Neo didn't look scared.
But inside?
He was screaming.
What kind of deep shit did I just step into?
The thief rushed at him, knife out, eyes wild. Neo blinked once, told himself,
You're an assassin now, act like it.
Then—CRACK—he kicked the guy's wrist clean, sending the blade clattering across the concrete like a dropped fork.
"Hlanya, run. Find cover," he said, low and sharp—like a blade sliding from its sheath.
She didn't hesitate.
But just as he turned—AGH!
The other thief jammed a blade straight into his back, right into the spine. Neo hit the floor like dead weight.
Both thieves started laughing like it was game night.
"Bet we can get a few million off his kidneys," one said, already dreaming about the payday.
Neo was barely conscious. Blood in his mouth.
He whispered,
"Shiro… I'm sorry. We never did what we planned…"
"…Mom, Dad… I never found you."
Then—BOOM!—a loud pop echoed.
Tear gas.
Hlanya had thrown it—smart move. But the thieves weren't dumb. They covered up and started looking around, trying to see through the haze.
Suddenly—TICK!
A boot tapped the floor right behind them.
Neo, still bleeding, eyes cold, muttered,
"Never underestimate an assassin."
BAM!
One thief caught a boot to the skull. Dropped.
Neo grabbed the knife from the floor—shhk!—and drove it clean into the other one's gut.
They both collapsed.
Neo, barely standing, breathing heavy, looked into the smoke and smiled just a little.
Hlanya dropped beside Neo, eyes still shaken but filled with relief. "Thank you… really."
Neo gave a weak smirk, trying to play it cool despite the pain. "You could repay me in... other ways, y'know."
Before he could even wink, she hugged him tightly, her arms wrapping around his bruised body.
And as his face accidentally landed right between her chest, Neo's brain shut down for a second.
"Boobs… soft… real soft. Yeah… best. Day. Ever."