* Name Reminder
Haphuco - The main character
Biani - Haphuco's not blood-related younger sister
May - Biani's co-worker and her best friend
Nara - A co-worker of Haphuco at the Hakyo Bodyguard Agency
Tando - Biani's co-worker, likes Biani
Tomo - Biani's co-worker, her Manager
Sasa - Biani's co-worker, tends to ditch work
Sanda - Haphuco's schoolmate
New Character
Mai - 12 years old, Sanda's sidekick
Sevan - The old bartender who is basically the entrance guard to the Hakyo Assassin Gym
Lucky - A staff of the Hakyo Assassin Gym
Hakyo - The name of the city where Haphuco is living in
[ During the dinner ]
Tomo : So which Facility are you working for, Haphuco ?
Haphuco ( Taken aback, half-eating food ) : Ah...
Let's see, while I am chewing this food. I should come up with a vaid answer. Should I tell them that I am a Bodyguard ?
Like heck I can tell them that, Bodyguard and Assassin are like water and fire. I don't want a World War 3 here.
...
Got it !
Haphuco : I am... currently a Freelance Assassin. I am not working for any Facility.
Tomo : Ah, I see...
Biani ( Slip orange juice in silence ) : ...
Simple Flow on how Assassins typically take Orders :
Order --> Organizer --> Board --> Facility --> Assassin
There are Freelance Assassins who do not belong to any Facility and take Orders right from the Board. These people have way more freedom in selecting Orders to take but they will not have the backing of the Facility if they fail the Orders.
Tando : Then do you know about the Gym ?
Haphuco : The Gym ?
Tando : Yeah, where we Assassins come to train ourselves.
Haphuco ( Thought ) : Oh, so it is like the Gym where Bodyguards like Nara Senpai go to.
So there are Assassin Gym and Bodyguard Gym.
Tomo : I guess this is less known to Freelance Assassin. I am surprised that Biani did not tell you about it.
Biani : Well. that idea...just never cross my mind...
May : Oh, really ?!
Biani : What's that supposed to mean, May ?
Tando : Then, Brother Haphuco, how's about you join us to the Gym tomorrow ?
Haphuco : Tomorrow ?
Tando : Yeah, we often spend time from noon there to ditch wor..., I mean, to take a break from work.
Haphuco ( Thought ) : A place where Assassins gather to train themselves. That sounds...fun. I don't have work at the Agency tomorrow so...
Haphuco : Sure, I will join.
...
[ Tomorrow, 11 a.m. ]
Tando ( Wave hand ) : Over here, Brother Haphuco.
Haphuco : Hey, Tando and Biani. Where's everyone else ?
Biani : May is not so fond of the Gym so she only sometimes join.
Tando : And Tomo Senpai is too busy for her work. She is the Manager after all.
Biani : Oh, and there is Sasa. You did not meet her yesterday but she is one of the members in the team.
Biani : She was also absent today too.
Tando : Yeah, surely Tomo Senapi will deal with her.
Biani : Anyway, let's go, Haphuco.
Turned out that in almost every city, there is an Assassin Gym for Assassin to go there and train themselves. It must be similar to Bodyguard Gym where he has gone to these days.
Right ?
Wrong !
The three reaches a staircase going down underground located in a street. Going down the staircase, they open a door which leads to a bar.
Wait...
A bar ?!
I thought we are going to the Gym ?
It is only noon so the bar is barely empty with only one person drinking wine. He seems to have drunk a lot. Despite confused, Haphuco still tags along, having been informed that the Assassin Gym is pretty hidden, unlike the Bodyguard Gym.
They reach the bar table where there is a bartender. He is quite old considering his turned grey hair. Biani and Tando seem to be familiar with the old man.
Biani & Tando : Hi, Uncle Sevan.
So the bartender's name is Sevan.
Sevan : Hohoho, you guys must be our familiar guests. Forgive me, my old age has made me a bit absent-minded. How may I serve you guys ?
This is where the code is executed.
Tando : I will have one glass of Gin + Ginger Wine
Gin + Ginger Wine is a classic yet underrated combo that bridges the gap between refreshing and warming — making it perfect for both summer evenings and cozy winter nights.
Gin is known for its botanical profile — with flavors like juniper, citrus, coriander, or even floral or herbal notes.
