We work in the dark, to serve the light. We are Assassins.

- [Master Assasin] [Mentor] Niccolò Machiavelli

Our Creed does not command us to be free. It commands us to be wise.

- [Master Assasin] [Mentor] Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.

[ ]

“Report”, I commanded.

“No sighting reported.”

“No sighting.”

“None.”

“No sighting.”

“None.”

“No sighting.”

“None reported.”

The reports continued for exactly 1 hour 11 minutes and 20 seconds.

None of my subordinates reported any sighting.

I waved my hand.

Each assassin disappeared quietly.

Flawlessly.

Not a whisper.

Not a sound.

Not even a rustle.

I smirked. At least the training paid off.

Yet…

I looked at the roof above me.

No… Not roof.

Dirt.

I looked back down and took all of it in.

This place.

This catacomb.

The headquarter.

One of many.

I sighed.

At this moment, I looked up sharply.

I can sense a presence, coming closer, from the end of the Grand Hall.

From the passage that leads to various exits in this land.

I grinned from the familiar presence.

One of mine.

Still in training, obviously.

But the training definitely worked.

Just a step away from the realm of tier-3 [Master}.

“Anything you need, Maelri?” I asked.

True, Maelri steps into the Grand Hall.

She kneeled before me, giving me the common night elf salute.

“There is something I am curious about, Grandmaster.” Maelri asked

I smiled.

“Arise, Maelri,” I waved my hand. “It is been decades since we all participated in the Great War. I took you all inꟷ.”

Seeing her still on the floor, I stood up and walked towards her and pulled her up.

I look straight into her and said, “That means all of us, are family,” she blushed at the mentioned of the family.

Understandable, after all, all the dark elf here are orphans.

I shook my head. Trying not to think those times.

Not now.

Focus.

“Grandmaster?” Maelri asked with concern.

Ignoring her gaze, I smiled back, “And what question that required you to abandon the training, Hmmmm?”

Maelri, averting her gaze, “Ummm—an important one, Grandmaster.”

I chuckled and lead her out the Grand Hall.

Not a whisper.

Not a rustle

And not a sound.

[ ]

Time passed.

Decades.

Centuries even.

Yet here I am again.

I looked at each [Master] Assassin.

Familiar faces.

And new faces.

“Report.” I commanded. Here I am. Again.

“Khaer and Eselza have fallen, Grandmaster.”

Murmurs.

Unsurprising, two of the oldest [Assassin Master].

Yet fallen.

As much as it pained me, I kept my gaze.

“Cause?” I asked.

“Unrelated. Khaer was quelling a rebellion in one of the small kingdoms in the west.”

“Eselza was hunting an informant in the north.” added another.

My mind whirled around one possibility.

“The Unheard?” I spoke the name out loud.

More murmurs.

“Highly unlikely,” one of the [Assassin Master], Tilv, hesitantly said, “But possible.”

I stood up and paced around the hall.

A moment passed and I decided.

“Location?” I asked

Brarn, the [Master] Assassin that reported first, point to a location and said, “Khaer was last heard entering Licinthias Kingdom.”

I looked at the map, digesting at this new information.

“And the [Trials]?” I looked at Brarn.

“Safe. [Wizard Master] Asgeir managed to prevent the Empire from invading,” Brarn continued, “It was Master Asgeir that relayed the news to us. He also sent his condolences.”

I smiled sadly at the familiar name.

I breathed in relief, “With Asgeir there, we will not need to worry,” I added silently, “The [Supreme Wizard] will stand his ground.“

“What about Eselza?” I looked at Alraen.

“During her last report, she spoke of going to Ereshian mountain.”

“On what ground?”

Vuirn, another [Master] Assassin, with a glass perched on her nose, indicating her sub-Job as [Tutor], spoke, “The movement of the beasts seems unusual. With high tier beasts seen more and more often in the past decade compared to the past century.”

I smiled at her conclusion, “As one of the High Elf, I will took you up on that conclusion.”

Yet, I know it will be alright.

I looked up and see each of my subordinates.

“Ziva is there in Ereshian Empire.”

I smiled grimly, “Unlike me, she has never given up.”

I let the sentence linger in the silence that followed.

“NO, GRANDMASTER”.

A voice cut through the silence.

I looked at the source of tha voice.

“Maelri. I─”, I started to speak

“NO, Grandmaster. Please!”, Maelri insisted

For the first time, I was startled.

Maelri gestured towards the rest of my subordinates.

