Finally, after silently gritting his teeth, he spoke."I would prefer to receive the package personally."The Deacon raised an eyebrow."I don't trust others handling mission-sensitive materials," Mark continued calmly. "My plans cannot be exposed under any circumstances. If possible, give me a time and location. I will retrieve everything myself."For several seconds, the room remained silent.Then an amused smile slowly appeared on the Deacon's face."Do you take me for a servant?" the old man asked lazily."You think I would sacrifice my rest for your convenience?"His eyes narrowed slightly."This is also part of your evaluation. If you cannot build loyal subordinates or maintain operational secrecy, then you have already failed before the mission even begins."The Deacon waved his hand dismissively."Now get out. Your package will arrive before dawn."Mark gave a small nod and turned toward the exit without arguing further.But inwardly, his thoughts had already begun moving rapi

After stepping out of the bar, Mark headed directly toward his jeep.Once inside the vehicle, he locked the doors and unfolded the piece of paper he had obtained beneath the cocktail glass.Written on it was a set of coordinates.Nothing else.No names.No instructions.Exactly how professionals operated.Mark took out the newly purchased burner phone from his pocket and entered the coordinates into the navigation system.A route immediately appeared on the screen.Without wasting time, he started the engine and drove toward the destination.Outside Black City, hundreds of abandoned towns and ghost villages were scattered throughout the surrounding wastelands.Over the years, smugglers, mercenary groups, fugitives, traffickers, and underground organizations had occupied many of these forgotten settlements.Every territory belonged to someone.And clashes between rival groups occurred almost daily.The deeper one traveled into the outskirts surrounding Black City, the weaker the law be