Kingdom of Power
John and Luna were walking through a narrow street in search of Commander Miyamoto.
Luna looked around in confusion and asked, "Where are we going in this street?"
John replied, "Before searching for Miyamoto, I have to find a person who can help us find him."
Luna frowned. "But why are we going through this narrow street? I didn't think anyone could live in such a disgusting place."
John felt annoyed and said, "For now, just follow me and don't ask any questions."
Suddenly, an anonymous person shot two arrows toward John and Luna. John swiftly dodged one arrow, while Luna caught the other with one hand.
The anonymous man, whose face was hidden behind a Joker mask, approached John and said, "Why are you here now, Code Number 303?"
John smiled and replied, "So this is how you treat me now, my old partner? Or should I say, Code 364?"
Luna crushed the arrow in her hand and asked John, "Who is that person? Do you know him?"
John nodded.
"Yes, I know him. He was my old partner. When I was in my prime, he worked under me as my junior. His real name is—"
The masked man immediately interrupted him.
"Stop. Don't even try to say my name with your tongue. To you, I am Code 364. Now tell me, why are you here? Did you forget that you were the one who left the PSAO? Then why have you returned?"
John answered calmly, "I want to meet the Boss."
Code 364 replied angrily, "The Boss doesn't want to meet you. Go and serve your king. There is no place for you here anymore."
John crossed his arms.
"You don't have the authority to decide that. It is the Boss's decision whether to allow me in or not. So, for now, just tell me where the door is."
Code 364 smirked.
"And what if I don't tell you?"
John smiled.
"Don't forget that I still possess the Golden Employee Card of the PSAO. With that card, I can enter any PSAO department. So, if you're satisfied now, open the door."
After that, John, Luna, and Code 364 walked to the end of the street.
Luna looked around and asked, "The street ends here. Where do we go now?"
John simply replied, "Just wait and see."
Code 364 pressed several bricks in the wall. Suddenly, the wall shifted and transformed into a hidden door.
He opened it, and both John and Luna stepped inside.
Inside, there was a large hall filled with people sitting around tables, eating meals and drinking together. It looked more like a tavern than a secret assassin organization.
John and Luna walked toward the reception desk.
A young woman turned toward them and said, "What would you like to ord—"
She suddenly recognized John's face and froze in shock.
Accidentally biting her tongue, she stammered, "If I'm not mistaken... you're the famous Code 303?"
John smiled politely.
"Yes, you're not wrong."
The receptionist quickly straightened herself.
"What would you like, sir? Don't tell me you've come back to rejoin the PSAO."
John laughed.
"No, no. I just want to meet the Boss. Could you please inform her that I've come? Also, give her this."
He handed her a small box.
Afterward, John and Luna sat at a nearby table and ordered drinks while waiting.
Fifteen minutes later, the receptionist returned.
"The Boss wishes to see you. Please go upstairs to Room Number 75."
John and Luna made their way upstairs and entered Room 75.
Inside, an old woman, nearly eighty years old, sat comfortably in a chair waiting for them.
After seeing her, Luna quietly whispered to John, "Is she really the Boss?"
John replied softly, "Don't underestimate her, Luna. Even at her age, she could kill both of us within five to ten seconds."
The old woman smiled.
"Oh, John. So you still remember me. Come, come. Have a seat."
John and Luna sat across from her.
John asked, "Did you like the gift?"
The old woman laughed and opened the small box.
Inside was a beautiful diamond dagger.
She lifted it and admired its shine.
"It's beautiful, sharp, and elegant. I like this gift."
Then she looked toward Luna.
"So, who is this young girl with you?"
John replied, "Her name is Luna. She is my master's friend and Commander Vikram's brilliant student."
The old woman carefully observed Luna's face.
So she is the one who possesses that power...
She then introduced herself.
"My name is Visha, and I am the current Boss of the PSAO."
Luna hesitated before asking, "I know it may not be important, but I don't know what the PSAO actually is. Could you explain it to me?"
Visha laughed.
"So John never told you? Very well. Let me explain."
She leaned back in her chair.
"PSAO stands for Problem Solving Assassin Organization."
"Our organization accepts contracts to solve people's problems, and sometimes those solutions involve assassination."
"For example, many nobles have two sons and cannot decide how to divide their wealth equally. One son pays us, and we eliminate the other. That is only one example."
"There are many kinds of disputes—land disputes, money disputes, relationship betrayals, and even cases where people want their own relatives dead for inheritance."
She paused.
"However, it's not as if we only do evil."
"Many nobles abuse their power. Some rape commoner girls and kill them afterward. In such cases, we eliminate those nobles free of charge and provide jobs and protection for the victims."
She pointed toward the reception area.
"The receptionist downstairs is one such girl."
Visha smiled.
"So now I believe you understand what kind of work we do, my dear."
Then she turned toward John.
"But enough about that. Tell me, why have you come here?"
John became serious.
"As you know, the Queen wishes to replace King Ashoka and place Tangen, the first son of King Rajendra, on the throne."
"To help my master, I need to find Commander Miyamoto. Unfortunately, I cannot locate him alone within the limited time I have."
Visha nodded.
"So you want the help of the PSAO. Correct?"
"Yes."
Visha sighed.
"John, you know our organization does not serve any king or royal family. I cannot involve the PSAO in political matters."
"And even if we helped you, I doubt your king would allow our organization to continue operating afterward."
John lowered his head slightly.
"Please, Boss. I need your help."
"I have completed countless missions for my master, but this time I cannot find Miyamoto quickly enough."
"I promise that my master will not interfere with this organization."
"In fact, I believe he may even desire the power that this organization possesses."
Visha laughed softly.
"John, I think you truly care about your new master."
"I've never seen you speak this passionately before."
"Still, I cannot risk my entire organization for such a reason."
"Give me a solid reason why your master—or rather King Ashoka—would tolerate the PSAO."
John's expression became completely serious.
"I understand my master's ambitions better now."
"He desires an army of assassins."
"At first, I wasn't certain, which is why I never told him about this organization."
"But now I believe the time has come."
"He wishes to conquer the world."
"To achieve that goal, he must eliminate enemies not only on the battlefield but beyond it as well."
"If I had told him about the PSAO earlier, perhaps this day would have arrived much sooner."
Visha remained silent for several moments.
Finally, she smiled.
"John, you have truly changed."
"Very well. I believe your words."
"Not because I trust your king, but because you are my most brilliant student."
She pointed toward the door.
"Go. Take as many assassins as you need from this organization."
"I don't believe anyone will dare oppose you."
John grinned.
"Except him."
"Code 364."
Visha chuckled.
"Yes, Code 364."
"He is still furious because you left without telling him."
"But I'm sure you can convince him."
John nodded.
Soon afterward, he and Luna left the room to continue their search for Miyamoto.
The room became silent.
Visha looked down at the diamond dagger in her hand.
Holding it carefully, she spoke with curiosity.
"So, you are still alive, Luna..."
A mysterious smile appeared on her face.
"Or should I say..."
"Princess?"