Hitman x Wives-Chapter 163 - Operation: Behemoth (Part 4)

"I'm fed up with this Divinity. They suddenly show up out of nowhere and then quickly grow to rival the Guild. Calling their growth 'abnormal' is an understatement. They could've not simply been lucky enough to emerge from within the idiotic groups that try to grow into the Guild's size." A man scowled as he voiced his dissatisfaction.

A mere 20 years ago, Divinity didn't even exist, and yet it somehow grew into a behemoth of an Organization in record time. Even with the right circumstances and the most optimal things happening -which was impossible already- Divinity would've needed way more time to be able to turn into this threat.

However, reality had imposed itself on the Guild and now they had to face an evolved Organization that is seeking to rule the whole world.

Everyone there knew that Project: Origin Society was merely one step. An ambition of this magnitude tells more than just a goal. It shows that Divinity has the ego -foolish or a fit of genius- to actually do the impossible, to break the taboo, and to open Pandora's box.

It didn't even matter to them that the whole world could come down crashing on everyone.

"That's not even the problem, ehem, look at our situation. Divinity knows that as long as we're still there, they won't be able to do whatever they want. Sooner or later, they will attack us and try to pull us out of the equation. I suggest that we must confront them first."

Discussions continued between the 100 hitmen and the High Officers. Grey watched the huge debate with a silent frown. He could see that the people present were dissected into two groups: people who wanted to fight Divinity and people who wanted peace. Oh, there was a third group that didn't care at all and was simply sitting there silently.

'Boring… What a waste of my time. Nothing interesting will happen today.'

"Please, everyone. Let me finish." V coughed, catching everyone's attention. "This isn't the end."

"Origin Society is merely an idea that Divinity is considering seriously. They're far from even beginning the project. According to our estimations, it will take decades for any remote realization of this idea, if that is even possible. Their problems aren't simply the Guild's presence. It's the possibility of such an idea in the first place that is truly the big question."

Hums and nods of understanding echoed in the whole room. They all focused on one side and forgot the other.

"Besides, we still lack palpable information to be able to come up with a solution. This is a personal suggestion from me, but, ehem, it's really too early to debate these drastic measures, isn't it? Till that time. Please refrain from doing anything reckless."

After saying that, V tapped on the remote, changing the picture from Divinity's logo to the portrait of a person. The mere appearance of that person submerged the whole room in coldness unlike anything else.

The person with the harshest reaction was Grey whose fists tightened to the point where his knuckles were threatening to explode.

'The Black Phantom.'

The all-too-familiar white, terrifying mask and the strong presence that even a mere portrait of the person couldn't hide.

"Our next topic is: The Black Phantom."

"Ohohoh, interesting. Now we're getting to real business." Someone commented.

"Why is this blacklisted bastard still alive?! Just kill him already!"

"Ehem, as you all know. A few months ago, I and three other Executioners came in contact with the Black Phantom. We were on a different mission and we ended up catching him by pure coincidence. When we brought him for questioning, not knowing that this was Agent 0… Well… It was a grave mistake. Alone, he was able to easily kill the three executioners and the vice High Officer. He also cut off my hand as you could see." V said with a shameful look.

Even though he didn't want to talk about his massive failure at that time, he wasn't the one who chose the topics to be talked about. These were the decisions of the High Officers. His pride can go to hell for all they cared.

"He has broken so many rules that he exceeds the blacklisting limit. Some High Officers suggest that he should be thrown into the 'Purgatory'."

Eerie silence.

When V uttered one-word 'Purgatory', everyone simply frowned deeply. That word was akin to hearing the whisper of a devil.

Nobody spoke for a good minute before the loud sound of someone smashing the table echoed in the place. Grey then stood up and glared at V.

"The Purgatory? Hahahahaha, What a funny joke! Who's the bastard that told you about this, V?!"

"Sir, it's against the rules to reveal the name of the High Officers that suggested it."

"Fuck that! The Black Phantom is mine! If anyone is going to pass judgment on him. It's going to be me!" Grey aura flared violently, pushing the coldness to an unbearable degree.

The Purgatory in Grey's eyes meant that some bastard from the High Officers wanted to pull the Black Phantom away from Grey's grasp. That alone didn't only hit his pride, it also was a huge blow to the years of dedicated hard work and training he went through, waiting for the day the two meet again. 𝚋𝚎ｄｎｏｖ𝚎𝚕．𝚌ｏｍ

"Whoever suggested that, come out. Say that to my face, coward!"

Nobody spoke. Grey was akin to a monster in the eyes of even the highest of High Officers. Nobody would dare to challenge him, especially when he's this angry.

"Sir… Let me fin-"

*Shhhhhh*

Before V could continue, suddenly the screen went black out of nowhere. Everyone was confused for a second, thinking that V had turned it off.

However, the next second, the black screen turned on again automatically, showing a white, jittery screen akin to that of a disconnected, old cable TV.

Grey's eyes squinted as he looked at the screen, a weird feeling surging in his mind.

A few seconds of silence passed before the white screen shifted again, finally revealing what seemed to be the foggy silhouette of a person. However, it didn't need the people present that long to realize who it was.

"The… It's the Black Phantom!!" One yelled. "What the hell is going on? Is that a picture a part of the presentation, V?!"

"... No… I didn't add that…" V murmured as he tried to control the screen and turn it off. However, no matter how much he clicked, nothing changed as if the TV had a mind of its own.

"Good evening, everyone. I doubt I need to introduce myself. But, since we're here, I might as well do it. I used to go by the nickname 'Agent 0' years ago when I worked in the Hitman Guild organization. However, as early as 5 years ago, I decided to leave the Hitman Guild. I came in contact with the High Officers to terminate my contract mutually. However, it was predictably refused. So, I simply decided to leave on my own accord, knowing fully well what the Guild would do."

Everyone listened to the Black Phantom's monologue which seemed to have been recorded rather than a Facetime.

"I left no traces behind and decided to live a quiet life, far away from the underworld. Meanwhile, the Guild tried to find me for a while before they eventually gave up. I was ready to eliminate the Guild in case it tried to do anything more than that. Luckily for you, it didn't happen. Well, for a while, that was the case. Until a certain person decided to seek me." Kai's tone was deathly cold.

"Certain someone?"

"Who?"

Everyone was getting more and more confused.

Then, Kai continued.

"Grey… I told you before, didn't I?... I'm coming for you."