A clean stab.

The sound of ceramic cracking beneath my feet echoed softly, while the stars above looked distorted—warped by the glow rising from below.

I've always loved rooftops. Ever since the first one I climbed, they felt right for my work… and for my state of mind, too. The mission was simple: get in, say hello to the lovers, then get out.

That's why I hate this type of job. It makes me feel… alone. Am I really the only one in The Platinum Keystone who seems single despite being an attractive woman—both in looks and in charm? How I loathe that.

I moved gracefully between rooftops until I reached the target home.

"Fancy..." I whispered to myself. "So he's rich."

I went on. Slipped through the window left open. The house inside was wide, filled with wind and perfume.

No servants. No one to ruin things. Perfect.

In the next room, I saw the rest… complete silence.

I told myself: I love my instincts. They're sharp and always useful.

When I opened the door and stepped in, it wasn't hard. No one noticed me—probably because of the bed creaking and his lover's moans, as he pulled and pressed.

I walked through the rooms. They didn't notice a thing. I'm sure of it.

They were in their moment... a powerful one.

I murmured to myself as I scanned and picked up what mattered to me—what I came for. I wanted it, so I took it.

But... staying silent would've ruined everything. So I interrupted.

When the sweat-drenched princess of pleasure finally saw me, she screamed.

Her man—Henri, my target—jumped up, naked, shouting and threatening:

"Who the hell are you?! I swear, you won't get away!"

How arrogant.

Useless.

I pulled out my dagger and severed his left leg.

He collapsed, moaning, groaning like a slaughtered cow.

His lover sobbed, begging like I was some kind of goddess.

I told her it wasn't her business and she should stay quiet.

She didn't.

So I did my job.

My second blade went into her neck.

She trembled violently, then went still... peacefully, on the luxurious bed, in that lavish room.

Poor Henri asked me, between sobs and screams:

"Who sent you? Was it one of my rivals in business?"

I said: No.

"My brothers? For the inheritance?"

I said: No.

And I smiled, wandering the room, playing with his things.

When he was finally done guessing, crying, begging—I told him:

"Your wife. She paid me. She was the one who arranged this... outcome."

I explained—maybe she found out about his constant affairs with the same mistress.

Maybe she got tired of it... or disgusted.

It happened too many times.

I offered him my condolences—purely out of formality—and watched him sob, mucus dripping from his nose, pleading…

But it was pointless.

The price had been paid.

And I... had spent almost all of it already.

I left the house empty, quiet…

No visitors, no servants.

Just one clean stab to the heart—that was all it took.

He passed without any real pain.

An easy death…

Perhaps the easiest thing that ever happened to him.

Maybe—just maybe—he'll think about hell when the old gods decide whether to forgive him…

and maybe, not cheat on his wife the next time around.

"What a night…" I murmured.

The moon was barely visible. Evening had only just settled in.

I thought about having a drink and made my way to my usual bar.

Sat in my usual seat.

I've always hated those customers upstairs—fawning over the prostitutes like they're in some sacred temple…

when they're really just in a filthy pit.

The barkeep handed me my drink, and I downed it fast.

The bitter, strong taste suited me—especially with the rough men talking behind me, a few hunters among them.

"How was the job?" the barkeep asked.

I answered the way I always do:

"A stab to the heart, another to the throat. No one suffered much."

Then I finished my drink.

"Really? Even though that woman only paid half the price?"

He said it while wiping down the glasses.

"The rest comes tomorrow. Once the mess is discovered."

He added my name like a warning:

"Katya… please, don't make this difficult."

I ordered another drink—something bitter and sweet at once.

And then, as always, he started getting soft on me again.

"When are you going to leave this line of work? Why not go back to something that matters?"

"You mean prostitution?" I asked.

He nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes! Just think—how many people would pay to be with you?

You'd make a fortune. That beauty shouldn't go to waste!"

I stared at the half-empty glass…

Then slammed it down and snapped:

"Absolutely not."

My voice rose.

"I've had enough of that life. Two years ago, I walked away—and I'm not going back.

I've got a goal now… something in my head I must finish.

There's no time to lounge around, showing off for guests."

I drew my sharp dagger and, with a single movement, sliced through three glasses in front of him—so fast, he barely noticed.

And I said coldly:

"Don't mess with a B+ ranked huntress.

I'm one of the most dangerous people in The Platinum Keystone."

I finished my drink, paid for the beverages—but not the glasses.

Then, just before I left, I said:

"I have a little brother…

He's been missing for a while.

