"I warned you, I really warned you, sigh~" Byakuya sighed, looking at Raven.
'You won't listen to me and insist on pursuing some Villa Island. You'll cry later.
Given our current good relationship, when your Villa Island sinks in the future, I'll reserve an empty room for you at Hearth Home'.
"That's it then. If you have any well-paid missions or ones you can't handle alone, call me."
"Alright, I'll remember that. I really didn't expect you, Byakuya, to be so strong. Thanks to you, the efficiency of our missions has increased several times during this period."
"Me too, thanks to Natasha for introducing me. Otherwise, I, who knew nothing about the underworld, would probably have taken many detours and wouldn't have received such high-paying missions."
"It's a small matter. I also really like working with you. By the way, how about considering signing a lifelong contract with me? Such opportunities are rare, you know."
It's more than just rare.
It was unprecedented.
Even though she was currently with World Serpent, Raven only regarded it as a channel for making money, intending to resign and leave once she had saved enough to buy Villa Island.
A lifelong contract, for a mercenary like her, was the highest level of recognition.
Because in Raven's eyes, Byakuya was very similar to her: both were victims of the Honkai, both adopted many children, and both worked as mercenaries to earn money for their children and their future.
Coupled with the consistently great cooperation experience, she made an exceptional invitation.
"Oh, that would truly be my honor."
Byakuya didn't hesitate to accept this kind offer.
"So, you agreed?"
"No reason to refuse. Send me the contract later, and don't try to trick me with any hidden clauses."
"How could I? You wait, I'll go find my contract when I get back. From now on, our mission rewards will be split fifty-fifty."
Not only did Raven feel comfortable working with Byakuya, but the latter felt the same, as the former currently possessed the strength of an A-rank, nearly S-rank Valkyrie.
And most importantly, the world of mercenaries is very complex; without Raven, Byakuya felt that no matter how strong he was, he would be severely exploited.
The way this woman haggled with employers always seemed so cool to him, and the mission rewards they received consistently far exceeded expectations, thank to Raven's repeated demands of 'this needs extra money', 'that needs extra money', and 'this service costs extra'.
"Oh, by the way, there's something I need to warn you about." Natasha said to Byakuya as if she had just remembered something.
"Hmm? What makes you look so serious?"
"Byakuya, do you know the Ural Silver Wolf?"
"..."
Of course he knew! Wasn't that Bronya's codename during her mercenary days? Byakuya blinked, suddenly remembering that Bronya was a mercenary at this time.
And he clearly remembered that Bronya's mercenary ranking was even higher than his and Aponia's at the moment.
Aponia's eyes showed a hint of worry, saying,
"The Ural Silver Wolf, the strongest on the mercenary leaderboard, there are recent rumors that this Silver Wolf has her eyes on you. Ah, I shouldn't have given you that mission last time. I believe in your strength, Byakuya, but be careful recently."
"Yes, thank you. I'll remember that."
"Alright, I have something else to do, so I'll be leaving now. Call me if you have trouble. Even if it's the Ural Silver Wolf, I believe she's no match for the two of us combined."
Raven confirmed her next mission while waving her hand and leaving without looking back.
Byakuya watched her leave in the snow, and only after her figure completely disappeared did he murmur to himself,
"Thank you for your kindness, Natasha, but… the Ural Silver Wolf has already come knocking, wouldn't you say?"
He smiled as he looked at the snowy landscape in the distance.
Bang!
Only a gunshot was heard.
A bullet grazed Byakuya's temple.
"!!!"
Seeing that her attack missed, Bronya, who was hidden in the snow, was greatly startled. She quickly dispelled her camouflage and intended to retreat, but the next second, Byakuya had already appeared in front of her.
(How is that possible! Bronya was more than 700 meters away from him, how did he instantly appear in front of Bronya!)
Ural Silver Wolf had accepted the mission to eliminate White Dove.
But Bronya knew that she alone was no match for the duo of White Dove and Raven, so she set up an ambush, planning to kill him in one blow after he was alone.
Even the mission Raven had just accepted was merely a lure to draw her away.
One could only say that she truly lived up to her name as the strongest mercenary, Ural Silver Wolf; not only did she have skill, but also a brain. However... Bronya misjudged the most important and fundamental point.
That was, Byakuya's strength was already far superior to hers.
"Ugh! Die, White Dove!"
Although she didn't know how Byakuya had suddenly appeared in front of her, Bronya reacted instantly, abandoning her retreat and choosing to attack directly in close combat.
However, just as she pulled out the dagger from her leg holster, Byakuya had already captured her.
"Too naive. Sleep for a bit now."
"You..."
Bronya had no chance to counterattack, and her consciousness instantly plunged into darkness.
Byakuya happily carried the girl on his shoulder.
"Hehe~ I finally waited for you, Bronya. Come on, let's go home!"
He was already impatient to hear Bronya call him 'dad'.