Weeks passed as the Scout dude continued to try to contact his old connections within Series 9. The mercenaries had turned the hangar into their makeshift barracks, where a few arguments erupted with local homeless people and gangs. However, these disputes were quickly managed through a combination of persuasion, understanding, and a touch of intimidation.

Under Furqan's watchful eye, Pann engaged in a series of training sessions. Intellectually, Pann seemed like an ordinary human, but physically, he surpassed everyone around him. Furqan's training brought out Pann's natural instincts and skills, allowing him to tap into his true potential.

Meanwhile, Wanderer grew impatient with the slow progress of the scout. He suspected that the scout might have become blacklisted by the Series 9 brokers. Addressing his lieutenant, he proposed a more aggressive approach. "We already have a clue about the project’s existence. It was Pann himself. There are many green-skinned mutants being sold by them. The fastest way to find a lead is to capture a Series 9 member."

Oboro nodded in agreement, his expression stoic but determined. "Yeah, I think you're right. If we want to find Series 9 quickly, capturing one of their members might be our best option. But we need to be careful. We don't want to get on their radar too early and tip them off to our plans. How do you suggest we go about finding and capturing one of these Series 9 members without attracting too much attention?"

Wanderer shrugged. "We will use the shopkeeper connection—the guy who sold Pann to us. I can make him set up another deal with Series 9. After the deal is made, we can follow the dealer to find clues about their hideout."

Oboro nodded, "Got it. That's a good idea. We can use the shopkeeper as a middleman to set up a deal with Series 9 and then use that as an opportunity to follow him back to their hideout. But we need to be prepared for any surprises. It's possible Series 9 might have their own plans in play, and we don't want to get caught off guard. What's our next step, Wanderer?"

Wanderer frowned. "Just... gun blazing?"

Oboro chuckled. "Well, that's one way to handle it. But I was thinking a bit more subtly. What about using stealth and deception? We could follow the dealer without being detected, and then when we have all the information we need, we strike them all at once. That way, we can minimize casualties among our group and avoid drawing too much attention to ourselves. It's not as exciting as a gunfight, but it gets the job done."

Wanderer pouted. "I’m not an expert on that!"

Oboro laughed again. "No worries, I got you covered. I'm an expert in stealth and infiltration. I've been training in those skills for years. Let me take the lead on this. I can sneak around the dealer and gather the information we need without blowing our cover. You can stand back and provide support if needed. Does that sound like a plan?"

Wanderer raised an eyebrow. "Really? You’re so good by yourself; you almost seem like a one-man army. I wonder why you’re following me."

Oboro tilted his head, his expression serious. "Wanderer, it may seem like I'm a one-man army, but that's just a facade. The truth is, I joined you because I believe in your cause. I've seen what you and your group are capable of, and I know you can make a difference in this world. Your compassion and willingness to help others—that's what makes you a true leader. I couldn't do what I do alone, which is why I choose to follow you."

Wanderer smirked. "So, you follow me, break your neck, and do dangerous jobs because you want my attention? Oho!"

Oboro laughed at the insinuation. "Ha! Don't go spreading rumors about me crushing on you, Wanderer. I follow you because I believe in what you're doing, not because I'm some love-struck puppy. There are plenty of other things that catch my attention, so don’t get too full of yourself."

Wanderer shrugged. "Well, yes, but you don’t even want to raise your profile. Your background is darker than Pann’s. I mean, you’re a walking enigma."

Oboro looked at Wanderer, his expression serious. "Yes, my past is shrouded in darkness, but I'm trying to move forward and leave it behind. I don't want to dwell on the past or let it define me. As for being a walking enigma, well, maybe that's just my charm. Or maybe it's just to keep you on your toes."

Wanderer chuckled. "Alright, enough flirting with me. Tell us about your ninja plan after we find their hideout."

Oboro laughed. "Alright, alright, enough with the charming banter. I didn't know my jokes were that irresistible. But seriously, let's get back to business. After we find their hideout, I suggest we gather intelligence, assess their defenses, and plan a targeted attack. We can use stealthy tactics and strike at the heart of their operation. Do you have any other ideas, Wanderer?"

Wanderer shook his head. "No."

Oboro nodded, his expression serious. "Alright, it's settled then. We'll use stealth and tactical precision to take down the Series 9 members. Let's show them what real mercs are made of."

The night was dark and stormy, the acid rain falling in torrents, blurring the Sin city already distorted skyline. Amidst the chaos, Wanderer's team had rented a small apartment overlooking the street where the shopkeeper was meeting with a group of Series 9 members.

The series 9 people start arrive,a 2 pale skin man, they wearing a yellow striped clothes, their ear is altered, indicating their implant, Shoopkeeper acting if wanna buy another green mutant with ridiculus price for bluff, after meeting with shoopkeeper. The series 9 people go to one street vendor. a noodles restourant.