No.

My children.

I can remember all of them by names.

Tilv.

Brarn.

Alraen.

Vuirn.

Maelri.

Thurn.

Deryss.

Zeri.

Timra.

Kyth.

Aerdir.

Ulgrund.

Droz.

Zymz.

My best and brightest children.

Some of them trained with Khaer and Eselza.

Maelri continued, this time with tears flowing, “Khaer and Eselza will spoke the same thing. You took us ALL in. You trained us. You fed us. You put a roof above us,” Maelri looked at me, “More importantly, you gave us ‘family’.”

I stood there frozen.

Silence.

And I laughed.

Somehow, I felt so much happiness.

I looked at Maelri and the rest of my children and back at Maelri while pointing my finger up.

“You do know that it is dirt. Not a ‘roof’?” I grinned.

“GRANDMASTER!” Maelri shout in embarrassment which is greeted by laughter.

The first laughter I heard.

Laughter so loud it echoes down the hallway.

I spoke, “A FEAST!”, Maelri and the rest of the children looked at me in confusion.

I shouted, this time with conviction and as much excitement I can.

“TO REMEMBER! MY CHILDREN! YOUR BROTHER! YOUR SISTER. THEY DIED BUT NOT CAST ASIDE!”

I looked back at Maelri, still standing in shock.

“MAELRI!” I shouted.

“Y-yes!” Maelri replied.

“IT IS A FEAST! GO!”, I pointed at the passageway.

“A-at once!”, Maelri dashed along. Not silently but with thudding. Each assassins hit her in the shoulder everytime she passed by accompanied by smiles and grins here and there.

“Tilv, help Maelri prepare the feast”. I commanded.

Tilv bowed down and dashed along, silently this time.

“Vuirn” I said.

Vuirn now snapped at attention.

I looked at her and said, “Your side project?”

With a wide grin, Vuirn replied, “Perfect!”

I chuckled and grinned along, “After centuries! Finally!”

Master will definitely love it. I thought.

Somehow, the fact that he is missing do not diminish my excitement.

I looked at each of my children and said, “The last one to arrive at the mess, will drink a gallon of Vuirn’s brew.” I could hear saliva swallowed but I grinned and added emphasis, “The failed brew”.

When they were groaning, I dashed toward the passageway.

I could hear faint gasps of surprise followed by rustling, whisper and sound of footsteps.

I grinned.

Decided to let them go.

Just this once.

[ ]

I remembered that feast fondly.

So much laughter.

Much weeping too.

But much more laughter after.

“Grandmaster?”

Familiar voice interrupt my thought.

“Ah. Maelri,” I smiled, “Finally, [Shadowstalker] obtained?”

Maelri gasps in surprise and crossed her arm.

“Nothing pass by you, does it.?” Maelri, one of my oldest student, scowled.

“You can get this close without me noticing. Is that not the sign of obtaining hidden Jobmaster, then is that the sign of me going old?”

“Fine. So I passed the test?” Maelri asked.

“Hemm? Pass?” I asked in confusion.

“Yes! Is it not what you taught me? ‘Stalk me like my shadow and pass’?” Maelri said.

I chuckled and point at a spot near entrance.

She concentrated for a second and shout, “NOT FAIR!”.

“Well apparently you fall for the oldest trap in history young miss.”, I dashed to the spot, picking up a thin line that broke when Maelri unwittingly passed while following me.

I put the line away and said, “Well, to your credit, not even the five heroes will be able to notice you,” I added, “Up until you stab them with a dagger that is. At that moment, just run.”

Maelri eyes lit up when I mention the five heroes.

She whispers, trying to be confidential, “Is that true? Your Master is one of the five heroes?” adding in lower voice, “Is that why you want to look for him centuries ago?”.

I nodded. “Yes”

A moment of silence.

Looking at Maelri that fidgeted, I strode toward the passageway. Grinning.

Maelri looked up and asked, “Grandmaster?”

Still striding to the passageway, not looking back, I said in serious tone, “Let me show you something.”

Maelri, using her skill, appeared behind me perfectly, “Yes Grandmaster,” she added guiltily, “What are you going to show me?”

I turned my head back and grinned, “The cables that you broke when you are following me.”

Not a trace of guilt now can be seen. Only embarrassment and shock.

“What! WHEN!” she asked.

Still grinning, I said, “Oh. Not far, just after you finished breakfast and started following me.” I am grinning even wider.