When mixed with ginger wine:
+ The spiciness of ginger enhances the gin's warmth
+ The sweetness balances the sharp botanicals
+ You get a drink that's smooth, spicy, slightly sweet, and totally unique.
Wait, we are not here to drink wine, aren't we ?
Biani : Me too !
Just go along with them, Haphuco.
Haphuco ( Hesitated ) : Uhm...me three.
Sevan : Understood, but first could you let me see your ID, please ?
This seems like the old bartender is checking if Haphuco, Biani and Tando are old enough to drink. Well, the ID says they are 22 but they are actually 19. However, 18 is already the eligible age so they should be allowed. But doubled however, this is the way for the bartender to check whether you are an Assassin or not.
So each Assassin's ID is given by the School when they graduate. The ID has the person's born year three years less than the actual year and it has a subtle but enough element that allows the bartender to recognize that this is an Assassin ID. How subtle it is, well, if fake money can be as fake as the ID, the economy is finished.
Despite that, the bartender seems like a specialist as it takes him less than two minutes to examine all three people's ID. He then makes the drink and except Haphuco, Biani and Tando instantly move to a door next to the table so Haphuco follows.
Inside the door is apparently a VIP room. A VIP room (short for Very Important Person room) is a private space reserved for guests who are considered special, high-status, or paying for premium service. It's designed to offer extra comfort, privacy, and exclusive amenities that regular guests don't get.
Biani and Tando casually drink the goblet which surprises Haphuco. Turned out that, the drink is actually just lemon juice.
A bit sweet, though...
There are two restrooms for men and women so Biani goes to the room for women while Haphuco and Tando go to the room for men. This is where you prepare yourself and then enter the seemingly locked toilet door which actually has a secret door behind leading to the Gym.
So the Assassin Gym is pretty hidden, unlike the Bodyguard Gym where you can easily reach them if you know the location.
Putting on his black training clothes for the first time in a while that is not when he goes to the Bodyguard Gym, Haphuco asks Tando a question.
Haphuco : Hey, Tando. What do you like about my sister ?
Tando ( Surprised by the question by answer anyway ) : Oh, about that. I just love her personality.
Tando ( Flashback ) : In the early days when i went to the School. I used to think that gun is the best weapon and other weapons are inferior.
Tando : That's when I met Biani and she uses a dagger to fight.
Right, that's her specialized weapon since she was young.
Tando : We had a Duel and...she won, convincingly.
Tando : She was so cool at that time, the moment her dagger pointed to my neck, I fell in love with her.
Tando : If you knows her enough, you can see that she is a lovely person. Moreover, when it comes to solving serious matters, her mind is as strong as ever.
Tando : That's why I like her.
Haphuco ( Emotional ) : Oh, Tando.
Maybe Tando will be a great man for Biani...
Tando ( Blunt ) : And also because she is so hot !
Haphuco ( Disrupted ) : What ?!
Tando : Yeah, her body is so perfect, especially her long legs, and...
Haphuco ( Grab Haphuco up ) : So you want a death wish ?
Tando : Ahah, wait...brother-in-law...
Haphuco : We are not...brother-in-law...
Haphuco : yet...
Yeah, I will still need to observe this guy more.
Haphuco and Tando then reach through the door and meets Biani who is wearing her white trainning clothes. The clothes are quite revealing with her stomach revealed. Tando expresses massive praise + flirt, expected, while Haphuco, wanting to complain as of his personality but he remembered what May told him last night.
May ( Flashback ) : You are being a bit too protective with Biani, Haphuco. She is a freaking Assassin. She can protect herself well.
Haphuco ( Thought ) : Maybe she is right, so...
Haphuco ( Smile ) : You looks good in the clothes, Biani.
Biani ( Blushed ) : Really ?! Thanks, Haphuco.
The three go up a staircase and finally the Gym is shown to their eyes. They are greeted by Lucky, the staff of the Gym.
Lucky : Hey there, Biani and Tando.
Lucky ( Look at Haphuco ) : Oh, and who's this guy ?
Haphuco : Oh, uhm...
Tando : This is Haphuco, he is Biani's older brother.
Lucky : Really, I did not know that Biani has a lost brother.
Biani : No, we are from the same Orphanage.
Lucky : ...Oh, I get it. That's why...
Lucky ( Shake hands ) : Well, nice to meet you, Haphuco. My name is Lucky.
