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.

do you recognize this weapon–or

a girl, 18 years old, who escaped from the Dark Woods. She was caught by the Dark

1365 Martial Arts

most likely taken to the

that boosts power by taking someone’s soul and putting it in the

is turned into a pill that can raise a person’s

captured,

since she arrived

days, her soul will be extracted, refined with fire, and made into

stood up. “Archmage Varryn, please tell me where exactly

have guests!” a bright voice

young woman stepped

quickly introduced her. “Mr. Ramsey, this is my daughter, Hacyon Seaborn. She’s trained

boy next to Hacyon excitedly said, “Dad, Hacyon’s become a First–rank Master! She’s ranked

Ninth Syndicate, there are very few her age at that level. Even the Pontiff of the Ninth Syndicate praised

have a Master in our

was Varryn’s son, Arthur

over Robin and Daphne

are the guests? From their

tried to step in, but Robin motioned

scoffed. “You mentioned the Soulforge Tower? Unless you’re at least a Master,

go, I can take you–but stay quiet, or

thing, the

“Got it. So, when do

leaving tomorrow,” Hacyon said, glancing

Martial Arts Tournament at Mount Netheris is tomorrow, and

all the syndicates would be competing this year. He hopes I’ll bring back some glory for the

for Mount

2/4

08:29

May 6 to

Arts

+8 Pearts

at Robin. “If you’re serious about going to Soulforge Prison, come with me to Mount Netheris. I’ll take you

at this event. I

Arts Tournament, most people

closed–door disciples of

the entire Netheris

you do, there’ll

alright. I just want to see what