“GRANDMASTER!!!” Her scream of embarrassment, just like before, echoes down the passageway, causing some trainees to stop and looked from the corner.

[ ]

I woke up from my meditation.

“Etryth” I called.

An instant later, a knock on the door.

Etryth, one of Maelri’s trainees now serving as my aide.

“How long this time?” I asked

“Just few decades, Grandmaster.” Etryth answered promptly, and added, “Any progress?”

I shook my head, “Ascension from Tier-7 to Tier-8 is not easy.”

I stood up and stretched.

It is not stiff from decades of sitting but it just felt awkward of not stretching.

Etryth, materialising a basket, proceed to spread food around my desk.

With a smile, she said, “I know you are not hungry Grandmaster. But Master Maelri insisted me to encourage you to enjoy small things in life.” Gesturing towards the desk.

I looked and spread over my desk, a food feast with Vuirn’s latest brew.

I smiled, “she seems doing alright.” I looked back at Etryth, “Report please.”

I moved towards the desk while listening to Etryth’s reports.

I sighed. No sighting yet again.

I did look for him. Once every few decades. Add or minus a century.

I looked at the desk.

Surprisingly, even though, my body does not require that much food. My brains seemed to think I do need that much. I thought back at Maelri fondly.

“How is Maelri?” I asked after Etryth’s reports.

Etryth smiled and said, “The headquarter have been established. They are currently training and recruiting new assassins.”

I chuckled, “I can’t believe that she now hold, “ I paused and looked at Etryth, “What do you call ‘that’ again?”

Etryth, now chuckling, “’High Lady’, Grandmaster.”

I leaned back, amused, “I missed the old names.”

Still chuckling, “I think that was because Master Maelri believed there is ‘only’ one Grandmaster. As the only tier-7 [Grand Assassin], I believe her decision was and is correct.” Etryth ended with a teasing bow.

Still amused, I said, “So does ‘High Lady’ Tilv have settled according to plan?”

Etryth smiled, “Yes. High Lady Tilv has settled in.” Etryth turned serious, “But for fear of information leak, she did not specify the location.”

I sighed, “Knowing her, she might settle somewhere close to Ereshian.”

Etryth knew the stories. Eselza and Tilv were like sisters.

I leaned back further back to my chair, “Sometimes I wonder if I made a mistake” I glanced back at Etryth, “’Family’ can make you strong but equally weak.”

Etryth, smiled, which I felt uncomfortably patronising.

“What?”, I asked irritably.

“Master Maelri, said,“ Etryth mimicked Maelri, “’Make sure that Grandmaster did not blame herself. She grew sentimental now that she grew old’.”.

I froze and an instant later, I laughed.

“That definitely sound like Maelri. I am really glad that shew grew magnificently.”

I stood up.

“Let’s go.”

Etryth looked in confusion, “Where to Grandmaster?”

I grinned, “To see what the new trainees up to.”

Etryth, brightened up, “They will be honored to spar with your Grandmaster”.

“Well, they should be. Gahahaha.”, I strode toward the door.

[ ]

*THUMP*

I jolted awake.

I felt it.

That familiar presence.

Faint. But it is here. Or there. I can’t really tell.

I looked around, checking my bearing.

Same old desk.

Same old chair.

I looked at my mat.

Engraved on it was a bad embroidered letter ‘E’.

I smiled.

I stood up and stretched.

I felt it had been millennium since I started my meditation.

Yet I still remembered those times like yesterday.

Khaer.

Eselza.

Tilv.

Maelri.

Etryth.

Each come and go.

Yet here I am.

My eyes fell upon a dagger perched on my desk.

A gift.

I stood up and caressed the sheath.

I drew the dagger.

My hands twirled the dagger in one fluid motion.

As I am, here they are. I thought.

An ancient gift.

Ancient.

Just like me.

I put it back and sighed.

Yet, still no sighting reported so far.

I strode toward the doors and exited my room.

“Grandmaster! Have you finished meditating?”

A shocked voice greeted my exit.

“Ah, Rhugar. It is your turn today apparently.”, I smiled. “Yet I told High Lady Siza that I don’t need an aide.”

Rhugar, the 100th graduate from Maelri’s newly found assassin organisation, grinned. “You have been saying that Grandmaster. Unfortunately, my order is clear.”

I massaged my temple and I groaned, “Sometimes I wonder if the successor was chosen based on how able they are to annoy me.”