Wanderer merc who acting as spy ear dropping the conversation, the first guy expressing the how ridiculus shopkeeper offer and mad about it.

While second guy just speaking about slave and woman. Seems unrelated to what they want. Until they finished on their meal . they then start walking toward their hideout. Everyone is wait patiently to where they will lead

As the Series 9 members disappeared into the city's labyrinth of alleys and buildings, Wanderer's team exchanged glances. They had their target. Now it was time to strike

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Oboro pulled his hood tighter, the acid rain stinging his exposed skin. He could taste the metallic tang in the air. With his stealth and infiltration skills, he moved through the rain-soaked streets with ease, following the Series 9 members at a safe distance. The acid rain poured down, but he stayed out of sight, using the city's many hiding spots to his advantage. His eyes were sharp, and his movements were precise, allowing him to navigate the urban landscape undetected.

Wanderer leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on the monitor displaying Oboro's progress. "Let’s see how this dude pulls it off," he muttered, intrigued by the unfolding operation.

Oboro continued to tail the Series 9 members, scanning his surroundings for any potential threats. His reflexes were quick, and he was ready to react at a moment's notice. Suddenly, he spotted a patrol drone hovering just below him while he perched on the ledge of a building. Without hesitation, he drew his silenced pistol and took a shot, disabling the drone before it could leak his position.

Wanderer's team watched closely, their eyes fixed on the disappearing figures of the Series 9 members. The moment had arrived.

As the Series 9 members entered a dimly lit alleyway, The neon signs, usually vibrant and alluring, were dimmed and distorted by the rain. Wanderer gave the signal. His team fanned out, surrounding the alleyway from all sides. With synchronized movements, they emerged from the shadows, weapons drawn. The Series 9 members were caught off guard, Before they could react, Wanderer's team took them out with overwhelming force.

they using tazer and muscle to overpower the two man. Wanderer clapped his hands, watching the mission unfold on the monitor. "Wow... somehow we did it," he said, glancing at Shizuka beside him.

Shizuka turned to him with a grin. "Well, looks like your plan worked out. Good job, Wanderer. Always a pleasure to see you in action."

Later, in the hangar, two Series 9 members were being held captive. their ears still bled from the forceful extraction of their ear implants. Wanderer approached them, his demeanor calm but firm. "Alright... sorry for the inconvenience. I promise this will be over after you guys give me the information I want."

The two Series 9 members looked weak but maintained a cold stare. As Wanderer drew closer, their eyes followed him, but they remained silent, refusing to break.

"Let’s get straight to the point," Wanderer said, his voice steady. "I know you have information that I want. So tell me, who’s your leader, and where’s your hideout?"

The Series 9 members remained defiant,

Wanderer sighed, his mind racing through various types of torture, but he shook his head, calming himself. "Alright... let’s exchange information then."

Series 9 Member 1 scoffed. "And why would we tell you anything? We don’t owe you anything."

Series 9 Member 2 added, "Yeah, this is just the beginning. More of us are coming for you. We’ll make you pay for messing with us."

Wanderer leaned in closer. "Yes, I’m just a goon. There’s something bigger at play here."

Series 9 Member 1 smirked. "You’re just a disposable tool. You mean nothing in the grand scheme of things."

Series 9 Member 2 chimed in, "You’re a pawn in something much bigger. You’ll never understand the true power at play here."

Wanderer raised an eyebrow. "So what do you think? I’ll tell you who my boss is, and you’ll tell me who your boss is. Dogs should help other dogs."

Series 9 Member 2 relented. "Fine, I’ll play along. What do you want to know? I’ll tell you something, you tell me something."

Wanderer smirked. "Yes... who is this Nero dude? The one who can make green mutant people?"

Series 9 Member 1 replied, "Nero is the mastermind behind this whole operation. He created and controls these green mutants. He’s a powerful and ruthless individual who’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goals."

Series 9 Member 2 leaned forward. "Now it’s your turn. Tell me something of value. Don’t try playing games with me."

Wanderer grinned. "Yes, I’m actually from SWAT. The old commander sent me to annihilate you all." He wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

Series 9 Member 1 raised an eyebrow. "So you’re with SWAT, huh? That’s not exactly surprising, given your resources. But if you think you can take us all on, you’re sadly mistaken."

Series 9 Member 2 pressed, "Now stop wasting time and tell me something I actually care about."

Wanderer leaned back. "Oh, yes. But we have a spare nuke from the Great War, and it’s still functional enough to destroy everything you know about this city."

Series 9 Member 1’s eyes widened. "A nuclear warhead? That’s quite a bold claim. But if true, why haven’t you used it against us already?"

