I’m a Doorman at an Assassin’s Hotel

Léon led me swiftly through the dimly lit factory, his figure moving through shadows with light, soundless steps. He constantly scanned the area for possible hiding spots, his experience evident. It was only now that I fully realized his "professionalism" wasn't just talk.

I held my breath, trying to keep up with his pace, my nerves on edge. After all, this wasn't just about evading pursuers; it was a crucial moment to buy Mathilda enough time to escape. We had to hold off these men in black as long as possible.

Léon suddenly stopped, signaling me to stay quiet. I pressed myself against the wall, peeking out from the shadows. Several men in black were approaching, their weapons glinting coldly in the dim light. They moved with precision, clearly well-trained—nothing like ordinary street thugs.

"They'll find us soon," Léon murmured, his tone calm but determined.

I tried to keep things light, lowering my voice as I replied, "Got it. So, this is our 'face-off' moment?"

He shot me a cold look, as if reminding me that this was no time for jokes. With measured precision, he pulled out a grenade, set it, and hurled it at the approaching men in black. "Boom!" Smoke and debris exploded outward, scattering the group and creating a brief window of respite.

"Go!" Léon hissed, and we quickly moved in another direction. I trailed behind, whispering nervously, "Got any other bright ideas?"

Léon's voice was steady. "Distract them and keep Mathilda safe. If there are more of them, divide their attention."

Just then, shots rang out behind us. The men in black had located us and were now in full pursuit. My heart pounded as I struggled to keep my panic in check, staying close behind Léon.

The gunfire grew more intense as they zeroed in on our position. Léon pulled me behind some cover, scanning the surroundings quickly. "If I engage them, don't try to be a hero. Run when you get the chance."

I laughed nervously. "Run? You're underestimating me."

He didn't smile, his eyes sharp and intense. "This isn't a joke. It's life or death."

Before I could respond, the men in black had already closed in. Léon raised his gun, ready for the inevitable clash. I clenched my fists, silently promising myself that this time, I wouldn't be dead weight.

Gunfire echoed throughout the factory, and flashes of light illuminated Léon's focused figure. This was no longer avoidable; it was a fight to the finish. We held our ground, side by side, under relentless fire, hoping only that Mathilda had safely escaped—and that I'd finally prove my worth in this battle.

As the enemy pressed closer, Léon's marksmanship remained steady and lethal, every shot landing with chilling precision, temporarily halting their advance. I couldn't help but feel a hint of admiration, but the growing pressure reminded me of our dwindling ammunition.

I kept an eye on the surroundings, prepared to cover Léon if needed. Suddenly, I spotted one of the men attempting to flank us, creeping toward Léon's blind side. My palms were sweaty as I picked up a nearby chunk of broken brick and hurled it at the man's head. It sailed through the air in a clumsy arc but managed to hit its mark, making him stumble and fall.

Léon glanced at me, his tone flat. "Nice work, Brick Master. You actually helped."

Suppressing a grin, I whispered back, "Hey, I'm a 'temporary hero,' after all."

He ignored me, focusing on the fight. The men in black must have sensed our ammo running low, as they began tightening their formation, slowly closing in on us. My heart raced as I cursed them silently, wondering how they were everywhere.

"Any more ammo?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Not much," he replied, "but enough for Mathilda to make it."

Just then, the enemy launched an aggressive push, several men advancing on us at once, as if determined to end things. I braced myself against the nearest cover, thinking: If it comes down to it, I might have to rely on my 'brick skills' again.

After firing his last few rounds, Léon glanced at me. "Now's your chance. They're focused here. Get out while you can."

I hesitated, finally understanding he meant to cover my escape. I shook my head and whispered, "No way. We go together."

His eyes were steely and commanding. "Don't waste time."

I stared at him, torn. I knew I couldn't convince him, but I didn't want to abandon him. Before I could argue further, Léon stepped out of cover, fully exposing himself to draw the enemy's fire.

"Damn it!" I cursed under my breath, gritting my teeth as I retreated, feeling the weight of the moment. His cover gave me a chance to leave, but it also underscored the brutal reality of this fight. Running down the dark corridors of the factory, only one thought filled my mind: I have to go back and help him. I can't just think about myself this time.

Gunfire and shouts echoed from behind as I knew Léon was fighting alone. Unease and guilt welled up inside me. Finally, I made it out of the factory, but couldn't resist looking back—inside, a lone warrior was facing down an entire onslaught.

Just as I caught my breath outside, that familiar mechanical voice echoed in my mind:

[Mission Issued: Assist Léon in Escaping. Mission Description: Help your current partner Léon to escape safely. Completion Reward: Precision Shooting Lv1.]

My heart skipped a beat. This mission required me to go back and help Léon! But how? Against trained men in black, my skills were no match!

"Hey, system, isn't this mission a bit…" I muttered in protest, but the system remained silent, only displaying the mission prompt coldly. I gave a resigned laugh, feeling a swirl of emotions. After all, Léon was fighting alone to buy me time; now it was my turn to do something for him.

Looking around, I quickly scanned for any tools. Not far away, I spotted an abandoned vehicle with an old riot shield inside. It looked worn, but it would work as temporary cover.