Biani : Nice to meet you, too, Lucky.
Lucky : This is your first time here, what do you think about the Gym.
Haphuco : Well, it is quite...spacious and...
Haphuco : empty...
It's not like the room is lack of people but lack of trainning equipment like usual gyms in general and the Bodyguard Gym in particular.
Lucky : I can see why you reacted like that. The Gym is not like other normal gyms that you can find outside.
Lucky : In the Gym, instead of each person working on each gym equipment like an introvert, people here interact and engage each other for practical experience, to improve each other skills.
Biani and Tando are already chatting with other Assassins in the Gym. Tando is expected but I don't know that Biani is such a sociable person. Haphuco is not though, he is much more comfortable talking with people he knows.
Lucky : Don't worry about injuring each other. We have a decent health care service here and I am a Orthopedic Doctor ( Specialize in injuries and conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles ). Basically, I deal with any injury happen during the training session
Lucky ( Sound menacing ) : But no killing conducted in the Gym. That's a Rule.
Haphuco ( Nonchalant ) : Got it !
Well, this is really different from the Bodyguard Gym. In the Bodyguard Gym, there is a full range of gym equipment for you to train. The exercises mainly focus on building your body to stand firm and everyone is mindful about injuring each other.
Suddenly, something is thrown towards Haphuco in which he captures it with his reflex. It is a wooden dagger thrown by Biani.
Haphuco ( Look at the dagger ) : A wooden dagger ?
Biani : This is for trainning, Haphuco. It has been a very long time since we fight each other, aren't we ?
Haphuco ( Smirk ) : It's sure is.
Lucky : Ooh, I am down to find out your ability, Haphuco.
Lucky : But dagger is Biani's speciality. Are you sure about that, Haphuco ?
Lucky : You can use other weapons if you want.
Haphuco : I don't mind though.
Let's see how far you have come, Biani.
Soon, a space is dedicated for the battle between Haphuco and Biani. Tando is obviously cheering for Biani while some people, including Lucky, observe out of curiousity.
Biani : Here I go, Haphuco !
Haphuco : Come here, Biani !
My Technique, First Form : West to East
Biani starts with approaching Haphuco with high speed. As soon as she is within the combat range, she turns her body aim to hit from the right but then swiftly move her body to attack from the left.
[ Clack !!! ]
It is a very surprising move for anyone new to the move but that "Clack" sound is made when two wooden swords clashing together meaning that Haphuco managed to block it.
Haphuco ( Look confident ) : Hey, Biani, isn't this the move you created when we were still in the Orphanage.
Biani : I have come quite far from that, this is my Technique and this is just the beginning !
My Technique, Second Form : Machine Dagger
The move involves continuous giving strikes after strikes towards the opponent which can only end if you can manage to interupt the move which is very hard or when she wants to end herself.
[ Clack, clack, clack !!! ]
[ Clack, clack, clack !!! ]
Biani's skills have certainly improved a lot, although Haphuco is managing to block every single hit but he is not finding a chance to counter. After 32 strikes, Haphuco finally loses his stance and it's an opportunity for Biani to finish him.
FINISH HIM
My Technique, Third Form : Jet Booster
The move involves quicky having a ghost step back to create a momentum and dash towards the opponent, giving an extra hard slash with fast speed.
It seems like the move will finish Haphuco.
Nah, I'd win.
Lock-On Mode !
A technique of putting your eyes into maximum focus which turns everything slow in Haphuco's eyes. Biani's movement is still quite fast but...
Haphuco can handle it.
Biani ( Surprised ) : Eh ?!
Haphuco dodges the move which makes Biani go overboard. He instantly grabs her belly and carries her on one of his shoulder.
Haphuco ( Smile ) : Looks like I win, Biani.
Biani ( Tomato Face ) : Hey, Haphuco, we are having a serious fight here !
Haphuco : I am being serious.
Haphuco then throws Biani to the ground, immobilizes her, and points the wooden dagger towards. The battle ends and Haphuco wins.
Haphuco : You got way better, Biani !
Biani : You are still as amazing as ever, Haphuco.
Biani ( Blushed ) : But can you stay away from me now. You are...too close.
Haphuco ( Move away ) : Oh, sorry.
Tando : Bad luck, Biani. I think you did great.
Tando : You are amazing Haphuco, how can you dodge that move at the end ?
