Calione's Turbulent Evening
The evening at the Calione mansion was even noisier than usual.
"Have you packed all the ammo?!"
"Two crates of anti-Awakener rounds are missing! Grab more!"
"Pile all the gas masks on the right!"
It looked like they were gearing up for war. I watched from the second-floor balcony, letting out a tense sigh.
This was the first overseas assignment my father had ever entrusted to me. And it wasn't some routine job—it was a critical mission against the Villain Union.
How I handled this would drastically affect my standing in the organization.
In other words...
"I have to crush them overwhelmingly and perfectly, mobilizing everything at my disposal."
And all the preparations for that were already complete.
"Young master. It's about time to move out."
Han Seojun had appeared at my side before I knew it, briefing me on the situation below.
"Twelve enforcers from the execution squad, twelve action operatives. All armed and ready, intercontinental teleportation prep complete. Your orders?"
The Calione family's ability to assemble a company-sized elite force and secure intercontinental magic in just one day spoke volumes about their training regimen.
"Assemble them. I'll give a word and then we're off."
"Understood."
Han Seojun vanished on the spot. I started down to the first floor, scanning my surroundings.
"Safe travels, young master."
"""Safe travels, young master."""
The servants bowed in unison at Alesia's lead, like a chorus. The sight made me feel unexpectedly solemn, as if I were a general heading to the battlefield.
"I'll be back."
I passed Alesia, still bowed low, and headed for the entrance. There stood two men by the door.
"Father. Godfather."
My father and the consigliere—the leaders of Calione.
"What did I tell you? That kid isn't tense at all."
"Can't help worrying, though. We have to see him off properly."
From their words, it seemed they'd come out because this was my first overseas op as lead, and they were anxious despite themselves. Softer than usual.
"I'm fine. Ordinary villains would bore me at this point."
"Didn't you hear him, Don? Eugene's more than capable."
"I know. I know, but... while we're still home, let me speak as a father. Once you step out that door, I'll treat you as an enforcer, not my son. But right now... be careful out there."
My father approached slowly, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. I felt strength in his grip, and a warm aura flowing through.
I smiled back in kind.
"Since it's a long trip, I'll make sure our Famiglia is respected and feared even there. Father, Godfather."
They finally nodded. I opened the door and stepped out to find the troops waiting in four ranks.
They wore combat suits made from monster materials—bulletproof with magic resistance. Black gas masks covered their lower faces for any contingencies. A ghostly procession straight out of a nightmare.
THUD!
THUD!
THUD!
THUD!
As I emerged, they stomped in unison, welcoming me in their own way. I raised a hand slightly.
The stomping stopped instantly, like a lie. All twenty-five men eyed me intently—the ones who'd march into hell at my side.
Honestly, I'd agonized over this part. What to say before deployment to boost morale and ease worries?
But the answer was closer than I thought: my track record.
The young master who slayed a dragon on Jeju. The top student at the academy. The newly promoted executive.
To them, I was already someone worth following. So I said what only I could, short and sweet.
"It's the weekend. Let's wrap this up quick and head home. I'm beat."
Because that's all this job amounted to.
"Han Seojun."
"Yes, young master."
"Activate the intercontinental teleport."
"Right away."
I walked to the front of the organization members, glancing at the spatial mages encircling us. Eight of them, summoned just for this.
Vrrrrm—
Purple mana enveloped us, accelerating until it fully isolated us from the surroundings.
The mana density thickened.
"Hand signals. They're counting down."
Han Seojun, my aide for this op, eyed the mages beyond the barrier and began counting.
"5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Teleporting."
A blinding flash filled the air, like a camera going off in my face. Then the nausea and disorientation of spatial shift hit.
No one wavered. Eyes closed, deep breaths, and balance returned.
I turned to check—the others were still recovering, some sitting, others breathing steadily.
"Everyone looks fine. Good."
"As you said, young master—arriving at this hour means it's getting dark."
"Can't fight the time difference. Better to use it."
Korea to Australia: two-hour difference. Evening departure meant nightfall here. And for Calione, night brought fear to enemies and comfort to us.
"Alpha and Beta, head straight to the pre-briefed positions. Gamma and Delta, prep entry with me."
I pulled my gear from the cube, moving out. Silencer-fitted [Al Capone's Tommy]—perfect for outnumbered odds and close-quarters chaos.
"Young master. Alpha and Beta are in position."
Han Seojun fiddled with his earpiece, reporting.
"Entrance?"
"Eight guards. Five heavy-armed, three Awakener-types."
Eight, huh.
"Not bad."
The twelve enforcers fell in behind me, formation tight. Our goal here wasn't capture or conquest—it was annihilation. Instilling terror in those who'd made us enemies.
"100 meters ahead."
"Keep walking. Boldly, like we have nothing to hide."
Sentries lit the perimeter, watchtowers and massive warehouses looming. Guards at the gate.
I slipped in my earpiece, prepping the briefing.
Static—
One shot. Fast and clean.
"Alpha, Beta—drop the canaries before they chirp."
Moments later, bodies tumbled from towers or slumped silently.
Alpha and Beta sniped all eight simultaneously.
"Good work. Form a loose encirclement, then support Gamma and Delta."
Canaries down—now just breach.
"I'll take point. Gamma left, Delta right. Han Seojun, with me center."
"Yes, young master."
I reached for the massive steel door, channeling aura into the lock.
Aura Style Ki-sik.
It glowed red-hot, melting away. I shoved the door open.
"Breach."
The enforcers surged in. All veterans from my execution squad days—they'd seen my moves up close more than anyone.
"Move."
The op proceeded with stealth and precision. Intel pegged the new Aussie outpost boss as a Villain Union mid-executive. He was holed up in the refinery ahead.
"Copy."
Real-time pings guided me. Tommy up, deep breath, round the corner—trigger pull, silence granted.
Teams split four ways, tasks assigned. Overwhelm with Calione gear and manpower—that was peak Calione efficiency.
"Maintain encirclement. Gamma, seize power plant. Beta, follow us."
No Korean outfit could source anti-Awakener heavy sniper rifles or anti-Awakener mana-killer rounds. Only Calione—and maybe the military.
"Alpha, eyes on anything?"
"Alpha snipes the Awakener; Gamma breaches on my mark. No stray shots."
Silence, then...
Plan flawless so far. At the suspected cluster point, I took a deep breath and glanced back.
"Remember: leave one alive. Someone to spread what happens to Calione's enemies."
That was the op's core.
Final barrier ahead. I approached slowly.
"Gamma. Kill power on signal."
Countdown in my head, eyes on the door.
3. 2. 1.
"Let there be darkness."