Chapter 14:

No warmth In The Kill

Brothers In Arms

The next day, I finally got discharged and headed to the tavern.

“The tavern lady, who felt like my mom, was worried about me.”

She didn’t care about the title. She was just glad I was alive.

“Aww, I see you got a little creature.'

It's really cute. May I pet it?”

No, sorry, this is the type of creature I saved in the woods.

It’s skeptical of people.

“Oh, ok, honey. By the way, I got a letter from the faction. They would like to meet you when you feel better.”

I walked up the creaky stairs, entered my room, and read the note. I opened it excitedly as I tore the envelope seal off. First off, I didn’t think I would catch the eyes of the factions… I read the letter, and it felt like a fever dream to finally be accepted, just like when I got accepted into the military.

“Dear Mason. We were out of this world impressed with your knowledge and restraint. We as the faction committee would like to discuss the next step of initiation in order to proceed; please meet us at your earliest convenience. We will be waiting.”

I looked at my fluffy monster. I tamed

petted its head

played around with it

as if it were like a cat.

I drifted to sleep shortly after that, with my candle wax still burning and Kibi sleeping on top of my head. I smiled.

Time went by fast. It's already morning. I walked down the creaky stairs trying not to wake anyone up. I linked my mind to Beaky through our telepathic perk of the subjugation spell. I can ask and see what they are seeing, but they cannot talk back.

I saw something. It was Tyla.

"She was fighting bandits. I just watched from a bird's point of view as she took them out. She is a badass."

Let’s see what else she can do. Kibi, you will get training with Beaky soon. Right now I need to observe her skills.

Is that all you got, bandits?

pathetic

I need stronger opponents to protect Mason. Time to head back to the guild to look for a stronger quest. I was walking out of the woods and heard a scream. It cried out louder and louder as I followed the echo of it.

“Help me, these bandits are harassing me. Pl-please someone HELP ME!”

Something was off about this, like it was staged, but it sounded genuine. I just stood there watching it unfold, hesitant. As a train assassin, we were supposed to kill no matter what. The bandits were making a movement, pinning her to the ground and getting on top of her. I couldn’t watch that anymore.

I used my clairvoyance skill to see if there was anyone else around, then I used my spell decoy to make sounds. I learned that from Ryker.

A shiver went down my spine.

The bandits stopped in their tracks, hovering around, leaning in bushes, looking into the abyss. Perfect time to execute them.

I’ve marked your crew.

They were afraid.

I saw it in their eyes.

I felt neither satisfaction

nor

remorse.

Your blood stains the floor.

Two more bodies dropped.

As assassins we always train to kill till no one remains.

You have sealed your fate.

You’ll never live again.

I looked at my bloody blade while I hovered over the lady.

This is the life of an assassin. We are wanted for this stuff: the thrill, the kill, and bloodshed.

I vanished like the wind, no trace, no footprint, just the words I left her echo.

“Pull that fake stunt again, and see what happens.”

I am tired.

I need to lie down.

That movement made me exhausted. I will head back to the guild later, but I need to sleep.

Damn, it’s getting late out of time to head back to the guild, to drop off these bandits' heads. I am getting stronger, but not there to protect Mason. I pray I get stronger sooner than later.

I arrived at the guild, it was lively, fellow adventures were singing and enjoying their time. Till I dropped the head’s, here you go 10 bandits' heads as proof.

“O-oh my okay, let me.. Let me get someone to verify this please wait a second.”

“Ah, I see you brought back some heads of the bandits. I see they are warm; tell me where these bandits were.

I responded.

“I was walking out of the woods, then I heard a scream, so I went to check it out.”

“Okay, thank you, Tyla. Here is your reward. Keep up the good work.”

Finally I can now relax on this comfy bed; I missed this feeling despite being gone for a whole day in the woods.

I slept like a princess, instead of going to the guild, I explored the city some more, it was my escape to find peace. It felt nice seeing the ocean, with the bright blue sky, wind was not blowing too hard, picture perfect.

I went to grab some food, it tasted good. The smell was immaculate. After that it was dusk out, I went to a back alley shop.

I opened the door,

“asked the keeper of the place.

Can you get me better dagger’s.

something that can instantly kill.

If you try to scam me I will kill you

don't try me.”

I looked around the shop

while the older looking blacksmith brought me these pocket knives, while on top of the daggers.

The pocket knife was sharp,

It felt cold,

The polished blade