Chapter 23: Failed

Twilight Initiator, Zed, Son of Shadows, Shadow

Imperial Calendar: Year 1596, Month 3, Day 31

Riverland Mountains Interior, north of the Imperial Territory

-7:00-

This was completely out of my plans. The mutant plant thrashed its vines while screaming as if it were insane. Its mana supply was no longer in place. This could also be a good thing, but the downside was that the plant was literally going crazy. Trying to stand up, it flailed its vines everywhere, and at the same time, a green viscous substance rained down. Needless to say, it was extremely toxic. A soldier literally melted like butter, dying an agonizing death.

Time to improvise. This is a unique opportunity. The mutant plant, if you look closely, has some small parts of its body withering. Seen another way, it's like a parasite that has lost its host. Chaos always causes more chaos. It's a simple phrase, easy to understand. The young assassin ran at full speed, his figure flickering. With nimble feet, he took a great leap forward. His acrobatic skills were incredible. He was going after the plant, with two pairs of small daggers gleaming in his hands.

But it wasn't going to be that easy. The mutant plant, sensing danger, mobilized some of its vines to try to kill him.

Letting them buy some time, I directed my gaze toward the wall. Those two were fighting right in front of it. To reach the plant, you need to get past the mutant plant. It's perfect. I haven't had to do anything but hide and observe. It's always good to have someone else do the hard work for you.

In the embrace of the shadows, I began to descend. The wall where the plant was located was a bit lower. I had twenty minutes left.

The wall still had that magical glow in its fissures. Around this matte black wall, there were some plants on the ground and a few smaller stones. In the center of it all was the plant. It was a deep red, emitting a slight warmth in this cold place. Tiny sparks of light like fire came from its petals.

Taking out the map given to me by the noble, I looked at the small drawing of the plant.

-No doubt about it.

It was exactly the same. With a light jump, I carefully grabbed it. The color emanating from the plant was intense, even staining my fingers a bit. I quickly placed it in a glass jar, something the noble had provided. Stowing the jar away, I surveyed the situation.

The mutant plant's body was withering faster. Its entire form was falling apart. This place itself is more dangerous due to the deep darkness and extreme cold. The plant wasn't the real problem; it was just a parasite that had taken over this place. Looking at it again, its size was no longer as imposing; it was much weaker.

Gazing inside the wall, there it was... a shining black sphere. Its star-like glow was a sight to behold. It was the size of a soccer ball, emanating the essence of shadows. I could feel a connection, like a faint call. My eyes dilated upon making contact with the beautiful stone. I could feel a cold energy entering my veins, pain invading my mind. Clenching my teeth, my hands couldn't let go of the Dragon Stone. It felt like it was glued to me. Seconds passed, and the stone was shrinking. Apart from that, I didn't feel anything new in my body...

Putting this thought aside, I would check it later in my soul sea...

On the other hand, the battle between those two seemed to be over. The plant writhed in pain on the ground, choking on its own substance. On one side was the young man's body, half of his face burned... he was dead, or rather, half-dead. His breathing was labored as he clutched what seemed to be a leaf...

****

Assassin, Nameless

Imperial Calendar: Year 1596, Month 3, Day 31

City of Valenwood, Assassins Guild, north of the Imperial Territory

****

I am dying. What a disaster. I can feel it, even see it. It's right in front of me. I failed and faltered, and the result is death. Death for an assassin should be the most normal thing in the world. That's how we live and that's how we should die, rules every assassin understands clearly. So... why do I feel so empty inside? Without purpose or meaning, I am dying in this dark place. Why am I dying here? I wanted to protect her.

It's cold. My breathing is labored. I can feel my life force fading like leaves in spring. I achieved nothing, changed nothing. In the end, it's always the same path. I tried, I swear I did.

I don't know when it happened, but it was night. In a small house, there was a girl on the brink of death. I don't know what happened that day, but when I saw her, I wanted to protect her.

-You'll come back, brother... right?

-I will.

I always return, and she always waits for me. I always do. I keep my word. I am confident, but this mission was different. A very thick thorn was right beside me—a boy with a different aura. He was dangerous. I thought the noble would kill him, but that wasn't the case. In fact, when I saw him, he was completely different. I had a bad feeling. I wanted to finish this quickly. As an assassin, I am somewhat familiar with darkness. I couldn't find him. I didn't know where he was. I couldn't see him. He was scarier than the plant in this place.

I am dying.

-Brother... be careful.

-I will.

-Come back alive.

-Yes.

Beautiful memories wander through my mind. The only ones I have are the time I spent with the girl. They are sweet memories, sad too.

I am going to die...

A gentle breeze brushed my face. I opened my eyes.

A massive black sun was high in this strange place, thousands of eyes gazing upon me from all directions.

Where am I?