A jet-black sedan zipped down the road, weaving through traffic with a grace that belied its speed. The hum of the engine barely registered as it maneuvered past slower vehicles, the driver demonstrating a level of expertise that suggested either experience or recklessness—perhaps both.

In the back seat, Cade sat in silence, his posture relaxed, but his mind sharp. His gaze remained fixed on the bright glow of his phone screen, where his bank balance was displayed prominently:

/503 million Jenny.

Converted to US dollars, it amounted to over three million—a considerable fortune. Yet, despite the sheer weight of that number, Cade found himself at a loss regarding how to utilize it.

"So, this is Mr. Ethan’s token of appreciation. A generous one, to be honest. But if he’s investing in me, he has to show this much sincerity."

Cade couldn't deny his admiration for Ethan’s sincerity.

A sum of this magnitude must have put a dent in Ethan’s finances, yet he had still seen fit to reward Cade handsomely. It wasn’t just about money—it was about trust, about belief in Cade’s potential.

His thoughts soon drifted from money to something far more personal—his ability.

Genetic Codex Extraction

Along with his En radius, his ability had undergone a subtle yet meaningful advancement. Previously, he could store six bioserums. Now, that number had increased to seven. It wasn’t a game-changing improvement, but an upgrade nonetheless—one that expanded his tactical options.

After a brief phone conversation with Ethan regarding the briefcase, Cade had headed straight to the bartender Ethan had mentioned—Jesuit Laurent, a middle-aged, sharp-eyed man who carried himself with an air of professionalism.

Laurent treated Cade with an unusual level of respect, which Cade simply attributed to Ethan’s influence. After handing over the briefcase and exchanging contact information, Cade took his leave, wasting no time in moving on to his next task.

His next stop was a nearby zoo attraction, where he restocked his supply of bioserums, carefully selecting his next batch of genetic enhancements.

"It's a shame I couldn’t find any Zilara lizards," Cade lamented. "No matter. After using one unit to heal my shattered arm, I still have two left."

At present, Cade possesses seven bioserum units:

Regeneration Bioserum – 2 units

Strength Bioserum – 2 units

Agility Bioserum – 1 unit

Vision Bioserum – 1 unit

For the sake of convenience, he had simplified their names. The Strength Bioserum came from gorillas, the Agility Bioserum from wolves, and the Vision Bioserum from a falcon. The precise composition and effects varied depending on the source, but Cade was still in the experimental phase, refining his understanding of what genetic enhancements were most viable.

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He had chosen gorillas for muscle strength after realizing their raw power—freakishly strong creatures capable of lifting ten times their body weight. Wolves provided an unparalleled blend of agility and endurance, while falcons enhanced vision beyond what human eyes could ever achieve.

As he counted his stock, his thoughts drifted toward his impending visit to the Zoldyck estate—a place known to all, feared by most and respected by those who truly understood its history.

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Zoldyck Estate – The World's Most Renowned Assassination Family

Zeno Zoldyck, Milluki’s grandfather and Silva Zoldyck’s father figure, sat on a high-quality polished sofa, his legs crossed in an air of casual authority. Despite his advancing years, there was a sharpness to him, an aura that radiated experience, wisdom, and—above all else—danger. In his aged yet steady hand, he held a fine jade teacup, sipping slowly, savoring the aroma of the tea, a subtle pleasure amidst the weight of his responsibilities.

"Milluki, my grandson, completed a job? That’s rather surprising news you’re bringing me, Gotoh."

Gotoh, the ever-professional and loyal Zoldyck butler, stood stiff as a board—his posture akin to that of a disciplined soldier standing before a commanding general.

But that was simply Gotoh’s nature, precise and unwavering in his dedication to the Zoldyck family.

"To be precise, Master Zeno, it wasn’t an assassination task. Master Milluki assisted a freelancer in tracking down his target."

Gotoh spoke with the utmost clarity, ensuring there was no room for misinterpretation.

Zeno, however, showed no signs of disappointment—far from it. If anything, he seemed rather content with the fact that Milluki had accomplished something, however minor it may have been. It gave him a sliver of hope for the boy’s future.

One of the fundamental pillars of an assassin’s worth was their reputation and what better way to earn a reputation than to accept jobs? As an aged veteran who had long outlived many in his profession, Zeno understood this better than most.

"There is, however, a small condition attached to the payment for the job."

Gotoh’s words cut through Zeno’s quiet contemplation, pulling him back to the matter at hand.

"Oh? I’d like to hear it."

Zeno’s interest was piqued. It wasn’t often that Gotoh, a man as composed as he was, brought up concerns in such a manner.

"As you very well know, Master Zeno, all calls pertaining to assassination missions for the younger members of the family—including Master Milluki—are routed through me before being presented to the head of the family."

Zeno took another leisurely sip of his tea, gesturing for Gotoh to proceed.

"This time, however, a freelancer contacted Master Milluki directly, as if they were already aware of his specialty. Furthermore, after inquiring with Master Milluki, I have learned that this freelancer, at this very moment, is en route to the Zoldyck estate… to hand over the payment personally."

That caught Zeno’s attention.

"The freelancer is coming to ‘hand over the payment personally?’ Tell me, Gotoh—has this ever happened before?"

"Rarely, Master Zeno. I believe it has only occurred a handful of times, such as when we handled the assassination of the Hunter Association Chairman, Isaac Netero, and a select few others who came here in person."

Gotoh’s voice was unwavering, his words precise. He was a master at suppressing emotion, presenting himself more as a calculating machine than a man. Yet, in front of Zeno Zoldyck, his irritation was almost palpable.

To anyone who truly knew him, it was obvious—Gotoh was annoyed that someone had bypassed him to contact the Zoldyck family directly. And now, he was determined to assess whether this individual posed a potential threat.

Zeno, ever perceptive, was well aware of Gotoh’s protective nature when it came to the Zoldyck household. He thought for a moment before issuing his decision.

"Allow this ‘freelancer’ to meet Milluki—but only after they have passed through the Testing Gate and proven themselves worthy of setting foot inside the Zoldyck estate."

"Understood, Master Zeno."

Gotoh adjusted his glasses slightly, acknowledging the order.

Meanwhile, as Cade made his way toward the Zoldyck estate, he remained utterly unaware of the ordeal awaiting him.