Assassination?! They want me to kill someone…? Julius muttered to himself, his voice tinged with disbelief and fear.
Damn them! Wasn't the Violet Elixir enough? And now they expect me to assassinate some noble I've never even heard of?!
The letter initially seemed to contain only the mission title, but as he stared at it, more words began to materialize on the page, revealing detailed instructions.
Hmm… there's more?
Target InformationName: Count Loni Keith Residence: Eldermere District—an aristocratic district, home to many noble families. He resides in a two-story manor with his wife, daughter, and son. Occupation: Government advisor at Crownmoor High Court , known by the public as "The Defender of the Oppressed."Secret InformationTrue Nature: A cunning and ruthless man. He owns numerous properties in different parts of Oxenheim and has deep ties to various government offices. Affiliations: He maintains a strong connection with the Sky Association, through a close relative who serves as one of their knights. Abilities: Count Loni Keith is a Four-Circle Mage. Rank: Unknown. Abilities: Unknown.
A Four-Circle Mage?! Julius cursed under his breath.
This was a death sentence. From the start, the odds were against him—he was only a One-Circle Mage, yet now he was supposed to assassinate someone three times stronger than him? Someone whose true capabilities remained a mystery?
No matter how he thought about it… he had been scammed. The information he obtained was valuable, but the price was far too steep.
The mission could very well cost him his life before he could even begin unraveling the answers he sought.
As his mind raced, his thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the acrid scent of burning paper. His hands moved on their own. He instinctively threw the letter to the ground, watching as it rapidly turned to ash.
A failsafe to erase all traces of the organization? Julius murmured cautiously. They're extremely cautious…
Frustrated, he ran a hand through his messy blond hair, letting out a deep sigh.
Damn it… I've been dragged into a nightmare.
But at this point, he had no choice. First, he needed to improve his physical condition and strengthen his magic if he wanted to survive.
His previous performance had been utterly disappointing. That man from the Moonlight Tavern could have easily killed him—he was only spared by sheer luck.
I've been too focused on uncovering the secrets of the Celestial Hall, the Forbidden Throne, and their connection to the Six Forgotten Kings…
With steady steps and newfound resolve, Julius set off towards the Cathedral. If there was anywhere he could find support, it was there—after all, he was a member. It was about time he started using that to his advantage.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out three Silver Dene coins.
How much money do I even have left? He exhaled sharply.
Damn it. Hiring a carriage will cost me everything I have left…
Life in the capital city of Oxenheim was absurdly expensive.
He could use the Forbidden Throne's power, but… that would drain both his physical and spiritual strength.
Tch… No point in overthinking.
He stepped onto the street, raising a hand to hail a carriage.
I'll figure out the rest later.
Under the evening glow of lantern-lit pillars, a young man stood before the grand cathedral, his emerald eyes cold and calculating. His silver hair shimmered beneath the dim light, neatly combed, complementing his crisp white shirt, navy tie, and well-fitted gray trousers. His polished brown boots hinted at wealth—perhaps even nobility?
Julius had just stepped down from the carriage, his expression dark with frustration. He had, after all, just spent his last coin. And now, before him stood someone who could only be described as a true aristocrat.
A member of the Cathedral? he wondered.
Steeling himself, Julius approached with steady steps but decided against engaging the man. Instead, he aimed to slip past him and enter the Cathedral unnoticed.
But the stranger unexpectedly blocked his path.
"Sir, entry is restricted to Cathedral members only. Please understand and turn back," the man said with firm authority.
Julius remained unfazed. "I am a member of the Cathedral."
The man's brows furrowed. "Spare me your tricks, sir. Leave before my patience wears thin."
Julius sighed internally. A misunderstanding—naturally. He was a new recruit, and it was only reasonable that this man wouldn't recognize him. Without another word, Julius reached into his coat and produced a silver badge, raising it for the man to see.
"Will this convince you?"
The moment the man's gaze landed on the emblem, his entire demeanor shifted. His stiff posture relaxed, his expression betraying a flicker of surprise.
"A Silver Knight's badge…?" he murmured, then immediately inclined his head in apology. "I beg your pardon. I wasn't aware a new member had joined the Cathedral."
Julius accepted the explanation with a small chuckle. "No offense taken. A simple misunderstanding." He extended his hand. "Julius Cross, newly inducted Silver Knight."
Without hesitation, the man shook his hand. "Dawn Relph, Golden Knight."
Julius's eyes flickered. A Golden Knight? That meant his rank within the Cathedral was high.
