The Competition

Chapter 7: Pencils

I am right now mentally preparing for what lay ahead: a two-part mission that wasn’t going to be easy. Tomorrow night, I’d be at the Blackwood event, navigating that den of snakes; then, with barely a chance to breathe, I’d have to play the role of a college student the next morning, blending into the university where we suspected Gabriel Blackwood was also attending.

I let out a long sigh, the weight of it all settling on me. “Sean,” I called out, watching him as he started working up the kitchen, “does my family have my stuff ready for school, at least? With all this going on, I need to be prepared.”

Sean gave me an approving nod, as if glad I was thinking ahead. “They did prepare everything. The Shinryu family arranged it through their shop in the city mall—a location they run exclusively for special requests from people like us. They have all the materials you’ll need, special materials," he boldly clarified "but you’ll need to meet the owner in person.”

“Alright,” I said, keeping my expression neutral. “You’re coming with me, then?”

But Sean shook his head, his gaze serious. “I’m afraid not. The shop’s owner… prefers not to conduct business with anyone they consider an outsider. Even though your family trusts me, they don’t. Only a family member can go in. And you’ll need to go alone, just as a precaution.”

I smirked, unfazed by the thought of going by myself. “Well, that’s fine. If they’re worried about security, I think I’ll manage. After all, I’m hardly the defenseless type.”

Sean’s eyes narrowed in thought, but he nodded in agreement. “You’re more than capable. Still, keep your guard up. They’re strict about their rules, but they’re also deeply loyal to your family.”

****

A few hours later, I found myself stepping into the bustling city mall, blending seamlessly into the crowd. I moved with a practiced ease, sensing every eye around me, every movement. The shop was in a quieter section of the mall, hidden away behind frosted glass and ornate wooden doors.

Taking a breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside, instantly greeted by the distinct scent of aged wood and old paper. Shelves lined the walls, filled with beautifully crafted leather bags, notebooks, and sleek cases that I guessed weren’t meant for regular stationery. An older man with graying hair looked up from behind the counter, his sharp eyes assessing me quickly.

“You must be Alynna,” he said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of someone who had been in this line of work a long time. “I’m Master Takeda. Your family has ordered some very specific supplies.”

“Yes, that’s right.” I nodded, meeting his gaze without flinching.

He appraised me for a moment longer, then turned to retrieve a box from behind the counter. “Everything you need is here. Weapons, tools, and items meant to blend in with your school materials.” He placed it in front of me, opening it slightly to reveal sleek black notebooks and inconspicuous pouches that I knew contained much more than pens.

“Thank you,” I said, picking up the box with ease.

As I started to scan the materials inside, Mr. Takeda’s voice stopped me. “Alynna,” he said, his tone shifting slightly, more serious now. “There are things we need to discuss—things your family insisted I share with you personally.”

He gestured for me to follow him, leading me past the shelves and through a door at the back of the shop, which opened into a small, secured room lined with steel walls and soundproofed panels. There, under dim lighting, he set the box on a table and opened it fully, laying out the items with careful precision.

“These,” he said, pointing to a sleek, leather-bound notebook, “appear to be standard school supplies, but each piece serves a hidden function.” He opened the notebook, revealing pages of regular lined paper, then flipped to a small compartment tucked into the back cover. “This compartment hides micro-recording devices, useful for capturing conversations without being detected.”

He handed me a set of pens next. “These are more than just pens. The ink inside can be swapped for an invisible formula that reveals itself under special light. Useful if you need to pass secret messages. And here—” he held up what looked like an ordinary calculator, “—inside this calculator is a high-frequency jammer, effective within a small radius to disrupt surveillance equipment.”

I listened carefully, memorizing the details. Every item, down to a ruler with a retractable blade edge, was designed to appear innocent while concealing a purpose.

Mr. Takeda then pulled out a black, unassuming backpack and placed it beside the supplies. “Put everything in here. It’s reinforced and secured to avoid detection during searches. No one will suspect a thing.”

