Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey

Two days later, Friday 5 P.M., end of classes.

All the prepration has been done, there is nothing praipare anymore.

I already talked with Jonathan about this mission and I also have basic plan in my mind how to execute this mission.

That aside, it was pretty hard me to get leave of absence this time with Instructor Lillian.

Of course, it would be pretty hard.

After all Nova doesn't allow it's student to leave Nova Academy and Acadmy city unless something important happened or have vacation.

But somehow I managed to get the leave off absence from Lillian.

It was hard but hard paid it off.

I left the dorm relaxed.

My first destination was Nova's telportaiton Station.

"To Morino."

"Yes, cadet Lucas Darkhart, confirmed. The cost would be 5 million C"

I couldn't help but slightly wince the moment I heard the price.

Regardless you are cadet or not you must pay the price for using telportaiton gate.

I already know that but damn it's still hurt to pay the price, even if it was expected.

I handed over the 5 million C and received the teleportation ticket. The attendant at the station smiled sympathetically as I took it.

"Safe travels, cadet."

With a nod of thanks, I made my way to the teleportation gate. As the magic circle activated, a feeling of weightlessness overtook me, and within moments, the familiar surroundings of Nova Academy vanished, replaced by the bustling city of Morino.

The city was as vibrant as ever, filled with the sounds of busy streets and the glow of neon lights. The air was thick with the scent of food and exhaust, a stark contrast to the clean, controlled environment of the academy.

I took a deep breath, acclimating myself to the new surroundings. Morino was known for its harsh underbelly, a place where the shadow of the Boros Mafia loomed large. It wasn't a city for the faint-hearted, and tonight would be no different.

My first stop was a small, inconspicuous motel where I had booked a room under an alias. It was a safe place to lay low and finalize my plans. I had a few hours before nightfall, time to scout the area and gather any last-minute information.

After checking into the motel, I pulled out my gear—my Nightshadow Bow and the various tools of my trade. I carefully inspected each item, ensuring everything was in working order. The mission would require precision and stealth, and any lapse in my equipment could be fatal.

As evening approached, I began my reconnaissance. I moved through the city with practiced ease, blending into the crowd and avoiding attention.

At the same time I also took out my phone from my Jean's pocket and check through the message that Jonathan had sent me yesterday.

—Yo! Lucas, I told the customer we will be taking this mission.

—You would go to Morino tomorrow. There you would find a woman waiting for you.

—Don't worry she is not our enemy, She is an agent sent by our customer to see how well you execute the mission.

—She will let you know the rest of mission information.

—Good luck and don't fail.

'A woman.'

I wonder who is she? It's been half and hour since I got here and there is still no sign of this 'woman.'

I continued my patrol through Morino, remaining alert for any sign of the woman Jonathan mentioned. The city's chaotic rhythm provided plenty of cover for clandestine meetings. With each passing minute, my anticipation grew.

Finally, as I walked past a dimly lit alley, I spotted a figure waiting by a corner, partially obscured by shadows. She was dressed in dark clothing that blended seamlessly with the environment, and her posture suggested she was experienced in operating under cover.

I approached cautiously, ensuring that I wasn't being followed. As I neared, she looked up, her eyes meeting mine with a calm, assessing gaze.

"Lucas Darkhart?" she asked in a low, steady voice.

"That's me," I confirmed. "Are you the one Jonathan mentioned?"

She nodded. "I'm Mara, the contact sent by our client. I've been briefed on your mission and will be providing you with additional information."

I glanced around, ensuring our conversation remained private. "What do I need to know?"

***

Same dark, dimly lit alley. When I asked about the information, Mara said she would tell me later when we reached our destination.

I needed to know, but it was fine; I could wait another hour or so.

I took out my Celestial Thunderbolt XT-700 superbike from my dimensional storage bracelet.

Yup, when I was returning to Nova Academy from vacation, I decided to bring my superbike with me. I knew it would come in handy in the future, and it did.

Mara seemed surprised by the bike that popped out of nowhere, rubbing her face filled with curiosity.

I asked her, "Did you come to help?"

"No, I won't be helping you," she said, getting on my bike. Standing next to it, I tilted my head.

"...What are you doing?"

"Come, let's go."

"...."

I was a bit dumbfounded, but I got on in front of her and grabbed the handle. Woong—the engine noise was soft.

I left the alley and drove onto the road. I glanced back when I had the chance. Mara's hair fluttered in the wind.

"...Tonight at 9, there is a fellowship party planned in Morino's Boros Mansion," Mara suddenly spoke while we were still driving.

"Your target will serve 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 for your attack."

I carefully listened to Mara's information.

"There is a forest next to the mansion, and inside that forest is an abandoned church. That church's steeple is the perfect high ground to snipe a target."

Hearing that, I immediately turned on the bike's navigation system. I searched for an abandoned church near Boros Mansion, and the navigation outputted one result.

I set that place as my destination and turned the handle. It didn't take long for me to get there. Although the road disappeared in the middle, my bike drove through the forest without problem.

Just as Mara said, there was a church buried inside the forest. I stopped the bike near the church. The dilapidated structure was covered in moss and vines, but climbing to its steeple did seem like it would grant a direct view of the mansion.

I got off the bike and checked the current time.

[8:10 P.M.]

At that moment, Mara suddenly asked, "Can I watch you work? After all, that's one of the reasons I was sent here."

My answer was obvious.

"I'd feel uncomfortable."

"...There's no need to."

Mara grumbled and got off the bike. She was about to leave, but paused, her gaze lingering on the church. "I'll be nearby, observing. If you need anything, you can contact me. But remember, this is your mission."

I nodded, already focused on the task at hand. Mara's presence was unnerving, but I couldn't afford to be distracted. This was a high-stakes job, and the margin for error was nonexistent.

I slung my Nightshadow Bow across my back and made my way toward the church's entrance. The old, creaking door resisted slightly before giving way, revealing the dark, dusty interior. Every step echoed in the emptiness, but it was the silence I needed—a sanctuary to carry out my task.

I climbed the narrow staircase leading to the steeple, each step bringing me closer to my vantage point. As I reached the top, I crouched low, scanning the area around Boros Mansion through my Mana Eyes. The garden was bathed in soft lights, with staff bustling around, setting up for the party.

My target, Roan, would soon be mingling among them, unaware of the death that awaited him. I adjusted my position, carefully setting up the Nightshadow Bow. From this distance, the mansion's garden was well within my effective range. I wouldn't have to get any closer.

I checked my watch—[8:27 P.M.]. I had three minutes before the prime opportunity Mara had mentioned.