Our first mission

Dusk had begun to fully prevail, casting a deep indigo hue across the sky as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was 8 a.m., but the world seemed cloaked in an eerie twilight. The air was thick with the scent of spices and simmering broth from the ramen shop, a small, dimly lit establishment tucked into a narrow alley. The flickering lanterns outside cast long shadows on the cobblestone streets, and the occasional clatter of horse hooves echoed in the distance.

I waited at the venue, my fingers drumming impatiently on the wooden table. The ramen shop was nearly empty, save for a few scattered patrons slurping their noodles in silence. My mind wandered back to the earlier interaction with Melanie, her piercing gaze and the way her stern demeanor had left me both intimidated and intrigued. The memory of her half-nude body flashed in my mind, and I quickly shook my head, trying to dispel the inappropriate thoughts. My body had reacted instinctively, a primal response I couldn't control, but I knew better than to let it show.

As if on cue, Melanie appeared at the entrance of the shop, her silhouette framed by the soft glow of the lanterns. She wore a fitted black coat that accentuated her slender figure, her long hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of ink. Her expression was as unreadable as ever, her sharp eyes scanning the room before landing on me. I raised my hand in a subtle wave, gesturing to the seat across from me.

She approached with measured steps, her boots clicking against the wooden floor. The stern look on her face reminded me of the earlier encounter, and I felt a pang of guilt. "Don't even harbor those thoughts, Ashbourne," she said, her voice low and firm as she sat down. Her gaze was unwavering, her emotionless face giving nothing away.

I forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Sorry about earlier," I said, my tone apologetic. "I didn't mean to make things awkward."

She stared at me for a moment, her expression softening ever so slightly. "It's fine," she replied, though her tone suggested otherwise. She picked up the menu card, her eyes scanning the options with feigned interest.

The tension between us was palpable, but I knew better than to push her. Melanie was a curse cultivator, a practitioner of dark arts that could easily turn a man's life into a living nightmare. Getting on her bad side was the last thing I wanted. Instead, I shifted the conversation to safer territory. "Where's Jessica?" she asked, glancing toward the door.

"She hasn't arrived yet," I replied without looking up. "What about your friend?"

I shrugged, It's the first time meeting him, so I have no idea what he looks like.

"He should be here," she said, her tone tinged with annoyance. "But he's always late."

I sighed in frustration. "This dude really gets on my nerves, and I haven't even met him yet."

Melanie let out a soft giggle, the sound surprising me. It was rare to see her express any form of amusement. "What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," she replied, a faint smile playing on her lips. She quickly returned her attention to the menu, but the brief moment of levity was enough to ease some of the tension.

---

The door to the ramen shop swung open, and Jessica bounced in with her usual exuberance. Her vibrant energy was a stark contrast to Melanie's stoic demeanor. "Ashbourne!" she called out, her voice ringing through the small space. Before I could react, she leaped toward me, wrapping her arms around my neck in a tight hug. Her big breasts pressed against my face, and I could feel the faint outline of her nipples through her clothes. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I struggled to breathe.

"J-Jessica…" I stammered, my voice muffled against her chest. "I can't breathe!"

"Oh!" she exclaimed, releasing me with a sheepish grin. "Sorry about that."

I took a deep breath, grateful for the fresh air. "Hey, Melanie," Jessica said, turning toward our companion with a bright smile.

"Oh, I didn't know you noticed me while your crush is around," Melanie said bluntly, her words causing Jessica's face to turn bright pink.

"You're a bad friend," Jessica pouted, her shyness evident as she took a seat beside me. She crossed her arms and looked away, though the faint smile on her lips betrayed her annoyance.

The three of us settled into an uneasy silence, the only sound the occasional clink of chopsticks against bowls. Out of hunger and boredom, I ordered a bowl of ramen, and Jessica followed suit. The food arrived quickly, steaming and fragrant, and we ate in relative peace. The rich broth and tender noodles were a welcome distraction from the underlying tension.

---

After finishing our meal, I rested my head on the table, the exhaustion of the morning catching up to me. The rhythmic hum of the shop lured me into a light sleep, but I was soon awakened by Jessica's voice. "Ashbourne!....Ashbourne!..Wake up!" she called, her tone urgent.

I blinked groggily, my vision blurry as I slowly regained consciousness. Jessica's face was inches from mine, her wide eyes filled with concern. I jolted upright, startled by her proximity. "Oh, damn. You scared me!" I exclaimed, my heart racing.

"Is my face that scary?" she asked, pouting.

"No, no," I said quickly, trying to calm her down. "You just surprised me, that's all."

"That's not what it meant," she muttered, her expression downcast.

Before I could respond, Melanie interrupted. "Can you two stop with your shenanigans? He's here."

I turned toward the door, my irritation flaring at the thought of the latecomer. A silver chariot pulled up outside, its polished surface gleaming in the dim light. The door opened, and a tall, muscular figure stepped out. He was a dark elf, his short black hair framing a strikingly handsome face. His presence was commanding yet welcoming, and even Melanie, who rarely showed emotion, seemed affected by his arrival.

"It's been a long while, Melanie," he said, his voice smooth and deep. They embraced, and I caught a glimpse of a smile on Melanie's lips, a sight I never thought I'd see.

"Never thought you smiled," I said sarcastically, unable to resist the jab.

"Only around normal people," she retorted, her words cutting deeper than I cared to admit.

The dark elf turned to me, his smile never wavering. "Don't worry, she's been like this since she was a kid," he said, his tone light and teasing.

"A kid?" I asked, surprised by the revelation.

"Yeah, we're childhood friends. Even our parents knew each other before they died," he explained, his expression sober for a moment.

"You didn't have to add the last part, Norman," Melanie scolded, her tone sharp.

I raised a hand to diffuse the tension. "Don't worry, my father died, and my mom is in an asylum. I understand your feelings."

Norman extended his hand, his grip firm and confident. "Hi, my name is Javier Norman, but you can call me by my code name, Spritz. And you are?"

"Ashbourne," I replied simply. "Just Ashbourne."

"It's nice to meet you, Ashbourne," he said, his smile genuine.

---

Norman handed me a piece of paper, the image and details of an older man printed on it. "I've been paid 300 gold coins for the assassination of this noble. Make no mistakes and no evidences. Understood?"

I nodded, my mind already racing with plans. "Where and when do we collect our payment?"

"Do you have a place other than this ramen shop where we can meet?" he asked.

"Yes, downtown. A hideout," I replied.

"Good. We'll meet there. Until then, take care of Melanie, cheerio" he said, climbing back into his chariot. With a final wave, he disappeared into the dust.

I stared at the document, a smirk playing on my lips. "Our first mission," I said, feeling a surge of anticipation.

Jessica leaned over my shoulder, her eyes scanning the paper. "I know him. He's a well known noble in Avaltrez."

"Then we're heading there tonight," I said, my tone decisive. "Meet at the hideout by 7 p.m. sharp."

As I walked away, Jessica ran after me, wrapping me in another tight hug, this time around I felt her nipple on my lips, "Keep safe," she whispered, her voice filled with concern.

"Not to worry," I replied, though the weight of the mission already pressed heavily on my shoulders.