Ethan's office was a snug, dimly lit chamber where the thick haze of cigar smoke danced in the air, weaving through the gleam of meticulously polished mahogany furniture.

The room exuded an air of mystery and old-world charm, with a faint scent of leather-bound books and aged whiskey lingering in the atmosphere.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he lit another cigar. The sharp snap of the lighter echoed in the room, cutting through the silence. The smoke curled around his face, softening the sharpness of his features. His tone was cold, direct, almost mocking.

“So, you’re telling me the boy beat you up? Aren’t you ashamed, Cormac? Should I hire the boy instead of you?” He exhaled slowly, the smoke spiraling lazily toward the dim ceiling.

Cormac, leaning against the wall casually, shrugged off the taunt.

His eyes flicked to Cade briefly before he replied, his voice unbothered. “Come on now, boss. I’ll admit, the kid’s got talent, and he got the better of me this time. But I was just testing the waters. If it had been life or death, things would’ve gone differently.”

Ethan straightened in his chair, his expression sharpening as he dismissed the excuse with a wave.

“Excuses.” Then, turning his attention to Cade, he offered a smile, leaning forward slightly. “Anyway, Mr. Cade, let me formally introduce myself. The name’s Ethan Ryder, but most people know me as ‘The Contractor.’ I’ve got connections—some of them with people who pull the strings at the top. I’m the middleman. I hire individuals like you to handle jobs no one else can.”

As Ethan spoke, Cade remained silent, his expression unreadable, though his mind churned with thoughts.

'Ethan Ryder... A name that gets no mention in the anime timeline. That can only mean one of two things: he’s either dead by next year or has gone into hiding. A guy this well-connected wouldn’t disappear quietly, so death seems more likely. Should I step in and change things? Or let events play out?'

“I want to hear about the job,” Cade said, his voice cutting through his own thoughts.

Ethan nodded, taking another slow drag from his cigar.

“Sure. The job’s a bit delicate. I keep records—video files, documents—of my dealings with certain... prominent individuals. For my own safety, you understand. Someone stole one of those files.” His tone darkened slightly, the faintest edge of irritation breaking through his otherwise composed demeanor.

“I want you to retrieve it.”

“What’s on the file?” Cade’s question was blunt, and his unwavering gaze caused Ethan’s calm exterior to falter for a split second.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“That’s... complicated,” Ethan admitted, shifting slightly in his seat.

“Just know this: if the contents go public, it’ll ruin me. Worse, it’ll damage my employer’s reputation. That’s bad news all around.”

“So, your employer doesn’t know you’ve kept a copy of his dealings?” Cade pressed.

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his slicked-back hair. “No. He has no idea.”

'So that’s how it is, Cade mused internally. Ethan’s paying me out of his own pocket to clean up his mess. In the original timeline, this file must’ve been leaked, leading to his downfall. If I’m going to step in and save him, I might as well make it worth my while.'

“You’re saying that retrieving this file will save your life?” Cade asked his tone even.

“You could put it that way,” Ethan admitted cautiously.

“Then I’m afraid two hundred million isn’t enough,” Cade said firmly. “I’ll also need a favor.”

Ethan’s brows furrowed as he studied Cade’s face, weighing his options. After a moment, he gestured for Cade to continue. “Speak your mind.”

“I want a meeting with billionaire Mr. Battera. I’m a nobody right now, so if you can arrange that, consider the job done.”

Ethan sat back, his fingers tapping the armrest of his chair. The seconds stretched as he considered the request. Finally, a smile spread across his face. “Pulling strings like that won’t be easy, but... if you get that file back, I’ll make it happen. You have a deal, Mr. Cade.”

The two men shook hands, sealing the agreement. Ethan reached into a drawer and handed Cade a folder. “This has everything you need to know about the target. He's heading toward the Republic of Padokea. Look it over when you have time.”

Ethan’s gaze shifted to Cormac, his tone hardening. “If you need weapons, talk to Cormac. He’s got plenty and won’t mind sharing. Right, Cormac?”

Cormac laughed, pushing off the wall. “Of course of course. Come on, Cade, I’ll show you the good stuff.”

As Cade and Cormac turned to leave, Ethan rose from his seat.

“May luck be in your favor, Mr. Cade,” he called out.

Cade gave a brief nod before following Cormac out of the room.

The door shut behind them, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts and the faint haze of cigar smoke.

Cormac glanced at Cade as they walked down the dimly lit hallway.

" Let's head to my training facility I'll show you my stash. You need to have the best weapons available if you want to deal with this slippery target. Got it?"

Cade smiled and called out to stop Cormac.

Cade raised a hand, signaling for Cormac to stop. “Mr. Cormac, a word,” he said evenly.

Cormac turned, his earlier enthusiasm evident in his raised brow. “Yeah? What’s up?”

“I appreciate the offer,” Cade began, his tone measured, “but I won’t need heavy weaponry. A military-grade knife and an untraceable smartphone will be enough.”

Cormac’s excitement drained instantly, his shoulders sagging as if the energy had been siphoned out of him. “That’s all?” he muttered, almost disappointed. “Alright, no big deal. Just saying—you could’ve gotten more. But hey, it’s your funeral.”

He fell silent for a moment, appearing to reconsider. Then, reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a sleek, well-worn knife. Inspecting it briefly, he held it out to Cade. “Here. Take this.”

Cade hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced at the knife, then at Cormac. “Isn’t this yours?”

Without waiting for further protest, Cormac grabbed Cade’s hand and pressed the knife into his palm. “You’ve earned it. Take it,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Cade paused, unsure for a moment, but eventually closed his fingers around the hilt. He gave a curt nod, understanding that refusing would only prolong the exchange.