounding areas.

"Negative. No sight of the target."

He trained his scope towards the entrance for a final look.

"Remember, don't pull the trigger until and unless he gives you the signal. And remain cautious of your surroundings at all times."

The top priority of this mission was to get the money back. There was no point in killing Laura before that.

"I know."

Johann switched earpiece off. To avoid detection, they were using transmitters with a particularly weak frequency to make it invisible to tracing. Due to this, there was a strong audio delay between them, which was useless from here on out. If Yuya saw something, he was to immediately press the distress button on his earpiece. He trusted his student to remember his training and stay alert in case of an emergency.

Also, to ensure that there was no funny business with the cameras, he had assigned certain security guards to the entry, exit and high probability points. They were also asked to move in an irregular pattern while they were in front of the cameras. This would help to fish out any looping footage that could be used to sneak into the hotel. With around 30 personnel at his disposal, he would be ready for the enemy.

Observing the giant cluster of screens in front of him, his eyes were constantly moving.

'Basement floor, clear. 1st floor, clear. 2nd floor, clear...'

21st report, no problems. He looked at his watch.

Half past 11. 30 minutes left.

22nd report. No problems.

23rd report. No problems.

10 minutes left.

24th report. No problem.

Zero hour. The critical time begins.

No looping. No sign of infiltration.

25th report-

The electricity generator room camera feed. A single flash.

"Focus on that screen."

A confirmed loop.

'There is a backup generator located at the basement. Cutting off the electricity won't do anything.'

"Switch to the backup generator."

The guard pressed the button, and it was secured.

"Get that camera working again."

After furiously typing in the override command, the camera was back up.

4 guards on the ground, and a message on the wall.

"See you in the parking lot."

Johann pressed his transmitter and said,

"Yuya, scan for intruders."

The message reached him after 4 seconds. He looked through the thermal scope.

"Extreme heat signature around the parking lot. Unable to trace thermal signature"

A blinding red spot.

"Anyone else?"

400 people. The count was unchanged.

"Negative. Do you require support?"

"No. Keep looking for the prime target. This might be a distraction."

He left the security room and made his way towards the parking lot. Halfway there, and another message arrived.

"I have visual. The prime target is at the staircase!"

It was as if she appeared out of thin air.

"Like I said, a distraction. Is there anyone else with her?"

Time to reveal the identity of their enemy.

"Negative. She appears to be alone."

Johann stopped in his tracks.

"What?"

A red flag. Why was she alone?

"Keep your eyes on her, and keep me updated."

After getting out of the room, the delay vanished. Yuya could clearly hear his voice.

"Understood!"

His finger was on the trigger, and the target was in sight. Johann passed by two of the guards and said,

"There is an intruder at the staircase. Nab her."

The guards nodded and hurried towards her. He continued to run towards the Parking lot.

"Why are you not going to her?"

Yuya was confused. If Johann caught her, wouldn't this mission be as good as done?

"There is more to this. This situation is too good to be true."

What was the reason for the distraction? How is the target alone? Why is there no one with her?

This plan made no sense. If this would have been a random mercenary group, he wouldn't be this cautious. But this was the same group that destroyed one of the most elite surveillance groups without even giving away their identity. Every single action must have a purpose.

"Am I overthinking this?"

He spoke to himself. There was still time to turn around.

"Yuya, what do you think? Should I head back, or move forward?"

A smirk on his face, and a pain in his head.

"Why are you asking me?"

He was startled.

"You are my partner, remember?"

The door was in front of him.

"Quick! Turn back, or move forward?"

He sighed.

"Move forward."

He already had his eyes on the target. She was not a threat anymore. Plus, if there was really nothing out there, he could still head back after confirming the situation.

"Alright. Moving forward."

He went through the door.

"This-"

One word, followed by garbled noises. The connection had been severed

--------------------------------------------------

The ringing sound from his earpiece was irritating. He was forced to take it out.

'Tap. Tap. Tap.'

The sound of footsteps. His eyes followed the origin.

"You made the correct choice, Mr. A-rank."

The boy from the store, now dressed in a black bodysuit with crimson red lines flowing around it.

"So you were an assassin..."

He couldn't dare to underestimate this kid.

"The name is Alex. It is a pleasure to see you again."

A greeting, followed by a slight bow. Johann was looking for an opening, but there was no sign of complacency. The kid was prepared.

"Why am I here, Alex?"

No point in panicking.

"To complete your mission."

He extended his fist, and opened it to reveal a small pen drive.

"What do you mean?"

Alex smiled and said,

"A fight to the death. If you kill me, you get this pen drive and complete your mission. If I kill you, I get to decided what happens next."

An HK45 compact tactical in his right hand, and a magazine in his left. Johann was alerted to their appearance, as they seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

"Do you accept my challenge?"