Wanderer shrugged. "This green mutant is holding us back from it. That’s why we haven’t used it. Plus, we value human lives. Some people here are still very human to us."

Series 9 Member 1 smirked. "Interesting... So, you value human lives. Do you really care about the wellbeing of humans more than the destruction of mutants? Or are you just afraid of the collateral damage it would cause?"

Wanderer nodded. "Both. So where can I find this Nero dude and his experiments?"

"Fine, I'll give you some information," the Series 9 member said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Nero's main hideout is located deep in the heart of the city. It's heavily guarded and well-hidden through a series of underground tunnels. I can give you some directions to reach it, but be warned, it won't be easy."

Wanderer leaned back in his chair, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Good boy... continue."

"Alright, listen up," the Series 9 member continued, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. "To reach Nero's hideout, you need to find a hidden entrance in a disused military complex located on the outskirts of the city. Once you're inside, follow the tunnels until you find a massive vault door. That's where his main laboratory is. Now it's time for you to return the favor. Tell me something useful."

Wanderer chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Hmh. What? My pantie color? Aahh ahhaa."

The members of Wanderer's team chuckled at his quip, but the Series 9 member remained unfazed. "Ha! Very funny. But now's not the time for jokes. We're dealing with serious matters. Your information has been somewhat helpful, so I'll tell you something that might be of use. Series 9 has a hidden stockpile of advanced weaponry located in a secret underground facility. It's protected by state-of-the-art security systems, but I can provide you with a code to bypass them. With that information, you should be able to locate and destroy this facility, causing a serious blow to Series 9's resources."

Wanderer raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Mm... you know, you speak too much. Do you even have loyalty?"

"Loyalty? Ha! Loyalty is for fools," the Series 9 member sneered. "I'm just giving you information to get what I want. In this world, alliances shift like the sand in a storm. No one is truly loyal to anyone except themselves. And if you believe otherwise, well, you're just naive."

Wanderer shrugged. "Well, alright... that actually makes things easier. Give me everything you know, and we will pay the right price."

The Series 9 member 1 smirked, clearly enjoying the negotiation. "Alright, I'll give you all the information I have. But I'm warning you, this won't come cheap. And if you fail to pay me what I'm owed, I'll make sure you regret it. I have contacts all over the city who will make your life hell if I don't get what I want. Are we clear?"

"Yes... but remember, right now your life is in my hands. Don’t forget that," Wanderer replied,

"I haven't forgotten, Wanderer. I'm fully aware of the situation. But I also know that you need this information if you want to succeed, and you won't get it without giving me something in return. So let's make a deal, shall we?"

"Good... give me a number," Wanderer said, leaning forward, his interest piqued.

The Series 9 member 1 thought for a moment, then offered, "How about 100,000 standard credits? That should cover the value of the information I'm providing and leave us both satisfied. And remember, my contacts will ensure we both uphold our ends of the bargain."

Wanderer tilted his head, considering the offer. "Hmmh... interesting. I will let my boss cover it up. What do you think?" He paused, a sly grin on his face. "But you will be in my captivity until I get what I want. I’m not fool enough to just let you free roam while I’m still inside the city."

Series 9 members glance each other then look at him, clearly weighing his options. "Alright, I accept your terms. As long as your boss covers the cost and I receive what's agreed upon, we'll have a deal. And yes, I understand your reasoning for keeping me in captivity for the time being. Just keep in mind that my cooperation is only temporary. Once this deal is complete, don’t expect me to stay in your custody for long. I know how to disappear when I need to."

"Good!" Wanderer replied, satisfied with the arrangement.

The Series 9 member 1 smirked again. "Good? No, I prefer 'excellent.' After all, I'm providing you with vital information that will help you take down Nero's operation. And in return, I get paid handsomely. I'd call that a smart and mutually beneficial transaction."

later. wanderer turn his newly updated intercom. then contact the old commander with it then explain the situation.

"Good job, Wanderer, but 100,000 credits for just intel? You insane? You are a poor negotiator, huh?" the old commander chimed in, amusement lacing his voice.

"Drop it already... you will pay it or not?" Wanderer replied, as he wanna mess him too. then explain " The more I stay here, the more they will be aware of my presence."

The old commander nodded on the screen. "Yes. I will pay that thug. Just uncover their project, and we will save the wasteland."

Wanderer slowly nodded. "Yes... I will destroy their factory." The old commander fell silent for a moment before adding, "Wanderer, they have valuable tech. Bring us the blueprints, and we might use it for the greater good."

Wanderer shook his head. "Nah... I don’t think mutation brings any good.but Let’s see how it goes. I’m out." With that, the comms went dark.