I need to find him."

And I left the bar.

On my way out, I remembered an old fixer who once gave me a job about a missing child.

A noble's son.

The reward was good… good enough to get up from your chair and go looking.

I had info from someone, who knew someone, who knew someone else…

He wanted a cut of the reward.

But I know how to slip out of deals.

And I will.

The tip was clear:

An abandoned port on the western side of The Platinum Keystone.

I snuck in…

Hoping it would be quiet.

No conflict.

"It was supposed to go smoothly—a quiet, well-orchestrated operation under the watchful eyes of the guards... But all I heard were chaotic shouts, wild swings, and the clatter of utter confusion.

Suddenly, a suspicious yell cut through the noise: "What?! Are they really under attack by a band of hunters?!"

Before the words fully left his mouth, I was already on my feet, darting into the heart of the battle—slipping past men gripping swords and spears.

They advanced in disorder, stumbling over each other, crashing into a tangled heap amid the spark of clashing steel and the thud of blows.

A quick glance revealed the truth: Who were they even attacking?! A figure armored like a true knight! "What in hell's name wears plate armor here?!"

But more importantly—his timing was atrocious. Why show up now to fight the kidnappers and steal my hostage—the one I came to rescue?!

"Damn it!" I spat, cursing him louder.

Then, suddenly... I was locked in combat with him, my daggers meeting his sword with cold precision, sparks flying with each parry.

"Who do you think you are, stealing another's prey, hunter?!" I snarled as the hostage child cowered behind his shield like some clueless hero.

"No reply?! Are you deaf, you fool?!" I roared.

He seemed to try speaking, but his face wrap muffled his voice.

The clash raged on... while the bewildered men around us gaped: Why was a woman this beautiful fighting alongside them?

"I'm here for the hostage alone! Anyone who interferes will regret it! I swear I'll split this meddler in half before he knows what hit him!" I shouted, deflecting his sword as the hostage clung to him—this armored fool playing hero.

This was supposed to be my dance with the kidnappers... but no, they loved butting in!

They swarmed me like flies, barely held back one after another—shoved, slashed, wounded.

Then a barrel-chested man lumbered toward me, heavy as a bear, his sheer mass shadowing the ground.

Me? I'm small, fast—I struck like a viper... but before he noticed, three of his men went flying!

No—it was the knight! He'd intervened, shielding me from their assault!"

"Ugh… we're supposed to be opponents, not allies!"

I yelled at him as I watched him fighting beside me—moving through the chaos, parrying and striking, knocking down the kidnappers like it was just another Tuesday.

He didn't care.

Didn't even glance at me.

Just kept fighting, as if we were comrades.

He even warned me of an ambush from behind…

As if I didn't already know!

"I was going to handle it myself, you idiot!"

I snapped at him, and that helmet of his—gods, it was infuriating just to look at!

The fight dragged on.

The twisted gang of kidnappers scattered after seeing what a B+ ranked huntress like me could do.

Even in victory… I was pissed.

He stole my prize. Took my moment.

Ruined the mission I came for.

Then suddenly—

"Are you alright?"

he asked.

His voice was calm.

Genuine.

A strange kindness in his tone… completely out of place for a man in armor, in the middle of a fight.

I couldn't stay mad.

Not at a voice like that—at least, from what little I could hear of it.

I sheathed my dagger and asked him:

"Who are you?"

He hesitated—of course he did—then replied:

"Just… a hunter. Rank E+, I think. This is my first mission here."

He paused a moment, then added:

"I'm not from The Platinum Keystone.

I followed some clues.

It took me two days to track this hostage down."

I looked at him.

Damn bastard…

He actually worked hard to find the boy.

And I don't like taking credit for someone else's effort.

Even if that someone is a man.

Especially a man who worked honestly… and tried.

I stood, placed a hand on my hip, then said—

with a smug tone I knew all too well in my own voice:

"I'll let it slide this time.

Only because you're new… clueless… and armored in a way that's honestly pitiful.

And this kid... reminds me of someone."

He looked grateful.

And I don't know why… but something in the way he reacted convinced me.

Then he said, suddenly:

"I'll split the reward with you.

Fifty-fifty."

I was stunned.

Then… I laughed.

Truly laughed.

He was dead serious.

And I didn't argue.

I needed the money.

And he… offered it with a sincerity you just can't turn down.

With a smile still on my face, I reached out my hand.

Took his gloved one in mine

and led him down the road toward the nearest hunter's guild…

To claim the reward.

Together.