Assassin Syndicate

There were a total of 7 ranks that determined the Assassins in the Assassin Syndicate. 

They were Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master, and Grandmaster. 

Each rank doesn't just symbolize the Assassin's power, but also their track record in the assassination. 

To summarize, one could be stronger than another assassin despite being lower ranked, but that didn't mean they were more capable of assassinating the target. 

In other words, the Platinum rank Assassins that Mirelle spoke of could be said to be in the middle class in the Assassin Syndicate. 

Despite being middle class, Mirelle's dreadful expression made it clear that they were not to be underestimated whatsoever.

"Please don't joke about such things, Crown Prince," Mirelle warned sternly and glanced at the crewmates who were still working on the ship. 

"If one of the Platinum Assassins really managed to disguise themselves on the ship, then we're in a lot of trouble." 

"You managed to single-handedly resolve the escaped slaves incident, but you're now worried about some assassins?" Leonard mused. 

Just when Mirelle was about to explode in rage at his nonchalant attitude and response toward her concern, his eyes narrowed. 

"Let them come then. If I were to be worried about them, then I would have never made my journey so publicized." He said, his demeanor changing to that of a fierce predator who was waiting for a confused prey to enter his killing zone. 

All along, there was one question that constantly bombarded him. 

What kind of organization was behind the poison incident. 

Even if it was orchestrated or schemed by someone, they still needed a trusted person or organization that held a high success rate to commence the act. 

Additionally, they needed to be confident that their identity wouldn't be exposed even if the person who committed the act was captured. 

Thus, he had been wondering what kind of affiliation the middle-man that he was chasing after could belong to. The question posed quite a difficulty and headache to him. 

But now his doubts and confusions were cleared thanks to Mirelle's revelation.

'The Umbra Vex wouldn't benefit from my death, but surely, the Assassin Syndicate would gain more fame if they succeeded in killing me.' Leonard sneered inwardly. 

What he feared was the unknown. But if the so-called unknown had come to light, then there was nothing to be afraid of. 

"I only wonder if the escaped slaves are connected to the Assassin Syndicate." He murmured, finding the incident to be quite suspicious. 

An experienced assassin would never have blundered so hard and created a loud commotion to complete their task. 

But he couldn't voice out the possibility of being related to the assassin either. Leonard wouldn't commit such a grave mistake of overestimating himself and believing himself to be intelligent over other people. 

"Should I screen the crewmates with intensive magic scanning?" Mirelle suddenly asked. "The problem with intensive magic scanning will cause them to be weak and incapable of any movement for a while." 

To summarize, the Astral Gale might stagnate with the lack of crewmates working. Of course, they could also choose to screen a few suspicious individuals. But doing so would alert the enemy if there was really one hidden in the ship. 

The ship may be big, but no matter how big it was, they were still trapped in one place surrounded by the large sea. 

"No need for such action." Leonard shook his head and rejected the suggestion. 

"If there really is an enemy, then being able to board the ship speaks volumes of their capability. We're in the light, and they're in the dark. Those in the dark are afraid of the light." He continued. 

'Those in the dark are afraid of the light…' Mirelle repeated the last phrase in her mind. It took her a while before she figured out what he meant. 

If an enemy had truly disguised themselves to board the ship, then they wouldn't make a move during the daytime or on obvious scenery.

Instead, they would lurk in the dark and act in the shadows or places that would be hard to guard against. Places such as the kitchen section where food was being cooked to serve to the crewmates and captain. Or places such as the mechanisms and gears of the ship.

Every vital detail that was often overlooked would be the perfect scenario for the enemy to act upon. 

"Anyway, there's no point in overthinking too much," Leonard said. "We can wait till night time hits and you begin the investigation." 

"Me?" Dumbfounded, Mirelle pointed at herself with a look of disbelief. She was just a magic tutor. 

When did she become an investigator? 

No, it was more accurate to say when did she become his people who could order her around?

Seeing her look of refusal, Leonard smiled amusingly. 

"Well, if I die in the sea, then you will never be able to realize your ideology. And I reckon everyone in the ship would follow me to the underworld." He spread his arms wide and imparted some wisdom to her. 

Mirelle's brows twitched slightly. She realized she was caught in a dilemma by following him in boarding the ship. 

"Wait, then did you purposely punish the guards to make sure they can't board the ship?" She suddenly asked with an incredulity expression. 

"Wow, you've guessed it." 

Shocked, Leonard clapped his hands in amazement. "Now you know that the price of wanting something is heavy. I'm so happy that you're learning so well, Teacher Mirelle." 

"..."

For a moment there, Mirelle had a desire to blast Leonard off the ship and toward the sea. 

What sins had she committed to get herself entangled with such an incredulous crown prince? 

"I finally have an idea why people wanted you dead." She said sarcastically. "Rumors really cannot be trusted. I bet many people realized your true self and thus came to such a conclusion." 

"Probably." Leonard nodded and didn't plan on arguing her claim. 

He was never a hero-type person. Everything he does so far was for himself, and only himself. No one helped him either when he needed them, so why should he help others when it doesn't give him any return value?