Chapter 49: The assassin’s guild

Angelic stood outside the imposing gate of the Conde Mansion, her heart beating steadily as she prepared to face her father. The journey back from Death Island had been grueling, both physically and emotionally. She had emerged stronger, more resilient, and most importantly, more determined than ever to carry out her mission. The training had stripped away any remnants of her former self, leaving behind only the cold, calculated mind of an assassin. But now, she was returning to the place she once called home, to the man who had sent her down this path.

As she entered the grand hall, the familiar scent of old wood and polished marble filled her senses. It was as if nothing had changed, yet everything felt different. Her father, Arnold Conde, was seated in his study, his face expressionless as he watched her approach.

“Angelic,” he greeted her, his voice calm and measured. “I see you’ve returned.”

“Father,” Angelic replied, her tone equally composed. She took a deep breath before continuing. “I’ve come to say goodbye. I need to register with the Assassin’s Guild. It’s the next step in my journey.”
Arnold’s eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained unreadable. “You’ve chosen a dangerous path, Angelic. The guild is not just a network of killers; it’s a world where the line between life and death is razor-thin. Once you enter, there’s no turning back.”

“I’m aware,” Angelic said firmly. “But I’ve made my choice. I will not back down now.”

Arnold studied her for a long moment, as if searching for any signs of hesitation or doubt. When he found none, he nodded. “Very well. But be careful, Angelic. There are forces at play that even you may not be prepared for. I’ve heard that Marcelino has also entered training—this time as a hunter. His skills will make him a formidable opponent, should your paths cross again.”

At the mention of Marcelino, Angelic’s eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—anger, resolve, and a touch of something else she quickly buried. “I’m not surprised,” she replied, her voice cold. “Marcelino has always been a survivor. But so am I. When the time comes, I’ll be ready for him.”

Arnold leaned back in his chair, his gaze unwavering. “Remember, Angelic, you must not let personal feelings cloud your judgment. An assassin must be ruthless, devoid of emotion. Can you truly do that?”
“I have no choice,” Angelic said, her voice barely a whisper. “For the sake of my children, for the vengeance I seek, I will do whatever it takes.”

Arnold nodded again, seemingly satisfied with her answer. “Then go. Register with the guild, but be vigilant. The world you’re entering is treacherous, and even the smallest mistake can be fatal.”
With that, Angelic turned and left the study, her resolve hardening with every step she took. She was no longer the same person who had left this mansion months ago. The training had forged her into something else—something dangerous.

The next day, Angelic found herself standing outside what appeared to be a dilapidated, run-down restaurant on the outskirts of the city. The building was covered in peeling paint, with broken windows and a sagging roof that seemed on the verge of collapse. To any passerby, it would look like an abandoned structure, not worth a second glance. But Angelic knew better. This was the entrance to the hidden Assassin’s Guild, a place where only the most dangerous killers in the world could gain entry.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the creaky door and stepped inside. The interior was as decrepit as the exterior—dusty tables, broken chairs, and a counter that looked like it hadn’t seen a customer in years. The air was thick with the smell of decay and neglect. But Angelic didn’t waver. She knew that the true guild lay far beneath this facade.

She approached the back of the restaurant, where a large man stood guard in front of an old, rusted door. He was massive, with bulging muscles and a scarred face that spoke of countless battles. His eyes were cold, devoid of any warmth or humanity.

“What’s your business here, woman?” he demanded, his voice a low growl. “How did you find this place?”

Without a word, Angelic reached into her coat and pulled out the card of recommendation given to her by Cassandra. She handed it to the guard, who eyed it suspiciously before taking it. He scanned the card with a device attached to his wrist, and after a moment, the device beeped in confirmation. The guard’s demeanor changed instantly—his eyes softened slightly, though his expression remained stern.

“Follow me,” he said, opening the rusted door behind him.

Angelic nodded and followed him down a narrow, dimly lit staircase that seemed to go on forever. The air grew colder and more oppressive as they descended, the sounds of the outside world fading into silence. After what felt like an eternity, they reached the bottom—a large metal door with a keypad beside it. The guard punched in a code, and the door slid open with a hiss, revealing a brightly lit corridor that looked completely out of place compared to the dilapidated restaurant above.

The corridor was pristine, with sleek metal walls and floors that gleamed under the fluorescent lights. It was like stepping into a different world—a world of high technology and hidden dangers. The guard led her down the corridor until they reached a large open space that resembled a futuristic command center. Monitors lined the walls, displaying various data and images, while people in sleek black uniforms moved about with purpose. The air was filled with the hum of machinery and the quiet murmur of voices.

“What’s your business here, woman?” a voice echoed from a shadowy corner of the room. Angelic turned to see a figure emerge from the darkness—a man with a robotic arm and a face partially obscured by a visor. His presence exuded authority and danger.

“I’m here to register as a killer,” Angelic replied, her voice steady and confident.

The man studied her for a moment, his visor glowing faintly as he analyzed her. “You’ve come to the right place,” he finally said. “But we don’t just let anyone in. Place your card on the scanner.”
Angelic did as instructed, laying her recommendation card on a nearby scanner. The device whirred to life, and within seconds, her identity and credentials were displayed on the monitors. The man’s expression didn’t change, but Angelic could sense the shift in the room’s atmosphere.

“So, you’re Cassandra’s student,” the man said, a hint of approval in his voice. “Impressive. But a card won’t guarantee you entry. You’ll need to prove yourself worthy.”
“I’m ready,” Angelic responded without hesitation.

The man nodded and motioned for her to follow. “Come with me.”

He led her to another room, this one filled with various weapons and combat equipment. The walls were lined with racks of guns, knives, and other tools of death. In the center of the room stood a large holographic display, detailing various missions and targets. Angelic’s eyes were drawn to a particular mission—a high-profile assassination that required both precision and brutality.

“This will be your test,” the man said, gesturing to the hologram. “Complete this mission, and you’ll earn your place in the guild. Fail, and you’ll be discarded like the rest.”

Angelic studied the mission details carefully, her mind racing as she formulated a plan. It was a difficult task, but nothing she hadn’t prepared for. She nodded, her resolve unwavering. “I’ll do it.”
The man’s visor glowed brighter as he looked at her, seemingly assessing her determination. “We’ll see,” he said. “Good luck, Angelic. You’ll need it.”

As Angelic left the guild, the weight of the mission settled on her shoulders. This was her chance to prove herself, to cement her place as a professional killer. But it was more than that—it was another step on the path to vengeance, another move in the game that would ultimately lead her to Marcelino and the rest of the celestial families.

She would succeed. She had to.
With a deep breath, Angelic disappeared into the night, ready to embrace the darkness that awaited her.