Chapter 9: Cain’s True Intentions

The alley was dimly lit, shadows flickering across the damp stone walls. Cain stood at the entrance, arms crossed, his ever-present smirk playing on his lips.

Leon met his gaze, his fingers tightening around his sword hilt. Iris, standing beside him, tensed as well, ready for a fight.

Cain chuckled. "Relax, I'm not here to kill you."

Leon smirked. "That's funny. Last time we met, you nearly took my head off."

Cain shrugged. "You survived. That's why I'm here."

Iris scoffed. "And why are you here, Cain?"

Cain took a step closer, his voice dropping just enough to be unsettling. "To make an offer. A real one this time."

Leon narrowed his eyes. "I already refused the Black Vipers."

Cain smirked. "Good. Because I'm not with the Black Vipers."

Leon exchanged a glance with Iris.

Cain continued. "Torren's underworld isn't just nobles and crime lords fighting for control. There are others in play. People who work from the shadows, pulling strings, making moves before the rest of the city even knows a war is happening."

Leon crossed his arms. "And you're one of them?"

Cain nodded. "I work for a faction that actually understands power. We don't fight in the open like the Vipers, and we don't waste time playing noble politics." He smirked. "We control them."

Iris narrowed her eyes. "And you want him to join?"

Cain chuckled. "Leon just killed a noble-connected merchant and an assassin in the same night. He's proving he's more than just a reckless swordsman." His sharp gaze locked onto Leon. "I'm offering you something bigger than mercenary contracts and back-alley deals. I'm offering you a place in the real game."

Leon was silent for a long moment. He could already feel the weight of his choices pressing in.

Cain spread his arms. "Work for me, and I'll give you access to information, resources, and power beyond what you can imagine." He paused, then smirked. "Refuse, and, well… let's just say powerful people will start seeing you as a loose end."

A Dangerous Decision

Leon glanced at Iris, who looked unimpressed but concerned.

"Sounds like another version of the same thing," Leon said. "Why should I trust you?"

Cain grinned. "You shouldn't. But trust me or not, you're running out of choices."

Leon exhaled. This wasn't a simple decision. The Black Vipers were dangerous, but Cain's faction… they were an unknown force.

And unknowns were the most dangerous of all.

Finally, Leon smirked. "I'll hear you out."

Cain's eyes gleamed. "Smart choice."

He tossed a rolled-up parchment to Leon. "Your next target. Consider it a test."

Leon opened it.

**Target: Lord Edwin Cross.

Location: Cross Estate, Noble District.

Status: Assassination. No survivors.**

Leon raised an eyebrow. "A noble?"

Cain nodded. "Not just any noble. Cross is involved in something bigger than you know."

Leon smirked. "And if I refuse?"

Cain's expression darkened. "Then someone else will take the contract… and you'll end up on the wrong side of history."

Leon chuckled. "Well, when you put it that way."

Cain turned to leave. "Midnight. Tomorrow. Succeed, and you'll see just how deep this world goes."

With that, he disappeared into the shadows.

The Weight of a Kill

Leon stared at the parchment. His first real noble target. This wasn't just another back-alley execution—this was an assassination that could shake the city.

Iris sighed. "You're really going through with this?"

Leon smirked. "Of course. I didn't come back to this world to stay small."

Iris exhaled, shaking her head. "You're insane."

Leon chuckled. "And yet, you're still here."

She groaned. "Yeah. I am."

Their eyes met, tension thick between them. For a brief moment, it felt like something was about to happen—

But then Iris rolled her eyes and turned away. "Let's get moving. We've got work to do."

Leon grinned. He was just getting started.