I slipped each item into the backpack as instructed, the pens, notebook, and calculator finding their spots. To the casual observer, it would look like I was just carrying the basics for a day at school.

Mr. Takeda watched me pack, his face still serious. “Remember, Alynna,” he said in a low voice, “you’re dealing with the Blackwoods, and they’ve been a powerful family for generations. They’re not easy to bring down, and they have their eyes everywhere. Use these tools wisely.”

I met his gaze, nodding with a hint of a smile. “I understand. Thank you, Mr. Takeda.”

He inclined his head, a faint glimmer of respect in his eyes as he stepped back. As I turned to leave, Mr. Takeda’s voice stopped me once more. “Alynna,” he said, his tone even lower than before. “There’s something you should know—about the Blackwoods and your Family. Not everything about their legacy is as it appears. Power always comes at a cost… and they’ve paid it in ways few could understand.”

I frowned, trying to make sense of his words. “What exactly does that mean?”

Mr. Takeda’s gaze held mine for a long moment before he simply shook his head, the shadow of something dark passing over his expression. “Remember, it’s easy to lose yourself when caught in someone else’s web. The most important thing is to trust what you want to do with your life. No one else can decide that for you.”

There was a weight to his words that lingered, but before I could ask anything further, he gave a slight bow, dismissing the conversation. “Be careful, Alynna. You’re walking among shadows.”

I nodded, keeping his words in mind as I gathered my backpack and turned to leave. Out in the city, surrounded by people going about their lives, his warning seemed to echo in my mind—a reminder of the power and danger woven through the Blackwoods. It was clear my family’s mission had deeper layers than I’d been told. But one thing was certain: I had to stay vigilant.

With my thoughts racing, I stepped back into the crowd, my cover intact and my resolve set.

As I wandered through the mall, I relished the brief moment of independence. The bustling atmosphere was a welcome change, allowing me to shed the weight of my responsibilities, if only for a little while. I glanced at various storefronts, letting the vibrant colors and lively displays distract me from my thoughts.

Then something caught my eye: an art store, its window showcasing a set of extravagant charcoal pencils, each one glistening under the overhead lights. A rush of nostalgia washed over me, taking me back to my childhood, where sketching and portraits were my escape. I remembered the joy I felt creating lifelike images, capturing emotions on paper.

I glanced at my backpack, knowing I had a bit of freedom to indulge. I decided to treat myself; after all, I deserved a small reward amidst the chaos of my mission.

Stepping inside the shop, I approached the counter and purchased the beautifully crafted set of charcoal pencils, the weight of the box comforting in my hands. As I turned to leave, a man brushed past me, exiting the store. I caught a glimpse of his broad shoulders and the familiar scent that tingled in the air—something warm and woodsy that tugged at my memory. I felt an inexplicable pull, a sense that I had encountered him before, but the moment passed as he disappeared from view, leaving me momentarily unsettled.

Shaking off the feeling, I decided to grab a quick lunch. A small Japanese stall caught my eye, the enticing aroma of teriyaki wafting through the air. I ordered a takeout, my mind still wandering as I waited for my meal. Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the mall's usual hum. My heart raced as I turned, eyes widening at the sight of a woman on the second floor, pointing frantically toward the elevator.

“There’s a dead man!” she shouted, her voice trembling with fear.

Instinct kicked in, and I sprinted toward the escalator, the takeout forgotten in my hands. I leapt up the stairs two at a time, adrenaline fueling my urgency. As I reached the second floor, I could see a crowd gathering, faces twisted in shock and confusion. My gaze locked onto the elevator doors, now wide open, revealing a lifeless body sprawled on the polished floor. He was dressed too formally for a mall, his tailored suit drenched in crimson.

Panic erupted around me, shoppers crying out and rushing for the exits. But amidst the chaos, I focused. Someone had targeted this man, and my instincts screamed that the assailant was still nearby.

