Cross believed he had guessed everything correctly, then suddenly changed the subject: “The man you killed on the rooftop was from an organization called the ‘Brotherhood.’ This organization has existed for thousands of years, training countless experienced assassins, each capable of taking a life with a single strike.”

Duke rolled his eyes and replied, “So I’m in big trouble, huh? I killed one of their members, and not just any member, but a core one who could even curve bullets.”

Cross looked as if to say, “Exactly. You’re in great danger now. They will seek revenge relentlessly until you’re dead.”

Russell’s face showed a wary look, his muscles tensed: “How do you know all this? You seem to know a lot about that organization. Could it be that…”

“Heh, I like talking to smart people. I came to you because I want to team up. Your skills are still rough, but you have the talent to become the best. With some training… And the Brotherhood—they’ll be your greatest enemy from now on…”

Cross went on and on, first praising Russell’s talent, saying he was born to be an assassin, then sharing information about the Brotherhood.

Cross was originally a member of the Brotherhood himself, and at the NO.1 level. The organization used to be lawful, carrying out God’s will by killing scum who threatened society. But the leader, Sloane, couldn’t resist the temptation of money and started faking targets for personal gain, causing the Brotherhood to stray from its original purpose. Cross discovered the conspiracy, but was isolated by Sloane, who even forged Cross’s name onto God’s list.

Russell listened to the whole thing without a flicker of emotion. Having seen the original movie, would he really be surprised?

“I’ll train you, help you realize your potential as soon as possible, and then we’ll strike back at the Brotherhood.” After all the setup, Cross finally stated his purpose: “Trust me, you killed a core member of the Brotherhood. They won’t let this go. You can’t escape—it’s your destiny!”

Faced with Cross’s pressure, Russell didn’t take it to heart. He came to this world to complete a mission. To take on a thousand-year-old organization of deadly assassins? He’d have to be out of his mind.

Besides, even if he didn’t get involved in the demolition of the spinning mill, Cross’s son could handle it. There was even less reason for him to participate!

“Sorry, I refuse, because I hate assassins!”

【Ding! Host has triggered a world mission.】

【World Mission: Destroy the Brotherhood and personally end the leader Sloane!】

【Mission failure: Remain in this world forever, endlessly hunted by the Brotherhood.】

Russell: “……”

What kind of expression should he have now? “It’s so good after all”?

Cross knew things wouldn’t be so easy and began to analyze the pros and cons: “Don’t be so quick to refuse. If you’re worried I’m using you…”

“Stop, I’ve changed my mind. I accept your invitation! Don’t look so surprised—I know you want to use me, but I do need your help. Let’s just say it’s for my own survival.”

Russell’s sudden change of heart left Cross dumbfounded. Just ten seconds ago, he had refused so decisively, leaving no room for negotiation.

Cross did indeed want to use Russell, just as the Brotherhood used Cross’s son. Cross also wanted to recruit Russell as cannon fodder. Facing the behemoth that was the Brotherhood alone, Cross didn’t mind training a talented helper. Besides, Russell was already a hitman for hire, so using him didn’t seem wrong at all.

“Pleasure working with you!”

The two reached out and shook hands. At that moment, the bar’s hanging TV switched to the news channel. The screen was reporting on today’s rooftop murder in the building. Because some big shots had intervened, the truth was suppressed, and the slicked-back man was made out to be an innocent bystander passing through the rooftop. Then, a wanted poster appeared on the screen.

The footage from the elevator was a bit blurry, but on close inspection, it was clearly Russell.

The scene shifted to a senior police officer being interviewed by reporters: “Yes, the case is progressing very smoothly. According to our investigation, we’ve confirmed the criminal is Korean.”

Cross sneered, “That’s Sloane’s doing. All these years, he’s been taking money to kill, and now he’s in bed with politicians!”

Russell put his baseball cap back on and sighed, “Talking about this is pointless. All I know is, I won’t be able to go to Jacky Cheung’s concert.”

…

Half an hour later, Cross drove Russell to a warehouse where the upcoming training would take place. Russell glanced around—an independent, abandoned machine shop, with thick walls for good soundproofing. If he hadn’t seen the light rail earlier, he’d never have guessed this place was just a block from Cross’s old base.

“This place is very safe. As long as we don’t blow anything up, no one will care about the noise. In the coming days, I’ll train you strictly until I’m satisfied with your skills.”

The factory was where Cross practiced himself. As a top assassin, he needed to stay at his peak, so he’d come back here to keep his skills sharp whenever he had time.

Russell quietly took two steps back: “What’s the first step—getting beaten up?”