"Haunter—Payback."
Jack's calm command cut through the still air. In response, Haunter, now cloaked in his Night Shade avatar, launched his assault.
The transformed Haunter, emanating a monstrous ghostly presence, struck with chilling efficiency.
Arbok was defeated instantly.
Thanks to consistent battles and a steady supply of resources, Haunter's strength had already risen to Level 31.
Jack wasn't surprised. In the pre-Gym phase, Pokémon often entered short bursts of rapid growth after each level-up. Haunter had clearly entered such a phase. Based on past trends, this growth would likely plateau after gaining another two levels.
After securing the unconscious Arbok in a Poké Ball, Jack updated the mission records.
This was his tenth mission since entering a long-term partnership with Art, his former temporary agent.
Two million Alliance Coins, over 70,000 experience points, and nearly 90,000 mercenary points—these were Jack's rewards from the string of assassinations he'd performed under Art's brokerage.
And yet, Jack wasn't celebrating.
This peace wouldn't last.
"Of course I'm valuable," Jack thought. "But if someone offers more for my head, I wouldn't blame Art for selling me out."
Sure enough, Art had caved.
In his eyes, Jack was a valuable asset—but his enemies were wealthier and more powerful. The pressure from both ends had made Art snap.
Jack didn't need confirmation. It was obvious the Kusaka family had shifted tactics and were now targeting ghost-type mercenaries in bulk. This was their newest sweep.
It also told Jack something else: the Kusaka family would not stop until he was dead.
To avoid being boxed in, Jack had already planned his next move: leave Kanto and set sail for the Hoenn region.
But before leaving, Jack was more than willing to collect the Kusaka family's parting gift.
The first part of the trap came through Art—along with the mercenaries he could mobilize. Jack accepted the mission via the Hunter Guild's official site, avoiding suspicion.
The second part was more concerning: the Kusaka family had sent an Advanced-level Trainer to team up with Art.
They had assumed Jack was just an "Excellent-level" mercenary—and at best, recently Elite. So in their minds, an Advanced-level Trainer was overkill.
They had no idea how much damage Jack's elite bombs could do.
And Jack was very interested in the 50,000 experience points and mercenary points being offered for this C-rank mission.
So when Art sent the next "target's" intel, Jack accepted without hesitation and made his move as usual.
"Sir, the mission's been assigned to Awen. As always, he didn't hesitate and headed straight to the objective."
Art's tone was a mix of smugness and obsequious as he addressed the man sitting across from him.
"Good," the man replied, rising to his feet without giving Art a glance.
Art trailed behind him like a loyal dog.
He wasn't offended by the man's indifference—in fact, he was thrilled.
Art had started from nothing and clawed his way up in the world. One of the reasons he'd survived was his eye for opportunity.
He could tell this man wasn't just strong—he came from power.
And Art wanted in.
He didn't expect to be invited into whatever organization this man belonged to—but even proximity could elevate his future.
"He's my stepping stone," Art thought. "With him, I'll go farther than any other agent."
What Art didn't know was that Jack was already watching them.
To keep Jack from getting suspicious, Art had given him a mission similar in scope and location to his past jobs.
Jack arrived first.
He installed surveillance cameras near the target zone to catch Art and his "partner" the moment they arrived.
Then he doubled back—to Art's lair.
Jack wasn't just planning to eliminate Art and collect the bounty.
He wanted to loot every last credit Art had ever hoarded.
Art, meanwhile, believed this would be his golden opportunity. With the Kusaka agent and his mercenaries, taking out Jack should be easy.
He had no idea Jack was already tearing through his stash.
"Pretty well hidden, I'll admit," Jack muttered. "But it won't help you now."
He had already found the safe.
With the help of Honedge's sword, Jack sliced it open like paper. Inside was Art's life savings.
The first find: several anonymous savings cards, usable at banks with no password—clearly Art's emergency stash for a fast escape.
Next: two high-grade Evolution Stones (Leaf and Fire), plus several mid-tier ones. Jack estimated they'd fetch over 20 million Alliance Coins if sold.
Finally: a collection of battle items, including mid-tier Toxic Orbs and battle-enhancing gear.
Satisfied, Jack slipped away to prepare for the real party: his ambush on Art and the Kusaka family's enforcer.
Back in town, Art was getting anxious.
Jack hadn't shown up yet, and Art couldn't hide his worry.
After all, Awen's death was supposed to be his key to a better future.
In contrast, Bauer—the Kusaka family's representative—remained calm.
Just then, one of Art's men delivered the message: "Awen appeared. Then disappeared."
Art lit up.
"Sir, the target's here! All we have to do is wait for him to act, and he'll be caught easily!"
Bauer gave a rare smile. "Good. Handle this well, and we'll stay in touch."
Art practically bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, sir! I won't let you down."
As he left the room, Art muttered with a crooked grin:
"Awen, Awen... you're my lucky star.If Lord Bauer doesn't need your corpse, I'll even find you a good place to bury you."
He was already treating Jack as a dead man walking.