I walked pass the demonkin and strode toward the Grand Hall with Rhugar following silently.

At least my legacy goes on. I thought.

I greeted all the faces.

Most were unfamiliar faces.

There are even some that were confused at my greetings.

“They were just arrived here few days ago Grandmaster.”, Rhugar explained.

“Ah. I see.” I nodded in understanding. “How many recruits came?”

“Ten. High Lady Siza, High Lady Ende, High Lord Thirth, High Lord Vok’as and the councils have agreed to limit the number of recruits.”

I frowned at this new information. “Reason?” I asked.

“Training [Assassin Master] is not easy Grandmaster, the High Elders and few of the Elders decided to focus on the few instead of the many.” Rhugar replied.

“Are the resources depleted that fast?” I added, “I remembered ‘donations’ are in place just few decades ago?”

Rhugar shook his head, “Your elusive master left you much inheritance.” Rhugar stopped walking. “It is the Unheard”.

I turned serious. “Elaborate.”

Rhugar, now taking the lead, spoke “Elder Vuirn spoke of increasing intensity of beasts movement in the Ereshian Mountain─”

I tensed, “Is the HQ safe?”

Rhugar smiled, “Yes. No need to worry Grandmaster, the headquarters have been well established in all continent and with Lady Ziva guarding the fort, the beasts will not have a good time.”

I breathe in relief.

It is unlike me to worry. Age did make you sentimental.

I sighed.

“Grandmaster?”

I sighed again, “Old age.” I added cryptically.

I overtake Rhugar and continued walking.

“Anything else?”

“Nothing new Grandmaster, at Shem, the coalition of kingdoms and empires took turns to invade Licinthias.”

This time I am not surprised.

“Not going well I assume?”

Rhugar grinned, showing his canines.

“Not at all. The current Keeper, Master Asgeir, not that they have any other names, kept them at bay with various trades and politics. Not that I understand any of them Grandmaster.”

And with might. I added silently.

“So, Idbar and Iqra?”

“No updates from Idbar and Iqra was undisturbed. With the Sanctuary established there, I am afraid only the Names behind The Unheard themselves can disturb the peace.” Rhugar grinned.

I stopped walking and Rhugar followed suit. “Grandmaster?”

I turned to face the demonkin. “Don’t be careless.” I sharply said. “Many more powerful Masters were fallen because of small mistakes.”

Rhugar tensed, “Apologies Grandmaster”. Rhugar bowed. “It is not my intention.”

I smiled, “I know.”

To ease the atmosphere, I changed the subject, “Do you know what Maelri did?”

Rhugar looked up with bright face, “High Elder Maelri?”

I paced along the hallway, spoke about when Maelri tried to stalk me. Followed by the demonkin’s growling laughter.

.

I am back to my private room, after few hours spent with the new recruits training.

More like, beating them though. I thought, grinning.

Before I pushed the door open, Rhugar quipped, “And I shall be here whenever you come out Grandmaster.” Smiling.

I turned to the demonkin, “Sure Rhugar.” I said. “But just so you know, I don’t expect you to be here guarding in one of the most secured places that I built.”

Rhugar chuckled and took the same position before we walked along few hours ago.

“Of course Grandmaster.” and ended it with a mock salute.

I entered my room, preparing to read up with the reports.

I groaned.

I hate reading.

.

Days passed not eventfully.

And so, I got more familiar with the new recruits.

They seemed to be shocked when I counter their special skills.

I grinned.

My special skills.

My legacy.

I leaned back to my seat and closed my eyes.

Reminiscing.

5 millenniums ago.

I saw these fighters.

Adults.

But mostly children.

At most teenagers.

They fought for one purpose.

To avenge their loved ones.

The Great War ended and these warriors lost their purposes.

Some chose to go home and die in their loved ones’ embrace.

Some, like Maelri and the rest, had no home to go back into.

When my Master left, that was what I felt.

I looked at them and I thought, “My new purpose”

So here we are.

A catacomb.

A cave.

Yet, a home to all of us.

But not mine.

I sighed.

Not until I found him.

*THUMP*

I jerked my eyes open.

There it was.

That feeling.

That familiar presence.

Surely he is here?

But where?

As powerful as we all were, none of us can detect where he went.

But this feeling…

I groaned.

If I got ahold of him!

*BANG*

I hit the table.

I reflexively looked a dagger in front of me

My Oath.

“Just you wait!”, I shouted.

