Born in Blood

Hearing those words, Liam nearly laughed. 

A CEO of a renowned organization hiring an assassin to eliminate a rival competitor? 

…Who could have seen that coming?

In short, the Nautilus Oceanique Company Limited was no doubt a good idea.

It was the perfect example of selling water to a thirsty man in the desert. 

However, the first person to invent something often had the most copycats. 

Although they weren't as renowned and authentic as the original thing, if backed by a powerful individual, could result in the opposite. 

Unfair as it might be, that was the way business went. 

The ocean was a dangerous place. 

By growing a protection service like Bill did, there had to be intricate planning and exceptional leadership involved.

And Bill fit… the bill.

At the same time, there was something off with Bill's request.

Why would he need Liam to kill someone for him when he was already a Rank 5 Zenith?

Even his riding beast was a peak Rank 5 kraken!

Did Liam's infamy and reputation outgrow his actual strength? 

…Propaganda was indeed a terrifying tool.

"Wait, don't give me an answer yet," Bill said, raising a hand and sighing. "Sorry. I'm no murderer or anything… and I'm not saying you are, either, ha ha…"

Liam raised a suspicious brow.

Bill coughed into his fist and smiled wryly.

"Why can't you just deal with it yourself?" Liam asked. "It's not like you're unable."

Bill shook his head. It seemed like the history between humans and fish-kind was much more complicated than that.

"If Aquafina Global turns out to be run by a sapient sea creature after I eliminate them, then I can bid farewell to my entire business," Bill explained. 

"No one will trust me anymore. I've reached where I am because of the trust I've built with them. They like me. Somewhat… I think."

Liam hummed to himself.

This situation was indeed complicated. 

"In the first place, I'm not actually telling you to kill anyone," Bill reassured with an awkward chuckle. 

"That's… more like a last resort sort of thing. This requires delicacy."

A fragile silence hung over the air. Liam remained silent. 

"Tell you what," Bill said, taking out a blue Jade from his ring. "Why don't you think it over? My door's always open. Being an Oceanor is way more fun than you think."

Bill winked again, but all Liam felt was annoyance. 

Nodding, Liam took out his own Jade and tapped against the CEO's, saving his contact.

"There we go. We're officially friends, you and I!" the CEO said with a broad smile. "A pleasure speaking with you, friend."

"Likewise," Liam responded with a smile. 'Not really.'

The talk was finally over. 

Liam rose to his feet and bid the man adieu, taking out his stopwatch and assessing the time as he walked away. 

***

Liam went through a series of floors following his chat with Bill McGill, which nothing too drastic came out of. 

He went through the renowned Dragon Wars fighting pit, which was just a massive colosseum but for magical beasts to duel one another. 

The previous Liam would have enjoyed the sight for a simple reason.

Because it was a showcase of power and might.

The blows being exchanged were enough to incinerate entire cities to ash.

And yet, the current Liam enjoyed the scene because of the pain both sides were going through.

They were ripping each other apart ferociously, and Liam loved every second of it.

After that, Liam entered the Racing Game and came in third out of a hundred.

During the Racing Game, you could only use your speed-based abilities.

The Formations around could figure out if you were using anything that was contrary to that.

So, strengthening your legs was not allowed.

Only speed. 

But coming third was nothing. 

Losing wasn't in Liam's dictionary! 

Thus, he entered the Racing Game again.

And he came in fifth.

So he entered once more.

And came second.

After six races, Liam just called it quits. 

He kept losing to a speedster called the Red Flash, who had a severely annoying smirk each time he won. 

He wore a yellow skinsuit with bolts of lightning painted on its surface. 

Despite his idiotic appearance, Liam couldn't beat him, even though both parties were roughly nerfed to the same level.

The man's element was literally lightning, and all his powers were based around speed and agility. 

The Red Flash was associated with the Echorians.

Some new celebrity.

'So the Echorians are here?' Liam thought after leaving the Racing Game. He didn't win any race.

'That means they're probably here.'

Liam grinned. 

'I'll probably meet them. If they're important enough, of course.' 

Just then, two familiar figures appeared on the same floor Liam was on.

The first was a beautiful violet haired woman wearing a long overcoat. She had purple eyes, the iris of which was vertical.

The second was a handsome, red-haired man with a rigid build and wise features. His vermillion irises seemed to have a profound light in them.

Of course, these two were none other than Rin and Nord.

Groups of people flocked to them almost instantly, swarming them in a stream of unending questions.

But, wasn't Liam equally famous?

Yes.

But for different things.

Liam was famous for murder.

Nord was famous for being the Giant's heir.

And Rin was famous for being an incredible forgemaster and fighter.

Nord had a ruby ribbon.

And… strangely, Rin had a crystal!

That was strange.

Liam chuckled to himself.

The two didn't notice him, but Liam was out of there. 

He wasn't about to hear another hypocritical speech about his morality by an idiot.

He was treading through yet another tunnel, intending to head to the peak, when a figure appeared beside Liam.

"Truth or dare?"

A quiet, slightly melodious voice belonging to a middle-aged man whispered to his side. 

Annoyed, Liam looked to his side…

...and the most breathtaking pair of eyes met his gaze. 

It was as though the two irises consisted of thousands of little cogs made from a priceless sapphire, functioning in hypnotizing harmony. 

This was no doubt a powerhouse, and the crystal ribbon on the man's wrist was more than enough proof.