The metallic scent of fresh blood soaked his entire body. The blood, whose he couldn't tell, was hotter than the sweat that runs on a midsummer day. He looked down at the fragile body letting out a small groan.

What a shame. I thought you were pretty good.

The sight of the woman, reaching out with a trembling hand and crawling on the floor, was foolish and pathetic. To think this thing was a killer. Gaku hadn't killed her yet, though his usual self would have torn her to shreds long ago.

It would have been a simple matter of stabbing her in an instant, like cracking a piece of candy. But today, he slowly followed the woman's movements with his eyes, as if slowly melting a candy in his mouth. And then, his leisurely steps created a uniform vibration on the floor. He stopped right in front of the woman and crouched down. It was unclear whether meeting her gaze was to satisfy his own curiosity or a form of consideration on his part.

Your face is decent, at least.

Muttering, the hand that roughly grabbed the woman's chin was quite amusing. It was a sight to see her panting, letting out small breaths.

Just then, his cell phone rang. It was obvious. Figuring it was the boss, he answered the call.

From the receiver, a question of why it was taking so long faintly leaked out. At that, the corners of Gaku's mouth drew a slight arc as he began to speak.

Boss, you told me to capture the target alive, right?

He heard a voice asking what he meant, but Gaku had already hung up and lifted the woman onto one shoulder. As she struggled weakly, he tightened his grip on her waist.

Move and you're dead.