[ ]

Siza’s POV

I was walking towards the Grandmaster’s private room when I heard a faint thunk accompanied by a small tremor.

I waited in silence.

The catacomb’s enchantment stood and no alarms were ringing.

I continued on walking while thinking what happened.

I am still curious what happened when I almost arrived at Grandmaster’s room.

Rhugar noticed me and saluted, “High Lady Siza, it is rare that you visited Grandmaster at this hour?”

Looking at Rhugar stood there calmy, I replied, “Before that, did you not feel that tremor? It was minor on but still─”

Rhugar immediately gestured to me, putting his index finger in his lips. Sssssh! With his head jerked towards the Grandmaster’s room.

Not entirely understand, I coughed, “*AHEM*. Yes Rhugar, I come here because the Silvertide Solstice will end at dawn.”

Rhugar, his finger lowered down, flashed a look of understanding, “Ah. It is the time of the year again.” And added thoughtfully, “So, Grandmaster will have the honor this time?”

I smiled, “That is the plan.” I raised my hand to knock on the doorꟷ

But a voice from the inside spoke first, “Do come in Siza”. Crisp and clear as if Grandmaster herself is right in front of me. Even though the room is guarded with various spells and enchantments to make it scry- and soundproof.

I wonder now how heavy that thump that Rhugar heard.

I opened the door and there she was.

Lustrous black hair, dark bluish skin, amber eyes and full lips.

According to stories from the that even pre-dated Tide of Unveiling, also before the Great War, Grandmaster’s features looked like the highest noble-born of the night elves. The ancestors of the dark elf.

Our ancestors.

Her long limbs, slim but packed with explosive powers.

Her lithe yet curvaceous body.

Another sign of high noble-born.

Sometimes I wonder.

Lithe, beautiful, seductive yet deadly.

I looked at her.

She still looked as beautiful as I saw her at least couple centuries ago.

At Master Etryth’s─

I turned my head down and closed my eyes in pain.

Tears threatened to come out.

I threatened them back.

Do not fall.

I succeeded.

I breathed out.

I opened my eyes and shook my head.

A mistake.

I chanced upon a badly embroidered letter “E” in the mat on the other side of the room.

The threats do not work this time.

The tears fell.

[ ]

Siza strode over to the middle of my room. She seemed to be in thought and I just stared back. Let her think.

Yet she looked down and a moment later, looked up and shook her head.

She seemed to notice something on the other side of my room.

Uh-oh. I forgot to put aside the mat andꟷ

Her tears fell.

UH-OH. I smiled sadly.

I strode over and hugged her in silence.

.

“Isn’t it better for assassins to shed their emotions Master Maelri?”, Etryth asked.

I was awake from my training and when I was walking around, I overheard Etryth and Maelrin talking.

Maelri smiled, “Why is that?”

“To not be swayed by the enemy. To be able to slay any enemies unconditionally. To be able to finish the mission successfully.” Etryth replied confidently.

A moment passed and I heard Maelri refuted, “Yet, it is this very emotion that helped us to keep our Oath. Our mission.”

With a look of confusion, Etryth asked back, “What is our Oath? Why is it so important?”

Still smiling, Maelri replied, “Not yet. When Silvertide Solstice arrives, you will know.”

And Maelri disappeared.

Etryth turned tense and a voice resonated in the training hall, “Now find me!”

Grinning and feeling proud, I continued walking.

.

“I am sorry Grandmaster. I was we─”,

I cut Siza sharply, “Do not say weak”.

I released her and held her shoulders.

I looked straight into her eyes.

“Is that what Etryth taught you? Fallen tears for someone so dear to you means weakness?”

Siza stopped crying and after wiping her face, she said softly, “No, Grandmaster.”.

I smilled. “Good”. I strode back to my seat and sit back down.

I clapped my hand and propped my chin into my hand.

“Now, what does the High Lady of Varim need of me?”, I spoke.

Siza chuckled embarrassedly and replied, “It is the end of Silverstide Solstice at dawn, Grandmaster.”

I grinned, “Ah. That time again. Who are joining our ranks?”

Siza now smiling, “3 Dark Elves: Tydr, Zadv, Vinv. 3 Beastman: Frei’er, pantherkin; Thiv’ae, catkin;ꟷ”, her smiled turned to a grin, “Xurg’ar, minotaur and 2 dwarfes, Dagzhold and Nivweld Nightshield.” She added a beat later.

My grin turned to laughter, “GAHAHAHAH! Interesting indeed!”