After the handshake, Dawn asked, "Sir Julius, was a welcome banquet held in your honor?"
Julius tilted his head. "A banquet?"
"Yes. Typically, when a new member joins, a reception is held, attended by the Cathedral's senior figures. I ask in case yours was scheduled during my absence—I was away on leave."
Julius scoffed. "A grand reception? Hardly. Instead, I've been tangled in mysteries and... complications."
Dawn raised an eyebrow. "That's… unprecedented in the Cathedral's history. You might want to bring this up with Lady Shindori."
Julius waved a dismissive hand. "I'm not particularly interested in banquets. But I do have a question—may I ask you something?"
"Of course. I'll help if I can," Dawn replied.
"Is there someone in the Cathedral well-versed in magic? I need guidance."
Dawn's lips curled into a knowing smile. "That would be Sir Sheeth. He monitors members' progress and oversees the rituals required to ascend to the next rank."
Julius's eyes sharpened. "Where can I find him?"
"Seek out Lady Shindori—she'll guide you. The Cathedral is vast and labyrinthine."
Julius nodded. "Thank you, Sir Dawn. I won't take up more of your time."
"I would have assisted you personally, but I'm on duty. My apologies."
"You've already helped," Julius replied with a slight bow before turning toward the Cathedral doors.
Inside, Julius found himself in a modest hall—wooden tables, chairs, bookshelves, and potted plants decorating the space. This was Shindori's office.
He took a step forward and bowed politely. "Good even—"
"Sir Julius, where have you been these past two days?!"
Shindori's sharp voice cut through the air like a blade.
Julius hesitated. The past two days… were a blur of secrets, dangerous encounters, and an assassination mission forced upon him. The Celestial Hall was a secret too great to reveal, and if the Cathedral learned he had been coerced by an underground organization, they might detain him before the authorities even got the chance.
Suppressing his thoughts, he lowered his head. "Forgive me, Lady Shindori. I had… matters to resolve. Did something happen in my absence?"
Shindori's expression softened slightly. His smooth, composed demeanor—paired with his striking features—seemed to fluster her.
"N-Nothing serious," she muttered, clearing her throat. "But you must report any absences. Daily attendance is mandatory unless you're on official duty."
Julius nodded. "I'll remember that. I wouldn't want to trouble you again."
Shindori looked away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well… as long as you understand."
Julius exhaled. "There's something urgent I need your help with, Lady Shindori."
She straightened. "What is it?"
"I need to meet Sir Sheeth. He's part of the Cathedral, isn't he?"
Her expression darkened immediately.
Why does she look so… displeased? Julius wondered.
"Yes," she admitted. "He's currently conducting a ritual for a member attempting to advance to the next level."
Julius's pulse quickened. A ritual? If he could witness one firsthand, it would be an invaluable opportunity.
"Can I observe?" he asked, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Shindori hesitated. "Since you're new, it is a chance to learn about the process. But… be careful when dealing with Sir Sheeth. He's…"
She paused, her tone laced with caution.
"Strange."
Julius blinked. "Strange?"
"Yes," she said flatly. "Eccentric. Unpredictable. Just… be wary."
He tucked that warning away but remained focused. No matter how odd he is, I need his guidance.
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Lady Shindori."
"If you're sure, follow me."
Shindori led the way through winding corridors and descending staircases. Julius carefully memorized the path, but the Cathedral's layout was like a maze. Finally, Shindori halted abruptly.
Julius barely stopped himself from colliding into her.
"This is where you continue alone," she said, gesturing to a dimly lit stone staircase leading downward. "The ritual chamber is below. Be careful."
With a polite bow, she turned and walked away, her footsteps fading into the distance.
Julius frowned. Be careful?
Why did she say it like that?
A chill ran down his spine. Is there actual danger?
He clenched his fists. No. This is the Cathedral. A sacred institution that protects the weak. What harm could befall one of its own knights?
Scoffing at his own paranoia, he descended.
The deeper he went, the colder the air became. The darkness pressed in, swallowing the light behind him. Then—suddenly—lanterns lining the walls flickered to life, revealing the end of the staircase.
A single wooden door awaited him.
Julius exhaled. Finally.
Yet, as he reached for the handle, he hesitated.
Would it be rude to enter unannounced?
I should knock first. Better to be cautious.
He rapped his knuckles against the wood.
Knock, knock.
Silence.
Then—
A voice slithered through the door, deep and menacing, dripping with amusement.
"Truth… or dare? Hehehehe."
A shiver crawled down Julius's spine.
What… the hell?