The Approaching Storm

"As things stand now, you'll die before you fulfill your revenge. Try guessing my present to you, Little Gareth."

"Stop mumbling and tell me."

"You're being insolent, Gareth!"

"Hoho— it's fine, Zuan. I'm giving you another instructor; although Zuan's is unparalleled in his timeline, it won't work in the current timeline."

"You exaggerate it, Master Kharon."

Kharon's right; it's a different timeline with different technologies. It never crossed my mind. It's fortunate that Kharon thoroughly thought about it.

"You're right; tell me what's in your present this time."

"I'll let another soul guide you on your journey. He's known as the best hitman in your world. His name is 015!"

"What?"

I've heard of 015, the one who assassinated the former president of Haiton, the richest businessman in Grayling, and he was also known as the killer of generals.

He never failed in his assassinations, and no one has ever succeeded in locating him. He died of old age. Even though he died, no one ever saw his corpse. The only thing known about him is his code; he always leaves a 015 mark every time he kills someone.

Back in the day, someone impersonated him, but it was sloppy, and when the cops arrived, the impostor was already dead.

The impostor was tortured for several days; that's how the news goes. The impostor's nails were severed one by one; his hands were nailed the same as his feet' nails. His body was covered with knife slashes, and his teeth were pulled one by one.

After the incident was reported, no one dared impersonate him again. There were also many cases of 015's assassinations, so everyone in the world knows him or has heard of him.

"Fret not; I've made sure that he won't harm you in any way, although he can't since he's now a soul, not like you."

"He also promised me to teach you everything he knew. So make sure you listen to him properly."

"I appreciate it."

"Hoho— how are you these days, Zuan?"

"I'm doing great, Master Kharon!"

If 015 taught me everything he knew, then the success of my revenge will rise to a certain extent. This is really fortunate for me. *Smirks*

The two old men continued to talk to each other like they were some kind of long lost lovers. What an odd duo.

"Yo, Gareth! Old man Kharon always mentioned you to me; every time we saw each other, you sure looked handsomer than the old man that's instructing you!"

"What? Who are you to judge? I'm more good-looking than you! You brat!"

This is 015. In this life, no! in this world. I'm the only person who knows what 015 looked like! Red long hair, a thin body, being 6 feet tall, and a bruised hand.

"Hey, Kid! Tell us who is more appealing between me and that stupid-looking broom."

"Broom? Said by a person who looked like a cow who hasn't showered for years!"

"Who needs to shower when you're dead? You stink, you brat!"

"Does the soul even have a scent?"

"Both of you are ugly; stop arguing and let's start. I don't have time for this nonsense."

"Hey, old man. He sure has guts."

"Brat, you still don't know him. He will amaze you later on."

015 crackled "I'm looking forward to it!"

"I'll be going now; may you both enjoy your journey here."

When Kharon left, the sky started to go back to normal. Zuan and 015 kept on mocking each other, even though both of them knew they weren't that good-looking; they just had great pride, so it was hard for them to swallow it.

015 approached me, and things are slowly calming down. I need both of them to teach me; this way, the guarantee to fulfill my revenge will be double.

"Hey, Gareth. I'll call you kid from now on, is that fine?"

"It doesn't matter; let's start."

"Hee— great."

Days passed, and 015 started to teach me the basics of assassinations, how to handle handguns and rifles, and tactics.

Every time I gave them a task or took a break, the two of them kept mocking each other. Aren't they tired?

In the morning, I need to exercise and hunt. In the afternoon, Zuan teaches me how to fight in close combat and how to use nature to my advantage.

In the evening, 015 teaches me how to use the darkness to my advantage. He's also consistently taught me how to assassinate with ease and efficiency.

"Remember, kid, you don't need to make your assassination a grand one; you just need to commence and terminate it as stealthily and efficiently as possible."

"Remember, kid, in close combat. You don't need to make flashy moves, but a solid one to bring your enemy down as fast as possible. You need to land a powerful impact."

These are the things they continue to teach me. Day by day, it keeps getting harder. Every two days, both of them share their thoughts about my improvements and flaws.

They also teach me extreme tactics, from the safest to the most dangerous. They are also controlling my diet and managing my daily routine.

"Kid, remember. When hunting your prey. Always predict their movements; make sure you don't let them know that you're near."

"When you're going to assassinate a certain person, always remember to be patient and calm. Gather intel; know their habits, their daily routine, and their route."

"When you're about to strike your prey, remember that you should make them feel fear. As they fear you out of confusion, they will panic, and that's your chance to grab their throat."

"Don't just blindly go in; plan your assassinations thoroughly. Make sure your plan is perfect, and no evidence will be left behind."

Days have passed, and my training is slowly building my stamina and knowledge. There's no such thing as easy training; it's difficult and painful.

The difficulty kept rising every day. Zuan always made sure that my body was already warmed up before starting the training.

"The core of all martial arts is your well-being. It requires good stamina, unwavering determination, and knowing where and when you will use it."

"Assassinations are the ways of a coward like me. Assassinations are the safest way you can use them; although it requires too much preparation, as long as you execute them thoroughly, you won't be able to make a mistake."

"There are many variables when fighting in a street fight; don't assume that your enemies will be fighting fairly. There are many things you need to remember; use your surroundings to your advantage."

"Assassinations don't need pride or honor; you just need to execute your plan. You don't need to feel like it's wrong, because killing someone is neither wrong nor right."

Day and night, I always practiced until my body couldn't take it anymore. I engraved everything they taught me, even if it was a small detail.

Both of them kept on saying to me that honor and pride wouldn't keep me alive; although they keep your dignity high in Zuan's timeline, they're useless in 015's timeline.