Zhang Wei moved with a practiced silence, the "Stealth" ability subtly enhancing his movements. He dispatched the two guards with swift, precise strikes, ensuring no unnecessary noise. Chai Lang, following closely, secured the perimeter, his eyes scanning for any additional threats.
"Clean," Zhang Wei murmured, retracting the system's overlay.
They entered Karim Shah's residence – a surprisingly opulent house amidst the dilapidated surroundings. The scent of expensive incense filled the air, a stark contrast to the dust and decay outside. Karim Shah, a middle-aged man with a three-centimeter scar near his right eye, sat behind a large mahogany desk, meticulously examining a map.
"You are Ghost," Karim Shah stated, without looking up. "I've been expecting you."
Zhang Wei didn't bother with pleasantries. "I'm here for the assignments and the deposit we discussed on the phone."
Karim Shah finally looked up, his gaze assessing. "You're direct. I appreciate that. But let's not pretend this is a simple transaction. You're here because you need something I can provide. And I, in turn, need something from you."
He gestured to the map on his desk. "There's a convoy moving through the mountains tomorrow. Heavily guarded. A target of significant interest."
"What's the catch?" Zhang Wei asked, his hand instinctively moving towards the small knife concealed beneath his jacket.
"The catch is, the target is a high-ranking Taliban official. Eliminating him would destabilize the region. Many powerful people would like to see him gone. But they need deniability. You provide that." Karim Shah leaned forward. "You are a ghost, after all."
Zhang Wei considered the offer. It was a lucrative opportunity, offering a substantial amount of Shadow Points and a significant sum of money. But it also carried considerable risk.
[New Mission: Eliminate Taliban Official - Reward: 5000 Shadow Points, $75,000 Deposit. Risk Level: High. Potential Consequences: Significant Political Instability.]
"What's the payment structure?" Zhang Wei asked, stalling for time.
"Fifty thousand dollars upfront, as agreed. The remaining twenty-five thousand upon successful completion of the mission. And a bonus, if you can retrieve a specific document the official carries – a ledger detailing his illicit dealings." Karim Shah smiled, a predatory glint in his eyes. "A little extra incentive."
Chai Lang, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. "What guarantees do we have that you won't betray us once the job is done?"
Karim Shah chuckled. "Guarantees? In this business, my friend, trust is a luxury. However, I value discretion. And I believe a mutually beneficial arrangement is in everyone's best interest." He paused. "Besides, I have a vested interest in your success. Your skills are… impressive. I have other assignments that might suit you in the future."
Zhang Wei weighed his options. He needed the money to escape, and the potential for future assignments was tempting. But he also couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into a trap.
"We accept," Zhang Wei said finally. "But we operate on our own terms. No interference, no double-crossing."
Karim Shah nodded, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Very well. Here's the intelligence you need. Study it carefully. Tomorrow night, you'll be on your own." He slid a file across the desk. "And Ghost… be careful. The shadows are watching."
As Zhang Wei and Chai Lang left Karim Shah's residence, the "Shadow Perception" system flared to life, highlighting several new red dots – individuals who had been observing them from the shadows. The game had begun.