Lucky [ Thought ] : His eyes at the end...
Lucky [ Thought ] : It's as if he jumps to a different dimension where time runs slower than normal. That explains why he can dodge the finishing move from Biani so easily.
Lucky [ Thought ] : That's ability reminds me of the legend Assassin...
This is when Lucky's thought is disrupted by the arrival of a person. It's Sanda, a schoolmate of Haphuco.
Lucky : Oh, hi, Sanda, right ? Sorry if I am wrong.
But Sanda couldn't hear what Lucky said because his focus is on Haphuco.
Sanda : Haphuco...
Hearing his name, Haphuco looks into where the voice comes from and instantly recognizes Sanda.
Haphuco : Sanda...
I do not expect to meet a schoolmate here.
Lucky : Wait, do you guys know each other ?
Both Tando and Sanda : Yeah, we are from the same School.
Tando : We are schoolmates
Sanda : We are rivals.
Sanda : I have been finding you, Haphuco. How's the hell that I could not get a single new about you since you graduated, Haphuco ?
Sanda : Weren't you always exellent at School ?
Haphuco : Well...
Sanda : But that does not matter because I finally found you.
Sanda : Haphuco...
Sanda : I challenge you to a Duel !
Haphuco : Nah, I am good.
Sanda : What ?!
A Duel is basically a battle of honor so both the opponents must use everything they have to fight against each other until one of them is unable to battle or even die.
Haphuco does not want to show everything he has, that's the only thing that he can say.
Haphuco : Hey listen, Sanda. I can only say that I can not fight you with everything I have so if we have a Duel, it would be spoiled and that won't be a Duel anymore, right ?
Sanda ( Approaching Haphuco ) : What ?! You think I would agree to that excuse, Haphuco !
Sanda : I clearly told you that we will have a Duel again, remember ?!
Haphuco : Sanda, I am...sorry. I just can't...
Sanda : Sigh, a Rule is that a Duel can not be initiated without the agreement of both opponent so you have the right to decline the Duel.
Sanda : In that case, I will have to force you to agree to a Duel with me.
Tando : What's you gonna do then, big guy ?
Biani : Yeah, you think we would just sit still while you talk like that ?
Haphuco : It's okay, you two...
Haphuco : Since you are here, how's about we have a practice match, Sanda ?
Sanda ( Turn around ) : I will leave. It is meaningless when you won't fight with everything you have.
Sanda : But remember, Haphuco. You will have a Duel with me.
Sanda : It's time to settle our battle.
Tando : What's with that guy's deal ?
Biani : Is he really your schoolmate ?
Haphuco : Yeah, he is a really fierce person.
...
Back to the bar, a girl who is apparently just around 12 years is drinking orange juice served by the old bartender. Her name is Mai, and she is Sanda's sidekick.
No need to call the FBI, Sanda did not kidnap her, she follows Sanda. That's a story to be told someday.
Sanda : We are leaving.
Mai : Wait, already ?!
Sanda : Change of plan.
Mai ( Fine with it ) : Alright...
Mai ( Try to drink all the orange juice in one slip ) : Thanks for the drink, unlce !
Sevan : No welcome, young lady.
...
The trainning session lasts for about two hours. Haphuco got a practice match against some other people and he won all. He also got to learn a thing or two from them.
Haphuco ( Cheerful ) : Thanks for the match, guys !
Lucky : Hey, Biani.
Biani : Huh ?
Lucky : Is Haphuco aware that people here are just taking advantage of each other to improve themselves ?
Unlike the Bodyguard Gym where people help each other to improve.
Biani : No, he isn't.
Lucky : He is that naive ?
Biani : Yeah, but that makes him special.
Tando ( Lying down after getting beaten by Biani ) : Can you...help me...get up ?
Biani : Just smell the ground, Tando ( for annoying me with your flirt )
Haphuco thinks about what Sanda said at the end. He did not expect to meet him again and he regretted that he could not give him the Duel he wants.
But that thought gets cut short when Biani and Tando tells him that the food made by the bartender is very good, especially his spaghetti.
...
[ Chapter 12 ]
Sanda : So how's about you have a Duel with me now, Haphuco ?
Haphuco : ...Fine
Haphuco : If you want a Duel, you will have it !
End of Chapter 8 : Schoolmate
Next Chapter - Chapter 9 : I'm Hana