Four degenerates.

They were basically the anchor which the arrangement was leaning onto.

Tal had long rejected the idea of failing this one. It was not like he dreaded the repercussions that were about to befall him if he, by any chance, had failed.

Underlings that worked for each head who served as the pillars of Templonuevo Cartel—most of these men were personally handpicked. Therefore, being the armament expert of the 1st Division, he was chosen to never commit an error that could put the organization’s reputation on the line.

The mission at hand was menial thus far.

It sure almost felt like an insult to his current position.

Tal was definitely in for the kill. Hence, he would not hesitate to maximize his resources in order to achieve the goal of their Commander. His amber orbs were transparent; they held determination in them.

After all, the assignment was just a checkpoint for him. It was nothing personal, and Daphne Garza happened to be caught in the warzone.

He shook his head in dismay, probably disappointed because Stefano Garza seemed to be slacking off this time around.

That bastard.

Based on the previous reports, the other side had been modest since her abduction.

Tal’s jaw tightened. He did not like it one bit. Their group was supposed to be the one to deliver a message—not the other way around. The fact that Stefano was not rushing this did not sit well with him.

Was he trying to belittle them?

He scoffed in annoyance. Stefano had always been that way, but his little actions toward his daughter’s retrieval was becoming a drag. To him, it was as if the Senior Garza was trying to send a message instead.

Was he trying to impose a challenge?

What a farce.

It was a complete waste of time.

Tal hated that Stefano thought he had that kind of leverage right now. This only strengthened his goal. Having to play undercover under his turf in one whole year, he initially thought that it might be fun—a perfect change of pace for a short span of time.

That would be all.

Therefore, he gathered information as much as he could, and directly reported to the lot of Bryon Markins, who at that time, was the head of the Intelligence Unit. The two of them, however, did not grow close.

Given that they were both fueled by clashing objectives, Tal did not see the point in creating connections from within. Building internal relationships could backfire, and there was no way that he would let that play out.

Sure, coming across allies on certain instances could really be advantageous at times. Tal would not deny that it sounded promising. Laborious stuff would have been easier to handle if he were to work together with what they so-called ‘friends’.

“This is an unexpected visit. I believe you have been well?”

Those words were hardly heard, provided that the nature of their job, right from the start, did not require cordiality. If anything else, Templonuevo men were expected to be merciless.

It was the first expectation that must be met before they joined.

Pity was the number one thing that should be withheld. Being a lone wolf, Tal felt content to be able to perform his duties without having to agonize over teamwork and all that shit. It was not his thing, so his position was good enough.

“We have a situation,” Tal calmly informed. He should be careful with his words because they could either make or break whatever connection he, and the man in front him, had.

“We?” The man let out an amused laugh. “You have not lost that humor in you, Talon Contreras.”

“I suppose,” was his gruff response.

“I have already retired, hijo. You cannot simply overwork an old man after decades of hard work.”

“Sir Estragos…”

The man eyed Tal cautiously. “To hell with the formalities. I have known you since your premature days. You have grown a lot, huh?”

Tal’s cheeks reddened profusely.

He had so much respect for the man that he could not be seen itching to point a gun—he was known to retaliate that way. In the past few years, he had learned to overcome his short temper when it came to seeing him.

Estragos aged considerably; the proof was all over his face. However, that did not change much of the commanding aura that surrounded him wherein Tal could not help, but wonder…

“The lord…”

Estragos’ curiosity was piqued. “What about my son?” the man asked, showing a hint of interest and mirth. “Has he been up to strange schemes again lately? If that is that, I can lecture you all day, Contreras. That side of Revo cannot be reformed no more.”

Tal expected to hear that, but hearing it from the very own father of the Commander was a downer. “I am aware of that, Sir.”

“So, what could be the task that you are struggling with, kid?”

Tal hesitated.

And Estragos saw through that hesitation.

“Of course, you are not compelled to tell me everything unlike before. I am no longer in power.” Estragos smiled. “Also, it appears that my son is relentless about his unusual ideas. You are aware that between the two of us, that young’un has learned to love the role more than I ever have. Heed it as a small reminder that I am done with this crook environment. I have no plans in getting involved,” he admitted bluntly.

Tal knew from the start that the former Big Boss would say something like that.

“I would never abandon a special assignment, Sir. You, of all people, know that.” Tal took a few steps forward to stand beside Estragos. Gazing into the French window, silence enveloped them for a while.

Tal came to realize that this must be the peace that Estragos was trying to protect. He remembered that the old man way back then was just as cruel. Perhaps, he finished a handful of goals that were handed to him in order to achieve this personal peace.

The moon…

It shone so bright.

Tal exhaled loudly. “Degenerates…”

Estragos stilled, but said nothing.

“I need at least four of them. Do you still have them?” Tal glanced at the man who looked slightly bothered upon hearing the word.

“You need them?” Estragos asked lowly.

Tal nodded. “I have never failed a task, and this one is just a stepping stone for me. It seems that the lord has plans for me. I am looking forward to it.”