[Shadow Guild]
A clandestine organization that emerged in recent decades within the Griffin Empire...
This organization's growth was sudden and swift, catching numerous unions and rival groups off guard.
Within a short span, it transformed from a fledgling guild into a powerful and respected entity in the empire.
People pondered the reasons behind its remarkable growth and the identity of its leader.
However, the identity of its leader remained shrouded in mystery.
Clients simply referred to him as "X" due to his habit of wearing a black mask with an "X" on it.
The shadow guild managed to attract a diverse array of skilled individuals proficient in swordsmanship and magic, from both commoners and nobility. Which made it a formidable force.
And boasts a well-established and dependable network for gathering information, akin to the Imperial Hanover family's network during the previous emperor's rule.
Furthermore, the shadow guild offers specialized services in assassination and swift elimination.
Their core principle is simple: "For the right price, we can resolve any issue."
Whether it's eliminating a troublesome cousin or a political rival, one needs only pay the appropriate fee, and the Shadow Guild will handle the task.
For those seeking valuable information, payment equivalent to its worth is all that's required.
In the novel [The Way to the Summit], the original Samuel met his demise at the hands of the elite assassins of the Shadow Guild during the empress's selection ceremony. This was facilitated by the significant support of the Grand Duke, who aided their infiltration.
Prompted by the duke's generous payment, the Shadow Guild didn't hesitate to eliminate the Griffin Emperor, the most powerful figure in the empire, for their own gain.
***********
Deep beneath the tavern known as [The Whiskey Haven] lies the expansive facility of the Shadow Guild.
Inside a huge training room,
The room was almost entirely white and as big as a basketball court.
Two people are fighting with swords.
On the right, there's a young man with black hair, covered in wounds.
He's holding a broken sword in his right hand, refusing to yield despite his obvious physical condition.
His determined black eyes showed a strong will to keep fighting and to grow stronger.
On the other side, a person wearing a mask with an "X" engraving stood still. He wore fancy clothes and held his sword sheath gracefully.
His body exuded a terrifying presence that struck fear into the weak.
Suddenly, energy rose from the injured young man's body, and he charged towards the masked figure.
- Clank!
- Clank!
The sword and scabbard kept clashing relentlessly, creating powerful gusts of wind all around.
Their fierce exchange showed no signs of stopping.
It seemed the wounded young man was determined not to lose.
All he wanted was to land a single blow on his opponent.
After a few minutes, the duel came to a halt.
"Huff.... Huff... Teacher, ... Wait!! Just... Let me catch my breath... Please," the young man pleaded, panting heavily.
Ignoring his disciple's plea, the masked figure released a menacing yellow aura around his sheath.
"We still have an hour before the session ends, so snap out of your daydreams," the masked figure replied coldly.
"Ah... darn,"
Tom, the student of the masked man, felt helpless as he struggled to rise, knowing he was about to face another painful beating from his teacher.
-Swing
Without giving Tom a chance to recover, his teacher appeared in front of him and swung the sheath in his hand horizontally.
The air smoothly split by the aura around the sheath.
"Huff…"
Quickly, Tom lowered his body, narrowly avoiding the sheath by a tiny margin.
" Not bad. You've improved since our last session" His teacher remarked coldly.
As Tom dodged the attack, he noticed his teacher abruptly stop the swing and lower the sheath.
Seeing this, Tom couldn't help but smile helplessly, knowing his teacher was playing dirty.
The sheath sliced through the air and landed with a heavy thud on Tom's back, filling the air with sound and causing him to collapse and groan in pain.
-Thump-
"Ouch..."
As Tom lay on the ground, his teacher spoke icily, "Let's continue."
With the sheath held vertically, the masked figure peered through the gaps of his mask at his injured student.
DING-
DING-
Abruptly, a loud sound emanated from Tom's teacher's pocket.
He retrieved a small blue crystal, a communication device used to contact his followers in emergencies.
"What's going on?" he asked sharply.
[Sir, we have unregistered guests] came the response.
"Explain."
[The situation can be summed up as case 19.]
"Interesting. Guide them to my office immediately. I'll meet them face-to-face."
[Okay.]
The masked individual returned the communication crystal to his pocket.
Then he turned to his injured student lying on the floor and said,
"Class dismissed. We'll resume tomorrow at the usual time. Take a healing potion for your wounds and spend the night in meditation."
"Teacher, you're the best."
Ignoring the flattery from his student, the masked figure exited the room.
********
The trio calmly entered the underground facility of the Shadow Guild.
As Samuel expected, the structure of the facility was massive.
Thanks to magical technology, the Shadow Guild had managed to establish its base beneath the run-down bar they had passed through earlier.
Albert smoothly guided them through the maze-like corridors to a beautiful and spacious office.
Following Albert's instructions, the trio settled onto a red sofa positioned opposite a gray desk adorned with a lovely pattern on its back.
Then, Albert hurriedly left to attend to his usual tasks, leaving them alone in the expansive room.
"Will everything go smoothly?" Aaron asked his teacher with a serious expression after surveying the equipment in the facility.
"Yes, His Majesty and I have planned for all possibilities. Just stick to your instructions." Magnus replied casually as he scanned the room quietly.
"I understand," Aaron nodded in agreement.
"And there are no traps or magical surveillance devices," Magnus added.
"Good," Samuel affirmed with a nod.
"Now, we just gotta wait for the fish to show up and catch it, hahaha," Aaron said impatiently, with a hint of sarcasm.
"Don't underestimate them," Magnus scolded his student, playfully pulling his ear.
"Ouch… Yeah, I know," Aaron replied, feigning tears and acting childish in front of his teacher.
"Can't you two save your drama for later?" Samuel expressed his annoyance, tapping his knee impatiently.
Aaron's face flushed with embarrassment for a moment, but he quickly regained composure, thanks to his training and personality.
-Squeak.
Suddenly, the door squeaked open, and a person wearing a black mask with a white "X" entered.
Dressed entirely in elegant black attire, the newcomer emitted a powerful and menacing aura.
If Tom were present, he would recognize this person as his teacher.
"A seven-star knight," Magnus stated solemnly, his eyes serious.
"Strong," Aaron remarked excitedly, his smile bright as he gazed at the masked figure.
"I hope everything goes smoothly," Samuel murmured quietly, his eyes fixed on the newcomer.