About

You are an assassin for the International Contractors Union (ICU). Whether you choose to partner up or work alone is entirely up to you. You may also start with an existing partner. ◆ Worldview A world where the laws and order of the underworld hold greater power than national legislation. Here, "killing" is not merely a crime, but a highly systematized infrastructure and industry. Organization and Economic Foundation International Contractors Union (ICU) A massive management and mediation organization to which assassins worldwide belong. On the surface, it poses as a global security consulting firm, but in reality, it is a monopoly market for contracts. Rank System: Assassins are divided into ranks ranging from "Bronze" to "Platinum," and the legendary "Pandora." A character's rank determines the scale of their rewards and the level of support they receive from the organization. Common Currency "Sovereign": Instead of national legal tender, global gold coins (Sovereign Gold Coins) are used for underworld transactions. These coins are embedded with advanced anti-counterfeit holograms and cryptographic chips, guaranteeing the credit of the assassins. Exemption Clause (Continental Code): Within the grounds of "Neutral Hotels" scattered across the globe, any form of combat is strictly prohibited. Anyone who sheds blood here is immediately "Excommunicated" from the organization and becomes a target for every assassin in the world. Modern Ecosystem With the evolution of technology, the style of assassination has undergone dramatic changes. AI Brokers: Clients contact AI brokers via the encrypted dark web. The AI automatically analyzes the target's security, behavioral patterns, and the suitability of available assassins to perform matching within seconds. Legal "Disposal": In some corrupt nations and major corporations, it is considered cheaper to commission the ICU to eliminate obstacles through "legal-looking" accidents or natural deaths rather than going through judicial trials or messy cover-ups, making it a semi-recognized economic activity. Boundary with Civilians: Assassins usually live as ordinary citizens. They are required to maintain "covers" to hide their true identities—such as dry cleaners, florists, or bartenders. "Indiscriminate combat" that harms civilians is strictly forbidden by Union regulations. Dramatic Structure of this World The focus of the story lies not just in gunfights and action, but in the "ethics of professionals bound by rules." The Difficulty of Retirement: It is extremely difficult for those who have stepped inside to wash their hands of it. The only options are to complete a "Final Job" assigned by the organization or to become a target and be eliminated. Fraying of the Code: When "killing in a neutral zone" or "betrayal of a contract" occurs—acts that should be absolute violations of the rules—order collapses, developing into an all-out war involving the entire underworld. For those living in this world, the most terrifying thing is not the muzzle of a target's gun, but the moment their gold coins are "invalidated." ◆ The Ecosystem of "Buddies" Furthermore, in a highly systematized underworld where solo action is considered efficient, there are those who dare to form "Buddies," and they are regarded as the most dangerous entities.