I looked at Siza and said, “So you want me to preside the Oath Ceremony?”

Siza, with a twinkle in her eyes, replied, “Yes! If you would be willing to do the honour Grandmaster.” She ended it with a mock bow.

I waved her and said, “My pleasure. When it will be?” Trusting my sense of time, I added, “In a few hours maybe?”

Siza replied, “Whenever you are ready Grandmaster. We will see you at the Silver Hollow, after a few hours then.” She gave a chuckle, saluted and left.

She exited and using my honed intuition, I could tell Siza is leaving with Rhugar following suit. No doubt preparing the ceremony.

I sighed, as much as I loved them, they are a stickler for formality.

Well, in this case, I should be the one on their side.

After all, I created the ceremony almost few milleniums ago, which of course Maelri used it as the basis for her organisation.

I paced to my only wardrobe and opened it.

It just had the barest necessity of assassin clothes, really.

Black and tightfitting.

But,

I touched the panel inside the wardrobe and released my mana.

The panel disappeared and a hidden chamber appeared.

Among other things like lower tiered poisons, or various knives and daggers, floating in the middle of the chamber was a pair of daggers, [Ancient]-tier daggers to be exact. At this moment, what will be my only preparation work was to don my long forgotten daggers.

Yes.

Long forgotten.

Just like me.

.

Strapping it snug into my waist, I strode over to Silver Hollow, on the other side of the catacomb.

The only place with a breach toward the surface, or on in this case, at a valley somewhere around the edge of the continent.

Obviously, enchanted with every spell that Asgeir taught me. It is not enough to block someone at his caliber but enough to stop any attack and prevent any scries at tier-6 and lower.

And for this Oath Ceremony, one more enchantment.

Enjoying the silence in the catacomb, I paced my walk to be just in time when the moon going to pass the breach.

I arrived at the entrance of Silver Hollow.

I walked inside, blending effortlessly.

No more than half-dozen individuals noticed. Siza and Aloss from the dark elves; Eldrin, Kythaela and Ruven among the elves. The last one, Thrarfaed, an elder dwarf from the Titanborne Tribe.

I might consider Rhugar passed as well. Although he might be helped with his familiarity guarding me for the past century.

I hid behind Siza and waited until the moon hung overhead.

[ ]

Xurg’ar’s POV

I was recruited about few decades ago.

I remember those days as if it was yesterday.

The blood. My comrades’.

Kneeled down. Powerless.

I looked down.

More blood.

Mine.

Stomach punctured and chest tore out.

Waiting for death to come.

*Rustle*.

I tried to turn my head.

“Are they back?” I thought. “Finishing the job?”

I closed my eyes in submission.

The sound disappeared and warmth enveloped me.

My eyes jerked open and blackness.

Last thing I saw was a pair of eyes.

Golden. Soft.

As well as a whisper, “Rest child.”

And I woke up here.

I turned to High Lady Siza, the first face I saw after I woke up.

Not that I’ve known her that time.

She offered two things.

Free and be as powerless as before.

Or keep an Oath and be as strong as us.

She held up a black reddish ball.

No. Not a ball.

My eyes adjusted to focus and widened in shock.

The attacker’s head.

I sobbed in relief.

Moments later, looking up, not surprised to see this “lady” still here.

I stood up with difficulty with her staring, “In the honor of Wildstride Tribe─” I shook my head, “No. I shall be known as Nightstride, as Wildstride is no more.” I faced my head down to look at her. “I swore of this Oath you spoke.”

She smiled and she spoke, “Rhugar!”

A demonkind, a rare sight and as huge as I am, appeared behind her silently.

“You know what to do.” She spoke.

“Yes High Lady Siza.”

And that was the last thing I heard.

I jerked my eyes open. Again. And I saw roof, no, a cavern.

I looked around cautiously.

I saw individuals from different races.

Some faces had that look, even in the dim light, I noticed.

Emptiness. Like I was.

Some with anger burning in their eyes.

Special ones stood silently with eyes closed, their bodies exuded vigor.

I stood up and tried to be silent but failed.

Stones clattered around my hoof. I froze.

All eyes were on me suddenly and an instant later, a shadow appeared in the middle of the cavern.

The figure spoke, “Good. All of you are seemingly awake and able to move.” Emphasis on the last word.

No way he or she noticed that I have been awake?

The figure continued, stopping me in my thought, “The training starts now”

I felt a whoosh of wind and the whole cavern went upside down.

