~January 2nd, dawn~

Every semi decent assassin knew this fact. That if you want to kill someone in their sleep, do it at dawn. It's literally the hour of assassin.

Why? Well, for one, it's the darkest hour. Two, the victims are locked in their deep sleep. And three, and most importantly, you still have plenty of time to search for valuables after you did the deed.

In the cover of darkness, two figures suddenly appeared just outside the warding spell protecting the octagon bungalow.

The figures, clad in black clothes, with only their eyes shown, observe the spells. One of them took out their sword, and seemingly struck the air.

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Suddenly, an energy shield deflected the slash. The two intruders could see the spell conjured up an energy dome protecting the bungalow.

“Cii, damn Fugio sorcerers!” The person with the sword, a lady by the sound of the voice, grumbled.

The other person, a guy, chuckled. “Hihi, come on. For such a huge price tag, you don't think this job will be easy.”

The lady shot her partner an angry look, before storing her sword away.

These two people are assassins of Alba Stella, a huge trading company willing to buy and sell anything with a demand, as long as their customers can satisfy the price. And since that immoral merchant group is involved, one wonders what they are looking for on this top of Ember Hill.

“Come on, enough playing around already. Let's break in, grab the boy, and go back to collect the reward.” The man said as he produced a vial of dark red liquid, and began writing runes on his forehead and wrists.

The lady did the same as him. “Pfft, you're just excited to go to the brothel.”

“Hahaha, of course.” He shot a teasing smile to the lady. “Although, if you wanted…”

“Fuck off! I'd rather be eaten by those damn chaos beasts!”

“Hahaha…”

Wait a minute, a boy?

There's only one boy inside the octagon bungalow.

Could it be?

Will this be his birthday present?