I quickly began to assess the scene, scanning the area for any sign of a culprit. The blood was still fresh, a testament to how recent the crime was. I pushed through the throng of people, my heart pounding as I tried to catch a glimpse of anyone acting suspiciously. The crowd's chaos was a cover, but I needed to find the person responsible before they slipped away unnoticed.

Every second counted, and I felt the weight of my training urging me forward. I was an assassin, after all—this was what I was born to do.

As I burst through the mall's glass doors, the cool air hit me like a wave, refreshing yet urgent. My heart raced as I scanned the parking lot, catching sight of a sleek, black car speeding away. It looked like it was fleeing from something, the tires screeching as it turned the corner. My instincts kicked in; I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

Just as a taxi was about to pull away, I dashed over and waved my arms frantically. “Stop! Please!” The driver looked startled but halted, and without waiting for an explanation, I jumped into the backseat.

“Go! Follow that black car!” I commanded, urgency lacing my voice.

The driver hesitated for a moment, eyes wide, but he complied, peeling out into traffic. I felt a mix of adrenaline and determination as I focused my gaze on the black car weaving through the streets ahead of us.

We sped along the highway, and after a few tense moments, the black car suddenly came to a halt behind an exquisite restaurant, its luxurious exterior contrasting sharply with the urgency of the moment. I knew this wasn’t part of my plan, but something deep within me whispered that this incident was connected to the Blackwoods.

I needed to follow. I instructed the driver to drop me off a few blocks away and slipped out of the taxi, my senses heightened. I made my way to the back of the restaurant, where the sounds of clattering pots and sizzling food filled the air.

The kitchen was bustling, chefs and staff moving around with purpose. A few glanced at me with curiosity, but I kept my posture guarded, blending in as best as I could. My heart pounded as I caught sight of the people from the black car emerging through the kitchen door, laughter and casual chatter floating behind them.

I crept closer, maintaining a safe distance. The group moved toward a secluded area of the restaurant, settling around a table where a large man, his face partially obscured by a gray hat, exhaled a plume of smoke from a cigar. My breath caught as I realized he was flanked by several imposing figures, their stances radiating authority and intimidation.

I found a small table nearby and slid into a seat, doing my best to appear inconspicuous while still straining to catch snippets of their conversation.

The conversation around the table shifted, and I leaned a little bit closer, straining to catch every words. The large man with the gray hat took another drag from his cigar and said, "I appreciate the effort, but its a little bit delay." He muttered in a verysoft growled voice. "We had no choice with that guy. He was about to blow our cover. The Blackwoods can't know about the disagreement, or it'll jeopardize everything we've built." the other guy justified, he's wearing in marroon suit polo and is one from those people who was inside the car awhile ago.

His words sent a chill down my spine, and I knew I had stumbled infor something far bigger than I anticipated. I quickly jotted down mental notes, desperate to gather as much information as possible.

After a moment of tense silence, one of the men seated at the table suddenly turned his gaze toward me. He narrowed his eyes, clearly suspicious of my presende as I casually sipped the water the waiter has just brought me. I felt a scrutiny like a weight pressing down on me, and I composed my posture, reminding myself to remain clam.

Without breaking my gaze, the man slowly stood up and approached, a predatory smile creeping onto his face. "What do we have here?" he said, feigning a casual tone but with sharp edge that hinted at danger. "You look a little lost, sweetheart."

My insticts screamed that he was dangerous, and I kept my expression neutral. He leaned closer, hhis eyes narrowing as he studied me. "Wait a minute... you're a Shinryu!"

Before I could respond, his demeanor shifted abruptly. He straightened up, signaling to the boss. "You need to leave, now!" he said, his voice urgent. He then reached for his waistband, revealing a gun, the barrel aimed directly at me thought it will flinched me.

The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly; guards rose from their seats, their attention snapping to me, ready to spring into action. But I refused to let fear take hold.

