Loki's predatory smile widened. "So now the legendary assassin is abandoned by his employer, hiding in a fortress while trying to recover his lost power. And according to my information network, Merc Assault called a meeting with all his remaining forces yesterday. My spies couldn't get complete details, but the pieces we heard suggest he's planning revenge against both you and Chronus. The assassin feels betrayed, used, and discarded."
"Good," Satou said, his voice absolutely frigid. "Let him hate Chronus. Let him plan whatever revenge he wants against that temporal coward. It changes nothing. Merc Assault still tortured me, tried to break my mind. Still weaponized my love for Jessica against me. He dies regardless of his grievances with Chronus."
He turned fully to face Loki, that cold fury matching the demon lord's own. "You're suggesting we strike now. Before Merc Assault recovers. Before he can execute whatever plan he's forming. Before Chronus can make another move."
