007 - Assassination Attempt #2

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●

"What, you're nothing special like I thought?"

"Ye, yeah…"

No, that's because you guys are way beyond the student level.

Elijah thought so and looked around at the groaning assassins spread out on the floor.

From their skills, it was clear that they have lived on the edge of knives for a long time. It makes no sense for students to just subdue these people.

'Of course, there are people who can't be judged with common sense…'

She then looked at the person quietly retrieving their sword with a wry smile, after single-handedly slaughtering the enemies.

Even the other students, who had the power to easily deal with the leftover assassins, showed a sense of awe mixed with fear when they looked at this person.

However, such a reaction was normal towards someone who subdued this many assassins with an undrawn sword.

Among the best swordsmen on the continent was the Princess, praised as the greatest talent of all time.

The swordsmanship she displays is in a realm where even Elijah, who had gone through numerous battles, could not help but admire.

'How many people on the continent can imitate that?'

The Tristan Style Swordsmanship is a highly advanced skill where one is considered a genius just by being able to imitate it. And if one is able to master it, one could destroy common sense regardless of weapon.

It was said that even a stick can be used to kiII.

"…?"

Lost in her thoughts, Elijah suddenly noticed something.

Elnore's hand was shaking.

It was as if she was putting up with something excruciating.

From an experienced point of view.

It's as if she's frustrated that she can't "kiII" the other person.

It looked like her body was screaming to pull out her sword and start hacking.

"…"

Elijah felt silent goosebumps. Then as if noticing her gaze, Elnore subtly hid her hand behind and said.

"…It looks like we've subdued them all."

It was a clear signal not to talk about what she had just seen, to which Elijah agreed.

If she tried to touch on the topic now, she might have a sword come and send her to the heavens.

"Yes, I think we should hand them over to the academy-"

Elijah suddenly stopped mid sentence.

It was because she found a shining blue jewel on the body of one of the assassins.

It was a short-range communication device. Something that she's seen several times before when subjugating monsters.

This means that there are still others in the building that these guys keep in 'contact' with.

"-It's not over yet."

Elijah smiled as she approached one of the assassins.

"Hey, are there others besides everyone here right now?"

"…"

Seeing the assassin silently glaring at her, Elijah bitterly laughed inwardly.

Yeah, finding answers isn't so easy-

-!

However, before she could even finish thinking, the assassin's arm suddenly broke with bang.

"…!"

The assassin's silent scream gave Elijah an idea of the amount of pain they were feeling.

Dumbfounded, she turned and saw Elnore putting the sheathed sword back on her waist.

"If you don't talk, I'll break your neck next."

"…"

"Hmm. No. That just wasn't appropriate."

When Elnore said that, the dumbfounded Elijah also smiled.

Yeah, but you really can't just say that out of the blue.

"If no one speaks, I'll fold everyone's throat."

"…"

Heavy silence permeated the surroundings.

Elnore was talking in a calm manner like in a casual conversation. But it's precisely because of this that people know that she'll really do what she says she would.

Eventually, someone admitted in place of the assassin with a broken arm.

Listening to the tense words, Elnore simply nodded her head expressionlessly.

"Yes. Hasmed of Crescent Moon. He steals the identity of his victim."

Hearing those words, Elnore, who had been silent for a while, opened her mouth.

"That assassin, is he here with you?"

"What?"

"Answer the question, is he in this building right now?"

"…I can't tell you that-"

The assassin suddenly stopped midway.

Anyone who realizes that one of their arms has been slashed by a sword will probably do so.

It was none other than Elnore, who had drawn her sword in an instant.

"A, aaaak-!"

The assassin screamed in pain as his blood sprayed everywhere. However, Elnore did not even think about wiping the splattered blood off her face and just grabbed the assassin by the collar.

Her red eyes shone ferociously in the dim surroundings.

"Is that assassin here?"

"A, aaaaak-!"

"If you don't answer, I'll cut off the other side too."

"Y, yes! He's here!"

Upon hearing that, Elnore threw the screaming assassin to the ground.

She was stunned for a bit before running out, leaving the other students who remained still.

"Wait! What the heII is this madness!"

Breaking an arm and 'threats' were not the same as pulling out a real sword and slashing a body part off!

Elnore's personality seemed to have turned a 180° as soon as she heard that there was an assassin named Hasmed in the building.

Elnore sighed and answered Elijah, who had quickly caught up.

"Because I needed an answer urgently. Lives are on the line and there's medical equipment nearby."

"…"

That said, who would do such a thing without hesitation?

"What was that for…!"

"They said the assassin kills and steals his victims identity. Who do you think would be the easiest to target in this building right now?"

Elijah was speechless.

Come to think of it, there was one.

One person who dared to separate from the group saying it was 'necessary'.

"…No way."

Elijah said firmly.

"Did he use himself as bait to lure the strongest opponent there?"

Logically speaking, this is just all speculation.

You can't just know that such an assassin is coming in the first place. And even if you did, why would you risk your own life to do such a dangerous thing-

-I, quite like that person.

"…"

-It's possible.

Now, it was clear that this assassination attempt was aimed at Princess Tristan.

And it was evident that Elnore agrees, seeing that she kept her mouth shut without answering.

"I'll have to go there and check."

"Why are you doing this? What is the relationship between you two…?"

"…Didn't you say that there's nothing between you two?"

Elnore said.

"At least as far as I know."

But, unlike before.

She wasn't even sure of herself now.

●

No matter how you look at Elfante Academy, it's difficult to regard it as a normal educational institution.

The fact that there are things that would never be in a normal school is already widespread among outsiders.

Since it is such an old and mysterious place, there there are all kinds of 'abnormalities' in the school itself.

Secret rooms hidden everywhere, ghosts that pop out randomly certain times, and certain buildings that are said to hold legends...

