[Chapter 183] Violent Encounter

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"New Quest."

"Royal Problems."

"You seem to have encountered upon a common scene in usual medieval times, but is there more to happen?"

Goal: Watch the cutscene

Reward: 5 silver, New Mission

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I read it over before swiping it away, quickly accepting to do it. 'Free money, drama, and a new mission? Who wouldn't accept this deal?' I sit silently as I listen closely, a lingering disappointment floating around me as I didn't bring popcorn.

"You must marry him! Or else the war will continue to rage on and hundreds of more innocents will die!" Yells the older girl, a look of firmness resting on her face as she tightly grips the younger one.

The other sighs as tears begin to roll down her face, "But why doesn't my opinion matter?! I never asked to be born into the Royal family! Why must I be punished for that Lana?!"

The older woman who is named Lana looks at her with a face as stern as stone. "Your being selfish Soca, this isn't just for the Royal family but for everyone that is sacrificing their lives against the enemy. This can bring peace between two nations that have been waring for decades." She sighs as an expression of empathy appears, "But I can understand how you feel. I know being a Royal is hard but we must do what is best for our nati-"

Suddenly, a glint of metal appears from the forest, silently soaring through the air. I watch silently as time slows down, looking over the metal to realize it's a dagger! I trace the direction of the mysterious dagger to Lana's neck, which is entirely exposed.

At the same time, I hear Sky's voice in a panic as she exclaims, "Behind you! To your left!"

I quickly react as I use 'Shadow Weapon,' a curved knife forming in my hand from the shadows beneath me. I swiftly stab backwards and, along with one fast swing, I hear a quiet grunt. I glance behind me as I try not to move anymore, noticing I gladly made no noise.

Behind me is a medium sized man, wearing a green skin suit. He has a shocked expression imprinted in his eyes as the knife sticks out of his chest, right where his heart is located. He slowly looks down at his chest, the knife jumping with every pulse. As he looks up at me, he dies a second later, the same plastered look of disbelief resting within his dead eyes.

I quietly lay him down as I look him over. He is wearing a chest piece and shoulder pads over his green suit, but those are the only pieces of armor on him. The black blade disappears into fog as an empty hole fills his chest. This is the usefulness of 'Shadow Weapon' compared to 'Absolute Shadow,' 'Shadow Weapon' uses less time to create a weapon compared to 'Absolute Shadow' so you can react quicker. But the moment you let go, it disappears.

As I gaze over his body, I hear another Ping!

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"New Quest."

"Royal Problems."

"You seem to have encountered upon a common scene in usual medieval times, but is there more to the story?"

Goal: Watch the cutscene

Reward: 5 silver, New Mission

Completed

Click to redeem reward(s)

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"New Quest."

"Royal Problems (Chain Quest)."

"When two nations are at war, there can always be ulterior motives. Whether someone disagrees at a meeting or with a decision, to just using situations to advantages. But now that you have killed a side's ally, you have chosen you stance."

Goal: Defend the royal sisters

Reward: New Mission (An item will be given at the end of the mission chain depending on your performance which will be rated from E-S)

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A grin slowly forms on my face as I read the description, happy that the system is finally working. 'Now I can begin farming kills to fulfill my other mission.'

I rapidly turn around as I use 'Absolute Shadow,' causing a black shard to soar from my hand. The sound of metal hitting metal echoes throughout the clearing, causing Lana to quickly turn around. Most throws wouldn't of been able to deflect a knife from that far away, but with Kurayami's eyesight and ability, he hit it spot on, snapping it in half.

Moments later, I hear rustling above me as two shadows leap out. The duo land beside a princess each, squeezing the 2 royals between them in a defensive posture.

One of the girls speak, "My lady, it seems you have been followed by an enemy. We need to retreat back to the kingdom."

The duo in between fall silent as a group of figures leap from the surroundings, making me resist the urge to jump from surprise. 'I didn't sense any of these people! Who are they? And I need that skill!'

The group that jumped out all look similar in appearance, the only noticeable difference being their sizes and genders. The Royal guards steel their faces as they gaze at each assassin, growing more wary by the minute.

As if agreeing on a silent pact, they launch at each other. As the large group of around 20 enemies swarms the guards, they are immediately thrown onto the defensive, deflecting attack after attack while being battered and stabbed.

Blood flies around the battlefield in sharp lines and pools, littering the ground in crimson blotches.

As swords, daggers, and knives fly around, blades of wind whip across the battlefield, destroying trees and bushes. Tornadoes of water rise from the lake as they tear across the ground, causing attackers to dodge left and right. But that's it, only wind and water, no other affinities. No raging flames, or blinding light, but only those two affinities.

'I know some affinities are rarer than others...but this is odd. Who are these people?'

I silently gaze from my bush as the war rages on, blood and clothes being torn apart. After a few minutes, the battle is coming close to an end. The princesses look unharmed as fear and horror fill their eyes. The two guards are soaked in blood, cuts and bruises covering every limb. The forest isn't in better condition, but the damage to them is incomparable.

Who I presume is the leader walks forward, unharmed in every way with a smug look on his face. "Time to finish all 4 of your worthless lives. Get them!"

The exhausted assassins charge, all 20 of them bringing up their blades to deal out a destined fate. The female guard's heave in heavy breaths as one of them looks back at the princesses, "I'm sorry we couldn't carry out our duty as guards. Please run as we buy time."

I sigh as I regrip my scythe, determination filling my eyes. 'I wanted to mainly avoid interfering and just hoped that my deflect would only be required. But seems I was too hopeful.'