Pain erupted from my back and legs.

Not giving me any reprieve, the figure spoke again, harsher, “GET UP!”

I got up. And a moment later, same thing happened, this time I fell into my stomach.

Pain erupted but as a Minotaur, we prized ourselves with endurance. This time without a command, I got up and beaten.

I got up. Again.

Fallen. Again.

Again.

Again.

And again.

I smiled at those memories.

I looked at my new comrades.

My new tribe.

[ ]

I stood still and heard murmurs echoed in the Hollow.

In the middle of the Hollow, a circular hole, called the Breach is where the moonlight will shine.

The moon just minutes away from passing through the Breach.

A sliver of moonlight can be seen shining through.

At this moment, Siza spoke softly.

“It’s time”

And the Hollow quietened.

She strode aside and I let my presence go.

I walked few steps forwards accompanied by the [Assassin Master] many who hold Hidden Titles among those Siza, Aloss, Eldrin, Kythaela, Ruven, Rhugar and others, those that reached Tier-5 and above.

I heard few gasps here and there.

I looked at the Breach and the moonlight shone brighter by the minutes.

I smiled.

“We gathered here to spoke of the Oath.”

I paused.

I saw those individuals named by Siza nod their heads.

“Yet, what is the Oath?”

I sensed the masters shifted slightly, surprised.

I ignored them.

The High Elders and the Councils swore an Oath.

I saw more individuals nodding.

I added later with emphasis, “To me.”

Many shocked murmurs spread across the Hollow.

“They fought together with me. Together.” Another emphasis.

“An Oath was spoken before. The ancients spoke, ‘Word was the Origin of Magic. Once spoken, like any other Magic, it is bound’. Our Oath, spoken. Bound to us.”

I smiled, remembered Asgeir’s lesson on Origin of Magic.

“Once spoken, our Oath may not be broken. It defies matter. It is our strength. It is our power. It exceeds your imagination.” I paused and added, “It helped us fight.”

I flashed a bit of my Spirit.

Less trained recruits fell down but the stronger ones, like those of the masters and the nominees, stood their ground. The latter, though, with difficulty.

“What is your Oath?” I put my mana into my words.

At this, the nominees strode forward below the Breach.

At this moment, the moon hung overhead.

The enchantment I spoke earlier, activated, echoing the dim moonlight into searing light.

“To serve the light!”. The nominees spoke.

The moon started to pass over the Breach, causing the enchantment to falter. The Hollow started to darkens and the moment the moon passed over completely, darkness again descended.

“We walk the night!”. The nominees spoke aloud.

The enchantment, [Oath: Origin of Magic], sourced fuel from the strength of the Oath. The stronger their Words, the stronger the Light.

At this moment, the room brightened. As if the sun shone through instead.

Unknown moments passed and the room remains bright as before.

I looked up and smiled meaningfully, “Not bad at all.”

All heads looked up and those new to the ceremony gasped in surprise and awe.

Cheers exploded in the Hollow. The noisiest sound I heard in the past few days.

I laughed and the masters laughed along as well.

It was bright outside the Breach. The night passed and the sunlight peeked though the Breach, illuminating the Hollow.

Once the noise died down, I spoke, “Well done all of you.”

I nodded at each individual. The Dark Elves: Tydr, Zadv, Vinv. The Beastman: Frei’er, Thiv’ae, Xurg’ar and the dwarfes: Dagzhold and Nivweld Nightshield.

“Representing the Councils and High Elder Maelri as the founder, I welcome you to join our ranks, the Keepers of Oath.”

The new Keepers, grinned and the next moment, froze in shock after I disappear.

“Congratulations” my voice rang through the hollow.

.

“You do have the flair of the dramatic Grandmaster.” Siza spoke.

We are at my private room and Siza visited me after the celebration feast.

I waved my hands and replied, “Old age. I can’t help it”. I grinned and dug into the feast brought to my room.

Siza chuckled in amusement, “Somehow I doubt that and you can’t always use that excuse”.

I shrugged and retorted back, “I am older than you by few milleniums and centuries give or take few decades.” I looked at her straight. “So I can and always will.”

We stared at each other and exploded in laughter.

“Plus, they did saw me few times in the past few days.”

Siza, facepalmed and replied, “Grandmaster! You are in disguise!”

I grinned back, “It is their fault that they do not notice me.”

Rhugar burst through the door, saving me from another nagging.

Siza surprised, opened her mouth.

