As time passed, the back alley transformed. Two massive searchlights, powered by independent external batteries, were poised for action. In the moonlight, the faint traces of fishing lines were barely visible. Thumbtacks and broken glass from bottles were scattered along the ledges of both walls.
This was William’s setup; he always made preparations to prevent surprise attacks. This is how it always happened in the movies he watched in his past life. One moment, a report, the next, someone would randomly appear behind him, launching a brutal assault.
William didn't want to die here. Who knew if he would go home or fall into oblivion after death? He only had one life, but having accepted the mission, he couldn't back out without facing consequences from the High Table. Moreover, his system was for others to use, not for himself. He didn't want to be wiped clean.
After confirming there were no oversights, William found a spot to observe the alley and hid.
He hadn't forgotten about those daring snipers, so what if? He didn't have such great talent, reacting the moment a gun was aimed at him.
For his own safety, he definitely had to hide. It was a loophole he exploited. For one, William felt that as a small fry, no one would care about him. What? Being hunted like a legendary figure? Wasn't the Hotel's money still money? What would killing William get them? A tattered jacket?
Hiding in the building, William silently observed the back door, awaiting the enemy's arrival. In a scenario where negotiation was impossible, he didn't want to be a stepping stone for someone else's fame. In fact, he didn't want to be famous at all. How dangerous was fame!
Lacking sources of information, William was unaware that he was already considered “somewhat famous.”
That night, the bar's business was still booming. Guests came and went, each heavily made up. The chatter inside the establishment even spilled out to the entrance, where a long queue had formed. It was like any other ordinary day.
The two brothers at the entrance, one on each side, wore greeter uniforms and looked exceptionally proper. They also wore brilliant smiles. After all, the guests were generous, and the night's earnings were considerable.
The queue had already reached the street corner. No one noticed that today's guests seemed a bit more numerous than usual. Even if someone did notice, they would only marvel at the bar's good business.
Inside the bar, waiters, servers, and bartenders were all working as usual. In the dim light, no one noticed the weapons concealed beneath their clothes at their waists.
There were also an unusually high number of security personnel today, and their demeanor was much more serious than usual. Even those who typically conducted illicit transactions didn't show up today. It was as if everyone in the entire district knew that this place was very dangerous today. So, apart from a few desperate losers who genuinely needed money, one clueless rookie, and a Bai Ge who came to record, no one else was willing to get involved in this mess.
The passage of time did not alleviate the tension; instead, it created a sense of impending storm. William did not relax his guard. The back alley was as quiet as the night.
The guests who had gathered at the main entrance either left because they couldn't wait any longer or had already gone inside. The street was left with only bright lights and a few drunks.
The sound of vehicles broke the silence. Several black business vans sped in, screeching to a halt right at the bar's main entrance. The doors swung open. Before the doormen could even comprehend what was happening, bullets had already pierced their bodies.
Blood bloomed from their backs, staining their white shirts red. A group of masked burly men disembarked from the vehicles, advancing towards the bar with less-than-standard tactical movements.
The moment the shots rang out, William became 120% alert, meticulously observing everything in the darkness. He had no intention of going out to help. As per the agreement, his job was solely to guard the back door.
“Don’t let anyone in,” the Manager had said. William, naturally, did exactly that. As for what to do if the bar’s enemies entered through the front door? That wasn’t within his scope of work.
Just as the advance was happening at the front door, the action inside the bar also began. It was as if a pre-arranged time had arrived. One by one, they drew out their “big toys” from their waists. Instantly, gunshots inside the bar mingled with the music, and in the alternating light and shadow, many fell at the very first shots.
Soon, the regular customers quickly began to flee in a panic, their heads down. Passing by individuals wearing masks, they dared not even look up. These uninvited guests paid little attention to those fleeing for their lives. A strange calm settled between the two sides.
When they reached the dance floor, the speakers and colored lights were turned off. In the deathly silence, only the sound of footsteps echoed through the space. Looking at a few “unlucky ones” who were clearly civilians, sleeping very peacefully, the leader cursed, not knowing how much of a fine this would incur.
Although it could be easily resolved through gang connections, it didn't mean these fines had no impact on the people carrying out the operation.
Without dwelling on the issue, he raised his hand and made a few gestures, signaling his subordinates to split up and handle things.
On the second floor, the person referred to as Bai Ge, hiding behind a wall, was making notes on paper: when the fighting started, how many people died, how many were civilians, who the attackers were. He seemed to know all of this at some unknown point.
Soon, the second wave of resistance from the bar's Manager arrived. Relying on their familiarity with the terrain, they engaged in a firefight with the invaders.
From William's perspective, the bar, which had just fallen silent, suddenly came alive again. Gunshots echoed incessantly.
But whether it was good luck or something else, not a single person entered or exited through the back door. It was as if all of William’s preparations had been in vain, suddenly making it the safest place in this firefight.
William silently counted the time. After about 20 minutes, the sounds from upstairs vanished.
William still didn't show his face, only silently regretting his salary. It seemed his only gain tonight would be a suit.
Suddenly, William heard the sound of a can being kicked over. He immediately turned around, using his skill to lift a nearby stone and place it above the doorway. He then hunkered down in the corner, motionless.
Upon realizing he had been discovered, the footsteps no longer tried to be concealed. They walked step by step to the doorway and then stopped.
The air became silent for a moment. William tried to lower his breathing as much as possible. This was a technique he had learned from the 'Stealth' skill.
Bai Ge, standing at the doorway, did not open the slightly ajar door. It wasn't a sophisticated warning technique, but it was enough to show the caution of this newcomer who had achieved some success shortly after entering the business. Therefore, something must be waiting behind the door.
“I’m not here to kill you.” He touched his tattoo. “In fact, I’m just here to tell you the mission is over. You completed your mission very well. The money will be transferred to your account. You’re no longer needed here.”
He was also very flexible. After all, evaluating newcomers was one of his jobs. And the newcomer’s mission completion was indeed excellent. He was present when the Manager assigned the task. If one ignored the fact that one boss ordered no survivors while the other ordered resistance to the end, it was indeed all William’s credit.
After speaking, he looked at the seemingly empty room in front of him. Bai Ge still didn't go inside. Instead, he placed a card on a nearby counter.
“If you need anything, give me a call. Bai Ge’s service will satisfy you.” Having said that, he prepared to leave.
Just then, the slightly ajar door opened. William stood at the doorway, holding a mop. “Uh, so, do you need someone to help you clean up the aftermath?”