The Janitor Who Was A Killer

The next day at school, Vardan sat with Mia during lunch. The weight of the black card Oliver had given him rested in his pocket, and his mind buzzed with anticipation.

Mia leaned in, lowering her voice. "So… what's your next move?"

Vardan's eyes narrowed with determination. "I'm going to join the organization." He pulled out the card and placed it on the table between them. The black edges gleamed faintly under the cafeteria lights.

Mia's expression shifted immediately. Her eyes widened as she stared at the card. "Wait… that's an invitation card."

Vardan raised an eyebrow. "Invitation card?"

Mia nodded. "Yeah. These cards aren't handed out to just anyone. Only upper-ranked killers can give them. It means they see potential in you. If you call the number, they'll give you a location." She paused, glancing around the cafeteria nervously. "When you show up, you won't be the only one there. It's like an entrance exam. Around a hundred people usually show up. Only ten make it in."

Vardan held the card a little tighter, processing her words. "So… it's a competition."

"Exactly," Mia confirmed. "And trust me, the ones trying to get in won't hold back. Some of them have been training for years just for this opportunity."

Vardan nodded silently, his grip on the card firm.

That evening, Vardan made his way to Johan's house. The old man sat on his porch, sharpening a worn katana as the sun dipped below the horizon. The air smelled faintly of steel and oil.

"You're late," Johan said without looking up.

Vardan held up the black card. "I got noticed by the organization."

Johan's hands stopped for a brief moment. His eyes finally met Vardan's, and the faintest flicker of concern crossed his face. "So it's begun."

"Yeah," Vardan replied firmly. "I'm ready."

Johan set the katana aside and stood, his gaze heavy. "From this point on, everything changes. The challenges ahead won't be like the ones you've faced before. They'll try to break you—physically and mentally. The organization doesn't need weaklings."

"I know," Vardan said without hesitation. "But I've come this far. I'm not backing down."

Johan studied him carefully for a long moment before nodding approvingly. "Then you'd better survive. I'll be watching."

As the sun disappeared and darkness settled over the city, Vardan felt the weight of what lay ahead—but he was ready for it.