The Deadly Assassin Robin by Tristan Storm

Martial Arts Tournament at Mount Netheris

Varryn lowered his gaze and stayed quiet for a long time.

“There’s been no trace of Lord Lightborn or the Lightbringer for 20 years.

“I’ve stayed in Rosha, watching for signs from the Dark Woods.

“A month ago, the High Priest of the Third Syndicate came to see me.

“He brought a message from Caym, telling me to put this dagger up for auction in Hunderra.

“When I first held the dagger, I felt it had to be from Earthend. It carried the same energy as the Dark Woods.

“I think Caym wanted it auctioned across all 18 cities to draw you out. He’ll probably find out you’ve arrived very soon.

“Yesterday, when I heard someone had come from the Dark Woods near Gyro Castle, I started to wonder if it was someone from Earthend.

“I’ve waited 20 years for this chance.

“My father pretended to side with the Dark Syndicate, but his real goal was to wait for Lord Lightborn’s

return.

“He never got to see the thing he had always hoped for, not even in his final moments.

“Before he died, he asked me to keep waiting. If Lord Lightborn can’t return to Netheris Domain, then we’ll keep waiting.

“Our duty won’t be fulfilled until the whole Netheris Domain is lit up, the darkness disappears, and people finally get to live freely, equally, and happily.

“I have two children.

“My daughter just turned 18. She’s trained under the Ninth Syndicate and has already reached Peak Warrior rank. But she doesn’t know anything about the burden our family carries.

“My son is only 12. He already understands our family’s mission is working hard every day at the Light Keep on Mount Zhisall.

“If I can’t live to see Lord Lightborn come back, then it’s up to my kids to carry on the wait.

“Mr. Ramsey, you’re from Earthend. Have you ever heard of Lord Lightborn?”

Robin shook his head. He didn’t know who Varryn was talking about.

A hint of disappointment crossed Varryn’s face.

He glanced at Robin as if he wanted to say more, but he held back.

pointed to the Ritacharm. “Varryn, do you

about a girl, 18 years old, who escaped from the Dark Woods.

Martial Arts

likely taken to the Ninth

there’s a method that boosts power by taking someone’s soul and putting

pill that can raise a person’s strength

captured, she’s

since she arrived in Netheris

14 days, her soul will be extracted, refined with fire,

up. “Archmage Varryn, please tell me where exactly is the

I heard we have guests!” a bright voice called

young woman stepped in, catching Robin

daughter, Hacyon Seaborn. She’s trained at the Ninth Syndicate since

said, “Dad, Hacyon’s become a First–rank Master!

her age at that level. Even the Pontiff of the Ninth

a Master in our

was Varryn’s son,

over Robin and Daphne

the guests? From their power,

but Robin motioned for him to

Tower? Unless you’re at least

still want to go, I can take you–but stay quiet, or you

the wrong thing, the Crownward Syndicate

“Got it. So, when do

Hacyon

for a week. The Martial Arts Tournament at

left, the High Priest mentioned that top young talents from all the syndicates would be competing this year. He hopes I’ll bring back some

to leave for Mount Netheris in

2/4

08:29

Thu, 29 May 6

Martial Arts Tournament at Mount

+8 Pearts

Prison, come with me to Mount

I’ll warn you–don’t say anything foolish at this event. I won’t be able to

Martial Arts Tournament, most people are Peak Warriors or above.

Pontiff, while others are the closed–door disciples of the syndicates‘ Warlords or the

entire Netheris Domain.

you do, there’ll be

“It’s alright. I just want to see what