Hasmed was familiar with those things.

He had heard more than a few thousand things, but it had been a long time since he had memorized them all.

Regardless, he's a well-known professional assassin. If he's unable to deal with a situation at this level, then he doesn't deserve such a reputation.

Hence, when he saw the translucent blue 'membrane' on his arm, he couldn't help but be stunned.

'The Guardian's Soul…!'

It's a suppressive defensive barrier and has the effect of greatly reducing the power of the weapon wielded by the attacker within the specified range.

Although it is said to appear in some buildings, both the exact time and place when it happens is random.

But why did this appear here?

As Hasmed was thinking that, the student in front began to approach him with the stick.

'Fool!'

Hasmed snorted.

Even with a weapon-disabling barrier, a trained assassin themself is a weapon. Further, Hasmed ranks top among such assassins.

What can a kid do with a stick? Like what could that weak ass body without a hint of combat skill do?

At least, this was what Hasmed thought.

Until... The first blow.

-!

-!!

A storm-like series of attacks raged in an instant.

In the blink of an eye, Hasmed was screaming. His vital had been hit and couldn't hold in the scream.

However, the psychological shock was hitting him more than the physical pain.

'I can't follow his moves…!'

As a top rank assassin, there are only a few sword styles in the continent that he can't identify.

Not to mention, if it was wielded by a swordsman who could exert this much power with an object that was not even a sword to begin with!

'Tristan Style Swordsmanship!'

Why is it that he couldn't read the skills of a guy who could execute such a technique?

'…!'

It was then that epiphany dawned on him.

If what he's thinking is right...

'I shouldn't have messed with this guy from the start…!'

Hasmed thought as he helplessly fell to the ground.

●

[ Successfully used Attribute! ]

[ Attribute: Tristan Style Swordsmanship Proficiency Increased. ]

"…"

What's this?

Why is it so strong?

I look at the fallen Hasmed in confusion.

To be honest, I didn't expect much from the Tristan Style Swordsmanship because what I have is only the basic version. It was out of my expectations that I could take down someone like Hasmed in just a couple of swings.

After all, wasn't he still a decent mid-boss during the main quest?

He was a renowned assassin, his name bearing some weight in the underworld.

'…How strong will this be if I complete it?'

I knew that this would be strong considering it's the swordsmanship used by the Final Boss. But I didn't expect it to be this strong.

In the first place, my plan was to buy time and dip out for help.

"…Ha. I see. It was a trap from the beginning."

I didn't know what to say hearing this from the guy collapsed in front of me.

What are you talking about?

"I don't know how, but you definitely knew that the Guardian's Soul would appear. That must have been the reason why you chose the stick as your weapon from the beginning."

That's just the game's mechanics.

Fighting with weapons is impossible at 'save points' that exist in all buildings. That's why I brought this guy here.

"And in order to use that method, you lured me in by hiding your skills from the beginning, didn't you? That's why you purposely broke away from the group. To keep me away from Princess Tristan."

"…"

Not really.

Actually, I was going to run away after distracting you a bit.

[ Skill: Fatal Charm has been activated! ]

[ The Villain is in awe of your elaborate plans! ]

[ Rewards are added to the Gift tab! ]

"…"

What elaborate plan?

Is running away and crying for help an elaborate plan now?

Where has all the subtlety of the world gone?

"Bastard, who are you? Are you raised by Duke Tristan? Or an agent of the Imperial Central Intelligence Agency?"

"…"

I'm from a remote place who raised cows and farm for a living.

"Looks like you have no intention of answering. Alright, kiII me now."

"…I don't intend to kill you."

"You're not going to kill me? Why?"

As if my words were really that shocking, Hasmed's eyes widened.

I have no intention of murder.

'In the first place…'

He is a member of the criminal organization, 'Vagabond', that is a key player in the third chapter in the scenario.

If I touch him carelessly, the Vagabond will obviously come for me.

However.

'I can't just say this.'

So, I need to come up with a reasonable excuse.

What would be the best…

Ah, yes.

"Spread the word to not approach Princess Tristan. Even an assassin like you almost died trying."

I don't know who this guy's boss is, but given that this happened during an academy event, there's a good chance they're no ordinary lunatic.

Even with this failure, there is a high chance that they'll try again and again, ultimately stacking Elnore's 'Corruption'.

Gradually increasing the odds of the Gray Devil being unleashed.

Hence, it's best to cut off any kind of attempt at their source.

Hasmed is a well-known assassin in his own right. Shouldn't something like this deter others to take on the assassination request?

"…"

Hasmed's expression turned strange.

"What are you going to do if I don't keep my promise? If you let me go, we might aim for Princess Tristan again?"

Actually, I don't think so.

Knowing the 'Vagabonds' in the original work, he definitely won't. They're not the type who would go against someone who saved their life.

Strangely enough, they are criminals who strictly upholds honor.

But let's spit some talk here.

"Try again, then."

I continued with a smirk.

"I'll still be there to protect her."

"…Is Princess Tristan that precious to you?"

"You can think of it however you want."

Let's just gloss over it since it's a pain to explain in detail.

Saying 'because she favors me' will lead to more questions. This should be fine…

[ Skill: Fatal Charm Activated! ]

[ The skill efficiency is extremely high! ]

[ The Villain's favor has greatly increased! ]

[ The Villain's favor has greatly increased! ]

[ The Villain's favor has crazily increased! ]

[ The Villain's favor... ]

"…"

What is this?

As soon as I finished talking, system prompts began to madly appear one after the other, effectively blocking my vision.

Uh.

No way.

"…"

Turning my head slightly, I see a wide-eyed Elnore at the end of the hallway.

It was clear that she had heard everything.

"…"

"…"

I'm in deep shi†.

I don't know why, but I feel that way.

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