"Alright, Brick Master's upgrading to Shield Master!" I psyched myself up, taking a deep breath before grabbing the shield and heading back into the factory.

As I approached, I peered through a broken window. Léon was surrounded, low on ammunition and in serious trouble, with several men closing in. Shielding myself, I charged inside, shouting, "Hey! Your target's over here!" The diversion worked; a few of the men turned their guns on me. Raising the shield, I braced myself, pushing through the fear as bullets slammed against it.

Léon looked surprised to see me, then said coldly, "Didn't I tell you to run?"

I grinned. "Sorry, but temps are stubborn like that. I had to come back on duty."

Léon shook his head with a faint hint of exasperation, but his lips quirked slightly. Seizing the distraction, he repositioned himself, ready to make one last stand.

"I'll cover you. You get ready!" I whispered, raising the shield, determined to face the enemy.

Léon nodded silently and motioned for me to move right, to split their attention. I took a deep breath, gripping the shield as I sidestepped right, trying to stay light on my feet.

A few of the men immediately focused on me, shifting their aim in my direction. Bullets pounded the shield, each impact sending vibrations through my arms. I clenched my jaw, praying the old shield would hold.

With their focus diverted, Léon took his chance, emerging from cover to fire off a series of shots, each one hitting its mark and taking down multiple enemies. His movements were swift and calculated, like a true "cleaner" in his element.

Seeing him reduce their numbers, I couldn't resist taunting the remaining men. "Hey! Over here!" I waved the shield, drawing their rage-filled glares as they opened fire on me. Holes dotted the shield as my heart raced, sweat trickling down my face.

Léon flanked them from the other side, taking out another man. The remaining enemies hadn't expected me, the "rookie," to play such a key role and were clearly rattled, pushing harder to end this fight.

"Ready?" Léon asked in a low voice, his gaze unflinching.

I nodded, hoping my voice didn't sound as shaky as I felt. "Always ready."

Léon gave me a determined look, then moved swiftly left, signaling me to follow. I stashed the shield and took a deep breath, sprinting in the direction he indicated.

Dodging bullets as we retreated, we wound through the maze of the factory until we finally shook off the last of the pursuers. I collapsed against a wall, gasping, grateful to have made it through this life-and-death battle.

Léon gave me a cool look, the faintest hint of a smile playing at his lips, a rare tone of approval in his voice. "At least you didn't hold me back this time."

Grinning, I patted the shield, now riddled with holes. "Not only didn't I hold you back, I even drew some fire. Not bad for a rookie, right?"

He shook his head, his usual stoic expression softened with a glimmer of acknowledgment. Turning toward the exit, he motioned for me to follow.

As we walked down a hidden path, Léon moved with his usual quick, steady pace while I felt my legs growing heavier with every step, my breath ragged. I looked ahead, silently cheering myself on and grumbling, "This has to be the toughest 'doorman' job ever…"

Just as exhaustion overtook me, that familiar voice sounded in my mind:

[Mission Complete: Assisted Léon in Escaping. Congratulations, Host! You have earned: Precision Shooting Lv1.]

A wave of relief washed over me as a small smile spread across my face. This skill was exactly what I needed—it was finally something I could count on beyond bricks and old shields.

Relieved and secretly thrilled, I thought, Precision Shooting Lv1—just in time! Now I won't have to rely on bricks and battered shields every time.

As I savored the upgrade, Léon turned back to give me a cool look. "Don't celebrate yet. Next time, the enemy won't give you breathing room."

Quickening his pace, Léon continued forward. I hurried to keep up, thinking, Still, it's a step forward, and hard-won experience at that.

After some distance, we found an abandoned building to rest in. I slumped down, catching my breath as sweat poured down my face. The battle had drained me to my limit, leaving me feeling like I'd been run over.

"What now?" I asked, trying to pull myself out of my exhaustion.

"We rest until dawn," Léon replied calmly. "Once it's safe, we'll find Mathilda."

Leaning back against the cold wall, I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of each breath as the events replayed in my mind. Remembering how I'd drawn fire with that shield, actually helping Léon hold off the attackers, I felt a sense of satisfaction. Perhaps I wasn't a complete "burden" after all.

Across from me, Léon sat calmly, reloading his clips, his face a mask of focus and composure. He didn't seem to need a moment's rest, as if life-and-death combat was second nature. Compared to him, I felt like a disheveled amateur.

"Planning on dragging me down forever?" he suddenly asked, his tone laced with sarcasm, casting me a sidelong glance.

"Hey, don't be like that! I did pull my weight back there," I shot back, knowing he was pushing me but finding his icy demeanor more than a little irksome.

He scoffed lightly, his gaze unwavering. "Next time won't be so easy. They won't make the same mistakes. If you want to stay alive, you'll need to do better."

I bit back a retort, knowing he was right. The missions would only get harder, and it was only a matter of time before the enemy adapted to our tactics. Taking a deep breath, I resolved not to be dead weight again.

As the night wore on, silence returned to the world outside, as if the gunfight had never happened. I leaned against the wall, slipping into a light sleep. But a clear voice inside reminded me that this dark path, filled with hidden dangers, marked the start of a new life—and that my "doorman" role might be far more complicated than I had imagined.