" Hey, are you paying attention to me?"
Kenshin asked while snapping his fingers in Zeke's face.
"Yah, I hear you loud and clear."
Zeke responded after deactivating his Mind's Eye, witnessing the blood bath that just ensued from a great distance. He nodded in satisfaction at his handiwork, catching 711 off guard earlier when she was doing her rounds, securing the perimeter. Zeke initiated the illusory technique Mind Weaver.
This ability allows the user to plant a main directive followed by multiple scenarios that the possessed could enact if presented. Giving her the command to assassinate 701, there were different possibilities. Triggering her will to kill, while covering for the unexpected. He even planted another script where 701 would be murdered while he was asleep.
Focusing back on Kenshin, Zeke spoke, unleashing two corpses from his spatial pouch while taking their numbered badge.
" By the way, are any of these guys your target?"
" Jeez, I see you've been busy, but no, these unlucky fellows don't fit the bill."
Kenshin answered as both of them informed each other of their day. Kenshin explained how there were no problems that arose when following Liz. At this moment, she stayed on the second floor of this hotel, as they were on the third floor. They decided to alternate shifts, assuring her well-being, while the other would find the opportunity to eliminate their targets.
Ending their conversation for the night. Before Kenshin left for his room, next door. Zeke gave him a new outfit he bought, with the intention of not standing out like a sore thumb in yellow. Alone, Zeke sat in a cross-legged position as he activated Demon's Breath. Draining the deceased's blood essence into internal energy. He felt his power increase slightly.
' Tsk, these Stage 1 disciples aren't enough on breaking through to Grandmaster.'
Zeke clicked his tongue. Transporting the dried corpses back into the spatial pouch. He then activated Mind's Eye, keeping vigilant for any would-be intruders, without rest this night.
....
Two weeks came and went. Outside, Zeke could be seen walking the bright streets in a blue Gi and a straw hat while babysitting Liz from afar. In this period, having dealt with his first victim last week, Kenshin was preoccupied with attempting to assassinate his final mark.
On the other hand, Zeke had no luck spotting 444. It was like he never existed, showing no signs or clues to his whereabouts. However, that didn't mean Zeke had no action come his way these past weeks. Being an exception to the rule, having more than one pursuer to worry about. Including two who tried to assassinate Liz. His kill count had now exceeded thirty by those tempted by his demise, bringing favor and rewards onto them.
'Man, if I were only more proficient in the Face Mask ability. I wouldn't have to deal with all these misguided brats.'
Known as a jack of all trades in the martial world, Zeke could skillfully execute different elements and categories of techniques. However, his arsenal was limited at the moment, being at a lower stage.
Even though the constant attempts became a bother, they didn't come without benefits. Thanks to the Demon's Breath technique, he was able to become a Stage 2 Grandmaster Rank. Burying his sentiment, when using their deaths for his gain. He didn't take any solace in murdering the young. Killing by the hundreds in his previous life, they were all adults, compared to these teenagers.
Harboring deep guilt and resentment against his current misdeeds didn't stop Zeke from tying up any loose ends. Not in a position to account for any unforeseen variables that could come back and bite him on the ass. He was reminded that his actions were never those of a saint or hero. Painfully aware of his hypocrisy. His principles on life had been morphed into survival of the fittest, while persevering at all costs.
Meanwhile, amongst a crowd of people going about their day, Liz clumsily bumped into a passerby as she fell.
" Hey, watch where you're going!"
"I'm sorry!"
Liz frantically apologized to the young man, who was built like a brick wall. Witnessing her seemingly in distress. Zeke stayed off to the side, familiar with this particular scene.
'You sly little devil, I guess this unsuspecting lad will be your last assassination for this trial.'
Observing her for weeks, Zeke had become accustomed to her daily routine. Finding himself on duty when Liz assassinated her first target. Using the same ploy, she pretended that her poor coordination was the cause of an accident. Injecting a thin, slow-acting, poisonous needle when making initial contact. Liz would then offer forgiveness before parting ways as if nothing had happened.
The poison she used would kill them in their sleep from a lack of oxygen being supplied. Then Liz would sneak into their room to retrieve the badge, like previously. A crude but effective plan that was running its course now, until someone else entered the fray.
