Chapter 9: The Lone Assassin
Having tracked down Norman’s contact, Luca now had a solid lead, making the next steps much easier.
Luca followed quietly as the contact arrived at an auto repair shop and parked discreetly nearby to observe. Shortly after, Henry and Jimmy appeared at the scene and got into Luca’s car.
“See that guy? Bald, black jacket, jeans…” Luca pointed inside the shop. “He’s connected to Stan.”
The two comrades were amazed. After all this time, no one had found this out—how had Luca done it? No wonder he was a top assassin in the Continental Hotel.
“Luca, no one can hide from your eyes. How do you find out all this?” Henry flattered him immediately.
Jimmy was more curious. “Who is he?”
“Not sure,” Luca shook his head. “That’s your mission now. You need to uncover his identity and his associates, find out who’s holding Stan’s drugs, and report everything back to me. I’ll handle what comes next.”
Both men accepted the task at once.
Luca asked another question, feigning ignorance: “Are you familiar with Harlem? Do you know who’s behind the Blue Magic?”
“That’s everywhere now. Blue Magic is the hottest drug—rich kids buy it because it’s pure enough to inject directly…” Jimmy rattled off the names of several bars, clubs, laundries, and restaurants in New York selling Blue Magic.
“Most Blue Magic has over 50% purity and is quite cheap. People in New York now only trust that brand; other drugs barely sell at all.”
“Exactly,” Henry added. “Last batch, I had to take it out of town to sell. Locally, Blue Magic’s dominance is unbeatable.”
Luca fell silent for a moment.
Damn, they’ve even turned this into a brand?
Well done—no surprise for an A-rank protagonist with two skills.
It seemed Frank’s business had grown immense. If this continued, it wouldn’t be long before the U.S. government took notice—the federal crackdown on drug crimes in New York as in the original timeline.
Luca felt a sense of crisis.
According to the original story, Frank was eventually caught and exposed three-quarters of the New York Narcotics Bureau, nearly wiping it out. Those cops then turned informants, causing upheaval among New York’s major families and gangs.
This looming catastrophe could very well involve Mariglio and Luca himself.
He had to find a way to cut ties early.
He never wanted to touch this business. Many in the family avoided it because the sentences were harsh—sometimes, even the Mafia’s code of silence was useless under such heavy penalties. People’s hearts were unpredictable.
But Luca followed Mariglio, who had been in this trade for years. Working for Mariglio meant unavoidable exposure.
Still, Luca was cautious. He never took part in offline deals personally; stolen goods were passed to others in the family. He’d rather earn less than get too deeply involved.
He needed to prepare in advance. Once this Stan affair was over and he officially joined the family with some autonomy, he’d avoid Mariglio’s drug trade altogether—not even passing through his hands.
...
Over the next few days, intelligence gradually came to Luca.
They identified the contact—a dismissed narcotics cop who, it seemed, was secretly working for Stan.
Besides the contact’s identity, other locations where Stan hid drugs were uncovered.
But Jimmy and Henry hesitated to act; the opposition was quite formidable.
No problem—Luca would handle it himself.
Before moving, Luca found the middleman “Tony,” who sold pasta, and placed an order, specifically requesting Leon for the job.
Too cold? Hard to form bonds? Just place the order directly. They’re all assassins; familiarity comes with time.
...
That afternoon, Leon packed his gear, picked up his case, and left home to meet at the designated mission point.
Tony told him this task was special—the employer would accompany them.
Leon was puzzled and even considered refusing. He was used to working alone and disliked teamwork.
But Tony insisted.
The employer offered such a high price—if Leon didn’t take it, where would Tony get the final payment?
No choice. He had to accept.
For Tony’s sake, who had cared for him all these years, Leon steeled himself and took the job, vowing to say no more than necessary to the employer.
“Is that you?” Outside a community, Leon stared at Luca, who wore sunglasses, stunned for three seconds.
My neighbor?
Leon’s first thought was suspicion. His identity was exposed; he needed to move and change his base.
And this guy—did he approach me on purpose?
Should I find a chance to eliminate him?
Seeing Leon take a step back, Luca smiled warmly. “What a coincidence, neighbor. We meet again.”
Leon eyed Luca warily, muscles tensed, ready to strike.
People bustled on the street as the two faced off amid the crowd.
“This isn’t coincidence,” Leon said suspiciously. “You first moved next door to me, now you’ve found me through this mission. What do you want?”
Of course I’m here to save your fate… Luca explained patiently:
“I learned about you through Tony—you can verify with him. He knows exactly who I am. I’m not a cop, and I mean no harm.
“As for moving next door—that was really a coincidence. My real target is Norman across the street. He’s a drug dealer. You’ve been neighbors with them for a long time; you must know.”
Leon remained doubtful.
Luca took out his phone, called Tony, then stepped forward and handed the phone to Leon.
“You can talk to Tony. He’ll tell you everything you want to know.”
Tony was Leon’s most trusted person.
Leon came to New York at nineteen, taken in and cared for by Tony ever since.
...
Besides Tony, Leon had no friends.
Leon took the phone, confirmed the information with Tony, and learned the full story and Luca’s true identity.
Only then did Leon tentatively believe Luca.
He didn’t want to ask more. If Tony said it was okay, it was okay—Tony wouldn’t betray him. Like Tony guarded his money, saying it was safer there than any American bank.
Luca took back his phone with a smile. “Neighbor, now we can really get acquainted. Luca Greco.”
Leon shook his hand. “Leon.”
[Leon (SSR)]
[Bond: Stranger]
[Silver Queen: Growing the Silver Queen plant purifies some negative emotions (Prerequisite: Plant and personally care for Silver Queen)]
[Learning Requirement: Bond reaches Friend or higher; requires 50 skill shards]
...
[Ring Trick: +30% critical chance with thrown explosives like grenades and bombs, increasing chance of lethal damage]
[Learning Requirement: Bond reaches Close Friend or higher; requires 80 skill shards]
...
[Shadow Assault: When hidden in shadows, you make less noise; enemies’ chance to detect you reduced by 20%]
[Learning Requirement: Bond reaches Close Friend or higher; requires 80 skill shards]
...
[Lone Killer: When you have zero Close Friend or higher bonds, combat power +100%; for each bond (Close Friend or higher), combat power decreases by 10%; skill disappears when bonds reach 10]
[Learning Requirement: Bond reaches Partner or higher; requires 150 skill shards]
...
[Oath of Protection: When protecting a companion (Close Friend or higher), combat power +30%; protecting partner +50%; protecting symbiotic partner +100%]
[Learning Requirement: Bond reaches Partner or higher; requires 200 skill shards]
Another five luxurious skill bundles.
Silver Queen likely relates to Leon’s fondness for tending potted plants. That “Silver Queen” was his only friend, his companion and spiritual symbol in loneliness.
The assassin skills need no explanation—learning them would surely enhance strength.
As for Oath of Protection… In the original story, Leon sacrificed himself to protect Matilda. That rarely warm-hearted killer’s actions moved many.
This was almost a divine skill, boosting power without sacrificing teammates.
Overall, aside from Lone Killer’s “lone wolf” drawback, the other skills made Luca very pleased to have Leon as an ally.
Luca grinned, revealing perfect white teeth.
Leon, my friend, consider our bond sealed!