The following video message appeared on all clandestine chatlines and contact lists, as well as most notably the notorious Bounty Board, where it would attract the most clientele.
"Greetings, my friends."
The smooth Russian accent was unfiltered by the gleaming helmet, reflecting nothing of its darkened surroundings save for the small shine of the overhead light. The silver headpiece obscured the visage of the speaker, who sat behind a large mahogany desk. Garbed from head-to-toe in dark blue, with a high-collared uniform and pristine white gloves, the figure was the perfect example of 21st-century extranormal aristocracy, the snakelike motif and unique helmet obviously setting him apart from any other unscrupulous member of the upper class. All that was visible behind him were two drawn curtains with a view of the ocean.
"My name is Cobalt. I have a very simple offer to make, an offer that will change your life forever."
He tapped one of his fingers on the desk, a small headshot of Quinn Mercier appearing to his left.
"This man is Quinn Mercier. He is currently favored to win the French Presidential Election. I, though, am no fan of twenty-first century politics. So let's have a little fun, shall we?"
He waved away the hologram with the tip of his gloved finger, spinning in the chair to realign himself with the camera.
"Your incentive to kill Mr. Mercier, you ask? Aside from five billion dollars - a large sum, yes - I offer you this."
From a sheath within his jacket, the disguised Klaus von Lichter pulled a serrated combat knife, sticking it in the top of the desk. It was not the Gottschwert, but rather a blade of his own forging, recently developed as an additional reward for whomever completed the hunt.
"There are two special things about this knife, my friends. The first is that it is composed of hyper-vibranium ore. It is the first weapon of its kind, and is functionally capable of killing even the nGods who plague our skies. I offer you the secret knowledge of forging this metal, as well as the knife itself. As well as possessing wonderful utility, it will make an excellent trophy, of which I've heard many of you are fond. Complete my contract, and win this unique knife."
The blade was steel. He wasn't made of money.
"The second special thing, however, is what the knife's hilt contains."
He pressed the bottom, a small slot opening to reveal a flash drive.
"This drive - unhackable - contains a terabyte of information on every single costumed entity in the world. Yes, my friends - Central Intelligence Agency, STRIKE, China, Japan, Russia; every file about every masked man, woman, and child...and more. What happened to Gothic City...the true identity of Dox...and most importantly, who your leaders really are. And all I ask for in return for such power?"
He slid the flash drive back into the knife.
"The body of Quinn Mercier. Before or after he's elected."
He put his fingers together, angling his head to the side.
"удачи."
Good luck.
Log in to comment