" No worries. If anything, my brutish companion should be the one apologizing for taking up so much space."
A male being around 15 years old, 179cm tall, with flowing black hair and dark eyes. Wearing a green robe, he extended her a helping hand from the ground.
' That elusive kid finally decided to reveal himself.'
Zeke thought, recognizing him to be no other than number 444.
" Thank you."
Liz said after getting helped to her feet.
" Don't mention it. Besides, like I mentioned before, my friend was in the wrong here, which makes me just as liable. So, how about I offer you some fine dining as a token of my forgiveness? I know a great place."
444 suggested with an endearing smile while Liz tried to remove herself from this awkward situation.
" No, that's alright. I've taken enough of your guys' time."
" Come, I insisted, it'll be all on me, and not to be rude, but it looks like you could use a good meal."
444 pointed out, glancing at her sunken cheeks. Zeke agreed with his observation, having firsthand knowledge of Liz's eating habits. Everyone in Unit 1 was given a set allowance, included in their spatial pouch. Zeke avoided the stress of low funds by pickpocketing his victims' belongings. She spent the majority of her expenses on securing her room for the month. Liz was forced to live on a loaf of bread and some water daily.
" Hey, what makes you say that..."
Liz tried to refute, but her loud grumbling stomach sealed the nail in the coffin.
" Well, since you're offering."
She laughed in embarrassment while scratching at her red hair, as 444 didn't seem to mind Liz's sudden change of heart.
" Good! Allow me to lead the way."
Moving on, Zeke followed in pursuit.
...
After a short while, they arrived at a restaurant that was almost at full capacity, called " Heaven in Hell". Zeke was able to grab a table on the 2nd floor undetected, carefully observing Liz, 444, and his friend. Being on the bottom floor, each person perused the menu of all its delectables.
" Gosh, this is amazing!"
Liz exclaimed, simultaneously looking at all the choices while sneaking a peek at the mouth-watering feast that was being served at a nearby table.
" I'm glad you're pleased, just wait until you get a bite."
They exchanged small talk until the waitress brought a pot of oolong tea while taking their orders. She soon returned to the kitchen.
"Thirsty?"
444 asked while pouring himself a drink as Liz shook her head yes.
"Well, allow me to pour it for you."
Pouring her some tea into her empty glass, he suddenly felt a heavy force out of nowhere twist his wrist.
"00!"
Liz shouted in surprise as Zeke appeared out of the blue.
" Oh, might this be a jealous boyfriend?"
" No, but you can consider me as an overprotective brother, though."
Zeke replied, disgruntled as he immediately took action. Noticing the subtle killing intent that leaked out from him directed towards Liz just now. While his ally became enraged, rising from his seat, knocking the chair over in the process. However, 444 waved him off with his free hand.
"00 why are you doing this?"
Ignoring her question for the moment, Zeke forcefully flipped 444, palm upward.
" Explain this."
Zeke said in a domineering tone. Pointing out an inconspicuous prick on his right index finger, pronounced it by the small smudge of dried blood left behind. Reading up on the information that Master Lee added about 444 origins. He already knew what this meant.
" Hmm, who knows, but last time I checked, accidentally hurting myself shouldn't be a stranger concern."
" It does when you attempt to slip poison into my sister's drink, using your trifling blood."
" What?"
Liz expressed, caught off guard by the whole affair.
" Well, look at here, it appears we have a regular old detective in our midst. Now I've been more than patient, but if you don't let go of me this instance, things are bound to turn very ugly."
444 threatened, dropping the kind gentleman persona. Zeke knew this situation would be best handled at a later time. Drawing unwanted attention to himself. He reluctantly released his wrist to make a tactful retreat.
Soon after, a blade sharply shot from 444's shadow, attempting to slice Zeke's neck as he barely dodged the surprise attack by a hair's breadth. Leaving a shallow cut as he lunged backwards with Liz in his arms. Causing a commotion, all eyes were now on them with various expressions.
" I tried to warn you, but it's too late now!"
Suddenly, all forms of natural color became non-existent in "Heaven in Hell" as the patrons and anything inside became a faded grey. With this weird phenomenon, Instructor Fox finally revealed himself, rising from 444's shadow.
" Die!"
Fox yelled as a storm of shuriken rained down, ransacking the place and everyone in attendance.