Chapter 27 – Consequences of Failure
THE DAY BEFORE THE PEACEFUL DAY AT SCHOOL
The dimly lit room was cold and sterile, filled only by the sharp hum of machinery. The Black Veil's hidden fortress loomed, its walls as cold and unfeeling as the figures within it. Two masked assassins stood before the Vice Commander, their hands bound, shoulders hunched in a mix of fear and frustration.
A tall, imposing figure stood before them, his face obscured by a mask of cruel black metal, only his eyes visible—burning with anger. The Vice Commander slowly paced back and forth, his boots echoing with each step.
"You're late," he said, his voice calm but dripping with menace. "And now you tell me you were bested... by children."
The assassins exchanged uncomfortable glances, their voices faltering. "W-We encountered two kids... They—they knocked us out," one stammered.
The Vice Commander stopped and slowly turned to face them, the silence thick enough to suffocate. His eyes narrowed, studying them as if they were nothing more than insects to be crushed beneath his boot.
"Hilarious," he said, his voice smooth but laced with disdain. even if you're last ranked, beaten by children? You've brought shame to the black veil.
He stalked closer, towering over them. The two assassins stiffened, their knees almost buckling under the pressure.
"You were given a time to return, yet you came back hours late—and worse, beaten by kids." the Vice Commander continued, his voice like a whisper in the cold air. "And there are consequences for failure in the Black Veil. You know the rule: failure is punished with death."
The assassins were silent, sweat beading on their brows. They could feel the weight of his gaze, each word heavier than the last.
"Now," he said, his tone sharpening, "as punishment, I want your heads." He leaned in, his breath cold against their faces. "Bring them to me.their heads that is. If you fail to do so... well..."
The threat hung in the air like a guillotine, poised to fall.
"If you fail ," the Vice Commander whispered, "I'll personally ensure you lose yours."
The assassins' eyes widened, fear flickering in their chests. "Please... no... we'll—"
"No," he interrupted, his voice suddenly thunderous, his hand coming down hard on the desk beside him. "You'll bring me their heads. If not, don't bother showing your faces again."
He straightened, turning his back on them as he moved to the window, gazing out at the cold expanse of the Black Veil compound.
"You have one hour," he said, his back still turned. "Fail me, and I'll make sure you regret it. Now go."
The assassins, defeated but with a semblance of fear-driven determination, turned and left the room in a hurry, the door slamming shut behind them.
The Vice Commander remained, his hand resting on the window sill, his fingers twitching as he awaited the inevitable.
"Children, huh?" he muttered, almost to himself. "
We'll see how long their luck lasts."
Later That Evening...
The moonlight painted silver lines across the rooftops as two shadows darted silently through the city. The two assassins moved like ghosts, driven by fear and fury—each leap laced with the desperation of a final chance. Their orders were clear. Bring back the heads… or lose their own.
Below, the streets were quiet. School had ended hours ago, and most students had gone home. But not Liam and Kaela. The two had taken a longer route—back through the alley near the old gym building. A place no one usually passed after dusk.
Perfect for an ambush.
As they walked, a hush fell over the narrow street. Kaela slowed her steps. "Feel that?"
Liam's eyes narrowed. "Yeah. We're not alone."
A blur dropped from above—followed by another. Twin figures landed with precision, the impact cracking the concrete. Cloaks fluttered, revealing the same obsidian masks and stitched insignias Kaela would never forget.
"You've got to be kidding," she muttered. "Already?"
The assassins didn't speak. They only stood, silent and poised, blades drawn and dripping with killing intent.
Kaela cracked her neck. "So... you came back for round two? Still haven't learned your lesson?"
One of the masked figures tensed but said nothing.
Liam stepped forward calmly, hands in his pockets, his voice low and cool.
"I thought you'd take at least a week to show up again," he said. "But here you are. Early."
Kaela rolled her eyes, glancing at him. "You always talk like you're reading from a movie script."
The assassins charged.
Kaela reacted instantly, sliding low to the ground and sweeping a leg, knocking one of them off balance. Liam stepped forward, catching the other's blade with his forearm guard, then countering with a sharp palm strike that sent the attacker skidding back.
They were faster this time.
More ruthless.
No hesitation.
Blades clashed against aether-forged will. Sparks lit the air. Liam ducked under a spinning kick and drove an elbow into one attacker's side. Kaela flipped backward, avoiding a sweeping slash, then taunted, "You guys sure have guts coming back for a second helping. Want dessert too?"
The masked assassin growled, lunging again.
But this time, Liam and Kaela moved with unity—synchronized from the previous battle. Kaela slammed her foot into one's chest, sending them reeling into Liam's path. He didn't hesitate. A sharp twist, a strike to the neck, and the assassin hit the ground with a thud.
The second one hesitated now—breathing hard, stance faltering.
Liam tilted his head. "Still want to continue?"