Waking up the morning after was the worst feeling I've ever had. Trying to keep vomit down while shaking. Mina was the first one to check on me this morning. She asked, "How are you feeling?".
I answered, "Still feeling terrible. I'm gonna skip training today. I'll meet up with you later.".
Sending her off to training Josento soon walked in and just patted me on the shoulder and left. Which left me a little confused. He could've said something. Yukiko was next. She said, "The first kill is always the hardest. It will get easier but never forget that you took a life. It will stick with you your entire life but at least we're getting rid of the bad guys.".
She quietly left. Finding the courage to leave the barracks I stopped by the training ground to watch a little of today's lesson. Basic hand to hand combat drills. Arrion, Fumiko, Emilia, and Takino noticed me and walked over. Fumiko was first to speak, "Josento said you weren't feeling well. Glad to see you moving about.".
Arrion was next, "Give us a heads up next time so we're not left worrying.".
Takino and Emilia just nodded furiously as they agreed. Arrion followed me as I went to the classroom to talk to Saikeya. He stopped me before the classroom and said, "I know the look in your eyes. You killed someone, didn't you.".
When I turned around it pretty much confirmed his suspicion. Saikeya was already standing in the doorway. Overhearing our conversation he chimed in, "Arrion, bring the rest of the members of The Shadow Squad here after everyone goes to the cafeteria and I'll explain things to you.".
After everyone went to lunch Arrion brought Shadow Squad to Saikeya's classroom. With everyone gathered, Saikeya locked the door and made us gather near the front of the room. He began speaking, "Those of you who know our goal gather by me. The rest of you stay put.".
Josento, Yukiko, Mina, and I stepped up on either side of Saikeya. The other four just waited patiently while Saikeya started talking again, "Now before I say anything, I need you four to promise not to mention any of this to anyone but those present.".
Arrion and Fumiko agreed quickly but Takino and Emilia were hesitant for a minute before agreeing. He continued talking, "Our goal is to take down the nine kings of each district including any corrupt nobles and the knights who protect them. I will ask this once. Will you join us?".
All four of them agreed rather quickly. People have pasts they like to hide so I'm not gonna pry into their personal life. Saikeya announced, "Rokuza here assassinated the slave trade making illegal funds for the kingdom. Since Edwen Northlow was killed the king has ordered nightly patrols to be done in the noble quarters. Rokuza don't put your helmet on until you get ready for the kill. They're searching for a man in a black helmet and cloak.".
He then clapped his hands and dismissed us walking to the door and opening it. He gestured us out and shut the door behind us. Leaving the eight of us standing there confused we all decided to look for something to eat. Leaving the academy grounds we went to The Sullen Crow for a change of pace. Ordering some ale and the best food on the menu. Welcoming the new members of the group we spent the time chatting. Soon after Saikeya showed up and sat down at our table. He said, "I'll meet you all in your barracks close to midnight with information for another job.".
He then left soon after and paid for our meal. Looking around the table I started talking, "My father Izune used to abuse my mother and I. Calling us useless. Mother didn't have an ability. Izune saw her as a mere puppet to keep me from turning against him. When I was young my speed was the same as my fathers and he knew if I turned on him I might have killed him. One day he lost control and ripped my mother apart in front of me. Now that his ability has evolved, it will be near impossible to kill him without training my own ability to match or beat his own ability.".
The mood at the table changed and everyone had a saddened look on their faces. Giving them time to process what I said I went outside and got some fresh air. Mina joined me a few minutes later and just stood beside me and said nothing. She put her head on my shoulder and then suddenly jumped when the inn door opened. The rest of the squad joined us outside and said we should head back for information on the next target.
Getting back to the barracks we gathered in the lounge area and waited for Saikeya. Thirty minutes later he walked through the door and immediately started talking, "The next target is Charlotte Fralwea. She runs a drug market in the slums. Yukiko is gonna gather information and Rokuza is gonna provide support if needed. That's all I have for now. You can start tomorrow night.".
As usual he says his piece and leaves. I turned to Yukiko, "I'll stick to the shadows, keeping out of sight. Hiding my face with my helmet and cloak. I'll follow where you go.".
Saying my part, I went to my room for the night. Our main goal this time is to find where the drug is being produced. Destroy the origin and eliminate the target. I wonder who he's gonna assign to kill Charlotte. Mina walked in and laid down on my bed. Laying beside her I felt like my nightmares would cease for tonight at least. Wrapping my arms around her I decided to tell Saikeya I would take the role to kill this time to save the others from getting blood on their hands. I eventually fell asleep.