Job:

The bustling city of Dahlia sprawled before Knuckles Shi as he arrived in response to a mysterious invitation. He had a reputation for navigating the intricate underworld of Fiore, but this assignment promised to be unlike any he had undertaken before. With his crimson eyes keenly observing his surroundings, Knuckles approached the designated meeting point, wondering what lay in store for him.

The coordinates led him to a luxurious mansion adorned with opulent gardens. The estate was a testament to opulence and excess, and Knuckles couldn't help but feel a pang of dissonance as he stepped through the imposing gates. He had always preferred the shadows and grit of the underworld, but the allure of this assignment was undeniable.

Inside the mansion, he was greeted by a striking woman, Elaine Latimer, whose silver hair and golden eyes exuded an otherworldly charm. She possessed a beauty that could captivate even the most jaded soul. Her presence was a paradox—a fusion of elegance and power.

Elaine's handmaiden discreetly led Knuckles to a lavish hotel room where the enigmatic woman awaited. As he entered, his gaze met hers, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. She was unlike anyone he had encountered in his line of work.

Seated gracefully, Elaine wasted no time in addressing the purpose of their meeting. Her eyes bore into Knuckles, hinting at a mind that was as sharp as her beauty was captivating. She spoke of her husband's recent business deal with their biggest competitor, a deal she vehemently disagreed with. She knew that her chauvinistic husband would not listen to her protests, and so, she had hatched a plan—a plan that required Knuckles' particular set of skills.

Elaine leaned in, her voice a hushed whisper that carried the weight of intrigue. "I believe my son, Duncan, may be in grave danger," she confessed. "But I cannot openly confront my husband about it. Instead, I require your assistance in discreetly safeguarding my son."

She handed Knuckles a dossier, outlining the details of the task. His objective was clear: follow Duncan throughout the day and record his schedule, specifically noting the moments when he was most vulnerable. Three such occasions were identified, and the importance of timing and discretion was emphasized. The fate of Duncan hung in the balance, and Elaine's determination was palpable.

As Knuckles accepted the mission, he couldn't help but wonder about the complexity of the situation. This was not a typical assignment; it was a web of familial intrigue, business rivalry, and hidden agendas. He knew he needed to be cautious and precise in his actions.

With a nod of agreement, he prepared to embark on the task of shadowing Duncan, a boy who, despite his appearance, was said to possess deceptive speed. Knuckles would need to be vigilant and adaptable to keep up with the young man's movements.

As he left the hotel room, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had stepped into a world far removed from his usual haunts. The enigma of Elaine Latimer and the mission she had entrusted to him added a layer of intrigue that left him eager to unravel the secrets lurking in the shadows of Dahlia.

WC 541