Academy Life II

After deciding that I will be the only one participating we left for the training grounds for the mock battle. On arrival there were ten older knights along with Gerard and Saikeya. Four of the biggest and tallest knight's stepped forward. Lining up the opposite of them I alone stepped forward nodding to Gerard. Gerard announced, "With the participants present we will now begin the mock battle. You can injure your opponents but do not kill them.".

Saikeya stepped forward and raised up one arm. Holding it up for a few seconds he suddenly dropped it. Initiating the fight I started running in circles around them forming a small tornado and every few seconds I would throw a high speed punch at each of them. I felt their ribs crack as I made an impact. When I finally stopped running they suddenly flew out at insane speeds in different directions.

I motioned toward Arrion and he froze the tornado. I looked toward the rest of the other squad, "Get them to a healer. I broke some ribs on impact.".

Saikeya announced, "Rokuza's squad will hereby be known as The Shadow Squad.".

We were dismissed right after so the injured knights could be taken away. Turning toward my squad I walked past them and started toward the classroom. One by one they fell in behind me. Getting to the classroom, Saikeya was already waiting to start the class. Anyone who already knew how to read, write, and do math was able to either train or study what they wanted. Joento, Mina, Yukiko, and I all went back to the barracks to study.

Entering the barracks I told them, "Everyone come in my room for a minute.".

I opened the door and sat on the bed and Mina sat beside me while Joesnto and Yukiko stood by my desk. I nodded toward Joento. He said, "Mina, what we are about to tell you is something that must never be revealed outside this room or to anyone else unless they are a part of the present group. Do you understand?".

Mina answered, "I understand.".

Josento continued, "Our group is currently planning to take down the nine kings of the nation and the corrupt nobles. And the knights who protect them. We ask you to join us on our endeavors.".

Mina just stared blankly and eventually answered, "After what the king has done to my family I would be betraying everyone who believed in me. You may not know this but I am the king's daughter. He betrayed my mother's trust and now it's time to get back at him. I'm in.".

Yukiko cut in, "The master wanted us to meet up behind the Sullen Crow later tonight to discuss something important.".

We all nodded in unison. Josento and Yukiko returned to the classroom and Mina just stayed on the bed. She just flopped backwards and just sat there. Leaning over I patted her head and let her rest a bit while I stopped by the cafeteria. I grabbed a couple bowls of stew and some meat and brought it back to the room and handed it to Mina. I stated, "Can't have you shuffling around on an empty stomach.".

She sat up and said, "Thanks. My treat next time.".

She said, "My father didn't want me or my mother after he found out she was pregnant. He sent us to the slums and made sure no one found out about me. Mother was taken by illness a few years ago so I've been on my own.".

Tears began forming in her eyes as she was talking. I just hugged her tight while she cried.

"Thanks for comforting me", she said shyly.

After listening to her story I just wanted to beat the king half to death. Spending some time together we heard a knock at the door. It was Josento. We followed him out the door and joined up with Yukiko by the gate. Walking at a decent pace we soon arrived at the inn and went into the alley and waited for Saikeya. After twenty minutes he arrived and stopped when he saw Mina. Josento nodded, giving him the sign that it was all good.

After receiving the signal he pulled his hood down. Mina didn't ask any questions and just listened. Saikeya began, "I have information on your first job. The target's name is Edwen Northlow. He is suspected of running an illegal slave trade in the city. I will have more information for you tomorrow morning. There will be a letter on each of your desks. Look them over and Rokuza I want you to kill him.".

After hearing his words my heart dropped a little but if I was gonna kill my father this is the first necessary step. Mina looked concerned but I just nodded. After receiving our orders we went separate ways. Mina and I took our time walking back. Mina asked, "You gonna be alright?".

I answered, "I have to be if we're gonna succeed.".

The rest of the walk was quiet. When we reached the barracks I wished her goodnight and entered my room waiting on morning to come. Waking in the morning I found the letter and read it.

"The target will be holding an auction at eleven pm tonight under his mansion. It's a masquerade auction. The target has greasy black hair and is severely overweight which is why I chose Rokuza for this mission. The vibration of his blade will be able to slide through him like butter and will be able to escape before anyone notices anything", is what Saikeya wrote.

First thing first is that I need a mask to enter the establishment and from there I will do what I have to. After reading the letter I ripped it into millions of dust size pieces. Taking my time I went into the city to look for a mask. Noticing a small stand as I was browsing I saw a black helmet that only had eyeholes. I handed the man a gold piece for the helmet and made my way back to the academy. I sat in my room sharpening my sword for half an hour before resting for a little longer.

Now all that's left is to eliminate the target.