But I waved her and she swallowed back her words.

I looked at Rhugar, “You do need more training. I can feel your presence way before you reached the Great Hall.”

Seeing his serious face, I frowned, “What happened?”

“High Lord Thirth reported various empires and kingdom of Idbar are forming a massive coalition army to attack an unnamed town belonged to small kingdom surrounding Vanagandr Empire.”

I growled, “Ugh! Those idiots, they did forget!”

I looked at Siza, “Make sure the Council is aware of this.”

I turned to Rhugar next, “Prepare the portal. I will go there in person.”

Siza and Rhugar shifted uncomfortably wanting to speak but I stared them down.

A second later Siza and Rhugar finally nodded albeit hesitantly and strode out my door.

.

Idbar continent

Border of Vanagandr Empire

Unknown cavern

One of the Keepers of Oath branch

I arrived here after I passed the portal back at Varim.

I was greeted by Thirth and some familiar faces.

Thirth greeted me with a forced smile, “Welcome Grandmaster, although I wish I can welcome you under better circumstance.”

I gestured back, “Me too.”

I strode along the familiar hallway, recalling the way to the Grand Hall.

Once I arrived, Thirth led me to sit at the customary seat at the end of the Grand Hall.

I sighed but sat anyway.

Once everyone were seated, I started, “Where are they located?”

One of the masters spoke, “They definitely used multiple skill Grandmaster. They progress quite rapidly and will arrive in the vicinity of the town within the next few days.”

Silence enveloped the hall.

I broke the silence with the question I most curious about, “How can the Keepers are not aware?”.

Except Thirth, the rest of the masters shivered. Frightened.

Seeing this scene, Thirth spoke up, “Apologies Grandmaster but we had not received any reports about this even from the monthly reports. Only two explanations.” Thirth held two fingers, “One, that they come up with these plans only in the span of weeks or─” he closed one finger.

I continued, “The Unheard” and Thirth nodded in agreement.

I drummed my finger on the table.

Silence blanketed the room.

I slowly spoke addressing the masters, “I can’t blame you. The Unheard had been quiet in the past millenniums.” I paused and added, “This is very concerning news.”

Another silence.

“Well,” I spoke, breaking the silence, “Nothing we can do about it. We just need to prepare. We won the war before and this time we are even better prepared.”

“Soꟷ” Thirth spoke but I cut him off.

“Regarding the army, monitor the progress. A friend of mine should have known about this. If he did not move, we will not move. Is that clear?”

“Yes Grandmaster” the masters replied.

“Meeting adjourned─” I froze. I looked at Thirth apologetically.

Thirth just smiled and gestured to all the seated masters, “All of us are yours Grandmaster. Command us as you see fit.”

I smiled with mixed feeling.

Thirth seemingly noticed, added, “I am sure High Elder Maelri will not mind.”

Laughing, I added, “Gahahah. Yes. I don’t think she will. In fact she might even added another rank to accommodate me.” I shook my head in amusement.

I leaned back to my seat, smiling, said, “MeetingꟷAdjourned” with a dramatic pause in between.

All masters stood up and bowed down.

I waved.

Thirth was the last one to exit and I called him.

“Thirth.”

Thirth turned and faced me. “Yes Grandmaster?”

“I need coordinates on the predicted path the army will pass through.”

Thirth replied thoughfully, “Will you need the portal be prepared?”

I smiled, “You read my mind. Yes.” A beat later I added, “I also need twenty tier-2 from level 150 and up. Include few talented individuals in that group as you please. It will be a good experience from them.”

Thirth thought for a while and said, “For a message relay I presume?”

Grinning, I snapped my finger, “You do live up to your reputation! I think out of the High Ladies and Lords, you definitely have a good analytical skill. It is as you said.”

Thirth bowed down once more, “Thank you for your praise,” and he added, “I am also assuming you will depart within the hour?”

I grinned, “I sometimes forget but you are really a demonkin. The rest of High Ladies and Lords always tried to delay me in whatever I wanted to do. Not that they can stop me. GAHAHAHAH.”

Thirth chuckled, “Well, the demonkin always believed in the strongest and─”, he looked straight at me, ”You are the strongest assassin we had.”

Thirth added a second later, “If we don’t believe in you, who else?”

I turned quiet recalling that figure.

Thirth sensing my silence, bowed down, “I will get everything ready Grandmaster” and strode out from the Grand Hall.

I wonder if I will meet him again.