As the man coked the gun, I moved fasted than I ever thought possible. In one fluid motion, I dodged to the side, grasped his wrist, and twisted, using my momentum to break his arm. He cried out, dropping the gun, and I seized the opportunity.

Chaos erupted around me. I swiftly dispatched the first guard lunging toward me, striking him with a precise kick to the chest that sent him sprawling. Another guard attempted to flank me, but I pivoted, throwing a punch that connected with his jaw. He crumpled to the ground, gazed. In the midst of confusion, I spotted the man who had fled from the mall, eyes wide with panic as he tuned to escape. Without hesitation, I sprinted after him, my heart racinv as I chased him through the kitchen, dodging tables and staffs who had become caught up in the unfolding chaos.

In the frenzy, my bag was knocked away, and I watched helplessly as it tumbled to the ground, its contents spilling out acress the tile floor. My heart raced as I noticed the charcoal pencil set I had just bought among the scattered items. As I reached down to grab it, a man lunged at me from behinf, his fist swinging. Reacting instinctively, I snatched one of the pencils off the floow, gripping it tightly in my hand. In a swift motion, I turned and plunged the sharp end of the pendil into the side of his neck. Blood sprayed, and he staggered backward, clutching his throat in shock. I pulled the pencil free as he collapsed, the life fading his eyes.

The restaurant was now a whirlwinf of confusion and npoise, but I remained focused, driven by the knowledge that these men were linked to The Blackwoods. They has killed an innocent man just because of a disagreement, and I wouldn't let them escape.

With the adrenaline coursing through my veins, I took down the last of the guards, each movement precise and calculated. Every strike was fueled by a mix of adrenaline and purpose. I ducked under a swinging fist and retaliated with a swift kick to the attacker's knee, inticipating him. Another guard charged at me, and I sidestepped, sending him crashing into a counter.

The large amn in the gray hat, watched from a distance, his expression shifting from disbelief to fury. I could see the moment he decided to flee, but it was too late I lunged toward him, catching him by the collar and slamming him against the wall.

"Where are The Blackwoods?" I demanded, my voice low but making he heard it in a way his life is in danger.

He smirked, but I could see the fear behind his eyes. "You think you can take them down? You're just a girl playing assain." I tightened my grip, ready to teah him the consequences of underestimating me. I was about to give him a last slamming to the wall to burst his head when a defeaning gunshot rang out behind me.

I spun around, just in time to see a shadowy figure emerging from the chaos. A broad man dressed in black garments, his face concealed by a mask, stood before me. Only hisstriking blue crystal eyes - that I have felt I've seen before - visible, piercing through the darkness.

For a fleeting moment, I felt a chill rundown my spine - not from fear, but from an inexplicable sense of wonder. Before I could react, he raised a gun and fired it with precision, hitting the man I had just subdued with a sickening thud. The body crumpled to the floor, blood pooling around him.

My initial instinct was to believe I had been rescured. But the relief was short-lived. As I stood there, bewildered, the masked man advanced toward me. I barely had time to brace myself before he delivered a powerful blow to my stomach. Pain exploded through me, and I doubled over, gasping for breath. I fought to stay conscious, to understand what was happending. But the darkness began to encroach on my vision. As my knees buckled, I felt a strong arms wrap around me, lifting me effortlessly from the ground.

I was being carried, but my senses faded rapidly, the room spinning around me as I lost grip on reality.

In those final moments of consciousness, I caught glimpses of the bloodshed behind me- the chaos I had created now felt distant and surreal. The masked man moved swiftly, navigating through the room as if he were familiar with every corner. As I succumbed to the void, I felt the weight of his body against mine, his presence strangely both comforting and terrifying.

Just before the darkness took me completely, I felt a rush of air as we exited the room, leaving the bloodshed behind. A new fear gripped me as I wondered who this man truly was and whether he was a friend or yet another enemy in my world.